🚐 Roadtrek : Used Class B Camper Vans : Buying Tips So You Don't Get Scammed [Van Life]

[@wagonron]

I'm from a surf town in bright blue California, but I love this guy's voice. He has the kind of voice that would be great for commercials, like Motel 6: "i'll leave the lights on for ya.'"

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Lol, wagonron...thanks for the kind comment of my 'announcer voice'. More soon...safe travels!

[@donaldtharp]

You were blessed in that purchase ! We enjoyed our Roadtrek fir over 10 years. Glad you will be explaining the systems for others benefit. Travel safe.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Wow, 10 years with your Roadtrek! Dodge or Chevy? Any major issues you had with it in your travels?

[@donaldtharp]

@@BudgetTravelGuy Chevrolet. No major chassis issues other than paint pealing. Disgraceful that years of powder coat issues were ignored by Chevy. Did have several “ground effects” parts and water pump replaced. It was a great experience overall.

[@eduardorendon4141]

For someone like me now retired and planning for a full time rv living inmediat project a wonderful guide was found from your comment s for which I really appreciate. I wil follow your channel expecting for more videos

[@southerngypsy-pollyburnett3104]

Such a helpful video. Thank you so much. I am retiring in a year and am strongly considering a Roadtrek. I just found your channel and looking forward to learning what to look out for when purchasing. I am a solo senior and don’t want to be taken advantage of. Stay safe.

[@zslis4348]

I love you honest videos. So many people make it sound so glamorous and easy they don’t talk about the reality

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, zslis, for the kind words. Being out on the road is a blast, but there ARE challenges to deal with, and I do try to put it out there, both the good and bad (and examples of things people are going to run into). More soon...stay safe!

[@davidleeroth1968]

just now seeing your video…love the van it’s awesome…i stumbled upon a 96 pleasure way stw an older couple bought it they drove it less than a year and he passed away…she went out one time then parked it…until she decided it was time to let it go…you can’t beat these professional conversations…the one i have was made in saskatoon canada

[@kallasusort2986]

In Washington State you could NEVER buy a Roadtrek that CHEAP! I am shocked that you were able to purchase one for such a low amount. You brought up some very good points on what to check out. I am one of those people that would get rid of the black tank and buy a composting toilet or get a bucket. I would not worry about repairing water lines or tanks.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

In all honesty I would NOT have purchased that Roadtrek had it not had the built in generator (which fired up and works fine to this day). You're absolutely right, though, about all of these things being MUCH higher in your region of the country. More soon...safe travels!

[@paulao7022]

Hi, you explain things well. I like that... common sense approach! I've learned my lesson, by letting things go... until I have a bunch of work to do on a vehicle... lots of money! I learned to fix things on my vehicle as they break or no longer work well. I don't really notice the money, going for repair on one or two things... but when there are many, on top of many repairs.. it's pricey and it hurts the pocket book! Too much money, going all out at once. Ouch!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

I think we've all been guilty of that from time to time - a lot can be done (yourself/myself) if we can figure out where to actually get the repair part(s) needed on Roadtreks. It takes a while for all of these systems to "make sense"...the learning never ends. More soon...stay safe.

[@juliarushing1920]

thank you for this. I just came across it today. I am interested in an older Pleasure Way that I found. I'm going to find your other video on how systems on this rv work. thanks again

[@eduardorendon4141]

Your sharing, the way you submit to beginners as I am, may save a lot of money and headache. I hope to find the one I am looking for, for full time living soon. Very kind regards

[@SeaWindy44]

I bought a 1996 Ford E 350 class B Bigfoot Campvan and it's been amazing the last 7 years...I got lucky it was a one owner

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

CWH44, sounds like you a deal on that van! That E350 has a monster suspension! More soon...safe travels!

[@Random_ness]

I'm supposed to go look at a "89 Dodge Motorhome" soon. The man didn't specify what kind but watching your videos, I hope it's a roadtrek! I think something like this would be perfect for my family. Thank you for showing us all about yours!

