Roadtrek Zion 5-Year RV Review: Unexpected Outcomes & RV Shopping Update

[@Yellowstonetim]

You two have been an inspiration. We love the small campgrounds in nature and have, since watching you, purchased a Coachmen Nova in 2021. You visit some of the most wonderful campgrounds and places in the west that are now on our list of places to visit. Thanks for all you do.

[@hikenrv]

🙏. We weren’t aware of the Coachman Nova..a quick internet search and it’s looks like quite a nice van! They added a number of features that would be great to have (e.g.extra insulation, tanks above floor level, Truma furnace) You must be enjoying! Glad we have provided you with some new camp spot ideas! Wishing you safe travels! 🚐

[@Yellowstonetim]

@@hikenrv Yes, we have a rear bath model and love it. One difference is the wall and extra cabinet at the sliding door and a wall behind the bathroom with extra storage. We only have 200 amp hours of lithium but with daily driving and a super quiet generator the rare times we need one it works fine for us. Always loved the Roadtrek, too. Love the Truma. Safe travels to you, too!

[@rachaelsorsabal551]

Following the weather is a great idea for a spontaneous trip. I’ll remember that idea.

[@hikenrv]

We have done variants on it a few times, but those were shorter trips. The one we referenced was longer and it was quite fun…as long as you can get accurate weather forecasts! We ran from a storm on the same trip!

[@rachaelsorsabal551]

I have to agree with you about the challenges of getting service. I’m from the States and moved up here. Needed some help with my Jayco trailer and my local Jayco dealer refused to help me because I didn’t buy it from them. I ended up complaining on their Facebook page and that was the motivation they needed to change their minds. Service was great after that lol

[@hikenrv]

A great tip! Glad it worked out!

[@transporter4363]

Wow, you certainly hit all the cultural buttons with this video. Lifestyle, travel, and social serendipity. As a pen pal, we applaud your adventures and your wonderful videos. Even this one showed many places we have camped by coincidence. It’s always fun to look at other innovations in other rigs, but, a lot of times it comes down to familiarity (comfort with what you have) and always $$$. Thanks for the review, always refreshing. Safe travels.

[@hikenrv]

Very good points..as we noted we really do enjoy the van…now if we had gone to the recent Roadtrek Zion rally near Victoria we would likely have come away with a lot of interesting upgrade ideas. Look forward to crossing paths, or even the next time you drive by and wave! 🚐

[@r.a.lafleur7248]

I'm coming up on my 5 year ownership of my Carado Banff, built by the same Roadtrek folks. A few minor issues have happened that I've been able to repair myself. My issue has been dealing with Ram/Dodge dealerships for repairs under warranty. It has been my experience that dealerships just don't want to touch these converted vans. On a positive note I've shared the same great experiences you have. I've driven from Halifax, N.S to San Diego, CA and everyplace in between. Living in Massachusetts, I used the van for day trips to the coast. Great Video!!!

[@hikenrv]

🙏There was a person from Montreal camped next us a few years ago that had the Carado Banff and quite liked it! We can usually do the minor stuff, most of our initial issues were electrical and outside of our skill set! We also noted a growing number of folks who specialize now in working with RT vans, though mostly in the US. . We haven’t had any significant issues on the Chrysler side getting things fixed…other than a call one day telling us they found a second alternator (under-hood generator in our case) when they went to change the fan belt. Often our dealership is more like curious, at least so far. Glad you enjoyed the video and it certainly sounds likes you have enjoyed your van as well! 🚐

[@nancyskean6425]

What a delightful video. It was nice to hear your thoughts on travels in a RV. You live in such a beautiful area of the world. I always appreciate seeing BC. As far as a new van…. Maybe wait a year or two for the prices to come back down to earth. I really like the layout of the Panoramic. I have a Hymer and appreciate having two living spaces. The finish of the Panoramic is beautiful. I would want a cassette toilet rather than the black tank but other than that, it is a stunner. Enjoy all the adventures ahead of you and thanks for taking us along!

[@hikenrv]

Thanks Nancy! Probably great advice; we quite liked the floor-plan on the Hymer as well!

[@MRDENNISCHARLES]

Excellent review over your 5 years! Thank you!

[@hikenrv]

Appreciate the comment!

[@katereed4764]

We were drooling over Panoramics, but availability was not there a few months ago. We bought a Safari Condo! which we had not heard of before. They’re made in Quebec. There is a dealer in Abbotsford.

