Full Review | Simplicity SRT by Roadtrek | An Affordable Class B Camper Van with Options

[@Ultramobility]

Do you like short camper vans? Check out my Short Camper Van playlist! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYnEY5ueac5gqc0

[@solodad]

Tks Neil, yes a camper van for people who will use it everyday and week trips. That was the philosophy of Roadtrek in the beginning.

[@Ultramobility]

yep agree Claude. it does live up to its name.

[@Musingsatcoco]

I agree. I have one and it is awesome. I don't need bells and whistles and complications. Comfortable and tons of storage. And pretty as heck.

[@Judy-cm6kp]

The biggest negative for me is the electric set up. This can easily be resolved with some simple mods by replacing the lead avid with a lithium battery and controller, suitcase dolor to top it off. I recently did this in my trailer

[@Ultramobility]

yep you can drop in some lithium batteries from Smart Battery.

[@countchrisco6090]

I'm knew to your videos. I've really enjoyed your insights. I'm going to be buying a rig very soon. I'll be a solo traveler. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@markj7209]

Super review Neil. Thanks for all the specs and comments, especially the consideration for taller subscribers.

[@Ultramobility]

really glad that you appreciate my videos Mark! thanks for letting me know.

[@mishu3271]

Hi Neil. Excellent video...exactly how I would assess this rig. The only thing you missed was the old fashioned 6 gal hot water tank. I do think this rig is good value for its intended hook up use (limited boondocking). Your still shots showing sizes of driver seat, bed and wet bath are a fabulous addition. I might have put it on the short list except for the dated technology - you are probably right putting it in the consider category. It will sell itself to those buyers who don’t want or need the advanced energy and technology systems.

[@Ultramobility]

yeah that's what I think. I think there are loads of folks who don't want or need all the tech. they want a capable van that is affordable and can get them into the rv lifestyle without breaking the bank. I do wish that roadtrek would offer the ecotrek and solar upgrades on this model but you have to step up to the Zion series to get those unfortunately. thanks for your comment!

[@bobr4987]

Would it be a good idea to keep this as is and get a Jackery 1000 with solar panel? Or more than one panel??

[@vickielane7387]

Hi Neil:) That's an ok one. It just needs something more in the battery solar division to keep the fridge running, and locking draws. But like you said you'll have to move up to a Zion etc, I like the permant bed, a few inches higher for better underneath storage would of been nice. Good for jaunting around your own State and surrounding one's...So you're not to far from home when the battery dies. Definitely not for full time by any means. Have a nice day, :)

[@Ultramobility]

thanks for watching and commenting Vickie. I love the price as many others do as well. still it would have been nice to at least offer some of those upgrades. they must have their reasons!

[@tonynes3577]

I think I would want solar and a bit more of a high tech electrical system. Thanks for the review!

[@Ultramobility]

hi there - you'd need to step up into the Zion or watch out for my Carado Axion review coming up!

[@loisireland3744]

I'm looking to buy this van but 2017 and with the couch which I will trade out for a real bed ...... your talk was helpful! Going from a European which I really love and don't want to give up but when you pop the top it's a tent and I live in Canada !!!

[@curtisdbird]

I love it. Not even sure why I am liking it so much but I do. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ultramobility]

glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@colleenkaralee2280]

Great entry price for what you get and I could see some down the road add-ons, such as some solar set-ups to keep that fridge running when boondocking. Thank you for the thorough review.

[@Ultramobility]

yeah that's the nice thing about this van. it truly is simple. many folks don't need or want all that stuff that just adds cost to the price of getting into the RV lifestyle. as you say: you can add the essentials on later if you find you need or want them. thanks for watching!

[@weightlessliving9856]

Neil, great review. I want to like this coach, but that interior color palette with the dark floors, darker cabinets, and dark counters is a bit of a downer on such a small Coach. This and the lack of ecotrek, solar, Under hood generator, lithium technology etc is also a huge negative. I believe all of that is going to make your review of the Axion next week look amazing. The Axion fits all of these features into almost 2 feet less space, plus with the pass through design of the rear bath and mid lounge allows for kayaks and other adventure gear that you can’t fit in this longer SRT. Add all of the great energy management on the Axion plus an even more stealth exterior and I think you’ll be reviewing a winner!!

