Travato Vs. Aktiv Comparison - Which do YOU Like?

Folks ask all the time which van I like better, so I thought I would make a little comparison video between our 2015 Winnebago Travato 59g and 2017 Hymer Aktiv. Always happy to answer questions in the comments if you don't see the answer in the video. And since we made this on 3 hrs of sleep in 105° heat, chances are I missed some details:) Hope you enjoy, and Safe Travels.

[@badguy1481]

Screw the RV rental business! You should be a movie or commercial producer! I have a 2017 Roadtrek Zion, also a RAM Promaster. LOVE that Promaster!

[@snorrisputnik1282]

Definitely one of the best videos I've seen on this topic. It's a thorough, informative, and unbiased comparison. Keep up the great work!

[@ladweeb1798]

I usually don’t have the patience to watch video’s that are over 3 minutes but I watched every minute of this one! Great job comparing the two vans!

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks much. Comments like this that make it worth it.

[@heartflyer4106]

Loved the video! Very helpful. They are more differences than I thought. Thank you for making it.

[@jonthebru]

Volt start is a nice advancement in RVs. Especially for people who have no idea how to monitor their battery health.

[@Hollywhite1]

Your reviews are awesome ; you are hilarious, engenious and informative.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks Holly - trying my best!

[@gregdrebert8891]

Hi, great video! Which model would you suggest if you were going to rent your rv?

[@CamperVanGuy]

I rent them both and both work well. The Aktiv is no longer supported by warranty (company went bankrupt) so I would stay clear of the EkoTrek (lithium battery) version. Good luck!

[@proguardpets389]

just back from the travato rental -- and would have considered this van but found 5 main problems that i experienced which gave doubt to this purchase 1. really loud generator noise must be on using AC to sleep at night 2. even more loud AC noise ( right over the bed ) combined with generator caused us to want ear mufflers so sleeping was a real challenge ( not to mention there are only two fan speeds - high and really high ) so cold air blowing directly on us was unavoidable all night and felt like being in a mini hurricane ( aaagghh) 3. the shower pump gets clogged with debris and wont drain ( we were bailing water after ever shower) we cleaned the screw off filter but found it was clogged at the pump area -- so under the van with tools after every 4 showers ( maybe not ) 4 . the main electrical switch is at the foot level when you enter and leave side door -- that we frequently kick off -- without knowing -- it is really misplaced in this van 5. on / off switches for lights and all are all over the place - a more central location for most would seem more practical in my view -- me and wife enjoyed all else -- i am glad we had the experience but learned how to choose more wisely

[@garrysceppa7508]

Proguard Pets Hello I just read your comment I’m interested in a 59g it’s just me if you didn’t like a few things and that clearly opened your eyes may I ask what class b would you get if not something else. Thank you for your opinion.

[@begeezy831]

Great review question for you since you have both I am 6'8 (yup a giant) lol. Which do you think would be better for me? Im assuming the trevato? Granted I slept in a Navy bed crouched up for 3-4 years also :) .. Also is the Hymer still worth it even with the bankruptcy as well??Thank you

[@CamperVanGuy]

Travato back bed is definitely longer. Can get a good deal on Hymer if you can still find one, but at 6'-8" sleeping sideways would be tough. Join each of the Facebook wannabee groups for more info. good luck!

[@begeezy831]

CamperVanGuy appreciate you taking the time to get back to me. That’s what I figured would be best. I need to check especially comfortability in the Driver’s seats as well as I don’t fight in some trucks or even suvs. Maybe I should start my own company for the lengthy folks 😂😂

[@casaaprile]

hey cvg thanks for all the informative videos, question though. I believe you do not have voltstart or lithum? correct? if so can you let me know what they install in place of this? AGM? how many Amp hours? also does it still use the under hood generator? Just trying to figure out if i really NEED the lithum , eco...im starting to lean towards no. thx

[@elee325]

Really enjoyed the video. Actually laughed a couple of times. :) A question: I've owned a RT SS before and wasn't too impressed with some of the utility placements, engineering, and the quality of amenities inside. Did Hymer improve on RTs with their German engineering or was the merging just a marketing purpose?

