FAST FWD using video TIME POINTS in notes below. CREATE your own SCOTT SCORE criteria to examine the floor plans you like the best. DOWNLOAD FREE TOOLKIT at gosmalllivelarge.com/shopping-toolkit-workshee More info and IN-PERSON EVENTS at www.GoSmallLiveLarge.com Thx for watching, commenting & subscribing :)
Hi Scott: We traded our 21 Travato KL for the 2022 Nova 20C Li3. I was so afraid that it was a mistake after thinking about the Nova's storage, but wow, we have realized that this machine is awesome. The refrigerator has the best storage of any RV we have ever owned. You would also be amazed what we have been able to fit in the back. It is deceiving. It has turned out to be my favorite rv, and we have had A Lot of RV's over the years. Coachman did a great job and we could not be more happy. And go Sunshine State RV, an excellent company to deal with. Love your videos, keep them coming.
Hi Carol, I am considering a Nova 20C Li3. What all can you fit in the back? I assume you mean behind the back seat. Will two carry on suitcases fit back there? Just trying to figure out the size of the back storage. Also what is your take on having to make and unmake the bed everyday? I'm not thrilled about that aspect. Thanks!
@@stephanieslack3207 There is way more storage that I could have imagined. My husband puts the bed together at night and takes it down in the morning (yay). We have a duvet cover that fits over a 1-1/2" memory foam. He rolls it up like a sleeping bag and it fits behind the seat along with our two king sized pillows. He made a platform behind the couch which keeps the bedding from falling down to the bottom of the floor. It doesn't get in the way when we put the bed down, but allows for so much more storage below that platform. If you didn't have the bedroll, you could most likely fit soft suitcases.
@@zoflo728 We love our van. We’ve been on the road for 5 months now and love it! Easy to drive and park. So far our style of traveling is “camp to travel” in the next couple years we may change to “travel to camp”. If that becomes true, we will look for a bigger rig
The first thing you could do is get a larger lagune table - easy fix! Thanks for the well thought out video - you're easily one of the best RV RU-vidrs.
I agree with you on the lack of garage storage and it’s a deal killer for me. But what a solid interior and feature set! Seems like a comfortable place to be with good systems.
I just want to say thank you for doing such great videos on class B's. My partner and I have been shopping for a class b and your videos have been so helpful for us to narrow down the list of contenders. One idea for future videos would be to include the dimensions of the bathrooms. Most manufacturers don't put that info on their website and I haven't seen many walk-thru videos where that's covered. Thanks again!
Thank you Scott, We have looked at that very Nova Li3 up there at Sunshine State RV and chatted with a number of folks up there also. We love the Nova because of the extra passenger option . However we’re not quite ready to give up on our 2022 Travato. Yet. We appreciate the Shopping Tool Kit download. Thanks again for all of your guidance.
great review- from my experiences in Japan the bathroom will work perfectly if you sit down on the toilet and use the hand extension. sitting showers are kind of cool.
Thank you for the real life critique of the RV vans. I appreciate your well thought out criteria and you taking the time to make and share the videos with the RU-vid world.
You are one of my top two reviewers. I especially like your comments on both single and couple users, very helpful! Just came home from a rail trip and the wet room toilet/shower were uncomfortably small. I like the focus you put on the bathroom. Thanks.
