Ryan8881
Ft. Pierce, Florida
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Joined: 04/24/2007
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Thinking of getting a 2006 Roadtrek 170 Popular and would love some Pros and Cons about them. Thanks
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1775
NY
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Joined: 09/30/2009
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The 170 is the smallest of the Roadtreks. Have you been inside one? The 170 is a bit cramped inside. We started out looking at the 170, went inside one, came out rather quickly because we felt too close inside, and started looking at the 190 which is longer. In terms of parking and driving the 170 offers little difference from the 190. It is shorter, but you can just as easily maneuver and park a 190 anywhere that a 170 can be parked. A lot is dependent upon the size of the spaces in a parking lot - if it is a tight lot you may be able to park a 170 more easily in a single space. I find that some spaces and the rows in some lots are so tight that I need to take up two spaces front and back with my 190 - not always, but in some lots. The bed in a 170 is designed to sleep across the van. In a 190 you have an option to sleep back to front or across the van. The bed in a 190 is larger - King. Again, the biggest thing to consider is the interior living space and if you have been in one and are comfortable then it is fine.
If you go to the Roadtrek website you can download a manual for the 2006 170 and you can get a good idea of the features, etc.
http://www.roadtrek.com/_Uploads/manuals/Roadtrek_Owners_Manual_2006_170-190.pdf
Roadtrek 190 Popular 2011
Meryl and Me Hit the Road
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Ryan8881
Ft. Pierce, Florida
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Thanks for the info. What do you get for fuel mileage with your 190 and at what speed. Travel safe :-)
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ronsminis
Newport News, VA, USA
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Joined: 06/27/2003
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Hi Ryan
How are you going to use the unit? How many people are going to use the unit?
Camping, traveling or touring, as a second vehicle in town or . . . ?
97% of the RV's are larger with only 3% B's (that used to be the ratio.) So tell us why you want the unit and how will it be used.
We love our Rt 190! I just want to help you understand the need and that the 170 which I think is too small for my needs will work for you.
Best regards,
Ron and Pat
2004 RT Popular 190
Newport News, VA
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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How many are going to use it, and if it's not too nosy, what size and how flexible? The 170 is pretty near ideal for the solo traveler / camper, especially an outdoor-active one. For a couple, it'll help a lot if they're also fairly small and agile.
But even a small agile single who can't stand being cooped up in a small space may find the advantages of easy parking & maneuverability offset by the lack of space and limited tanks size.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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KAYPAY
Windsor , ON. Dundee FL
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Joined: 06/11/2009
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We have a 04 190 Popular with just the two seats so we have extra storage and a wardrobe. We find it more than adequate for us. We traveled 14,400 miles last summer in 3 months to Alaska and back with no problems. now in Utah visiting all the national parks in the west. We average 15.3 mpg in our travels the last 3 years and expect to get about the same this year .Whatever you end up with, enjoy your travels.
Diane and Keith
2004 Roadtrek P190
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Ryan8881
Ft. Pierce, Florida
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Thanks Guys, It will be just the two of us with a small dog.We are weekend warriors and will use the 170 as a second car when needed.Mainly we want to know if there any problems that we should be looking for when we test drive the unit.
Thanks alot :-)
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Ryan8881 wrote:......Mainly we want to know if there any problems that we should be looking for when we test drive the unit.
Thanks alot :-)
The closest to a 'common' reported weakness on the RT Chevy's is a few folks posting about having brake issues descending grades, and the low dumping point. Few if any gripes about general handling & driveablity, or chassis or coach reliability. But the 190 on the longer Express 3500 is far more common here than the 170.
On general principles, I'd suggest a read-thru of the FAQ's here, with attention to the part about buying used and take the test drive part seriously.
Jim, "The wages of sin is death. But after they take out taxes, it's just a tired feeling."
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1775
NY
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Ryan8881 wrote:Thanks for the info. What do you get for fuel mileage with your 190 and at what speed. Travel safe :-)
My 190 has the 6.0L 8cyl six speed gas engine. This is the bigger engine that RT offers and is an option on the 190. The best mpg I have gotten so far is about 19.5. This is with all limited access road driving at 65 mph. On local roads it gets between 13 and 16. We tend to average in combined driving around 16 - 17. This is not bad - I just got rid of a three year old Honda Pilot with a 6 cyl engine that was only getting 13-14 mpg with local driving.
On a large turnpike I have had no problem driving at 65. Of course, common sense needs to be applied. I would not do this in heavy rain. If there is strong wind, I slow down. The height of the Class Bs will get caught in a wind and try to push you out of the lane. Also, if the road surface has a lot of irregularities the van will bounce from bump to bump - and slowing down will make this tolerable. (I have been told this is called porpoising and is not uncommon with RVs.)
I have an article on my site about my experiences driving the Roadtrek.
If you have ever driven a van, when test driving a Roadtrek there should be no difference in how it drives and feels. My wife and I both test drove the model that we were ordering and she had no problem driving it. She also commented that it was just like driving our older Chevy van. It is important to understand that it is a house on wheels and there are a lot of things inside that will make noise. Some of these noises will be a little unsettling at times but if you secure everything in your cabinets and make sure that all cabinets, etc are securely latched it is not a problem - though there are still noises. Also be aware that you do not have the same vision out the back and on the sides as you do from a car's driver's seat and you have to learn to use the mirrors and in some situations it is a two person job to make sure everything in the next lane is clear to make a move. I recommend never to make any sudden lane changes and all will be well.
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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Joined: 03/20/2002
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Roadtrex, must be some Chinese knock off. 
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