Meet Frankie - 92 Roadtrek 190 Versatile Van Tour

Thinking about van or a class B RV? How about the best of both worlds? Come see this van-based class B -- a Roadtrek built on a Dodge 350 van chassis! It's the perfect size for solo female travelers over 50.
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Thanks for helping us connect and encourage more women who want to travel solo by clicking the like, subscribe, and notification buttons! Frankie and I appreciate your help!
Find us on Instagram: @magpiegirlandfrankie
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Links for this episode:
Braveshine Gel Pads: amzn.to/3hefujo
....and the gang that turned me on to them! • 10 EPIC Vanlife Hacks ...

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

We got tired of the grey/black tanks. Last trip, we lined toilet with plastic bag and used a scoop of the powder (Amazon) that changes liquids to gel. Do your thing, tie up the bag and put in a lidded container until you get to a garbage (which every gas station has!) We use white plastic tubs that fit in the sink to wash up or do dishes. Easy to empty wherever you are parked. Did 8,000kms like this and it worked great! No more black/grey tank emptying for us!Bonus! No more smelly van! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@robynp8697]

Frankie is beautiful! Love the Roadtreks!

[@ingridramirez4436]

Beautiful . The only thing the music is loud. Please don't get mad. Thanks

[@datBoondockingdiva]

So glad I found another RoadTrek lover & Part-time Van Lifer! My RV is a younger model, but I really love your layout--especially the counter space behind the driver seat. Safe travels & thanks for sharing your journey 😊

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

I love your van it’s really nice & roomy enjoy safe travels

[@kittyhawkbigbear]

I am having fun remodeling my RT but thought I'd share a little more about my progress. Upgrades now include Kilmat sound deadening, carpet in the front cab with vinyl flooring throughout the remainder. I have painted the dash (which had been blue) black and other plastic pieces trim around the carpeting in the cab area. After removing the fabric (and decomposed foam backing) on the interior wall, I painted them and am adding a bit of wallpaper to the bed area I haven't painted the cabinets but am thinking about it- I think it may give them an updated new look. I recently came across videos of how the other parts such as generator/batteries/gauges/etc work. They're pretty dry presentations but very informative for me. I'm thinking when I complete the make over, I'll post some pics. Thanks again for your sharing!

[@razedbyvikings4360]

Can you post a link to the videos?

[@RotaryTeamVincent]

Glad to see you love your Roadtrek. We've been Roadtrekers since 1994, currently with a 00D190V. See you on the 74-04 FB group.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Such a great group! Happy travels!

[@sharonf7520]

I am presently looking for an older Roadtrek...love yours! One of the first things I will do is get rid of the toilet and replace it with a composting (diy) toilet. I would do almost anything to never deal with a black tank.

[@anamericannomad390]

Your Roadtrek is awesome. I have a 1955 on a Chevy chassis and love it. Your idea of using the canning jars is Einstein. I already "borrowed" the idea and have mine set up. I hope to see you somewhere magnificent.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Right on! Thanks for sharing and have happy travels!

[@lynnesey1]

What size mason jars fit in that space? Thanks and great job!

[@sue9252]

Would love you to see a tour of your 1955 classic ❤

[@lindaward3156]

OMG, Im so glad l've stumbled across your story. First, l cannot believe you belong in the over 50 category, your energy is much younger, and 2nd, your knowledge is just what l need as a fledging full-time solo female nomad. l haven't been able to decide between a van or a short bus. I'm very comfortable driving buses as I started in the late '70's driving in the hilltowns of Western MA w/4 seasons of spring mud roads and plowing deep snow as the first vehicle arriving - all before power steering and automatic transmissions, what a life lesson in driving. I've driven mostly school bus for 40 years so I'm partial to them. i don't want/need a regular-sized one so the shuttles have been interesting. I want to boondock as much as possible. When you said certain sized vehicles were excluded from driving what sounded like places I'd like to go, l had no idea. I'm very isolated due to circumstances (sorta a Fern) and haven't been out in the world for some time but in my youth crisscrossed the country (hitch-hiking) 4x's. l'd love to re-visit some of the out-of-the-way places l discovered back then. I'd also love to meet interesting people like you - loved your sign about witches loving equality or something like that. I know you're a good witch! l used to be a Harley woman & we had special waves for other Harley riders (Triumphs & Bonnevilles also) so I understand the camaraderie. Sorry, this is so long, l suck at social media, I'm just so excited to find your story and can't wait to hear more. I don't have a Frankie, l want to get one and wonder if there's a breed that van people consider best suited for the life. I'm more comfortable with bigger dogs, at least middle-sized. l know how to train them. Any suggestions? Thank you for sharing your story, you're fabulous! ☮

[@LadyGTarot]

Love my Roadtrek I have an 02 it's amazing how different they all are between the years.

