No kidding. If you can only budget $100,000 grand for your Class B, then you know you are going lower end, but if you have another $$90,000 you can go Grech. Many of us may not be able to double our budget.
We just bought a 2023 144” high top sprinter. After that purchase we have 0$ for modifications 😅😅. We will slowly start to customize it as funds become available 😃. For now we just sleep in it to avoid hotel bills and eat on the road at restaurants. Showers at truck stops. We live the situation and live the travels.
Holy cow!! went and looked at this a couple of months ago. Not only was the dealer trying to steal my trade also wanted almost 95K for this. I really do dislike these stealerships!
For me, the 57k is okay except the small refrigerator. The 59g has one twice that size, although it does have a murphy bed. Perfect for me, but maybe not for a couple. Otherwise, Travato is my favorite of all the vans.
My wife and have Tofino. It is great. We picked because of the floor plan. No tight hallway just a wide open living area. The quality of Pleasure cant be beat,
We have had our Travato 59K for a little over a year and 13K miles. So far it has met all of our needs and the build quality has been great. Most trips it averages 17-18 MPG and is very comfortable to drive and sleep in.
We have a Tofino. We have been across the continent twice, and have never had to plug it in (batteries are awesome), we have not had to repair anything, and we never have to book a site, because it fits anywhere! I also don’t feel bad parking it at a hotel every now and then.
We purchased a Thor/Promaster 18M this past February (complete buyers remorse!!)....I really cannot believe we let the salesman trick us into this, totally caught us off guard and took advantage!! Quality and dealership service (General RV) is unacceptable for this $100,000 van (which is the true cost after taxes)!! Totally wish we would have waited for the Winnebago, Travato. Seriously considering a trade-in - possibly around 2025! Yes, I would pay the extra for the quality!!! Thank you for your videos, they are very helpful. May I make a constructive criticism? Although, I really do understand making these videos is definitely no easy task, one teeny tiny suggestion I have would be to maybe try to slow down a bit when scanning from one direction to the next, kinda get whiplash and a bit of sea-sickness 😂
Great content as always! I've had a winnebago solis 59p for a year now and it has been excellent. Zero issues so far. Works and looks like new still after 10000 miles of regular use. Because it is more budget than the travato it is more basic but I think that's an advantage, less things to breakdown. Safe travels!
If you like the 59KL, check out the Coachmen Nova 20D Li. We almost went Winnebago then we walked through the Nova. Wow! The Amish know how to do cabinets and the generator is so quiet it’s allowed to run at night in campgrounds. It also has all Truma A/C, Water Heater and heater. We are getting 18 - 20 mpg. Love it.
We have a 59K. But we have only had it since 7/2. We have been camping in it several times. So far, we love it. The fridge may look small but fits tons of stuff. You do have to watch your head on the “nightstand” basket. It sleeps pretty good. The kitchen is perfect for cooking. We have two gas burners (unlike the KL) and I’ve made breakfasts and dinners for us just fine every time we have gone out. We like the openness feel with this floor plan, but you do still have to work around each other. The seats in the cab are comfy, but I am a shorty and cannot touch the floor (have to find some sort of foot stool). You two will not have that problem. My biggest complaint so far is when you are trying to leave the van quietly and it’s locked, I have not figured out how to get out with making so much noise. The unlock makes a loud noise. It’s only an issue for us in the mornings (one late sleeper and one early riser). We have found it to have tons of storage (all the overhead and under bed). Granted we could not find room for our typical camping chairs and had to buy the ones that you guys already own. They fit perfectly in any compartment, but we have just left them behind the drivers seat. I could go on and on. 😂😊❤
Hi you two. Several comments: You document once again you do NOT get what you pay for if you buy a Thor. Don't buy one. You should have added a pot top van in your survey. We have a 2022 Winnebago Solis 59PX and love it. It is built with the same quality as a Travato. And if you like, need separate beds for adults (we do) the loft is great for that and IMO it greatly reduces the inevitable claustrophobia that comes with living in tight quarters. Storage--the Solis comes with a great gear garage in the stern. BBQ's, extra food, wood and such easily stow there and are easily retrieved in minutes when needed. Think about your daily routine on the road when you consider a layout like the Travato with the head located in the rear instead of midships. Last be real about your boondocking capability/expectations based on your ground clearance. For most vans (the 4x4's being an expensive exception) it is as low as a street sedan. And finally guys, as I have written before I think you should devote a video to the service side (especially warranty service) of owning a new van. Bottom line is RV dealers do not have the capability to service (in reasonable timeframes) what they sell. Keep em coming.
