Reviews Archives - Leisure Travel Vans https://leisurevans.com/blog/category/reviews/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:43:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 Unlocking Adventure with the Unity Rear Lounge: A Review https://leisurevans.com/blog/unlocking-adventure-with-the-unity-rear-lounge-a-review/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/unlocking-adventure-with-the-unity-rear-lounge-a-review/#respond Sun, 16 Jul 2023 17:00:30 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=122334 The choice can seem daunting when narrowing down your options for a Leisure Travel Van floorplan. Wonder or Unity? Slide or no slide? To Murphy bed or not to Murphy bed? A few factors played a large role in our decision.]]>

Editor’s Note: The views, recommendations and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Leisure Travel Vans.

The choice can seem daunting when narrowing down your options for a Leisure Travel Van floorplan. Wonder or Unity? Slide or no slide? To Murphy bed or not to Murphy bed? A few factors played a large role in our decision–we both needed a workspace, as much kitchen counter space as feasibly possible, and large enough tank space to boondock regularly.

We decided on the Unity Rear Lounge because it checked off our most important need–separation of space. This layout made the most sense for our lifestyle since we live, work, and travel in our RV most of the year. After over two years of owning and living in our Unity Rear Lounge, below is an overview of our favorite and least favorite things about our LTV and this floorplan.

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Layout

Fundamentally the Rear Lounge layout sealed our decision to purchase an LTV. One of us typically works in the front dining space, while the other works in the rear lounge. We purchased two separate Lagun tables to mount in both areas, so working simultaneously is a breeze.

The door to the shower serves double time as a room divider when we are both on calls. While the door is not noise canceling, it offers a substantial enough buffer to avoid being distracted by a simultaneous meeting or call.

Additionally, if one of us wants to rest while the other is working, we can lay on the couch or pull down the Murphy bed without impacting the other’s workspace. Most importantly, the bedroom, which in our previous RV would go unused most of the day, can be put away so that we can comfortably stay in a compact size while traveling without it feeling any more compact than our 30ft travel trailer.

Rear Lounge office with a view!

Work from bed or take a nap…so many options!

The lounge also acts as a great workout space. I can roll out my yoga mat at an angle and do yoga and body weight exercises using the smart TV. Typically, I use my Peloton app from the TV to follow along with workouts. I am 5’4″, and while my fingers sometimes touch the ceiling, it is enough space to complete 95% of the moves.

Finally, the small attention to detail makes me appreciate this layout. The wine storage in the lounge is great because I never have to find clever spaces to store my wine bottles during transit. The mirror in the bathroom that also doubles as a window shade allows for light and privacy when needed. The pull-out pantry allows me to store many staples without impacting the drawer and cabinet space.

Exterior Fresh Tank Fill

It seems like a funny thing to love about your RV, but we always use the fresh water tank hose from the outside. In our previous rig, we would have to carry heavy jugs and tilt them into our water fill which was quite strenuous. This setup, however, makes filling up your water tank when you don’t have a water spigot around so easy and convenient.

We have several collapsible 5.5-gallon water jugs we will fill up when we go to town. This allows us to stay in our campsite without relocating (we have a vehicle that we tow) when we are remote camping. Additionally, the exterior water fill also makes winterizing your LTV incredibly simple. We just put the hose in the jug of antifreeze and run it through the plumbing—such a small detail, but we love how LTV thought of this.

Extra Counter Space

My biggest concern about transitioning to a smaller RV was the amount of counter space in the kitchen. The kitchen is small, but the counter that drops over the dining seat doubles the counter space available for prepping meals. It can be folded back up when you are not using the kitchen, so it doesn’t impact your ability to dine comfortably. Some of the other LTV models don’t have this much additional counter space, so I appreciate this about the Rear Lounge.

An abundant amount of counter space that flips down from the wall and stows away when not in use.

Abundance of Light

The amount of light that shines through our Rear Lounge is wonderful. The pop-up skylight in the dining area is great for bringing in a substantial amount of light but also allows for additional airflow. But the most fantastic display of natural light comes in from the lounge area.

The large double windows bring all of the outdoor scenery indoors. My only wish is that the double windows would be on the passenger side of the coach. Since RV hookups are on the driver’s side with the double windows, your view is of your utility center if you are in an RV park. Also, when boondocking, we typically face the passenger side towards the best view because we can set up our chairs and awning on that side.

The Wonder Rear Lounge has double windows on the passenger side, making our decision between the Wonder and the Unity more difficult. Finally, a shower with a skylight above makes it feel much larger–when you’re under trees; it makes you feel like you’re in an outdoor shower. It’s a magical way to enjoy a shower despite the petite size.

Skylight and windows galore!

Floor-to-ceiling windows in an RV!

Easy-to-Clean Finishes

As an owner of two dogs with delicate stomachs, it’s comforting to know that no matter the accident, everything can be cleaned without leaving permanent damage. No carpet or fabric will absorb any splatters or spills. The floor is vacuumed and wiped down easily.

The Ultraleather® is also incredibly durable and easy to clean. We opted for the lightest Ultraleather® color, and while it does get dirty easily, it cleans up nicely with a wet microfiber towel. Window screens pop off (don’t need to be unscrewed) to spray down the windows. I find that it is a misconception that you spend less time when you are in your RV cleaning since it is a smaller space. Every space is well trafficked, and thus you are cleaning more often. I’m relieved that while cleaning up often, everything is designed with simple maintenance.

Just to note, this isn’t unique to the Rear Lounge–all of the LTV floorplans use easy-to-clean materials, and it’s a HUGE positive.

The Pain in the Rear…Lounge

While everything is nearly perfect in our Rear Lounge, there are some opportunities that I hope LTV takes into consideration for future models.

Toilet

Probably strange to have this as the first thing you dislike about your RV, but the toilet is the only thing I dislike. The layout requires a macerator toilet since the black tank does not sit directly below. The macerator toilet can use a substantial amount of water to flush, even on the lowest water setting. I find it often requires multiple flushes to get everything down. I also found that I often scrub to keep it clean. Making fixes can be difficult because of the way it’s mounted. There’s only a few inches of clearance to squeeze your hand in if you need to tighten anything.

The High Point Is a Low Point for Us

We do not use a microwave, but the High Point Microwave Convection oven struggles to brown and crisp foods. I wish there were an option for an oven in the LTV or to use the enclosure for the microwave as storage instead. We have taken this into our own hands by removing the unit and using the space as an additional kitchen cabinet.

