"Back to a B" Episode 5! Winnebago Travato 59K

[@MsCbryson]

Hey y’all! We love our Travato 59KL. So, you don’t ever stay connected to the city water. You fill your water tank with city water there and close the door and use the water pump, always. Just open and fill when you run out of water. Usually lasts at least 3 days for us. A new way of thinking. And very convenient because if you think about it, otherwise you would have to take down everything if you want to visit anything (store, entertainment, restaurants)where you are. Because think like your van is your vehicle too. Perfect for boondocking. We LOVE ours. Have had Airstream Flying Cloud trailer, Airstream Classic trailer, Aistream Interstate Van, Thor Omni Super C, and Airstream Basecamp trailer. None can compare to how convenient and comfortable our Travato 59KL is.🥰

[@deborahchapman222]

I love this couple! I have watched several videos in this series. They are thorough and very pleasant to listen to. They seem like nice sweet kind people. They are really great at demonstrating these RV’s. 😊

[@RVLifestyle]

You just made our day! Thank you for encouraging us!

[@deborahchapman222]

@@RVLifestyle You are most welcome. Yes, definitely do more RV demonstrations.

[@susieq2544]

I love a rear bathroom. Makes the most sense of all. Forget all the rest.❤

[@theartistjodievans]

To me, the switch instead of the firefly is a reason to buy it! The less that can go wrong is the more reasons this one wins for me!

[@MrSparky5657]

Have owned the lithium version of the Travato (59KL) for 2+ years and we love it. Have not had any issues with the Nautilus water system. We connect the water hose only to fill the fresh water tank and then use the onboard water pump. Love the comfy beds, large bathroom and Carefree awning. No regrets. Thanks for the review of the Travato!

[@lindapeterson8911]

We have a Travato KL with 13,000 watts of lithium battery power, an immense amount of power. We can run AC all day when boon docking, electric cook top, convection microwave. We have light colored teak wood. The walnut color cabinets are a personal choice. Great awning windows. Storage overhead and under the bed, and the cabinets in the rear of the RV. It’s a 4 season vehicle, so you use the water system by filling the tanks and closing the door. You don’t run a hose outside the RV. It’s a genuinely beautiful RV. So easy to drive/maneuver/boon dock. Great TV, JBL sound bar, fully updated safety features. And, the blue “ambience” lights over the bed can switch to bright white as well for reading. It is truly a great boon docking RV. Multiple other exterior metallic colors besides red orange!

[@monicae67]

You have the lithium model? Did it come with the induction cooktop? I don’t like the induction cooktop and don’t want to have to purchase additional cookware in order to be able to use it.

[@crazydays7]

We bought a king size three-inch mattress topper. We cut it into three pieces. Two of the pieces to fit the twin beds which we leave on at all times on those two couches made up as beds with twin sheets and cute matching light blankets. We roll up the center , 3rd piece of the mattress topper and store it below the passenger side bed/storage, then use it in when we make the king bed. Absolutely luxurious! But the way. If you do buy a mattress topper, use a serrated bread knife to saw it. A box cutter or scissors are no good

[@crazydays7]

Buy and use double stick tape to add a fold-out cup holder used on boats. You place it in the wall between the small and large window at the head of the bed to hold your water at night. Works super!

[@FloMoLBow]

What an awesome color and the geometric print fade to black is just the chef's kiss on an all around great looking van

[@ggebhard1]

Now, I wish I could afford a class B. I’m really starting to like these! Thanks!!

[@jodycoyote3916]

Thank you Mike & Jen for sharing your open and honest feedback. I can always count on you to be candid. I’ve been wanting an update on the B’s so having the variety was excellent

[@toycarcollector]

Newer Travatos you do not use city water hose, you fill and use tank and pump. This is for the all weather preparation. The reading lights you hold the button and the light turns white. To use the beds as couches you would need a foot stool. The new bug screens are an improvement over the sliding screen because the doorway is not square. The vans with a square entries can do the nice flat square screens. The Travato is the number one selling van. Oh and the brown is so much nicer if your a camper and not a glamper.

