2024 Coachmen Beyond! "Back to a B" Episode 2

We're back with another new class B review and tour! Today's model is the new 2024 Beyond 22C by Coachmen. With an impressive Li3 lithium setup and networking tech, this model is designed for those active lifestyle RVers and digital nomads. All this on the reliable Ford Transit chassis for ease of maneuverability. This is our second episode of "Back to a B" where we thoroughly test and tour five 2024 Class B RV models. Check out the other tours here ► • 2024 Class B RV Review...
► Sunshine State RVs ► www.sunshinestatervs.com/
► Coachmen Beyond ► coachmenrv.com/beyond
► Want to join our new RV Community? Learn more about it here: community.rvlifestyle.com/
00:00 2024 Coachmen Beyond 22C
By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos,
how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle. Thanks for joining in and being a part of our RV Lifestyle!

[@patti3566]

We have the RB version of this Beyond that has permanent twin beds like the Nova you tested and love it!! There's more storage in the back of the Beyond vs. the Nova. We've owned a Beyond for 3 years and consistently get 15.5 mpg. A lot of us have added a ladder to the back to install a shallow Pelican rifle box to it to store the power cord, hose, etc... It doesn't stick out any further than the back bumper (the step that Mike stepped upon to pull the screen down).

[@kjFL1]

That quiet A/C just sold this for me. I like this unit a lot, especially with the Li3 batteries. A little on the pricey side and I always have a concern with the Ford transit. All of my previous RVs have had the Ford transit and there are always recalls. But there are lots of Ford dealers, so there’s that. Love these videos!

[@doreendaykin6693]

The magnifier mirror??? AWESOME! Equally as important as the lithium battery!!

[@conniefox8044]

So nice! Love the white interior. GREAT windows!! Great refrigerator/freezer. The 4 wheel drive, quiet AC, rear and side sliding screen doors and lithium power pkg makes this a winner! Really nice!!

[@janetfolkerts5827]

So far, this is my favorite. Thank you for sharing.

[@mariajhanley5172]

Wow they thought of everything except a curtain between the cab and the living area. I agree the bathroom doors are too sheer - would definitely want some blackout adhesive on those panes.

[@fbvandoren6844]

So very helpful, you two work so well together, thanks so much

[@deborah4579]

Best get up and go of any chassis. Coachmen makes a beautiful RV, although I don’t understand not having a vent fan.

[@heartmattersblog7820]

Thanks for this and the previous review of the Nova model. It makes us realize why we still love our 10-year-old Sprinter Winnebago ERA - minus the dated electronics and generator system. The interior styling of this Coachman is so similar to ours, but we also have 2 captain’s chairs behind the main cabin and a sofa/bed that seats 3. And Jen’s right: Having those 3 seatbelts in the back comes in handy when there are 7 passengers!👍🏼 Looking forward to your review of the AWD Mercedes.👏🏼

[@bevstern8561]

The bathroom would be: your business everyone's business. I think the film might be a good idea.

[@robinjaeger71]

Improvement over the Nova. Love our Ford Transit chassis. At 5’3 I would not chose this with the microwave so high, but love that freezer! Sink is too small. Looking forward to the next review!

[@karenmckersie2239]

Loved your review in 1 and 2 going to watch 3 now. 😊❤

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@janicecrockett1400]

I really like the Ford Transit

[@dlg5485]

The AWD Beyond can easily get 15-17 mpg in mixed driving, but yours is a brand new rig so the powertrain isn't broken in yet. There is no way 10mpg is accurate for this van....mileage will continue to improve. Of all the mainstream class B vans available right now, the Beyond is the only one I'd consider buying. It's a fairly good value and seems to be build pretty well, although nothing made in Indiana is perfect. The Indiana based RV industry has been churning out a lot of garbage for years with no accountability, but the Beyond seems to be a bit better than most class Bs, although there are quite a few owners with quality problems in the online forums. If I don't wind up getting a Beyond, I'll probably go with a custom build from a high quality shop.

