1 Month Van Expenses | Winnebago Revel | Vanlife Alaska

This week we answer two questions about the Winnebago Revel. How much did we spend last month and why did we chose the Revel.
#explorealaska #revel #vanlife
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Intro: Renderforest.com

[@rvnaroundus9005]

This was great. Alaska is on our list and watching your travels has been motivating. I like how you kept going with this despite all the craziness around you.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You will absolutely love Alaska! Thank you so much for watching. if you have any questions please let us know!

[@DonaBologna]

This is the loudest I've ever heard Alaska! Those birds and campsite neighbors, jeeze lol. Great video. Thank you!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Prime reason we do our best not to use campgrounds 🤣

[@DonaBologna]

Thanks for the response! Do you mind sharing how long ago you bought your Revel and how much you paid? They have gone up so much in the last few years 😬

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@DonaBologna prices have gone up significantly. We paid 120ish out the door in April 2019 and Drove off the lot.

[@tjava2338]

All perspectives and little ways of doing things is useful in sorting out what works, or sparking new ideas for one's self- so no reinventing the wheel...thanks for the video!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

So true! There's always a way to make it work. Thanks for watching.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Very informative video guys! We love your Revel about as much as you do.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much! Cant wait to meet your Granddaughter!!!!

[@jerrymiller5288]

Love your videos about the Revel. Seriously considering buying a Revel but will do more “city dwelling” to visit museums and beaches. Please keep updating your Revel experiences! Learned a lot. Thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Jerry Miller Thank you Jerry. The Revel is pretty handy no matter which environment you are in. We are really enjoying it :)

[@TheWrightsWay]

My truck only gets 8 to 9 miles per gallon so you are winning 😁....Alaska seems very interesting...new friend here watching keep in touch

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

The Wright’s Way thanks for watching!

[@sjackson99]

Talk about distractions. I kept expecting a kid to go zipping by on a bike. I was also waiting for you to say, "and that's why we like boondocking". Thanks for sharing.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

sjackson99 Our thoughts exactly! Was a fun experience though :)

[@itsastakesything]

Thanks for the information, very enjoyable watch 🤗👍🇬🇧

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much!

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Just discovered your channel and it's great. When I look at what I want from an RV the Revel is the only one that meets my needs: 4x4, no black water system, no propane, and shower/closet. So, I looking forward to more videos on how your Revel is holding up.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You're in the right place then. We do a combination of showing the places it takes us and videos about the Revel itself. Thank you for subscribing and joining us. Our plan is to give full disclosure as to how it works for us. So far, it's been amazing!

[@HillbillyMusings]

New sunglasses!! They look sooo much better!!! Awesome!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you!

[@aaronkidd5548]

Looking forward to the videos of your Rebel experience this winter. Great vid as usual. It may only be me, but I was surprised about your mileage. That was good to hear.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

It has gone up as the engine has broken in more. When we first picked it up we were anywhere from 12-14. Getting pretty decent now.

[@tonycarey1808]

THAT's why you go boondocking!! Great vid!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Absolutely. Keeps costs down significantly. I don't know how people can afford campgrounds all the time.

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

like the Q and A we learn about how much is spent to travel in small campers. We want to boon dock the whole way up and back and see if we can do it lol the views are better it seems any way how often do you have to change tires? we Are buying the all terrain hoping that will help.When you dump is they're a lot of places to dump around?Funny how the crow interrupted guess he had something to say huh? lol thanks for the info great video :)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We had to get new tires due to a blowout. (upcoming video). We find plenty of spots to dump. We have always found plenty of spots for boondocking :)

[@milesgentry850]

Cant wait to see how it does in winter..we live in Buffalo NY..so were curious! Good luck this winter..will be watching praying for you guys!❤

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Miles Gentry I think it will do great! We will see :)

[@michaelsmith9308]

Based on my research the Mercedes Sprinter has concerns below -20 Degrees without PRE modifications to the oil and transmission cooler and reinforced hose lines clamps which will allow it to handle -50 degrees:) Also, the heating system can have a HAK, high altitude kit added which can include a remote control module to it at high elevations will run without problems.

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Thanks y’all for sharing would love to travel in a few years. Love the convenience of smaller. I will be following y’all on your journey. I’m a Homestead channel trying to be more Self sustainable. Hope you in joy our journey as well .

