Newbie

[Papa_O]

This is my first post on this forum, or any other one for that matter. My wife and I will both be retired as of this December. I would like nothing more, than to buy a class B motorhome, and set sail. My wife needs a little more convincing. I am working on that.

I have been researching for last several months, to the point that I think analysis paralysis has set in. I am hoping that by following along here I am able to gain some insight.

One note, although I have focused on class Bs, my mind keeps wandering back to the Leisure Travel Vans Serenity. However, since we would be tourists rather than campers, and because I would like to go stealth most of the time, I think it is not the best choice.

Anyway, in closing I look forward to learning from this group.

[NCWriter]

The vents, awnings and AC units on the top are definitely giveaways that a van might be an RV.

Since we're talking stealth B camping, I've sometimes had idle curiosity when looking a newer models about how "stealthy" the newer Sprinters actually would be since Mercedes designed the grill with quite a large logo.

There are after-market conversion kits for older Sprinters with Dodge or Freightliner (like ours) grills (with the Mercedes engine), but we passed on that option, because I suspected the big "star" logo might make the van more of a target for unwelcome attention.

[Davydd]

avanti wrote:
Our new Great West Vans Legend is pretty stealthy:





I special-ordered a compressor refrigerator to eliminate the last of the external vents. If you deleted the awning it would be almost invisible. 🙂

The important thing to note about this Great West Van Legend is the lack of vents, exhausts, compartments and other signs this is an RV. Take that awning off and you would not have much of a clue this was an RV because even passenger vans this size are sporting rooftop AC now. Eliminating propane, increasing electrical capability, using a compressor frig and concealing utility connections and compartments in the fiber glass skirting contribute to this look. Also, eliminating the traditional decal swoops and swirl graphics so many RVs use is a trend with the B converters. The Euro style all steel unibody instead of fiber glass tops further masks the RV look. The glass strip windows whether window behind it or not has been adopted by most converters. That gives it a passenger van look.

[Davydd]

The Winnebago 70A flex bed is pretty nice concept wise. They created a choice of making it a full king or a semi twin bed with wedge design and filler between so you can get in and out of it easily. King at the head, twin at the legs. The one major thing they did is quit pretending it could serve dually as a sofa. They raised the height so you get a lot of storage underneath. I haven't slept on one so can't speak to comfort.

[bobojay5]

We really like our '13 Winnebago ERA 70A with the permanent rear bed(s). Only issue you mention is not a dry bath, although for a "B", it has one of the bigger showers.
If you look around, you might be able to find a new or gently used '14 with the less flashy graphics. Much stealthier than the pre '14's. Price right at $80k for new with used of course lower....

[mikes47]

Leisure has a full rear bath in their Free Spirit SS. The SS stands for single Slide, but the slide meshes almost invisibly with the skin of the van. Gotta make up the bed every night, however. Coach House just introduced the Arriva. Full Rear bath, and twin beds/couches that could be left as beds all the time. Pricey, however. And new for 2014 so no used market.

[Papa_O]

Fastpaddler,

I would like to buy used. Given my budget, I think I could afford any of the above-mentioned models. In regard to length, I believe they are all 24 feet or less. I would love to find a real B (not a B+) with a dry bath. However, I have not been able to find one. I prefer not to have to make up the bed every day, so I guess we would want permanent bed area. Also, after all that I've read, I think diesel would be the best choice for us.

[Fastpaddler]

Welcome to the forum Papa O. There are many factors additional to "stealth" which will be very important to consider: Price point, length of vehicle,do you need a proper shower(some B's have them like mine),sleeping config you prefer, diesel or gas and so on.

[jjson775]

The smaller you go, the more flexibility and mobility you have. Don't overlook Pleasure Way. Many people really like the Mercedes Benz Sprinter conversions made by several different companies and their diesel engines are fuel efficient. Good luck

Jim

[avanti]

Our new Great West Vans Legend is pretty stealthy:





I special-ordered a compressor refrigerator to eliminate the last of the external vents. If you deleted the awning it would be almost invisible. 🙂

[Papa_O]

Bud,

I realize that the Leisure Travel Van Serenity is not stealthy, but I do love the floor plan and layout. But, as I said, because I would like to be as inconspicuous as possible, I have ruled out the Serenity (I think!).

I am guessing, like many people, it comes down to the Airstream Interstate, Roadtrek adventurous, or the Winnebago ERA.

Does anybody have any thoughts on them?

[NCWriter]

Welcome to the forum! Do you (or does your wife) have some specific concerns you've thought about when looking at Bs? Maybe people here who own them can help with some answers.

I think our purchase of a class B was the best retirement decision we made, and our trip experiences have been priceless. If you want to cover lot of ground touring, you'll find a B to be very nimble. For me, it's about as simple as traveling via car, with the bonus of a kitchen and bathroom. Besides fitting into about any parking or campground situation, you can set up or depart very quickly and easily.

I don't worry about stealth because we stay in campgrounds, but some people order their RVs without any exterior design decals.

[BudJ]

Hi Papa O,

The Leisure Travel Vans Serenity is Not Stealthy if you see it next to say a Roadtrek 190 for example.

But, there are many places to spend the night with the Leisure Travel Vans Serenity if you know where to look.

But maybe I don't know what you mean by 'stealth'?

Bud

[AK49er]

Try to see all of them if you can. Sit, lay, walk and stand in them. Take your wife with you and let her try everything out, the more modern, the more she will like it. If stealth is a priority then look at Sportsmobile. Good-luck!