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mweiner

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Posts posted by mweiner

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Anything about the Pleasure Way that convinced you to choose that from the other brands.... Winnebago, Airstream, Leisure Travel, or Roadtrek??? All of them are very nicely finished..   

    We just were lucky to find our Roadtrek RS Adventuous five years old with only 26,000 miles...  in great condition.. 

    Figured that I wanted to save money on depreciation... 

  3. Posted · Report reply

    48 minutes ago, blakeloke said:

    Mark,

    Does your Roadtrek have both the propane and electric feature on the hot water tank?  I ask because when I want to take a marathon shower I turn both on and usually don't run out of hot water.

    Granted, can't do that when we're boon-docking because long showers just eats up fresh water and holding tank capacity.  But if you're hooked up you might be able to use both functions for a longer shower.

    Blake

    Blake,  I think I only have the propane feature on the hot water... there's a switch on the wall for this and we usually leave it off until we actually need hot water and mainly use it for dishes..it heats up pretty quick. 

    My RS Adventuous is a 2012... not as new as your rig... does your rig have the electric/propane feature?

  4. Posted · Report reply

    36 minutes ago, manholt said:

    No Mark.  Prior to mid 80's it was standard....then the 10's came out.  What is standard today?  I don't know!  My last 3 coaches have and had Aqua Hot (continues hot water as long as water is available and gray tank is dumped or valve left open)! 

    Thank you.... I imagine that the six gallon tank on my Mercedes Benz is designed to save space, although, I think that Roadtrek makes at least one model with a tankless system. I don't think it's worth upgrading and wouldn't consider it unless my system failed.  We don't use the shower because of the limited space and if we're near a RV park or something, we'll just shower there... The mildew factor in a wet bath is a problem if you don't meticulously wipe down all the surfaces and shower curtain... again...it's available in an emergency. 

    We're NOT full timers and wouldn't be doing it full time in a Class B. 

    I really don't think we'll ever be full timers....not a financially wise move in my opinion. We can have plenty of fun doing part time.....hey, just came back from a three month journey....who says you can't do extended trips..... BUT, I have to admit, after 3 months, I was very grateful to return home.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, richard5933 said:

    We don't have a Class B, but for comparison's sake our 35-foot Custom Coach bus conversion also has a 6-gallon hot water heater. Had the same thing in our previous conversion. It was more than enough for two quick showers if we used the pause feature on the shower head. Easy-rinse liquid soap helps quite a bit as well (we use Dr. Bronners). We carry far more fresh water than you do, but to be honest it doesn't amount to longer showers due to the water heater. Takes only about 15 minutes for the hot water heater to recover.

    I think that to make the shower situation work in most RVs takes a change of mindset more than a change in hardware. There are lots of things we look forward to when we hit the road, but showers in the bus are not among them. I think back to my days in basic training and take some comfort knowing that even though the shower will be just as quick there is not a DI yelling down our throats.

    Richard, thanks for your input... I think you're right it's a change of attitude.....I'm kinda surprised that you only have a 6 gallon tank...but, it's good to know that it only takes 15 minutes to recover... I thought that as soon as the tank starts going down on the hot water... fresh water will start filling up immediately behind what gets processed in the tank.   

    We replaced our original shower head with a pause feature. I imagine that you have a dry bathroom and that it's larger than ours.  We use Dr. Bronners as well. 

    Nice looking bus conversion...is that an old Greyhound ?  How long have you had it? 

     

  7. Posted · Report reply

    Most Class B's have "wet baths"...and limited hot water... usually 6 gallon tanks OR, a tankless system with on demand hot water.... even so, the supply of hot water depends on your fresh water tank... usually around 30 gallons....

    Plus, they are very small.. ours is about 20 inches by 30 inches if that on the Roadtrek RS... small rectangular space... The doors do pivot to give you some extra room, but, it's like being in a small closet.... There's a very powerful fan to exhaust the steam and an on and off shower head, BUT to conserve water you have to turn on the water when you want to rinse off...in other words, you CAN'T leave the water running like you do at home or at an RV park....

    Because we like longer showers and don't want to deal with refilling the tanks often, we haven't actually used the shower YET, but, it's an option....

    I've actually met people at RV parks who admit they do the same thing in their Class A and C units....

    And, the "wet bath" retains a lot of moisture and requires you to wipe down the inside shower curtain and walls....

