Six things to consider with a small RV like a Leisure Travel Van, Navion

[@ChristianTravelers]

We don't necessarily think that the size is all as bad as you warn about. Previous to our Sprinter-based RV (25'5") we had a 27' 1995 Itasca Class A (no slides) and a Pleasure-Way 22' Class C/B+ (no slides). The size of our current RV is perfect for us. We do also have the floorplan you mentioned with the twin beds in back (converted permanently to a 84"x77" king), the bathroom in the middle and the living room/galley upfront with just a couch slide. We love it and we use our RV 6 months out of the year. Could understand someone with larger Class A or C experience having some size issues though. Depending on the trip, we do sometimes chase with a car rather than tow - however, the secret to successfully chase is to keep your daily miles to around 200. What we'd like to add as a 7th thing to consider if you are thinking about getting a Mercedes-Benz is that we have been shocked by how expensive they are to maintain and repair. We have a 2011 chassis which we've had for 4-1/2 years, and it has cost us over $12k just to maintain and repair the chassis. Recommend Ford chassis for this reason.

[@Pagosa]

That's great. I really wanted to portray to someone who doesn't have the opportunity to tour one in person, that KZbin can make them seem larger than they are. So many are ordering new ones for $$$$ and just wanted to put that thought in their head.

[@Lilliancooks]

So much important info that I have never heard in other videos...and I have watched about 1000 videos! Never knew about the cargo weight capacity being so small. And never thought that the vans are a lot smaller than how they look on KZbin. I will definitely make sure to see the van in person before I keep dreaming about trying van life. I once stayed in a 10’x10’ hotel room and it seemed claustrophobic to me...I found myself wanting to leave the room constantly. I think I need to try a van for a weekend before committing. Thanks for sharing👍

[@Pagosa]

Glad it helped. I didn't want to sound alarmist, and with the windows and skylights, it's actually very doable being in a small space. But it is small, and if you can, step in one and get a feel for it.

[@Lilliancooks]

@@Pagosa yes, I am looking into doing a rental for a weekend...that would be the best way to see if I can get used to the tiny space. I want a stealth high top van that can fit in a regular parking spot.

[@amiralions2681]

If you thought 10x10 was too small you might not like van life. What might help is renting or borrowing a minivan that's set up for camping so that a cargo or travel van feels like a treat.

[@sharyneyman3806]

I really like your channel. You are so right on about everything. I don’t mind the RV being small as it is but most the time it’s one person or if it’s two we are outside the camper hiking and doing activities. So basically, we use it to sleep and have breakfast. I really enjoy having a bathroom so when I am driving and that time comes I can just find a safe place to park and use my own toilet and don’t have to worry about the germs from other people. My refrigerator is bigger than what I found I need. As far as you mentioning about bananas on the counter I put all my fruit and bread in the microwave because I hardly use it. My leisure travel van is an older model so I can haul 50 gallons of water and the gray and black tank is 26 gallons each. But when I Boondock I still Take extra water so I can wash dishes outside and not put the water down my gray tank.

[@Pagosa]

Glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@robertjones6324]

I was able to tour a WRTB and was actually amazed it wasn't as cramped as I imagined. I figured videos exaggerated the space. I ordered on the spot!

[@Pagosa]

That's great, congrats!

[@nbragtop]

This is one of the most informative videos I have seen. Thank you and so glad I subscribed to your channel !!

[@Pagosa]

So glad it’s been helpful!

[@mitchsmolow6268]

I have been able to fit my LTV Unity in every state park, Corp of Engineers campground, and Forest Service campground that I car camped in for the previous 20 years. An RV any larger would not fit. For now it's the perfect size for us and our two Portuguese Water Dogs for where we want to go. Down the road, who knows. If one's idea of RVing is a condo on wheels it may not be the right size. But if you're east of the Mississippi where there is no wide open BLM land and you prefer an upscale, comfortable camping experience it can't be beat.

[@Pagosa]

Agree, we love the size.

[@robertjones6324]

I got the WRTB (on order) so I wouldn't have to tow. If I wanted to tow, I would get a p/u and a nice Lance trailer. Very informative video. Hopefully I won't mind breaking camp for sight seeing.

[@Pagosa]

That's what most do. Very few actually tow with their LTVs, but it is a luxury when you need it.

[@Lolaandcassidyadventures]

We’re on our 3rd trip in LTV FX. You definitely only bring what you need! We have multiple checklists too.:) We have two dogs they love it the large Murphy bed is so nice and comfy!

[@Pagosa]

Fun!

[@robertjones6324]

My biggest issue was winter storage. I live on the Canadian border and winters are brutal. Temp controlled storage is $1,000 for the season, which I will do for the first season.

[@Pagosa]

I store indoors and totally worth it

[@ianenright3988]

I just subscribed to your channel lately. Fantastic! We are on the list for a LTV Wonder RTB (has the large garage outside that uses the space under the twin beds). But we are also considering a Airstream 25RTB to pull behind our new truck. Really love the fact that you have a perspective on both RV types. Can I ask one question with all the kindness possible? You make great points but often you make them about 3-4 times and it really drags out your videos to the point that sometimes we skip ahead and may miss things. Would you please keep that in mind. We get it!!

[@Pagosa]

Ha, sorry, I do most of these vids off the top of my head unscripted. You get what you get, lol.

[@ianenright3988]

@@PagosaHey I get it. Just a suggestion to keep in mind, with all the possible kindness of intentions!! Just trying to be helpful to make your great work even better! Keep it up. I've learned so much from you.

[@Pagosa]

@@ianenright3988 haha, no worries. You aren't the first to notice that.

[@ianenright3988]

@@Pagosa Just sent you an email for your consideration.