Our new cabinet in place of the High Pointe Microwave/Convection Oven

Lagun Table Will Droop over Time

We have had to replace the leg bushings on our Lagun table legs a few times because the table top began drooping. We are careful not to put excessive weight on the table, but normal use will cause it to droop within a few months. Replacing the bushing is incredibly difficult; otherwise, we would do it more often since the part is only a few bucks. There is some opportunity for the table to be lighter and the part to be made of metal or stronger material.

Tiny Bladder

The holding tank in the Unity Rear Lounge is only 25 gallons, about half of our previous travel trailer. With normal conservation, we can typically go three days before filling the tank, which isn’t long. Ideally, we would like to get closer to 5-6 days. While this isn’t ideal, the exterior fresh tank fill makes it so easy to refill using our water jugs that it’s not a deal breaker. It just requires additional planning when camping off-grid for extended periods.

Dometic Multi(com)plex

Overall, I like the Dometic Multiplex system. It’s easy to use and nice to have all of the functions of the RV at your fingertips from the panels and app. My primary complaint is that it would be nice to have some light switches quickly accessible, at least in the restroom and the entry. When I’m carrying a load of groceries into the Leisure Travel Van, I’d like to be able to easily press a button instead of navigating to the RV light panel and scrolling through the extensive lighting options to select the one I want.

On another positive note, I like the many panels throughout the motorhome for accessibility purposes. As of the time this post was written, LTV has moved away from this system and has some easier, more accessible light switches.

Ultimately, we’re really happy with the design and build quality of the Leisure Travel Van Rear Lounge. It suits our unique needs, and we’ve managed to boondock for upwards of 10 days in the most beautiful places only accessible with our size RV. On top of that, we were able to comfortably work, sleep, eat, and recreate from those places. We’re incredibly grateful to our LTV for providing us with the well-functioning tools to make this all possible.

Editor’s Note: This post is written by a member of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

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RV Fire Pit Guide: Propane vs. Wood Burning https://leisurevans.com/blog/rv-fire-pit-guide-propane-vs-wood-burning/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/rv-fire-pit-guide-propane-vs-wood-burning/#respond Sun, 14 May 2023 17:00:37 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=112793 If you value the natural ambiance and low cost of wood fuel, a wood-burning fire pit may be the better choice. Wood-burning fire pits are efficient, easy to transport, and provide a classic campfire experience. However, wood-burning fire pits require more maintenance and produce smoke, which may not be ideal for all camping situations.]]>

Editor’s Note: This post is written by a member of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

When Janet and I set out in our Unity FX, our goal is to see something new and enjoy the outdoors. One of those ways of enjoying the outdoors is to sit around our portable fire pit in the evenings.

We have a propane fire pit; however, I know so many folks who love their wood-burning pits, which have come a long way lately in both design and size. So in this story, I will discuss the different types of fire pits that can be used for an RV and the differences between propane and wood-burning fire pits.

Propane Fire Pits

Propane fire pits are an excellent option for RVers who want a hassle-free fire pit experience. These fire pits are powered by propane, a clean-burning fuel that produces no smoke or ash. The most significant advantage of propane fire pits is their convenience. They are easy to start, require no maintenance, and can be turned off with the flick of a switch. And many RVs have an external propane port to attach your fire pit to your onboard propane easily.

The propane fire pit we carry is from BLUU, and it has been fantastic. The construction is durable, lights easily, and has a cast iron grate for cooking or heating up a kettle. We’ve been really happy with the BLUU, but if you are looking for something even smaller, check out the Ignik FireCan.

Ignik’s super compact fire can is a popular choice that makes high-quality propane fire solutions that will fit in most RV storage bays. Their fire pits come with a built-in regulator and an eight-foot hose that connects to standard propane bottles, making them easy to use and transport. Ignik’s fire pits also feature a stainless steel burner that produces up to 38,000 BTUs of heat, making them ideal for chilly nights.

One of the downsides of propane fire pits is that they can be a bit more expensive to operate. Propane fuel is generally more expensive than wood, and you’ll need to refill your propane bottles periodically. However, if convenience is your top priority, propane fire pits are an excellent choice.

Also, many RVs (including our Leisure Travel Van) have regulated propane outlets. You must have a non-regulated fire pit (or hose) to work with the portable fire pit. (Regulated means that the propane output is limited, so having two regulators between your propane source and fire pit won’t allow enough propane to fuel the fire).

When we use our BLUU fire pit, we use the Ignik 10-pound propane bottle that allows us to carry our fire pit away from the RV and use anywhere we like. Interested in what we carry with us in our LTV? Check out PagosaSupply.Co

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Wood-burning fire pits are a classic option that many RVers prefer. These fire pits burn wood, which is abundant, inexpensive, and widely available. One of the most significant advantages of wood-burning fire pits is the natural ambiance they provide. The crackling sound of burning wood and the smell of wood smoke can create a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

Solo Stove is a popular brand that makes high-quality wood-burning fire pits ideal for RV use. Their fire pits feature a unique design that maximizes airflow, resulting in a more efficient burn and less smoke. Solo Stove fire pits also feature a lightweight, portable design, making them easy to transport from one campsite to another. They even make a Solo Stove tabletop version for more storability.

People gathered around a Solo Stove

One of the downsides of wood-burning fire pits is that they require more maintenance than propane fire pits. You’ll need to gather and store wood, start the fire, and regularly clean out the ashes. Wood-burning fire pits also produce smoke, which can be a nuisance for nearby campers or RVs. However, if you value the natural ambiance and low cost of wood fuel, a wood-burning fire pit may be the right choice.

Another downside of some wood-burning fire pits is the size can be too large for an outdoor storage bay of an RV, and the fire smell is not conducive for carrying inside your RV. That’s one of the reasons a Ford Maverick for a TOAD (tow vehicle) is an excellent choice for small RVs. The bed of the truck allows plenty of room for things like Solo Stoves.

Here are some other interesting wood-burning fire pits ready for RV travel:

  • BioLite makes efficient wood-burning fire pits designed to reduce smoke and increase airflow. Their fire pits feature a lightweight, portable design and are ideal for eco-conscious RVers.
  • Tiki makes stylish wood-burning fire pits that are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere while camping. Their fire pits feature durable construction and a patented airflow system that reduces smoke.

