Roadtrek questions

The generator is in the rear on the passenger side. The window on the entry door can be cracked open a bit, similar to the ones on the sides in the rear. The back windows also open, but come with no screens.

The A/C works pretty well. Just the dash A/C is fine when driving, and the house A/C has kept us cool under most camping conditions. The exception was a no shade, 98 degree day, when it was still around 80 degrees in the Roadtrek. Not sure any A/C does better under those conditions.

I have the RT 190 Popular, based on the Chevy 3500 Express Van - might be a bit different for other models, especially the Sprinter models.

The Roadtrek's generator is centered under the rear of the van, between the axel, and bumper.
By crawling under the van a removable panel allows access to the alt. adjustment, air filter, spark plug, carb, idle adjustment (governor) and oil dip stick. Of course propane models will differ, no carb.
I believe the location is the same for the Sprinters.
Some early Dodges had the gen-set in the rear side compartment.

Both my previous (2003 Excel TD Dodge) and current Pleasure-way (2006 Plateau TS Sprinter) had the generator in the back center under the chassis. The 2003 had a removable access panel in the rear storage area by which one could check the gen oil level, reset breaker, etc.

AC in both were very efficient.

so something to think about- noise.
running the genny is kinda like putting a lawnmower in the living room.

As a new owner ( 2006 pleasureway lexor) I now know why the previous owner had just not used it.

so, when on shorepower...the ac works really well.
As does a small ceramic space heater...the propane furnace is also pretty darn noisy...so if on shore power- use their energy- you paid for it.

But I think we'll be choosing our boondocking spots based on climate, and try to avoid places where AC is essential.

Any of these is a pile of compromises, just try to figure out what your priorities really are and shop around.
for instance I am over 6' and none of the models with a sideways bed would work ( plus someone has to climb over) so that limited our choices.- but helped us zero in on models/configurations that worked for us.

another factor was I prefer a GM chassis- I have other gms so already have filters and fluids etc. on the shelf and I already understand where and why and what.

mike

Install an Onan resonator, it will help with the noise.
If your interested do a search in the B forum for resonator. Use posts older than a year for search criteria.

Thanks for the responses...

Generator under the van is a bit off-putting. And the sideways bed is also as DH is 6'2". Would love twin beds, but want to keep it short enough to park as a regular van.

The search is alternately exciting and depressing. :?

Depending on your style of travel, you may not want or need a generator. Our old PW Excel didn't have one and we never missed it. Where nites are hot, just camp somewhere you can plug in to AC. In public campgrounds, you are not allowed to run a generator after 8 PM. Our new RV has a generator and I honestly wish it didn't. I spend more time running it for maintenance than actually using it.

pasusan wrote:
the sideways bed is also as DH is 6'2". Would love twin beds, but want to keep it short enough to park as a regular van.

We have a Roadtrek 170 Popular on the Chevy chassis. Love the way it handles and drives, love the fuel mileage, love the convenience of parking it anywhere.

However, if you are 6' 2", you will not like the sleeping arrangements. The beds in the 170 are 6" shorter than the ones in the 190 Popular. If you sleep at an angle, one 6' person can fit.

If you do plan to sleep in your class B, look at the 190 Popular, or even the 210 Popular.

You'll lose a little in gas mileage because they are on the 3500 chassis and weigh more, but you'll get the option of twin beds with 6'2" length.

If you go for the 210 popular, you get a larger fridge and bath, yet still have something easy to drive and park.

Like everyone has said, the rear generator can be noisy in older Roadtreks, but in newer ones, the Onans can be quiet.

Funny thing - even though I live in Florida and use the Roadtrek in the summer, I almost never camp anywhere where I need to run the generator. If there isn't shore power, I'll camp somewhere else.

The roof air works great when connected to shore power. The dash air will keep the inside plenty cool when driving or taking a short break in a parking lot.

I've owned 12 RVs - I like the Roadtrek the best.

Bill

190 popular is the way to go from your requirements. get a new one and order the 'engine' generator package.

avoids Onan noise-no Onan

Down to about 35 - 40 degrees the heat pump (A/C) works very well. We try to camp in cooler weather so have seldom needed the A/C, but it and the genset are very handy to keep the dogs cool when we are in an open parking lot when dining or shopping.