[@rital7518]

So cute! I have a 2009 Road Trek so thanks to you, I will try to find these Facebook Groups

[@janettehaggar3232]

I just got a RT just like yours! New to this stuff. Love your tour and decor!

[@ftby59mikeD]

Super! You're personalization of it is inspiring 😁👍

[@olgerdtmagpier5527]

Super cute van and video!

[@sherenahaigler6211]

This is such a great video. Thank you for all of your helpful information I can not wait to get started on my project. I will probably rewatch this a few times!!!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dhayesphotos]

Thanks for taking the time to share. I always love seeing all the different visions for Roadtrek life on the go!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@IngridsVanlife]

Your van is a beauty! I really like the velvet / burgundy color in the front. Coming from the van group ^^ Excited to follow your van journey! Also - love some good tarot reads ;)

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thanks so much Ingrid! That the original fabric -- got to love it! Love your red van. (Subscribed!)

[@petermartinez4625]

its beautiful.........

[@OnlineTherapistGroup]

great tour!

[@wendychamberlain9854]

YESSSSSS! Trust your gut! Pick the path with the most promise!!!!

[@deedees1137]

I just discovered you on this video and must say I'm impressed with all the little storage ideas you've come up with. I've only had my 2008 RT 170 since March, and have already put over 4,000 miles on it. I thought I was good at organizing, but I love your tips, especially the "wine bar". That's one I'll be doing real soon! I've subscribed, so keep posting, and I'll keep watching! Hope to see you on the road some day.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

I'm glad it was helpful! Happy travels!

[@deedees1137]

@@MagpieGirlAndFrankie I just watched this again to make note of some of the storage ideas. I have the same love/hate relationship with my toilet. I never know if the tank has actually emptied or not when I've tried to dump it. I'll be interested to see what you do with yours. Also, I wanted to ask about the curtains. Did you use the same track that's attached to the walls? If so, where did you find the strips with the clips on them to attach to the curtains? I tried putting a tension rod over the windows for curtains, but because the edges of the window frame are curved, it wouldn't stay. But I do want something brighter than the dull brown that came with it. Hope you're enjoying your travels. Maybe I'll see you at the RT Rally in Sarasota, FL the end of October.

[@mildredwebster2822]

Very nice.

[@ropewalkercountrystar1687]

That’s one of the best van tour videos I’ve seen! Really well done. Informative and to the point and your rig is done up quite nice. Keep these comin’ - you’re good at it.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Wow, thanks!

[@tammyhinton2950]

Love, love , love your class B!

[@JohnnyButtons]

Love it

[@dawn8746]

This is one of the best. Enjoy your new life .love and Light

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thank you!

[@kathyparker7837]

Actively searching for a Roadtrek. Did you look at Rialta? Curious. Very nice video. Didn't get my last two rv's inspected professionally. Thought I would this ti.e as I will be looking at 90"s models. Long backlog for that. 😂 Thank you and safe travels.

[@hervedepow4826]

Enjoyed your video. We are sailors and installed an Airhead Composting toilet in our 1965 Alberg 30 sailboat this summer. It separates liquids from solids and we are very pleased with it. No more pump outs. Many rv owners have done the same so something for you to consider if you haven’t already.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thanks for the tips!

[@GrandmaBugsPlace]

Good video. I have a99D190P and am having things worked on. My last thing for now is the generator getting a new Carburetor and a couple other things. Could you please share how you did the curtains in the bed area. I still have the original ones and really don’t care for them. You have made you RT so nice and cozy and looks well organized.

[@timgillman]

On my '07 C 190P, I put a false bottom where you have firewood for a couple laptops, etc. Sold it and miss it.

