The Class B RV we want - does it exist?

[Rocinante]

Hi there! We're new to the forum and starting to look for a true class B RV to replace our Airstream travel trailer. We're having a hard time finding a brand / model that checks our boxes, and was wondering whether any of you experienced current class B owners could help us find brands and models we should be looking at. This is not a "wanted" post. Rather, it's a request for guidance and ideas, and we welcome your suggestions. Thank you so much, in advance, for your thoughts.

Here's the Class B we'd love to find:

• Roughly 21-22 feet long so it's easier to park, even if there's a bike rack on the back. For that reason, we're trying to avoid the 24 foot chassis.
• Lithium power system, preferably one that's so big, with a 2nd alternator, that they delete the generator
• Convection Microwave
• The biggest compressor fridge we can get (bigger than the dinky dorm-room sized ones they keep stuffing under the galley counter) We do not want one of those annoying 3-way ammonia-based absorption fridges.
• Nice long kitchen counter. Achieving it with a flip-up / pull-out / Lagun table is fine. (Cramming the sink and the cooktop between 2 cabinets on the driver's side of the coach, with no room to move or work, is a deal-breaker.)
• Driver and passenger seats swivel to face the rear to create a lounge with a table (preferably a Lagun table). If the driver seat swivels back to face a fold-out desk or a counter for workstation activity, that's fine too, but passenger seat must also have a table it can use
• Wet bath somewhere amidships. We do not want a bathroom in the back of the coach where the rear doors can be opened. There should be nothing aft of the bed except for a bit of storage you can access by opening the rear doors. Also, it has to be a genuine private bath. If you have to open the bathroom doors to let your knees stick out while using the head, it's a deal breaker. Also, if you have to pull out a bunch of gear and shelves before using the head or taking a shower, it's a deal breaker. (This is why we can't go with a Revel.)
• Area in the back we that we can turn into a full-time bed, preferably in the general size range of a queen. It's OK if that's two twin beds we can join together into a single bed, and a true lie-flat couch thing is also just fine. If it were a bed that you could raise up to the ceiling when you're not sleeping, like in the Revel, that would be awesome (...except, see the Revel deal-breaker above.)
• The fewer graphics on the sides, the better. We want to be able to stealth park in our own driveway with an HOA that hates "campers" so we need to be as subtle as possible.
• We're not super concerned about which chassis it's built on, but we are concerned that it seems the drivers seat in the Transit does not rotate. If that's changed in recent models, we're good with that platform, too.
• 4x4 would be awesome but is not required.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Hi there! We're new to the forum and starting to look for a true class B RV to replace our Airstream travel trailer. We're having a hard time finding a brand / model that checks our boxes, and was wondering whether any of you experienced current class B owners could help us find brands and models we should be looking at. This is not a "wanted" post. Rather, it's a request for guidance and ideas, and we welcome your suggestions. Thank you so much, in advance, for your thoughts.

Here's the Class B we'd love to find:

• Roughly 21-22 feet long so it's easier to park, even if there's a bike rack on the back. For that reason, we're trying to avoid the 24 foot chassis.
• Lithium power system, preferably one that's so big, with a 2nd alternator, that they delete the generator
• Convection Microwave
• The biggest compressor fridge we can get (bigger than the dinky dorm-room sized ones they keep stuffing under the galley counter) We do not want one of those annoying 3-way ammonia-based absorption fridges.
• Nice long kitchen counter. Achieving it with a flip-up / pull-out / Lagun table is fine. (Cramming the sink and the cooktop between 2 cabinets on the driver's side of the coach, with no room to move or work, is a deal-breaker.)
• Driver and passenger seats swivel to face the rear to create a lounge with a table (preferably a Lagun table). If the driver seat swivels back to face a fold-out desk or a counter for workstation activity, that's fine too, but passenger seat must also have a table it can use
• Wet bath somewhere amidships. We do not want a bathroom in the back of the coach where the rear doors can be opened. There should be nothing aft of the bed except for a bit of storage you can access by opening the rear doors. Also, it has to be a genuine private bath. If you have to open the bathroom doors to let your knees stick out while using the head, it's a deal breaker. Also, if you have to pull out a bunch of gear and shelves before using the head or taking a shower, it's a deal breaker. (This is why we can't go with a Revel.)
• Area in the back we that we can turn into a full-time bed, preferably in the general size range of a queen. It's OK if that's two twin beds we can join together into a single bed, and a true lie-flat couch thing is also just fine. If it were a bed that you could raise up to the ceiling when you're not sleeping, like in the Revel, that would be awesome (...except, see the Revel deal-breaker above.)
• The fewer graphics on the sides, the better. We want to be able to stealth park in our own driveway with an HOA that hates "campers" so we need to be as subtle as possible.
• We're not super concerned about which chassis it's built on, but we are concerned that it seems the drivers seat in the Transit does not rotate. If that's changed in recent models, we're good with that platform, too.
• 4x4 would be awesome but is not required.