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks Eddie. Not certain about engineering, but believe Hymer bought RT as a way to enter the North American market with a company that had an established dealer network and respected brand (although somewhat tarnished). What I see in the Hymer brand is a concentration on cost-conscious European design-centric products marketed to a younger customer while implementing some of the forward-tech thinking of Roadtrek. But thats just my opinion:) Thanks for watching.

[@monnaprovost7294]

Tyvm for the comparison. I’m a single lady and perhaps in 2 yrs I might get the Hymer due to the volt start/ac and tilt windows w/rain features. I would like to boondock camp for 4-6 months so I want to research the mpg as a daily driver during that time bc I can’t see towing a tiny 🚗. And if its the model with 2 twin beds that make a king, I’m thinking I might take off one matt and build up on top for storage. I can always replace the matt if I ever sell it. Thanks again. Safe travels. Cheers, Mo in NJ and...

[@CamperVanGuy]

best of luck with your decision

[@242rox12]

Thanks for the comparison between the two. Lots to like on the Hymer but the cassette toilet is a deal breaker with my wife. We have some friends who went with the cassette toilet and hated it profusely. The have since put in a composting toilet. If it wasn’t for that, we would definitely go with the Hymer but now we are leaning toward the Travato 59G.

[@dcs7077]

In uk I would fancy the hymer activ 2.0. Here I dump the cassette toilet at the campsite or back home in the downstairs loo carefully (easy) and rinse under the washbasin tap. Just ordered a luggage trolley for transporting cassette at campsites as woman on my own carrying! Great comparison review.

[@PA28-181]

Thank you for the comparisons !

[@CamperVanGuy]

marioisco thanks for watching. I know I wandered a bit, but on 3 hrs sleep and in the desert heat, was a bit hard to stay focused

[@toptobottom247]

Even though this video is old. There have been some improvements to both including a pop-top sleeper for the Activ 2018-2019

[@CamperVanGuy]

lots of improvements on both - if Winnebago and Hymer would give me new rigs, i'd be happy to do updated comparisons:)

[@wendyc4895]

Have you use the AC/VoltStart on the Activ? I'm wondering specifically about boondocking in warmer weather and keeping the rig cool/safe for pets. Great comparison video, thank you for making it.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Wendy Clyma I don’t have the VoltStart, and from some of the issues others have had with it, I would not trust it with the lives of my puppies. But I do have the Underhood Generator (second alternator) and when the van engine is running (even at idle), there is plenty of power to run the AC and keep the whole rig cool. If I do leave the dogs in the van for a spell, I crack the windows in secure mode and turn on the roof fan. Works great.

[@sccphilly]

Dude, good video. I want to be able to use the air conditioner for long periods of time say 8 hrs or more without ever plugging in to shore power. Which model is better for this? Travato or hymer?

[@CamperVanGuy]

sccphilly thanks. You’re in luck, because both the 2019 Hymer and Travato have lithium battery options with auto-engine-start which fires up the van engine automatically when the batteries get low. But on both models, you should be able to run the AC for 4-8 hours on battery alone. Lots of factors on duration (outside temp, humidity, desired indoor temp, etc.) search KZbin for VoltStart and Pure3 Lithium.

[@bondarmsman]

Love your videos and your sense of humor as well. Could you do a comparison of winnebago paseo vs coachmen crossfit? Both on a Ford Transit Chassis.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks. Interesting question about comparing other vehicles. Will need to think about it.....

[@TigixPK]

Can you make a video on buying one? Or even buying a used one?

[@peggybowles22]

Thank you for your comparison. I happen to be interested in both of these. Which one has more ground clearance? I want to do the desert and national forests, but am afraid of tearing up the bottom.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Sorry for the delay Peggy - both are equally awful. But if you go slow, pay attention, and know your limitations, you can get to quite a few places without damage. best of luck!

[@Trailblazers323]

I’m doing a lift kit on whichever one I decide to buy

[@dynabanjo]

I have seen all sorts of opinions on cassette toilets. But what I really want to know is "What are they doing with their grey water on trips?" In many places it is illegal to dump into gutters and even if grey water is not a hotbed for disease it does screw up ph levels in water.

