Vanlife - 18 months and 35,000 miles later update - How is my 2020 Coachman Beyond Van holding up?

[@dlg5485]

You are literally the only Coachmen Beyond owner that has reviewed this van, which is frustrating for those of us who want to see some real world analysis of this thing before buying one. The latches on these cabinets and drawers are nowhere near strong enough to keep them locked closed. They definitely need to switch to positive locking latches. Also, that ridiculous Jensen sound system is insulting. If I ever buy one of these, my first upgrade would be to install a proper sound system for the TV. These kinds of things are why I am still leaning toward having a custom van built, rather than buying a production model. There are SO many annoying quality and design issues with production class b vans that make it really hard for me to want to pay the high price for one, especially since you can have a custom van built for not much more money. Thanks for doing these videos!

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Sorry for the late reply. You are welcome!!

[@danman1287]

When u want to resale u will sell below production vans....with inflation the newer production van prices hold up the value of used vans. Someone who wants to buy new has to pay up. There is no help for custom vans

[@XPRoller]

Custom van built is cheap? You dreaming!😅

[@dlg5485]

@@danman1287 Not everyone trades up every 2 years, that's a waste of money. I'm a buy once cry once kind of consumer and I tend to keep anything I purchase for many years because I do the research up front to ensure that I'm making the right choice for my long term needs. I have no problem with spending money for quality and craftsmanship.

[@danman1287]

@@dlg5485 u still took the deval if u believe in what u said all the better to buy used. There is no justification for buying new w warranty like that

[@doug2078]

I absolutely like this layout the best !! I do wish the Frig. was bigger

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

The fridge has been ok for me since I don’t cook raw food like burgers and stuff inside the van but the freezer is where you’ll really feel like you want a bigger appliance. No pints of ice cream can fit in it 😢

[@doug2078]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure No ice cream !! lol need to work on that 👍

[@horizon42q]

Good review, excellent video. Too bad you quit posting on KZbin You’re good.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

More to come! I promise!

[@fonda7760]

New to van life! Exploring options. Finally narrowed down my van selection for practicality is the Ford chassis! Enjoyed your tour so much! Loved the explanations, disappointments and surprises! Loved the details of van parts which failed or broke off! Yes, it’s the little things that make a difference! Thank you so much for your energy and flow! New subscriber!😊

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

You are so very welcome! Thank you for the kind words as well. If during your further exploration and eventual purchase you have any questions about the ford platform or anything like that please don’t hesitate to reach out!

[@Rivercat0338]

Agree! This was super informative. Subscribed and will be checking out your previous videos.

[@blueschild61]

Great video. Lots of good information. This is my least favorite layout, (I want to look out the back doors while laying on the bed). But, I think it is the most wood stove friendly layout offered, which is an absolute must for me. I'm torn but, thanks for the upload. Happy trails.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thanks for watching!

[@Expedition-Blackbeard]

3 great videos on this Van with some great tips also. Especially like the rv antifreeze in the tanks. I have had to get out a hair drier in the past on our 22rb! I have had a couple of issues. But overall really satisfied with ours and am glade we went with coachman and Ford

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thank you!

[@jerrysharpe771]

Good info, it proves to me, h that there Is no perfect Rv, or one that will not break down, no matter how much money you spend.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thanks for watching. You are exactly right my friend. One of the things I have learned for certain with vanlife/RV is that nothing will be perfect and some of the best solutions out there are the cheap and easy ones.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Great review. Thanks for sharing the good and not so good.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thanks for watching!

[@zynzane9680]

I really appreciate your videos. We are looking at a 2021 Coachmen Beyond 22D and it is really hard to find owner videos. Have learned a lot from your videos - especially about the low clearance. Thanks.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thank you for watching! I am so glad they helped you.

[@plhm33]

Great video….love your format and very informative. It really has a great flow…

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

I appreciate that!

[@deborahsalazar3286]

For resale value, you will want a cooktop. Still keeps the countertop flat & I put a dish drying mat on top to protect the surface.

[@thevagabondonwheels4918]

I agree. They are safe, flat, and no one will want to buy a used van without at least one burner of some sort. If I were building out a custom, I might opt for a portable burner, possibly induction, and just store it for the rare times that I might use it. That said, I would still be reluctant to travel without some means of frying up some eggs or something.

