Don't have a lot of time for a full review? Check out my Mini-Review of the SS Agile! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rUJ64Finbd4.html *Also check out the live chat on the right to see viewer questions and answers about this review.*
Hi Neil. Great review. Just wondering what you would recommend for a young family of 4. Have twin 5 year old girls that still need to travel with a booster seat. Like to also sleep 4 as well. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Neil -- It frankly is shocking to discover just how little information on design, reliability, operating experience, etc., is actually available for RVs. And this is the state for a product category that generally sells north of $100k, sometimes well north. Your VLOG is a clear step in the right direction. Still, I do wish you could talk more about the user experience: what kind of fuel economy can we expect? just how reliable is that Dometic refrigerator? And just how many charge / discharge cycles can we expect to see from those $5k lithium batteries? And that generator, is it really as fragile as some of the rental houses would lead you to believe? Glad to have found your channel.
As always, your reviews are head and shoulders above all the ones I’ve been watching...and that’s pretty much all that are parallel in scope to your work. Detailed, thought through, most important features and a good evaluative spin on considerations of the buyer. I agree this one is a hot item. Only real downsides here for me are storage, and having feet under overhangs on both sides. But what can you do when space is that tight. I imagine we’ll see longer versions coming out of this van which will accommodate those items I mentioned. Roadtrek getsmy vote too for that outstanding warranty. They clearly want the business and are willing to stake their claim on quality and support. That’s a big thumbs up 👍! That’s again for an excellent review.😃
I'm only 5'2" but avoiding kicking the overhangs through out a night sleeping is a big draw back to me. Plus I still prefer to have the kitchen on the passenger side to enable safer driving ability.
We bought a 2018, the electrical system is a total joke if your in climate that requires constant use of the AC. The "Under hood generator" couldn't keep up with the load from the AC. Our dealership replaced the 2nd alternator thinking it was bad, which did not help. Roadtrek was no help either, could/would not provide the specs for the alternator to determine exactly how undersized it was. Ended up having to find a better alternator on our own which is able to keep up. The marketing and misinformation (or lack there of) around the ecotrek and voltstart is staggering.
I've read other reviews stating that the voltstart was indadequate (I don't remember the technical details, sorry.) I'm disappointed that such a high priced commodity is lacking (especially the bed description on mattress situation). I can't remember if it was this model or another brand that had sketchy insulation too (I think it was the much hyped Hymer that had the sketchy insulation - seen when inspecting electrical by the ribs that had touch & go spray on insulation, according to the review & what I have read.)
As in all things there is good and bad, thank you for pointing out the differences to consider. I too love the larger kitchen counter, but hate that I would have to be mindful all night sleeping of not kicking the overhang. I still believe PW has the right idea of putting the kitchen on the passenger side for greater visibility while driving. 19' is a great length and IMO perfect for couples and/or the growing market of singles. Again, thank you for sharing your insight on our options.
This review is so well done! You are stationary, but the camera moves around. It is so much better than the camera following the host who moves around and talks at the same time. You only appear in the vehicle when making a point about dimensions or comfort. The visuals that show information such as options and their costs are very helpful. I can take in the information more successfully when I can see it and hear it at the same time. Your assessments seem fair as you show the good and great, as well as the drawbacks. Excellent job!
Great video and I'm sure there is tons more that can be covered as well, but this one covers a great majority if things. Being a kinda DIY person myself, I would just put some kind of padding on the corners of the overhangs that I might kick at night that way it lessens the blow severely. As for the rattles, I would stop by Rag Shop or Home Depot or even order on Amazon some felt pieces with glue on the back and put it in those places that rattle the most...that or lots of velcro to keep things tight during bumpy drives. Probably even buy my own wall mount for the television that does a better job locking it in place or forgo a flat panel TV altogether and buy a pocket sized projector and make my own fixed frame screen that pulls out AND hides away neatly without rattling. Anyways, thanks for the hard work and effort making this video.
Thank you for exposing us to something we hadn't considered before. We have been limited in finding choices within the Class B+ arena that are designed for sleeping _just 2 people._ The extra space provided when not trying to sleep more than 2 people is rare. . .and critical. This would be ideal, because we also want to be able to drive in the cities we visit easily. Unfortunately, we do not want a wet bath, and we want a bedroom that is separate like the _Leisure Travel Van's Unity IB_ (which is at the top of our short list). All that being said, the features here also show us what is possible. We may wait until such features are more common options (or are readily available as affordable after-market upgrades). Thanks Neil!
