2006 Chevy Roadtrek 210

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

I am thinking about replacing our 2002 Dodge 3500 Road trek 190 Popular (104,000miles) with a low mileage 2006 Chevy 3500 Roadtreak 210 (<40,000 Miles). Any and all advice appreciated. Our Dodge is fine but the Chevy has slightly bigger twin beds (nice), a larger refrigerator and seems to drive better on my short test drive. However I am wondering if the macerator pump and small line are reliable on the Chevy are trouble spots. I am used to the 3 " gravity feed on the Dodge.
Also does anyone know gas mileage on the Chevy? I get 14.5 - 15 mpg on trips with the Dodge.
The Chevy has a generator which I am not likely to use much and the Chevy bathroom has been modified so it is actually a little larger. Ah, what to do?

 

[Doneworking]

We bought a 1996 Dodge 190P new and enjoyed it a lot for years. Then we ordered a 2007 RT 210P with all the goodies and still own it. Our 210 gets around 14 mpg on the highway and I never check it closely because whether I will enjoy it or not does not depend on a mile or two per gallon either side of 14. We have an enclosed bath and the larger 5cf refrigerator. We also have twin beds and prefer them over the more usual power couch in the rear. The twins allow for a very large storage space in a 210 accessed from the back doors. And so on.

You might go to the Roadtrek website and look at the information on there for your 190 and compare it to the 210 you are thinking about. You can see all the spec differences.

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

Thank you so much for the information. For whatever reasons I track mpg, but I agree with you that a few miles either way don't matter. We mostly travel out of state on 3 to 4 week trips. Our Dodge has been great but I am considering moving to the Chevy the because:
such low mileage for an '06
Chevy seems quieter and to drive better,
the wider twin bed sleeping would be great over the very narrow twin arrangement we now use,
the larger refrigerator would be nice (and this one is new, just installed in 2023)
I don't care about a generator and that might be a hassle,
window curtains are much better,
macerator dump would be easier (but how reliable?) than the gravity feed,
enclosed toilet is nicer of course but not a big deal to us,
Dodge ride height is better but we aren't going into rugged areas anyhow
Thanks again for your information and thinking with us.
Safe and fun travels,
Stephen

 

[booster]

We have an 07 190P which we chose because of the quite low load capacity and wide width of the 210.

Generators are are nice if you need that much power for AC on batteries but we removed ours quite a while ago. They are high maintenance and sometimes troublesome.

I have several discussions on the forum about the Roadtrek macerators, including how to fairly easily increase the reliability by fixing Roadtrek's installation problems. They also cover our adding of a redundant gravity dump system so we can easily dump if the macerator does fail. We are on our 18th year without a failure, although I did put in a pump with reversed orientation a long time ago.

Mileage is pretty variable in the 4 speed auto Chevies depending on speed ad driving style. We can vary from 16-1/mpg at 50mph to 13.5 at 75+ on no wind highway segments. We do go fast on the freeway and often on two lanes with lots of small town slowdowns, plus the often slow and hilly to trailheads and such. We have historically averaged 14.5mpg (our odometer/scangauge have been valibrated to be accurate, stock ODO was about 2% off to the giving higher than actual side for miles and milage.

Clearance is an issue for many users, and many of us have done lifts that get back empty new van height.

Lots of help here on the Chevies.

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

Thank you so very much for your wise help. I think we will go ahead and upgrade/buy this one. I will have to be back here to search out best advice for the macerator. It does seem it will be easier than having to get the 3" hose out, hook it up etc, although not really a big deal. It is my understanding that the macerator dumps both thanks, the black then the grey?
I really appreciate your information.
Steve

 

[Johnnyfry]

I am thinking about replacing our 2002 Dodge 3500 Road trek 190 Popular (104,000miles) with a low mileage 2006 Chevy 3500 Roadtreak 210 (<40,000 Miles). Any and all advice appreciated. Our Dodge is fine but the Chevy has slightly bigger twin beds (nice), a larger refrigerator and seems to drive better on my short test drive. However I am wondering if the macerator pump and small line are reliable on the Chevy are trouble spots. I am used to the 3 " gravity feed on the Dodge.
Also does anyone know gas mileage on the Chevy? I get 14.5 - 15 mpg on trips with the Dodge.
The Chevy has a generator which I am not likely to use much and the Chevy bathroom has been modified so it is actually a little larger. Ah, what to do?