    SO, what do you actually do in your Class B's?? 

    Again, it's very nice to have a place to shower in a pinch... but, if I can find a regular shower somewhere else...I'm going to use that first...

    I wonder how much water you really need and if you have successfully been able to get two showers for you and your spouse in the Class B?? I would probably wait at least 30 minutes for the water heater to replenish the hot water in the tank... 

    The "wet bath" is certainly one of the weakest features of the Class B's... BUT,  I'm glad they are there....one good thing is that everything in the bathroom is waterproof.....

  11. Posted · Report reply

    I've had experience with rocks damaging the windshield of my cars occasionally... call your insurance company.. they will pay for the replacement.. Some mobile replacement services will even come to your location. 

    Must have been from a large truck to get up so high to strike the Sprinter... 

    Two shower heads inside the coach bathroom or are you referring to the outside shower, if you have one?

    Nice van... I looked one up online, 5 year warranty.. hopefully you got a good deal...

    I noticed that the FL model doesn't have 4 seats up front, is that correct? Seems like a very nice unit with solar panels, has more than one.. Was that standard equipment?? 

    Windshield damage is usually considered comprehensive damage, not collision... should be extremely inexpensive to get taken care of good luck. 22 feet is an easy length to manuever and park.. what's the wheelbase on this unit? 

    Have you noticed any problems in high winds?

    Safe travels..

  12. Posted · Report reply

    On 1/24/2018 at 6:10 AM, kstockwe said:

    We recently joined FMCA and I just saw this forum.  So, now there are at least two class B owners on this string!  We bought ours at the 2017 RV show in Tampa and over the last year have taken one 3,000 mile trip out west as well as numerous weekend trips around the southeast (live in Atlanta area).  Heading to south Florida tomorrow for a long weekend.  My wife and I love it so far...great to drive, easy to park, etc.  I even just take it out occasionally like a big van to Home Depot, etc.  The best part is we can park it in our garage ( I had to raise the door a bit.)  Soon my wife will retire and we can just pick up and go.  My twin has a class A so we have gotten some of those “when are you going bigger” questions but no plans for that.  Hey, we get 18 mpg and you mostly sit outside at the RV parks anyway.  Looking forward to see how many B’s show up in Perry. 

    Welcome to the forum and glad you answered my question as we're both Class B owners..

    I see that you are also getting 18 MPG, so I presume you have the Mercedes Benz diesel engine , 3 litre V6?  

    Since you purchased this at the RV show, I imagine that you got a pretty good deal? And, you have the benefit of the warranty from the manufacturer...

    We actually purchased ours in May 2017 and it was a 2012 RS Adventurous Roadtrek... We decided that purchasing it used was a better fit for our situation.

    Our rig was lightly used with only 26,000 miles at delivery.

    What make and model do you have?   

    We also decided to skip the extended warranty on the coach and just pay for repairs as they come up..... not terrible experiences , but, 

    We immediately had to replace the tires, batteries, and a few more things..I upgraded the radio, front and rear cameras, tire pressure monitor, solar panel,  and backup proximity sensors for safety...all to make it more comfortable for me..

    As you pointed out, we spend more time outside than inside, have taken it to many National Parks, monuments and traveled 12,000 miles on a trip around the USA... Much easier on the fuel consumption than a Class A or Class C... because it's diesel, it really pays for the efficiency of the engine.. 

    We take it on many local destinations within 100 miles from our home staying overnight at the beach or a trip for the day...

    We have everything a large RV has... generator, solar system, TV, HVAC, kitchen, bathroom and audio visual system... The only thing we don't have is abundant space!  We just take less... And, there's only two of us..

    Fortunately, our conversion came with the optional armoire cabinets that are directly behind the driver's and passenger seat... they can be removed and we have the extra seats whenever we want to put them in to carry extra passengers...so far we've found a better use for the extra cabinets...

    Someone mentioned showering in the van....we haven't done that yet, we usually go places that have a shower, BUT, it's always an option if we wanted to...plus, there's even an outside shower .. 

    We don't have a place to park it indoors, it fits just fine in our driveway... let me tell you if we had anything bigger, we would need to rent space at a lot..so, I'm glad we don't have to do that...

    Someone mentioned that I might have had "second thoughts" about my purchase..the answer is a resounding "NO" ..I'm very happy.. with what we got. 