[@wlcsher]

Thank you for your useful information ❤

[@jkhouse183]

Thanks for the review! I just got my Coachmen 2022 22C AWD Li3 van on Dec 10th, 2021! Looking forward to all of the camping trips and travels this year after waiting 9.5 months for it to come in! Love the Lithium battery system so I would recommend that you consider it for Bertha 2.0! You did not mention the generator in your video, but I assume that if you have the AGM batteries that you have the generator. I just did not want the extra hassle of having the generator and the maintenance involved.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thanks for watching! I initially had the same thought about the generator and was trying to opt for the lithium package right from the factory. What I learned, and probably should have included in the video, is that the maintenance on the generator isn't all that bad. I think the first oil change is after 500 hours of use or something like that. Even with an AGM battery I have never needed to run the generator all that much, plus driving the van charges it pretty good too. With lithium I would imagine having to run the generator even less since I often drive so much versus park in one place for long. I'm about to do the first oil change on the generator. I only have 60-70 hours on it so far. Overall, I recommend the lithium batteries to everyone. So much better than the AGM I have.

[@Gladiator2020]

I agree with you. Class B van should have more seats those can be converted to bed. Winnebago does some but the seats are too small and not comfortable.

[@PandaLAG]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. We just started researching these class Bs & leaning towards the coachmen. I'm catching this in 2024... does anyone know of coachmen has corrected this latch issue (that's been one of my concerns since seeing how they're made).

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi. I don’t think the latches have been changed out as these seem to be pretty much the standard on these types of drawers and cabinets (and the newer vans look to have the same ones or similar). What I’ve found is that they are just 2 little screws for each side of the latch and can be replaced easily with ones rated at a higher weight which is what I did. Thanks for watching!

[@terrivincent123]

We have a 2022 D model and our LP dual burner cooktop it’s Completely submerged with a level pop up top and I can use the counter evenly without issue

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Thanks for watching and the comment! I was wondering about the Beyonds. I know that some older models are not as standard as the newer ones. Good to know that we have the good gas burner setup lol with the flush insert lol.

[@deborahsalazar3286]

I lay a dish drying mat on top to protect the surface as we sit stuff on top often.

[@brianchudzik7829]

Your videos and comments have been very helpful to me. I was hoping to pick one of these up once everyone else lost interest in them! Absolutely the correct time to sell yours and build exactly what you want. My buddy did that on the Mercedes chassis. My only concern about that, besides my lack of appropriate building skills, would be crash worthiness of a DIY build. These guys test, that matters. Mercedes used to be a 500K van, now with current emissions package, not so much. Thanks again, and keep up the great work!

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

I agree on the Mercedes issues. They really blew dominating the van market but I see they are also making adjustments with the even heavier duty vans they are putting out. Now they just need to work on their drivetrain...

[@jackieli49]

Very informative, thank you

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joerosa9853]

Coachmen Beyond should have auto dump valves for us older guys… Extremely hard to get to.

[@dpl2617]

Wondering how much you use the awning ? They all seem to have issues and its the one thing that ruins the look of the van in my opinion. Thanks for the video!

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Funny you should ask. I just got back from a boondocking trip. Almost a week out in the mountains. Haven’t used the awning for about a year. The motor works great but it’s “stuck”. Won’t pop out and extend. Seems like it’s just jammed and I need to help it. Maybe it was stored too long without use. BUT, outside of that I have only used the awning a handful of times. Usually when I’m not parked in a Walmart or anything like that because of how big it is. It really helps with the heat when parked in full sun, especially if you can position the van with the right side facing south and shade the side of the van from those strong rays.

[@stuartstuart866]

We really like the rear bath, we felt so claustrophobic in the mid bath model.

[@RockAndGrohlMe]

You are awesome! I was wondering if you were ever going to upload anything more related to your rig. You gave excellent, detailed information about your personal experience with Bertha. I prefer the RB floor plan…with one huge concern: I thought the wood cabinetry would quickly warp and be ruined by the moisture and getting actually wet. Those words did not come out of your mouth, and I can see the condition of the wood. The little shower curtain must do its job. I am sure you do not shower much back there, but it would not take too many uses to ruin it… That’s what I thought, anyway. You were not specific about Bertha 2.0, but I am guessing you are building out a Transit. There are so many great little companies out your way that can handle all aspects that you don’t want to take on yourself. It was helpful to hear your opinion even on the tank sizes in your rig. You are smart to sell Bertha right now. You will get a shit ton more for it than in “normal times.” I traded in my 2016 SUV, because the dealership gave me 8-10k more than I would have gotten pre-pandemic. Crazy! It is smart to not be emotional when it comes to financial decisions. Congratulations! It sounds like you have really been able to get extremely good living/use out of Bertha.