[@carlaifera5254]

Love RoadTrek! ✨

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Carla, Roadtreks certainly have some nice advantages, but all of the systems (same as any RV) do require a bit more maintenance and upkeep. More soon...safe travels!

[@3generations393]

You were extremely smart/lucky to find a diamond in a mound of dirt & at a terrific price 👍 🙏✌🌎💞

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

3 Generations, agreed - luck played a part in that van purchase. Hopefully some of the tips will help others know what level of "risk" they are willing to accept when buying an RV. More soon...stay safe!

[@datBoondockingdiva]

Love this van style ✨️ Lol 😅 i've actually considered selling my current 2016 Roadtrek Zion RV for one of these. Down-sizing to this would be super easy!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Wow - that's interesting, Diva..you'd certainly put a lot of money in your pocket is you sold your 2016 and picked up an older Roadtrek instead. More soon...safe travels!

[@SilverTurtle65]

I was lucky finding my Roadtrek at a very reasonable price and everything worked great. I looked for a year to find it. I bought it from a son he inherited from his father and didn’t know if everything worked.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

SilverTurtle65 - glad you got a deal on your Roadtrek...sounds like your patience paid off. I think a lot of these that come up for sale are situations like yours or mine where the current owner doesn't know much about them. Just curious - any paint peeling issues with yours?

[@bboyaidensmom]

can I ask how much you paid? I am looking at a 2003 190 versatile for 57K - 25K miles - sound like alot to me.

[@drewgodderis5390]

Thank you buddy I was appreciate your great videos

[@read7641]

Awesome video. Love the southern twang.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Wait...I have a 'southern twang'? :-) Glad you're enjoying some of the van/travel stuff I put out...more soon...safe travels!

[@Random_ness]

@@BudgetTravelGuy Lol I was trying to place the accent too!

[@roadtrekralph311]

I used to have many videos and subscribers before I deleted my channel. One of those videos covered changing the fresh water inlet hose. Its a small green and white hose that many RV builders still use today. They crack after so many years. If you don't mind the looks of it, just make a 3"X3" rectangular cut just to the right of the water inlet door and it will make the job 10 times easier. I started posting videos again but I lost the video I made explaining this repair. I used a Ryobi grinder with a cutting wheel to make the cut.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, Ralph - appreciate the tips on changing that inlet hose on the Roadtrek. (On mine, you have to open the front passenger door to get to the inlet.) Glad you decided to do some videos again. More soon...safe travels!

[@roadtrekralph311]

@@BudgetTravelGuy Yes Sir, I have a 1992 RT Independent and the water inlet is on the passenger side bottom left with door open. There is black rubber lining surrounding the area. When you remove the plastic water inlet door assembly, there is little room to attach a new hose replace the old one. I just cut an opening to the right of the existing hole and it made the job super easy. By the way, I never drink water from my fresh tank because I carry plenty of water in a separate 5 gallon container; therefore, I just used a new piece of flexible radiator hose to replace my inlet hose. If you plan to drink water from the tank this might not be the route to take. I did this repair a few years ago and have never had a problem since. Happy Holidays.

[@SpanishLikeaPro]

Another amazing video. Thank you, Kevin.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Glad you enjoyed the Roadtrek buying video, my friend. More soon....stay safe!

[@SpanishLikeaPro]

@@BudgetTravelGuy I know Roadtreks are beautiful but super expensive. In your experience, if you were in the market for a big camper again, would you go for another Roadtrek or would you convert a newer work van? (Say a 2000 Roadtrek vs a 2018 Chevrolet Express cargo van? (Similar price for both)

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

@@SpanishLikeaPro That's a bit hard to answer. I have a friend doing a complete cargo/conversion van build now (he GUTTED it) - and while this stuff looks easy, trying to fit these systems in is VERY time consuming. Used Roadtreks also hold their values fairly well - when you do a build, will anyone else WANT it the way you built it? (Throwing that out there from the mega 'car stereo' days.) Also, in your example, that 2018 van is going to depreciate QUICKLY. No perfect answer...just a few things to consider. More soon....

[@SpanishLikeaPro]

@@BudgetTravelGuy thanks for your answer. Maybe the topic of a future video 😃👌

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

@@SpanishLikeaPro Very well could be!