We have had a 08C210P for about 8 years and still love it. It now has 212,000 miles and the 6.0L engine shows no signs of giving up or burning oil. I replaced the Macerator pump last year, so at least 8 years life is OK with me. We choose not to put anything that didn't coum out of our bodies in the toilet (TP goes in a plastic bag discarded daily.). I have added additional fans to the fridge: 2 small ones mounted on the fins, 3 120mm computer fans on the top outside grill and one computer blowing up past the condenser. They are controlled by an ARP Fridge defend, (something I recommend) to guard against off level issues. If you need brakes, I went with OEM Ambulance spec diska and rotors and have been happy with them over nearly 100,000 miles. I swear by Michelins. Best of luck with your new rig.

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

Thank you so much for this helpful information. We are very excited to upgrade and are hoping to seal the deal on Wednesday. The tires have lots of tread but look old so I will have to check their age and likely replace them. I appreciate the information. The refrigerator was replace in 2023 so that should be good. It looks to be about twice the size as our current one. I have stressed a bit about the macerator pump having only used gravity which is so reliable. However this looks it will be easier. Thanks for the brake tips. I am not familiar with an ARP Fridge defend but will check it out. We are looking forward to the wider twin bed set up as our older one is super narrow.
Much appreciated and safe travels.
Stephen

 

[VANAWYT]

I am thinking about replacing our 2002 Dodge 3500 Road trek 190 Popular (104,000miles) with a low mileage 2006 Chevy 3500 Roadtreak 210 (<40,000 Miles). Any and all advice appreciated. Our Dodge is fine but the Chevy has slightly bigger twin beds (nice), a larger refrigerator and seems to drive better on my short test drive. However I am wondering if the macerator pump and small line are reliable on the Chevy are trouble spots. I am used to the 3 " gravity feed on the Dodge.
Also does anyone know gas mileage on the Chevy? I get 14.5 - 15 mpg on trips with the Dodge.
The Chevy has a generator which I am not likely to use much and the Chevy bathroom has been modified so it is actually a little larger. Ah, what to do?

I have a 2016 210 Popular on a Chevey 3500 Express chassis—wide body with Ecotrek system. One of my favorite things about it is the macerator pump. I just pullup to the station, open the cargo door, pull out the hose (always attached)…and the tank handles are right in the drawer, too. Takes no time or effort. The extra space is nice, and the larger frig is excellent. I’m by myself and I still fill the thing for a three-night trip. The Ecoytrek system with underhood (no noise) generator is a boondocker’s dream. The low mileage on the 210 is also a strong positivve. Good luck…

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

Thanks much for your helpful comments. The macerator pump and hose does sound MUCH easier than dragging out the hose, hooking it up, cleaning up and stowing it away. So I did spring for it and have spent today roaming around figuring various things out. Basically like new on the inside but the outside has some paint issues.
BTW I do have to put tires on it. Any brands to avoid or suggestions about tires? Thanks again, safe travels.
Steve

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

I have a 2016 210 Popular on a Chevey 3500 Express chassis—wide body with Ecotrek system. One of my favorite things about it is the macerator pump. I just pullup to the station, open the cargo door, pull out the hose (always attached)…and the tank handles are right in the drawer, too. Takes no time or effort. The extra space is nice, and the larger frig is excellent. I’m by myself and I still fill the thing for a three-night trip. The Ecoytrek system with underhood (no noise) generator is a boondocker’s dream. The low mileage on the 210 is also a strong positivve. Good luck…

 

[sehsteve@gmail.com]

We have had a 08C210P for about 8 years and still love it. It now has 212,000 miles and the 6.0L engine shows no signs of giving up or burning oil. I replaced the Macerator pump last year, so at least 8 years life is OK with me. We choose not to put anything that didn't coum out of our bodies in the toilet (TP goes in a plastic bag discarded daily.). I have added additional fans to the fridge: 2 small ones mounted on the fins, 3 120mm computer fans on the top outside grill and one computer blowing up past the condenser. They are controlled by an ARP Fridge defend, (something I recommend) to guard against off level issues. If you need brakes, I went with OEM Ambulance spec diska and rotors and have been happy with them over nearly 100,000 miles. I swear by Michelins. Best of luck with

We bought a 1996 Dodge 190P new and enjoyed it a lot for years. Then we ordered a 2007 RT 210P with all the goodies and still own it. Our 210 gets around 14 mpg on the highway and I never check it closely because whether I will enjoy it or not does not depend on a mile or two per gallon either side of 14. We have an enclosed bath and the larger 5cf refrigerator. We also have twin beds and prefer them over the more usual power couch in the rear. The twins allow for a very large storage space in a 210 accessed from the back doors. And so on.

