Looking for Roadtrek RS E-TREK owner feedback

[TXPhillygirl]

My husband and I are considering purchasing the Roadtrek RS E-TREK. This will be our first RV. We have not been able to find any reviews by anyone who actually owns one. Is there anyone out there who owns an E-Trek that could give some us some honest feedback?

[loggenrock]

Rodger! Been trying to contact you - re: My Roadtrek site info! Please PM me! ST

[obgraham]

Several of us are exchanging E-Trek views on all the forums (fora?) discussed here.

But to the OP: I've had my 2015 CS with full Etrek for 3 months. It is working for me as it was designed. There are a few issues in which I have to change my ways of functioning to fit with what the E-Trek wants to do, rather than expecting the rig to bend to my every desire. I'm glad I got the propane for cooking and heating, also.

We are very pleased with our rig. But as I've said before, it depends on the uses to which one will put it: If you plan to boondock several days in a row, or anticipate running the a/c many hours in a row, then the Etrek is likely not the best design for you.

[Davydd]

hdevera wrote:
Opening up this topic again. I recently purchased a 2015 Roadtrek CS model with the etrek package. Please don't call me STUPID! My vehicle has been at the dealer for a week trying to diagnose some battery capacity or discharge issues. Anyway, if there are any etrek owner who has had battery problems and has solved them, I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.

I previously mentioned Mike Wendland's Roadtreking blog page where there is a message forum. Also if you can keep up with the postings, Facebook's Roadtreking:The Group is about as busy as it gets with information. Wendland set that up too.

[My_Roadtrek]

Have you joined Roadtrek International, lots of help there.
Also, Roadtrek's FB page is a good resource, as Jim Hamill replies to questions there.
That's probably the best place to get help.
The Rt CS is a nice Class B, good luck.

[hdevera]

Opening up this topic again. I recently purchased a 2015 Roadtrek CS model with the etrek package. Please don't call me STUPID! My vehicle has been at the dealer for a week trying to diagnose some battery capacity or discharge issues. Anyway, if there are any etrek owner who has had battery problems and has solved them, I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.

[Fastpaddler]

Yes. The Advanced RV Ocean One looks very promising. Haven't seen one here as it is US built and I am not aware of any coming to Canada yet,
AL

[loving_retireme]

MNtundraRet wrote:
There was a post on the "Technology" forum about the Hype on how fast the battery-bank on this unit would recharge, and length of time for running air-conditioner, etc.

Since the RV in use is around one year, even numbers quoted at around 1/2 the hype may be grossly over-rated.

No wonder. At the beginning of the introduction of the E-Trek (about 1 year ago) Roadtrek was claiming that you could run the air-conditioner for up to 18 hours off the 8-batteries - Yes, they said 18 hours briefly but soon backed down. I just laughed.

[Fastpaddler]

obgraham

Agree. I cannot run my generator for more than a few minutes here either, Chinese or otherwise. On Gabriola Island we could only use our generator from 9 AM til 1 PM and then, sparingly. That was in a Provincial(State in US) Park!
AL

[JUSTJOHN]

I would want to suggest looking at the new Advance-RV Ocean one. It is built on the Sprinter van and in my opinion exceeds the RS E-TREK. If you would go to www.Advanced-RV.com you can peruse their web site. I was invited to the factory in May to see how they were built and was truly impressed. Then, I was given the opportunity to drive one to the 10th. Rally in Michigan. I was a beautiful unit to drive. Mike Neundorfer, the owner would also take the time to discuss building one to your specifications. You can't beat that. Take a look...I think you would definitely find this manufacturer to your liking. John G.

[MNtundraRet]

There was a post on the "Technology" forum about the Hype on how fast the battery-bank on this unit would recharge, and length of time for running air-conditioner, etc.

Since the RV in use is around one year, even numbers quoted at around 1/2 the hype may be grossly over-rated.

A major cost to consider is battery-bank replacement. Are the batteries going to last 10 years like T-105's (220 AH)? Not likely. Even 2 to 3 years may optimistic until we see what happens two years from now to current owners.

Some people have a real fear of propane use in RV's. They are the likely customers for all-electric. The RV could be used mainly on electric-sites but most B owners likely plan on more boon-dock camping (no shore-power).

The OP needs to check into high initial cost and battery replacement costs to see if this model fits their needs. As we all know being "first" to have new technology costs a lot more money and disappointment in the claims is more likely, until time allows getting rid of the "bugs".

[obgraham]

Fastpaddler:
You cant run the nice quiet MB engine but a big ole Chinese generator is ok?

I dont think this rig makes sense for folks needing a/c in the boondocks a lot, but for occasional use it might just be fine. After all, you can still plug in in nthat gated community cant you?

[mlts22]

JMHO, I like the "engine generator" for the ability to keep stuff running while on the road, but I'd rather have a dedicated generator, preferably a diesel when dry camping. If I wear out a $7500 PowerTech generator, it hurts less than a $30,000 Sprinter engine.

Everyone has different needs. I live in TX, so an A/C is mandatory. Other people just move north when the hot weather hits so an A/C and a generator may never see any actual use.

[Fastpaddler]

I won't be able to buy any RV which requires idling the engine to charge batteries to run an airconditioner, if I would ever use one more than infrequently. Gated Community bylaws disallow idling ANY engine more than 3 minutes. RV park manager would not be amused with even my current RV idling in it's parking slot. Of course one could take their E-Trek for a nice little drive and charge the batteries--which I do anyway with my little old PW.
Those living in residential communities might incur the wrath of neighbours by running their RV engines in the drive way for 40 minutes or even 20 minutes. Might be bylaws disallowing that. There is in Victoria,BC.
I will buy another B Class and stick with GWV Legend, Pleasureway Plateau TS or LeisureTravel Free Spirit SS or a Roadtrek product--no electronic overkill vehicles for me. But caveat emptor. That's my reply to the question initially posted.

[Arizona_Kid]

From the FB page. From my understanding, Roadtrek is not recommending running the engine longer than what MB says is allowable. Now what that is I have no idea. Seems to be one of those things you can't get an answer to. :R