[@sarala1jan]

I notice that as well - the wood cabinetry. I also watched another Rv'er clip today and was shocked on the quality of coachmen . His show 'Rollo's RV'. He was straight forwarded in part 2 he even gave his recommendations.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

OMG, thank you so much for watching and your kind words. I was sort of long winded on some things and had to pare it down in editing lol. I had the same concerns you have about the cabinets and wood. You are correct, the curtain does do a fantastic job except for one little part near the little pocket door if you are not careful. The cabinets have not had any issues with the moisture. I don't take a ton of showers in there but I have taken plenty, so have the guests I have had on my travels as well. No issues or even any fading or puffing. I'm definitely using a company for Bertha 2.0 and absolutely on the Transit being the chassis. That is unless Mercedes can put out something that is better in terms of engine. Right now I can get a good deal more than what I owe on Bertha so I think its the right time to pull the trigger. Once I sell Bertha I will be still do videos of my in between overlanding setup that I will start working on.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

This is 100% correct! Coachman's build quality has been so much better than everything else I have seen out there with maybe one exception. It seems like Leisure Vans makes a good quality build too. Not better than Coachman in this case but on par.

[@stephanieslack3207]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure Do not recommend the Mercedes chassis? I've looked at Coachmen and Winnebago Boldt. I like the safety driving features on the Mercedes, but don't know much about engines. Please explain it for me.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

@@stephanieslack3207 Hi! The Mercedes definitely has a more fancy feel to it in the cabin, maybe some of that feeling is their reputation as a luxury brand, possibly but they do a good job on creature comforts and safety aids. For a while the Transits being used didn't have the driver aids and safety features but now the majority of the builds since 2021 have them (lane assist, lane departure, blind spot monitoring; etc). On top of that the Ford is a gas engine which is more available in the US when out in the sticks and the gas Ford engine actually produces 470 lb-ft of torque compared to the Mercedes diesel at 325 lb-ft (the gas engine is even lower) which is what you want if you are going up passes or accelerating with all that weight from the van in tow. The diesel engine also has issues idling for a long time in place and you will end up doing that quite a bit in the van. The Ford engine has been used in police cruisers that stay on entire shifts idling and not. One last thing, unless something has changed recently on the Sprinter, it's off-road option is true 4x4 but the Transit's offering is AWD which is easier to use in mixed or changing conditions.

[@fonda7760]

Thank you for this ‘critique’! Picked up on some tips to consider. I’m considering a rear full shower, I like daily showers with the Laveo Dry Flush waste system. What went went into this design change for Bertha 2.0? Also, I enjoy preparing meals everyday. You mentioned not cooking inside the van. How did you reach this decision?

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Sorry for the delayed response as we have been in the road. With interest rates still high it’s been hard to give Bertha a new home with a lot of people unable to get a decent loan so we are still in Bertha 1.0. The decision to not cook inside, at least not cook proteins and other things from raw was to not have the smoke and smell stick to the inside of the van and to eliminate any potential “grease” or other similar haze that can sometimes accumulate on surfaces near where you cook. It’s been pretty easy to find hot plates that run on propane outside and plug into the van’s propane.

[@jimberg4917]

My master power switch is sketchy on my 2021 Coachman 22 RB Nova. It'll power up the coach, but on several occasions, I have to turn it on and off multiple times to get power. It's a critical single point of failure. Any thoughts on how to install a back-up switch or should I just replace the switch and hope for the best?

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi Jim! Thanks for watching and great question. Your issue is a known issue on certain year model Beyond’s and most likely other models of Coachman vans. Bertha had the problem with the battery switch too disconnecting for no reason and needing to be reset. Sometimes it was super solid and sometimes would not stay connected the entire day. Replacing the switch is what fixed it for most. A lot of people seemed to have had the problem resolved as a warranty fix.

[@jimberg4917]

Thanks Dude! @@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure

[@pd6569]

We hope to purchase our van in the next 12 months; we are leaning towards the Ford Transit platform vice the RAM or Mercedes. Can you share your rationale with why you went with the Ford, whether you would do it again,and any pros and cons on the subject.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi and thanks for watching! My comparison was between the Transit and Sprinter because the ProMaster didn't have the same amount of room or payload as the other 2. While the Transit is offered in both gas and diesel, I wanted to get a gas power van because gas is more readily available in the US, especially in rural areas. When comparing the Sprinter gas engine to the Transit Ecoboost gas engine it's almost laughable the torque you get from the Transit versus the Sprinter. Even the Sprinter diesel is weaker from a torque standpoint versus the EcoBoost. That coupled with the fact that the interior space was pretty similar and the lower cost of maintenance and it was a easy decision for me. The only downside is towing. Tow ratings are largely based on vehicle wheelbase in addition to power. Since the Transit wheelbase is shorter, even on a HD dually version, it is rated to tow less than a Sprinter. On the other hand, the shorter wheelbase has been a dream in terms of tight turn radius and maneuvering.

[@pd6569]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure thank you very much for sharing your rationale. I completely agree on all and the reason I continue to lean towards as you did. It makes sense all around.