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Reap What You Seaux Thank you for joining our channel. We appreciate it!

[@squareheadcoughlin5592]

Thanks for all the info.. I really like the revel compared to anything else I have seen just waiting on money to get one. Happy and safe travels !

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback! You will absolutely enjoy it!

[@djh2633]

I think you guys made the right choice! Looking forward to the winter vids

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much! We are hoping it holds up to the cold :)

[@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA]

Especially for Northern videos

[@peacockpetefishing4200]

The monthly total is pretty Darn good! Especially since you guys get to pick your backyards. It rivals even some of the best rental/mortgaged properties in my area. Great channel I love those drone shots and Great productions on your vids👍 be safe guys Too Cool

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much! We love finding the less used locations :)

[@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA]

Yes the monthly cost is less than Vancouver to Toronto Canada rent ...

[@23KCOutdoors]

You have a great Channel!! glad I found you on trimmers!!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

23kc Thank you!

[@Dcop4lifeMoore]

Very informative and good to know. I enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing. Will support your channel

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much!

[@CheriAwesomeSunsetsTravel]

Very Interesting! Alaska is on my Bucket List for Sure!! But will be in the Form of a Cruise! So it will be Very Interesting to see how You Guys do it! My Mom & Dad have a Motorhome and they get away from the Cold St Louis Winters and spend them Down on the Gulf Coast! :)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

The cruises are really nice! we did the inside passage once and wow oh wow it was beautiful!

[@OrdainedPrepper]

Awesome video, love your content. If you don’t mind me asking, how much did you end up paying for your van?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi there! Thanks for watching! That's a common question for us and we've kept that answer simple through out the KZbin process because what we paid isn't a representation of what they are going for currently or the price at the time. We reserved this information for several reasons including fluctuations in market and dealers, locations and overall the way the RV industry works. 😉. At the time, a year ago, the average cost was around $120,000 brand new. Now I believe it's around 140? Now all I look at is the monthly payment and over a year later it's still worth it.

[@passionforhuntingandfishin3479]

I have to say the Like I Left for you guys it come from my ❤️ thank you for all the good information about if we’re looking to buy ven . And you guys are so reall it was like whatching TV show congratulation

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching! if you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

[@passionforhuntingandfishin3479]

Wings and Wheels Alaska I will thank you I appreciate

[@dannysantosrosario5664]

Nice video and good job, I congratulate you!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much!

[@michelleblanc4334]

Did you ever consider the Storyteller overland Van. Thank you for what you do to inform us. Stay the course!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi Michel. We did consider it but we like the layout of the Revel much more. We like the bathroom setup in the Revel and the ease of use of the bed. We like that the bed is always made and ready for use with just a flick of a button.

[@michelleblanc4334]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska thanks for the reply. I agree with you on the Revel. Be safe .

[@PURPLEGANGOUTDOOR]

Campgrounds can cost a lot great Q AND A💜

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you! /it absolutely adds up when you are out for a long period of time.

[@barbbeck900]

Hi, great video! Have you figured out how to get a drawer unit into the garage yet? I also have the Revel and love it but storage is really restrictive and any hints will be welcome. Where do you keep dishes and pots and pans and food???? Organization map would work.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We are still working on ideas for the drawers. We will let you know what we come up with! for Pots and Pans we keep them on the top shelf in the bathroom area. for food we find plenty fo space in the pantry to store everything that does not need to be cold. dishes go above the sink. cold stuff of course in the fridge. we even freeze some meat if it will be a few days before we get to it. We will do a video on it soon.

[@mtbgo7860]

If you wanted to, could you install lithium batteries? Aren’t the batteries underneath? Do they make lithium that can charge in the cold? Also, is there enough room to change the inverter to 3000w?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Mtb Go yes we could install lithium but we would probably have to move them inside the van if we decided to go that route because of the temperatures we will experience here in Alaska. We are waiting to make that decision until we see how our current setup holds up through winter. Our current system will work with lithium but like I said we would need to have the batteries inside to keep them at temp for charging. We have a 2000 watt inverter currently but yes you could upgrade that also.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska Not my area of expertise but owning a Tesla charging lithium batteries is not a problem below freezing. It's my understanding that they have a thermostat on the batteries to regulate the temp to prevent them from getting too hot or cold. It would be great to see Winnebago adopt this system. I think you would get more bang for the buck with lithium batteries.

