RV Height

[OSCA]

Good Day,

we are new to the RV world and are looking to purchase our own first RV. We lurked on this forum for really good information, thank you!

We looked at Pleasure Way (Excel and Lexor) and like them but are not decided.

One major (!) concern is vehicle height. The place we need to park it is limited to 9'2". Thats a hard limit (very hard) and many of the models we looked (especially on the ProMaster chassis) are exceeding that.

Question - with this limitations, which RV's would you recommend? We are looking for models from ~2010.

Thanks guys!

[booster]

Originally Posted by OSCA

Good Day,

we are new to the RV world and are looking to purchase our own first RV. We lurked on this forum for really good information, thank you!

We looked at Pleasure Way (Excel and Lexor) and like them but are not decided.

One major (!) concern is vehicle height. The place we need to park it is limited to 9'2". Thats a hard limit (very hard) and many of the models we looked (especially on the ProMaster chassis) are exceeding that.

Question - with this limitations, which RV's would you recommend? We are looking for models from ~2010.

Thanks guys!

That height is just about the same as we have in our garage where our 07 Roadtrek 190P sits when not in use.


There are very few new, if any, that are short enough to fit that height unless you get them without roof AC units. There are a few options for AC not non the roof but not mainstream by any account.


For used, pretty much all the Roadtreks built on the Chevies and Dodges would fit OK, and probably a lot of the other brands, particularly in the Dodges. Only Roadtrek stayed with the dropped floor in the 2003 and up Chevies so they are a few inches shorter than most other brands, but if you can really go to 9' 2" I think most would make it.



You may want to check with Sportsmobile to see what they would be able to offer in a lower van, as they do all brands and even duplicate the old E350 Ford van as a fiberglass body on a cutaway. They would also be a possibility for a normal van with non roof AC.

[OSCA]

Originally Posted by booster

That height is just about the same as we have in our garage where our 07 Roadtrek 190P sits when not in use.


There are very few new, if any, that are short enough to fit that height unless you get them without roof AC units. There are a few options for AC not non the roof but not mainstream by any account.


For used, pretty much all the Roadtreks built on the Chevies and Dodges would fit OK, and probably a lot of the other brands, particularly in the Dodges. Only Roadtrek stayed with the dropped floor in the 2003 and up Chevies so they are a few inches shorter than most other brands, but if you can really go to 9' 2" I think most would make it.



You may want to check with Sportsmobile to see what they would be able to offer in a lower van, as they do all brands and even duplicate the old E350 Ford van as a fiberglass body on a cutaway. They would also be a possibility for a normal van with non roof AC.

Thank you, this is good advice. Staying with the Ford / Dodge (and Chevy?) wheelbase seems to be the only way. The older Pleasureway Excel are 9 feet, in theory feasible. They also have an air-suspension that may allow it to lower it further (?).

Thanks for the Sportsmobile reference. I had not looked into that platform at all, doing it today.

The search continues...

Edit: A word

[rowiebowie]

Welcome to the forum OSCA!

As booster pointed out, you'll most likely be limited to a Chevy Express based model of a Roadtrek if you want a 2010 or newer. This is because they have an integrated rear a/c that sits below the roof-line instead of the a/c sitting on top and adding to the height. Even then, measure carefully as the clearance will be tight.

The Chevy Express is a great chassis with a powerful 6.0L v-8 and strong 6-spd transmission. Not as roomy feeling as the boxy tall roof vans, but no diesel emission problems of the Sprinters, and a significantly stronger drive train than the gasoline Promasters (an additional 113ft/lbs of torque).

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by OSCA

....
One major (!) concern is vehicle height. The place we need to park it is limited to 9'2". Thats a hard limit (very hard) and many of the models we looked (especially on the ProMaster chassis) are exceeding that.

Question - with this limitations, which RV's would you recommend? We are looking for models from ~2010.

Thanks guys!

Welcome to the forum.

Answer: Nope. I gave up that fight a long time ago. Even if you get a rig that you might squeeze into that space at the outset, it's useful to consider your long-term plans for it. My solar array pushed my rig to 9'9". I could never do what I do without solar, so I'm stuck.