I really like the Scott score! It allows a person to compare different scores they have assessed to make a more informed decision based on criteria. Awesome work Scott. Thank you
How do you like your Nova 20D with pop up? Although I would not require the pop-up, wondering about how the van handles, and parks in a supermarket space, that kind of thing. Looks like a great way for seniors to get around. A big congratulations to you! -Tim
@@NFL1976 Sure, here’s my honest review... I flew from New York to Texas in late April 2024 to purchase a brand new 2024 Coachmen Nova 20D with a pop-top. However, I regretted the purchase from the first day I drove it home. I reported the issues to Coachmen and tried to contact the service centers they recommended for warranty service, but none of them responded. Fortunately, I found a Forest River authorized RV service center in my area through Google, and I have a service appointment scheduled for July 9th. The problems I've encountered so far are as follows, and I don't know what other issues might arise in the future: 1. The pop-top has been leaking water since day one. 2. The shower curtain track was not installed when I picked it up, so Coachmen sent the curtain track parts, and I had to install it myself at home. 3. The induction cooktop shows an E-1 error and doesn't work. 4. The roof window bug screen won't retract properly. 5. The A/C only works when connected to shore power and only on cool and high mode; it doesn't work while driving or when parked without shore power. 6. The generator doesn't turn on from the control unit panel. 7. Last week, I received a recall notice from the NHTSA stating that the solar panel may detach from the pop-top roof. In addition to the leak, the pop-top is very difficult to open and close (that's why you won't find any videos of the pop-top version being opened or closed on RV RU-vid channels). It feels heavy to lift! Also, the space in the pop-top is very limited in height, making it suitable only for sleeping, not for sitting. However, I really love the exterior look and interior finish quality of the Coachmen Nova. One thing I truly miss is a roof fan. It would be great to have a MaxFan for quick air circulation, after using the bathroom or cooking but there isn't one because it's the pop-top version. I had planned to travel the West Coast this summer. However, after a few local day trips as test runs, I have no confidence in taking a long road trip with the Coachmen RV. Due to all these issues with my brand new Coachmen RV, I will not recommend Coachmen in the future. 😔
@@NFL1976 Sure, here’s my honest review... I flew from New York to Texas in late April 2024 to purchase a brand new 2024 Coachmen Nova 20D with a pop-top. However, I regretted the purchase from the first day I drove it home. I reported the issues to Coachmen and tried to contact the service centers they recommended for warranty service, but none of them responded. Fortunately, I found a Forest River authorized RV service center in my area through Google, and I have a service appointment scheduled for July 9th. The problems I've encountered so far are as follows, and I don't know what other issues might arise in the future: 1. The pop-top has been leaking water since day one. 2. The shower curtain track was not installed when I picked it up, so Coachmen sent the curtain track parts, and I had to install it myself at home. 3. The induction cooktop shows an E-1 error and doesn't work. 4. The roof window bug screen won't retract properly. 5. The A/C only works when connected to shore power and only on cool and high mode; it doesn't work while driving or when parked without shore power. 6. The generator doesn't turn on from the control unit panel. 7. Last week, I received a recall notice from the NHTSA stating that the solar panel may detach from the pop-top roof. In addition to the leak, the pop-top is very difficult to open and close (that's why you won't find any videos of the pop-top version being opened or closed on RV RU-vid channels). It feels heavy to lift! Also, the space in the pop-top is very limited in height, making it suitable only for sleeping, not for sitting. However, I really love the exterior look and interior finish quality of the Coachmen Nova. One thing I truly miss is a roof fan. It would be great to have a MaxFan for quick air circulation, after using the bathroom or cooking but there isn't one because it's the pop-top version. I had planned to travel the West Coast this summer. However, after a few local day trips as test runs, I have no confidence in taking a long road trip with the Coachmen RV. Due to all these issues with my brand new Coachmen RV, I will not recommend Coachmen in the future.
@@NFL1976 Sure, here’s my honest review... I flew from New York to Texas in late April 2024 to purchase a brand new 2024 Coachmen Nova 20D with a pop-top. However, I regretted the purchase from the first day I drove it home. I reported the issues to Coachmen and tried to contact the service centers they recommended for warranty service, but none of them responded. Fortunately, I found a Forest River authorized RV service center in my area through Google, and I have a service appointment scheduled for July 9th. The problems I've encountered so far are as follows, and I don't know what other issues might arise in the future: 1. The pop-top has been leaking water since day one. 2. The shower curtain track was not installed when I picked it up, so Coachmen sent the curtain track parts, and I had to install it myself at home. 3. The induction cooktop shows an E-1 error and doesn't work. 4. The roof window bug screen won't retract properly. 5. The A/C only works when connected to shore power and only on cool and high mode; it doesn't work while driving or when parked without shore power. 6. The generator doesn't turn on from the control unit panel. 7. Last week, I received a recall notice from the NHTSA stating that the solar panel may detach from the pop-top roof. In addition to the leak, the pop-top is very difficult to open and close (that's why you won't find any videos of the pop-top version being opened or closed on RV RU-vid channels). It feels heavy to lift! Also, the space in the pop-top is very limited in height, making it suitable only for sleeping, not for sitting. However, I really love the exterior look and interior finish quality of the Coachmen Nova. One thing I truly miss is a roof fan. It would be great to have a MaxFan for quick air circulation, after using the bathroom or cooking but there isn't one because it's the pop-top version. I had planned to travel the West Coast this summer. However, after a few local day trips as test runs, I have no confidence in taking a long road trip with the Coachmen RV. Somehow my initial reply is now showing, so reposted my honest review of my Nova w/ pop-top.