Which Type of Fire Pit Is Better for RV Use?

Ultimately, the decision between a propane or wood-burning fire pit for RV use will depend on your priorities. If convenience and ease of use are your top priorities, a propane fire pit is an excellent choice. The BLUU and the Ignik fire pits are easy to use and transport and require minimal maintenance. Propane fire pits also produce no smoke or ash.

People warming hands over a BioLite fire pit

The BioLite fire pit is a completely different design, perfect for RVs.

If you value the natural ambiance and low cost of wood fuel, a wood-burning fire pit may be the better choice. Wood-burning fire pits are efficient and provide a classic campfire experience, but can be more difficult to transport, produce smoke, and require more maintenance which may not be ideal for all camping situations.

Just keep in mind your storage capacity may limit the size of the fire pit, but many small choices should fit in just about any RV.

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Why an LTV and Why the Unity Corner Bed https://leisurevans.com/blog/why-an-ltv-and-why-the-unity-corner-bed/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/why-an-ltv-and-why-the-unity-corner-bed/#respond Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:00:36 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=16564 Everyone has their specific reasons for choosing a particular RV and specific floor plan, and we were no different. We've been asked multiple times and have seen it on various forums, individuals asking for recommendations on which RV brand and, more specifically, which floorplan to go with. When it comes down to it, there is no one correct answer, though I am heavily biased toward Leisure Travel Vans, and for a good reason! But everyone has different needs and requirements, which will ultimately determine which RV and floor plan are best for you.]]>

Editor’s Note: This post is written by a member of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

Choices, Choices, and More Choices

Everyone has their specific reasons for choosing a particular RV and specific floor plan, and we were no different. We’ve been asked multiple times and have seen it on various forums, individuals asking for recommendations on which RV brand and, more specifically, which floorplan to go with. When it comes down to it, there is no one correct answer, though I am heavily biased toward Leisure Travel Vans, and for a good reason! But everyone has different needs and requirements, which will ultimately determine which RV and floor plan are best for you.

When Teresa and I started looking at RVs, we had no idea what to expect. We went to our first RV show at the Expo Center in Dallas, Texas, and WOW, we never realized there were so many choices of manufacturers, sizes, and types of units, not to mention the assortment of floorplans! We looked at class A, not that we were serious about getting one, but we wanted to see what they offered besides size compared to the smaller units. We also looked at small teardrop trailers and pop-ups. At this point, we were trying to educate ourselves about all the various sizes and options and what was standard within those ranges. One thing we learned very quickly was that the RV business has the concept of efficiently using space down to a science!

Like many individuals, we poked around on the internet looking at various models and floor plans, and to tell you the truth, I didn’t even think we were that close or serious about getting an RV initially… it was just a fun experience to look at them, kind of like window shopping. As time passed, we started to think of buying an RV more seriously. The real pressure started when our best friends bought a travel trailer, and we spent a weekend with them glamping. Then, Teresa’s mom and dad sold their home and dove into being full-time RVers with a 44-foot class A. Quickly the prospect of owning our own RV became more attractive.

Hershey RV Show

A List of Importance

After about two years of attending our first RV show, we got introduced to Leisure Travel Vans. We really liked the quality we saw with the Leisure Travel Vans and could tell the attention to detail was much nicer than the competing manufacturers. Being the over-analyzer I am, I began researching the reviews and continued to look at various options and floorplans offered on the market. We were able to eliminate what we did not want quickly. One of the key factors in narrowing our selection was that we had a mental list of important to less important. Our “list” helped us eliminate many manufacturers and narrowed our search to the motorhome type of RV.

A mental or written list can help you to eliminate any types or styles of RV that don’t meet your requirements. I would suggest creating this list in order of importance while also realizing though that there is give and take in any RV. As an example, more interior living space typically means that you may have less storage space. Also, be prepared to compromise and re-order your list as you go.

Our list looked similar to this, and we elaborated more on each point below.

  1. Coach quality
  2. Ease of mobility & use
  3. Storage space
  4. Dry camping
  5. Tank capacities
  6. Interior space & layout
  7. People capacity

Coach Quality

I think anyone that has looked at or owns an LTV can tell you the quality of the build is exceptional. We wanted good quality, durability, and an RV that would hold its value. Attention to detail and craftsmanship was apparent in the LTVs. Simple things such as clean and tidy wiring bundles can tell you a lot about the manufacturers’ commitment to detail and building a quality product. When we compared the LTV to a similar style and size RV, the LTV far exceeded what we saw in the other manufactured builds. Everything from quality materials for the cabinets and shades to better fixtures for lighting and faucet accessories, and all components overall. The ducted air conditioning was a differentiator, as many units of similar size provide airflow directly underneath the air conditioner. The seating and lounge coverings alone provide a sense of higher luxury and quality compared to many units of similar build and size.

Ease of Mobility & Everyday Use

When I talk about mobility and everyday use, I’m referring to the ease of driving, parking, backing up, and routine tasks such as getting fuel, maintenance, and preparing for a trip. We wanted something we could easily park on the street or a smaller lot if necessary and use to get around since we wouldn’t be towing.

The Mercedes chassis was also very appealing to us because of the ease of driving compared to a larger RV, and it has a tight turning radius for a vehicle of its size. This makes for easier access in and out of regular gas stations versus pulling into specific truck stop-type fueling areas. In addition, with the size of the Unity, we have access to many more park options than larger RVs, especially state parks, which often have a size limit geared to smaller units.

Of course, because it’s a motorhome, I don’t have to worry about the complexities of towing or backing up a trailer. As for maintenance, it’s small enough to take to some local car washes, access the roof, and change the filters if I want to.

Street parking like everyone else

Good Storage Space

Storage space is crucial in any RV. You want something that allows you to carry your ‘stuff’ and carry it where it’s easily accessible. We found the 2016 Unity Corner Bed had a good amount of storage capacity for our needs. Even though on the spec sheet it had the lowest capacity, the size, and shape of the exterior storage areas fit our needs well.  The large rear side storage area, which we call the “garage,” holds our grill, table, lawn chairs, blocks, and many other necessary RVing items. It’s also very convenient in proximity to where we typically set up our propane grill. We’ve tried to maximize the use of all the storage areas by using containers to help organize, stack, and arrange the spaces for the most efficient use. While storage is great, I think too much storage could be detrimental because too much stuff means more weight, and you should always be cautious of your overall vehicle weight.