LOVE my Tofino! gets 18-20 MPG has a huge bed, can park it anywhere and you can use it as a daily driver...have put 30K on it so far been all over the western US. we usually stay in campgrounds or boondock. payed 73k for it good value for the money, just right for two people.
We love our 21 Travato KL the Volta system is awesome. I think that should be your next van and since you've checked it out twice now I think you'll get it.
I have a 1999 Dodge RoadTrek that I dearly love it’s been GREAT. No issues with it however, I’m getting ready to upgrade only because my needs have changed. 😢 I wish I could afford to buy a new one and keep it too however that’s sadly not possible 😢
I have one too. I love the space inside; I am able to move around, do yoga, sit with friends to lounge and I don'tfeel cramped. I am very petite and either travel alone or with my kid so the pop up is ideal but, due to my height, I don'teven need to pop up the tent to stand upright. The Tofino has everything I need and want and nothing I don't. The right size and features for me. I saw others and I value the space and ability to move about and the windows more than anything. Obviously, that is why there are as many campervans as people seeking them: something for everyone's tastes, budget, and preferences.
You got a watch those pop tops if you get in a high humidity area they mold like crazy because there’s no dry time it rains at night rains in the daytime. You can’t put those down dry because even if you drive them off with a towel they’re still wet. That is not the way to go with any van RV, or anything you ever had a mold a tent
Embassy vans are on the higher end in terms of quality and priced about the same as the Travato. You guys should do a tour of their vans and or factory. Thanks for this video!!😉
Embassy has some awesome features like the lithium and no wood for a very reasonable price IMO for what you get. But the bathroom situation is a big drawback for many people. They don't really have a Bathroom. For 150k.
By the way, we have the exact same van as yours even the colors. You made us feel better because you have the same issues and the problems as we have 😅 currently our van is at the Phoenix La Mesa service for the last 2 months. They finally called us to pick up the van today at 3 however 3 issues hasn’t been fixed yet because they don’t have the right parts. 😮 Our warranty is over because it’s been 2 years now. One of the issues they haven’t fixed is the black plastic window trim in the back because no parts..😱It’s been really bad experience with them. You guys made us feel better though 😂 thank you
They aren’t even hiding the poor craftsmanship and waiting until you drive off the lot. We ended up with a ‘23 Travato 59KL after so many dealers said they wouldn’t sell Thor anymore.
The only ways to force these RV companies to raise their quality is to not buy them, continue to spread the word of their inferior products and as a last resort, demand the federal government impose strict regulations like in the automotive industry.
That Toffino would be exactly what I'd want if the rear seat had shoulder harnesses/anchors so you could strap kids seats into it. Breaks my heart to find one so close to what we'd want, honestly.
The wife and I fell into a STO beast July 2022 and though the pricing was not of the current it still was large BUT must admit not just I but the wife also has not regretted nor looked back the STO community is terrific, quality is outstanding and we have had so many great adventures we just wouldn’t have had without this rig. At the end of it the rig that is awesome and works for one will not for others, no matter the price or build quality it’s a RV it’s not will BUT a matter of when something breaks. It’s a tiny house always on the move it can’t be avoided. It’s also not a investment. But what it is is another tool you use to create memories in between the job and other drama of life and those are priceless. If you can purchase the best at what ever price point you can and enjoy remember we work to LIVE. Not live to work…
I’m disappointed you’re not mentioning the Roadtrek models. We a very satisfied with our 2021 Chase model which is similar to your Travato favorite. Great video enjoy, watching you both! Safe travels!
Think of that Tofino as a modern day VW Westfalia. Put up the top to stand and cook or brush your teeth. Any fridge is still a fridge! Add a couple of camp chairs and a porta-potty, throw some mountain bikes off the back, and let's go camping! $75k show price is a good value.
Agree, the vancaskeys do not understand that some of us are not rich and can only afford and entry level RV. Tofino is even upscale by my standards. You really only need a basic build to enjoy the great outdoors, and still have the safety of the van vs. a tent.
You know, everyone has different needs/wants/things they will accept and your video was wonderful and very informative. Now, you know, I looked at the Tofino on your vid and thought, wow, that's the one for me, and I didn't know there was anything that affordable and small. Nice. Thank you for doing the price comparison. It really helped me understand the range of possiblities.
As for the Tofino, it doesn't sound like it has an actual toilet, so I wonder if the registration can legally call it an RV. I thought to be considered an RV, it has to have 3 things: a way to cook food, a place to sleep, and a toilet. If so, this would be good for those with HOA's because they can't say anything because it isn't technically an RV. (I could be completely wrong! Let me know). I consider this one to be halfway between a conversion van and a Class B RV. I'm so glad you showed a Grech. Now you just need to drive one!
