Well, in the last 9 months we've exceeded 10,000 miles in our camper vans. Some of this was in a rental and most was in a Roadtrek 210P. Let me say, we've thoroughly enjoyed this and one of my sons wants to go on a north woods fishing trip in July, which I am currently researching.
Our 9 months have provided some insights.
- Our observations are based on periods which span two weeks of living continuously in a camper van. Between treks we return to home base.
- We really liked the rental Sprinter. I recommend this option to anyone who wants a really fun, upgraded travel experience at a modest cost.
- We didn't like like the large sliding door and the limited interior width of the Sprinter. However, Roadtrek's Sprinter implementation via the CS-Adventurous appears to be quite nice.
- We opted for a new, fully equipped 210P for about 40% less than the Sprinter. (Includes generator, electric king size bed, AGM batteries with inverter, rear mount spare and a solar system I installed). The Chevy based 210P offers a wider aisle, exterior spare at waist level and a 5 cu. ft. refrigerator with convection oven/microwave, heat pump, air conditioner, propane furnace and two fresh water tanks. Really nice for anyone who wants to spend weeks in national parks and on the road, and wants to do so with daylight temperatures from 20F to 110F.
- I am a former backpacker and "ground camper" who has camped in winter (-25F) and summer. For example, I once canoed 90 miles in Quetico with boys of modest skills. I was sufficiently proficient that as a Scoutmaster I was awarded the BSA "District Award of Merit" for my numerous endeavors. My point in stating this is to emphasize that using a sophisticated camper van based on a Sprinter chassis or more recently the Roadtrek 210P is really travelling and camping in the "lap of luxury."
- I did some research into maintenance of the bluetec engine (which is a marvel). However, in the end is it about maintainability and cost per mile. In a Class B motorhome it is also about interior dimensions. Nor do I have any need for the "cache" of a Mercedes badge on the front of the vehicle. So the Chevy based 210P won. Not necessarily better. It's all about allocation of personal resources and amenities of the selected camper van.
- We've taken four treks ranging from about 1500 miles to 3500 miles each.
- Most of the 10,000 miles was in a Roadtrek 210P.
- I've added a solar panel charger and solar panels to the RT, a Progressive Industries EMS and an improved rear view camera system. Total cost less than $500.
- Future posts will also include some Quadcopter video.
- I am not retired. So doing all of this is a matter of balance.
The next few posts will include our experiences on recent treks, a brief review of outdoor cooking options and the installation of the Progressive Industries "Energy management system."