The “Garage”

Dry Camping

Dry camping or boondocking is the ability to RV camp without the convenience of hookups, mainly water, and electricity, but also possibly sewer. We are not huge dry campers but knew that occasionally we would be in a situation requiring the need to do so. So, with that in mind, we wanted a unit that would give us the ability to be self-contained for a short period of time. LTV filled that need perfectly. The main components that allow this are the solar panels, generator, and decent tank size for fresh water and waste. Our longest excursion without hookups has been about five days, with water being the biggest limiting factor. I also feel like solar plays a big role in the dry-camping experience. Occasionally, we had to fire up the generator to boost the charge of the house batteries in situations where we didn’t get enough sunlight.  Knowing that we always have the generator if needed is a big plus for us. Last year, we ran the generator for approximately 9 hours to air-condition the unit on a 100-degree Fahrenheit temperature day when we were boondocking.

Dry-Camping in Colorado

Room Inside to Relax and Work

Both Teresa and I still hold full-time jobs, and on many of our trips, we end up working while traveling in our Unity. We wanted an interior space that allows some separation for work and relaxation, and the Unity Corner Bed perfectly fits this need. We both don’t always get up or start work at the same time, and having two separate areas for sleep and activity was a main point for us. Even though the separation is just a curtain, it has worked to allow the other to continue to sleep when one of us is up. This way, we still have most of the main living area accessible for working and cooking. We also upgraded to the U-lounge because we felt this gave us more space for more people. Our thought was that if the weather was bad outside, we could still host friends on the inside with plenty of room. We’ve hosted as many as six for dinner in our Unity Corner Bed.

As I said in the beginning, everyone has their own criteria for selecting the RV model that appeals to them and will work for them. Think about what’s important to you and how you plan to use your RV. Consider your interior and exterior needs, sleeping style, what you can get by with, and what you must have. The LTV layouts are amazing, but there may always be a little give and take involved in your selection.

Day 1 – Picking it up from the dealership.

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Gotta Have It, Fall 2022 Edition, Part I https://leisurevans.com/blog/gotta-have-it-fall-2022-edition-part-i/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/gotta-have-it-fall-2022-edition-part-i/#respond Sun, 20 Nov 2022 18:00:55 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=104042 It's that time again to have a look at what Denise and I have found, whether it be interesting looking, useful to us, or potentially interesting and useful to you, in our semi-annual gotta have it list.]]>

Editor’s Note: This post is written by a member of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

A Roundup of Cool or Otherwise Useful Items for Your LTV

It’s that time again to have a look at what Denise and I have found, whether it be interesting looking, useful to us, or potentially interesting and useful to you, in our semi-annual gotta have it list. If you’re curious as to why we say semi-annual, you can check out all of the other lists we have created. We’ve got quite a few items this time so I will break this up into two editions. Some we’ve tried, and some we haven’t.

Going ‘Grandpa-Grandma-ping’ with Cabbunk

Cabbunk

Let’s start with the one that solved the problem of sleeping more than two people inside our 2015.5 Unity MB, Lucky Us. We bought our solution online from another LTV owner who solved the same issue. But what exactly was our issue? Getting our California grandkids, Kai and Noe, safely inside our unit at night while traveling with them in a trailing car with appropriate seats during the day. The inventor calls it “gramp-ing.” I’ll amend that to “grandpa-grandma-ping.”

The system is called a Cabbunk, invented and patented in England by Richard Olphin. Unitys need a “large” size, and Wonders are probably the same. Here’s how it works: turn the driver and passenger seats backward, slip the Cubbunk over the driver and passenger seat headrests, and anchor with ingenious cantilevered straps and two rods that make the bunks stand up on their own. There is no need for any interior modification. They come in single or double bunks and can hold a couple of hundred pounds.

It took a bit of figuring out where to put the rods and straps, but once we got it, it worked every time, and Kai and Noe loved it. We loved it because there is no need for anyone to sleep outside, especially if you’re in grizzly country. It’s about $400, calculated in British pounds, or $600 from here in the states.  Here’s a link to the overseas site. We highly recommend Cabbunk.

Batteries, Chargers, and More

We use small battery packs, which we charge when on the road or when plugged in, but for boondockers, powering some items can be limiting. Shell and licensee partner Sky Intelligent presents the all-in-one solution to technology addicts whose time outdoors is often restricted to the duration of their battery life. It’s big at nearly 15 pounds but can charge devices repeatedly. It was around $400.

Here’s another portable charger that charges s-l-o-w-l-y with solar, but that panel helps keep up with using either our older MyCharge charger or our new Blavor, aka the Big Orange. We can plug our phones in to either of these and be good to go all day. Increased stored power capacity changes on these about every six months, so watch for them to have more in the future. Our Blavor was around $60 on Amazon.

A combo charger and LED string light that we use to keep critters from under our hood are now sold by M-powerd. The 18-foot cord features 20 lights with four power settings plus a couple of charging outlets, and it’s all solar-powered or charged with a USB cord. We used ours in the Arizona desert last spring, along with Fresh Cab natural repellant packets. Better safe than sorry. The light is about $38 at REI but is sold elsewhere, sometimes for more. Fresh Cab is available at many outlets like ACE and Tractor Supply.

Here’s another triple-use item that also can be a charger. It’s a “hybrid” flashlight from XfinityX1. It comes with both a rechargeable battery and a sleeve for regular batteries, rechargeable or otherwise. This compact flashlight can also be used to recharge other items. It comes in four levels of brightness. Prices start at $59 with everything included.

‘Watching’ Time

Don’t get me wrong; I like my Apple Watch because it’s more than a watch. It will tell me the weather, show my workout status, and will even auto-alert authorities if I fall or am in a crash. But some don’t want that, so here’s one alternative among myriad wrist timepieces out there. It’s the GLA Watch. It’s endorsed by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (yup, that is a thing), and this stainless steel China-sourced beauty is said to be water “resistant” down to 600-plus feet. I’d never think of giving up my current “watch,” but this one may be for you for $250 at Amazon and $175 at Walmart.

Floater Glasses, Eyewear Straps

We’re often in a boat, and besides the worry of dumping my phone overboard (keep it in your pants pocket, Bill), there’s also my prescription sunglasses. I take care of that issue with my Chums eyeglass retainers for about $8, but some may not like wearing those. Enter floating sunglasses from Blender’s eyewear. The Float 20 Collection is anti-salt coated to protect against corrosion, polarized, and yup, they float.