My Coachhouse Arriva is the best one! Rear bath (and it's dry, not wet!), twin beds, a full size fridge. Look it up. Take a road trip to visit the showroom, I'd love to see that video!
These people don't seem to understand that not everyone can afford, or want to afford, the more expensive vans but still want to experience the lifestyle. "Quality" isn't always the issue. Unfortunately they are ALL overpriced.
This is an absolutely ridiculous statement and accusation. Nowhere do they give such an impression to any sensible person. You are projecting. Your hateful attitude is of no consequence. Your low bank balance doesn’t necessitate spreading negativity on other people’s videos.
I bought a class B for 4k that has everything these have, 50k miles. Will probably last longer as well, Mercedes are probably the worst vehicle to own.
Oh no Tofino! Guys thanks for this awesome video. I think it's a tough run for any 'residential quality'van after Benz brought us the Sprinter. Everything else is kinda WAY over priced and a bit poopy sometimes. But the best ones are fun to look at.
@@Vancaskeys I have a Tofino as well. Certainly a great starter RV for a former tent camper. Has everything you need in a compact and stealthy package. We're not tall so the low roof works - you two would be uncomfortable due to your height. Pleasure Way makes a quality product and despite using my lights with the pop top down, I never had the marks like you saw on the pop top. Good luck with your next choice!
Agree, the caskeys made fun of the Tofino, but us average Joe's do not want and can't afford fluff that us more for looks than practicality. RV vans are for driving from place to place and camping, not meant to be a rolling hotel. The wife said she never heard of or saw a Tofino...It has been on the market for several years now. Those who need a toilet can get one of those cassette toilets like some of the expensive RVs have.
Thor Tellaro 20LT does have the same layout as the Travato you guys like. We love our 20 LT, it’s the perfect balance between cost, features & quality for us. 20 LT is most open floor of the models
Wow, you two missed your calling as camper van salespersons. I was floored by the price tags. It also looked like you had the place to yourselves. If I were buy one it would be the beast!
Hi Bob and Hillary 🤗 We like the idea👍for you both...to build a van in the near future...the way you both.. would like it for your needs!!! Thanks for sharing ..😁❤ Good night 😴
I been following you two sjnce you started. Thanks for your videos. We look forward to the,especially the way of our country seems upside down. You bring a light heartness to the rv world. I am a fan of winnebago over thor hands down.
Amen brother. I really don’t get this van thing. The prices are astronomical for what is essentially a house or hotel room on wheels. And yet they market these vehicles for “camping.” You’d have more experience with nature if you sat on your patio in your suburban home. The vans seem designed to maintain a barrier between you and nature. TVs? Give me a break.
Looking forward to this episode!! I still think the Thor Sanctuary is the best option for an adventure van. In any price segment. The difference between it and a revel or STO - allows for custom options post sale. Hence why I have a 19p sanctuary sprinter. Now In a non adventure style - there’s sooo many choices and price points. Since I’m 6’2” driving a Promaster is out for me. I’d probably pick a sprinter still. But might go pleasure way Ontour 2.0.
@@Vancaskeys thanks! Yeah it’s a good compromise no doubt… and not implying we haven’t had some issues. Which we assumed would happen. But driving position is amazing. That said each time we go to a show we always stop at the 59K Travato - amazing layout. But once i get behind the wheel and can’t recline the seatback because the galley hits it. Nor can push it back far enough to feel not tight. We leave saddened lol. But flip side the Thor Sequence/Tellaro we fit just fine in. Thor does something to the seat mounts that add an inch or two. I’d be curious how you like it behind the wheel on the Travato
Check out the Coachman Nova and Beyond class B lines. 3 floor plans available on either the Ford Transit or Ram Promaster chassis. The quality is pretty good and they can be purchased for as little as $120-5 K ish w/o lithium system.
Travato would be my choice a;so, but I would use the beds as twin beds. That’s because I’m 6’-6” tall and the expanded bed isn’t large enough, because the beds are offset. Plus if either my wife or Yoel need to use the restroom in the night it’s easier because my wife has mobility issues (knee) and crawling across the bed or across me and the bed would be problematic.