[@rital7518]

You think I'm going to say you're dumb? Oh no, I say you're brilliant! I'm buying one myself right now and I had no idea about any of this stuff! I haven't tested anything! Who knew there are things with pipes and stuff that can go wrong? I'm more concerned about where to put my clothes and where to put my doggies while I'm driving! I think I have to subscribe to you now and open my eyes!!!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Rita, glad you found the Roadtrek video useful to you, and hope you'll find some of the other van life vids I've put out useful to you in helping you get started on your own adventures. More soon...stay safe!

[@ginacardarella]

Thanks for all your info

[@jimmysegovia2688]

Lol looks like my 99 dodge! I painted it myself! Fixed generator fixed awning! And some other little things! I put a speed control on vent fan! And ac vents in front not blowing through vents only on defrost! I replaced the little cracked lines walah! Ice cold...

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Jimmy, my Roadtrek is a 93 (your 99 has some nice storage upgrades!). Sounds like you've worked out all on the kinds on yours! More soon...safe travels!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Super informative. Thanks!

[@southerngypsy-pollyburnett3104]

Thank you for the informative video I plan to retire next year and I am seriously considering a Roadtrek. I am single and a senior female and do not want to be taken advantage of. I am looking forward to the information in your videos and learn what to look out for. Thanks again and stay safe.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, Polly. I'm glad you're finding some of the van/travel stuff I do useful to you. (By the way, there's a new vid out about Craigslist scams where I use Roadtreks as an example.) More soon...safe travels!

[@bobheinen6945]

Great and helpful video! What type of refrigerator did you put in? Thanks Bob

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, Bob. I went with this Whynter 12v fridge ( amzn.to/2WxJGwr ) in the Roadtrek, and just use the built-in one (which still works, but they're finicky as heck) for dry food. The Whynter has been running 24/7/365 for 2+years now, and I don't have to fiddle with it. More soon....safe travels!

[@martypena1416]

It would be great if you had a winterizing how to. I have a roadtrek sprinter freightliner and don't find much about it

[@psmauney5915]

Thanks so much for sharing! If you had to do it all over again, would you still buy a Class B RV (manufacturer built), or would you consider going to a camper van conversion company for a simpler build (e.g., no propane, porta potti, portable power source to plug in a fan, heater, cooler)

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

PS, everything has its advantages and disadvantages. While I like the Roadtrek, most people are surprised that I will still choose to do a lot of trips in the minivan (with a very basic build) you'll see in some of my other videos. The more systems you have, the more things there are to malfunction - and that holds true for NEW vehicles, also. Be sure to let me know if there are any specific video topics you'd like to see covered. More soon...stay safe!

[@lesliesalmon6116]

Thank you. Very interesting.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Leslie, glad you found the Roadtrek video useful to you. More van life/travel stuff soon....stay safe!

[@ldygzlle1291]

I have to sell my beautiful Roadtrek. It’s a 98 170popular. It’s in great condition and everything works great. It has a 200 watt solar system too. I have it listed on Craigslist Erie. 68,000 miles.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Good luck with your Roadtrek sale. You can always downsize to a minivan (I quite enjoy camping in those, too).

[@rosyortega3512]

hello, do you spend the same amount of money in gasoline than in your minivan?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

With a large van (like a Roadtrek), you can figure almost double the gas as you would use in a minivan. However, that is often offset by being able to camp/sleep in more places. More soon - safe travels!

[@H.pylori]

Great story and advice. Easy for you to have a good experience buying used since you have car smarts and wisdom. I have neither. So I must settle for a late model dealer certified minivan with and extended warranty. Thank you for the advice.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

r g, thank you for the compliment, but I can tell you honestly that any smarts and wisdom I attained came after getting "shafted" several times (like most of us did) when I was younger. More soon...stay safe!

[@Killerchihauhau]

Great video. Which engine do you have and whats the mpg,

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

k w, my 93 Roadtrek (Dodge) has the 318 engine. Real world, about 12 around town, 15ish on the highway. More soon...safe travels!