[@colleenjolicoeur6059]

Helpful thanks

[@ctbrodie]

I had a Travato too but even filling the tank required opening up the back door. I loved the panel but if the weather was bad and I wanted to stay at a place with hookups for a bit, it was a royal pain in the neck.

[@cemaricyber]

A travato without propane, is that an option?

[@ctbrodie]

@@cemaricyber Yes, if you get the full lithium battery option. I met someone when I was spending the night in a Walmart parking lot. I had true lithium envy because they could run their AC off their batteries. The full lithium model did not come with a generator (2022). And that would be nice too because the generator is a bit under the van is pretty low to the ground. If the ground is too rough, you run the risk of bottoming out the generator, which I did, once or twice. Otherwise, I loved the Travato. It just wasn’t big enough to hold my dog, cat, me, and our supplies when I was full timing, especially if I had to deal with seasons.

[@cemaricyber]

@@ctbrodie does anyone hook up a portable generator to thr shore power from the inside? I would worry about an auxilliary generator growing legs in the night?

[@susieq2544]

The color is awesome! ORANGE! You can’t miss it.❤

[@WmFiske]

Mike & Jen, thank you for your series. You have been living the life style for a long time which makes your perspective so valuable.

[@KathrynLarson-x9h]

We have a 2023 Travato and we also just fill the water tank and use the water pump. Works great and fill when we need to. Love it and use the everything has a place rule. Thank you for featuring a Winnebago 😊 ❤

[@coris9503]

May I ask how many miles you have on your? Just looked at a used one with extra bells and whistles. Seriously considering it. It has 23,000 on it.

[@KathrynLarson-x9h]

@@coris9503 Our has 22,000 on it.

[@coris9503]

@@KathrynLarson-x9h Thank you!

[@michelleconcannon7584]

Of the 5, this would be my choice. Love the orange, love the walnut cabinets

[@BarbaraFarrington-h3z]

Love this color and inside looks to be wider between the beds.

[@henrymiller4280]

Have had a Travato now since 2018 and have never ever used a hose for water supply. We only fill the water tank and use the water pump. Never have been an issue. 😊

[@amydelpiere9315]

Same, in 5 years of travels and camping, we hooked up to pressurized water once. It was optional and I don't know if I would ever need it.

[@mikekempin7917]

Same here, the water hookup is a non issue for us. We almost never have full hookups so a city water connection would lead to a full gray tank in no time

[@crazydays7]

We have a cloth like hose we use and it squishes just fine to let water in with the door closed.

[@monicae67]

@@crazydays7Can you share what you use and where you purchased it?

[@crazydays7]

@@monicae67 we bought the hose at Walmart. It has a white tent like fabric on the outside instead of the typical rubber on a regular hose. It squishes almost flat.

[@stevesullivanmathteacherno6812]

We purchased a 59K back in August and have loved it so far!!!! The Travato has so much more storage than all the vans you have reviewed! That and the open look is what sold us on the Travato!

[@lgDukeCity5018]

I lived in Gainesville for a long time and my brother has a place in Destin. Made me homesick for Florida, I live in Albuquerque now.

[@outdoorsdon]

Downsized from a 31’ Class C to a ‘22K Cherry Red Travato. Absolutely enjoy it and after 36K miles, we have no regrets. The ProMaster 3500 has a lot of pick up and go. No regrets

[@rfleming7883]

Wonderfully detailed inspection of the Travato. It really does ring the bell with well thought out fittings. I am grateful to see seasoned RV'ers like yourselves giving a revealing look at this class B. Thank you.

[@tabithawestbrook9683]

I have a 2023 Travato 59K with a lithium upgrade. I love it so much. I've never owned an RV (had camped in a tent, hammock or converted cargo trailer in the past), and I find it all super easy. Lots of storage! Most folks with the nautilus panel just fill the tank and use the water pump.

