Class B campervans - summary of current models

[markopolo]

Class B campervans - list of current models. 19 manufacturers in this post so far!

We’ve flipped the page on the calendar to greet a New Year. I thought a summary of the Class B models available would be informative, interesting and fun to do so here it is. There’s no specific ordering of this list of companies except for the first three which are listed according to published market share rankings.

Copy this link: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=3420 for easy sharing of this topic via email or Facebook etc.

I’ll start with the market share leader Roadtrek. http://www.roadtrek.com

I believe there are ten models in their current line-up:
Ranger RT - Chevy Express
170 Versatile – Chevy Express
190 Popular – Chevy Express
210 Popular - Chevy Express
SS Agile – Mercedes Sprinter
CS Adventurous – Mercedes Sprinter
RS Adventurous – Mercedes Sprinter
E-Trek – Mercedes Sprinter
TS Adventurous – Mercedes Sprinter
Zion – Ram ProMaster

The new Zion should hit an affordable price point for anyone wanting one of the newer style European design vans. Full production of that model is slated for February this year. In a Youtube video, I think I heard Jim Hammill say that the CS Adventurous accounted for 50% of their sales (not sure if Sprinter only or all models). In addition, I think he said that the sales mix for the CS model was approximately 50/50 traditional generator/under-the-hood generator. Let me know if that is not accurate. They cover everything from the high end to more affordable models. Recent units being tested have lithium coach batteries. You’ll find solar panels on their units.

Next up is Winnebago http://winnebagotouring.com

They have 5 models now:
ERA 70A – Mercedes Sprinter
ERA 70C – Mercedes Sprinter (side slide-out)
ERA 70X – Mercedes Sprinter
Travato 59G – Ram ProMaster
Travato 59K – Ram ProMaster

There’s a model in Winnebago’s line-up for just about anyone’s preference and budget. A quick look on RV Trader shows new Winnebago Class B’s starting at $65,000.
Winnebago recently introduced the new Travato 59K with practical features like having two large Group 31 batteries and Solar charging at an affordable price point.
One thing I really like about Winnebago is the technical resources available to their customers. http://www.winnebagoind.com/resources/manuals You view or download detailed schematics of you unit. You’ll find part numbers for the screws used! You know exactly what you are getting, all the details are there.
They expanded in 2013 and there’s talk of another expansion in the news needed to keep up with demand.

Next up is Airstream http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches

Three models:
Grand Tour EXT – Mercedes Sprinter
Lounge EXT – Mercedes Sprinter
Lounge – Mercedes Sprinter

These are higher end coaches. Look through their website to see all the specs and features. You’ll see dual batteries, solar, 3M Protective Film on Rear Bumper and Forged Aluminum Wheels etc. The last report I saw showed them at 23.2% market share in the Class B category just behind Winnebago.

Next is Sportsmobile - http://www.sportsmobile.com/

Sportsmobile specializes in the conversion of vans into Class B campervans.

Van models include:
Mercedes Sprinter
Ram ProMaster
Ford Transit
Chevy Express
Nissan

They'll convert a new van for you or a van that you currently own. The company was founded in 1961!

Next up is Safari Condo http://www.safaricondo.com/en/

They offer an extensive selection of Class B RV’s. Models include:
ME 18' - GM Savana/Express
MC 18' - GM Savana/Express
MX 18' - GM Savana/Express
LC 20' - GM Savana/Express
LX 20' - GM Savana/Express
LDX 20' - GM Savana/Express
LSX 20' - GM Savana/Express
LC 19' - GM Savana/Express
LX 19' - Mercedes Sprinter
LDX 19' - Mercedes Sprinter
LSX 19' - Mercedes Sprinter
XL PLUS 22' - Mercedes Sprinter
XLT 22' - Mercedes Sprinter
MX 18' - Ram ProMaster
XL FLEX 21' - Ram ProMaster

A quick, one page overview of their current models is here: http://www.safaricondo.com/en/motorises . Watch for new models in 2015 including the Safari Condo Sprinter XL FLEX very soon and their first Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 in March or April 2015. They’ve just received their first diesel engine Ram ProMaster also so expect that to be an option. Safari Condo offers some unique options like the electric TOPS roof and expanding shower. Solar and dual batteries are available.