[@hikenrv]

We looked at a Safari Condo van several years ago in Abbotsford and also quite liked…hadn’t seen one since though (probably delivery backlogs at the time like many). Appreciate the reminder!

[@petefrost1787]

Hi, we agree with all your points about what is good about RV travel. As we are just getting started we have a lot to learn about everything to do with Rving and camping. Meeting nice people such as yourselves is a great thing that comes from RVing. We agree with the flexibility too. We stopped at Porteau Cove last week when returning from Whistler, made lunch in the van and ate on the beach. Safe and happy travels to you three!

[@hikenrv]

Nice spot for lunch!! In your case, with having done your own build you know exactly what you have and can likely do most of the RV side maintenance when needed. Nice position to be in! So glad you are enjoying your new van!

[@kellycorf9011]

My wife and I purchased our van yesterday with pickup next Saturday,can’t wait to get out and use it. Might see you good folks around as we are located in the Okanagan but we have stayed in Manning park a few times and will again . Have a great summer.

[@hikenrv]

Congrats on the new van! Sure you will enjoy and please say hi if our paths cross! 🚐

[@jacinthejoncas2346]

Thank you for your post, very interesting and useful. We went from tent, pop and a variety of all size trailers in the la 20 years, renting class Bs in between. We always had class B on our mind from the get go but I guess we needed the exploration phase. We will be selling our Sunseeker C (24ft, V10) and buy a class B finally this year. We travel light and we like to be mobile, were looking at a Zion, this post was very interesting. Thank you again

[@hikenrv]

Glad it was helpful! Lots of nice choices out there…looking is sometimes a lot of fun!

[@davidschaffland3910]

I just returned from a trip to Waterton NP. I stayed at the Belly River campground and actually thought about you folks. I think it’s a campground that would check most of the boxes that you seem to look for. The campground in the village of Waterton is the exact *opposite* of what you look for. 😏 I still camp in a tent, but an RV (a small class C) is very much something in my future. Your videos make me more and more certain of that.

[@hikenrv]

Haha, yes we have been to village campground and not really our preference. That said, it does have great access to lots of other things to do. Haven’t had the chance to look at the Belly River campground but after taking a quick look on the website would say that yes, it’s appealing to us! And our van would just fit! Wishing you a great summer! 🚐

[@wendyclark2463]

Thank you for this wonderful and helpful review... You've touched on some of the concerns I've been having in looking to buy an RV at this time...the troubles I've read about with having to fix this and that, sounding like it's a constant avocation rather than being outside exploring, or inside relaxing. Like you, I'd much rather be out doing things in the great outdoors instead of fiddling with fixing things. I really miss having the adventures that a small RV gives you. I look forward to hearing what your decision will be. I LOVE the Panoramic, but affordability for me...not able to do that; wahhh!

[@hikenrv]

Glad it was helpful! A small RV can be wonderful, though the industry itself doesn’t often do a great job with quality control it appears! That said, you are always banging and shaking things about! As you may know, we still have our RT and quite enjoy it! In some ways, getting another new RV is a bit daunting as it often seems it’s the first years are when all the issues occur!

[@wendyclark2463]

@@hikenrv It is scaring me, a lot! It has sounded by people's posts and comments that if you don't do the labor yourself, it's going to keep costing you a bundle, which I don't have. Thank you again for your review!

[@adrianhockey9334]

Another interesting overview of the past few years. Looking forward to see your decision regarding a new RV, interesting to see your choice of a potential European type Van, which offers you indoor seating . Good luck with your decision.😁😂

[@hikenrv]

We wish more brands would lean toward European styling!

[@alecmurray4921]

Thanks for this. I’ll go along with the other commenters and say you pretty much nailed it. One way we have explored parts of southern Ontario where we live has been to map out European ‘cities’ to visit. We once did several days visiting well-known cities like Paris, Vienna, (New) Hamburg & Dresden together with some less-known places like Varna (Bulgaria). Some of the spots were mere crossroads but in others we met some great people and discovered interesting historical information like the location of Uncle Tom’s Cabin outside Dresden. We are now entering our 3rd week of a round trip to The Yukon in our 2020 Coachmen Beyond. We are taking it slow and, like you, discovering unexpected gems in small communities along the way. The big, popular destinations are pre-booked and we are playing the rest by ear. Travelling in a camper van may have its downsides but it is so easy to be spontaneous and follow one’s nose. Hope to meet you on the road some day.