[@quint57]

@@MichaelWellman1955 The 2021 now has lithium batteries from the factory

[@AiveanZ]

Hi guys! Love your videos! Question, how often do you dump cassette toilet? Are there any issues with it, like smell? Thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hello Ivan. We can dump the cassette toilet pretty often based on how we use it... if we use umm number 2 we may dump it at the first pit toilet we come across... or maybe not as often if just number one. We always dump and wash out the cassette when we are at a dump station to dump grey water. Not much issue with smell depending on the chemical we use for it. Our friend Nic who shipped his van from Sweden has what is called a SOG toilet kit installed which basically blows any smell out of the cassette as soon as you open it. We plan to order one and get it installed as well. This is very common in Europe which is where this model of toilet is derived from. Once we get this installed we will do a review and in theory we will be able to stop using chemical... well at least he does (he only puts vinegar in his cassette to help break things down) :) Hope that helps!

[@AiveanZ]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska That was really helpful and detailed answer, thanks!

[@milesgentry850]

Thats what im talkin bout..boondocking..way cheaper...Revel...is so nice..good pick!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Miles Gentry boondocking is absolutely the way to go. Quiet, beautiful, and free. What more can you ask for?

[@truesass4514]

Tfs. This is interesting. Hope gas prices go down!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

True Sass Thank you! Gas prices definitely impact us :)

[@DavidFox22]

Hey! Love the channel. I'm looking at purchasing one, but seeing purchase prices all over the map from different dealers. Do you mind sharing what you paid for yours?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Hi David. Thank you for taking the time to watch. This is a tricky question to answer, and we did answer it on another platform and it opened up a can of worms that we couldn't close. Mostly from people who'd never consider spending 100k on a vehicle. (or in my opinion a Dream Machine) We bought one of the last new 2019's before the 2020's came out. Because the 2020's were coming and several other factors with the dealer, we got a good price. With that said, in todays market you should expect to spend between 110k-120k depending on location and supply/demand, Used 2019's are running at a good price as well. Have you joined the Facebook group Winnebago Revel 4x4? This is a great resource if you're seriously looking to buy and you will find ALL kinds of different opinions on price. Mostly people saying things like "why would you worry about a couple grand when people go and throw at least 5k in upgrades, etc etc...." The easy answer to this from us is.....you will eventually pay what you are willing and the dealer is willing to let it go for. From there, go out and enjoy the hell outta it because the memories it's created for us are priceless and we have NO regrets.

[@DavidFox22]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska Thanks for the response! I'm waiting for admin approval on the facebook group, but in the meantime I've scoured Reddit and forums and RV sites to no avail lol. I'm so sorry people gave you a hard time, that's so stupid and ruins it for everyone. Haters gonna hate. I can imagine such a video would get a bunch of hits for you though. I haven't been able to dig up anything so far. Seems like it's all over the map.

[@estevangarcia9499]

Enjoy your videos! We are considering the revel. Question. We have small grandchildren that may want to tag along from time to time. Does the bench seat have seat belts?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

The bench seat does have lap belts but we have seen some people working on putting in chest belts in the facebook group we follow for their younger children. Our kids are pretty big (teenagers) and they are happy with the lap belts when they ride with us. They seem fairly comfortable on the bench seat also.

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Nice channel! I dont Normally watch unless good. Or watched me. You did both! Lol living my drean!! Lol God bless

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@spartanj2957]

Get a Dunlap latex mat, no off gasing,and won't compress after a while,much more comfortable and longer lasting.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for the suggestion! never heard of it I will look it up :)

[@johnlivingston5689]

hi guys, hope all is well. why did you need new tires?? Personal preference or did you have an issue with the original BF Goodrich T/A Ko2? happy travels!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We had a sharp rock slice through our tire on the Dempster. Replaced it during the travel so that we had a spare again but they did not have Ko2's. When we got back to Anchorage we replaced that tire back to the KO2. We really like the Ko2 and they have performed well for us so far.

[@Lotuslaful]

So appreciated this So real! I wonder do you see a way to convert or have an oven? I love to cook:) Im on the verge of buying one

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

I've seen people put microwaves in the Revel but not an Oven. With the upgraded power package in the new Revel to lithium it might be possible. There's people out there working on lithium mods on the older Revels and all kinds of other fun modifications happening. Thank you for watching!