[@allenr.schultz5339]

Hi, great to meet you. I have a 92 RT 210. It's been in the family since new & passed around to family members. At 55-60 I have gotten 20 mpg, but that was not fully loaded for living in yet. I hope to move into my RT & travel. Maybe we'll meet each other on the road? Hope you have more video's showing your RT. Good Luck. AL

[@karlynnelangerak4549]

You really r great @ this I have a 98 Dodge van I love! PS really cute!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@michellestratford9753]

Hi. I saw you on the FB Group😊 I have a 95D190V and I'm just in the process of removing the rear driver seat and putting in a cabinet, just like your previous owners did. Mine girl is Nelly, and it's so nice to meet Frankie!🥰 Do you not have the shower? I thought they all did. I love my shower! Lol My extra table is actually the cloverleaf design where every edge folds out and can serve 8 if you really wanted, lol. Good for you for starting a KZbin Channel! I write a blog, but I'm not going on camera! Lol Travel Safe!💖🚙🇨🇦

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Nelly is such a cute name! I don't have a shower and I don't think it ever did. I'm pretty happy with my solar shower, and I am often at campsites with showers so it all works out!

[@LOCDLIFE]

I look forward to following you. 👍

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ang3lbass]

You are so cool and your rig is so cool!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

No, YOU are so cool! (Thanks for watching!)

[@irenelee3099]

Good luck on your adventure

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thanks so much!

[@52tazdi]

I’m interested in what you did w plumbing. I have a road trek. It’s 190. Versatile. Nice. Ideo. I like what you did

[@bigbrushart]

Hi... I love your cabinet behind the driver's seat. I have a 92 190 versatile and am ready to make modifications .... and would like a cabinet like that. Did you buy it ready made somewhere?

[@OnlineTherapistGroup]

Would love to hear if you switched your black water system...we are thinking the same!

[@carolinehannah3283]

I’m looking into a vintage Roadtrek, hopefully I will find one that I can afford soon.

[@CosmicEremite]

Girl, did you say in you 30's and 40's?? I'm 37 and I thought you were like 30 lol. Anyway, I love your van and all the little customizations you've made 💙

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thanks so much! Loving my 50s and I hope you do to!

[@1lifewanderlust]

Hi, from Ontario, Canada! I found you on the FB Group. What a beautiful and cozy remodel. You inpired me to go forward and paint out the RT "wood" cabinets. The white with the butcher block counter and you're lovely green tiles really make the galley stand out. I was also looking to create another cabinet counter (like your previous owner) did. More prep space. I was curious if Mason Jars fit in the ledges and happy they do! I also plan to use that space like you did! I noticed your sink is Black? Did you spray paint the orginal? How is it holding up? Did you use laminate or vinyl for the floors? Looks super fresh. I hope tearing out the carpet wasn't too much work. And FINALLY, your solar system... Do you have a generator and does your solar set up replace the existing House batteries? How many watt panels? Inverter size? and what can you run for how long on this set up? Thanks for sharing this lovely video. Happy Rtrekking!!!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Hi Celia! Thanks for chiming in! Yes, the sink is black. I didn't paint it. It's chipping. I do not recommend! The flooring in laminate. So far it's wearing really well and is easy to clean! I keep a rechargeable hand vacuum and a plastic Ziploc full of Swiffer wipes to clean on the road. I do have a generator but it's loud and costly to run. I've only used it a few times to keep the dog cool when temps got high. I have 200 watts of solar on the roof (2 panels) and 2 AGM house batteries. I run the lights, fan, fridge, and charge my laptop, phone and projector off of this system. In full sun this is sufficient. In partial sun I have to plug into shore power/hook ups once a week to top up. I don't know about the inverter, but if you'll DM me in the FB group I can let you know the name of the member who installed the system so you can reach out to him directly!

[@TubeOLife]

Hi! I’m in Ohio and currently in a 91D190I, but also have a 94D190V which is currently getting made long term road ready. I’m curious what projector you use and do you have it permanently installed somehow? Or how do you set it up to view that way?