[@hikenrv]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! We did much the same in northern BC…pre-booked a few of the popular spots, and played it by ear for the others..worked out well (we often found campsites were often not even close to being full - but that was end of August and early September). We hope we cross paths as well! In the interim, safe travels! 🚐

[@rustykatt3870]

Hi guys! Thanks for the video! Swapping out RV's is very very expensive. Things on wheels depreciate fast. Dealerships being a problem is definitely a problem. Careful that the quotes that you have received regarding the trade in amount you would get for your van are true and would play out honestly. I would hate to see you 2 get "taken". Good luck!

[@hikenrv]

🙏Someone said ‘ the cheapest RV is the one you have’! Yes, we typically are very cautious with ‘quotes” (even with our original purchase) and if trading the ‘net’ more the issue. That said; they have largely matched what we see if we sold privately, which would likely be our preference. As we noted, the more we look the more we like what we have, but who knows. Someone else suggested we do our own build!

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

@@hikenrv Doing your own build will get exactly what you want but is very time consuming and could, actually, end up costing more.

[@rustykatt3870]

@@ScubaSteveCanada Yes, agreed.

[@rustykatt3870]

@@hikenrv Well, whatever you chose, I know you will put a lot of thought into it. I wish you the best, of course.

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Great video. Have you ever gone to the Black Hills in South Dakota? It is a great camping place. Custer State Park, National Forest campgrounds and lots of private ones too. We were devastated to find out that our favorite campgound, Mule Deer has been trashed. The bathrooms and water system was vandalised.

[@hikenrv]

🙏We haven’t been there, but sounds like we should add to our (growing) list of places to visit. So sad to hear about the vandalism…one of our favorite camping areas! We just returned today from Coldspring and had wanted to check to see if any progress on repairs at Mule Deer, but forgot.

[@allankawakami]

Have you looked at Roadtrek Pivot? I love the new bathroom and the Bed.

[@hikenrv]

We knew about the bathroom change, but not the other features! Now we have to check it out! Thank you!

[@allankawakami]

@@hikenrv forgot to also mention that you can get it without the pop-up tent

[@lorip2109]

Really informative video, thank you. We’re leaning towards a Trillium trailer but still a few things to consider. I loved Miki’s final thought - we turned out to be more adventurous than we thought we were. That’s what it’s all about. Cheers!

[@hikenrv]

We aren’t as familiar with Trillium (Slim Potato Heads rig?) but believe they are similar to the Armadillo trailers which we we really like (and which we have shown as well on some RV show videos ). All somewhat like the Bolers of a few years ago. Not too big to tow, but pretty much all you need! Glad the video was helpful and good luck in your search! And yes, all about getting out there!

[@larryvincent2098]

Thank you for sharing this with me !! BS & BK & BC

[@hikenrv]

Always a pleasure! Thanks for watching! 🚐

[@Snickers_GLNY]

Good info and perspective. Neil from Ultramobility has some great info on the Panormanic (if you don't already know about his channel.)

[@hikenrv]

Yes, Neil at Ultramobility has answered several questions about the Panoramic when we have asked. It would be great one day to try a video chat with him if he has the time.

[@Snickers_GLNY]

@@hikenrv I think that is possible via his website. Good luck!

[@tyasar]

Great video, we liked both two and five year review. I have a question if you don’t mind , Gordon how tall are you and how was driving experience? New RAM Promaster driver seat can not recline so much and no tilt feature on steering wheel, it looked so uncomfortable for driver for long road trips. I am 6’1”. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

[@hikenrv]

Thank you! I’m (Gordon) 5’10” (on a good day) and find the fit fine for me and truly enjoy driving the van. We were literally just chatting with 2 folks who were each 6 ft tall and own a Pleasure-way on the same chassis..and about the only thing they found less comfortable was the fit when driving; just found it a bit too uncomfortable for longer drives as you noted. Still, they love their van! Two suggestions; try one out (on any Promaster chassis’) and see how it feels and or consider joining the FB Zion and Simplicity page and search the posts or ask the same questions. You will likely get a bit more feedback that can assist you.

[@swansodi]

Thanks for the review, I have a small 20' Airstream and I am considering going to a class B van. It is just me and my dog, so it would just be easier to travel for me.