Puffer Hug

Camping in Florida in February sometimes means that the night air chills down even when around a campfire. One solution that packs compactly is the Puffer Hug, a combo shawl/mini-blanket that you can shoulder-wrap, use as a scarf or a lap, or roll to make a makeshift pillow, and it features pockets. It’s about $40 at Amazon.

Old Trapper Jerky

Okay, you’ve got the fire going and a Puffer hug shawl drawn across your shoulders. Next up is a tasty and healthier snack than munching on the usual. Pass the family-size bag of Oregon-based Old Trapper beef jerky, please. This jerky is surprisingly tender, unlike others that hint of a rawhide chew. Flavors include traditional, teriyaki, peppered, and spicy, available at outlets like Walmart and CVS stores.

Twisty Sheets No More

You’ve surely experienced this at a laundromat on the road. You think your bed sheets are dry at the end of the cycle when they’re so twisted in a knot around other clothes that nothing is actually dry. Enter Wad-Free, also available at Amazon for about $20. Put each sheet corner in the slots of this tiny square, and they’ll never tangle. We’ve tried it, and it works.

Keep Odor Out Of Clothes, ‘Swiffly’

Spray Swiff on those sheets you just cleaned with your Wad-Free, and also on those clothes you may reuse when on the road. It keeps everything odor-free and lasts for up to five washes. Swiff is made from gall nuts combined and a small amount of silver, which also has been used to keep outdoor gear fresh for long periods. Your traveling partner will love it.

Keep Biting Bugs Out Too

When I’m outside for long periods in summer, you’ll nearly always see me with a lightweight Simms Bug Stopper hoodie over my shirt. The repellant survives multiple washings, and you can recharge with permethrin spray. Apparel maker Forloh has done it one better, combining the same Insect Shield that’s in my fishing hoodie with odor-prevention built-in.

Voormi Jackets

This wool jacket by Voormi is unlike any other wool garment you may have worn. It’s made with a “surface-hardened” thermal wool, a thin layer of wool reinforced with nylon, and features a water-repellent coating. It all makes for an extremely lightweight all-season jacket with a hoodie built in. It is expensive at around $270, but if it takes the place of a couple of other items in your RV, is easily packable, and looks great, it may be for you.

Personalize A Pillow

Here’s a great idea to create some pillows for your RV or home with images of your favorite photos, from your pet to a campsite. Send a photo to CanvasPeople, choose a pillow, and you’re done for as little as $15.

Can’t Bear to be Without Bear Spray

A few years ago, while at our campsite near Banff/Lake Louise, I looked out the side window to watch two grizzly cubs next to our LTV run into the woods where we were sure mom, the protector, was watching. We didn’t go out. Later, rangers taped off the footbridge across a tributary of the Bow River. Meaning, don’t EVEN think about going there. That’s why we now always carry bear spray in grizzly country. We currently have the Frontiersman spray by Sabre in our rig. Family-owned Sabre also makes noise-making devices like air horns and other personal protection sprays that could come in handy for boondockers. The cost is about $40 on Amazon.

‘Moon’ The Campsite

No, not that. We’ve discovered a great item for owners who don’t want to extend their awning or want another choice to expand their outdoor living space, and yes, for those who are awning-averse, they can be used on your LTV using add-on adhesive anchors that could even be attached to the awning front. We tried my son’s on our LTV, and it works. This item is made by Moon Fabrications, which also makes a lightweight “wall” that attaches to the shade for more sun protection.

Moonshade also works on LTVs with optional adhesive-attached connectors.

Is it an E-bike or a ‘Motor Bike’?

I always try to mention at least one e-bike in these lists since there is so much interest, and you knew this was coming. Enter the 72-volt Scrambler from California’s Vintage Electric Bikes. This bike can travel up to 40 mph (64kph) and is controlled by a thumb throttle accessing five speeds. Its other models putt along at the normal 20-26 mph with a 49-75-mile range. This 88-pound two-wheeler may strain your bike carrier, especially with two. You’ll pay upwards of $5,500 each. Me? I’m still waiting for a much lighter version, and so far, like the Wing. We still prefer pedal power, however, but that may change.

Seasoned motorbike riders have an experiential edge here. If you’re new to e-bikes, remember to start slowly in a large open lot, especially learning to stop without thinking. Take it from one couple who recently purchased e-bikes. When she fell, she shattered an elbow. E-bikes often take as much skill as motorcycles, are far faster than pedal bikes, and certain power classes must be ridden on roads, meaning in traffic. Rules vary by locale, so pay attention and choose wisely.

‘Grandtoddler’s’ Play Pants

Okay, you’re on grandkid watch, including the multiple falls toddlers take. Your goal is to return said kids to their parents relatively unscathed. Enter Sandra Aris play pants, perfect for beginning walkers because they have extra padding in the bottom and knees, so each landing is a little softer, and each adventure crawl is a little kinder.

Colors are inventive, come in sizes from six months to 3T, are handmade and washable, and are also “hand-me-downable” because they’re inspired by rugged materials used in motorcycle and ski gear. They make great gifts as well.

But that’s enough for now. We’ll be back with that pre-holiday second part soon.

Please note: The recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Leisure Travel Vans.

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Driving the Leisure Travel Vans Unity – What It’s Really Like https://leisurevans.com/blog/driving-the-leisure-travel-vans-unity-what-its-really-like/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/driving-the-leisure-travel-vans-unity-what-its-really-like/#respond Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:23:50 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=71043 "Let's talk about the drivability of a Leisure Travel Van, as the driving experience is an important aspect of the RV experience. Many seasoned RV owners will tell you that driving an RV can be a stressful, tiring situation. Whereas I'd say, with the Leisure Travel Van on the well thought-out Sprinter chassis, it's the complete opposite."]]>

Editor’s Note: Brandon & Janet Hensley are members of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

Driving any RV, whether motorcoach or towable is a completely different experience than driving a car or SUV. And with the high demand for LTVs combined with the COVID RV Boom and shortage of parts for manufacturing, it’s almost impossible to find a unit to test drive.

When I purchased my 2020 Unity FX, I was fortunate to get the new updated Sprinter chassis that has many upgrades from the previous model, such as adaptive cruise, electronic steering, LED headlights, and a brand new interior that resembles Mercedes’ luxury cars.

