Future Class B owner

[sbslider]

We are looking into buying a ~20' camper van. It seems like the number of questions, options, etc. is a bit overwhelming. Based on limited research thus far, figuring we will get something a couple years old ish, with a rear toilet/option of showering outside. I've looked at floor plans for several manufacturers, so if we stick with the above notional floor layout the number of models is reduced a fair amount.

I likely need to start listing models and features of each (cost, mpg, warranty if any remaining based on age, other???) to begin to narrow the field. I peaked around here a bit and see the posts by marcopolo, which have some value. Would love some sort of step by step approach to evaluating new vs used, manufacture reliability, lithium vs lead, things I haven't thought of, etc.

[MsNomer]

If you consider one on the Promaster Van, check out this video. We respect the presenter so much that we drove more than 2,000 miles RT to have him do some repair work on our van.

https://www.promasterforum.com/threa...7/#post-794204

[sbslider]

Originally Posted by MsNomer

If you consider one on the Promaster Van, check out this video. We respect the presenter so much that we drove more than 2,000 miles RT to have him do some repair work on our van.

https://www.promasterforum.com/threa...7/#post-794204

Thanks, that's an informative video.

[engnrsrule]

We decided on a class B, we had diesel sprinter top of wish list. we had notions about floor plans etc, but realized finding the right deal in a used one really over rode floor plan concerns.

BTW 2006 was before DEF.

Very pleased with the one we found. It was 12 years old when we bought it. 2006 Roadtrek Adventurous. Been 5 years and over 50k miles, including a 46 day cross-country and Canada trip last summer. Also pull a Jeep Cherokee TOAD with it.

[Hatteras Jim]

Avoid diesel sprinters like the plague that they are. Too many issues with the SCR (system that cleans the emissions with def fluid) that could leave you sit. If you want to google something, try "Sprinter 10 starts left". There was a class action lawsuit and original owners received up to $3800 settlement. Part of that settlement was an overhaul of the current system with all new parts. One year later, mine broke again for the 7th time (in 2022). Mine is a 2013. Stick with gas on anything that you buy, IMO. Welcome.

[ponstad611]

Originally Posted by sbslider

We are looking into buying a ~20' camper van. It seems like the number of questions, options, etc. is a bit overwhelming. Based on limited research thus far, figuring we will get something a couple years old ish, with a rear toilet/option of showering outside. I've looked at floor plans for several manufacturers, so if we stick with the above notional floor layout the number of models is reduced a fair amount.

I likely need to start listing models and features of each (cost, mpg, warranty if any remaining based on age, other???) to begin to narrow the field. I peaked around here a bit and see the posts by marcopolo, which have some value. Would love some sort of step by step approach to evaluating new vs used, manufacture reliability, lithium vs lead, things I haven't thought of, etc.

The most important thing to consider is your own preferences - there are a lot of choices out there, and not everybody shares the same priorities. What's important to you and your family? For some, having a shower is a waste of space. For us it is a necessity. How handy are you? My point is that everybody is different.

[jeana]

Originally Posted by sbslider

We are looking into buying a ~20' camper van. It seems like the number of questions, options, etc. is a bit overwhelming. Based on limited research thus far, figuring we will get something a couple years old ish, with a rear toilet/option of showering outside. I've looked at floor plans for several manufacturers, so if we stick with the above notional floor layout the number of models is reduced a fair amount.

I likely need to start listing models and features of each (cost, mpg, warranty if any remaining based on age, other???) to begin to narrow the field. I peaked around here a bit and see the posts by marcopolo, which have some value. Would love some sort of step by step approach to evaluating new vs used, manufacture reliability, lithium vs lead, things I haven't thought of, etc.

