Almost every van has the same paint scheme. Using black paint to make it look like there are large windows running the length of the van. I don’t understand why they do this. Who do they think they’re fooling. It looks stupid and fake to me!
I don’t care for the yellow main color. No bathroom sink and windows not opening are also no no’s. Also batteries are inaccessible for me and exposed to the weather. Also no on the kitchen faucet. No to the water pump switch being inside a cabinet door. Forward slanting upper cabinets have unusable upper area leaning out. 8 gal Black tank would fill in 3/4 days. Also no way to add fresh water to tank when boondocking. Rear door plan has potential for innovative floor plans but this design needs work.
In the 80s, a friend of mine was a Chinook dealer in Irvine, CA. When he needed a coach brought down from Yakima, WA where they made at that point, I would fly up, pick his unit up, and drive it back to California. They were a dream to drive. A few years later, he picked the Country Coach class A's line, and I would do the same from Junction City, Oregon. Again, they were a dream to drive. I have to tell you, I miss those days.
I'm glad Chinook is back on the market, i had one years ago and loved it. I just wish class b manufacturers would understand what van lifers want in a rig. NO we don't want TV, sat tv, generator or a dry shower. We would rather have permanent mounted internet Starlink, at least 200 of lithium charged by a beefy alternator and solar. And more storage for gear. This day and age AGM batteries shouldn't be in a coach, even in cold climates.
The tour was excellent. I would swap the separated bathroom for a shorter van because of how and where I'd be using it. I don't need such a luxurious build, but it sure is ... amazing! I wondered about the fan... MaxxAir would be my choice. I'd want a toilet that didn't involve black water. I'd also want small window(s) I could open. I just learned about security glass protection systems ("Buydecorativefilm" or "Nidojp" brands) that make it safer to own any live-aboard vehicle. Chinook might consider adding that protection as an extra. Thanks.
Your asking for a custom build for you. I might take issue with Chinook's marketing and a lack of quality in the Maverick cabinets i saw, not the minute component choices if this model, unless they are inferior quality for the size. Sizing down is always a tradeoff of inches dedicated for X item. Id prefer this design over your imaginery one..and its quality in the build that you should consider in this particular design model.
Just an FYI, I could not find a Ford place that would even change my oil in Co. They all said my van was too big. I had to drive 4 hours to find a place
This is a well-made thought camper van. Toilets should be at the rear end. It's more spacious, well vent with immediate exhaust of smelly things. And can extend outwards for shower. Can also be point of entry from being in muddy dirty clothes. Buy this van. It's well made. Any van with a mid-section toilet is a fool. Too cramp and smells the entire interior. Another option should be that beds should be in hydraulics that left up to the van ceiling. The van roof should have a slight hump to store the bed into it. It will look plush. And when needing the bed, just press a button and the bed goes down. This provides more space for a lounging area. Always setting up a bed is time consuming.
Very nice one but if it was for one person Id make the middle couch a twin or full and certain length and add a small dresser under the tv and take some of that space on the other side and do a closet to hang clothes in and a small dining area Overall love the look just need more space and more storage
The dry bath is nice, but not very practical for the size of the van. In fact, there isn't much about this layout that is practical. Cooking is clumsy. Sleeping arrangement is very clumsy. I would much rather have a rear sleeping platform, move the bathroom forward (make it a wet bath), shrink the seating/entertainment/work area (being realistic with the size of the van, you only need seating for 1 or 2 people. The long benches are a waste of space), and add a bit more counter space for food prep/cooking. In my mind, that would be much more practical for intended use. Also, windows that open for cross breeze would be a nice touch.
I really feel sorry for Chinnok. with a 22ft chasis, it doesnt even have a food preparation area nor a secure place for the cooktop. all because they wasted so much space in the rear bathroom. I think it is very dangerous to go in or out of the rig when using the cooktop.
Drivers seat cannot recline? You have to rotate the front seat by getting out in the rain? The fabric flooring means you cannot clean it. Wait until you spill your first soda pop. No mopping that floor. Not a fan of the whistling ladder, just waiting to get knocked off in a tight gas station.
Driver seat does recline, you can rotate the front seat w/o getting out, it was just easier for me to display from the outside. The floor is not fabric, and is quite easy to clean. Thx for the feedback -Mike
as much as I like a dry bath you get it by having no kitchen at that length, that really is for people who eat at restaurants and may heat up some leftovers or make a sandwich for lunch. With as many singles who are out van camping it really is high time someone made a van for them that does not need to sleep two which so limits the floorplans
90% of my cooking when camping is on the grill so I always want my coach to waste as little space on the kitchen as possible. it's all about the bathroom and the bed for me lol
Hi Mike! I was wondering why you didn’t say what the MSRP of the van, it would be nice to know what the starting point is when you’re doing your videos.