And I will add to that! 2023 Tallero 20J bought in July 28th of 2022. BM control board blank, Battery gauge error, vinyl peeling everywhere, window rails in rear fell off, but the worst just happened at 20,000 miles. The water tank sprung a leak 3/4 of the way up where the indents are. Did not know until noticed the flooring is all mushee, and warping. it has run underneath the cab(thought the water was coming from the AC, but it kept leaking after being parked for a day). Still have 8 years left on the mortgage. Have insurance but live and work mobile and cannot leave it at shop for 3 weeks. Plus the grey water hose compartment lock had to be replaced the first week with a "real Metal" lock
Nice, concise look at different van classes. I agree the travato is appealing from a value/quality standpoint. BUT, the kitchen sink is soooo disappointing. And it would never work for me bc of lack of toy storage. I also noticed the beds look comfy for sleeping, but not so much for lounging..you couldn’t even touch the floor with your feet. Mine is a custom build with no bathroom and fixed bed in back over the toy garage. It is perfect for me and I rue the day that I need to replace it.
We are fans. We enjoy watching your uploads. I was wondering if you figured out about the issues with the skyboxes which pops open while you drive on the highway
We just bought a 2024 Thor Scope 18g…built on the ram Promaster XL chassis. MSRP was $134,000, we paid $90. We like the short length, and most about it…it replaced our daily driver, and it drives real smooth around town. It has the pop up (which I don’t really think we’ll use)…also gets a lot of wind noise from it driving at highway speeds. That table on ours did the same with the edging peeling off! Had a couple issues with the door locks just locking by themselves! Also the display just kind of rest a couple times…on its own…while driving down the road! And…I hate the key fob - no auto start, and can’t unlock all the doors at once. And no Auto Unlock of all the doors when you turn it off - usually end up turning van off…getting out…going to side or back door…or even passenger door…fumbling for key fob…and unlocking each! Separately!
If yo are unhappy with the brightness of the headlights in your ProMaster, go to a specialty shop that deals in automotive lighting. There are replacement LED lights that will double or triple the lumens of the factory lights! They merely swap out the original bulbs in minutes.
You can't just swap out the bulbs. The entire reflector assembly is designed to match one and only one exact light source, and when you change the bulb, the new light source is a different size and shape. It WILL cause glare and blind oncoming traffic. It is also not street legal, and a sharp cop can have your rig impounded for lighting violations. Either upfit the entire fixture, or add auxiliary lighting that is SAE/DOT approved if you plan on street use.
@@lyfandeth I can’t speak for the pro master specifically, but most vehicles simply allow a swapping of the bulbs with an LED bulb. They are street legal up to two or three times the existing lumens.
I can't speak for the ProMaster in particular, but most bulbs are replaceable with an LED bulb that can be 2 or 3 times brighter legally. I have had this done on my own Kia mini-van. I spent about $200 for the conversion. There are automotive stores that specialize in this type conversion.@@lyfandeth
Remember precocious prices, back in 2020? All vans, even high end were under 100k. Stupid high prices today that need to get back to normal or everyone gets a 40% pay raise.
The Pleasure-way Tofino B needs a Rear Kitchen like a small tear drop and it would be on my list! Thor isn't known for its "QC" or insulation but in a pinch you could strip the interior and re insulate it...
Great video. There’s just one thing. It’s the Tofino. I get you like to keep things light and fun, but about the fire hazard with the lights in the pop up ceiling it needs to be taken extremely seriously. The cut to the office video and the sound effect, this is way to serious to be making light of it. If there is no way to turn off the pop up ceiling lights with the pop up closed, or, when the pop up is closed and the circuit to those lights doesn’t automatically turn off, but stays on, this is huge. This is so serious I’d say that it has the potential to trigger a huge recall for Pleasureway. I’ve reached out to Pleasureway and shared your video with them. I hope you do the same. I want the answer to this extremely serious issue. If Pleasureway responds please consider making a video highlighting the issue again and their response. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the tour of vans available at an RV show. The one with duallys is more of a B+ which is ok, but we are looking to get away from duallys. Not interested in a front wheel drive B and searches on the Mercedes diesel reliability scare me. When we went to an RV show and asked about something other, they said we would have to go to the dealer and put it on order. I think they only put stuff at RV shows that are hard to move. Enjoyed you all's perspective.
:) THANKS MUCH! I agree that the Travato is the best choice if you can afford it :) I had a Winnebego Class C and the quality was pretty good, just had trouble with Onan Genset, propane regulator $700 + :( Safe travels and ENJOY! Cheers!
Thanks for the reviews guys. I would love to get rid of my Thor Sequence 20A and get a Travato, some day. I've put to many extras in my van to get rid of it right now, despite the problems with the quality.
I own a Mercedes Marco Polo campervan, very tiny even for Europe. But I love the flexibility of driving a small camper (especially relevant in small towns in Europe). I am a bit surprised about the what it seems is the considerable lower quality of american campers compared to what you get in Europe. But nice to see what you guys get out in America of other layouts and solutions.