Welcome Rocinante! I know you from airforum.

Your "no rear bath" eliminates a whole lot of Promaster-based class b's.

The under 24 feet eliminates most Sprinters.

Although the Ford Transit is just gaining popularity, I believe it is under 23 feet. The 3.5 ecoboost is probably the fasted b around.

If you stay with a new model, you shouldn't have much problem with your "compressor fridge" requirements as they now dominate. Finding a larger fridge may still be hard, as will convection microwave.

I've not been shopping lately, so I'll leave it to others to offer models that meet your specs.

[Rocinante]

Thanks for that, much appreciated. If possible, we'd like to find a gently used unit that's a year or two old. Given our desire for Lithium, that may not be possible, but hope springs eternal.

[rowiebowie]

The Pleasureway Ontour 2.2 has most of what you want. Still no large fridge, and although they pioneered standard lithium batteries, I don't know if they offer a package larger than 200Ah.

I just saw two Promaster models on their website as well that have a mid bath.

https://pleasureway.com/models/lexor-ts/

[Rocinante]

We'll take another look at specs for the Pleasure-Way Ontour 2.2 and their ProMaster models, thanks.

As a side note: this is a a small issue, but what's up with Pleasure-Way and the complete lack of toilet paper holders in their wet baths? Also, wondering whether the cabinet in their wet bath keeps things inside it dry?

[Texan]

Check out Embassy RV. They build on all Transit, Promaster, and Sprinter chassis and have the large Lithium with 2nd alternator, large 12v fridge/ freezer, 12v air conditioner, and other innovative features. They can do some controlled custom mods to their standard layouts. I’m patiently waiting for my unit build to be completed in a few weeks.

[Rocinante]

It looks like Embassy RV floor plans are all rear bath, but they do look nice inside and offer some interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[Batt 57]

A Winnebago Boldt Q70BL.

Volta Pure3 Lithium. (A true automotive system) 48v with 2nd alternator
230 watts of solar
No Generator
Propane for heat and hot water only
170” WB at 22’11”
Both seats turn to face the rear
Bathroom is midship
Convection microwave

The galley and fridge size may kill it for you though

https://winnebago.com/models/product.../class-b/boldt

Your other option would be to go to Advanced RV and have them build you what you want. $$$$$

[Bearkeley]

Have you looked at Panoramic RVs? I believe they have a generator vs second alternator but probably can upgrade. It has a large fridge but not sure if compressor. Otherwise, sounds like it’s spot on. Pls let us know what you find. We have similar criteria,plus, for us, Black water tank vs cassette is key.

[Joel]

Midwest Designs Ford Passage RV is worth a look. It has most of the features you mentioned. It is built on the Ford Transit so the models coming out on the 2020 Transit Chassis should have the dual swivel seats. It has lithium Batteries and no propane. The heater runs on the gas in the fuel tank. It has larger than average Fresh, Grey &. Black tanks. Also has a large fridge. Here is a link.

https://midwestautomotivedesigns.com...d/#floor-plans

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Batt 57

A Winnebago Boldt Q70BL.