[@Ultramobility]

you may be right about my review of the Axion next week ;-) Also the Zion is a good contender as well. thanks for sharing these thoughts Jeep Dude.

[@MariahGrant-qs6jt]

This was very helpful and much appreciated. :) Thank you!

[@lewmyers6220]

Very good and technically sound review. The issue with no generator is not good. Also this is a very small van compared to some that are 22 ft for the same cost.

[@Ultramobility]

thank you

[@kingdavidcoffee]

Nice van for it's intended purpose. Certainly enough for long a weekend away. I assume it can be plugged into shore power if in a campground. I'm sure there are keep it simple fans who this can work very well for. Thanks for another nice and thoughtful review.

[@Ultramobility]

yep it does have shore power. this coach gives folks a no-frills, cost effective way of getting into your rv lifestyle. thanks for watching!

[@Primogen1]

Great review as always Neil. I know they are trying to keep the price down, but maybe a 100 and 200 watt solar option would be nice and of course, ditch the lead acid batteries or at least offer a lithium battery upgrade. I like this van a lot, would need to rear sofa though because I would like to invite friends to visit.

[@Ultramobility]

agreed. look out for my axion review coming up which does give you lithium and solar upgrade options!

[@22rawraw]

I love my Simplicity SRT. I was new to rv’ing, and it was a great way to get into a Roadtrek. Great quality, great gas mileage, easy to drive/maneuver, and a 6-year warranty. I would love a 2nd battery, so that I don’t have to worry as much about power to the refrigerator overnight, but so far I haven’t boondocked, so hasn’t been an issue. I’ll keep this for several years, but when I’m ready to really hit the road and do some boondocking, I may try and upgrade the battery and add some solar after market, or upgrade to the Zion.

[@Ultramobility]

22rawraw thank you so much for sharing your thoughts as an owner! I love when owners share their actual thoughts on my videos for others to read!

[@kimonogatos]

Power may be an issue when boondocking. I just spent a week in a Roadtrek Adventurous, and not a night went by where we didn’t get up at least once to turn on the engine and power up a system giving off warning alarms (the propane monitor, the microwave). I will need to learn more about power issues because I can do without alarms in the middle of the night....

[@Musingsatcoco]

22rawrawall I do is boondock. No prob running fridge, fan and lights for at least 24 hours and maybe more. If needed, you turn it on for 1/2 hour to recharge. Am very pleased with mine.

[@chandaharkins4418]

"Pointy hair." Haha! You're awesome.

[@Ultramobility]

my pointy hair adds an 1.5 inches to my height! lol

[@allentowngal4769]

Great review thanks! Still think I'm headed for a B+ though. Just can't get past those claustrophobic wet baths.

[@Ultramobility]

yep there are a couple class b's with dry baths but only a few!

[@billredding2000]

@ allentown Gal: IMO, the wet bath the Winnebago Paseo 48P has is the best one of the various Class Bs I've seen so far. Too bad there's no 4x4/AWD version of the Paseo or else it'd be higher up on my VERY Short List of suitable Bs (for MY needs)...but at least it's 4-season, which is a huge positive. -- BR

[@AnneKarch1]

Thanks for this helpful review of a van we're considering.

[@Ultramobility]

No worries!

[@davidc.5197]

The Underhood Gen is needed because it's what makes the AC and the micro work.

[@Ultramobility]

yep it's the only generator available on the Simplicity.

[@davidc.5197]

@@Ultramobility My point was that you said the GU was needed because of the small size of the stock battery. Probably need it just as much or more because you won't be able to run off of just batteries. Am I wrong?

[@lilyvillager]

Great job again! Thank you so much.

[@Ultramobility]

thanks lilyvillager!

[@clicks2flickswiththewiz563]

Neil, I might have missed this, but are the sofa and ottomans memory foam? Nice review, a solid entry level product, and you can't beat the 6 year warranty.