    In case of an earthquake or any other emergency,  the van would be a temporary safe haven for us to retreat to and live in temporarily...

    We keep it stocked and ready to go at a moment's notice with extra clothes and supplies, canned food for emergency... you just never know. 

    It takes just a few minutes to unhook the electric power..we NEVER hook up the sewer  and no leveling mechanism.. just batten the inside hatches, and we're off. I love the fact that the sewer hose is permanently attached to the rig with a macerator.... YES, it's got smaller tanks, but, it's a snap to dump them..

    Like you, we park in normal parking lots, for the most part... I've found that parking out in the boonies is the best way, usually allowing for a little extra space on either side... 

    Have had a couple of issues with the Mercedes Benz diesel... some of which was thankfully covered by the extended emissions warranty.. it's good for 8 years and 80,000 miles...in case you didn't know... 

    We love the way the Roadtrek RS Adventurous rides so smoothly.. seems to have plenty of power... remember, we're one half the size of a 40 footer that has 400 horsepower..my vehicle has 190 horsepower and 325 foot pounds of torque... not a speed demon, but it definitely can get out of it's own way....we normally run with the water tank 1/2 full and dump the sewer tanks for lighter weight..it makes a difference.. 

    Good luck with your rig.... safe travels. I understand that these rigs generally get much more use and mileage put on them vs. a lot of larger Class A and Class C units, especially gasoline equipped versions.. 

    --Mark

  15. Posted · Report reply

    The beauty of having a Class B is that you can literally take it anywhere at any time.. even parking is not too challenging.. 

    So, besides being able to take it clear across the USA and back, do you find yourself using it more than you might use a much larger rig?  

    Most of us would never consider towing a vehicle behind the Class B's.. just easier to drive our vehicles everywhere we need to go... 

    So, how many trips and long distances do you go with your rig? 

     

  16. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, jleamont said:

    Example; My mom had a 1985 300D sedan, great car never had a problem with it. 

    One of my friends has a 2016 GL450 blue tech, that thing spends more time on a wrecker than in his garage. 

    Those articles are written by people that were handed the keys for a short time to drive the product, can you imagine the turmoil if they wrote a bad article..you give me a free car to drive for sometime, I'll tell you what I think of it and the world what you want me to say :)

    we have drifted off topic again...would I consider a hybrid, NO. Gas engine MB...maybe but since I don't like cabin fever or hotels that MB gas engine wouldn't be in a coach I'd be interested in...so I wouldn't look that way either.

    My point is that Mercedes Benz is always pushing the envelope towards technology... Blue Tec is the outgrowth of being environmentally friendly....and they are coming out with a hybrid diesel or hybrid gasoline engine in 2019...

    Sure, anyone can point to cars from the 80s... they were fine for their time, but, definitely NOT as safe as today....

    As per our conversation with the Class B...and this is a Class B discussion...the Sprinters are great for traveling long distances and fuel efficiency.... I've met many people who have Class As and they said that if they were traveling 12,000 miles in a short period of time like the three month trip I just completed, they would have taken their Sprinter.....

    For the same distance I traveled, it would have been over $5,000 in fuel alone...

    You can spin that any way you like.... Again, I'm NOT a full timer...if I were.. maybe I'd rather consider a Class A....

  18. Posted · Report reply

    6 hours ago, jleamont said:

    NO way would I consider it! In the US we currently cannot get the diesel engines right with the new emissions systems that have been around since 2007, while the govt has mandated advancements none of them have been perfected. I would question the resources put into anything hybrid when we cannot get the current diesel engine technology correct.  Gasoline are not much better in that aspect for that matter either, while they tend to be more dependable they do not make the power and don't last as long.

    Well, I submit these two articles below for your consideration, 

    http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-benz-diesel-history/

    And this contrasting article...

    https://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/8-cars-that-tell-the-history-of-diesel-in-the-u-s.html/?a=viewall

    Europe and North America have been on two different tracks for quite awhile. 

    Blue-Tec has made advances in diesel engine technology.... Mercedes Benz doesn't rest on their laurels..... otherwise, they would have never made it this far...

    An except from the article...

    "Ironically, Volkswagen and Audi both licensed BlueTec technology from Mercedes, but they opted not to use in on their ’09-’15 2.0 liter TDIs – the cars at the center of their current crisis."