[@jacquelynzajac1570]

What about rust on the body or underneath?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Good question, Jacquelyn - you should check (or have someone check) for rust issues on any used vehicle you are considering. The body can look nice or near perfect on one and there can still be frame rust issues. More soon...safe travels!

[@MariE-go7ol]

Will a OBD2 scanner help?

[@AllysonJFlagg]

How many miles and what was the price? I am looking at one that is the same and in mint condition, 59k miles but the generator "batteries" do not work. They want $26,500. Please advise! I am test driving it tomorrow!

[@gasser2348]

Rule #1 - Never buy anything you do not understand. Rule #2 - Learn before you get burned. Rule #3 - Do your homework first & target exactly what you need . . . not what you want. Rule #4 - Bring a buddy that knows more than you do. Rule #5 - Lucky, no good planning.

[@shawntucker7674]

Read Rule #4: But I am that buddy; now I need to make more friends

[@jcole22370]

Enjoying NC going to hit interstate 40 to rt 66 soon

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Joleen, you're going to have a BLAST when you pick up 66 in Oklahoma. Is this going to be your first time doing a lot of Route 66?

[@jcole22370]

Yes it will and i think i need to go a little more north so i can do a little more of 66

[@SHomaidan]

You're up early on a Sunday :-)

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Usually not a morning person, but it happens sometimes. Hope you enjoyed the Roadtrek video....more stuff soon on all different types of vans. Stay safe!

[@pablopicaro7649]

2022 oct

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Pablo, hope you found that Roadtrek buying tips vid useful to you, as well as some of the new van/travel stuff I'm rolling out. Safe travels!

[@yvairguy]

4 grand? You could replace half the systems and still break even, or better.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Jeff Jones, lucked out on the Roadtrek (pricewise) buying blind, but I had factored in replacing a lot of things I could not test that day that (luckily) I didn't have to replace. More soon...stay safe!

[@yvairguy]

@@BudgetTravelGuy I was in the 4 grand neighborhood for mine as well. I live near Joshua Tree and I have people making me offers all the time. I was offered 15K right after I got it... I probably should have taken it LOL

[@toys2work]

Very good video with useful tips. I have the 1989 Roadtrek and the 89 Leisure Travel. They are fun to sleep in and use but you can get into a mechanic thing if you don't check them out before. One of my biggies was when the mechanic broke the sparkplug trying to do a tuneup and after 3 hours calls me and says he may have to send the van to a head shop to have the sparkplug drilled out! We avoided that and he ONLY charged me for the 3 hours to remove the plug. Etc etc. I just put a 3d video of my van up today if you want to see the inside of a van. No its not for sale. search on youtube for "VR 360 1989 roadtrek"

[@sherryljenkinson952]

I just bought one via fb marketplace and now I’m scared. Everyone is saying it’s a scam cause I got a 98 for $6k!!! The girlfriend made the post, didn’t even spell Roadtrek correctly and I am thinking it should have been $16k??? I’m picking it up next week but I’m rethinking this. (I put $1,000 to hold it so I know I’ll be out that but better than $6,000!!! Thoughts anyone??

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Sherry, what happened with the Roadtrek? Did it work out, or did you (unfortunately) lose your deposit?

[@sherryljenkinson952]

@@BudgetTravelGuy lost my deposit 😡😡😞

[@sherryljenkinson952]

@@BudgetTravelGuy DEFINITELY A SCAM

[@naturegirl5681]

I feel sorry for the old lady you bought it from. $5000 is ridiculously cheap.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

No need to feel sorry for her - I gave her more $$$ than she paid for it, and her boyfriend had done a lot of repairs BADLY (which I knew up front) on a lot of little things I had to go back and fix. She was happy, I was happy - and the best deals are the ones that are a win-win for both parties. More soon...safe travels!

[@joefederico216]

Is that a Buffalo Bills jersey?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Joe, you'll see me in different NFL team jerseys in videos, but that one in the Roadtrek video was indeed an older Buffalo Bills jersey - good eye! Hope you enjoy the upcoming videos (as well as some of the older ones). More soon...stay safe.