[@sccphilly]

Would you say the Revel is more of a cold weather rv? Can you see the Revel used for living full time in Florida ? Without hook ups just boondocking? I don’t understand why they don’t put more lithium in for ac use until now with the new model year.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You have to put this question in context for an answer. is it possible to run the AC on a 2020 or older model off the stock AGM batteries? No. You can run the AC and boondock using a generator though. There are after market options that you can add to get lithium which will then allow you to run the AC off the batteries themselves. Here is the thing the cost of the 2021 and 2022 include the additional cost of lithium hence the higher price. We paid much less than those prices and our overall expense is still lower adding after market lithium. We love our model style so it was a no brainer for us to decide to add lithium knowing we were going to the south for awhile. I hope that answers the question.

[@wearethethompsons3402]

very informative video and the cost really isnt too too bad

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you!

[@nailezoupani]

Just subscribed to your channel

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you! it is so nice to meet you!

[@nailezoupani]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska likewise

[@passionforhuntingandfishin3479]

I am still whatching

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you!

[@ForgottenWinter]

Its an awesome rig!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Forgotten Winter Thank you! We really enjoy it!

[@scottfast03]

Good info thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching!

[@marciae1234]

Love the bird: )

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

That bird was pestering us all afternoon lol.

[@BrendaGsDesigns]

new supporter. Thumbs up my new friend. xoxo

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching!

[@aksalaman4689]

Well done Q&A. Which campground was this?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

This is the City of Whittier Campground. It was fairly nice with spectacular views. Right next to the ocean. No hookups so was mostly a gravel lot with grass around it but worked perfectly.

[@alaskaorbreak31]

You’re reactions around 15:15 😂😂😮

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Couldn’t believe some of the stuff going on around us 😂

[@ftkinsella]

Hahahahaha you’re so calm with all the distractions. New sub so I’m still learning but are you Canadian or American? Cheers!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We are American :) . We travel a lot back and forth between canada and alaska though. Lots of beautiful things to see!

[@JG-dz1rs]

I wondered, what’s your insurance company. $50 a month isn’t bad.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We use progressive with USAA discounts.

[@heidicyr6342]

When you say new tires, how often do you need new tires? How many miles do you get out of a set? Thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Heidi Cyr hello Heidi, in this case it was an expense caused by the flat tire. We still have original tires although we did rotate at 10k miles. We are around 15k miles on them now and still in good shape :)

[@AA-kf7uf]

Are you willing to share the name of your insurance company? My 2022 will be 191/month in CO!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We use progressive / USAA discount.

[@passionforhuntingandfishin3479]

Hello new friend in the house let’s stay connected nice channel

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Passion for Hunting and fishing Thank you! Nice to meet you :)

[@chaddunn9186]

Did you mean #outsidevan ? They have some great conversions too. Depends on what you’re looking for.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

yes that is what i meant to say! thank you for catching that :)

[@AmericaBound]

I find the fridge too small to stay off grid for a long period!! 💜💜💜💜

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have found that between the fridge and pantry we are able to hold quite a bit. All depends on eating preferences as well though. We have considered getting another Dometic for in the back but at this point we haven't had a space issue even with long trips. Around the time we need to dump the tanks we can typically restock what we need.

[@terrimccain9697]

I think the Revel is perfect

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We agree with you completely! Checks almost every box for a good adventure!

[@billredding2000]

@TERRI: IMO, it's not (as none are really), but I do think it needs some "4-season and 4x4/AWD" competition from the other Class B makers as presently the Revel is the only game in town. For those of us who would prefer an American chassis/gas-engine "all season/off-roading" Class B, I'm hoping Coachmen comes out with their current 4-season 2WD Beyond (formerly the Crossfit) on the upcoming (2020) 4x4/AWD Ford Transit chassis (and use the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, too). If they DO, then that won't be introduced until the 2021 model year. Another year of waiting at least. :-( I doubt Winnebago will offer such competition -- build a "Transit Revel" -- as it'd hurt Sprinter Revel sales, but they HAVE made a Ford Transit Class B before (the very nice 4-season -- but 2WD only -- Paseo 48P). Pleasure-Way won't though (but DO have a Class B built on a Transit chassis but ONLY for rental use with "CanaDream," and not for sale)...and Leisure Vans seems to be the same: No 4-season/4x4-AWD Class B coming from them. And as for Dodge/ProMaster chassis, they seem to be doing absolutely nothing but more of the same... So by default, Coachmen -- and the Transit -- is the "most likely suspect" to challenge the Revel...IF it will take that next step. -- BR

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Competition always makes things progress faster. Bet there would be some good 4-season options that would drive the prices down if some other companies entered the market.