    Mercedes Benz is NOT part of the VW scandal.... YES, it's possible that they're being investigated... but, I don't think any thing will come out of this.

  19. Posted · Report reply

    On 12/5/2017 at 8:30 AM, texbon said:

    FYI – DO  NOT  BUY an extended warranty from

    RV Care /Phoenix American Warranty Company, Inc

    6303 Blue Lagoon Drive.Suite 225,Miami, Florida 33126-6004

    My RV Tech with 28 years experience almost quit repairs on my RV because of RV Care problems. First time in 3 years I had to use them and I never will again!!

    Should you purchase any extended warranty at all??? 

    I personally think that with all the exclusions, the answer is NO.. 

    Just pay for what goes wrong... my opinion.

  20. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, kaypsmith said:

    I started out camping many years ago as a boy scout, then as a scout master for 8 years in a pup tent, and never really enjoyed it that way. I then started vacationing by rent a motel room, and hated that because of the fact that I was always sleeping in a bed that I had no clue who had slept there before. I could hardly sleep there because of the eerie feeling that bugs were crawling on me. That's when I told my wife that we were about to own a motorhome. First two were used, we took everything out of them including the mattress's which went directly to the dump then thoroughly disinfected the coaches before putting new mattress's on the bed, and have enjoyed most every minute of camping in my own motorhomes. Now with all that said, why would I rent out my motorhome and begin sleeping on a bed that my wife and I were not the last people to sleep there? No, my motorhome is Not for rent!

    Understood....as I stated earlier..too many variables... plus, a motorhome is much more delicate than renting a house to someone.... 

    Look a house doesn't travel, it can't be driven off to a remote location... stranded, damaged as easily or get involved in a fatal crash...and wind up in an investigation....all of these things could happen to your RV...

    As for bed bugs.... they are not as likely in a pretty nice hotel.... not guaranteed NOT to happen... but, again not likely...

    As we traveled across the USA...we stayed in hotels from time to time....a Class B is a great tourer... but, it is small and at times we certainly needed a break from the close quarters.... When we purchased the Class B... I assured my spouse that I never said that we wouldn't stay in hotels from time to time...

    It's very unfortunate that you feel that way about hotels....there are some very nice (doesn't mean super expensive) ones available ...and we mostly stayed at places on off nights...you would be surprised how much you can save when you don't insist on staying there weekends.. we always go directly to the property and avoid making reservations....I've had terrible experiences making reservations in advance and only to discover that the place was a dilapidated when we arrived..

    Kay, your bus conversion is absolutely beautiful and can certainly understand why you would not trust anyone with that...

     

  21. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, rsbilledwards said:

    See Level is a Canadian company and yes their stuff is very good and accurate if you follow directions...just ask me how I know the last two words were the important ones.

    Thanks...got it...."follow directions".....

    I have three tanks, grey, black and fresh..plus, I need a gauge for the LPG...so, would the 709 work?? Don't really see the need for the "Bluetooth model"...

    https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/products/

    Let me know which one you think might work better...

  22. Posted · Report reply

    56 minutes ago, wolfe10 said:

    Not sure running an ad constitutes endorsement.

    Well, I'm not sure I would agree with you...it was sent out over the "official email" of the FMCA ... that's the same as sending it on the FMCA letterhead....

    Otherwise, why didn't Campanda pay for a advertising like all other advertisements in the monthly magazine....

    Just my opinion.... maybe I'm wrong? 

  23. Posted · Report reply

    44 minutes ago, rsbilledwards said:

    The answer would be not a chance! I would rather have the load being stuff to live with rather than hauling around a bunch of batteries. Same kind of No on the second part of the question, not enough power and can you imagine the cost. Every one of these kinds of units are subsidized, imagine that bill.

    On the diesel side the Audis and MBs we see here, diesel powered, are several generations old compared to what is available in Europe. Our fuel is dirty by comparison in spite of the refining changes made here over the last decade or so. Their diesel is water clear. The current Audi cars will not run on the fuel we have here. I am willing to bet you do not see the big rigs in the mountains, on the flats and short haul applications sure. 

    Subsidized?    Maybe some vehicles are.. people are concerned about the environment, you know? 

    Enough power... well, I sure hope that the Volvo trucks with the electric motor options have more power resources than my little Toyota Prius had trying to climb to the Eisenhower pass.. probably do...