I like the SS Agile alot. I love the length, size and anonymity. I dont need any flashy attention. I just want to camp not party. I prefer propane for heating, cooking and the refrigerator. This one is my favorite, so far.
Just saw a gloss cabinet version of this model and it is beautiful. This unit would be wonderful for running around town and short duration camping trips. Being in it for a couple weeks would drive me crazy. The bed with your feet under counter and storage cabinets would be difficult to deal with. The fridge is very small and the wet bath is a nonstarter. The induction unit is outstanding but it only has a single cooking surface. The price is very attractive but the unit is just to small for my wife and I.
Thank you very much for all the details. I'm looking in 2022, obviously the price will have gone up, but at least I know what options I am interested in. For just two of us mainly for day trips, this seems to check all the boxes. I wanted a comfortable place to eat, a decent toilet set up, and a bed that would serve if we wanted to do an overnight. Amazing how hard it has been to find a decent dining set up. It will be our first time so I'm sure there are tons we will learn "the hard way" but it sure helps to have someone with experience give a detailed review and recommendation. Thanks again. ETA: Well, bummer. Reading down through the comments I find this company is out of business. That's good info too. Thank you.
Neil - Just perfect!!! You truly have hit a home run with the format.....Keep them coming!!! Thanks again for all the great insight and awesome information.
My new favorite channel. By the time I retire I’d like to sell my house and travel the Country with my wife. About 13 yrs to go so I thought I’d start researching now. Later.
Did you say solar panels are an add on? And two batteries come standard? Maybe I am confused and they do come in the $125,000 price tag. If you really believe this is a good off grid option, you HAVE to have solar. It’s cheap and reliable. And you need more battery power than the two batteries that come standard. For $125,000, this should come with the lithium batteries and solar power as part of the package.
Induction range requires special cooking pans, which are heavier and more expensive, furthermore, you only have one burner instead of two. Other than that this is a great van very worth considering.
This is my first time watching your reviews and it was quite impressive enjoyable to listen to and informative . I do have one question don't know if you do that, If you were someone who needed full time A/C how long can this deliver , and im not talking battery power only lets say that whenever needed there was shore power, can this thing go 24/7 for a week month ? thank you David
“Substantial price increase” in late 2018 according to my conversation with the Roadtrek ceo. Great vehicle nonetheless. I initially wanted no propane also but fortunately had in on my Interstate 19’ while boondocking and needed to perk up my Lithium 525 amp hour pack because the solar wasn’t attached properly. Also, there are no 4x4 in North America whatsoever from what I was told and you’ll need to wait until the factory in the Carolina’s makes them...June?
can't wait to hear how you love your 19! regarding propane what you say here is exactly the truth. you think you don't need something until you do. there's no substitue for actual ownership is what I say. yeah if there are any 4x4 sprinter chassis they are 2017 or 2018 model years. certainly no 2019 yet. maybe mid next year... maybe. I think we'll just start to see the normal 2019 chassis come out mid next year so the 4x4 will be behind that I think.
Ultramobility It was you who first said that having propane can be a good thing and I didn’t like hearing it at the time but, as usual, you are correct! Dumping Roadtrek for Airstream was something of a forced choice that worked out well for me.
Is not the same owner it was sold Roadtrek was founded in 1974 in Kitchener as Home & Park Vehicles. The business was acquired by Industrial Opportunity Partners in 2011. Five years later, Germany's Erwin Hymer Group bought the company.
The only "negative " is that there doesn't seem to be splatter guards for the galley to protect the interior wall and possibly more importantly the rear of the driver's seat. Other than that would be a great short trip travel van
Have the propane version, had so many problems due to quality issues. But because it was expensive with warranty void now due to receivership few years back, dishing out thousands to replace the horrific Ecotrek system with conventional lithium set up. Then of course numerous issues with DEF system from the Mercedes chassis. If I had the choice now, I would avoid Roadtrek, Mercedes diesel chassis and go with something like Pleasure Way with Promaster or Transit chassis.
Thanks. If only the Winnebago Revel offered the Pure Energy electrical system I'd be all over it, suits my intended needs better. Don't mind the lack of closet storage, the gear garage and well planned bins would take care of that. I like remote camping.