Next up is Pleasure-Way http://www.pleasureway.com

According to the latest brochure, current models include:
Plateau TS – Mercedes Sprinter
Plateau FL – Mercedes Sprinter
Ascent – Mercedes Sprinter
Lexor TS – Ram ProMaster

The Lexor TS – Chevy Express may still be available and in production. Check with Pleasure-Way if you are interested. The new brochure indicates that an optional solar package is available on all models and that a retractable screen door is an option available on their Sprinter models. Dual coach batteries are offered on the Lexor TS – Ram ProMaster model.

Next I’ll list Advanced RV http://www.advanced-rv.com

Advanced RV is, I’d say, a custom Class B manufacturer. The RV’s are built using Mercedes Sprinter vans. If you want a special workstation or need a safe and comfortable enclosure for your pets for example then Advanced RV will accommodate your requests. You’ll see things like a safe for security, solar, lithium batteries etc. Check the website. That should give you a good idea of what they offer. There’s been some discussion lately about a waiting list for their units because of demand. See this link http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...p=24173#p24174

Next is Sterling RV / Great West Vans http://www.greatwestvans.com

Models include:
Legend - Mercedes Sprinter
Legend SE - Mercedes Sprinter
Legend EX - Mercedes Sprinter
Classic - Ram ProMaster

It is my understanding that the company moved production from Canada in 2014 to Winfield, Alabama. I think they were first to offer innovative features like a sliding screen door on their vans. Solar, multiple batteries etc. would also be available.

Next is Leisure Travel Vans http://www.leisurevans.com

Models include:
Free Spirit - Mercedes Sprinter
Free Spirit SS - Mercedes Sprinter (side slide-out)
Free Spirit TE - Mercedes Sprinter

Leisure Travel Vans introduced a side slide-out Class B based on a Mercedes Sprinter van in 2012. It was the first I’d seen. Roof Trim Kit with Integrated Awning, solar and Screen Door for Side Entry are some features/options available on their Class B Vans.

Next is New-West V.R. https://www.new-west.com/eng/ or https://www.new-west.com/our-new-west.html

Four current models:
Excursion - Chevy Express 1500
Expedition - Chevy Express 1500
Migration - Chevy Express 1500
Evazion - Mercedes Sprinter 2500
Liberte - Ford Transit

I've visited the showroom and was impressed by what I saw. Marine-like (quality) in the fitment and components. The focus is high quality, easily driveable "car like" RV's. Solar options - of course!

Next is Coach House Inc. http://www.coachhouserv.com/model-V24.php

One Class B model:
Arriva V24 TB - Mercedes Sprinter

Rear bathroom, solar and dual batteries look to be an option.

Next is Midwest Automotive Designs http://www.midwestautomotivedesigns.com/model-rv.php

One Class B model:
Weekender RV - Mercedes Sprinter

Solar and seat massage are two of the options listed.

Next is ProLite http://www.roulottesprolite.com/sprinter-eng.html

One Class B model:
Prolite Sprinter - Mercedes Sprinter 2500

Lot's of counter space, raised height refrigerator.

Next is HymerCar USA http://hymer-usa.com/
HYMERCAR Grand Canyon - Ram ProMaster

Here are eight more Class B Van builders:

GTRV - http://www.gtrv.com

SVO Group - http://svogroup.server289.com - Ram Promaster

Van Specialties - https://www.vanspecialties.com

Outside Van - http://www.outsidevan.com

Majestic Van - http://www.majesticvan.com/fordcampervans.html

The RV Factory / Avion Class B Motorhomes - http://www.avionvans.com/

Florida RV Sales & Service - Custom Class B's - http://floridarvdeals.com/

Morehead Design Lab - http://www.moreheaddesignlab.com/

Gala RV - http://galarv.com translated: https://translate.google.com/transla...com&edit-text=

[Davydd]

Sportsmobile?