[@Ultramobility]

they use memory foam on the sofa but not on the ottomans unfortunately.

[@clicks2flickswiththewiz563]

Yeah, that's too bad. Thanks for the reply.

[@kimonogatos]

Just curious why everyone likes memory foam. IMO, the stuff robs body heat, and it off gases.

[@ITech2005]

Im not an electrician,but is there anything about this that would prevent me from adding solar?

[@mitochondriaisback13]

Great review as always. Just wondering if any class B’s have the option of getting an air ride option for the front seats? ( Raise and lower). I ask this since some of the steering wheels do not tilt, only telescope. This would allow more options of sitting arrangements since shower wall is just behind the driver’s seat. Glad to see fridge and microwave is not near the floor (some people have a hard time with their knees and hips). Also, getting a reputable company to install a lithium package, would that void Roadtreks warranty? Thanks from a long time subscriber.

[@Ultramobility]

hi the sprinter chassis by Mercedes has standard seats that raise and lower on both sides.

[@rexhargrove5172]

Ugh … I love the fixed bed but at 6 feet 4 inches I’m too tall. Are there any similarly priced class B’s with larger sleeping accommodations? And thank you for another great video. I always learn a great deal!

[@___Angelica]

Neill, how do they get so much water in there when the Lexor has so much less?? in fact all of pleasureways rigs have less water. speaking of which, when i went to sac to look at the Plateau XLMB i also saw the Lexor and Plateau TS & FL. loved the space in the XLMB. loved the living space in the Lexor TS, but found the promaster cab to be seriously tight on leg room. now i just need to see the Plateau XLTS and the Ascent. i'll buy you coffee, pizza and pastries at Arizmendi if you drive round and let me take a look at yours...

[@Ultramobility]

I believe it probably comes down to occc ( cargo carrying capacity). pleasure-ways models are heavier so they don't want to take away from 0ccc with large tanks. just my theory. I will have to ask dean.

[@___Angelica]

i guess. 36 gallons of fresh water vs attractive interior. good thing i'm not in a rush.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Thanks for your useful advice...merci!

[@Ultramobility]

certainnment! merci a vous de regarder!

[@mrdave22]

i'm guessing it's possible to add solar.? just not factory? good review, i'd like one, very masculine colour scheme too.

[@davejuergens294]

I would figure out a part time solar work around

[@toptobottom247]

You know if they would have gone with euro-style wet bath with the drop-down sink there would have been more shower space for larger people.

[@Ultramobility]

check out my Axion review coming out next week! drop down sink!

[@qanononabong8491]

Dropdown sink for an extra $10000.

[@John101B]

Would one of those aftermarket lithium "replacement" battery work in this case? I guess that would double the usable charge, plus you don't need to worry about that dreadful 50% level all the time...

[@Ultramobility]

Yeo-Hoon Bae - shouldn't be a problem. check out Smart Battery.

[@seanfallon4580]

Looks a good van indeed

[@Ultramobility]

I agree. very clean looking.

[@melissaweyrick5311]

Sounds like the Zion would be a better choice for Full Time and a lot of boondocking when it comes to Power Management.

[@Ultramobility]

yes agree. better power options but more expensive.

[@RVBadlands2015]

Have you done a review on Roadtrek Simplicity Simplicity or base it is on the 3500 Promaster.

[@kendclife7913]

The Carado Axion and the Banff offer much more value for the money! - coming in with EcoTrek lithium, solar, and underhood generator.

[@Ultramobility]

review of the Axion coming up next week!

[@tylerfix8663]

Where is the battery located?

[@AtlasRandGaming]

You should compare to Corado Banf

[@Ultramobility]

yep - couldn't find one but will continue looking!