I too like remote camping, living in AZ lots of rocks and rutted roads. I don't want to buy the Revel, mostly due to 1 year warranty. I would like to know more about clearance on both and comparisons of 4x4 option between vans.
@@Judy-cm6kp I too live in Arizona. The 4x4 chassis is the same on both but the SS Agile has more undercarriage "stuff", black tank, generator if not lithium equipped, propane tank etc. The Revel is probably less likely to get hung up or damage undercarriage components since there are fewer of them. Neither is really intended for hard core trails but the Revel would probably get a little deeper into the boonies. Pretty sure La Mesa RV carries both if you want to take a visit with a tape measure.
Thanks. I do plan to make these comparisons. I plan to attend the Super Class B show here in Phoenix in January to visit all the options in a class B that can go where I like
they still have quality issues. this particular unit didn't have any visible issues that I could report on. I did report in this review that the tv wasn't positive locking and the cushions are not latched down and also the flimsy pull out table for the front. quality was okay in this van.
Omigoddess! Your channel is the best for trying to sort out the complexities of the rv market! I'm going to watch all your videos that apply to my interest … I am a single woman with a dog, who wants a very short (20 feet or under) with the kitchen/bath in the back, and dinette/work station/table seating up front near the driver. May I say that your videos are very well done … edited well, your voice is very pleasant (not everyone's is) and you don't ramble on with extraneous details. Everyone's videos should be so good! Thank you for the fine work. If you happen to have a moment and you can tell me what the top makes/models are that are 20' feet or under. I had no idea there were so many choices! Overwhelming! Thanks again!
Great buy. I know larger rigs have you looking for places to park but I am afraid this size would have me looking for places to potty! Nice review Neil.
Do you still recommend buying an SS Agile like this now that Roadtrek has gone out of business? My concern is that the electrical system is proprietary. I love watching your channel! Thanks, Judy
I think this is one of my favorites next to the Hymer Activ 2.0. I’m 6’1 and I want to city dwell full time. I’m looking for something that I can boondock mostly while being as self sustainable as possible. I like the stealthy look especially and it’s mobility. With a trip to a hardware store or Walmart I can eliminate the rattles and items flying everywhere. This video is a huge help, thanks!
I still like the look of the PW Ascent better. I prefer the bigger windows in the Ascent and would prefer the galley on the passenger side. Though I like the stealth exterior of this one and the price. I'm excited about all the new safety features of the new Sprinter vans!
I think they should shorten the kitchen to increase the extra room for the bed, also offer an option for a shorter closet for even more room. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to have a good night's rest, feeling so contained.
Really loved this review! I'd be a buyer, but my garage cannot fit even a Class B (height problem), and I am not about to buy a vehicle that lives outdoors 24/7/365, unprotected from the elements! What do you think, Neil? What does everybody do? Just leave these beauties outdoors??? Thanks!
yep that's what I do! haven't seen any problems yet! if you want you can buy one of the portable car ports. people use those all the time in montreal during the winter to keep their cars from being snowed under.
FYI, these come with the option to have the AC mounted from below-Not on the roof...........no side awning! THEN ITS STEALTHY! However, if you n live with gas you can get the dodge Axion cardio for $52,800 with a electric cook top and 17 feet! Underhood generator and volt start standard with solar!!!!!!! yes, its gas but CHEAPER almost three for one-haha!
I like the idea of a short van RV, but of course this one is no longer available except in dealer stock. I am saddened by the loss of Roadtrek and it's Hymer cousins, especially with that great warranty. "Buy it," you said. Well, you can probably find a new one in stock at a blowout price, but you'll want to buy the dealer's warranty.
A whole lot of shaking going on 🎶 you can’t drive it w/o things moving around and your feet didn’t have much room in the bed. Hopefully they fixed that issue on the newer models
Of course, if I'd done a more thorough search of your video library, I would've found this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9hzP133RIoE.html I'm not sure if an update is in order or if your understanding of total cost of ownership has changed, but this is a nice review of the convenience issues related to the gas vs. diesel question.
How about a Mini-camper review. ReconCampers(California)has a pop top nv200 nissan minivan and DLM Distribution(Minnesota)has the Ford transit connect minivan conversions. Both under $50,000.