The Driving Experience is Part of the RV Experience

Let’s talk about the drivability of a Leisure Travel Van, as the driving experience is an important aspect of the RV experience. Many seasoned RV owners will tell you that driving an RV can be a stressful, tiring situation. Whereas I’d say, with the Leisure Travel Van on the well thought-out Sprinter chassis, it’s the complete opposite.

In fact, Janet and I just returned from an impromptu, four-day, 1,600-mile round trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, from Dallas, Texas. Even though we had limited time, we wanted to get the LTV out on the road and spend a few nights in the cool Colorado mountain air.

So this meant making a beeline to Colorado with as few stops as possible. I drove for 8 hours on the first day, and I can tell you I enjoyed every moment of it. With the electronic steering, adaptive cruise control, and comfortable Ultra Leather seats, I could have kept going even longer. It’s not always a good idea to drive that distance at one time, but totally doable in the LTV. (Fellow Leisure Explorers Mike and Jennifer Wendland have a fantastic suggestion of the “330 Rule” – stop after 330 miles or at 3:30pm, which ever comes first.)

Janet setting up camp in Pagosa Springs.

Deep Dive: What It’s Really Like to Drive a Leisure Travel Van

Power and Miles Per Gallon

The LTV Unity comes with the Mercedes-Benz 188-horse power 3.0 liter turbo-diesel V6 engine with direct injection, and a turbocharger intercooler that produces 325 pounds of torque. This may seem relatively small for a Class C (B+) motorhome, but it’s more than adequate power to confidently merge onto a highway and move the 11,000 pound motorhome with ease.

I’ve never felt it was underpowered, and with the unheard of motorhome highway miles per gallon (mpg) of 17 that I average, it’s not an enemy of your wallet. My only complaint is that I wish it had a bit larger of a fuel tank, as the 24.5 gallon tank gives you about 370 miles of real range when you factor in combined mpg.

For ultimate efficiency and safety, we travel at a max of 65 miles per hour (mph), that gives us that 17 mpg (sometimes up to 19 mpg on flat highways). Jumping up to 70 mph drops the milage to 15 – 16 mpg in my experience, as well as making the coach a bit more susceptible to feeling cross winds and such. We try to never be in a hurry and I definitely recommend the sweet spot of 65 mph for a comfortable drive.

Drivability

So what’s it like to drive an 11,000 pound, 10-foot-tall house? Actually, very unintimidating. While much larger than an SUV, such as a Suburban or Escalade, the electronic steering makes turning and highway control very much an SUV experience. Once you master not having a rear view mirror and really have an awareness of your blind spots and turning radius, it’s a breeze to drive, even in urban settings.

Adaptive Cruise: A Game Changer for RVs

You may have adaptive cruise in your vehicle, as the technology is being put into more automobiles, but having it in an RV makes driving virtually stress free.

My daily driver is a Tesla Model S, and I have become so spoiled with the autopilot feature that it was absolute serendipitous when I took my first trip in the LTV and turned on the adaptive cruise. It takes the white knuckle effect of driving in heavy traffic away, knowing the RV is actually helping you maintain a safe following distance. And driving on open highways is like a walk in the park, knowing the coach will self adjust the speed for the slower vehicle you are approaching ahead.

You should still always be completely aware and prepared to take over just in case, but the peace of mind it gives you is priceless. I will never own another vehicle without this amazing feature.

Visibility

The driving experience is part of the RV experience.

One of my favorite features of my LTV is the giant panoramic front windshield. Driving through the mountains or desert is like watching a movie screen with the landscape unfolding before you. It’s hard to explain, but the large windshield makes the viewing experience so different from a regular automobile.

Like I said earlier, it takes some getting used to not having the rear visibility you have in an automobile. The large side mirrors with the lower concave mirrors will be your best friend once you get familiar with what you are looking at and where cars are in your blindspots.

The Sprinter chassis does have a backup camera, but unfortunately it is not available for driving. There are several after-market solutions you can purchase, and I opted for a wireless camera that requires no difficult installation or running of wires.

Navigation and Entertainment

The team at Leisure Travel Vans doesn’t scrimp when it comes to ordering their chassis, giving you just about every feature Mercedes offers. The beautiful 10-inch screen with navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is spectacular.

There is no shortage of audio options as Sirius XM satellite radio gives you virtually every music, talk, and sports programming imaginable to keep you entertained as you enjoy your road trip (this is invaluable when you are in remote areas with no radio signal).

“Hey Mercedes” is a voice assistant much like “Alexa”, in that it can control your audio and navigation as well as answer questions such as time, date, temperature, etc.

We use our LTV to escape the Texas heat into the crisp Colorado mountain air.

Climate and Comfort

The downside to the big, picturesque window is how much heat it enhances during sunny days. The Sprinter AC is more than up to the task of keeping you cool, and you will most certainly want it doing its job during the summer. When in really hot conditions, we will run our diesel generator to power the coach rooftop air to keep the entire coach cool while driving, to help the dash AC.

The heated seats are a luxury my wife, Janet, refuses to live without. She will even turn it on in the summer! While I can’t fathom doing that, I also can’t imagine life without them in the winter. While the Ultra Leather does stay relatively ambient in the winter, the heated seats are a welcome feature.

Stability and Sway

I’ve read many posts on forums of the pre-2019 chassis having the absolute need to add a beefed-up sway bar and something like Sumo Springs to control the rocking and sway of the motor-coach.

In the 2019 upgrade, Mercedes includes a beefed-up sway bar from the factory, and I’ve found it to be adequate. With that being said, I do think Sumo Springs would help when turning out of steep driveways or turning into parking lots that have un-level pavement.

But I’ve found that normal driving conditions are fine with what the coach comes from the factory with.

A West Texas sunset is the perfect end to a long drive.

At the end of the day, I absolutely love driving my Leisure Travel Van. In fact, I look forward to travel days sitting behind the wheel of my Unity FX as much as I enjoy camping in the luxury of the LTV.