[@MrBaastardo]

Hello M. Balthaser .. We R from the Montreal area . We R looking 4 a class B vehicule .. We have a penchant 4 europeen accent 2 these vehicules (sunroof/kitchen area behind driver seat) .. We R 2 ppl .. I am a chef so i do expect 2 use whatever i have in our dwelling (espesso machine/rotary mixer) a quality convection/micro combo & other necessities etc .. All other equipement is gas operated (pizza oven / BBQ) .. We like large windows 2 enjoy surroundings .. We R avid cyclists and randonneur .. Have looked at your other reviews and enjoy them .. We will BoonDoK probably 65% of the time i guess .. Locally we know that we have a couple of upfitters .. Any recommendations (we R not in a hurry) .. Just want 2 B well prepared and advised B 4 making this choice .. ThanX

[@sewistnotsewer]

Is positive locking an option that can be added?

[@Ultramobility]

yes pretty easily. you have to purchase new knobs and latches.

[@takayama1638]

Wha'?! Laying on bed with nasty shoes?! Ewww....hehehehee, good review as usual Neil. I consider that one too. Seems nice.

[@Ultramobility]

Yes I offended my Japanese side as well ;-) I would take off my shoes but it would be a hassle since I video 5-6 rvs at a time.

[@cathystewart2268]

Would there be anything stopping you from buying a solar suitcase with a charge controller and clamping it to the battery?

[@Ultramobility]

nope. in fact you may be able to but that from the dealer and installed at the time of purchase.

[@craigc5150]

Neil, Nice work on the reviews! My wife and I are in the market for a Class B RV. The question I have, which chassis has the best reliability: Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Promaster or Ford Transit? Thanks in advance, -Craig

[@Ultramobility]

that question deserves its own episode. honestly I don't have the data but I can tell you that each chassis manufacturer wouldn't be in business if they didn't have an excellent maintenance history and reliability. Fleet operators do their homework and wouldn't buy them.

[@craigc5150]

@@Ultramobility Neil, I agree...reputations are on the line. That would be a great video to see; curious about trouble free miles on those drive trains👍. Appreciate what you do! -Regards, Craig

[@oneeyedjack2254]

No tank flush 🤔 Is it a cassette toilet .

[@Ultramobility]

nope not a cassette toilet. regular black tank.

[@StellarFella]

Don't like the bed or its low height. It should be raised so the space underneath can be used for storing things that can be removed from the front or the rear. Enough space for folding recumbent trikes is the wave of the future since more and more people of all ages are riding collapsible recumbent trikes. Design meets emergent need. Check out the wide array of folding recumbent trikes and their folded dimensions and design everything else accordingly.

[@Ultramobility]

thanks for sharing that Cecil! a cool option would be if that bed were on a power lift loft! that would suite your needs nicely!

[@StellarFella]

@@Ultramobility Exactly. They aren't taking full advantage of that rear space. Seniors with disposable income are falling in love with recumbent trikes. It affords them ideal mobility and range of exploration in the campsites they arrive at. You should consider one or more of these recumbent trikes for yourself and other members of your family. The splendid and stable option they represent for seniors and younger people is amazing. Take the time to test ride and fold up a number of different models.

[@johnpuccetti9383]

Are you sure they are lead acid? I thought Roadtrek uses AGM.

[@Ultramobility]

hi john agm's are lead acid just a different composition.

[@johnpuccetti9383]

Great review. The difference is subtle but different. Wet cell (flooded), gel cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) are various versions of the lead acid battery. ... There is little chance of a hydrogen gas explosion or corrosion when using these batteries; they are the safest lead acid batteries you can use. Gel cell and some AGM batteries may require a special charging rate.

[@fernandomendoza4683]

SRT? I would hardly call it that without a Hemi and at least 400 hp. (Hehe, just a Mopar joke, although it would be dope to make it compete against the Transit's EcoBoost)

[@Ultramobility]

it would be smashed in a head to head with the Transit's EcoBoost!

[@fernandomendoza4683]

Ah, a man of culture, I see.