Dean at Pleasure Way always makes the point of multi energy sources in case of failure of one. Since you have a PW and have conversation with Dean, what’s your opinion on the probable reliable of these all electric options. Have you heard of the Agile having an option of an under chassis ac unit? Thanks.
hi david. ecotrek is in generation "H" now - 7 generations in and they've slowly been working out the bugs of their system. As I point out in my energy system video there are advantages and disadvantages to the eco-trek setup. advantage is that you can control each bank of batteries yourself. disadvantage is that you need to control each bank of batteries yourself ;-)
@David We are glad we saw your comment/qurstion. We are relatively new to the RV world, and the concept of having redundant systems in place in case of failure seems like a no-brainer concept now that you mention it, but I hadn't taken that into consideration. Thanks for mentioning it.
NEIL, Awesome production value and performance as usual. The video really moves well. I personally do not think you need to spend the time to produce the pie chart with the viewer request percentages..just say it, not worth the production time. This story was fantastic..great job, as usual! I would urge you to expand to other styles of RV's..you will get lots more subs because you are good at what you do. Streamline the production process even more, and serve a much larger audience. I personally love the class b's but I would watch you review lots of other things too.
yes I have a concern about that. I believe they are working with WATT fuel cell systems now so that they can get rid of remote start which is likely causing them to lose their Master Upfitters certification with Mercedes. Without a Master Upfitter certification you can't be sure that MB will honor their warranty with you when you take in your sprinter since they would consider any modifications done by Roadtrek to be done without certification.
Hi. Love your reviews! I have a few questions I wonder if you can answer... 1. Can this model be ordered without the wardrobe closet? 2. Do the front seatbacks fold flat such that they could be used to support a child's bed topper? 3. What is the height of the base of jump seats in the rear and the thickness of the cushion? I would like to be able to fit an ottoman between the kitchen-side jumpseat and the sofa to create an L-shaped lounge area (using the bathroom-side jump seat as a coffee table with the table top.) Ideally, the ottoman could also be used to seat a child at the front dining area and unfold into that front bed topper. Thanks for any info! Keep up the great work!
I have a 2006 MB SUV with horrible reliability and very high maintenance cost. Can’t imagine how expensive the maintenance/ repair costs on this camper.
i'm worried about the seat beside cook top...from all the oil splashes and mess from stove top. is it easy to wipe off? your reviews are always the best Neil! 👌
Wow, what a buy? I’d certainly consider it as an alternative to the Provan Tiger I’m looking at. The little Agile SS would get far better fuel mileage and I could use it as a daily driver!
Thank you so much, @@Ultramobility! I've just discovered your channel and, since I'm a semi-retired Civil Engineer, who enjoys elegant design; I appreciate your perspective. Keep them coming!
Great review. I'm also considering Winnebago BOLDT 4x4 with ALL LITHIUM power for around $150K. Will try to find your review of it. If you haven't yet made a review of the BOLDT please do so.
Hi Neil, I've been wondering about the induction cooktops that seem to becoming more prevalent. I can appreciate the increased counter space, the demise of the need for propane but unless you're cooking a one pot meal how does it work in the real everyday meal preparation. Have you any experience using the induction cooktop and if so can you address the pros and cons . Thanks for the great reviews.
hi rich - i don't have one but i can tell you that people love them. i personally wouldn't have a problem with a single burner but then again I'm not cooking for a lot of people.
thanks for the review. any chance of a video on the changes to the pleasure-way ascent for 2019? shorter rear bed now only 72 in, resonator on the onan generator now standard, new larger sink and new front cab sleeping system etc
wow that ia a first Neil! great review! thank you. i hope the longer version that will come out will accomodate a second sleeping area. the extra 2 3pts seat in this one means the 2 other person will have to sleep in a tent hahaha
@@Ultramobility ohh yeah ive seen that hmmm i think that is a winner. cant decide if id take that or wingamm brownie 5 8gl an italian b van. im just worried of the process of importing. i initially wanted a b+ or a c but i realized i with my family will just be using it once in a while then b van is best. your reviews helps alot Neil. Thank you.
$3590 for 300 watts of solar? A 300 watt panel is barely $300 dollars. I understand that there's a bit of a markup for labor, but $3200 just to mount and wire a panel?
great review...is this all season van???...If you can I would like to see a comaparison between two all season vans....coachman crossfit and winnebago paseo....thanks Neil
unfortunately this isn't. great idea on the comparison. I have to first do a full review of a crossfit. coachmen is supposed to help me find one but their ceo has been hit and miss getting back to me.
