Class B campervans - summary of current models

DCHitt said:
No. My system works best when all closed up. I heat the water directly rather than trying to heat the water by heating the pipes. Then I circulate the water through the pipes.
Click to expand...
That's a very interesting approach to winterization! I knew such a system was possible but I think you're the first person I've heard of that's implemented it on an actual working Class B van. Congrats on a unique approach!
 
A fresh water system design that can be completely blown out using compressed air is another option which makes it fast and easy to winterize without the need for antifreeze and restart the system without the need to flush the antifreeze out...

Would not have all the advantages of DCHitt's setup but something that solves the issue of the time it takes to winterize and restart the system...
 
You could also design a system that would gravity drain to a single location, easily and completely. If you had a common, or common actuating vacuum breaker on the use points and anywhere that trapped water and a heated place for the water to go, or be drained from, you could greatly reduce any heat needed in the system. When in cold weather you would just leave the water in the heated and insulated tank until you needed it, and then pump it to whatever area you wanted. When done activate the breakers to let it drain back. Such a system would work well for us, as we usually don't have the water heater on, and don't use a lot of water.
 
booster said:
You could also design a system that would gravity drain to a single location, easily and completely.
Click to expand...

Designing a system that approximates this is definitely a good idea. However, there is still danger of residual water in the fixtures. These are the most vulnerable part. I do not believe you will ever get the last of the water from the valves, etc, without compressed air.
 
avanti said:
Designing a system that approximates this is definitely a good idea. However, there is still danger of residual water in the fixtures. These are the most vulnerable part. I do not believe you will ever get the last of the water from the valves, etc, without compressed air.
Click to expand...

That would be interesting to check out. Most of the faucets I have seen drain nearly completely when when open when draining a line under them, so they likely would not be a problem if you had the right ones. The water heater would have some left, but probably of a low enough level that if is froze it would be OK (even air won't get it out), the pump would probably need a breaker on each side of it to get enough out to protect it.

The good thing is that you can test the fixtures on the bench ahead of time. Just drain them as they would in use and put them in the freezer, or outside if you live where we do:).
 
My former 2005 Pleasure-way Plateau Sprinter had two low point drain cocks in the water lines. It was simple. On the last leg of a trip I would open them and by the time I got home the lines would be bone dry.
 
rockymtnb said:
That's a very interesting approach to winterization! I knew such a system was possible but I think you're the first person I've heard of that's implemented it on an actual working Class B van. Congrats on a unique approach!
Click to expand...

I did this first on a Winnebago Brave that had water lines running from one side to the other under the floor. It worked great so I had Sportsmobile build it in when they put my B together.
 
ROADTREK
Roadtrek has been bought by the Erwin Hymer Group and added two models to their line-up.
They are made in Kitchener, Ontario at the same factory that produces the Roadtrek line.
They are a new line called Carado.
The 19’ Carado Axion built on the 17’ Ram Promaster 1500
And the Carado Banff which is built on the 19’ Ram Promaster 2500
http://caradorv.com/about/company/
 
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Toolman0114 said:
ROADTREK
Roadtrek has been bought by the Erwin Hymer Group and added two models to their line-up.
They are made in Kitchener, Ontario at the same factory that produces the Roadtrek line.
They are a new line called Carado.
The 19’ Carado Axion built on the 17’ Ram Promaster 1500
And the Carado Banff which is built on the 19’ Ram Promaster 2500
http://caradorv.com/about/company/
Click to expand...

Really? Just now all this has happened? Wow, blink and you miss news that happened 18 months ago.
 
Toolman0114 said:
ROADTREK
Roadtrek has been bought by the Erwin Hymer Group and added two models to their line-up.
They are made in Kitchener, Ontario at the same factory that produces the Roadtrek line.
They are a new line called Carado.
The 19’ Carado Axion built on the 17’ Ram Promaster 1500
And the Carado Banff which is built on the 19’ Ram Promaster 2500
http://caradorv.com/about/company/
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum.

Not everyone here is welcoming to new members and they sometimes make snide/sarcastic/uncivil remarks but in general the people here are helpful and interested in hearing from new members.

With regard to the Erwin Hymer purchase of Roadtrek, you will find lot’s of info and discussions about this using the search function.
 
Toolman0114 said:
ROADTREK
Roadtrek has been bought by the Erwin Hymer Group and added two models to their line-up.
They are made in Kitchener, Ontario at the same factory that produces the Roadtrek line.
They are a new line called Carado.
The 19’ Carado Axion built on the 17’ Ram Promaster 1500
And the Carado Banff which is built on the 19’ Ram Promaster 2500
http://caradorv.com/about/company/
Click to expand...

Yes, welcome!
This is a bit of a fast-pace group sometimes, and keeping up on what has and has not been covered can be a challenge. Better a bit of redundancy than coverage gaps, though.
 
A few more small mfgs

Bridge Bound Campers
http://bridgeboundcampers.com

Wayfarer Vans
https://wayfarervans.com/

Zenvanz
https://www.zenvanz.com/

All are more in the simpler, minimalist vein of the VW Westfalia. Wafarer being by far the least expensive, most minimalist (offering kits for the Ram Promaster and Promaster City). Zenvanz does custom builds on the Sprinter chassis, while Bridge Bound looks to be willing to work with multiple chassis mfgs.
 
goreds2 said:
It would have double use (everyday driver and camper)
Click to expand...

Something that you can get stateside right now is the ModVans CV1 for $75k. You can tell that they really put some thought into the design and component selection (even the chosen chassis was a result of due diligence). Everything has a purpose and nothing more. Probably the greatest thing about this conversion is that all the camper components are modular, so you can remove everything but the seats to use it as your daily driver, or remove all components to use it as a cargo van. I've been in touch with them and they are pretty flexible also; for example, they would be willing to replace the portable toilet with a Nature's Head composting toilet on request. Optional solar is icing on the cake (a high-quality 300W panel).
 
I am tired and have to be up at 3:30am so I didn't read every post on this thread, BUT I didn't see any "Falcon" brand Class B RV's listed here. I own and am getting ready to rebuild my 1987 Falcon 190 (built on a 1 Ton Ford extended chassis with a hightop). Its going to be a lot of work because there is some rust on the body and I want to completely renovate the interior. I hate the couch bed because it is terribly uncomfortable, so I'm going to move the bathroom from the back and put a full sized bed in the back. Kitchen will remain on the passenger side by the side door and bathroom on the driver's side across from the kitchen. I will have plenty of questions for anyone that can give me some guidance, but I do have skills from working in the RV industry here in northern Indiana (Elkhart county). Thank you in advance. Jim
 
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