Buy used and well cared for
is not worth the money
There is no perfect floor plan
We have a 20 footer Just enjoy

[Sleeping Dog]

As others have said, there are no perfect layouts or vans. Everything is a compromise, sit down with your partner and list your wants and then prioritize them. There are numerous YouTube vids doing walk arounds and evals of various campers spend time watching those. If you can rent a camper that you think that you'd like or something with a similar layout. The funny thing is, stuff that seems like it is gotta have, often isn't when you've lived with the van for a time. Good luck.

[GeorgeRa]

Originally Posted by Hatteras Jim

Avoid diesel sprinters like the plague that they are. Too many issues with the SCR (system that cleans the emissions with def fluid) that could leave you sit. If you want to google something, try "Sprinter 10 starts left". There was a class action lawsuit and original owners received up to $3800 settlement. Part of that settlement was an overhaul of the current system with all new parts. One year later, mine broke again for the 7th time (in 2022). Mine is a 2013. Stick with gas on anything that you buy, IMO. Welcome.

I assume it was covered under recall based exttended warranty. What happen this time?

[N147JK]

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

The funny thing is, stuff that seems like it is gotta have, often isn't when you've lived with the van for a time. Good luck.

Completely true. Problem with making a priorities list is, once you have some experience, your list might be completely different. Our current van is great - we will never sell it. It's completely different from our first van! Point being, one has to go though the learning process, and it's not possible to do that looking at brochures and making lists.

[booster]

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

As others have said, there are no perfect layouts or vans. Everything is a compromise, sit down with your partner and list your wants and then prioritize them. There are numerous YouTube vids doing walk arounds and evals of various campers spend time watching those. If you can rent a camper that you think that you'd like or something with a similar layout. The funny thing is, stuff that seems like it is gotta have, often isn't when you've lived with the van for a time. Good luck.

And of course the opposite is also true. We have also found what you mention about what we thought was important, that wasn't, but we also have found the stuff we thought wasn't important turned into things we now would not give up for anything.


We have deincorporated on incorporated a lot of stuff into the same van and as others have said, never found anything we liked better.

[sbslider]

This post found its way back to life today! Thanks for all the replies, it seems like there's plenty to ponder here . . . .

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by sbslider

We are looking into buying a ~20' camper van. It seems like the number of questions, options, etc. is a bit overwhelming. Based on limited research thus far, figuring we will get something a couple years old ish, with a rear toilet/option of showering outside. I've looked at floor plans for several manufacturers, so if we stick with the above notional floor layout the number of models is reduced a fair amount.

I likely need to start listing models and features of each (cost, mpg, warranty if any remaining based on age, other???) to begin to narrow the field. I peaked around here a bit and see the posts by marcopolo, which have some value. Would love some sort of step by step approach to evaluating new vs used, manufacture reliability, lithium vs lead, things I haven't thought of, etc.

Welcome to the forum. Think you will enjoy whatever you find. As for RV Class B baths, you will find they are WET BATH, meaning everything in in the bathroom when you shower. I don't sell them. As for a rear bath, you may change your mind, but check out the CoachmenRV.com as they have one or two with a rear bath. RAM, Ford and Mercades-Bens. Now SunshinestateRVS.com has all kinds of Class Bs new and used and will deliver anywhere in the USA. Good Luck... in you searching.

[sbslider]

I would say the Nova RB would be in the consideration, thanks!

[Dogman]

Coachmen Class B has three models a Mercedes Benz but no rear bath. However, the Nova RAM and Beyond by Ford both have rear wet baths. Here are the two links.

https://coachmenrv.com/beyond 22RB
https://coachmenrv.com/nova 20RB

Good Luck, on your quest to find the right Class B.

[Dave-DJ]

Ram Promster has good gas mileage, good turn rad, 9 speed trans, front wheel drive, lower cost, lower step up. It was easy pick for me. Once I had the Van, then it was the right floor plan. I am tall and like the open floor plans, so Thor 20L/2LB was the only pick for me.

[sbslider]

We pulled the trigger today on a 2006 Roadtrek 190 Popular. Some follow up questions in another post.