Hello Neil, do you have any info./updates about the warranty after their bankruptcy / changed owner to a France company. Will they honor their RV’s warranties as usual for those sold prior bankruptcy. Or basically all warranties down to drain??
Weve been considering an Agile for the past few months. I saw that there was a slight pay jump in the MSRP in 2021. Is it worth it, or is it essentially the same rig as say the 2019? Thanks!
I'm surprised on your "Buy" recommendation, I think I will just "Consider" it (which is better than it was). Do you say this because Roadtrek has had another year to work out the bugs of their power system? I must agree It is a good price for all that comes with it... I'll have to take a look at it next time I'm at La Mesa RV in Sacramento (if they have one).
yes roadtrek is in generation "H" of eco-trek - that's the 8th version and they've worked out a lot of the problems. also I didn't see as many quality problems in this particular van as I had in previous vans. and as you say the price is good especially considering all the upgrades you get that frankly are not available on many other comparable vans.
I would like to be able to buy fuel in Minnesota and Illinois. You once said this diesel only takes B5 bio-diesel and only B20 bio-diesel is sold in those 2 states. Can this diesel now take B20? I heard they were supposed to switch to gas engines.
nope the sprinter can still only take regular fill ups on b5. you can fill it up on b20 but mb doesn't recommend regularly doing so even on the new 2019 model year.
Hi Neil - I’ve been meaning to ask you this, I’m curious what you have to do with your van once you’ve ended your trip. I think I’ve seen a video of you doing a “pre-flight” checklist but am curious about a “post-flight” checklist. Also how do you clean it, on the inside and out? Can you just take it to a car wash?
wow great question. i'm looking for a sponsor right now for that! I do clean it up. I use a waterless car wash formula that you spray onto the van and then wipe it down. I open the refrigerator and let it air out otherwise you'll get mold. if the tanks are full I empty them. I do a thorough cleaning of the interior - wipe everything down. generally there's a lot of dust all over everything. I basically reset everything back to "normal". galley cabinets are cleared out of any food that we took on the trip. bathroom is wiped down, etc.
Hi Neil, thanks for the review. I have two questions: Does the SS Agile have a bathroom sink tucked away in there? and by any chance is the SS Agile four season? Thanks!
An "amazing price" of $125K is amazingly high to me. Why do European makers offer great class-B RVs that are 30% less but you can't buy them in the USA?
Propaneless is a negative in my world! I want a propane FirePit and the ability to cook on a outside grill! What are they thinking? Also the Galley is on the wrong side, another big mistake in my book. I am in the market for a short WB Class B and the available options just got smaller, PleasureWay's Asent & their FL are in the running. Additionally, the fact that these manufactures have been making these units for several years means that used Coaches are availavble!
One last thought, When Roadtrek went Bankrupt they left all their customers holding the bag, they loss $1000.00s of dollars in resale value! I realize this is a new Roadtrek company but they have to earn their reputation, not ride on the past! For me, I want to invest in a vehicle that has been proven. Remember, you never buy the first year production of any vehicle, much less one from a new company with inexperienced workers, I'll invest my $125000.00 else where..
Hi Neil. Thank you for the review. I had been looking at this SS Agile with the exact equipment :-). When I start shopping in Canada for prices, do you know how it would compare the US prices ? Thank you.
A very good review. Great job. I did find a 2011 Roadtrek Agile SS for $ 59,950. But it has 142,622 miles on it. Dealer says it drives like new. Should I consider that coach? The mileage is very high though.
Roadtrek quality? If your wanting to travel mainly back roads throughout the country is availability of diesel fuel a problem? Is this system more reliable than the Pure3?
hi michael - roadtrek quality is just okay. better than winnebago but not as high as PW. but their prices are good and their warranty is the best. I haven't found diesel to be a problem even on back roads. I just fill up before hitting the back roads just in case but once full you can go hundreds of miles. the eco-trek system, in my opinion is not as reliable as the Pure3 system by Volta. the Volta system is newer and isn't made by a coach builder. it's made by a company that only makes lithium power systems. having said that - the eco-trek system is a lot less expensive to get into: $9k for 400ah vs. $22k for the Volta Pure 3 system.