@@NFL1976 It seems like my honest review keep getting deleted because they are negative... I just wanted to share my honest experience with people who are considering buying Coachmen Nova w/ pop-top in the future...
The Lagun table need a swing out table extender...I have the Norcold dual compressor refer in my Embassy and it stores a LOT of stuff, especially the lower drawer. I was amazed on my Florida trip that I could add a small bag of ice to all my other frozen goods.
Glad you liked it!! Did you see this video I did staying in a parking lot Urban Camping, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DamOaRoTs0Q.html
Great video Scott, one of the best videos you’ve ever done. Great information. Especially for someone like myself who is going to be retiring soon and will be doing the van life. 😃
👍👍👍 Thank you, Scott. I am ready to drive there and would love to get it asap. Have to figure out the 6" clearance. We have 9'8" to work with in height. I appreciate your doing this today as I pretty much know it's either this or the Gallleria. It all hinges on my husband's long legs. Love your program! We are only a couple of hours away.
Scott, I would love to see a video on bedding options for these styles of vans. There are many of these drop-down bed options but have never seen anybody discuss how to equip the bed and store the linens.
Great idea. I use a fitted bottom sheet from target in the twin XL size. It fits and works perfectly. There is no storing of linens in the van. It’s the sheets on the bed that you use and then wash and put back on the bed.
Scott I think the point you docked because of the separate black and gray dump is a little harsh. It does have a black tank flush and the largest black water capacity in any class b I’ve seen. 19 gal of black.
This one is on my short list also. No one ever talks about the water tanks capacity on these vans but to me ; how much fresh water I can take on board and how large or small the black and grey tanks are is very important ! Having all the hookups outside and larger capacity tanks than the Travatos is what would make me pull the trigger on this one . I don't want to have to open the back doors to hook up city water etc.. ! 2019 and older Travatos were better in that regard as far as I'm concerned but coachmen still carries more fresh water . I will be doing a lot of boondocking in remote places and you never have enough fresh water on those adventures .Great job grading that van. PS : You are right . It does need a second lagun table in the back.
Hi Eric. Thx for your points. My onboard 18 gallons of fresh water combined with 6 gallon of portable water in “garage storage” last me (solo) about 7-10 days. I use onboard for sink and toilet first supplementing portable for drinking. Easier to fill portable water storage.
@@gosmall.livelarge Meet up this weekend. What better time? I am waiting for my Dolphin S (end of this this year) and not changing my mind, but would love to hear your review, especially with some of the new changes
Regarding storage, you could stow a cat box or dog kennel in the bathroom? Also that sink could hold some of your toiletries. As far as hand washing, use the kitchen sink?
Very practical way to grade the spaces. Your experience living in a class b definitely shows. My only suggestion is you should incorporate carrying capacity into the score. Please show the CCC on the yellow sticker, carrying capacity matters, especially in a class b.
Thx David. If you’re shopping for a Camper Van, create your own criteria using the Toolkit & Worksheet … gosmalllivelarge.com/shopping-toolkit-workshee
I changed up the bedding setup in my Beyond, so that I can have a living space during the day. Went from using a Beddy and keeping the bed made up (day bed during the day) to using a Duvalay and putting the seat back up during the day - gained a foot of space. It does mean having to make up the bed each night - class Bs mean trade-offs lol!! So for that floorplan Nova C and Beyond C, the duvalay makes a great option. It's comfortable and easy to roll up and store behind the seat during the day.
Scott I'm sure you are familiar with different and limited floor plans in a Class B van. There are other manufacturers with the same layout but might have some things in different locations. And the same floor plan on a different chassis, van. Could you do a comparison? Maybe on a different van such as a Sprinter,the bathroom would be a little larger. There are few with the front seat and table like yours.