[@sccphilly]

Would you get the new Winnebago Ekko over the new Revel with lithium given the chance?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Oohhh Good Question. We haven't seen the Ekko in person and that really matters to us. It would have been a serious consideration along with the Storyteller, had they been options at the time. Along the way we have discovered how much we love off-roading and the Revel takes us everywhere. The Ekko is certainly versatile but for our needs the Revel ended up being everything we needed, especially after the recent performance upgrades. Thanks for watching and asking a great question. 😁

[@S327-t3x]

I love the video keep it up !!! new loyal friend here,I SAW YOU IN TREE TRIMMER82, stay connected with me!, cant wait for your next video

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching!

[@photochefs88k.15]

Did you ever consider getting the Winnebago Bolt with 4x4, it is also 4-seasons readying has lots more storage room @ 22’ 9”!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We did consider it. I think down the road when we move more slowly it will be something we consider upgrading to it depending on how it transforms. For four current desires the drawbacks we saw when we walked through one was the larger size. Currently we want smaller for the places we want to go and rugged for the things we do. We like the garage of the Revel and although you can get creative with the Boldt, it is fancier on the inside and we would be less willing to use it the way we do the Revel. Number two was the Clearance. We only had the opportunity to tour the 2 wheel drive model so we really can't speak for the 4X4 clearance yet, but the 2 wheel drive appeared to have the same clearance issues as the Coachmen Galleria 4x4. Assuming that the Boldt does not have a lift on the 4X4 and is simply an upgrade then the clearance would make the 4x4 useless. The third issue we had with the Boldt in our current situation is the price point. at nearly 80k more we had a hard time justifying that price on our first Van with the items mentioned above. With all of that being said we do love some of the features of the Boldt and if we were to see the Boldt has the high clearance we desire, this may be an upgrade we make in a few years depending on our situation.

[@Kevin-oi7if]

Is the insurance a home owners policy or an auto policy?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have an RV policy through Progressive.

[@way2far2fly]

what about .. a Revel or a Sportsmobile ..

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Sportsmobile was my one and original true love. When I watched a few friends trick theirs out over the years and I saw how much they ended up putting into it when it was "done". The Revel is cookie cutter yes, but it's also immediate gratification that can be built upon as we use it it. For the price, it's hard to beat the Revel. Especially on lightly used versions now. Thanks for watching!

[@normthompson9588]

How old are your kids ares are 40 down to 30 years

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Our kids range from 21 down to 13. Thanks for asking :)

[@aponoypi]

Searching. Some of those custom vans are ridiculously overpriced plus the support is not nation wide

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Agreed. There's a site called "Conversion Trader" and there's a van on there that I have been lusting over for awhile now. But it's not practical for our needs. Not to mention it has 117,000 miles on it and they're asking $65,000. For warmer climates that van is a dream come true though. It's one of the many reasons the Revel turned out perfect for our lifestyle

[@xiaodao2005]

How much for this van?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Overall cost depending on if you buy new or used, also depending on your location $90-120K. Sounds like a lot at first but keep in mind you can get a longer loan than you could get on a regular vehicle. We also don't have a lot of other payments in the form of "toys" so our monthly payment is manageable for us. We use it every day and it's been worth every penny. It really depends on your lifestyle and how much use you will get out of it to determine if it's worth it to you. Some would prefer to invest in land or a home but I love the fact that our "home" can be wherever we choose it to be. Thank you for watching.

[@terryburns8917]

Ha Ha, that Raven wanted his 15 minutes of fame.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

The Raven was so loud! we kept trying to get it to leave but it would just come back as soon as we started talking.

[@terrimccain9697]

I think if there is something the Revel needed would be more storage

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

If we chose not to use the bathroom as a bathroom I guess it would have plenty but because of how we use it we really need to build something out soon. We are going to try to not lose much space when we do it so will get creative!

[@terrimccain9697]

I would want the bathroom it still very nice