Research mode - Sleeps 3 w/o Toilet/Bathroom

Flypaper6877 · 06-30-2024, 09:40 PM

Hello all!

Newly started down this rabbit of trying to research a Class B camper van, rolling around the idea of purchasing one for my kids and I to go on longer vacations with. I have two kids under ten so trying to find something that will sleep the three of us. I really don't like the idea of having a shower in the van, so trying to find something that doesn't include the shower but sleeps more than two seems to be a unicorn. I did see find the Thor 18T but then I found this website where I've read a lot about quality issues with that brand, so I was really hoping to get pointed in the right direction here.

Thanks in advance!

v/r
FP

ks@yvr · 07-01-2024, 01:25 AM

You might want to look for a VW Westfalia or similar pop-top van that at has a lower and upper bed plus a further bed across the front of the van over the seats and the steering wheel. There are also vans that have two beds but they are scarce.

Get the kids involved early so they feel like they have some involvement which will pay dividends later when you make your eventual decision work for all of you.

mumkin · 07-01-2024, 04:17 AM

Avoiding Thor's quality issues is a good idea. Finding a rig without a shower? I assume that you do want a toilet? Yes. If so, there will also be a shower, but there is no rule that you use it. lol Some of the older vans on the Ford and Chevy have the shower in the floor of the aisle, but it is covered up, and you can easily only use the toilet.

Flypaper6877 · 07-01-2024, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the thoughts and input so far, I appreciate it.

I was thinking of trying to avoid the bathroom all together mumkin. I've seen some with the stashable portopotty which would work for emergency situations but we live on the east coast and have experiences with tripping to KOAs, so if I keep on that idea we never really stay anywhere without a facility. Also the vans I've been seeing that are on the smaller side are 2wd, so I don't see me rolling the dice with what I'm looking to get and going off roading with it.

Those VWs are kind of what I'm thinking, ks@yvr, but I would perfer it to be a little newer (warranty). But yea the idea of a pop top for the kids with a folding bed for me is great, then half the van is a kitchenet with the only water to be worried about being potable and grey tank storage.

Unfortunate about Thor's quality, daughter and I spent some time watching videos on them on YouTube and she was excited over them...lol

Lots more research to do on this! Thanks!

V/r
FP

mumkin · 07-01-2024, 10:24 PM

LOL... they all look great in their videos. They don't point out which cabinet tends to fall off or the generator that almost drags on the ground or...

The only way to get everything you want, but nothing you don't want is to do as I did with my last rig. I bought the small Promaster van I wanted with my preferred options, and had it delivered to a small converter who built to my design. The catch for that tends to be getting it tagged and insured as an RV. I had to jump through hoops and make one trip back to the factory for additions to make them happy. In most states, tags and insurance are both cheaper... in some states significantly cheaper for an RV. AND once your kids are bigger and you perhaps need something different, it will be difficult to sell or trade-in.

So in many ways, you are financially better off getting a traditional conversion. Most buyers have a functional bath room as a top requirement. Just a thought to you...

Flypaper6877 · 07-01-2024, 11:31 PM

Thanks Mumkin, that's a good consideration too to point out with the insurance. Bet there are more considerations like that too that I need to put my ear to the ground for.

What is the consensus on the Hymer brand? I came across this type of vehicle and it's piqued my interest:

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...2+0-5029020820

Thanks again!

FP

KurtFranz · 07-02-2024, 02:25 AM

check out the chevy roadtreks. you can easily sleep three in there and there is no shower taking up any space.

jnp1660@gmail.com · 07-03-2024, 08:24 AM

Hello,
I had a 1999 RT Dodge Versatile which seated 4 and slept 4. Queen in the back and 2 twins upfront. Seat belts for all. And separate sleeping quarters too ! One could remove the seat behind the driver door and install an armoire. This was my fav RT. It was me, my son, our dog and maybe an extra neighborhood kiddo. or three kids and dog was boarded. Have the fun is looking !

Flypaper6877 · 07-03-2024, 12:13 PM

Thanks all, I'll check those two others out too! And I agree, its been a lot of fun looking! Ha!

Thanks again all, happy Fourth!

v/r
FP

Jhv2 · 07-03-2024, 01:08 PM

If you're considering new, have you looked at the Pleasure Way Tofino. I also think the Winnebago Solis Pocket has a floorpan without Wet Bath.

habsfan59 · 07-08-2024, 11:25 AM

Older model of Safari Condo (built on GM platform with the pop-up) might be a good option for your needs.

mumkin · 07-08-2024, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flypaper6877

What is the consensus on the Hymer brand? I came across this type of vehicle and it's piqued my interest:

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...2+0-5029020820

How did I miss this question? Sorry...

Hymer is the German company that owned Roadtrek long enough to bankrupt it as they sold out to Thor. Now a French company owns Roadtrek, but the Hymer products became orphans. (Thor does make a similar floor plan now, but has the Thor quality issues) The only real support you would have is a good knowledgeable Facebook group, and only dealers who understand the Roadtrek electrical system can work on them without making a mess of things. Depending on where you live, it can be hard to get service on that part of the rig. The floor plan would be good for you with the little dinette area in the front for the kids to ride... and the poptop for sleeping. It has no black tank, but a cassette system. If the cassette is too heavy for you to empty, that toilet would be easy to remove and put in a standard portipotty.

I was actually negotiating on a 2019 Aktiv at the same time as for my 2019 Roadtrek. I really liked the European styling of the Aktiv, but I ended up staying with my regular dealer... and I wanted the big fridge up off the floor. I was also concerned about the height of the bed in the rear, which likely wouldn't be a problem for you... as you are much younger. lol

This one looks nice, and it's been on the market for nearly 6 months, so that price is negotiable I assume...

Flypaper6877 · 07-09-2024, 02:53 AM

Awesome response Mumkin, appreciate it very much!

Thanks all too, still keeping the ear to the ground on this one as to not rush it so I might do more research on the actual companies too because those are some good things to consider; that being the actual support for the vehicle if the company is no more...

Thanks again all!

v/r
Fp

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