[@hikenrv]

We love Airstream trailers! As we noted one of things we enjoy so much with our van is how easy it is to park and get around in. Roughly the same as a pick up truck. Setting up or,leaving camp is fast and easy…just a few minutes. That said, less room than a 20 ft trailer somewhat dependent on your floor plan. Where and how you camp also factors of course; we have some friends who have a class b and a small 5th wheel. They tend to use the 5th wheel when they are camping in one spot for a week or more and may want to drive around some. The van when they stay in several spots for shorter periods. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your decision!

[@mrslcom]

What are the most common problems with Class B RVs? Any particular features you would avoid or wish you would have? Thanks.

[@hikenrv]

We aren’t sure what may be the most common problems with a class b…many RVs seem to have issues in the first year or two, class bs problaby not much different in that regard. Quality control issues perhaps, and many not critical. In our case we had a few battery related issues that had to get sorted out; doesn’t seem that uncommon. You can check out our reviews of our van if of interest. We did a few different timeframes under the RV and Roadtrek review playlist. For our uses, we would likely have preferred a more permanent seating area near the front, a permanent higher bed (more storage underneath as we never actually use as a sofa) and in hindsight probably would not have added Voltstart (starts your van automatically if coach batteries get low) as we never have had to use it. Our van does have a wider ‘hallway’ so that we can pass each other - something we always check for when looking at other vans. We are mixed on having an AC. We rarely use it, but in traveling with our cat we do on occasion just to get the temp more comfortable for him. We do enjoy having the larger lithium battery system, although 400 amps now seems to be very common and many vans have even more. And no TV 😊. No van (or RV) is perfect of course.

[@kenwilkerson1043]

Hi, Thanks for the video! We're looking at a 2019 Zion SRT. Can you think of anything we should look out for?

[@hikenrv]

Nothing you wouldn’t check in any RV…one exception might be to see if the Balmar is up near the top of the driver side/middle of engine compartment and not down nearer the left wheel. At some point Roadtreks were rewired to better meet battery needs (if lithium) and usually the Balmar was moved up farther from the ground…we think this was in 2019 sometime but not sure. Also, suggest you join the Roadtrek/simplicity face book page. Lots of good advice there if you search. Best of luck…they are nice vans.

[@Algoma_adventures]

Just a quick question I have been wondering about before purchasing a class B. Is the any advantage or disadvantage to a class B with dual tires on the back. I feel tire replacement time would be much less expensive not having duals but is there any advantage that would make it worth having a unit with them.

[@hikenrv]

Not something we are familiar with, but as we understand it the use of dual tires is largely dependent on the weight/weight distribution of the van, however we aren’t aware of any of the benefits and or issues specifically. If you haven’t already you can do an internet search and likely get a comprehensive answer or if considering a model ask the manufacturer directly. Many are quite good at getting back to folks quickly on specific questions.

[@thomasquigley7040]

We are just a year and a half into Van Life with our '98 Roadtrek Popular 190. She's a Golden Girl, on a Dodge V8 chassis. We are really liking the lifestyle, and it's making us look forward to retirement. Planning on taking her across the country to visit family in the Muskokas this summer. I thought about upgrading the old coach battery to Lithium, but I'm concerned about their performance in the cold. Have you had any issues with it parked in the lower mainland or using it up at Manning in the winter?

[@hikenrv]

You gotta love the 190 and 210 for that matter! We always enjoy seeing them and yes, we recall one of your first trips! No issues with our lithiums as far as coldx, but these have a BMS system so they can be used then.. Our understanding is that they will discharge even when quite cold (the new model specs online say -20 C (ks2corp.com/ks2-products) and we never camp any where close to this) with no problem, but won’t charge until the battery is at about 3 C, so they have to warm up first which they will do once on. They have some form of internal warming system. Many of the lithium manufacturers (Battle Born (battlebornbatteries.com/faq-how-to-winterize-your-batteries/), SO2 (curiouscampervans.com/products/sok-100ah-12v-lifepo4-heated-lithium-battery?ad_id=615766975188&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI28n3q6ar_wIV4Rx9Ch1OZA7gEAAYASADEgJpUfD_BwE&seg_aprod=&+campervans) etc have similar systems, but they are a bit more expensive than batteries without. Lots of brands to consider, we just showed a few here. Some still do recommend removing in winter though. Most ofter some form of tech support if you are considering and can likely guide you in your decision whether to go,to lithiums or not. Wishing you a safe journey this summer!

[@cleanerlakes]

I only call you become I need you to lift heavy things! 😂😂🙏🏼

[@hikenrv]

Hence a cameo..always fun to camp with you guys!

