Cheapest Van vs. Most Expensive Van in 2024 (Class B Camper Vans)
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TIMESTAMPS ⬇⬇⬇
0:00 Huge Class B RV Show
0:15 Sprinter luxury Camper Van - Grech RV STRADA-ion 2025
6:10 Roadtrek Chase 2024
13:17 Roadtrek Pivot 2024
20:12 Thor Dazzle LB 2024
20:01 Thor Rize 18G
Who are we?
We're Bob & Hillary and we are on a journey to see the world in our Van. We are all about being REAL. We want to show you the real side of traveling by Van, our experience of buying 2 Vans...We share our highs and lows, ups and downs and everything in between.
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HappilyEverHanks
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Mathers on the Map
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Episode 120 | Filmed March 2024 | VAN LIFE VLOG |#vancaskeys #rvtour
#rvshow #rvshow2024
Пікірлер: 307
There’s just something about driving down the road letting your wife take the wheel while you’re sitting in the bathroom. Looking out the window at the passing scenery. It just makes you feel alive.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Bahaha! You win for best comment! You made us laugh! 😂 👏
@marsha-rf6nn
Ай бұрын
Lol
@kaykaykayak9368
Ай бұрын
So true
@jeffharrison6059
Ай бұрын
And it can cure constipation if the driver slams on the brakes. You actually get ejected from the poop.
@gerardguida7727
Ай бұрын
😅
You both do an excellent job of presenting and displaying what you are reviewing. So many people making such presentations focus on their faces so much that we don't get to see what is being presented. You allow the viewer to really see the vans in detail with steady camera work.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Wow thank you! This is the nicest thing to say! We are so happy you loved it! 😊
Sheesh, Arizona seems to have more RV shows that anywhere else on the globe. Thanks for the great coverage. I feel like a dieting man in a bakery :)
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Hahahaha! BEST comment!!!!!😂
I like the fact that you guys always check for seatbelts on the backseat. Many reviewers don't even mention it. They always assume it's just for a couple and not families with kids.
Thanks for the down to earth walk throughs. It’s so awesome to watch you guys go through the vans with all your experience and expertise. Very helpful. Thanks for posting this video!
@Vancaskeys
14 күн бұрын
Thanks for this awesome comment! We appreciate you!
I agree to take the twister thing out of the bathroom. We don't freak out if we need to wash hands in the kitchen sink.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Agree!
@erikvaldur3334
Ай бұрын
I absolutely agree. Most layouts I've seen have the kitchen sink within a few feet of the lavatory. When space is such a valuable commodity, I just can't see having a tiny wash basin in the lavatory. Seems very illogical in such a small camper.
@ruthfreeman6854
Ай бұрын
Uuuuy Uuyyyyyyye 😊 Yes 6663 6
@ruthfreeman6854
Ай бұрын
Uuuuy Uuyyyyyyye 😊 Yes 6663 6
Nice work, appreciate the range of options you showed.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thank you! 😊
I love that Dazzle
Great job guys . Good comparison. The Thor seems like a great starter van.
Nice guided tour, however, I missed the 79000 dollar van, I saw an 80000 one (2 dollars change!) that really looked like the best value for money. With a few changes that would be a perfect starter.
All the Roadtreks have macerators which make dumping the sewage easy. Also, most Roadtreks have sumo springs.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Great info! Thanks
The last one is on a 22' chassis. Great to see some of the options out there.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks! 😊
Funny. Sitting in a RV Campground in my Nova 20D watching this. It confirms that I think I made the right choice after seeing the wide range of options. I agree the new Promaster 3500 chassis was worth the wait. I don't know how you guys have put so many miles on Mister Lemon though. I am 6' tall and it starts to feel a little cramped on long drives. Maybe having the Table back there vs the Fridge allows you more leg room. Anyway, keep up the good work. Always look forward to your videos.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
That is awesome! We are jealous! We love the Nova 20D. And honestly Mr. Lemon does get cramped.
Nice job guys!!!!❤❤❤❤
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thank you!
Keeping it real, Much appreciated!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
❤️❤️❤️
You can see the paper on the inside of the cabinets peeling off already at 26:47. Thor awesome.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
We saw that in post editing! Doesn’t surprise us 🤪
@LivingRetirement
Ай бұрын
Yes, I noticed this also. Thor, no thanks!!!
@BajaGirl302
17 күн бұрын
No Thor products ever!
