Hi from Southern California

[dmap6769]

Newbie here. Don't even have our RV yet...here's the scoop...

Wife and I spend quite a bit of time moving between places with family. Spend considerable time in SoCal, Texas, and Missouri. The "trifecta" so to speak. We travel in a SUV as we have dogs and don't like to have them fly. Going to a larger SUV was first on the list...but we started talking about vans about a year back. My wife is a slow mover on decisions such as this (not knocking her for that) and we are both on the same page and looking at getting us a class B RV. Here's what we're looking at:

* 4WD / AWD - not doing anything hardcore but might go out in the desert from time to time and do travel the mountains so just want that added layer of assistance.
* Small footprint. Really don't want anything over 20ft.
* Bathroom...well, my wife is not excited about using a bathroom in the van. That said, one of her good friends who has a van gave her the inside scoop on the cleanliness of camping site bathrooms...and now she's not opposed. Might have a built in....might be okay with a portable. Not firm on this yet.
* Want battery/solar...at this point, why wouldn't I?
* Definitely need extra seating. It's just my wife and I but we do take my M-I-L with us quite a bit.

That said, the Sprinter is top on our list. Winnebago Revel or one of our local dealers has Winnebago Adventure Wagon with a modular concept so you can take everything out and use it as a regular van. Not opposed to Thor or someone else. We looked at a custom build and...while that would be really neat...I just don't know if it's worth the wait.

Anyhow, that's where I'm at. Looking forward to reading about what everyone has to say on this site!

Dave

 

[IBTripping]

Welcome to the Forum. Not an expert in Class B. Too crowded for me. But, you are exploring options which is a smart approach. Glad you joined us.

 

[Rene T]

Welcome to the forum.
RV manufacturers have a reputation of not getting things right the 1st time so be prepared to having to go back to a dealer several times when new. If I were you, I would be looking for something slightly used like maybe 2 or 3 years old. All the bugs and deficiencies will have been worked out already.
Also, the rig will depreciate dramatically the minute you drive it off the dealers lot.
And anything a salesperson tells you should be taken with a grain of salt. Their whole purpose in life is to make a deal they will tell you whatever it takes to make a deal.
When shopping, leave your wallet at home. When you find something you like, go home and sleep on it. Chances are it will still be there in 4 or 5 days.
Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Welcome to the Forum.

You might want to re-think your RV choice based on your description. A 20 ft. B with a couple of dogs (I assume when you posted "dogs" that's what you meant) and throw in a MIL (you know how MILs go) you might not last a night, no less several out in the desert boonies. Coupled with this is what you describe as your DW's (dear wife) reluctance to use a "van" toilet with no privacy. Plus, since B's are so popular now, they are not cheap.

A class C would be a better choice but I'm not sure of 4WD models being available. There are many boondock locations accessible by dirt roads that can be navigated slowly by most C's.
If the 4WD is a must-have, I would suggest a pick-up and one of many travel trailers with beefed suspensions for off-road use. Either way, you will have more space and boondocking amenities especially larger holding tanks, water tanks, bathroom facilities, sleeping comfort, and the size to add solar options to prolong battery use.