[@bswmiata]

now that was pretty funny to see! thank you good job, ill watch a few more now ha

[@sydnieleehoughton3935]

Nice vid! Is there more road clearance on one over the other? In the buy for one of these!

[@CamperVanGuy]

both about the same - low!

[@BradColemanisHere]

Thanks for the comparison! Does the Hymer Activ 2.0 have more sleeping space? I'm 6' 2" and I don't want to be uncomfortable.

[@CamperVanGuy]

bed length (sideways sleeping) is the same but the 2.0 is about 19" wider, making it roughly a square of 75x75. if you go a little diagonal you should be fine. At 6' myself, i do just fine in the 1.0

[@jimbotheassclown]

If the RV business from the manufacturers to the dealers weren't so sleazy I'd buy one . But they make kurt Russell's character in Used Cars look damn well respectable and honest .

[@jtreyduffy33]

Very nicely produced video. Great work. Quite helpful. Too many choices in the RV market. A guy could could lose his mind. That said, I’m getting me a Hymer. I want a 4WD Mercedes Sportsmobile or Outside Vans model but who am I kidding? Keep the videos coming.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks Trey. I just ordered the new Winnebago Revel 4x4 (you should look at one of those) and hope to have it in early March. Will try to get video out as soon as I can.

[@jtreyduffy33]

CamperVanGuy Nice. Who ya getting it from and how negotiable on the MSRP might they be with demand so high? Drove a Hymer today up, and in Davis, CA and the craftsmanship seems questionable. How’s yours holding up? Better/same as the Travato? Where in LA are you, maybe I should rent first.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Trey Duffy don’t let the MSRP scare you. You can get most RVs for 20% less. The Revels are going for about $110+/- for a fully loaded rig. We’re in Atwater Village if you want to rent for a weekend.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Trey Duffy I ordered from Conejo in Thousand Oaks. Aktiv has been doing pretty good, same as Travato. My situation is a little unique because first time users tend to break the more fragile parts. Not necessarily their fault, but bad/cheap design. I try to fix/modify better than original and move on.

[@jtreyduffy33]

CamperVanGuy Thinking about renting 2 nights, Jan 3, 4? Something we can do off-line or you prefer thru Outdoorsy? Txt or Email me and we can chat more? 805-459-8091, [e-mail]. I appreciate the Revel tips. Aktiv warranty hard to pass up but resale on the Revel probably better, tho I might just keep it till the grave.

[@oompha1]

How comfortable are the Aktiv jump seats in terms of long drives? They seem very upright.

[@CamperVanGuy]

not too bad

[@jvelasquez621]

I gotta say that seeing these different class B vans has me ultimately intrigued. I gotta have one!!!! Probably start with a nice entry level model though being that I can't really afford as much as what they want for one of the more fancy ones like the mercedes chasis vans, although that would be in my future I should hope cause I just love the Pleasure way models like the accent. I don't want to stay at the entry level too long.

[@CamperVanGuy]

It is a great way to travel Joey. Start simple and see what works best for you. You can fine tune it over the years

[@wealthyprosperous628]

MAKE A STRAIGHT FORWARD REVIEW OF THE WINNEBAGO CLASS B VERSUS THE Coachmen crossfit versus LEISURE VANS CLASS B.

[@CamperVanGuy]

If I buy one I will. I like the Leisure Vans, but a little too much golf/tv culture for me. But they is pretty. Check out Ultramobility - he does a ton of good, straight-talking reviews and comparisons.

[@kensims9009]

Hello campervan guy , excellent video. In the UK we are buying compact motorhomes. They are a great combination of a van and motorhome. They are the same length about 6 meters long and only about and 1 inch wider each side than a van. But unlike a van they are much cheaper because of the manufacturing process. Also they have better insulation and sound proofing . If you look at the Elldis Accordo range and other compacts from Europe. We are buying the Accordo 135 this spring. It will be about £42,000 pounds. We have looked at other compatible panel vans and they would cost approximately £60,000 to £70,000 pounds. Kind regards Ken and Janet 👍

[@CamperVanGuy]

Thanks Ken and Janet for the kind words. Wish we had all of the cool vans that you guys can get across the pond. Best of luck with the new van, and safe travels.