I love the Travato! I have seen the new Regency Brougham and have to say it is a step up from the Travato. Maybe 2 steps up. I’m looking to buy next year when I retire. Love your channel too.
I’ve had my Storyteller MODE LT for a 9 months and 24,000 miles. I have no regrets at all. The built quality has been good, but the warranty repair service is below average from my experience. My sliding door window has a small leak. It’s been 4 months since I opened a repair case and still not rectified. I average about 14-15 MPG and drives like a regular car.
Honestly, I think you have to build your own van to get everything you need. So many quality issues with most of these factory models. I also think a cabover camper might be the way to go.
That 75K PleasureWay must not be all that basic, as it has an induction cook top, which means it has a substantial electrical system, i.e. at least a couple hundred amp hours and at least a 2ooo watt inverter.
Winnebago Adventure Van is what we have been looking at. Always like the Travato 57KL and the National Parks edition. Storyteller is just way overpriced for what it is. Just get a Jeep Gladiator and a tent.
great video...except for one thing...but it is personal. I am 6'4" and so I won't buy any Class B based on either the RAM or Mercedes. I would love to see a video about Campervans I can stand up in, meaning built on a High Roof Ford Transit. Okay, yes I could stand up in the Tofino after popping the top.
I own a 2024 450 GLE E Benz and one thing about Benz is they are under powered. The Sprinters are really under powered. I prefer the Ford Transit with the Turbo V6 that has 310 hp. The Sprinter only has 208 hp. Going over mountain highways is a struggle for the Sprinter.
I am very interested in Roadtrek Zion and Pleasureway B vans. I hope one day you can do a video on those. Excellent content thank you for showing the differences as w know the details are important.
dang, why are the big makers skipping the Transit?? 350HD is a nice frame to start from, although it does seem that more and more class C’s are starting to show up on the Transit chassis. Love my 2017 Winnie Paseo, live full time and doing upgrades as we go…
Hard for me to believe that 144K is their bottom price for the Travato KL. We bought a 2022KL new in Sept 2021 for 126K and knew we were getting a good price, but still think you can get one for 135-140. There are so many now selling their slightly used rigs the market should be heading lower, if it's not already. I'd be surprised if NIRVC in Las Vegas isn't in that range. They'll pay you $500 for fly and drive, we thought it was crazy but it ended up being a nice 2K mile break in trip back home. We researched which van to get, and also which dealer to use, for quite some time. In terms of pricing and customer reviews, NIRVC was a clear choice. They say you get your perfect rig on the 3rd try but so far, our first did the job. We've put it through it's paces at 12K ft elevation in CO, to driving on some very rough roads and did fine. The 6 speed, which is now overkill at 9 speed, works great in hills. Why do so many owners insist on using "tow/haul", for hills? Anyone know how that even started? These owners are using tow/haul for hills, when there's a manual trans designed specifically for that purpose. Not sure if it's a matter of lazy, or afraid of shifting - which is ridiculously easy - who knows. It's not like there's a clutch and you're driving a corvette. Enjoyed your reviews - travel safe
Great video...We liked the Travato at first till we drove it. No room for your legs if you are long legged. No room to stretch out, driving, I guess. We drove a lot of vans for a couple years before we got our Coachmen Beyond 22c. We love it. It rides very nice and is very comfortable. In price it's somewhere between the Travato and the Grech. As in quality it's closer to the Grech as well. We did drive the Thor and I think you know what we thought of that. The only thing I think we would do different the next time would be getting another Coachmen Beyond 22D or 22RB. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I can't wait to see the next video...Peace!
Are you sure you had the seat all the way back? I'm just over 6' and have no issues. I can push it back even beyond where I normally drive, but I also admit it's not the most comfortable. Seemed stiff at first but after 22k miles I'm either getting used to it or it's getting broken in. I'd think someone up to 6'3" or so would be able to drive it ok. Happy travels
YES I am absolutely sure the seat was all the way back. Like I said before we have been driving and trying to find one of these things for a couple years. The Beyond has soooo much room. Love it now. @@vanlifeonthego6684
Why do they put in 1000 watt inverters??? It is very much useless for anything above charging devices, which you can do right from the 12volt system. 1000watt wont even make a coffee.
@donnachimenti7 There's a hose, so showers are not an issue. I did not want a toilet, so a portable one with compostable bags works for me. The Tofino has a sink, stove, and fridge, so I can do everything in it without the added trouble of having to take care of a lot of components.