[@robbblair6289]

Love it all but the kitchen

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Push longer on back blue lights! 😂 👍White light for reading! The roll down screen has a magnet so you can enter in and out! Won't secure animals. The slide screens break. Costly repair we just did it! Over $200! String breaks! The storage under the one bed has a secure lift that stays open! 👍 Get a small poof for your feet when sitting on couch we have one I am short. The step down is great for my husband who is 6'2".🎉 We are definitely looking into this model for off grid and easy parking. Lithium a must. The water hook up won't work. Just fill them fill when empty. I guess it protects your water & all season. ❤ We are in a Winnebago View right now going smaller! 🥰

[@charlescartwright4902]

Where did you find a way to repair a slide screen for just $200 ? Strings have broken on my Coachman Nova's slide screen.

[@JulieLynn1997]

Why are you downsizing to B van? What things about the View prompted this decision? I am trying to decide between the 2.

[@janetfolkerts5827]

I missed #4 but will go back and review it. I am close to making my choice and this has been extremely helpful. Even though your perspective has been to meet your personal needs, you have given insightful reasons of why that provides information helpful in my own decision process. THANK YOU and I look forward # 6.

[@barbaralongeway1463]

Thanks for your Class B reviews. This series has confirmed that our choice of a Midwest Automotive Designs Patriot on the Sprinter chassis was correct. All electric, BattleBorn lithium, solar, NO propane, Firefly controls. Easy to drive and maneuver, easier to park, and great for boondocking. And we get 20 mpg.

[@dwoodygura]

We just purchased a new Travato 59K, the floorplan you borrowed. We are really enjoying it. It drives so nicely. The twin beds are wonderful. Our cabinets are a light teak color. Those little lights over the bed ARE reading lights, if you push again they are white. You actually missed the large storage area under the twin bed. We dont use city water hookup, just fill tank and use pump. Then just unplug and go! No FireFly is great.

[@davidk912]

The one 80” bed plus the deeper mattress is attractive as is the rear bath vs the smaller side bath. I don’t often use city water on my Class A unless we’re parked for several days so filling the 19 gal. Tank would be no big deal. I guess the roll down screen I could live with although I’m not a big fan of the huge sliding van doors. Much prefer a single entry door with a swinging screen door. Would have like to seen a larger fridge. Been a Winnebago fan for over 40-years but looking hard at the Coach House 271. Great Class B review. Love you guys. Keep up the great work.

[@BrendaHarvey-s3e]

My husband and I purchased a 2022 59KL Pure 3 Volta Lithium power system Travato in 2021 to travel during Covid. It is an amazingly well thought out RV. It is quite comfortable, but agree it could use footrests as Jen mentioned. I'm gonna try some little poufs as someone else mentioned. We love the drop-down zippered screen door. The heavy magnets work perfectly well to keep it closed tightly. Our French bulldog loves her little bed in the floor behind the passenger seat when turned around while camping. Very cozy. The interior water hookup took a little getting used to but works just fine. No worries bout flooding from overflows. This is not a family RV. It works great for my husband and me and we always have a spot at campgrounds, even last minute. The lithium system saved us from staying in hotels when our power was out for a week in December 2022. We pulled it into our driveway & had all the comforts of home. Can be a little cramped at times, but that's ok. I take a walk. lol

[@gingerc6661]

LOVE this series!! Will be anxious to hear your final choice. I currently have a LTV MB....and we LOVE it's large bathroom. But are wanting something more nible, and more stable in high wind and when meeting BIG trucks. My husband and I would have to get a rear bath model, on a class B.....otherwise the shower would be unuseable for us. I would also really appreciate knowing the comparison of ground clearance of these models. Some of those black/gray water connections look pretty low. People NEVER talk about that....even with the 4X4 models

[@bssam2143]

Thank you for sharing and enjoy watching you guys.

[@deborah4579]

I’ve had my Travato GL for 3 years. Love the lithium, I boondock in the summer in 98 degree muggy Ohio without hooking up using the autostart. Love it. Fyi, There’s a lighter teak wood offered that Jennifer you may like. There is a work around for the hose in the back and some have done an easy hack allowing the water you be hooked up.