[@badguy1481]

Where does the Gray Water go. I would prefer BOTH go into a cassette so they could be emptied when the van is not heated in the Winter and you don't have to put anti-freeze in each system.

[@CamperVanGuy]

gray water tank that sits below the shower under the van. pain in the butt to drain it. cassette on gray would work for me - i barely use any.

[@mrslcom]

Wouldn't an external generator saves more gas than running the van's big engine? Unless noise is a major issue, it seems the Hymer has a very inefficient way to generate power.

[@paul_desjardins]

I liked your video. I think you would like the new Winnebago Revel except for its price, how about a ''Revel Type rv '' mounted on a Promaster rather that on the more expensive diesel 4x4 Sprinter Chassis.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Paul Desjardins I already ordered one and should have at the end of February. Should be able to do a GREAT video on that one - hoping to get all four wheels off the ground! Don’t let the MSRP scare you, you can get one for about $110. Not cheap, but only a little bit more than a loaded Travato or Hymer. And the places you can go.....!

[@CamperVanGuy]

I would love a 4x4 gas or hybrid Promaster, but they don’t offer them stateside yet - only across the pond. Do a search on 4x4 Ducato and you will see some cool stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@casaaprile]

hows the load capacity on the activ we are looking at buying one in the spring. from what im reading it leaves about 700lbs of remaining load capacity. so i figure with 2 people about 300 - 400 of actual stuff capacity

[@CamperVanGuy]

casaaprile I’m not certain on the specs, but this past spring we traveled 4000 miles with 4 people, 2 dogs, and at least 300 lbs of crap in the back for a total weight of at least 1100 lbs. Didn’t notice a difference in driving from empty weight, except for the smell coming from the rear.

[@patricknesbitt9208]

Great job. Thank you.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Patrick Nesbitt happy to do it. Both great vehicles to get you out into nature. Thanks for watching and Safe Travels

[@catherinesegovia3255]

You should have mentioned that the Travato does not have a spare tire

[@CamperVanGuy]

true that

[@alfymiami]

Wow, isn't it mandatory (and common sense), that a car has a spare tire?

[@MarcP5267]

I’ve been researching camper life full time. Can you live 100% off grid?

[@CamperVanGuy]

absolutely, but it means different things to different people. In the Hymer, you will need to dump your black tank every few days. In mild climates without need for AC, energy consumption is a non-issue with solar and Underhood Generator. Best of luck with your travels!

[@cherylesmith8335]

What about the bathrooms?

[@CamperVanGuy]

Cheryle Smith Yep, they both have them

[@cherylesmith8335]

Lol, this I know. You just didn't review your thoughts on them in a comparison☺.

[@artcpa23]

When will the Travato come out with a 4 x 4?

[@CamperVanGuy]

Arthur Castle I doubt they will ever make the Travato 4x4, as they already offer the ERA and the new Revel in 4x4. They are on the Mercedes chassis, but worth a look.

[@henrymiller4280]

Wow my two favorite b's ! I ended up ordering a factory fresh 2018 travato

[@CamperVanGuy]

Henry Miller congrats, you’ve got great taste! You should be pretty happy with the T, especially with the updated features since the 2015 model. Make sure to join the Facebook Travato group - an indispensable resource

[@logancooner4213]

Henry Miller bummer bc it’s 2019 now and they offer the travado “L-series” with massive lithium batteries

[@sleddy01]

Where did the other dog go? I think I heard coyotes.

[@DavidisDawei]

How does pricing compare?

[@CamperVanGuy]

I paid about 10% more for the Aktiv, but i've seen recently that Winnebago has increased their pricing on the Travatos. But don't let the MSRP guide you - expect to pay between 20-30% below that price.

[@DavidisDawei]

Thanks The Travato layout is better IMO although there are a few items that could be done better. I'm targeting $50K or less for a 2016 or newer Travato 59G with 20,000 miles or less. Dealers shake their heads when I tell them this, but I've noticed used pricing dropping and am expecting the economy to shake out people who own these but can't really afford them and they will have to accept the lower price I have had 2018 as the year; time will tell if I am right or not

[@OnlineSupportTeam]

Hey dude, funny parts but maybe speak more precisely?? size, "they are basically same" - no they are 18 inches apart (a foot and a half is a big difference in length). It seems like you are just winging it and advocating for Travato without much thought out reasoning behind it.

