We are considering a new 2008-2009 B for more touring than camping (will still do some park camping). Did own a 25' class C w/Ford E450 V-10 5sp.. Base out of Phoenix,Az for trips. Looking at models within R/T,P/W,LTV mainly in the up to 20'size. Kinda prefer Chevy or Ford Chassis, though might consider a Sprinter. Appears a little early for info on 09's though Rodgers recent threads on the 09 R/T 190 were very interesting and helpful--THANKS!
Some of the main option features we would like: permanent bath, macerator system, sofa that makes to either twins or queen,convection M/W oven, new LED lighting, all ultra leather, 2 swivel frt. chairs, gas Gen., and the other many features usually included; and ofcourse all the storage possible (know a permanent closed bath can cut into space). Several models have all this and more now.
R/T's: 190, like to see more final info on 09 model. More open is nice option, but keeping that end cabinet for storage might be more important to us (?). R/T 210, though 22', still seems a good way to go too, and add the cabinet in place of 3rd seat. A R/T model already has much of what we'd like. Does the macerator system work well with little problem(s), including the hose? Still a little concerned on lower ground height (gotta watch out for those interstate/roads rubber road gators, rocks, etc.).
P/W's: Ford Excel TS & Chevy Lexor TS. Excel is nice though wider and we like the layout and bath area. Haven't seen one, but pictures almost look like rear wheel well, minus the spacer, might be big enough for duals (if possible) for added stable ride-more protection in case of a blowout (?). Does any Excel owner know and would it affect the handling-driving,or even needed for that matter?? How do you existing Excel and Lexor owners like your rig? So far haven't been able to get 2009 year changes. Wonder if macerator sewage pump system will be a option(?). I've heard/read that the Chevy might handle better with a little better mpg, even with just a 4sp.. Any owners out there have a opinion (a dumb question)??
LTV: Chevy FreeFlight 20'4" model. We like this model too. The company told me 2 days ago that they are now making, adding, a ultra leather elec. sofa-twin bed option for 2009. Does anyone out there have a FreeFlight now and how do you like it? Use of the 2 single elec. inclining beds? Experiences-quality workmanship-problems (if any), etc..
AIRSTREAM: 09 Sprinter 22' Interstate model looks nice and will have dual rear wheels. Info, etc. on-line is a little limited compared to most other brands with more specifics & details, options,etc.. i.e. remove 2 of the chairs and add cabinets for more storage like R/T, etc.. Haven't been able to get a book even through a dealer as they don't seem to have, even for 08 models. Maybe its better to stay away from Airstream??? Anyone out there have a Airstream Interstate now and able to offer info-experiences-opinions.
Another reason for a nice B is both of us (both retired) will be able to drive. DW will be more comfortable than the larger C.
Another comment-- sure wish GM would put ONSTAR on the Chevy vans used for RV's. Know they will not as vans are considered commercial vehicles as told a few years ago. Lots of features-uses-protections offered with OnStar. Have known and talked with many RV'ers who had a pulled GM vehicle with OnStar (including a few with a class B) just for that reason. Heard their experience's from medical to road service for their rv rig, including being caught out in the middle of nowhere at night and a little unsure as to their exact location. Was nice to hear a caring voice instantly and paid attention to them til service arrived. One B owner said that for their longer road trips away from home, cross country trips one of them would drive their small chevy car with OnStar behind the B, and at times use the car for transportation when they wanted to leave the B set up in a nice rv park. And yes, a little more gas, but to them it was worth it for the added convenience and potential safety they felt by having OnStart with them, something they had need of on other trips.
Thanks for any and all comments regarding the above. Tips, opinions, advice, experiences are always appreciated from all of you wonderful B'ers on this forum. We always really enjoy reading the many threads on so many different topics and subjects. Everyone learns. Thanks too to Rodger for the good job that he does!! CHEERS to all and happy safe, enjoyable travels and trips!!
TOUR N
Currently: B Looking: PW,LTV,RT
Former RV: 2005 Chinook Glacier 25'w/slide Ford E450 V10 5sp.
Hi TourN,
We have a 2002 LTV Freedom 2a on a Dodge Chassis, not the same unit you inquired about, but it has the electric sofa (not leather though) that converts to twin beds when lowered by connecting with a padded cushion over the wheel well cabinet. There is an option to convert to a queen bed by filling the middle gap with a table top and back cushions from the wheel well seats. We have chosen to use the twin bed option. Each bed is about 28-30 inches wide (foot end), and the driver side bed is 74 or so inches long. The passenger side bed is 2 inches shorter. These measurements will probably vary some with other chassis.
We have found this arrangement to be very satisfactory, and like the ability for one person to get up without disturbing the other. Our sofa was a little too firm for our comfort, and we added a 2" thick foam mattress topper, held in place by a fitted sheet. The sofa opens and closes without disturbing the topper, so it has worked very well for us.
The LTV has been a good unit with good workmanship, and when we have found it necessary to contact LTV with questions or for parts they have been very helpful and prompt.