[@nicksellberg6356]

Heyy, Have you heard of people upgrading their water tanks and fuel tanks on their leisure travel vans? You seem like the right guy to ask! Love your videos! Thank you for all the info!

[@Pagosa]

I don't think the water tank would be doable, as it's jam packed under the coach. I have heard of people upgrading to a larger fuel tank in sprinters, not LTV in particular, but other brands. So assume you could add a larger fuel tank if there is room.

[@nicksellberg6356]

@@Pagosa Thanks for the reply!!

[@ianmcculloch6839]

Appreciate hearing the truth 😊

[@Pagosa]

It's good info to have for sure.

[@anitajohnston4578]

Thanks!

[@Pagosa]

No problem!

[@fredzuccarelli]

Another great informative video!!! My dilemma is still trying to decide between LTV or a class A. My concern is where Im going to store each of them. ugggh!

[@Pagosa]

If you are close to a National Indoor RV Center, I highly recommend.

[@fredzuccarelli]

@@Pagosa I saw your video where you mention them....im in Naples FL....hoping for one in Ft Myers soon!!!!

[@Pagosa]

@@fredzuccarelli I know they are wanting in the Florida market, so hopefully

[@tarseneau8975]

❤ so informative

[@Pagosa]

Glad it was helpful!

[@conniehoyle2669]

Thank you

[@Pagosa]

You're welcome

[@Bossladylj]

These videos are very educational because I love Dean’s tours and I am manifesting buying the Rear Murphy bed Unity model. However I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I am so disappointed that I have not found a LTV dealership in California in order to actually tour the inside and be able to experience the actual size. Also, I have not yet seen a video to understand if the seats have storage capabilities. On the Twin bed model, Dean did show this. Do the other models have storage under the cushion seats int he cabin?

[@Pagosa]

Some of the seats have under storage. My FX does

[@letsexplorewithjag7605]

when it comes to style ltv 10 out of 10 but when it comes to room its not good ... i almost bought it but im glad i bought jayco Malborne prestige 24lp full wall slide out ...

[@Pagosa]

That wall slide would be nice!

[@rvfishing8817]

I get wanting a vehicle for quick trips. But now with e-bikes that give you 30 miles of assist, that is a tempting option. Of course someone could be at a place that is not bike friendly, but I would not probably want to stay there anyways. The Wonder LTV RTB has a 200lb hitch that will hold the bikes just fine.

[@Pagosa]

The Wonder Twin Bed actually has a bike garage, so even better

[@rvfishing8817]

@@Pagosa That's where the inflatable kayak goes. The RTB has about 1,750 OCCC so I think it will be ok that way.

[@Pagosa]

@@rvfishing8817 absolutely

[@mysticalartdiamondsMD]

I know this is and old video, but we are getting ready to purchase one. I am curious which you were initially going to go with and decided on the FX? We have only been able to see an RL Unity in person so far. TIA

[@Pagosa]

I was originally sold on a twin bed (TB), but after being inside one, was too claustrophobic for us. RL or Fx much more room!

[@mysticalartdiamondsMD]

@@Pagosa interesting. We have seen the RL and really liked it - but the TB seems to work for our sleeping habits but interesting to hear you both felt Claustrophobic. We both work remotely and need to not end up divorced after 4 months in it together in one stretch. We really need those two seats up front so that leaves us 2 models to choose from.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

For what LTV costs, a rear view camera should be standard.

[@Pagosa]

Amen to that

[@allenalderman2917]

Where do you store your LTV when you’re not on the road? What do you look for when considering off site storage? My wonderful HOA has tough restrictions.

[@Pagosa]

I'm fortunate to have an NIRVC (National Indoor RV Center) near me. If you are not able to store indoors and plugged in, then make sure you have disconnected your house battery, (or if you have solar, that it has sun). Other than that, just what ever is convenient to you.

[@allenalderman2917]

@@Pagosa thank you. Really enjoying your channel.

[@jacquewilliams3501]

I am in my 70's and wanting to get and rv but I am afraid I am to old to handle it by myself. I would be traveling with My 2 large dogs. What are your thoughts

[@Pagosa]

The LTV is super easy to handle. You can do it! I know a lady in her 80’s that solo travels in her LTV. Super easy to drive and very little setup at campsites. Go for it!

[@JordanCait]

If these LTVs have so many flaws, why do you keep yours?

[@Pagosa]

This video wasn't solely about LTVs, and I didn't say they were flaws. The video is about some misconceptions people who have never seen a Sprinter motorhome in person may have. These things I talk about may be flaws to some, but for us, they are pluses. Small size, smaller water tanks etc are a benefit when it comes to being nimble, fuel savings etc.

[@barbarafarrington7146]

One more video and no leisure van shown

[@Pagosa]

You don’t have to comment your thoughts lol

[@colormedubious4747]

Small space? I can't even stand up in a Travato without sustaining a scalp injury!

[@Pagosa]

But you can park anywhere, so there's that, lol

[@colormedubious4747]

@@Pagosa Every RV is a design compromise, lol. The 59 GL (older puzzle bed edition, not the crappy new one) and Unity CB are still duking it out on my short list. Alternatively, I could just say "hang it" and buy a decent used motor yacht to do the Great Loop. An RV that could wreck, catch fire, AND sink! USAA is going to love me. :)

[@Pagosa]

@@colormedubious4747 Can't go wrong with the CB

[@barbarafarrington7146]

I have sat thru w that were supposed to compare all of the leisure vans, so I will not subscribe.

[@Pagosa]

You just watched the wrong video, Barbara. Look through my channel library and you will find what you are looking for.

[@isidorataitano8226]

You sound miserable in your LTV… you should sell it and get something bigger to fit you

[@Pagosa]

It’s not bad, just know the limitations. But we are getting an airstream 30 footer as well when we want something bigger and take longer trips. Best of both worlds.