You might go to the Roadtrek website and look at the information on there for your 190 and compare it to the 210 you are thinking about. You can see all the spec differences.

Thanks again for your comments. I did purchase the 06C210P and it needs tires. Any tires to look at or to avoid?
Thanks
Steve

 

[wmgeorge]

I purchased but yet to be installed a set of Coopers the OEM 245 size E rated as called for. This is my third set I have purchased , but first for a RT. HTP II and they were on sale at Discount Tire.

 

[VANAWYT]

Thanks much for your helpful comments. The macerator pump and hose does sound MUCH easier than dragging out the hose, hooking it up, cleaning up and stowing it away. So I did spring for it and have spent today roaming around figuring various things out. Basically like new on the inside but the outside has some paint issues.
BTW I do have to put tires on it. Any brands to avoid or suggestions about tires? Thanks again, safe travels.
Steve

Congratulations. You’re going to love your 210. Enjoy!

 

[CareyM-ClassB]

I am thinking about replacing our 2002 Dodge 3500 Road trek 190 Popular (104,000miles) with a low mileage 2006 Chevy 3500 Roadtreak 210 (<40,000 Miles). Any and all advice appreciated. Our Dodge is fine but the Chevy has slightly bigger twin beds (nice), a larger refrigerator and seems to drive better on my short test drive. However I am wondering if the macerator pump and small line are reliable on the Chevy are trouble spots. I am used to the 3 " gravity feed on the Dodge.
Also does anyone know gas mileage on the Chevy? I get 14.5 - 15 mpg on trips with the Dodge.
The Chevy has a generator which I am not likely to use much and the Chevy bathroom has been modified so it is actually a little larger. Ah, what to do?

new style macerator hoses are more compact and replace OEM just fine. macerators usually blow because people for get to winterize them and the contents freeze and crack the various parts. some post 2005 RT s have a manual gravity dump valve , check for it on the pipe from the black tank, it's about 2 1/2 diameter w a 1" by 1" projection for a wrench to loosen it (carefully, with a shallow pan beneath it. not pleasant. . . ) the macerator is an easy DIY $120 replacement , Shur Flo or Jabsco, comes with install directions and available online or at any boat parts store. (I've carried an extra for 10 eyears and never needed one. ) I had a 210 , loved the beds, big fridge and extra storage space in the side drawers. went to an 07 190 4x4 because the 210 could not make it out of our steep driveway in winter.

 

[booster]

There is a a lot of information on the forum about Roadtrek macerators, particularly in the Chevies.

We just had a nearly identical question to yours a few months ago, even.

Improvements to the stock system to improve reliability can be done and outlined in detail in several discussions.

Also, a number of backup gravity dump systems have been done, including us our 07 190P Chevy.

The extra port on the Chevies mentioned is really a cleanout fitting style plug, so no valve or hose attachment so can be a mess when opened, but it does at least let you dump the piping to change the pump if needed. Roadtrek only put the gravity backup on the Zions, I think.

We are on year 19 without a failure but still are glad to have the trip saving backup if needed.

If you are at all handy, all the reliability updates and gravity backup can be done at home.

 

[VANAWYT]

Congratulations. You’re going to love your 210. Enjoy!

I LOVE my 2016C210P, and the bigger frig and the macerator pump make it that much more pleasurable. Dumping takes me 10 minutes and there’s no mess with a nasty hose and hook up. No chance of getting residual mess all over your shoes or hands either. I have the bump out version with even more space. The bigger frig is a must for me.

 

[booster]

What is a "bump out version" of a 210. Never heard about such a thing.

 

[VANAWYT]

What is a "bump out version" of a 210. Never heard about such a thing.

The back of the van is slightly wider on both sides so I have more space. If I wanted to I can make the bed into a king size. I travel by myself with a Chihuahua so just lowering the couch is plenty of space. But it’s amazing how much more spacious it feels.

 

[VANAWYT]

The back of the van is slightly wider on both sides so I have more space. If I wanted to I can make the bed into a king size. I travel by myself with a Chihuahua so just lowering the couch is plenty of space. But it’s amazing how much more spacious it feels.

I’m not sure if you can see the bump outs but I thought I’d try.

 

[booster]

If you are talking about the bumped out, fiberglass sides, every 210 since about 2003 with the new release of the Chevy vans has the expanded sides and is lengthened also by 16"(?). That is what makes them a 210.

The previous wide body was the 200 that was built on a cutaway chassis so really a small class C. They ended with the 210 coming out.

The only 210s that weren't this way were the early 90s versions on the much older van version.