Young RV, www.youngrv.com had a 2007/2008 Chevy Free Flight with the Rear Sofa, believe it is now sold, if you have any questions on Chevy Free Flight contact Joe Murray sales rep for Leisure Travel Vans,
midwestleisure@hotmail.com or leisurejoe66@yahoo.com nice person, if you want mention my name to him.
I reside in MA no Leisure Travel Vans in MA or New England, he is trying to get a local dealer here in MA, hopefully beginning of next year as I would like to see a Free Flight as we are also interested in it, I understand they are/will be building shortly on the 2009 Chevy Chassis, maybe a little change.
The exterior height on the current Free Flight is 99 inches, I like that.
Here are several dealers: www.burtoncampers.com - www.battlefieldrv.com - www.rvworldinc.com - www.craigsmithrv.com - www.rvcorral.com
Joe informed me that he just got a new dealer in Canandaigua, New York
that the dealer ordered a 2009 Free Flight, both Joe and the dealer were in Syracuse, N.Y., at the Fairgrounds this week-end and they had a Free Flight there.
Ron
Leisure Time at Cape Cod Canal,
Bourne, MA
Ron & Rose Cabral
New Bedford, MA
2002-Dodge-2002-RoadTrek-190-Popular
FMCA:303873
~K1RRC~
E-mail: RRCRT@aol.com
Aikensbest wrote: I am admittedly prejudiced, but suggest you take a look at the new Great West Titan widebody. It has all of the features you are looking for.
Keep in mind that the Great West Titan is a Class C.
Well, we just placed an order for the 2009 210 Popular Roadtrek. It has the macerator, convection oven, bath, etc. and quite a bit of storage space in the kitchen by losing the fourth seat up front. We also ordered the hanging wardrobe, so when it's just the two of us, the third seat can go into the garage and the wardrobe goes in. The back bed makes into a king size bed with the electric couch option. It should arrive sometime in November and we'll be happy to update you once we take it out for a spin.
I don't think you can go badly wrong with any of the major brands of B. It's probably as or important (or more) to pick a floor plan that works for you for your intended use. IMO, 20' & under has some advantages for in-town parking when touring.
The Chevy chassis is definitely a fine driver.
Jim, "Be the coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison ('Loafer's Glory'); '07 Forester 2.5 ( the 'HANDBSKT'); '95 Toyota SR5 V-6 4x4 pickup, ARB locker, Bilsteins, Warn hubs & M8000, etc;
'94 968, M030 swaybars ('DOPPLER')
Your focus on Roadtrek, Pleasure Way, and Leisure Travel will serve you weil, though I can't think why you would want dual rear wheels, despite what you say.
I think it's a great thing to go to a dealer's place and explore each of the RVs in depth, up close and in person. Both you and your wife. Get in there, move around, act as if you own it. Then decide.
TO: Bob N, Aikensbest, Sergeant76, dwhitmoyer, handbasket, baywoodbil, thanks for your input, comments, websites to visit, etc.. dwhitmoyer--Congrats to you on your new order of a 2009 RT 210! Yes, would be nice to hear how you like it after you hit the road. The 210's are very nice!!
Can share with others some info I just received direct from PW on the 2009 PW coach changes that will include: A new Brisa Ultra-Leather they say has more durability and breathable comfort and will continue to be offered in the three colors. Cabinet colors: The Cherry Maple and sugar Maple stay the same, with a mild change to the Natural Maple. Corian Countertops: Has been upgraded to a Private Collection Line of corian for a more residential and modern look. New Thetford China Bowl Toilet: Higher profile seat increases comfort, more power flush and eaiser cleaning, residential sized seat & cover; and new ergonomic single pedal foot flush. PW sleep system: upgraded bottom layer of foam to higher density foam, combined with a top layer of Viscolux Memory foam for more increased comfortable sleeping. Graphic Package: All 2009 PW's will have new modern yet simple graphic package. Flooring: New updated 40-ounce sculptured carpet and 20-milvinyl with improved durability.
And, the 2009 Plateau coach will be built on a 2008 3500 Sprinter van chassis with DUAL rear wheels. Will have a higher GVWR and CCC.(This may be the same chassis that the new 09 Airstream Interstate is built on). Improved driver seating area will enable the driver to recline their seat by an additional 2 1/2 inches. Larger Fridge: a 6 cu. ft two door fridge wih top freezer section, and will run on 3-way power. These 2009 changes were provided to me by John Mattern at PW. He also told me that PW does not plan to offer a macerator pump sewage system for 09, something I kinda thought we might like in a B.
Anyway, we appreciate the comments received to our topic so far. Thanks.
And, the 2009 Plateau coach will be built on a 2008 3500 Sprinter van chassis with DUAL rear wheels. Will have a higher GVWR and CCC.(This may be the same chassis that the new 09 Airstream Interstate is built on).
It is the same chassis as the Airstream Interstate and also as the Leisure Travel Freedom II Serenity.
Techically, none of them is a class B, just as the RT 210 is not.
If you think dual rear wheels are a great way to go, then go for the Plateau or the Freedom II.
It depends partly in what you want to haul around with you and how many people travel with you.
My suggestion about extended sitting in and moving around it each of the models you consider still stands.
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