Volta Pure3 Lithium. (A true automotive system) 48v with 2nd alternator
230 watts of solar
No Generator
Propane for heat and hot water only
170” WB at 22’11”
Both seats turn to face the rear
Bathroom is midship
Convection microwave

The galley and fridge size may kill it for you though

https://winnebago.com/models/product.../class-b/boldt

Your other option would be to go to Advanced RV and have them build you what you want. $$$$$

Thanks! We're looking at Boldt specs, as it's attractive. However, the BL has a standard microwave (no convection) as well as a smaller fridge stuffed under the galley counter. Sad to say, those two issues push it way down our list. This begs the question of why RV manufacturers with as much experience as Winnebago persist in making faulty design decisions like these. What were they thinking?

[Rocinante]

Thanks also, we will definitely check out Panoramic RVs and Midwest Designs Ford Passage RV.

We're actually OK with a cassette vs. a black tank, as the cassette is typical for RV's in Europe, and it's also used in the Bowlus Road Chief (travel trailer). If we hadn't already decided to move away from travel trailers, we'd be dreaming about a Bowlus.

[Davydd]

You have some specific requirements that probably can't be met other than custom builds. If you have the budget and the time ARV (Advanced RV) can build it. They have some rentals.

https://advanced-rv.com/arv-rentals/

You pretty much describe what I am having built other than the beds with a short 19'-5" Mercedes Benz Sprinter other than the beds. We currently have twin beds and this time we will stack them as bunk beds considering a short Sprinter floor plan a 30" wide bunk arrangement takes up 25% of the available floor space beyond the B pillar (beyond the cab space) and a full king bed the width of the van takes up 57% and a queen bed design that is 60" of the width of the van is 49%. As you can see B camper vans are small and putting beds together on one level would thus require you to have a convertible arrangement. It is a sacrifice for many couples to separate beds and a 50" high climb has to be resolved. However, in many short vans "climbing" seems to be need because of the need of space, usually "garage" space under then beds. So that is the caveat to consider.

There are a lot of trade-offs going from 24' to 19' in a van which we are doing. We have enjoyed a stable plan, i.e. not an either/or convertible Swiss Army knife plan in our extended van and seek the same in a short van without sacrificing amenities. We actually got a bigger more functional bathroom and inside storage if we want for two folding bicycles that we didn't have in our extended van. We also got a kitchen galley with no compromises in downsizing. ARV is building it for us.

[Texan]

Embassy is also working on a new layout called the Traveler Dou that has the bath mid ship. Call and talk to Terry and he will send you the layout and answer any questions.

[DUTCH in Atlanta]

Check out the Coachmen Beyond. Best place to see them with honest sellers is at Sunshine RV in Gainesville, FL.

[TygerMark]

Embassy RV.

[Batt 57]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Thanks! We're looking at Boldt specs, as it's attractive. However, the BL has a standard microwave (no convection) as well as a smaller fridge stuffed under the galley counter. Sad to say, those two issues push it way down our list. This begs the question of why RV manufacturers with as much experience as Winnebago persist in making faulty design decisions like these. What were they thinking?

Right, the KL has the convection microwave. We looked at the BL but didn't like the smaller lav. There are only three companies that use the Volta system and that was a big factor for me.

Everything is a compromise unless you go custom. Even that is a compromise when it comes to getting everything that you want.
After all the research we did I put a deposit down now on a 2021 KL that's supposed to be delivered in December.

[TygerMark]

If the rig you want doesn't have an appliance that you want, just toss it to Goodwill.

We are putting a Samsung convection microwave and roasting grill in place of regular microwave.

MG11H2020CT is the model.

But there are hundreds of appliances out there. Just get what you want and stick it in the space that you have or can make.

[booster]

Originally Posted by TygerMark

If the rig you want doesn't have an appliance that you want, just toss it to Goodwill.

We are putting a Samsung convection microwave and roasting grill in place of regular microwave.

MG11H2020CT is the model.

But there are hundreds of appliances out there. Just get what you want and stick it in the space that you have or can make.

Be aware that the mounting area for a convection microwave may not be large or open enough for a convection over or combo unit.


We have heard of several units that actually melted the phony wood grain on the plywood around the opening that was designed to for a microwave only.


Luckily no fires that I know of, but be sure to check it out carefully.

[TygerMark]

Good point.

Another reason to go aluminum and avoid phony wood grain plastic.