[@CamperVanGuy]

Duly noted. Thanks for watching

[@mikeconner9387]

What’s the difference in storage space?

[@CamperVanGuy]

Hey Mike - probably equal, just different. More hanging space in travato for clothes, more bulk storage in aktiv for bulk.

[@JeromeAz57]

So how far is the nearest forest from there? 😂

[@CamperVanGuy]

JeromeAz57 we made it up to Big Bear Lake in less than 2 hrs. Beautiful pine trees everywhere and 30 degrees cooler

[@CamperVanGuy]

www.fs.fed.us/visit/sand-to-snow-national-monument

[@cocokai9661]

Changed diapers for all three of my babies, and the cassette toilette is nastier than anything I ever encountered! And if the poo turns sideways it doesn't come out of the little nozzle. Beyond disgusting. You'll learn more about your companions than you ever wanted to know! And forget ever wanting to get romantic with them again after you've had to shake, shake, shake their bizarrely large poo long out of the cassette toilet! I hope Winnebago never goes down that dark, dark path. A composting toilette isn't too bad though! As far as the inconvenience of dumping, well you have to go to the same dump stations to dump your gray tanks, so why is it so inconvenient to dump both at the same time?

[@CamperVanGuy]

you say tomato, I say........

[@logancooner4213]

cocokai put fucking chemicals in your cassett. Should turn poo to liquid

[@cocokai9661]

Interesting...not sure which would be the most unpleasant, dealing with chemicals that could liquify solid waste, or dealing with dissolved poo. Can imagine that splashing back on you, and with a cassette toilet you're bending over pretty close, too close, to that nasty soup. but to each their own, and if that something you enjoy, well, go for it!

[@logancooner4213]

cocokai just depends on where u use it and stuff. When used properly should just be stinky black water. If u go to music festivals or places with Porto’s u can dump your cassette and keep partying. Where as if you have black tank u dump less frequently but if that bitch fills up u have to pack everything move from your spot and drive an hour away to some fucking rv dump site... there are def pluses and minuses to both system. There are many pluses to the cassette it’s not all negative. Cassette is basically what the rest of the world uses. In Europe almost exclusively. I’m torn between which is best personally

[@cocokai9661]

I agree with you Logan that there are plus and minuses with each. As far as dumping the black tank, I have to agree with Justincredible, since you're already going to have to dump your gray tank it's not that much more of an inconvenience just to dump both at the same time. My main problem with the black tank is the idea of travelling around with raw sewing slushing under my vehicle! That's why I'm leaning more towards the composting toilet. But as for the cassette toilet, I can see no advantage over the good old bucket method, in fact, a bucket would hold more and empty easier. So just as long as you get a lid that fits securely, I'd go with the bucket method over the cassette toilet. Because basically that's all a cassette toilet is, but it cost more and sounds fancier and has the design flaw of that little tube to empty the waste out of. For a great and honest review of the cassette toilet, check out the FitRV channel. Their experience was very similar to mine (and other youtubers who've tried the cassette toilet, such as We're the Russos). Whichever you choose, I wish you the best and happy trails!

[@pault1964]

I am in England we can buy them as good as a fire pit and they burn for ages, I like the Activ but I not rich enough and in the wrong continent

[@pinay56]

Why would you want to drive a Hymer off the blacktop. It's not a true off-road machine. For an older couple who have no children except for maybe a cat or a dog, the Hymer would be great to tour the nation, while the Travato maybe great for some off-roading....

[@CamperVanGuy]

I don't disagree, but with front-wheel drive, the Promaster vans do better than most class B's

[@pault1964]

They are called Norwegian log

[@CamperVanGuy]

pault1964 they are genius

[@sebafe]

I would not give the dog what you cooked ;-)

[@CamperVanGuy]

it was some seriously good bacon

[@toptobottom247]

Men and over-cooked bacon. Ugh.

[@CamperVanGuy]

actually not a big fan of over-cooked bacon, but I suck at multi-tasking (talking and cooking at the same time)