[@conniehoyle2669]

Nice Thanks

[@larrygray1557]

Love the series and awaiting the Galleria, hopefully with the new 4cyl Mercedes. One point on the non-existent outside storage you noted on the two videos thus far, all Class B that are vans from the factory lack outside storage. It is the same Class B Ford/Mercedes chassis in bare cutaway cab version that RV manufacturers build a "house" that gains outside storage (Class B+). Of course, they are heavier with lower OCCC, so how functional that storage is becomes another question. Businesswise, the cutaway would be more functional for me with it's storage, but the desire is for the van. Was concerned with the Ram when stated that twin beds were a personal mandatory requirement, but glad noted positivity to the Ford bench as that is something I am debating. Initially I was twin oriented but realized head is other side of wall as partner uses bathroom in middle of night and noted noisy sliding door, so then comes the question how comfortable is the bench bed. Also noted that the middle seatbelt used the same anchor points as the outer seatbelts so adding a middle seatbelt to a competitors similar design with only two seatbelts would be easy. Agree with you on translucent bathroom door, but easy fix with contact paper. Do wonder about the fixed sink intruding on space for guys standing or anyone showering standing up. While I like the front storage above driver - which many omit, wish Coachmen left it open with perhaps a netting screen to secure. With limited storage, that is the only place for something large and bulky that the finished front and narrow door prohibits access. These vans are designed for adventure and active lifestyle. Consider a light weight foldable kayak (Oru/Tucktec) that otherwise would fit up there but in none of the other side bins. Where do you put them for storage/transport? In the bathroom and play chunk a kayak when you have to go?

[@kathleencomyn5228]

I would like to swap places for the fridge and microwave to the shower and toilets place so there is more privacy when your side door is open and you could then use your air-conditioning on reverse cycle for the shower steam too.

[@scar284]

Love it❤

[@geod3589]

Being tall, I like the drivers leg room more than the Nova, I like the fold down bed instead of the 2 small twins.

[@josephversace5895]

Now there’s a dealer that properly preps a vehicle before letting you drive it.

[@MattMorris481]

I think y’all should look at the one with the rear bath and twin beds.

[@creationsfromlace6894]

I noticed the lack of vent in the bathroom too. But then I realized the Maxaire fan has a remote … problem solved LOL!

[@toycarcollector]

On the Ram Promaster there is a good size storage on the front door panels. You can easily store the AC cord on one side and the water hose on the other side. Does the Ford Transit also have storage on the door? I use the Camco storage bags for my hoses and cable and they are protective and good looking too.

[@user-xc2eg8bk1r]

What kind of sheets do you use. Do you think a person could live in this full-time? Love and enjoy you guys 😂

[@harryslater2587]

Im not sure there is a class B with outside storage you are looking for…Ive never seen one. Best option would be something like an Owl vans box

[@chuckgunn6166]

Sensor issue on my Class C on the Ford E 450, right inner rear. Comes and goes.

[@ggebhard1]

Very nice! I wouldn’t like the AWD, because your 4 wheel drive is always engaged, causing constant wear and tear on the unit. I’m confused as to why they have dually wheels. That’s a little of extra weight. Maybe I missed him saying this is a 3/4 ton truck? Maybe you could get this in a select 4 wheel drive? Let us know if the beds are comfortable. They don’t look that comfortable. Good review, so far! Thanks!

[@mikecooper1234]

COMMENT I have the 2021 Lithium version of the Beyond and consistently get around 14 mpg, having driven about 27K miles with it. I start with a full water tank.

[@noahklein360]

What octane gasoline do you use?

[@mikecooper1234]

The Beyond uses the cheapest octane, which I think is 87

[@traveldreamer4616]

Although the cabin is not as tight, the actual chassis is narrower than the Ram. In a class B, it is a give & take for fit and space. I do like that the floor is flat, no drop=no trip or fall.

[@traveldreamer4616]

For a box, check out the Rover Van accessories sold at SSRV.

[@gwencondon732]

We have consistently 14. to 15 mpg. We have a 2021 beyond. 48,000 miles on the vehicle. AWD, ecoboost engine.

[@josephversace5895]

Is it common for mileage to be as low as you experienced? Is it AWD? Are the Duallies responsible? I would expect that from a V10.