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The Bigger the Better? Not Necessarily! https://leisurevans.com/blog/the-bigger-the-better-not-necessarily/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/the-bigger-the-better-not-necessarily/#respond Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:13:21 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=60865 "When Janet and I decided to jump into the RV lifestyle, we had come to the conclusion that we would be seeing America in a 45-foot Class A behemoth... But then it happened. I turned on YouTube and a jovial guy in a golf shirt named Dean appeared with a beautiful, modern, and luxurious small motorhome that was able to go just about anywhere. Hmmm, I thought, that’s kind of interesting. So I kept watching, and by the time he got to the flexibility of the FX, with it's all-in-one sofa, dining table, and bed area, my mindset was changing."]]>

Editor’s Note: Brandon & Janet Hensley are members of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

Our Journey to LTV Ownership

When Janet and I decided to jump into the RV lifestyle (“jump” isn’t quite the right word, as we researched for over 3 years), we had come to the conclusion that we would be seeing America in a 45-foot Class A behemoth.

Let’s rewind a bit and go back to the beginning. Traveling has always been a passion of ours, and we enjoy nothing more than seeing places near and far. However, we have always traveled by air (both of us are AAdvantage Million Milers) and driving an RV around the US had never even crossed our minds. 

But then I saw a YouTube video. It was Keep Your Daydream, a very successful YouTube channel about a family selling their house, buying a travel trailer, packing up their kids, and setting off to explore the USA.

I was intrigued, so I subscribed to their channel. By doing so, YouTube’s algorithm decided to serve up more RV videos. And more, and more, and more. 

Suddenly, I found myself watching hours of not just travel channels, but RV tours, reviews, and videos about everything from gadgets to tow vehicles.

I’m not sure at what point I went from intrigued to convinced, but it happened and so we set out researching which type of RV we were going to purchase.

LTV Kitchen

Our first LTV walkthrough.

Towable or Motorhome?

Our first thought was a fifth wheel, as it’s probably the easiest and most economical decision to make. Just buy a trailer that isn’t terribly expensive and enjoy a nice big Ford Super Duty that holds its value incredibly well and can be used as a daily driver if you choose. But towing a giant trailer has plenty of cons to go along with the pros, so what about a motorhome?

At this point, YouTube began putting Class A videos into my suggested content list. Giant motor coaches that are beautiful, powerful, and have every amenity imaginable, and are able to roll down the highway at a moment’s notice. All of a sudden we started leaning away from a fifth wheel and into the 40-plus-foot Class A mindset.

Watching videos is great, but I wanted to experience these for myself. We have a major dealer that specializes in luxury coaches just a few miles down the road from us, so I began touring them in person rather than just living vicariously through YouTube. 

As I began test driving the different brands, I really enjoyed the thought of barreling down the road in something the size of a greyhound bus. It’s easy to fall in love with the thought of having the equivalent of a luxury hotel suite that you are able to pack up and go anywhere the wind blows.

But then I discovered another way to RV. If you are caught in the RV YouTube vortex, boondocking comes up quite often.

“Well, that looks like a blast!” I told Janet – getting away from the crowded RV parks and resorts and actually enjoying nature in its rawest form.

Leisure Travel Van

Our shakedown trip at Winstar Resort in Oklahoma.

Well, you can’t exactly meander down a mountain dirt road in a luxury Class A easily, so the thought process began to change back to a towable. 

But then it happened. I turned on YouTube and a jovial guy in a golf shirt named Dean appeared with a beautiful, modern, and luxurious small motorhome that was able to go just about anywhere. Hmmm, I thought, that’s kind of interesting. So I kept watching, and by the time he got to the flexibility of the FX, with it’s all-in-one sofa, dining table, and bed area, my mindset was changing.

I was absolutely riveted. Every little detail had been thought out to maximize room while maintaining comfort. That’s when I knew I was going to purchase a Leisure Travel Van.

I wanted to do my due diligence and so began researching all “Class B+” brands. Nothing came close to the LTV. Even on video I could tell there was a difference, not just in fit and finish, but with the company’s mindset of creating a lifestyle brand that was different from other RV manufacturers.

I’m a sucker for great marketing and design and I could tell that Triple E was on another level with everything they did in regards to what the other RV brands were doing. I was convinced that if they put this much effort into their branding and customer relationships, then the product must be on par.

Janet With Dogs in LTV

No RV trip is complete without our pups.

That was confirmed the moment I first stepped inside an LTV. I was fortunate enough to tour several floor plans and our desired model changed about four times from what we thought we would choose.

At first it was going to be a Unity TB, then the big bathroom in the MB swooned us, and the Wonder FB had its appeal. But ultimately, the very first floor plan I had seen on the LTV walkthrough video won out. The Leisure Travel Van Unity FX was going to be our RV.

Fast forward to today and our 2020 Unity FX is often the topic of conversation when we stop for fuel or pull into a campground. Even the Class A people want a tour of our LTV, and are amazed at how much room and luxury comes in this small package.

We’ve  had a blast these first few months making the LTV our own – everything from adding all of the RV essentials needed, to some third-party upgrades, to picking out the perfect camping chairs to enjoy sitting under the stars.

Now the dream of spending time unhooked from the world has come true. Whether it be BLM land, a Harvest Host, or a state or national park, we can navigate our Leisure Travel Van anywhere we desire.

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The Wonder of Our Wonder https://leisurevans.com/blog/the-wonder-of-our-wonder/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/the-wonder-of-our-wonder/#respond Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:30:45 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=59172 As RV journalists, we like to swap out RVs every year or two so our reporting can be based on first-hand experience with different brands, models and chassis. Over the past nine years, we’ve had five different RVs – including a Leisure Travel Vans Unity FX model – all built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis. Sprinters are rugged, reliable, and make an excellent van or chassis when outfitted and used as an RV.]]>

Note: Mike & Jennifer Wendland are members of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.

As RV journalists, we like to swap out RVs every year or two so our reporting can be based on first-hand experience with different brands, models and chassis. Over the past nine years, we’ve had five different RVs – including a Leisure Travel Vans Unity FX model – all built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis. Sprinters are rugged, reliable, and make an excellent van or chassis when outfitted and used as an RV.

We truly have loved our Sprinters. We may get another some day.

But as we’ve covered the RV industry and interacted with our followers over the past couple of years, we couldn’t help but notice a lot of strong interest in the Ford Transit chassis by both manufacturers and everyday RVers. So when we heard about how LTV was adding lots of new options like a bigger inverter and heated lithium batteries on its Transit-based Wonder model, we ordered a Leisure Travel Vans Wonder Rear Twin Bed (Wonder RTB), built on the updated 178″ Ford Transit Cutaway Chassis. Technically, for insurance and titling purposes, it’s a Class C, though it is sometimes described as a Class B+ motorhome.