Thanks, as always, for your insight and tours of what's available out there. As owners of a 2021 Winnebago Travato 59K (twin bed setup), we are admittedly partial to that brand. It seems to fall in the sweet spot of price/fit/finish/design/options. We don't have a lithium system but the combination of generator, propane, solar and 30 amp service has served us well so far. Someday, I'm sure, we'll find ourselves wishing for lithium, but for now it's been fine as is (the benefit of living in PA and spending most of our time camping in and around the northeast instead of the southwest). The rear bath layout was our preference as it keeps the galley area from feeling cramped. We tried making the twin beds into the queen(ish) setup but it made getting in and out difficult and not worth the trouble. The ProMaster has been fine too and maintenance has been readily available and affordable. Although, like you guys, we do feel the need to upgrade the bulbs for better headlight coverage...it's on my list to do this before the summer. Good luck on your search and we can't wait to see what your next adventure vehicle is!!! Our first RV was a 24' Class C (didn't love it) and at one time we though we wanted a B+ but honestly would miss the relatively nimble ProMaster van.
That 2024 Thor Rize 18G that you were looking at has to be built on a 2022 Ram ProMaster chassis, as it has the updated dashboard & steering wheel, but it still has the previous style front end.
Love your videos. We too have a Ram Promaster (2022) and the headlights are horrible. Wish Ram would conduct a safety recall. Although we love our “Willson” we are dreaming of the Modvan. The configuration is unrivaled .
I wouldn't mind having either of the last two, except I like food and dislike shopping for food a little too much to have that small of a refrigerator.
By the time you got the Thor, the difference in quality is very obvious. Sure, it's at a price point, but I think I would rather save a little more for a product that will last longer and have much greater resale value.
@ninetyfaith8830
Ай бұрын
But if it’s all cosmetics I think it has its market. For me most critical is chassis, electric wiring, plumbing, price. In short. As long as it can work and be super safe to drive, I will take the cost saving
I actually prefer the Dazzle above the others. Layout seems much smarter. Much more open feeling and practical with the roomy rear bath. A functional kamode, shower where you can move your arms is a winner in my book. Pretty large closet too.
Hi Bob and Hillary🤗 Thank you for sharing the New B-vans ..nice to see what they look like! I think we will stick..with our Thor 18 M Rize still ......Fits .....our needs !!! 👍 Daily driving somtimes dogs🐕🐕 and all 😁 Great video appreciate you guys ! 😊❤
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks Diane! Always love hearing how you guys are doing. :)
Great video Y'all!!!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thank you!!
Just tuned in. Great reviews. I was really inpressed with the dazzel. Simple, very nice. And responsible priced.
@tammyfese3108
Ай бұрын
And i loved the larger rear bathroom.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Awesome!
Good information. Thanks
I’m not a fan of the transition bathroom in the Pivot. It looks really cramped. Although pricey, I am in love with the Grech. There’s lots of storage and plush leather seating. Sorry Hillary, I was not Dazzled by the Formica counter and cheap upholstery. Keep up the good work, guys!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Bahaha! Total get it! Thanks!
Great review of the visible RV systems. However, one if the things we are finding are the most important are the non visible system. E.g. water and electric autonomy. Easiness of filling up and emptying the tanks. Type of water heating system, power requirements for the AC, ground clearance , weight, confort for passengers, etc. Specially for those new to class Bs who don't even know what to ask (as we were when we started).
Yes, Hillary, we are “dazzled”. We own the scope 2022. and love the rear bathroom.Our bed is tiny and I like the bigger bed is the dazzle this is our price range and will probably never pay more
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Awesome!
Thanks, Bob and Hillary! I like the layout on the Dazzle, but like any other Thor, the most attractive thing is the price and I would rather build it myself before buying a Thor. 😅 After all this time, they don't get the message on their quality control and just build it right the first time. 🤷🏻♂️🙄 I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the work you put into doing them. 🙏
We just got the 2lb and live in Mesa. Shakedown cruise was a success. Looking forward to many trips. Thanks for your videos
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
So exciting! Congrats!
I just don't get these RV buyers.., they must have had a state job or a county job or a policeman or their parents died and they inherited a huge amount of money... Are people making $100 an hour sounds about right. I guess I missed the boat.
@Dale-xm1se
7 күн бұрын
A 1000 Dollar day should be what your earning by now as a tradesman , I average 45 weeks a year at this rate or I dont go to work.