[@jjennings6161]

We have a 1997 and if anyone hears of someone on the Pacific NW who can reupholster the seats and upholstery I would appreciate a heads up. Needs some TLC in that area but otherwise just looking for cool storage ideas like yours. Am subscribing for more. ❤️

[@barbararedmon]

I would love to know what your plans are for replacing the toilet. I just bought a 1990 road track Dodge and although like you I need the toilet, the idea of emptying the black water tank is doable it's not fun.

[@kittyhawkbigbear]

I was very pleased to come across your video of your Roadtrek. Also, to learn from your video that there is a Facebook group of Roadtrek owners. Thank you for sharing what you've learned about Roadtrek and where I may access others who share their experiences with their Roadtreks. I recently inherited a 1990 Roadtrek. While it was 'all original', the inside had a pervasive musty smell. The smell motivated me into remove the carpeting and fabric wall covering. I'm now on the final stretch of completing the upgrades and so looking forward to new adventures in the Roadtrek. Thanks again!!!

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

I hope you have lots of fun remodeling and hitting the road!

[@meridethhendry5733]

I absolutely love you rig and your sweet enthusiasm! I just have one tiny criticism, please turn the music down.

[@floridachickstinyadventures]

I’m looking to buy one of these! They seem so amazing! Yours is so cute! Do you mind me asking how much you paid?

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Hi There! I paid $21.5k in Sept 21 in the PNW. It had newly installed solar, which upped the price slightly.

[@cathyhennessey9018]

Hi, just saw your video. How are you liking the roadtrek versatile. I have the same RV.

[@davidjohns.3065]

Beautiful van, music drowning you out a bit though.

[@Roadghost88]

They're great little vans if you can find one rust-free after all these years. Really well designed. Had to laugh at the old Fedders A/C. That plant closed back in 1997, is now a Home Depot. Guy who made the (real) Roadtreks sourced all his parts from U.S. and Canadian suppliers. New Roadtreks are off-shore supplied. Kind of sad really. Spray it with oil once a year, take good care of it. Thing will last forever.

[@eddie451]

Do You Have Any Way To Keep Warm.

[@laurahanna2216]

Great ideas. I just bought a 94 and need some ideas. That said, however, the music is too loud.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Thanks! It was my first video and I edited all on my phone - no way to adjust the music. I have new software now and can do more!

[@stushtush9331]

Hy,where can I get such a van

[@carolinehannah3283]

Did you have a lot of repairs when you purchased it?

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Hi Caroline! I have had a lot of repairs -- around $3K in the first year -- shocks, serpentine belt, sewage hose/other issues, generator maintenance, dashboard AC, steering column, new house batteries (the previous owner discharged them too low), windshield washers. I'm in a collectors group on on FB for 74-03 Roadtreks and they are very helpful! They assure me that it's a 1-3 year cycle of "updates" and then it levels out. I hope so -- I could not swing anything newer! :-)

[@carolinehannah3283]

@@MagpieGirlAndFrankie yes, I test drove a 1992 Roadtrek several weeks ago but the A/C wasn’t working.

[@shelbrindahl6633]

The music is too loud to listen well to you.

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

I understand, thank you. It was my first attempt at editing a video. Thanks for watching.

[@terrilandry1313]

It’s hard hearing you speak a your background music is a little too loud! Other than that, nice video!

[@newfoundlanddude5281]

Can you invite me to the roadtrek fab club

[@MagpieGirlAndFrankie]

Hi there! I'd be happy too ... I just need your user name on Facebook.

[@Miss_Loving]

Dear precious one, please repeat after me with your whole heart, "Father God, I know I'm a sinner and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe in the Good News that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that You resurrected Him from the dead in order to restore my relationship with You. Through my belief and faith in Jesus death, burial and resurrection, I am saved. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. Please guide my life and help me do Your will, Your way through the Holy Spirit. This I pray in the powerful, loving and glorious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen!" ♥️ Dear friend, may Father God our Creator, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior bless you, lead you, guide you and keep you in His abundantly loving care now and for all eternity! Amen! 🙏♥️

[@MariaM-ms1mk]

Take your face to the camera

[@SweetBearCub]

A great tour RUINED by the obnoxious background music! Also, way too much stuff packed into a small space. Less stuff would make it feel much more open.

[@michellelaclair]

its 60square feet. NOTHING will make it feel much more open. You have a bad attitude. . ask me how i know