[@crazydays7]

The opening below the bed on the drivers side is for a c-pap. There is even an outlet by it.

[@brotherskeepers111]

We love the travato and was one we interested but the leaving doors open to attach hose was a deal breaker

[@lindahobbs2136]

Great series! Very helpful for same folks to compare & contrast different rigs. Thx to Nick and Sunshine State. Wish they also carried Pleasure-Way & Grech. Would love to see how those compare.

[@traveldreamer4616]

The color is fabulous. I do like the twin beds and rear bath for the open space. Wonderful series! Thank you so very much.

[@hermes6587]

We do not have a Travato but we always use city water to fill up the water tank and use the pump. It is easier to shut off when leaving the RV, easier to detect a small leak before it becomes a big leak and regular use of the pump prevents mold in the pump

[@movinngroovin2104]

You really don't need to stay hooked up to water you fill your water tank before you park. You still can hook electric that's good. With a van you are going and doing things so your not just hooked up all the time like having a large camper. We love this travato the layout is awesome the open feel of the van is what we like. Now we don't own one yet but we have been in them many times it will be the one we will buy. The bike rack we can't use we have electric bikes we will buy a hitch bike rack. But glad you are in it and showing the lay out . 😊

[@kjFL1]

I’m really loving this series. Thank you for doing this. I like the Travato in this floor plan, but always wondered how the wet bay would work with the hoses, as you’ve highlighted. I like the orange color. I’d get silver or white, however, for boondocking.

[@bchlvrbob]

Definitely the best of what you’ve shown us so far. Im ready to find me one. Please, in your wrap-up also compare prices. I’ve looked at some in the shows that are over a quarter million dollars!

[@tomsampley7653]

My favorite so far

[@jillcarlson2076]

Thank you Mike and Jen! It’s been a wonderful series. My husband and I have learned a bunch and if we decide to go to a class B. We will be looking over these videos again and try to decide which one we like best! Blessings and safe travels. 🦋🥰🙏💕

[@RVLifestyle]

Wonderful! So glad it was helpful!

[@happycat3399]

I believe the reading light is a single click for blue double click for bright white and triple click for a bit less bright.

[@lawrenceedger292]

The Electra e-bike by Trek is light enough for the Travato bike rack(holds 2 bikes with the 8 pound batteries removed). There is a mod some folks have done to create a hole in the bottom nautilus panel.

[@JB-pd6bn]

Wow, I'm impressed, i really like it!

[@ginap189]

Our 2019 travato had the sliding screen and it broke the first year. We replaced it with roll up screens. I'm glad they got rid of the sliding screen.

[@creationsfromlace6894]

Awesome reviews! We purchased the Coachmen Nova but in the twin bed floor plan (20D) with a huge fridge and freezer and absolutely love it and average from 16 - 19 mpg depending on how much we use the generator. Thank you for a great job!

[@littlerascal6112]

Great video.

[@pattyk8594]

Great review, thank you!

[@KAW5]

Great series! We purchased an Embassy Dolphin S on a Ford Transit Chassis because we like the twin beds too! We pick up our Van next month! Hope to meet you on the road someday! Thanks for sharing these videos! 😊

[@ginap189]

The blue light over the bed can become a reading light by holding the button down longer.

[@Jeeper-o2y]

We have the 20 L model rear bath built by Thor they have a pull screen at the sliding door and reading lights on both sides. Love the lagoon table compared to the floor mounted table. Think we will install the lagoon table in ours.

[@lindapearson8137]

What a nice couple! Enjoyed your reviews!

[@monicae67]

Everyone will definitely see you coming!! I love that wood color! It is the one I’d want! It looks so rich and classy for such a simple camper van. I believe the reading lights had a white reading light mode as well, correct me if I’m wrong but I think there is a click button that you just press to change the light mode.

[@mcck1555]

Hoping that you will be able to do more videos like these. Thank you for taking us along.