I look at those low price (relatively speaking!) vans as "entry level" - a starting point. For 25k(ish) more than the just the van itself would cost you - you've got a great head start on customizing/upgrading it to your liking while still being able to use it right away. Seems like an excellent option to me (but I am a DIY type of gal and I can't wrap my mind around the prices of some of these Class Bs, both from major manufacturers and custom van builders)! There was one you showed last year for 69k (a Solis Pocket maybe, can't remember, it was a previous year model if I remember right) that I'd have jumped on if I had come across it!
@rshawiii
Ай бұрын
You can't wrap your mind around the prices because you have more sense than money, not the opposite. I've had various customized vans for over 40 years. Trying to make these things do the things of a full size RV or trailer (or your house) for that matter is just plain stupid. My use case is long distance trekking, carrying stuff, towing a trailer, getting a little sleep at a roadside stop, being much more comfortable than in a tent on a 1 or 2 day camp out, etc. Some hot water, heat, AC, a simple cook top, a microwave, porta potti, and the ability to store and make some power are all that is needed. My next van is likely to be a Ford Transit Trail, with mostly a light weight DIY build out.
5:43 the electrical system on the Gretsch figures has to figure into the price. That’s massive!
Another great video. Love your chemistry and enthusiasm! Thanks, Marty
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks Marty!
Great job, great information
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thank you!
I have to give a thumbs up for the Rise! Nice van camper!
@Vancaskeys
10 күн бұрын
Thanks Lindsey!
We’ve watched your B Van reviews for a long time but have never seen a review of a Pleasure-Way. We recently purchased a used 2021 Pleasure-Way Lexor FL and love it. I thought maybe other viewers would like to see what they have to offer. We have seen the Roadtrek Chase at the Tampa RV show earlier this year and thought it was very nice but felt it doesn’t compare to the Pleasure-Way we bought. You guys should check one out!
The bathroom in the Pivot is a imitation of the bathrooms on some of the passenger trains in the UK.
And love 💕 you guys thanks for the info
@Vancaskeys
13 күн бұрын
❤❤❤
New sub! You missed one of the most important aspects, at least for the men! 😁 What are the specs, horsepower, mileage, warranty, etc. These would have been nice to know, especially for someone who has never looked at these in depth. I agree with you, and was thinking exactly the same when you said it, why do I need another sink in a tightly confined space, get rid of it! 👍😎✌🗽
Love all your observations! I would have liked the Dazzle & Rize have the exterior propane connection on the passenger side.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks! Agree!
I love the rise
I do like that new Thor Dazzle because you can still be in bed, use the restroom on one side and cook on the other side. But the Thor Rize would be more for me. It's just me and my dog. So that Rize size would be nice! I just like the fact that you could leave the bed made up if you needed to to cook. Yuck on the valances though. I really love your videos and how in sync the two of you are with each other. It makes for a pleasant viewing experience. 🙂
The lagoon table in that chase class B would slide to the left and the right and also rotate 365 underneath it is a lagun mount.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Oh nice!
You guys might like the Panoramic.
Love the $89 Thor!!!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
❤️❤️❤️👏
The Dazzle seems pretty good for the price. I have that kind of bathroom in the back. I use the sink for a counter. It works pretty good to set stuff on while using the mirror. If my sink didn't lift up I definitely would not want one taking up the space. I am wondering if the Dazzle had a generator or the Reliable batteries or?
Thank you for this video. Great job. I have always wondered why someone would pay so much for a Benz when that are other rigs avail that are pretty much equal. The price on all Benz' are just plain crazy, even used. But, even the "more affordable" makes/models are outrageous (price) for what you get.
Thanks for the info! I tried to search for RV shows in AZ and didn't really find any. You'll have to tell me how you find them or let me know when they are around. We're in Prescott and went to the Scottsdale one 2 years ago but haven't seen any dates for them this year. 😕 We're thinking either a smaller C or a pull behind trailer. Thanks much!! You guys always offer great insight and education! 👍🏻
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks Heidi! We just usually google RV shows near me…and usually there is one in Tucson or Phoenix. There is one in Tuscan this weekend I believe. And the next one I can see in Phoenix is the beginning of May.
Very good job. I’m well enlightened good video thank you.