The option is to get a short-roofed model and then you might eventually spend on spinal correction surgery what you would have otherwise spent to properly expand your garage space.

Sign that I attach with a Velcro dot to my steering wheel whenever I leave my rig for any kind of service - glass or upholstery work, tire replacement, alignments, etc. It requires a full ten feet which many shops do not have. They have to do the work outdoors.



EDIT: My workaround was renting an off-site storage unit. I currently pay $150/month for this space below, which includes a good security system with digital gate reader and cameras, electric power, dump station, and water.

My area (greater Houston) has a relatively low cost of living. I think of this expense as being equal to a little bit larger of a mortgage payment. The total of mortgage + garage rental is still lower than many other mortgage payments in major cities across America.

[OSCA]

Originally Posted by InterBlog

Welcome to the forum.

The option is to get a short-roofed model and then you might eventually spend on spinal correction surgery what you would have otherwise spent to properly expand your garage space.

That is hilarious! Thank you for your comments and details - especially about the solar panels, I forgot about those. Reading more about these trucks makes me agree with you and eventually, a >10 foot parking solution needs to be found. However, this is our first RV and I think I may go for smaller van (e.g. older Excel or RoadTrek), do a couple of trips and then decide whether or not to construct a hangar.

What it strange though to me is that the trucks seem to get higher without adding much width. Doesn't that make them terribly susceptible to crosswinds? I have driven small vans (for work) and they are dicey on frozen-over bridges etc. How do these tall Sprinters / ProMasters handle that?

Edit: PS This is probably not the correct place to ask but any recommendations for dealers / web-resources to buy a used van? Are there buying guides out there?

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by OSCA

....
What it strange though to me is that the trucks seem to get higher without adding much width. Doesn't that make them terribly susceptible to crosswinds? I have driven small vans (for work) and they are dicey on frozen-over bridges etc. How do these tall Sprinters / ProMasters handle that?

Edit: PS This is probably not the correct place to ask but any recommendations for dealers / web-resources to buy a used van? Are there buying guides out there?

Well, they suck in crosswinds, is the short version. I have an older Sprinter-based rig (2006) which has no electronic crosswind assist. It can be very tiring to drive. It's just something we get used to, if that's the kind of rig that we choose.

I drive solo every year from my residence in Houston Texas to my birthplace in far northeastern Nova Scotia (my husband, who has a "real job" which limits his time off, flies up to join me). I estimate that I do about 120,000 steering corrections en route each way, those little motions that every driver does to keep themselves on the straight-and-narrow. I don't know how much of that estimated total an electronic system would help relieve.

Dealers -

There are a couple of well-known large Class B specialists nationwide, including this one:

https://sunshinestatervs.com/

My husband and I bought our rig on eBay from an individual flipper who specializes in our brand and vintage. Those of us who want "Specific Class B X" typically search nation-wide. We bought in Tennessee and transferred title to Texas. RV Trader is a good place to set up a search, and there's another one whose name escapes me - it's got red and black in the name lettering. If you know what model you want, you can also hone in on user forums and social media sites.

[proeddie]

Two options come to mind:

1) Build a DIY campervan. Visit the forum at www.promasterforum.com
for lots of ideas! That's what I did to deal with parking under our 9' carport.

2) If you want a commercial product, get something you like and ask the dealer to remove the rooftop AC unit and replace it with a low height Maxxair/Fantastic fan. It fits in the same 14" hole!
Can probably sell the removed unit to cover the cost of removal and installation of a vent fan! (with a bit of profit)
Or keep the AC unit for eventual resale of the van.

I put a Maxxair in my Promaster and I have not felt a deep need for AC - the fan, with a shaded site, makes for a very comfortable setup.

Just an option or two for your consideration...

[cbrown154@me.com]

Your description doesn’t say where you are, but for what it’s worth, I have a 2003 Roadtrek 190 popular with only 36,000 miles on it that I am getting ready to sell. In the past year I have put new tires, a new exhaust, and new brakes on it. It is in extremely good condition. I live in Syracuse New York.