[@KennaGreen]

Is there any storage under the bench/bed cushions?

[@bjtravelersRV]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@carolynallard97]

You won't go wrong with the Ford Chassis. Especially if you get an eco boost engine. If you drive about 60-65 you should get better mileage. Are the seats heated?

[@robertparry3476]

Isnt that the same floorplan as your old Roadtrek ?

[@barbaralongeway1463]

I personally don't care for the white painted cabinets. And I've seen complaints in the Beyond FB goup about the cabinet paint peeling. The Li3 is great, but it still has propane. So, happy that we do not have propane in our MAD Patriot with the Freedom lithium package.

[@sgardner4156]

No one makes a raised dog bed for between the seats?

[@noahklein360]

Try using 91 or above octane gasoline, your mpg should improve significantly

[@youngblood2]

Higher octane gas will not improve gas mileage, especially with an engine that doesn't require high octane gas.

[@GolfMissouri]

To be stealth why aren’t the receptacles on the outside White?

[@michelleconcannon7584]

I’m a little confused on how these are twin beds

[@jwalbrig]

Where do you put a couple of lawn chairs. Tools, hoses, power cords ?

[@vanananag7736]

We have Beyond 2021 D which has twin benches that can be used as twin beds or converted to a queen bed.There is minimal storage under the raised floor where we store hose, water pressure monitor, tools, gloves, etc. When the rear doors are closed, there is enough space to store 2 folding chairs and a set of double leveling blocks. We purchased a telescoping ladder which stands in the space behind the driver’s seat. We love our Beyond.

[@Nonyabiza]

Comment we have a 2022 Coachman beyond and when it’s in Eco mode, we get 19 miles to the gallon so my guess is you folks forgot to put it in Eco mode?

[@lancepattist7444]

I am considering buying a Beyond 22D Li3 for use by just my wife and I, home based in Alaska. It is/gets below freezing in late spring and early fall and I would like to use it during those times, but not during deep winter when subzero is common. I know there are class b rvs better suited for cold weather, but they almost exclusively use cassette toilets, which is a no for us. Does anyone have stories/wisdom to share about using their Beyond in freezing weather?

[@ggebhard1]

Where do you put lawn chairs? Or a Clam? Grill? And more?

[@RVLifestyle]

THAT is indeed the question 🙂

[@frankwright1503]

I have a Pleasureway Ontour 2.2 on the ford transit and the lawn chairs fit between the back of the rear seat and the doors. We put the clam on the floor when driving. We have the medium size clam and if we don't use it, it fits standing up in the driver seat leaned against the wall behind the seat. In the transit you really only need the swivel on the passenger seat. We bought our Ontour without swivel seats because at the time ford had a supply issue with the swivels and so we put the swivel on later. Love the flexibility of this coach and for someone like me who is 6 ft 4 in and 250 lbs it is amazing for its size. Coachman has a lot of nice features especially the truma AC which is so much quieter than ours. If you are interested it this type coach I recommend looking at Coachman and Pleasureway.

[@robertparry3476]

What happened to the twin beds on all three of the Coachman’s?

[@anteem3055]

How much?? Ty

[@carlpilon9563]

Only 10mpg!? We got over 20mpg on our 2019 RT Zion and 12mpg on our 40 foot diesel bus

[@jeanlujan6129]

It would have been nice to know how much it is

[@Simsane]

They said $150,000. It was mentioned while they were still talking to the dealer.

[@tinacathey8241]

This is just my personal thoughts. 1. The cost of this rig is just as high as a truck and trailer or 5th wheel. 2. This rig does not get any better gas miles then a truck. 3. Size, you are basically living in a box. Again we pay this expense for a box. You get so much more in a truck trailer/5th combo. 4. I will say for parking it might be easier to get around. Safe travels to everyone

[@karinwest919]

yes, you get more living space in a 5th wheel but a van is for a different type of traveling, not necessarily "camping". Easy to drive with less height and width, get gas anywhere, fit into small spots at campgrounds, "set-up" almost non-existing, ALWAYS have your bathroom and fridge with you. Every type of RV has its advantages and disadvantages, just depends on the way you want to travel.

