Another newbie seeking help on what to get. I would like one of the smallest production campervans. They all seem to be based on the short Ram Promaster 1500 (Thor Rize/Scope, Winnebago Solis Pocket, and Pleasure-Way Tofino). The latter two are out due to lacking a toilet and having a low-power electrical supply based solely on batteries with no auxillary alternator/generator to charge them.
That leaves the Thor 18' models that includes an Onan generator. Of those, the specific model with the best floorplan is the 18M. A pop-top would be nice, but it's only available on the 18A and I'm not crazy about the layout.
Unfortunately, these lower-tier manufacturers all seem to have horrible quality reputations. For starters, even though the Thor includes an Onan generator, it looks like a Rube Goldberg installation that hangs off the rear axle with very little ground clearance. That, alone, gives me pause.
So, I'm looking at the Roadtrek Play SRT. It's a little longer (Promaster 3500 chassis), but at 19' 7", would still seem to fit into a typical parking place.
My questions have to do both with quality and power supply. As an RV beginner, I've done perfuntory research and have a basic understanding of adequate power for HVAC away from an external power source, but still need confirmation that the Play SRT's electrical system has sufficient power to operate overnight, then how well and how long it takes to recharge. From what I can gather, lithium batteries are nice, but they're pricey and, if they let go, they're not cheap to fix and AGM might be better in the long run. The Roadtrek Agile SS really seems to have all this stuff covered, including a very good solar array, but I'm not sure if it's worth the hefty premium for one of those.
Likewise, I'd like some input on Roadtrek quality versus the other manufacturers. I'm hopeful that there wouldn't be nearly as many issues with Roadtrek as there seems to be with Thor, Winnebago, and Pleasure-Way products. I've read some stories about shoddy work, along with cheap materials that break easily.
I know this stuff has probably been asked many times before but appreciate any experienced RVers could offer. It's a big monetary outlay and want to make the best choice 'now' rather than have to deal with hassles later.
That leaves the Thor 18' models that includes an Onan generator. Of those, the specific model with the best floorplan is the 18M. A pop-top would be nice, but it's only available on the 18A and I'm not crazy about the layout.
Unfortunately, these lower-tier manufacturers all seem to have horrible quality reputations. For starters, even though the Thor includes an Onan generator, it looks like a Rube Goldberg installation that hangs off the rear axle with very little ground clearance. That, alone, gives me pause.
So, I'm looking at the Roadtrek Play SRT. It's a little longer (Promaster 3500 chassis), but at 19' 7", would still seem to fit into a typical parking place.
My questions have to do both with quality and power supply. As an RV beginner, I've done perfuntory research and have a basic understanding of adequate power for HVAC away from an external power source, but still need confirmation that the Play SRT's electrical system has sufficient power to operate overnight, then how well and how long it takes to recharge. From what I can gather, lithium batteries are nice, but they're pricey and, if they let go, they're not cheap to fix and AGM might be better in the long run. The Roadtrek Agile SS really seems to have all this stuff covered, including a very good solar array, but I'm not sure if it's worth the hefty premium for one of those.
Likewise, I'd like some input on Roadtrek quality versus the other manufacturers. I'm hopeful that there wouldn't be nearly as many issues with Roadtrek as there seems to be with Thor, Winnebago, and Pleasure-Way products. I've read some stories about shoddy work, along with cheap materials that break easily.
I know this stuff has probably been asked many times before but appreciate any experienced RVers could offer. It's a big monetary outlay and want to make the best choice 'now' rather than have to deal with hassles later.