SilkPurse
Portland, OR
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Joined: 03/01/2011
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I need some good advice for Class B shopping.
I travel solo and am not very sociable; I need a good table facing a comfortable chair for writing; I need a bed (any size) to lie down on (not one that has to disappear during the day); I need the largest bathroom possible, as I hope to spend months at a time living in the unit. I don’t need any “entertainment center” and hope to get as much storage space as possible.
I’m looking for something two or three years old. I like the Sprinter-based RoadTreks, but realize there’s probably something else out there that has more functional bathroom space. I’d prefer not to go above 20’ in length. I would also like to tow a Miata.
I've never owned an RV. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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McK
Arkansas
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Joined: 07/05/2006
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I recommend going to the Sportsmobile website and use its "Design Your Own" feature to develop your "ideal" layout. You can then use that to compare to the floor plans of any potential unit. The website also has listings of used vehicles.
Design Your Own Sprinter
Robert
2006 Sportsmobile Sprinter
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mumkin
Chaska, MN/Mesa, AZ
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Joined: 07/16/2004
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I second the Sportsmobile suggestion. It is really the one place to get everything you want, as you want it. I too am a woman who travels alone. One thing I found after buying my first RV, a Great West Ford based unit, was that after you spend long periods of time in it (3-4 months at a time), you learn of things that you didn't know that you would need or just want. ![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin") With Sportsmobile, they can also make future adjustments and changes for you. They are super nice people to deal with.
Watch their website, which lists many older units, and try to get one that is close to what you want.
BTW... the hardest thing to find of your wish-list in a B is the comfortable chair. That was on my list and to get it and my other "demands" I had to move up to a 25' Class C, which is on order. Sportsmobile might be able to pull something out of a used unit to give you space for a chair.
Mumkin
2021 Promaster 1500 188wb conversion
2019 Roadtrek Simplicity SRT (half Zion/half Simplicity)
2015 Roadtrek 170
2011 LTV Libero
2004 GWV Classic Supreme
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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If you have never camped before I would suggest renting a few times until you get to know what you like and don't like. I would try to avoid towing the Miata unless you belong to a Miata club. Just use the B to get around.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)
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McK
Arkansas
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Joined: 07/05/2006
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Would something like this work as a writing table for you?
Fitness Quest Table-Mate II Portable Table
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1775
NY
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Joined: 09/30/2009
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The largest bathroom possible in a Class B is not very large. Sportsmobile may be able to help you with that but the space in any B is limited. You might want to look at what are considered B+ rvs which have a little more interior room with the sides expanded on the van chassis. Also there are small Class Cs that are around the 20 foot limit that you desire. If you can get to dealers who carry Class B's go and look - even if they are not what you want. They are not very much different from one to the other in regard to size and you will see how comfortable you will be in a Class B in general. What I learned on my first day out looking at actual vans is that the photos on the manufactures web pages make things look a lot larger than they really are.
Roadtrek 190 Popular 2011
Meryl and Me Hit the Road
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SilkPurse
Portland, OR
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Joined: 03/01/2011
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Thanks. I definitely want the regular B configuration, and will be happy with the best bathroom the Bs have to offer. I have rented a C in the past. And yes, I've been sticking my head into every Class B I see on the lots.
Also, to answer someone else's comment, the Miata tow is just for long-term visits in other parts of the country.
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Escargot
California
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Joined: 10/05/2009
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I travel solo, am introverted, paint, travel in a B, with the couches configured as bed all the time. My bed is made up from side to side, which gives me some seating on the remainder of the couch cushions.
In order to use my table easel to paint, I keep the passenger seat swiveled towards the driver's seat (the back of the seat is against the passenger door), and is straddled by a table I built. When I'm stopped I turn the driver's seat to face the table.
It works really well for me.
Good luck.
2006 Pleasure Way Plateau TS, MB Sprinter
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Gunruner1917
Hurricane,wv
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Joined: 07/10/2010
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These units are out there on the internet. Bed Table and standup shower with foot flush toilet. Do not need to setup anything for bathroom. Ours cost us $16000 with 4.0 Generator dual coach batteries new 10ply tires. Only 26,001 miles on our 1999 last summer.
American Cruiser. Do a search on the net.
![[image]](http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Gunruner1917/100_2757.jpg)
"Ignor Your Rights and They Will Go Away"
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SilkPurse
Portland, OR
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Joined: 03/01/2011
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OP here.
I bought a new 2010 Pleasure-Way Ascent TS (short Sprinter-based) today.
The difference in bathroom comfort between this and the RoadTrek SS Agile is truly significant. The kitchen placement is better, as is the raised fridge and microwave.
With the exception of the unattractive fake-tile vinyl on the entry-way floor and the lack of a built-in coffee maker, the Ascent is perfect for me.
Thanks, all, for your advice.
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