BTW, to date, Advanced RV has two basic vans in the Ocean (regular body Sprinter) and Ocean One (extended body Sprinter). Also, they do a lot of custom work but it is so far only the modification of a basic floor plan. You can't get custom work done such as Sportsmobile allows with any floor plan you desire or think you can make work.

[markopolo]

Oops! I'll add them.

Thanks for the info on Advanced RV also.

[obgraham]

Good job on that list. Some I had not been aware of, like Outside Van. $280,000 list on their latest fancyvan!

[avanti]

Other innovations by Sterling/Great West:
--Espar Hydronic diesel heat/on-demand hot water
--Tri-fold power rear bed with slide-forward "cargo" mode

Both of these, along with the screen-door and the basic floor plan were adopted by ARV (which is sort of a spin-off from Great West)

[markopolo]

I kind of faded a bit at the end of the list

I think that the "market" of or for Class B's is a lot bigger than the reports I track here: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...2498&start=198

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by avanti

Other innovations by Sterling/Great West:
--Espar Hydronic diesel heat/on-demand hot water
--Tri-fold power rear bed with slide-forward "cargo" mode

Both of these, along with the screen-door and the basic floor plan were adopted by ARV (which is sort of a spin-off from Great West)

Not a "spin off". Mike Neundorfer was just another customer trading in his Pleasure-way Plateau and bought a Great West Van Legend shortly after I bought mine and was responsible for them installing the Espar system as well as some other changes and features like larger refrigerator, multiple batteries, larger inverter, etc. Great West Van customers benefit from to this day. Then he decided the only way he was going to get what he really wanted he was going to have to start building his own. Martin Guerts was the owner and creator of Great West Vans at the time and was much the same in seeking innovation. The tri-fold sofa and screen doors came from his time.

The basic floor plan for the Sprinter actually came from Leisure Travel Vans. LTV was the first Sprinter converter. Pleasure-way and Great West pretty much adopted it. Great West moved the bathroom from the front of the lineup on the driver's side to the back. That was the basic difference. Roadtrek came out with the galley flipped to the driver's side mainly I suspect to stay in philosophical tune with it's Chevys. Since Roadtrek was the most popular several companies like Airstream, Winnebago, Thor and others chose to compete directly with them in plan layout. That's pretty much how it all developed with the Sprinters. A lot of me too.

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by markopolo

I kind of faded a bit at the end of the list

I think that the "market" of or for Class B's is a lot bigger than the reports I track here: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...2498&start=198

Marko,

Those reports have been suspect by many of us for a long time. Especially the one where only four manufacturers get reported. It is almost like a little club.

However, the market might not be that big. I just learned my new Advanced RV will only be the 15th built for and sold to an independent customer. Now that is an exclusive club. There are some others out there that were sold on spec and a few that are in a rental market in both Ohio and California. In the past couple of years I doubt there have been much more built by Great West Vans. Now I am reading rumors that the LTV Free Spirit has been suspended probably because they have a backlog on Unity demand and they can't hire the right people on the prairie where an oil boom is going on. People are asking where are all those Airstreams if Thor has such a large market share. Just judging by Facebook interest, Roadtrek is by far the biggest and Pleasure-way second. Pleasure-way seems to be gravitating to small Class Cs as is LTV.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Davydd

Not a "spin off". Mike Neundorfer was just another customer trading in his Pleasure-way Plateau and bought a Great West Van Legend

Um...
Well, if you say so. But, the situation is not that simple, and has been subject to a certain amount of revisionism along the way. The "spin off" part has more to do with Mike Ellis than with Mike Neundorfer. Yes, I know that ARV was always N's game, but reports vary on the extent of E's early involvement as well as what ultimately came of their relationship (and, yes, I am aware of the current spin on this question--no need to repeat it here). I don't have any inside information, and I don't really care enough to continue this conversation further, but interested parties can do the obvious Google searches. Just include both names.

Doesn't really matter much. The important part of my comment was the obvious and well-documented fact that the standard GWV design was the starting place for ARV's fine work. I doubt that Mike N would quibble with this.