[NFRicaS]

Originally Posted by OSCA

Good Day,

we are new to the RV world and are looking to purchase our own first RV. We lurked on this forum for really good information, thank you!

We looked at Pleasure Way (Excel and Lexor) and like them but are not decided.

One major (!) concern is vehicle height. The place we need to park it is limited to 9'2". Thats a hard limit (very hard) and many of the models we looked (especially on the ProMaster chassis) are exceeding that.

Question - with this limitations, which RV's would you recommend? We are looking for models from ~2010.

Thanks guys!

I have a 2004 Pleasure Way, which is under your stated necessary height for an RV..it is 8’9”...Chevy Express 3500...

[ks@yvr]

If height is a concern and you would like new or nearly new take a look at the Pleasure-way Tofino, it is 8’ 2” in height.

[Wonderi39]

We enjoyed a VW Eurovan camper for several years. When it was time, we wanted a wider and taller van.

In preparation, we added onto the garage, cutting into the slope, to give the addition a lower floor level -- and a 9 foot 3 inch door.

In our van search, we wanted a more standard base (not VW), and we wanted an internal height of 6'2", a width that would make for comfortable outings, potty, a good fridge with separate freezer, center aisle and a unique look. (We were spoiled by our canvas poptop VW )

While there are some choices, there are not too many. We settled on the wide body Roadtrek 210. And because it is just the two of us, we wanted the "Popular" model. Perhaps the shape and luxurious width of the Roadtrek 210 will make it the envied icon , like a VW Bus ??

Because we wanted the full center aisle to make getting up at night easy, we didn't want the automatic couch / back bench. That became standard about 2008. With patience, there are low mileage, well kept, pre-2008 Roadtrek 210 available.

Beware of southern vans as the sun is hard on the tops - and few park indoors. Beware of some Florida machines as the salty air makes for heavy corrosion. Spend money on Carfax reports.

Our 210 handles so nicely up hill and in crosswinds. Whatever you do, if you have a partner, be sure you both enjoy driving. Otherwise you are stranded when the driver is ill.

[carlcavitt]

My new 2019 Promaster conversion by Embasey (Elkhart, In) is just shy of 9 ft. It is front wheel drive. The floor is lower than other class B's.

[BigFatGuy]

For what it's worth:
1: I rarely use my roof-top AC
2: the van's AC actually seems to do a better job cooling the RV
3: my TV antenna sticks up higher than my A/C.

[jbucking]

My Roadtrek 210 is 8'10" high (actually a bit less). It goes in and out of the 9' high door in my building with no issues. Any Roadtrek 170, 190 or 210 gas model built on the Chevy chassis would work. We have owned several and wouldn't change a thing.

[Boondocker]

InterBlog,
May I ask where you got your little 10 foot clearance sign?
What a great idea! Thanks.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

InterBlog,
May I ask where you got your little 10 foot clearance sign?
What a great idea! Thanks.

I also have to constantly remind any shop about the low ground clearance as well. My clearance is only 6" at the break-over point in the middle of the wheelbase. I've already had to have shops use boards to lift the rear wheels a bit when loading onto their drive-on lifts. Otherwise I risk the macerator on the driver's side or a fresh water tank elbow on the passenger side.

A sign reminding of both is a good idea.

[Lennie]

I love Interblog's sign!

I'm going to guess she made it, she's clever that way.

I just saw a truck with a big gouge out of the corner and a branch with very green pine needles hanging from it. It probably happened that day, I was surprised, it's not a very common tree where I live.

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

InterBlog,
May I ask where you got your little 10 foot clearance sign?
What a great idea! Thanks.

1. I found the image on the internet
2. Printed it on a color printer
3. Fitted it on a piece of trimmed coroplast
4. "Laminated" it with clear packing tape, and
5. Stuck a square of adhesive velcro both on the back of it, and in the center of my steering wheel so that I could affix it there when necessary.

[OSCA]

Thanks guys - these were all amazing hints. We did purchase a 2015 Pleasureway Excel TS (last year they made them) based on a Ford E350. Can't wait to go touring!