[@stevemurray2737]

Thanks for this!.. We’d jump on the Coachmen Beyond D if they could find a way to Elevate the Beds in the Back to provide 2 Indoor Storage Trays for Bicycles and other Storage

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

This is my 1 issue with van life is the storage situation inside the van. I’ve seen those systems you can install in a van that lift the rear beds to the ceiling. They are made to be either DIY or pro install but there is some sacrificing on space for the frame of the lift system. I can see where people have to sacrifice possibly some of the comforts in Bertha to get that but in exchange you get to have your valuable stuff like bikes inside. I’m actually more of the opinion that it’s worth it to have the bed lift, even if it increases costs a bit.

[@stevemurray2737]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure No Argument here. Inside Bike and Equpment Storage is a must have. Also need room for a Fold Down Ladder. Outside Ladder is an invitation to “Tweakers and Criminals” to steal your Rooftop Treasure.

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Most helpful.I am getting ready for my first van,78 and looking to get away.My question is my choice,Entegra 2023 Expanse 21B is equipped with 2800 w generator,1000w inverter,2-12vAGM house batteries,30amp shore power……second choice,same model with,2800w generator,2X100 amp lithium batteries 2,000w inverter 300w solar power. Is my first adequate for travel,minimal if any boondocking,extensive travel with either coach.There is a substantial cost for the lithium unit,can I do without it. Thanks for replying if you see this in 2024.

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi there and thanks for watching! Your first option list CAN be adequate but you would need to understand how you’re going to use the van. With a 1000W inverter things like hot tea kettles or microwaves running while you have other electric dependent items running could be an issue. How will your A/C be tied in? I’ve seen the 2000W inverter to be the standard and for good reason (I have that kind) and it’s worked well and I do happen to have a microwave, induction top, and tea kettle. As for the batteries. That’s where I would say you could save money if you will never hardly boondock. Plugged up to shore power or with a generator 100% of the time and it’s not as a big deal on the batteries.

[@chipsrafferty8362]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure wow,so very much appreciated,as my cooking etc will be extremely limited I agree the first choice seems to fit my needs considering a used van with less than 10k miles for $110,000.00 is very tempting. Thanks again. Safe travels.

[@lulfukuslilfidde4107]

Thanks for the update, broken drawer latches seems to be popular with these units, ohhh plastic crap! I’ve got two broke myself. Also want to thank you for the tool suggestions that I had asked about. Safe travels!

[@carysmith6458]

Can you buy the latches for the cabinets ahead of time before they break from Coachman?

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

I’m sure you can. They sent me the ones I had for free and were really easy about it. No forms or anything, it was all over email with their parts manager for Beyond line. I should probably get a few although I hope not to break anymore latches 😊

[@emolasher]

48V 100AH LiFe battery (5kW) $1500, 3kW 48V inverter MPPT (rated output up to 120V) $700, 370W solar panel x4 $1056($246ea), 9k BTU minisplit 115V 20 SEER w/heatpump (400sq ft and w/ variable speed can be whisper quiet)$650. Comes out to $3906 + tax/shipping/cables/brackets. Mount it on front/rear of one of the back doors. Could charge off alternator and/or shore power. Rated at 1000+ cycles of 100% to 0% before max battery capacity reaches 80%. More reasonable usage leads to minimal or even no reduced capacity. No high humidity leading to condensation/mold. Huge savings on everything since you dont need special 12/24/48V electronics/appliances. Surprised I don't see more people use this type of setup. People blow $100,000+ yet have a primitive power/ac setup.

[@grantg8195]

Really glad I found your video walkthroughs, really helpful! Are you thinking of having a shop do a custom build on a Transit this time around or Is the build quality good enough to stick with Behind but go with a AWD version with bigger springs and tires?

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi and thanks for watching! The build quality with Coachman is good enough to go with them for another build. I think all they use now are the 4x4 Transits now which is nice. The issue is the bigger tires. There are some people that own this van that have installed larger tires. Here’s the problem, the stock tires on the Transit are actually much smaller than you would think so putting on larger ones without any rub in the wheel well is tough. There is a lift kit you can get for this van that is actually more of a body lift. You get 3 inches I think advertised but it’s 2 inches on the body and an extra inch from the slightly larger tires you can install if I recall correctly. Still better than nothing and does allow for K2’s on here which looked awesome on the Beyond that had them.

[@grantg8195]

@@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure Thx for the response, good to know about the tire size - not sure which route to go at this point, not a fan of that propane placement that’s for sure!

[@diannarostad4125]

What kind of gas mileage are you getting?

[@TeamLynchSpiritofAdventure]

Hi! I get about 12-13 MPG