[@ninetyfaith8830]

Except not everyone can drive a truck + 5th Wheel combo :)

[@karinwest919]

@@ninetyfaith8830 , so true and important for us as we are older folks and you never know when you may have a bad day with mobility issues and the partner has to take over driving!

[@just.bob.j]

Wait a minute....where is the new square sink?

[@myrlenalee160]

This is not the latest version since no square sink and no convection oven. Also, the outside cover is now gone for the outside hose connections on the latest models which is good. They were a pain to use. After all, they are trying out whatever Sunshine State RV provided.

[@just.bob.j]

Ok, that must be it. They are nice enough to line you a van…can’t be too choosy

[@karinwest919]

@@myrlenalee160 , and I also love the new counter top extension with cabinet underneath!!

[@lyfandeth]

It costs way more to die stamp a square shape than a round one. So the round sink is there to save Coachman three bucks on each unit.

[@MickiLTS]

Did this have a convection/microwave ?

[@freik98682]

at 24:33 mark standard Microwave

[@vanananag7736]

We have a 2021 Beyond D, we were told that convection microwaves available at that time would not fit in the space available in the rig. That was during the pandemic, perhaps in the future convection microwaves may be available. We have had no problem using only a standard microwave and the induction cooktop.

[@TexasGirl1633]

That bathroom would drive me nuts with no privacy plus such a tight area.

[@MattMorris481]

Don’t trust the vehicles mpg gauge it can be off as much + or - 3 mpg.

[@raoulroberts]

Though this van has more cab space and Lithium batteries, the interior layout is cramped and less appealing than van # 1, the Nova. I would add this van's cab space, rear door magnets, and duallies to the Nova.

[@lyfandeth]

10 mpg for a ClassB, even a dualie, is just so wrong. I'd love to see you confirm that with fill-ups and a clean highway. Sounds like a tiny engine and turbos trying to play big boy. And that never works out.

[@myrlenalee160]

We get about 13 to 14 mpg on our 2022 Beyond.

[@vanananag7736]

My 2021 Beyond D gets 14 mpg as of today.

[@DoctorSmartyPants]

I don't see how they are twin beds.

[@josephversace5895]

These are 150 and above type prices ….

[@tp0376]

Don’t like the glass cabinet doors, don’t need to see the stuff you are storing. and especially the glass bathroom doors is crazy to me

[@Sandra-pm3it]

Pull the shower curtain around for privacy.

[@colleenanderson223]

Why are Class B's so much more expensive than a Class C.

[@mikecooper1234]

A lot less space for the RV manufacturer to work in when building the house side.

[@lyfandeth]

A cynic might say that's the open market. There is a much higher demand for Class B's so the manufacturer can extort more money for them.

[@amydelpiere9315]

The build-outs have to fit the dimensions of the van body. Every van manufacturer has a unique shape. A class C is a giant box filled with smaller boxes and so goes together much faster and with less customization/cost.

[@dwoodygura]

Our Class B chassis cost about $70,000 BEFORE the RV manufacturer built out the "house" section. Guess it adds up. The cut away chassis for a Class C is less expensive.

[@colleenanderson223]

@@dwoodygura Ok. Best answer from every time I have asked. Thank you. Makes sense.

[@J.W.W.]

Not NEARLY as stealth as the Embassy Dolphin with all those exposed connections

[@roundstone2020]

The price is Beyond reasonable.... Not worth 150k at all.

[@vaner9283]

Demo of $150,000 RV and they take it "camping" . Pristine interior. Where do you keep the bed clothes, the sleeping pillows, the camp chairs, patio carpet etc.? Unlike the dreamers here I actually do this and in real life, the beds stay down and made unless the couch is really needed and lots gets piled on the floor when underway. These may be experienced campers but they are giving you an unrealistic view. Big sink? It looks like a dollhouse

[@frankwright1503]

There are a group of campers that have learned how to downsize, minimize and prioritize that travel in B vans. We started in an small Aliner camper and moved up in size during our camping years and now are in a Pleasureway Ontour 2.2 B van. We have downsized and are very efficient in what we carry and use without any major loss of camping capabilities. B van owners quickly get their degree in space engineering.