It's been a while, and maybe time for an update, or not.
While I generally like the layout/floor plan of the Rize, AND if it would get stolen or destroyed, buy one like it again, here are a few things I would keep or change if I had a choice... Keep in mind we usually go places where we don't have hookups.
1) Things I have/want/need
Solar panels
Really help to feed the 12V fridge and keep batteries topped off when not in use. I even run my home internet modem and router off the 190W panel, ha. Bought a folding 100W panel just to play around with and separately charge my power station (1200Wh Li battery) if the camper is parked in the shade.
12V Fridge
Amazing how fast it cools down, and not having to worry about perfect level is liberating. It fits a good amount of food, freezer freezes well, and overall is so much better than my old ice chest that it is a must have...
Propane Stove
Very efficient way to cook, boil, and fry stuff. I even toast my bread this way. Sure, induction sounds wonderful, but then you'd need more battery power.
Propane Heat
Running this during cold nights is luxurious. Suffered enough on an air mattresses in tents... Just setting the thermostat to 58F and having a good nights sleep is wonderful.
Kitchen sink
Running water to fill pots and bottles, clean dishes etc is great to have.
Filtered fresh water
I use an inline 1 micron charcoal filter and don't worry about drinking water. Once a year I give the system a quick chlorine flush and then replace the filter. Easy.
Roof fan
Comes in really handy quite often. Pulls out hot/stinky air without killing the batteries or requiring the genny. I added a thermo controller and now have it on "Auto" to keep things cool while it is parked in the Sun.
2) Things I don't really want/need
Microwave
I don't use it, not just because it takes battery or genny power (if not plugged in), but the stove can do it all, including heating up frozen food which I simply take out of the freezer ahead of time.
Table
In a tiny space like this 18ft camper, a table is more in the way than helpful. This may be different for folks who work out of the van, but for me, pulling out the cutting board provides additional countertop space if needed.
Winegard/Wifi booster
I don't use it... again for someone working out of the camper it may be a "must have". For me, part of camping means being disconnected.
3) Things that could go either way (mostly depending on who comes along)
Shower / Hot Water
I have used it a couple of times after a hike, and on longer trips. In hot weather, a solar shower bag works for me too, as well as the outdoor shower connection. Not so much for wife/daughter who prefer the privacy of the RV shower.
Toilet
This was one of the "must haves" in our minds, but honestly, I don't use it much, and we have never used it to poop in it since nobody wants to clean that out of the cassette. The seat is very uncomfortable and especially when it is cold, causes leg cramps. So I rather p in a cup. TMI. Cleaning it out is not a big deal though, so I guess it's good to have just in case.
Bathroom sink
I use it to wash and brush teeth, sometimes, but could probably do without it and just use
the kitchen sink and/or outside.
Converter
We are rarely at places with electric hookups, and batteries are usually charged via the Solar Panel or via driving.
Inverter
We don't have a TV in the camper, and there is nothing else really that needs the 110V. Electronics are nowadays charged via USB-C mostly. I also have a power station which has an inverter that is just as capable than the one in the RV, and can even run the Microwave if I wanted to.
Generator
The only time we need this is in hot climates without hookup, when we need to run the A/C. This rarely happens, so rarely that I wish I could just let the motor idle and have a way to better direct the dash A/C into the interior. I thing I used the genny ONCE to recharge batteries.
A/C
See above. It's great to have when needed, but it does not happen that often for me. Maybe 3-4 days every other year. This was also one of our imagined "must haves" initially.
4) Things I wish it had
Better insulation
Gets very hot, very quickly when the sun hits. We can cover most glass, but the roof and side panels have some areas that are basically just metal and get super hot. Wish they had splurged a bit with insulating foam or more rock wool or whatnot.
Skylight
I think an additional source of natural light may be nice, of course with some insulating cover if it is too sunny or too cold. Stargazing? Difficult to find space at the top though. Maybe... instead of the Winegard.
Bug screen in the back
Sometimes opening up the sliding door and the back doors provides better air flow and views. Having a bug screen in the back (there is one on the slider) would come in handy. We can close the interior bathroom sliding doors, but of course that cuts the airflow and views as well...
More Clearance
The distance from stuff underneath the car (generator, batteries) to the road surface is not great. I understand it's not a 4WD Revel, but I hold my breath each time I go over a speed bump or out of a gas station.
Lithium batteries
Maybe... there are some drawbacks too, but the higher capacity/lower weight really tempt. I bought a Li Power Station which works really well for most things, in addition to the existing AGM batteries.
Of course everyone is different - some prefer Microwaves, some always plug in, etc. Feel free to share your experience/opinions.
I would recommend spending some time watching Youtube reviews of the various RVs that are appealing to you. Lots to learn. Big investment so you want to be sure to get it right.
How To turn on Microwave in Rize 18M without Generators
Linear Mode