[@joefederico216]

BudgetTravelGuy I do enjoy your videos. I lived in Buffalo for most of my life. Bills fan here. Was just shocked to see you with that on. 4-0! I live in Cave Creek Arizona now. It would make for a great video. It’s a cool town.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

@@joefederico216 , I'll have to look up Cave Creek on a map...love the time I've spent in AZ so far. You'll see me in different team jerseys, but I'm a lifetime Bills fan. (I remember back to back 2-14 seasons). If you look in the background of a few videos done at homebase, you'll even see a Joe Ferguson pic. More soon..stay safe!

[@waynebastianelli8391]

Wayne again let me know when you want to swll

[@byronbrasher8118]

1995 dodge roadtrek 190 popular

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Byron, do you own the '95 or is it one you're looking at buying?

[@nicoleguerrero1748]

My budget for my rv/van is $3000 as of now

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Nicole, you can get a good van in your price range. I'm going to have some additional van buying stuff up soon which I hope you'll find useful.

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

😂😂😂 Sound likes it's a ($1,000) repair RV! Owning a RV is expensive my friend.😏 Catch you later.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Mobang, you are right - anything you have to have professionally done on any RV is going to end up being a $1,000-$2,000 job. (That is one advantage that minivans and simpler camping systems have). More soon...stay safe!

[@waynebastianelli8391]

Want to sell it?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Wayne, no real desire to sell the Roadtrek at this point, but it's always a possibility. What part of the country are you located?

[@waynebastianelli8391]

@@BudgetTravelGuy michigan but you can pick me up at the airport

[@PSVitaFan]

The only thing I'm worried about with buying an older RV is how to get water where to dump the tanks Some RVs have a gravity fill system so I could use bottled water some Walmart and Rite Aid Pharmacies have the purified filtered water machine outside the store where you put your own jugs in and it fills them up I thought about having a van custom built honestly I can't do anything for a few more years probably 10 I'm a young guy 49 as of tomorrow and on disability just coming out of a divorce and paying my debt off I looked at the newer roadtreks and other models which have the Volta system with lithium batteries that automatically recharge your batteries with an underhood gas Generator I pretty much wouldn't stay at campgrounds I want to be able to be off the beaten path and stealth Park in City's, Town's and stay at BLM land & National Parks stuff like that I like your videos but by the time I'm ready to do it I'm sure there will be so many wonderful things out there, technology is always changing

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

I don't use the fresh tank for drinking/cooking. (I use bottled water for that.) I'd probably be the same way if I had a new RV after it sat around for a few months. Those newer charging systems are going to be expensive nightmares to repair....the older charging system can be replaced (I've done it) for less than $50.00. There are a lot of things on newer vehicles (not just vans) I'm not a fan of - drive by wire steering systems, etc - the more gizmos, the more things there are to break. (Just look at the lack of reliability on $130,000 new Mercedes or BMW cars. The top prestige models with new tech always have a TON of issues) More soon, stay safe!

[@ceec165]

Look into a Berkey filter. Pricey but would filter anything

[@XxN8iVeSc0uTxX]

So since you didn’t have to spend all that money you thought you had to are you going to be fair and give it to the seller 😂

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

As far as the Roadtrek, I actually paid the seller more than she had paid for it when she bought it a couple of years earlier. Good deal for her, good deal for me - the best transactions are win-win. More soon...safe travels!

[@jh2475]

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah 😖😒

[@treasurethetime2463]

He's a drama queen. I have a 94 Roadtrek 190. The air conditioners are dirt cheap to replace. Same as a home window unit. Leaks are almost non-existent, save the little skylight. Again, easy fix. Fridge replacement for a better modern fridge is only 790 bucks. It's a truck fridge and is a direct fit. Fixing it is easy. It's just a dodge van. Super common. Attention seeking drama queen.

[@martypena1416]

​@@treasurethetime2463 don't be such a trump spewing negative unit. Your not that special. There's ten others on here that need to have this kind of input and appreciate the so Called "drama". Unless you can be hired to help others than there's no need to spoil it for others.