Thank you for your review. I think you were pretty generous. I watched a review on coachman. And I wasn't impressed on the way. They wrothey rushed. I'm putting things together. Meaning they're electrical. I wish you would have done something like when the air conditioner. It made coffee at the same time. Also they could have used The space in the bathroom much better
Thanks for an awesome thorough scoring system and review. We have a 20c Li3 on order and even though we’ve been in one, your measurements and comments are very useful. We are holding out for a 22 chassis and 23 unit so may b a while but this info is really really useful!! Appreciate your efforts!
Love tour refrigerator criteria. There is so much you could do to make that bathroom better. A nautilus door for instance. A bit of a garage would be nice too. Maybe make the bed/couch a smidge higher?
It’s very smart and well thought out. The closet/pantry areas actually look usable. I’m not sure what the engineering decisions were for taking up an *entire* overhead storage area for the electronics and gauges and such. Travato manages to do it on the wall and not use up valuable storage space, but I’m not gonna second guess engineering decisions and systems and what lies behind that storage area. Could be a ton of electronic spaghetti and control boxes. Still and all, though, there’s a lot of storage in this. And I love the bathroom - much more than a Travato G‘s. And if you want a second bed for a smaller person, you could get one of those inflatable ones that they sell for the Solis that go across the cab seats. I like it!
Love this Class B van, love your scoring system and I agree with all your comments. Thanks for making and sharing another great informative video. Also thanks for the shoot out to the military.
Hi Scott! These reviews are quite helpful! It must be "the new math": there is NO garage storage (a typical trade-off for rear couch floorplans?), yet you gave the Nova a full six points for storage!? (And yes, I agree there is fantastic storage for smaller items and that the cabinetry is stunning!) Also, I recognize that these are your criteria and that you have set this up so that each of us can develop our own criteria; nevertheless, an RV is a vehicle; is it just my eyes, or is it the case that the bath is so far forward that the driver's seat can not be both full aft travel and a reasonable amount of recline? (For me, if the driving position isn't comfortable, that is an absolute deal breaker).
Scott, I really like this video; good approach to evaluating an RV. I would add two more categories. Category 1 electrical systems, whether I can use USB outlets or 12V without turning on the invertor. Does it have a charging alternator to use the AC even for a short while? Category 2, four seasons, can I drive the RV to go skiing without fear that the black tank may explode. Good job! 👍👍👍!!!
Welcome to Go Small. Live Large! Thrilled you are here. Plates are by HydroFlask. Did you see this video I did staying in a parking lot Urban Camping, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DamOaRoTs0Q.html
Thanks for such a great tour of this unit. It has a couple nice points, but for my use too many deal breakers! I think the bathroom is a very poor design for multiple reasons, don't like a bed I have to mess with every day, kitchen sink is too small to do dishes, no exterior storage is the biggest problem. I question the plexiglass windows. Easily scratched?
I like the Nova 20 C . Travato doesn't offer this floor plan. I also consider the firefly system to be a great feature. The genny (Onan QG 2800 i )can be programmed for various demands and has an auto start feature (for one's furry friends, etc.). I've read about too many failures of the new all battery systems to totally rely on them with out a generator. Therefore, I would go with the non lithium version (saving $10,000 plus) and add my own lithium battery system later.
hubby saw this plan and loved the layout. we can't wait to watch this video! I'm very curious if the Lithium package is good. We are the family with 3 adults and dog traveling to dog events. Finding out that there is a Luno air mattress for the front is a game changer
Scott on that back bed, Can it be slightly reclined or is it all or nothing? Thx for your help deciding, a year or two out but never to early to learn.
Fine review as an experienced class b owner could provide. I do like the wood work, cabinets and good taste exhibited in this van. Quality materials throughout. I am not sure about the electric bed in the back as my tendency is to go with something like the Thor A model class b's. With those, the rear bed folds down and is probably a lot easier to set up and the end of a travel day. Again, good review and i hope to see more from you.
Very good review with real world examples of what makes it liveable. From looking at the recent Travato price sheet on the 2023 with 2022 chassis, it looks like the new chassis will add about $13k to price. I think it's worth it. Were the cushions comfortable when you laid down? Scott you need to get an icemaker to take along!
