jakegw2
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Re: ram promaster class B
I have a Promaster-based class C (the Winnebago Trend). My other RV is a Ford E250 based class B. My 24' Promaster is a far better handling vehicle with a tighter turning radius, better resistance to crosswinds, and quieter ride than the 17' Ford. I also have the Sumo Springs bump-stops installed (inexpensive and so worth it). For the cost and performance I think the Promaster is the hands-down best option on the market right now and I would preferentially choose it as a platform for B over the Transit and Sprinter without any hesitation.525Views0likes0CommentsRe: Interior windshield privacy curtain and door screen
I had the Remis shades for my Promaster installed by Winnebago. They cost me ~$200. It was money well-spent. Super convenient, light-blocking (unlike the Eclipse), and a huge improvement over having to store something large and bulky that needs to be put on and fits poorly. Here is an old video that shows the shades. Like I said, much less expensive then they quote and available directly from a Winnebago dealer. https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/remis-cab-shades-for-the-promaster-installed/471Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2018 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 4x4 144wb high roof
What an unfortunate design. It seems almost calculated to provide the least utility possible at the maximum price. Need to give a lift to more than one other person? Sorry, not possible. Have kids, or grandkids? Nope, doesn't work for them. How about boondocking? No shower or bathroom so nope again. Ok then, can I carry my bikes or paddleboards inside at least? Again, no. The interior design does not provide the flexibility for most common class B van usage scenarios. Here is one - I want to look at starts while sleeping! Ok, this one works! So there is one highly unusual use case that this design is good at to balance against pretty much every other common use. Not surprised they are selling it - I bet just a few trips into their purchase they realized how many ways this design took a wrong turn and how much more they could have gotten for the same price.249Views0likes0CommentsRe: Help turning seat Pleasureway Excel
When I bought my Pleasureway Traverse (also built on the Ford chassis) it took me a while to figure out how to swivel the seat. Before you start make sure the recline has been moved to the most upright position possible (straight vertical). Once this is done the key is that you need to pull the swivel release, turn it a little way toward the center (counterclockwise if you are looking down from the top), then pull the forward-back release and shimmy it back and forth while turning the seat. No one position will get it to turn, but by changing it as you turn it will eventually squeeze around past the engine doghouse.323Views0likes0CommentsRe: Roadtrek 190 Polpular Tire
I have had my Ford e250 based Pleasureway Traverse for 10 years or so now. Last year, for the first time, I splurged and bought the Michelin LTX tires instead of the cheaper Firestone. Hands down it was the best upgrade I have ever done on the van. It drives like a different vehicle - quieter, far more stable on the highway and in crosswind situations, better winter performance (not a winter tire though). Highly recommended.890Views0likes0CommentsRe: Timbrens or SumoSprings?
I have never changed the springs on my Ford E250 based camper van, but just recently I put on the Michelin LTX M/S tires and it made an immediate improvement to the road noise and handling of the van. At highway speeds it is rock-stable now. With prior tires I always had issues over 65 MPH.295Views0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Hmm... I think a bit of clarification is in order here. I do not think that diesel fuel is going away. I do think that as the number of VW diesel cars on the road decreases many service stations will begin questioning the value of having a diesel pump that is only lightly used. Some will remove it in favor of an additional gas pump. The end result will be that in 5-10 years it will be harder (not impossible!) to find diesel, especially in city centers and suburbs, and you will need to do a bit more planning to locate a service station that sells it. Of course truck stops will always carry it so that option will not change. For the record, I think the Sprinter is a great van. It just happens to excel at a slightly different set of criteria then the ProMaster, so knowing which is a better fit for your needs is the best approach. It is not a slam-dunk like comparing a Mercedes E-Class against a Dodge Dart where the extra money gets you a superior vehicle in every respect.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
Of course I have not lived with any of these, just a fellow potential buyer here, but from what I can tell the Zion SRT design has a lot going for it. It is very open and easy to see out of, which I think would make it easier to use as a daily driver. The compressor fridge is really nice because you can just turn it on and load it up right away (which is how we use the one we have now) and it can cool down without any issues. The macerator will let you empty the tanks at home in a pinch if you need to do so. It is one of the shorter class B vans out there - easier to park and drive. As for the Sprinter - you may want to look around on the Sprinter Forum site and see what others have to say about it. My impression is that it is a very good van, but you pay a hefty premium for the diesel engine and like any MB product the repair costs (when needed) will be a bit pricy. Commercial owners seem to find the total cost of ownership to be on the high side. It has some unique benefits however, so knowing how it fits your personal needs is the best way to evaluate its cost effectiveness.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: RoadTrek Sprinter RS or CS Adventurous for family of 5
I am a bit surprised that you are so firm on the MB platform. As near as I can tell the biggest benefit it offers is a higher tow rating (well, a 4WD option too). From anecdotal reports the ride is rough without an aftermarket suspension system. It uses diesel fuel which will likely start to disappear from many service stations in the next few years now that the VW scandal has removed so many diesel engines from service and all but killed the market for new consumer ones. Despite the nametag the Sprinter is not particularly 'Mercedees-like' - very few of the advanced MB luxury features are available on the platform. Not all that many MB service centers will perform repair work on the Sprinter making it a chore to get repaired if there is not a good one close by. Certainly it has the MB symbol on the front and I know this makes a difference to some people. The PM chassis on the other hand has more of the traditional car features, including the side curtain airbags. All Dodge dealers work on the platform, making it easier to service. Any cost comparison between gas and diesel fuel economy that takes into account the cost premium for the diesel engine will show a significant advantage for gas in terms of total cost of ownership. In my opinion the vertical side walls make a huge difference in the feel of the interior space, while still having a better turn radius then the Sprinter (more maneuverable). Not that I am trying to talk you out of buying a Sprinter chassis. The MB platform is fine and perfectly serviceable for a class B, but selecting a model with a preference for it outside of the tow rating and 4WD capability seems like it would miss the bigger picture. I would recommend choosing based on layout and build quality of the conversion regardless of which platform it is built on. *** I will second your opinion of the Zion SRT. It was very impressive to me and offered such a spacious interior with lots of flexibility. *** You also mentioned wanting to get the Voltstart system. I must say that offering this as a factory option with the LiPo batteries is by far the most functional factory power system offering on the market. I do have some concern over the quality and long-term reliability of the system however. If you have not seen it before please spend some time checking out the www.thefitrv.com. The blogger is an extensive DIY person who builds his own LiPo system with secondary alternator. The market is pretty immature right now. There are very few components that are specifically built for LiPo and that will not damage them in the longer term. As far as I can tell RT does not share the component info, but they do not appear to be using components from the few manufacturers who have completely rebuilt their components for LiPo-optimized functionality. But by all means take this with a grain of salt and do your own research. Even without the optimized components the Voltstart is far more functional then a traditional generator & AGM battery setup and will probably last as long as you own your RV if you are using it only sporadically.1.1KViews0likes0Comments
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