Maxvan Mini rv-something new

[GAH]

It is very unique with some interesting features. Can’t find any pricing info yet but they say in the video it is much less than traditional class b’s. While not for everyone it is an interesting concept.
Maxvan Mini RV:
https://youtu.be/WmW3IVylmGU

[markopolo]

I found pricing info on the their website: MaxVan

It's impressive that they are fully NHTSA tested. They say they use weight saving technologies so I be curious to know how much they weigh. It would depend on the options chosen. I could see having a lighter weight small RV to pull behind a larger motorhome.

[InterBlog]

It is a unique market entry but they would be doing themselves a favor by addressing its upfit potential, especially for solar. It's obviously targeted at a younger market segment and the young are increasingly clamoring for off-grid capability. I sent them an email communicating this to them.

[wincrasher]

Intriguing.

Dimensionally, this looks the same as the B+ units in Europe that are only as wide as the van body. Here, since they are using a minivan as a base, the body looks to extend out farther.

Looks spartan. I'm not keen on the "throne" sitting out in the open. I'd like to see an enclosed wet bath with a swivel head commode.

I'd prefer this to be on a Toyota pickup chassis though. Tougher, higher payload, and you'd have a 4x4 option.

[jon]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Intriguing.

Looks spartan. I'm not keen on the "throne" sitting out in the open.

Chicken....

[mumkin]

Originally Posted by jon

Chicken....

He's just shy... LOL

I wish it was on a Toyota Sienna... but reading around, it appears that they also do other vans... they refer to "donor vans."

Did you check out the crash test photos?

I was hoping that it would fit in a garage... but it is 95 inches...

My first thought was also... where's the solar panel? a 110 only fridge?? What about when you are driving?

I might have to give them a call and see how flexible they are.

[skiMore]

Originally Posted by mumkin

He's just shy... LOL

I wish it was on a Toyota Sienna... but reading around, it appears that they also do other vans... they refer to "donor vans."

Did you check out the crash test photos?

I was hoping that it would fit in a garage... but it is 95 inches...

My first thought was also... where's the solar panel? a 110 only fridge?? What about when you are driving?

I might have to give them a call and see how flexible they are.

The website says the fridge is 12V.

[GeorgeRa]

Interesting, I like:
1. Simple and Spartan
2. Not much room taken for shower
3. Cassette
4. Seem well made

Would have issues:
1. Chrysler minivan
2. Lack of rotating front seats, the whole front become useless with bed in place
3. Low road clearance

Nice to see that marine water heaters are gaining popularity.

Could not see prices.

[wincrasher]

Originally Posted by mumkin

He's just shy... LOL

I wish it was on a Toyota Sienna... but reading around, it appears that they also do other vans... they refer to "donor vans."

Did you check out the crash test photos?

I was hoping that it would fit in a garage... but it is 95 inches...

My first thought was also... where's the solar panel? a 110 only fridge?? What about when you are driving?

I might have to give them a call and see how flexible they are.

They only do the Chrysler and the VW that is built by Chrysler and rebadged.

[GAH]

I saw one at the Atlanta RV show last week. It was built very well.. They are very flexible on the design and prefer donor vans of all kinds. Their history is making handicapped vans that get customized all the time to fit the buyers needs.

[mumkin]

I revisited the website and video last night. (he says in the video that it is 110... besides being micro mini)

I noted on the list below the video now that it says 12v, so I guess he misspoke on the video. It also noted that the options are a rear awning... a microwave... and Solar

It does mention on their site that I read before that they have tested their conversions with other vans... like Honda, but it didn't mention the Sienna.

[gklugie]

Dodge Caravan vans have been plagued with poorly designed/performing transmissions for years. Websites are dedicated to their bad design. Class action lawsuits abounded. Does anybody know if this issue has been resolved?

[Ron J. Moore]

From the folks I know who bought the Caravan, most have had frequent flier miles to the shop. The Company that manufactures this B, in my opinion, is trying to expand...they can only depend on the handicap sales but so long. They probably got a good deal on the Dodge, and they do have a affordable package offering, Since you can't use the seats in the camper, it comes across as a quasi truck camper that cannot be separated. Ron

[Viperml]

I called the main number. The gentleman I spoke with said the front driver seat does not swivel because it is above the gas tank. The passenger side seat could be made to swivel.
Also, they are a custom builder. They are not mass producing these. You have to buy you own vehicle then they attach the one piece shell or if the shop has a van available then you may be able to buy it from them.
The gentleman seems to be upfront about everything. He says dodge has been over its transmission problems before 2011 and now it is better than the competitors such as toyota sienna. Of course everyone needs to do their own research. My first impression is for people to give them a chance and see how they perform.

[jharu]

I have to say, I am intrigued by the choice of the Dodge platform.
Mechanically, it is one of the worst out there.

One thing to note - he says "if you start with a truck, you end with a truck".
But the ultra quiet and comfortable minivans achieve the quietness by the fact that they are all unibody.
How would you cut up a Honda Pilot unibody chassis to get a custom RV?
It is possible that it is just harder to get a Toyota Tacoma or Sienna chassis.
And hence the choice of the Dodge

I just wish Casita made their 16 footers on a truck or minivan chassis.

[mumkin]

I suspect that the choice of the Dodge van is mostly related to price... or will it haul a bit more weight than the others?

[Jordanb]

Hi all, my name is Jordan and I run the MAXVAN RV production lines. Since we are new to the RV industry I wanted to answer some questions about the MAXVAN you have.

1) We manufacture handicapped conversions on both Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Minivans. We feel both are great vehicles. When the RAM Promaster came out, having the same engine and transmission as the Chrysler minivans, we chose to use the Chrysler for the MAXVAN. We are currently only doing the Chrysler and Dodge now, but maybe other minivans in the future. My next project is making a MAXVAN out of the Chrysler Pacifica.

2) In our video our sales manager misspoke about a couple of items. The fridge is 12 volt only. Also the A/C unit is 5,000 btu not 3,500 btu. Then the fresh water tank is 12 gallons not 15 gallons. We will be dubbing over his mistakes soon.

3) Since the website is fairly new, the contact us page is not currently sending us your info so please use jordanb@maxvan.com for info

If you have any questions, or want to see pictures of the manufacturing process let me know and i'll get some on this forum. Thanks

[Jordanb]

I forgot to add, how much does it cost.
The price is $39,800 + the vehicle.
So if you have, or find a 2012-2018 Dodge Grand Caravan or 2012-2016 Chrysler Town and Country it would be $39,800 to convert it to an RV.
We also have some vehicles already converted for sale.
We usually start with 1-3 year old 20,000- 30,000 mile vehicles.
These Minivans are bought for around $15,000- $19,000
so the end price is mid 50's and up depending on vehicle options.

[mumkin]

Thanks for coming and answering some of our questions.

I have one for you. Can you remove the console so that you can get to the rear without exiting the vehicle?

Interesting concept and I like the one piece fiberglass body.

[BBQ]

.

Question for Jordan:

What are the reasons Toyota is not considered as a viable platform?

price?
manufacturer's resistance?

We know Mercedes Benz put a lot of restrictions on their Sprinter.