[@Gods4Horsemen]

Got me sold

[@garychristison763]

Front wheel drive makes the Promaster a nice shape for a camper build. That's about the only positive. A search on Promaster reliability scared me away. Traction is a bit of a concern but I think I could live with that if FCA's reliability reputation improved. Otherwise, the Travato is one of the best looking class B's out there. Thanks for the tour.

[@Tatiacha]

Need to look at Pleasureway

[@onthegowithgreggsavage]

Wow who wouldn't like the orange? You know no one is going to steal this because it sticks out so much and it is beautiful. And Nick is very nice to let you borrow Vans to test out. I wonder which one you think you will get? My guess is this one, even the controls are right above the slide door, easy to see easy to operate, And this is the newer Dodge platform instead of the older obsolete one. This is so much better. Good luck in whatever you choose. Your videos are very nice to watch and you seem like very nice people.

[@lizzym9029]

I’m really enjoying your review of class B RVs. I am considering one in the future. Your feedback on each one back to back is helpful!

[@orthodiva7487]

My hubby and I were looking at the Travato as well but you’re correct about the hose. We didn’t like that so we picked a 2024 Jayco Swift 20T instead and we like the clean lines of the cabinet. I was afraid that I may bump my head in the cabinet knob and the water tank is bigger on the Jayco as well.

[@julieamos1633]

Love your reviews

[@gmoneyisit]

I wish you would show us the new Chinook. Thank you for this series. It is very helpful

[@michelleconcannon7584]

Hold down the power button on the blue light 😊. We have a ‘basic’ Winnebago too and I love the switches over the Firefly. Less to break

[@jodycoyote3916]

We have had a van for over a year and never have attached a hose to the van. We fill the water tank and detach the hose so there is no issue with having the valve in the back of the van.

[@chrisschiel6741]

We just bought the Jayco Swift 20T. Almost identical. It has the water inlet on the driver's side above the waste discharge. Also it has the screen door you want.

[@orthodiva7487]

We got the swift as well and we love it

[@stevesullivanmathteacherno6812]

The night light has two settings. Hold the button for a brighter light. Also, the Ram track is a great place to hold an iPad to watch TV while in bed (instead of using the TV with the van).

[@BH-vk7rt]

Owner of a 2022 Travato 59K with 37000 mi. I wish they would still have fresh water and city water fill outside. I believe they changed it in 22. No big deal with Nautilus system we just use the pump. The storage under passenger bed is a plus. I dont believe it was shown in video. Bed lights have two modes you need to push button twice for regular light. I have been looking for a replacement but can't find anything that matches this layout. The rear bathroom is the way ro go. Thanks for the videos.

[@SuperKat619]

Great video!!

[@RVLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@HerCalifornia]

Very nice van!

[@RVLifestyle]

We agree!

[@ronwest8842]

I still like the coachman beyond 22D😎🇺🇸☠️✌🏻

[@JeffErdmann]

Don't forget your pet tied to your car (Like Chevy Chase Vacation) ;-)

[@charlescartwright4902]

Not a good idea to ever tie an animal to a vehicle!

[@6JWB9]

I like your review and agree with your color choice, but I don't want standout colors for boondocking...😅 Travato 59k was at the top of my list. However, I picked a Coachmen Nova 20D Pop-top instead because of 3 reasons. 1. The water connection from the rear door needs to be open. 2. Outside of the summer months, showering in the rear bathroom setting is too cold. 3. The bug screen & built quality are more superior on Coachmen.

[@annpopejoy6069]

One does not hook up city water. Just refill your tank when needed. Works great but it took me a little to get use to it.

[@bobbeeding8384]

I'm confused. Don't you have to use a hose to fill the tank? If not, how "just refill your tank"?

[@goneretired7030]

They moved the water connectors inside the rig because folks wanted the Travato to be 4 season and by leaving the connections exposed on the outside, it would be subject to freezing weather.

[@ginap189]

Plus, we never stay connected to city water. We fill and disconnect.

[@davidstephen8943]

My 2023 KL is on it's 3rd inverter. 12 weeks in the shop so far, not to mention some ruined trips. Still not back from the shop.