[@rongrant6393]

Lots of positives owning a RV. Would love to have a RV which I have had most of my life but moving from a house to a Condo in the Tri-Cities finding somewhere to store a RV for a reasonable price is a problem.

[@hikenrv]

A great point that we forgot/left out…storage costs if you can’t keep at home! It can be tough to find space as well. If you do ever need a few suggestions let us know, you may have already looked at but maybe not: email [e-mail]

[@mitsygaynor]

SRT is under 20' and fits in regular parking space

[@mitsygaynor]

Excellent video! We have the SRT 400amp Lithium and 300Wsolar. I too looked at many other RV, hoping to trade in for front dinette, exact same wants as you mentioned. My two choices where same, Panoramic RV and the Rangeline. Panoramic RV has a loooong waiting list which isn't for me and Rangeline... .I can't imagine paying more money to trade in for just because I really like front dinette. I'm not impressed with just the one battery and the no propane, also their generator, heat and hot water runs of gas... not sure about this. If Panoramic became available for sale at dealers, I would definitely be in the market. I've looked at Winnebago EKKO, too large, cassette toilet. the Winnebago Travato GL, bed in back is too small, the Jayco Swift, not keen on underneat generator and not sure why they aren't more popular. Zion SRT we keep. Roadtrek: batteries, UHG, black tank, Should also add, who else has a macerator pump which is a great feature! 600amp lithium is nice but finding that 400amp lithium is enough for us and no need for us to upgrade this.

[@hikenrv]

Thank you! We keep coming around to many of your same points! We did recently look at a Panoramic (it was going through the delivery prep and was already sold) and were told the that the wait time was approximately 6 months. It is very nice, no UGH but probably not an issue for many. You can option a macerator. 400 amps works well for us; 600 would be nice of course, but for our camping style not really needed at least in our van. ‘No perfect RV!’ 🚐

[@mitsygaynor]

@@hikenrv pivot would be great but a lot to give up black tank and big fridge.

[@hikenrv]

@@mitsygaynor a cassette toilet would be ok for us, perhaps better only in that we usually try to use facilities where we are. It is almost always our grey tank that needs to be emptied. We would miss that fridge though! Always trade offs! Also we didn’t note in the video, but both the Panoramic and the Range-line (cassette toilet) have water lines and tanks above the floor so that helps in shoulder winter like conditions.

[@randallcbenston]

Have you ck with small camper van company ? They can tailer your needs.

[@hikenrv]

Yes, and you are right you can get almost anything more aligned with your needs. Can be expensive, but it doesn’t look much more and in some cases less. We haven’t explored fully, in part, as we would like a bit more room.

[@metaxaanabeer]

You could sub my wife and me into this video!, same dialogue, same issues, same conclusions. We started with a true teardrop trailer (not one of the miniature RV's they put out now) because we wanted to remain campers not change to RV-ers. Here we are 10 years later, older but still seeing things all over northern Vancouver Island, northern BC, Yukon and Northwest Territories. I'm having some old man type health issues now so we are exploring moving into a van or small bumper pull trailer but as we are worker bee retired, not CEO retired the cost of moving on up is a real thing...but see you down the road, eh?

[@hikenrv]

Always have liked the tear drops! Wishing you a soon to be recovery and hopefully our paths cross someday!

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

@@hikenrv Tear drops, the bears love them ... easy access to the back outdoor kitchen. Better to have an indoor kitchen.

[@hikenrv]

@@ScubaSteveCanada not all actually have the outdoor kitchen, but get your point!

[@metaxaanabeer]

@@ScubaSteveCanada If that was actually an issue we would have heard about it by now don't you think? I've been camping since I was in diapers, with the teardrop for a decade and all over northern Vancouver Island, northern BC and Yukon and NWT...dispersed camping, campground camping, regional, municipal and provincial parks. We have seen plenty of bears both from the vehicle and while hiking. We have spoken with countless others, none of whom have had any instances of bears ripping their trailers open. Like shark attacks, makes for a good story but little to no truth in the telling. Do better.

[@peterkim1999]

Panoramic or Pleasureway. Please don't go with Airstream.

[@hikenrv]

We just looked at both a Pan and a Pleasureway a few weeks ago. Both make nice Class B’s . There is also the new North American Westfalia class B about to be released soon, built on a Promaster van by folks at Roadtrek (although a separate brand it appears).

[@scallywags12]

New and improve does not mean it is better.

[@hikenrv]

It should, but you are often right in many cases.