@Vancaskeys
5 сағат бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
1260 amps of power!!! Perfect!! No butane, no propane, just electric. Solar on the roof?? Didn't catch it if it did. We bought our sprinter 80% complete and all electric. It's the only way to go. We finished it and paid half what this one shown is!!! Not a Ram fan.
Hard to beat the Gretch for engineering and quality, but find a Pleasure Way for a better quality/value proposition
The Thor Rize you looked at here is a semi-copy of what we have: the Carado Axion from the now-defunct Hymer North America. We've had our Axion--same Promaster 1599 van, similar layout--for going on six years and 20,000 miles, with the two of us camping it it. I'm 6'1" BTW. So yes two people can travel & camp in one of these. One thing you didn't mention is that the Rize uses an Onan gas generator under the chassis for aux power. Our Axion has an underhood generator which is way better IMO. And we have a pair of power lithium batteries instead of the Rize's AGMs. So Thor went cheap on some important things you might not notice in a dealer's lot. Personally I'd opt for a used Axion over a new Rize, but ours is an orphan to be fair. OTOH I don't put much stock in manufacturer warranties. Dealers prioritize cash customers over warranty work and it shows. The thing about such a small self-contained van is that you lose roominess when you're parked but you gain a lot whenever you get on the road. So the more you're driving the more you're going to appreciate the smaller size. And the twistier and more secondary the roads you travel on. And here in California a lot of public campgrounds have a lot of small pads to park on at the campsite. Lastly, don't call this Rize a $79,000 RV. It's an $80,000 RV. Did your middle school math teacher not show you how to round up and down? The sticker price is $2 less than $80K but $998 more than $70K. Capische?
I like the first Thor best, primarily for the layout that let the main space feel like an actual room. A nice flush cover for the propane stove permits stacking a movable induction cooktop allowing for cooking outside, even at the same time as using the propane inside. That bed on the last one looked a bit short, and the valence and kitchenette trip choices are feh. The first two vans may be typical higher end; but it seems an awful lot of money to blow for accepting all those things an owner would want different.
Love the video. Thank you
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thank you! 😊
@heiditownsend3498
Ай бұрын
I personally don't like all the cabinets stick out you can lessen those I'm the fan of that one -43
months of videos out of one RV show. impressive!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Haha!! If only we had more time and energy! We were able to film 3 videos and then left 😅
Seems they could do a better mounting job on that ac unit. I do like gretch but not if la mesa handles it. Would make better use to sit down while showering.
I like the 18G👍
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
👏
I'm a small person. 5 feet 115 lbs. I don't have the same challenges in small spaces. I think these vans are perfect for me.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
aweseome!
You hit your head on the air conditioner because you have a hat on indoors! You couldn’t see it! You do have to immediately point out that that is the super whisper, quiet AC that they put in that unit! I replaced mine with it so if anybody wants the Dometic that has one hour on it, I could sell it to you for $300.
The main thing I don't like about these is you have to have a plan b when this thing has to go in the shop for repairs and they tell you it will take a week or two to fix it. One of the reasons I'm leaning towards a custom build towable. If my vehicle breaks down, I still have a place to stay.
That's a terribly lacking design for $270,000😂😂😂😂😂
I was not dazzled by the Thor Dazzle and the Rise does not rise to the occasion. The Gretsch was too expensive for what it has. The Road Treks were not bad and I like the Pivot but I agree the sink in the bathroom should be ripped out.
I like the Rize.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Sweet :)
Love your channel would love to see more adventures in az …instead of so many RV shows. I have a van and I love it, lived in az and I miss it.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Awww thank you 😊 I totally hear you…it seems like the most views are on the RV shows so we tend to think that’s what people prefer. But do you have any ideas about where you’d want us to go in Arizona? We are always looking for new ideas!
You missed the screen on the Gretch and it is obvious that the table by the passenger seat can be moved around surprised you missed that lol.
I wish they’d come up with new layouts that are more open floor plans. Like a lot of the custom vans like Vanture customs
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Same!
Best of luck. And don't worry, out of necessity you'll be an old pro at this in 2 weeks.
No freaking way the first van has $200,000 worth of components! Crappy vinyl covering on the fridge, etc. Yuck!!! So tired of these overpriced vans. I worked for a sprinter van conversion company, so I have a pretty good idea of what it should cost. Maybe $150,000. The Roadtreks are priced much better. Thanks for the reviews!
Thanks!
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Awww thanks so much! We appreciate you! ❤️❤️❤️
The best Class B bathroom I've seen is in the Winnebago Travato.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
We totally agree.