[@danbearss8735]

Our screen works fine...the roll up has less moving parts than a slider or door, and allows for plenty of air flow. It opens and closes easier than a door or slider...we have seen sliders get jammed.

[@KSR2-yh6wq]

Travato 59K(L) has everything i need except the pop top. If it had the pop top to sleep 4 instead of 2 currently, it would be the hottest thing in the RV industry, not just in B vans

[@davepnw8600]

The Winnebago Solis has a pop top option

[@BarbaraFarrington-h3z]

If you press the light above the bed another time it turns into reading light.

[@ctbrodie]

There is a small notch at the bottom of the other door. I had a Travato, which I liked but I never found that the notch was big enough and when it was cold, it would cause a tiny gap that would let cold air in. I would have kept it, but I have a dog and a cat, and I was full-time. I either needed two more feet or two less pets and the pets won out. But it drove beautifully.

[@DendaJayne]

I love the cabinets.

[@bevbender3587]

Love the color💕

[@josephversace5895]

With an rv,pull screens to replace the roll-up would likely add thousands to the base price.

[@amydelpiere9315]

The placement of the Lagun table near the galley seems much better than the mid-aisle mount in other vans. I like the addition of the tracks above the galley and the beds to customize storage. I am thinking that any rig we get that would have a black tank - we would remove the flush toilet, doubling our gray water capacity, and use a urine separator toilet such as the Trelino. It would be great to see the use of the quiet Truma roof AC unit. The older units were very loud in the small space. I'm not sure what unit comes standard with the current Travato. That was a 12-volt fridge! I never want to go back to an absorption fridge with the fins in the back.

[@IMB322]

I love this rv.❤❤❤❤ 59kl and this color

[@robertparry3476]

I believe they have an option of white cabinet doors

[@lindawoody8501]

Well, I'd like the Travato interior but put on a Ford Transit more or less. I like the interior and the long twin bed on the one side as my hubby is over 6'3" tall. We have tried a Promaster a year ago as a test drive in a different brand of Class B van, but the cab did not fit well. My hubby's leg length is too long and the seat cannot go back far enough. Hubby was also hunched over a bit when driving as he is not fond of the slop of the windshield. Did like the looks and yes the rear bathroom is nice.

[@crazydays7]

Your lagoon table will store on that column to the right of the sliding door.

[@monicae67]

Not sure what you mean. Where?

[@crazydays7]

@@monicae67 as you step into the van, on the column to the right that has a tower of power on the top of it. There should be a lagoon table mount .

[@monicae67]

@@crazydays7 The newer models of the Winnebago 59K just have the tower of power with the mount for the lagun table. It doesn’t have what is referred to as an airplane table like I believe the Entegra Ethos 20T has. I prefer having that space with nothing permanent so I prefer just having the tower of power with the lagun table mounting rail.

[@robertheil5470]

Dealer installs city water line.down through floor between rear door and city water service inlet fitting so rear door closes.

[@robertheil5470]

Winnebago rear bath water access point dealer modification upon request.

[@carlosherrera0001]

That’s right just fill the tank and use the pump as needed. There is no need to leave the hose connected.

[@gigiscomfortfood]

I'm not sure I would like the wardrobe cabinet in the bathroom. Would the steam from the water make the clothes damp

[@tonylinkous7940]

They should have a plug in the in the rear door that could be removed to allow the hose to fit through. When you are finished, reinstall the plugs, inside and outside,

[@rvlife289]

I love the last one. Wondering about the cost.

[@Rick-ip3cm]

59 k is my favorite . I guess just phill fresh water tank up then you can close door iam not a fan ether.great series

[@johnleach740]

So true. Never hook up a hose. When you leave rig all kinds of problems can occur.

[@cemaricyber]

Can you cool the drivers cabin without using the AC for the back of the house?

[@MT-ij3bz]

The floor compartment/safe is not cut straight into the floor??

[@Lesley-pj6sz]

I would of like to have you tested the Roadtrek pivot or the westfilia

[@candacerivero]

APPEARS might need a looonnnngggg water hose if the water spigot is not at the rear of the site, but farther forward.