Excellent video! I purchased a Travato 59g today and this video was most helpful, especially the under view. Thank you, maybe see you on the road and travel safe.
Thank you for answering a lot of questions. We just bought our first RV and it was the early 2015 model. You've done a great service for us by showing all the detail and techniques. Great job and thanks again.
This is a great video. Thank you for taking the time to give your review of the Travato. It is awesome to see a review and video from an actual owner. I am subscribing for updates.
Wow! I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of your excellent review! Uniquely, you are in the rare position to compare the 2014 and 2015 models, observing the improvements between 1st and 2nd years, and that is grand. This really looks like something we're interested in, and your review *really* answered so many questions! While any Class B (or any RV, for that matter) is something of a compromise, what I *really* like about the Travato is: (1) Bed that doesn't have to be converted from a couch or a dining table (etc.). Ready in seconds, flop down when you're tired. (2) Dinette that is always ready. Sit down and eat, whenever. (3) Fuel economy and parking of a large pickup, as opposed to a bus. Park in a "normal" parking spot, and not 8 MPG and seeking out semi-truck parking like a larger motorhome. (4) The largely-van (automotive type) construction means there's much less-likely to the occurrence of de-lamination and/or leaks, as with a traditional RV. If you've ever owned a "traditional" RV, you know they'll all eventually leak and rot, the floor, the wall, both, or whatever. (5) Storage for the smaller (Class B) unit is so much easier. Obviously. The 3.0L 4cyl diesel is now available, but seems to have some hokey "automated manual" transmission that seems to leave something to be desired. As well, the diesel fuel means the generator must necessarily run on LP, and as we all know, that's quite limited in capacity and a chore to fill. Coupled with the fact that the diesel engine is considerably more expensive both to purchase and maintain, it seems to me that the Pentastar gas V6 is the way to go with this; the additional diesel mileage is nice, but not that much additional, and not worth the additional cost and generator swap to propane, particularly because you must run the generator for hot water. Thanks again, so much, for your efforts in producing this review. You are awesome!
Awesome video, especially for me because I am looking at an early 2015 with the lower bed vs a new late 2015 with the higher bed. Many of the early 2015 models are selling at a $3000 to $4000 discount. I took notes during your video and there seem to be about 16 differences between the models. The most significant to me is the taller bed with the drawers and thicker mattress. The other differences that are still nice are the thicker cushions, the extra bathroom cabinet, ottoman corner cut for passenger captains chair, air conditioner baffle controls, and new drains location. Why did you upgrade from the 2014 to the new 2015 model
Your videos are really well done. Thanks for showing good and bad (some videos look as if the "objective" producers have been paid by the manufacturers!). Quick question: We really like the twin beds in the 59K, but as you know, it's much more expensive. Is that front cushion bed long enough for a 6' guy like me?
Hold on win, I canno' keep up with ye! I liked the review of the Oliver trailer, and am thinking of getting one, or maybe a BigFoot. What happened to the Oliver? I never saw or heard.
Hello, could you put a powerchair rack of some kind on the back? that's what we need. it would stick out somewhat but i can't think of any other way to haul it. thank you.
Great video. All other ones that I have seen have been made by dealers or Winnebago. I do think the Truma should be an option. I did notice on other vids that the step seemed a bit bouncy. Does it seem that way to you? I have also been watching vids on the Dynamax Rev. I really like it, but it isn't a B. Did you consider purchasing anything other than a B?
rangerpru Thanks. The step is quite solid once it's extended. I don't think it's a good idea to step on it while it's moving. The Dynamax is a nice RV if you want something a bit larger - you might also want to look at the Winnebago Trend as something similar. This is my second Travato. Of the Promaster vans, this is my favorite. The Sprinter vans can be quite nice, but they are generally $20-$30K more expensive, and I wasn't wanting to spend that much money for what essentially is a toy. No RV is perfect, they are all compromises in some way - you just need to find the set of compromises that fit you the best.
Thanks for making the video. Are you still happy with the 2015 Travato? I was looking into the 4WD/4x4 Mercedes Sprinter, so it can go off road, and building it myself, but will wait a few years to see if their design has issues. Perhaps $60K for a Travato with less than 10,000 miles on it, might be a better option to begin with
+DavidisDawei I think you have to consider how far "off-road" you really intend to go. I see the Sprinter as more for slushy, snowy or muddy roads. But roads - not bounding thru fields or over dunes. If you like the National Seashore down in Texas, then it may also be a good choice for going there. If you are realistically going to stay on roads, even BLM roads & trails, then I think the FWD in the Travato will get you to where you want to go. If you've got the time, and the skills to do your own DIY conversion, you might save a few bucks. Mostly people go that route to get the exact plan and features they want, not really money savings. Generally you pay more for the van buying it on your own thru a dealer, and then have to buy all the materials and appliances at retail. So the savings, once you are into it, are not all that great. A slightly used Travato is a tremendous deal if you can find one.
wincrasher2007 Thank you Sir - Yes, getting wholesale/dealer discounts would be nice - maybe I'll tow an ATV instead - haha So, you are satisfied with the Travato you recently purchased? No buyer's remorse (several months later)? safe travels
Nice video - can you tell us what the "OCCC" is? That's the "Occupants and Cargo Carrying Capacity" - that is usually on a sticker in the passenger-side door pillar. Thanks.
Jollyprez Actually the bigger vans with the duals don't have any more OCCC than this van - they are heavier and with more cabinetry and equipment inside, it just eats up the excess OCCC they started with.
wincrasher2007 - Yep - this model is the only Winnie I'm looking at seriously. I'd love to put a Sportsmobile "Penthouse" top on it - not sure with all the racks up there, though.
+Michael Aravidis Yes, it drives very well. It sits lower to the ground, with a lower center of gravity than a Sprinter. It also has a tighter turning radius. The ride seems alot smoother to me. It has plenty of power to climb hills and keep speed on the highway.
wincrasher2007 My friend Owns the 2015 Travato & his "DIY" 2nd locking strap took all that stress off of the far left side or @ least the strap should have been placed in the center of the bed, would have made a better application.
Easy. There is an access panel on the side of the generator. You do have to get the van up on ramps to give you room to crawl under. But the unit only needs service every 200+ hours. You have an hours meter inside the coach to keep track. Almost all class B vans have the generator under the van and have done it this way for many, many years. To get an underhood generator (really an extra alternator), you'll need to spend about $20-30k more for one of the Roadtrek models.
J Kim Depending on options, these MSRP from anywhere from $86k to $94k. They trade at a discount, so your out-the-door price would most likely be anywhere from $65 to $75k. Taxes, delivery costs and dealer markup vary of course. Your best bet is to contact several dealers and price compare. Best bet, though, is to work with your local dealer on a fair deal so you have someone close to you for service down the road. Good luck!