Rich from Michigan here. like your videos. I have a 23 thor sequence with the bath in the back side beds. I like those features and feel they are most easy to use. just wondering why you did not like the pull down sink in the back?. I never used it so far.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Hi Rich! We have one in our current van and also have never used it. So it seems like a waste.
The Pivot bathroom works if you, well, take "out the pivot". The Pivot beds look really short?????
First one: 262,000, hitting your head, and the bathroom stinks? That’s a no for me. 👎👎👎 Bob, “but it has a floating step and fridge wallpaper” haha the window in the bathroom is in case your phone dies and you need it for watching nature 🐻 as your do your business 💩 lol and probably helps w claustrophobia in the small space induction is what?? hahahahhahaha that’s something I would say. The second one I thought I’d hate the color, but the more I looked the more I felt a beachy vibe and started to like it! It’s calming!
Don’t buy any of them. I owned one myself and sold it 5 months later. Paid $100k for top of the line Roadtrek. Got lucky and did not lose my shirt. Vans are far too tricked up and when one system gives you a problem it can easily lead to another. My lithium battery system went on the Fritz and it caused other electrical issues. The fridge stopped cooling and was a total waste. Then the van itself had an engine issue. Stick to a solid trailer like an Oliver. Yes, vans are easy to park and all that, but not worth the down time and will lose value quick compared to something like an Oliver or Airstream. You really do get what you pay for.
That shower on the Chase was small. Thank you for the tour. The Gretchen was too high for what you get. I have the Thor Rize 18M.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Agree
I’ll take the low price and I’m a big fan of propane stoves.
Out of the four I would take the dazzle. I like vans with the rear bath. Couldn’t believe the price of the first one, especially since you can’t even stand up in the back. Thanks for another great video 😊
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Sweet! Thanks for watching!
:) WOW! THANKS MUCH for sharing and that is a HUGE RV Show indeed! NO WAY for $262K? :( BUT, GO Hillary on Dazzle being a great starter Class B ! ALL the BEST and Mr. Lemon may have to start worrying :) Cheers and ENJOY! :)
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Thanks Marty! You’re the best!
On the Gretch, do the back windows open?
It took until 19:30 to reveal it, but cassette toilets are No Bueno Sorry. Poop buckets went out of fashion in the 1920s.
Noticed the Grech windows in the back didn’t open. I would hate that.
@laurenmarovich3234
Ай бұрын
Yes, so cheap of them to not have opening windows at that huge sales price.
Sea foam, kids! It’s just begging for sand dollars, glass floats, etc.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
True!!!!! 🏝️
That Grech RV is real nice and has an awesome power system but, jeez you can buy a house for that price.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
Totally agree!
@laurenmarovich3234
Ай бұрын
Plus it looked like the windows don't open. No way could I stand not having some fresh air.
@Vancaskeys
Ай бұрын
@@laurenmarovich3234 totally agree
But it’s a Benz. The materials may or may not be better, but how is it you can get nice Class A for same price? Do like the two bench seats over the C sofa since you can walk through.
Dealers: we just have such little room to move on the price. Buyer: then why do have this unit at 80k off. Dealer: crickets
What material used for wall panels
Class B RVs should get rid of sinks in the bathrooms altogether.
@Vancaskeys
27 күн бұрын
👏👏👏
i love you guys but i think you should make your own rv love you
Where was this van show? We don’t have many vans in Iowa so we will have to travel to get one.
@Vancaskeys
20 күн бұрын
Scottsdale Arizona. They have shows all the time.
The layout of the least expensive vans seems to be the least claustrophobic, as well as the most useable bathrooms.
Where is the fan in the bathroom to release the steam or the odor from going to the toilet? You didn’t talk about the fan in the bathroom
What about Papago Vans in Phoenix ??
No opening windows in the Grech?
Do they have any converted Transits. I don't trust Chrysler products.
Tell us how tall you are when you do these…just s suggestion
Sign me up for the $79k van. Its perfect! I can park & stay ANYWHERE.
Having room for a shower is way more important than a toilet. A portable bucket toilet that you empty daily is so much better
I find they try to put too much stuff in the small vans. I don’t need a TV at all. I’m not even a fan of the indoor bathrooms. I’d rather more space to live in or use that backspace for other things such as lawn chairs, a beach umbrella, outdoor kitchen gear