Love wetbath, no wasted inside space. Most showers outside faucet, bathing suit for most,then put on moomoo, to get the private places. or sometimes gyms along the way.
Can we upgrade solar and batteries? What about adding a fold down sink in the shower? Can we opt for propane? Do we need generator for microwave and cooktop?
Unless I am overlooking it they need more kitchen counter space. Even with the pop up extra prep space. Imo they should have a model where one of the long couches is shorter (preferably the one next to the kitchen sink) so that extra counter space & storage space is possible.
Chinook is back with an amazing Class B! How innovative with two long couches and AGM batteries. My gosh, it is 2023! Instead of dusting off old floor plans, maybe look Custom vans and European style for innovation.
i so miss the traditional chinooks, looking at 2003 to 2006 used ones after seeing this. still the one and only class b to own, but size and quality in the older coaches are second to none
Needs a better sink and faucet, like a stainless deep bowl and high rise faucet. Also, a cassette toilet rather than the black tank system. Why don’t they vent the truma underneath rather than on the side? One more, get rid of genny and add 300 amp or so battery. Other than those few things, a quite well sorted out van and layout. Good storage and versatility
I would just seal the side door and install a longer galley countertop. Easy enough to get in and out of the backdoor. No reason to have two doors on a coach of this size.
Did I miss something or is there no sink to wash hands after going to the bathroom? Literally need to turn on the shower? That is a deal breaker for myself and especially for my wife...
Very nice it's got everything you need. Not a big fan of the bed but it would work. I like the bathroom it's nice and you don't usually find a bathroom of that size in a camper Van. But I really like it probably the best one I have seen. Thank You for showing it and have a great day.
Having a Convection Oven is really nice. Most people do not realize that you cannot bake anything in an RV (especially a class B) with just a microwave oven. Also after having an Airstream Interstate for years I find that the mid-coach bed setup is much better than the power sofa/bed where you have to climb over your partner at night.
The microwave in my class B is convection oven and grill. In five years I have never seen anybody show a grill feature!!!! Rotates and grills food to perfection! Best steaks I have ever cooked. It’s the feature I use the most, yet nobody ever talks about it. It’s truly bizarre, I don’t get it. I actually think that most people don’t know it even exists. Weird
@@jabreck1934 I agree...we had to use a toaster oven in our Airstream which was almost more trouble then it was worth until the piping hot cookies were served...
Add a cassette toilet, radiant floor heat, bring the water lines inside like the Winnebago Nautilus, shorten the chassis like the Dodge Ram 2500, bed is weird.....good start back in the B vans
I’ve always, always, Always wanted a Chinook RV since back in the day, once I could afford one, couldn’t find one, glad to see them back on the market, gotta start saving again! Am sorta shocked to see the batteries AND generator underneath exposed to road crud, floods, puddles, tar, couldn’t figure out why that was a good idea (?)
I love the layout of the Chinook, and I think it's on my short list too, only question I have. if it had a lithium option and how big are the batteries.I really enjoy your videos up the good work
No screens and the ability to open windows? Many of the class B's I have seen (including the rear bath) have screens at the back and side doors. Also....No sink at the toilet/shower area? That is a non-starter. I would rather have the ladder on the back. I wonder if that ladder makes noise while traveling down the highway. The kitchen is way too small for a van this size.
It’s the size of a postage stamp, and you want a rolling palace. Definitely the wrong van for you. I never understand the obsession with multiple sinks in such a tiny van. I rather have one big usable sink than multiple tiny ones. 🤷♂️
Who leaves their water pump running all night or even daytime. You shut it off after each use. You will be draining your batteries. If hooked up you are not using the water pump.
It does look to be well built, but it appears that they cheaped out on the chassis, doesn't even have LED lights, which should be standard on EVERY vehicle today, certainly on an expensive RV. Also, the power system is outdated. Rather than a generator, it should have a large battery bank and a supplemental alternator under-hood for charging. Finally, the dump station is poorly located, too low and right behind the wheels where it will be pelted by debris.