[@fernandomendoza4683]

LOL, it just hit me that maybe you meant a stock ProMaster... Oh well... *shrugs*

6 year warranty on Roadtreks as compared to 1 year on Winnebagos so which manufacturer has confidence in the RV they make? as a consumer, I have to throw that question into my decision when purchasing an RV Leasure Travel Van RVs cost just as much and even more than a Roadtrek yet have just 1/2 the warranty at 3 years My purchase plan on our RV is simple: Buy the RV use it 5 years sell it with a 1 year warranty left for the new owner Imagine - I can drive the hell out of the Roadtrek for 5 years and the used van has just as good a warranty on the coach as a new Winnebago so I can ask a higher resale price that's how I plan to use the warranty to my advantage great review

[@Ultramobility]

sounds like a well thought out strategy!

[@billredding2000]

@ no left turns: The problem is though -- focusing on the warranty -- is this: Who wants to get a Class B that's less capable/usable just because it's got a longer warranty? For specific example, give up having a 4-season and/or AWD/4x4 Class B just because the OTHER guys who make 2WD/3-season Bs (same for decades) offer a longer warranty? While you MAY use the warranty on occasion, you've got to USE the RV on a regular basis. So how long the warranty is isn't a deal-breaker AT ALL for me, especially if those makers ares still making Bs with more technology bells/whistles but no street-practical/usability features. So for me, they can keep their long warranties for their "old-timey/more of the boring same" products. It seems only Winnebago is getting what more of us are wanting. -- BR

[@billredding2000]

@ No Left Turns: I can't say the warranty length is an accurate measure (or any measure at all) of how well something is built. For example, Roadtreks aren't AT ALL built as well as their 6-year warranty would indicate, for if they were they'd probably be the BEST built -- they aren't even close, far from it really. Pleasure-Way may be closer to "matching up" with their 5-year warranty, and most people would say they ARE better built than Roadtreks (both Canadian brands, and Canadian RVs in general are SUPPOSED to be better built than American brands) that doesn't support the "longer warranty equates to build quality." I'd include another Canadian maker here -- Leisure Vans -- but they don't make true Class B camper-vans (don't know which is better built, PW or LV, but both are very likely better built than Roadtreks). So for me, I'd take a "warranty hit" on my Class B to get what I want: 4x4/AWD, 4-Season, plenty of solar (~1KW) and lithium batteries to make the most use of it. The marine-type wind turbine I'll be adding on my own separately (as NO ONE even has that as an option). Besides, many things we buy have a 1-year warranty (or less!)...most likely anything going wrong will appear within that time. But I will admit, that if an extended warranty were offered, I'd probably include that in the original sale contract right up front -- just in case. IIRC, Mercedes/Sprinter does offer an extended warranty -- something worth getting considering how EXPENSIVE it is to fix anything serious on the Sprinter, let alone anything diesel-related (which is why I'd prefer a GAS engine 4x4/4-season Class B -- but there aren't any from the major Class B makers). Given my first choice (if I were to buy now and looking at what's available now Class B-wise) would be a Winnebago Revel, which is on a shorty Sprinter chassis/diesel engine, I'd definitely get an extended warranty (if available). As for the rest of the "stuff" in the coach -- appliances, wiring, plumbing, cabinetry, etc., I'm not worried much. MOST RVs (meaning ALL the classes) don't have much of a warranty, and that's been typical in the RV industry for many decades. While admit I SURE WOULD like to have a 6-year warranty on any Winnebago I get (Revel, Era or Paseo) -- or even a "standard" 3-year warranty most cars/SUVs and pickup trucks have -- NOT having it wouldn't figure AT ALL in a decision to get a certain brand of RV or not. So again, I'll not give up the WAY more important things I need (stated above) just to get a RV with a longer warranty. -- BR

[@billredding2000]

Yes, we do differ on our buying approach. I was posting my response to counterbalance yours, in case readers here were interested. -- BR

[@kimonogatos]

Thank you for the give and take on warranties.

[@johnmorgan1629]

Front bed for children; or people you don't like!

[@Ultramobility]

oh dear... I wouldn't have people I don't like sleeping in my rig!

[@brian8616]

Too much promo stuff at the beginning of the video

[@Ultramobility]

what do you mean please?

[@divya2677]

HELLO, IAM FIRST✊

[@Ultramobility]

congrats!

[@cody3482]

Wet Toilet, Nasty.