    As for big rigs in the mountains...I'd just like to tell you that a few weeks ago I returned from an 11,000 miles journey all across the USA..... went through the Northwest across to the East coast down to Florida and back through Route 66..

    Let me tell you... there's plenty of big rig diesels, motorhomes and yes, I even saw some Mercedes Benz Sprinters like mine and Class C Winnebago coaches out there along with plenty of other RVs... Even saw some Audi's..... 

    What evidence do you have that supports that diesel fuel is cleaner in Europe? Here's an article on diesel fuel from the BBC... below.. from 2015.... and a report on biofuels in Europe....

    And, I think they have been using biodiesel in Europe...

    https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/biofuels

    http://www.bbc.com/news/business-33254803

  24. Posted · Report reply

    2019.... isn't that far away and it appears that the Mercedes Benz Sprinter will offer a gasoline/electric vehicle model...a hybrid Sprinter.....

    What do you think??

    https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/mercedes-teases-new-sprinter-interior-ev-coming-in-2019/

    Reason I ask.... well, we had an experience with a hybrid car climbing through the Eisenhower pass.. 11,000 feet climb through Highway 70... it's a steady climb to the summit and the electric motor ran out... relying only on the gasoline engine....

    Yes, we made it over the summit, but, the car struggled to make it.....

    SO, would you consider a gasoline electric hybrid in an RV???  Mercedes Benz is not saying that the diesel engines won't be available in the Sprinters for the US market?  It's tabled the diesel engine in their automobiles..... they are just adding the gasoline engine for sale in the United States...

    By the way, diesel engine cars and trucks are VERY popular in Europe.. much more than the USA...

    Then there's the complicated issue on biodiesel... still a developing story .. not sure about the outcome for the millions of Mercedes Benz diesels already here in the United States.... time will tell.... 

    So, your thoughts on a hybrid RV?  There's even hybrid big rigs, see below, 

    https://blog.caranddriver.com/volvos-new-concept-semi-truck-points-to-a-future-of-hybrid-big-rigs/

     

  25. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, manholt said:

    Mark.  In your "neck of the woods", I suspect that quite a few are Rocker's and Film/TV stare's...could be wrong on that.

    There's a lot of people in LA... with money, no question... 

    Honestly, I don't run in these circles.. but, there are a lot of fancy cars and homes out here..yes, it's quite possible that people here do actually rent vehicles like my 2012 Roadtrek RS Adventurous for these rates...see this below.... unbelievable as that sounds.... look, you gotta know that I'm not making this up....

    These Class B's are insanely expensive to rent.....

    http://rentmyroadtrek.com/rates/standard-rates/

    And another rental place....

    http://mercedessprinterrvrentals.com/special-deals/

    $3,390 per week with a 1,500 miles allowance is a pretty good return on your investment..no matter how you look at it.. even with the expenses....

    It's a fair question about what you can do with your van while you're not using it..

    Because Mercedes Benz Sprinter diesel engines are known for longevity... maybe 500,000 miles...it's not an issue...for extra mileage...

    In fact, Mercedes Benz diesels love to run.....it's a commercial truck and engine so why not keep it running....Fed Ex uses a fleet of them everyday.

    The main question is... your loss of use, your exposure in an the event of an accident, even if it's covered.. vetting the renters, and the competency of the repairs themselves.. and dealing with all of the extra maintenance costs..

    Look, it's more than a few dollars... however, it's taxable income... You have to consider all of these factors...  

    Maybe you're right that there's people out there who wanted an RV so badly that this was their justification for getting what they did....

    And, of course,  Campanda takes a cut for their marketing, etc...it's a business...

    I think a lot people who get involved with the Campanda program may not realize what their exposure will be IF they don't have commercial insurance.... could be a sad ending.... when something happens... 

    Bottom line is..if you don't have your assets covered for insurance loss...and repairs.. it's not going to work out well... 

    The December 15th email sent out by the FMCA...to introduce / sponsor of Campanda, it might appear that they gave their imprimatur to this company.. with this tagline....

     FMCA Members: Earn money renting out your RV when you're not using it

    Maybe the FMCA is really endorsing this service.... that's what made me look at it more closely.....

    Despite the potential gains... I've decided to skip it...... I wonder how many people who are FMCA members will find the offer appealing? 

     

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