Not impressed. Several interior issues… to utilize twin beds there are four large cushions to find a place for..maybe the dry shower if it hasn’t been recently used?; the new flooring is a potential nightmare…. carpet mats can be shaken out… a smooth floor can be swept out… this textured floor is bound to trap dirt and grime which will be hard to clean without serious suction, especially if you have a pet… no quick clean option. One look at the flooring and I wouldn’t bother to go in. Next, a single overhead cabinet being unpartioned is useful, but not all of them. The last thing I want are containers and items slipping and sliding a full length. IMO, every cabinet being unpartioned is a cost saver for the manufacturer, not a benefit for the van owner. Also, did you just forget to show how the windows open or are they fixed? Van windows need to open to get air flow especially since the AC is a power drain. Finally, the galley is a no go… period. Chinook has always been thought of as a smart choice… they sure missed the mark on this one.
Cool story about the bottle opener. Here's a vid about the original Chinook shown by the founder starting at 15:30 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iAJs-lohIgA.html
My big issue is height, he is 6' foot and it looks really tight near the air conditioner. For the price of this I would go with a B+ or C. Too small for tall people.
I can't help but think that you are related to John Travolta because you look so much like him including your overall body type, your voice and mannerisms
I'm not a fan of a few things in this model: 1. No to having expensive Batteries outside under the chassis due to heat/cold weather and chance of thieves stealing it 2. No to having generator sitting under chassis for same reasons as number one 3. No to that woven floor mat which will easily get dirty and show the marks since it's a bright color 4. No to the interior bland beige color giving it a sterile boring hospital lobby feel. I'm not color blind. So, I notice that. 5. No to a separate shower and toilet. In small RVs having a pullout toilet in a wet bath is the best. That frees up more storage area. That's a no brainer. 6. No to the divider between the living area and toilet areas just having a thin slide fabric as a door. That is not good privacy if a group is sitting inches away. 7. No to individual doors on wall cabinets. I prefer on very long door opening to minimize the need to open ten doors to find one item. And it's more sleek. 8. No to magnet window shades. The shades should be built into the window with optional one button press to open them automatically. 9. No to the large amount of sitting area compared to the small size of this RV. Usually travelers don't have that many people on a trip. 10. No to having to move tons of pillows to make the bed. The bed should just be a motorized slide into position situation. Most would agree. 11. No to how narrow the windows are. The windows should be very wide to match the wide seating area. That's another no brainer. 12. No to the circuit/breaker system being under the seating. People will just constantly knock open those doors with foot and it's uncomfortable to bend and use. 13. No to the permanent ladder welded outside the van. Why ? Anyone can climb up and mess with your stuff on the roof and it's an eye soar. A collapsible latter is better. 14. Also, not enough USB and plugin 110 volt outlets. This only has one under the seats and the other side across it has none. Hmm. 15. The windows don't seem to open. LOL. What is going on here ? To many deal breakers on this model. I love Chinook. But, this is model has too many mistakes.
How much ? This is never included and throws people off. Learnig about the insvestment on these vehicles keeps viewers interested and wanting to continue considering !
I have a yod with Mars at the aspect. I’m not a public figure but my life was like you described in the reading. What book were you reading from? I would like to do more research and do a 2nd progressed chart for myself. I can feel another change coming.
Are there screens for the side and back doors? I didn’t see storage for your out camp stuff…..grill, chairs, table and other stuff. ?……..I’m guessing you need a tray or box that hooks into rear receiver? I’m new to the B class, so thanks for help! dr
7000 pound towing? How is this size passenger van rated for 4200 pounds but this rv obviously has more weight and somehow rated for nearly 3000 pounds more? What magi is this?
The interior looks cheap as hell. Reminds me of a cheap motel room. Terrible use of space in my opinion. A sink next to your bed is dumb. No window to look at while at the sink is dumb. No rounded corners on cabinets and drawers. Light placement is way off. Nix the dry bath. Put the bed in the back, add screens for windows that OPEN, change to a composting toilet and expand the kitchen. For that much money I expect a heck of a lot more. Thanks for sharing the layout, but this is a major pass for me.
The bathroom should design simpler and make more room . If the kitchen moves to next to the bathroom area and living space would be open up to our door view but now all the living stuck between bathroom and kitchen. That is awful idea.
It needs more counter space and a more storage for silverware, dishes, pots & Pans, and food but not many class B's with a dry bath so there is a sacrifice there.
That toilet where it is is a complete waste of space and the shower is too small for the average person, you would have been better off having a larger bathroom all in one with a removable toilet and having some garage space on the other side, it won’t suit most people with no garage space at all. It’s a no for me.
Noted. A class B with a true dry bath is a rarity in the class B world, so that unit delivers for those who view that as a priority. Thx for the feedback. -Mike
The Transit does have adaptive CC, although they are only currently building the Bayside on the Transit, not the MB Sprinter. Perhaps they'll add the Sprinter option in the new model year. If so, we'll review. Thx for watching. -Mike