[Davydd]

The point I made was none of that innovation was created by Sterling, and other than the screen and the bed under the old ownership, the latest innovation was a request of Mike N. also under the previous ownership. Mike Ellis did not create it but he was aggressively open to innovation. Mike Ellis has no involvement with Advanced RV today. He was briefly involved with the start up of ARV mostly with promotion (his expertise) after GWVan was sold to Sterling since he had no position with GWVan after that. By May, 2012 when ARV formerly announced and got their first van delivered Mike Ellis was out of the picture and back in Canada with his own promotions company the last I heard.

Anyway, Advanced RV has advanced (pardon the pun) far beyond Great West Van in every aspect and continue to innovate. In regard to the tri-fold bed I was surprised few people actually ordered them at ARV. I didn't. I've had bi-fold/ottoman and trip-fold beds in my previous Bs and am moving on to bigger and better things (I hope). I'm going to say, you ain't seen nuthin' yet.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Davydd

The point I made was none of that innovation was created by Sterling

My last word on this topic:
It is misleading to suggest that "Sterling" and "the previous ownership" are disjoint organizations. The core of the innovators at GWV are still with the company.

Over and out.

[markopolo]

Fun to look back: 10 Years of Sprinter based Class B RV's - http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=2720

[Davydd]

Sterling got rid of the slide out bathroom sink on the GWVan. Very innovative but it gave just about everyone headaches and the dealers were clueless, I finally semi-resolved it on my own. The drainage system could not stand up to the constant slide in slide out motion. They used corrugated bilge pump hoses that were designed to be flexibly connected but not to move, IMO.

[Boxster1971]

[quote="Davydd]
People are asking where are all those Airstreams if Thor has such a large market share. ....[/quote]

Airstream Interstate owners are over here: [url="http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240/"]http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240/[/url]

... and on Face book here: https://www.facebook.com/airstream

... with over 100,000 followers. The Interstate B-van owners seem to hang with the trailer folks more than anything else.

Cheers,
- - Mike

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

I used to be fairly active in that forum when I had an Airstream trailer. Then the motorhome forum was pretty dead. My first interest in Bs was the Airstream Westfalia Sprinter but figured we would tire of the weird climb to get into the bed. I still go back occasionally when questions come up about Minnesota's north shore.

[markopolo]

Airstream's growth in the Class B market has been steadily reported. I don't doubt those number and I asked the company who issues one of the reports about Airstream/Thor and the answer was "we only count Airstreams in the class B report for Thor". It further explained that was subject to change if products changed.

Just to clarify, I don't doubt the accuracy of the reports as presented. Those reports are based on certain input criteria. The RVIA shipment reports would be based on RVIA member submissions.

That could miss GTRV, Outside Van, New West, Prolite, Safari Condo and custom builders if they are not members. Safari Condo is a member of CRVA for example. http://www.crva.ca/rv-manufacturers/cla ... sultpage=2 but I don't think they are an RVIA member. Looks like they are extending their market to Australia: http://www.safaricondo.com/en/nouvelles ... australia_

That's what I meant when I said I think the B market is bigger than the two reports I track. Some units just won't make it to the reports. Also, you're more likely to have a DIY B than a DIY A or C. DIY units wouldn't make it to the reports either.

[SiennaGuy]

The Prolite Sprinter is listed as having a 7 feet interior height. It's probably a rounding error, if they converted metric measurements. I've contacted them for verification.

[markopolo]

Just doing some housekeeping - linking topics etc.

A link to this topic - Class B campervans - summary of current models - is now pinned at the top of the The Manufacturers & Models section ( http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=11 )to make it easy to find later.

Also here's a link to the List of Ram Promaster based Class B Campervans topic http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=3386

That should make both topics easier to find as time passes.

[Fastpaddler1]

Markopolo,

That is an awesome review and we should all thank you. I am still looking for a deal and these companies all have something of interest. Well done.
AL

[Boxster1971]

I agree - well done and thanks for the effort.


- - Mike
2013 AS Interstate on 2012 MB Sprinter 3500 Long & Tall