I get lagoon table is small.. but I prefer small one..best if it was able to open up to be bigger for eating for 2. Are there options for a fold out one?
I’m just wondering if that new nine speed transmission gets any better miles per gallon? I was thinking about getting this particular RV, but I’m leery of this new nine speed transmission the first year it’s out in the pro master. Also what are the pros and cons for the Winnebago Travato, versus coachman Nova 20 C?
Hi Kevin. Haven’t tried the new transmission on Promaster. Pros n Cons on those two brands… I have done a couple of videos on that. Please search my YT Channel for those videos. go see them at the dealers too. Here is a video… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7Qm9c4mz0y4.html on the Nova
Great video. We were wondering, what do you mean by "wrapping" the RV? We are also wondering what is the distance below the generator on a non-lithium Nova 20C? Thanks!
Hi Steven. Appreicate your comment. I wrapped my Winnebago Travato with a vinyl “sticker’ turning it from a standard silver Promaster van to a one-of-a-kind-on-earth Camper Van. Cost $5K, and will do it again on my next van. No clue on distance as that rig did not have a generator
Love my Li3 and Aventa, however Firefly, Coachmen and Truma are having an issue getting the Aventa and Firefly to work together, the remote will control the AC but there is no thermostat connected so it is either off or on. Still love it just a little inconvenient.
Are there brush guards that work with the lane keep assist, adaptive cruise sensors? I would think you would have to be very carful not to interfere with sensors
No personal experience with that as my Promaster does not have that function. I prefer to travel the back roads VS freeways, so adaptive cruise would not matter anyway . Thx for watching !
An unusual question for you. Are there any Class B vans that can be towed behind another RV, class C or A? Best scenario would be a van with a driveshaft disconnect so that it can be towed flat on all fours without using a transmission pump.
Hi Steve. Not sure about the Nova 20C, but in my Travato 59GL using my Volta lithium system with a 8,600 watt storage battery I routinely get the A/C running on a single charge of 10-12 hours in a comfy interior
I did a lithium power test for my Nova 20C Li3 and got about 4.5 hours with a very long recharge rate. The video is up on my channel. The Coachmen brochure states 10 hrs of AC runtime* and Nick stated in an interview I did with him (also on my channel if you are curious) that it should do 8 hours minimum in 80-90 degree weather with sun and humidity included. I have unfortunately not seen numbers anywhere close to this.
Hmmm I politely disagree, Even with smaller plates the table set for two to enjoy a meal together = not fun. Maybe you have the Nova 20C and can coach me and others ?
A A … didnt forget at all. Those are not MY criteria for a van. that is why I provided a Worksheet for you to determine your “Scott Score” criteria to judge a van.. gosmalllivelarge.com/van-shopping-toolkit Thx for commenting
Come on, it's a 20ft Class B not a 30 ft Class C or travel trailer. So, yeah there are going to be compromises in some areas. I think this would be a perfectly acceptable 2 person rig. It's not a family coach and isn't intended to be.
I like the Nova, I just don’t want the length. My Silos Pocket is the ideal length for me as a single traveler. I have no interest in a shower with in my van as I prefer to have a membership at planet fitness.
This is not very useful. All the stuff you mentioned is something that can be changed. Plates? Dining, what is important T is how the van drives. Nobody and I mean nobody discusses, passing, uphill, handling parking backing up, wind, bumps etc.
The bathroom is a huge waste of space in this van. The toilet looks uncomfortable to use (for me), No storage in the bathroom, and the bed, would get super old to make it up every day, Plus no storage in the garage, well, actually no garage for the grill or a kayak (folding) or tools. That is a huge no-no. Terrible floorplan for me, and the solar panels are flat ones, who know how many watts they are, but they aren't the traditional solar ... I'd give this van 50 points, the fridge is great, sink-in the galley is small, the induction cooktop, I prefer to cook with gas. But I suppose it would be ok. So... Yeah, 50 points. So the pros would be, a lithium battery, fridge, and awesome cabinets and drawers... Excellent walkable floorplan but I'd rather have the Winnebago 59K. Than this.
