Roadtrek 170 for tall guy

[pasusan]

We're seriously looking at getting a Roadtrek 170 on the Chevy chassis (probably 2004 - 2008).

Big question is - will my 6'2" DH be able to stand up in it - and will he be able to lay down straight in the rear bed that they say is 74" long?

We want the most nimble B possible - which is why we are leaning towards the 170.

We have never even been in any B at all - can't find any anywhere near us to check them out. Well, a somewhat near dealer does carry brand new Eras - but they are totally different.

What say you - is hubby too tall?

[Gene_in_NE]

pasusan wrote:
Thanks for the responses! We sure wish there was some sort of Roadtrek near us so we could get inside and see how it would work. We're likely going to have to buy one from afar.

We're not super afraid of the sleeping arrangement as we would only be using the B for short trips. 1 or 2 nights sleeping with knees bent shouldn't be an impossible hurdle.

I do worry most about being able to stand up in the main area - some specs say the interior height is 72" and some say 73".

Try doing a "Google" search for Roadtrek 170 on Craigslist. Might be able to find one not too far from you. This is the string -
RoadTrek 170 -directory site:craigslist.org

You do have to replace the happy face with a colon : and c between the e and r.

[SkiingSixPack]

Look for one that you can go to and try .... maybe Craigslist or ebay motors.... I am 6'1" and I have been in one of them at rv shows.... it would be a problem for me.

[stan909]

It looks like you've already talked yourselves into trouble. Even one night of no sleep is bad enough. Two or three would be torture. Try locating and driving a 19 footer. You'll find its' easy to drive and you may decide that you might want to sell that trailer.

[pasusan]

overbrook wrote:

Before you buy, spend some time inside different models. Walk around with the two of you inside, moving from the bathroom to the kitchen and bed (which is what you'll be doing when you camp).

This will help you decide which model will work best for you.

Bill

Makes perfect sense... We just have to actually find one or more to check out. Bs are super rare around here.

[pasusan]

mkguitar wrote:

pasusan wrote:
sleeping with knees bent shouldn't be an impossible hurdle. .

is HE able to read these posts?


Mike

Yes - we are reading and writing together.

I realize this wouldn't work for our only RV... We will be keeping our trailer and using that for most of our traveling and camping. We just really want something for short around-home trips - even day trips. We have so many places to visit near home that would work well with a small B. It would sort of be our "picnic mobile". Insane, I know... 🙂

[overbrook]

pasusan wrote:

I do worry most about being able to stand up in the main area - some specs say the interior height is 72" and some say 73".

I'm 5'11" and until a few months ago, I had 2006 Roadtrek 170 Popular.

I loved the way it handled, but it was too small inside for me traveling alone. I couldn't stretch out on the bed, and it was easy to hit my head on the a/c vent in the hallway. Standing in the bathroom was another problem - couldn't stand up straight - had to learn to bend my knees and lean back while doing number 1.

Reluctantly, I sold the Roadtrek and got a B+, a Coachhouse Platinum 232 XL - which I was able to buy for about the same price I sold the Roadtrek for.

It has a lot more headroom, longer bed, real bathroom, real shower, full-size fridge, even a dinette table. More storage too.

The B+ handles about the same as the Roadtrek, but it is a little more stable on the highway due to the rear dual wheels.

It doesn't get as good as gas mileage as the Roadtrek, but I'll trade a few mpg for all the extra room inside.

Before you buy, spend some time inside different models. Walk around with the two of you inside, moving from the bathroom to the kitchen and bed (which is what you'll be doing when you camp).

This will help you decide which model will work best for you.

Bill

[mkguitar]

pasusan wrote:
sleeping with knees bent shouldn't be an impossible hurdle. .

is HE able to read these posts?


Mike

[pasusan]

Thanks for the responses! We sure wish there was some sort of Roadtrek near us so we could get inside and see how it would work. We're likely going to have to buy one from afar.

We're not super afraid of the sleeping arrangement as we would only be using the B for short trips. 1 or 2 nights sleeping with knees bent shouldn't be an impossible hurdle.

I do worry most about being able to stand up in the main area - some specs say the interior height is 72" and some say 73".

[NoVa_RT]

If I were 6'2", I'd probably be in a larger RV. The Sprinters give you a bit more headroom, so you might want to take a look there. It's all about trade-offs, so look carefully at what you think might work.

[thriftydutch]

We have a 170 dodge and I am 6' Sleeping sideways is definitely too short for me. I have to put my feet in my wife's corner. I don't sleep well in the van because of it. You will be sorry.

[mkguitar]

the 170 sleeps sideways- not only is the bed short but every evening visit to the head requires a climb over.
and i bet that width is closer to 72" ( that's the width of the bed in my PW Lexor on a Chev- at the mattress...and the sides of the van slope in slightly)

the 170 also has cabinetry from floor to ceiling and overhanging the bed.

I'd look at a larger model

a longer wheelbase van rides better and gives more space- 2 feet longer isn;t going to make a difference in parking or driving.
it will give a more open interior and a larger bed.

RT Verstile models are sideways sleepers, popular sleep fore/aft

I chose my model based on bed size, 72" wide and 75" long on the drivers side, 72 on the pass side

I much like my Pleasure-Way- a quality build- the RT models may have a drop floor section- I kept tripping on the transitions.
I can stand up fine in my van in sneakers, but not heeled boots.

my 2005 chev chassis is great, we have the 6.0, it gives about 16 mpg- the smaller 4.8 may not give better mpg as it will work harder - I think the 270 hp 4.8 marginal for that weight ( I have the 4,8 in my pick up).

you are likely to find the 4.8 in the RT170 and the 6.0 in the RT190 models

we were able to find a fair variety of rv's in our area between private parties and dealers- very helpful were videos on youtube posted by dealers- watch how easily ( or not) the big guys move around inside the vans



Mike

[chast]

Hi--we have a '97 170 and love it. Think you might find it small and confining as your husband is tall. He would have no problem standing and there is a true 74" crosswise for sleeping, but he will be conscious of the walls at his head and feet. We spend our summers in the Poconos, but have left for our winter in Florida. We would be happy to show ours off and if your timetable allows it, maybe we can next season. By the way, we use our RT as our daily driver. Have gotten 18mpg on the highway and usually get about 15mpg with the Dodge 5.2L engine. If you have questions or would like to talk, PM me.

[coolmom42]

He will not be comfortable sleeping in a bed that is exactly the same length he measures, unless there is space for his feet to hang over.

Short beds are one of the main reason I quit considering a B. I am 5'10" and my BF is 6'2" like your hubby.