Jennifer and I bought our Wonder RTB on June 24, 2020, and ever since we drove it home from Holland Motor Homes in Holland, Michigan (our nearest LTV dealer), we have been pinching ourselves.

Yes, this really is ours!

Sometimes, between RV trips when it’s just parked in the driveway, you can find me in it, using it as a man cave, doing some work on my laptop, tinkering around with a project and, yes, sometimes even taking a nap in it.

In the driveway.

I just love being in it.

This Wonder has more of our most-wanted RV features than any other coach we have had. It is also a very sleek, easy-to-drive RV, and very comfortable. Let’s start with those rear twin beds.

After years of converting a sofa into a bed in our previous Class B motorhomes and, most recently, setting up and taking down a Murphy bed in our former LTV Unity FX model, the idea of having two dedicated beds in the rear of our unit all made up and ready was something we both really wanted. Those twins, by the way, can easily be pushed together into a queen. As twins, with some pillows propped up behind us, we can use the beds as sofas. If we put up the handy Lagun table between them, we have an office desk… or a dinner table.

We like small motorhomes precisely because they are small – meaning, maneuverable. But until now, with that small size there has been a liability.

All of our previous RVs just did not have enough storage space to bring along all the things we wanted. I’m talking a couple of bikes. Some gravity-style lounge chairs. An inflatable kayak. Fishing gear. Golf clubs. Cross country skis, poles, and snowshoes. And there’s all my photo and video gear, a remote podcast studio, my portable ham radio station, and assorted antennas.

On our previous Sprinter RVs, a lot of that stuff had to stay behind. There wasn’t room.

But our Wonder RTB solves our space issue with a huge pass-through storage area in the rear that we call the “garage.” It can hold a ton of cargo. I can even get a couple of bicycles in there. (The RTB model is the only LTV Wonder model that has the “garage”.)

And to take us to the remote spots where we could use all that gear, we ordered ours with all-wheel drive (AWD), an awesome option for those of us whose preferred camping style is boondocking as far as possible off the beaten path. AWD has really helped on those remote two-tracks we drive back in the boonies.

And in the wintertime up in Michigan, it has given us much more confidence. AWD applies torque to all four wheels. The advantage of quickly getting traction under slippery conditions gives us a lot of confidence to range far from developed campgrounds. Since AWD turns four wheels instead of just two, this means a much better grip. And when the road surface is frozen – such as when we’ve been on snow and ice –or made of loose sand – we’ve been able to accelerate better, with less or even no tire slippage.

Another benefit that we’ve discovered under all conditions is that AWD seems to accelerate better than 2-wheel drive, something we noticed on our very first drive home from the dealer, as I pulled onto the freeway.

The Ford Transit Cutaway Chassis

You no doubt have seen many of the Ford Transit vans on the street. They have become one of the best-selling utility vans in North America. RV manufacturers are also discovering them, buying the chassis, and then upfitting them with galleys, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters. The ones that use the traditional Transit van bodies are categorized as Class B RVs. The RV maker gets an empty panel van and customizes it, constrained by the existing panel walls of the van.

The Ford Transit chassis we have is what is known as a cutaway chassis. It consists of the Ford Transit engine and cab and the skeleton rails and wheels that make up the rest of the vehicle. There are no walls or panels built on. It’s shipped to the RV manufacturers as a cutaway chassis, and they then build the motorhome area as a separate box that they securely attach to the cutaway chassis.

RVs built on the cutaway chassis are officially designated by the industry as Class C RVs, though, as I noted above, you may hear some models like the Leisure Travel Vans Wonder referred to as a Class B+, because they are a bit sleeker looking and don’t have the traditional cabover bed section that sits atop the cab on the conventional Class C.

The Ford Transit Cutaway Chassis was recently upgraded. For one thing, the dash has been completely redesigned. There’s an awesome 8″ touchscreen that controls the entertainment system and Ford’s Sync3 navigation system. I use my Apple iPhone and the Apple CarPlay function built into the Ford entertainment system for podcasts and music as well as some of my favorite apps, like Waze for up-to-date traffic information.

The redesigned dash is impressive, as is the ability of both the front and passenger seats on the Wonder to fully swivel around. In previous Transit models, only the passenger seat could swivel. Now both do.

Notable safety and security features include an anti-theft system with engine immobilization, a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic braking, tire pressure monitoring system, side wind stabilization, electric power-assist steering, auto start-stop technology, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

But what does this mean in real use?

Handling and Road Noise

Jennifer and I think it just may be the easiest RV we have ever driven; quiet, stable, and so comfortable to operate it feels like you are in a high-end SUV. That was the first thing we noticed with our new Wonder: how quiet and smooth it was to ride in. All of our previous Sprinter RVs rode much rougher. Some were better, and some, like the 4WD we had a few years ago, were worse. All of the Sprinters had more of a truck-like ride. The Wonder feels more like a car or SUV. Not completely, but mostly.

Our Sprinters were so noisy that sometimes we could hardly record useable audio for our on-camera video shots as we were driving down the road at highway speed. There was a lot of wind and road noise. Maybe because the Transit is not quite so high as the Sprinter, we find it considerably quieter. We are able to more easily carry on a conversation, especially when videoing. Don’t get me wrong – the Sprinter is generally comfortable and pleasant to drive. But I’d be less than honest if I didn’t point out the cab noise.

Parts and Service

It’s no secret that Mercedes Benz and Sprinter maintenance is expensive; parts and service cost more. One reason is that all Sprinter parts are made in Germany. True, they’re now building the Sprinter in the US, but most of their parts come from a long way away and are at premium costs.

Another issue is service centers. There just are not that many places where Sprinters can be serviced. Many Mercedes dealers flat out refuse to service the Sprinter. Sprinter repair facilities can be hard to find. On a couple of occasions over the years, we’ve had to drive several hundred miles out of our way to get the necessary service on the road for our Sprinters.

I’ve found that parts and labor are less expensive on the Transit. With Ford, there’s a dealer in just about every town. And while not all Ford dealers service the Transit, there are still many more Transit service shops than Sprinter service shops.

Fuel Efficiency, Power, and Towing

The Wonder runs on gasoline, while all of our previous Sprinters were diesel. Since gas is now considerably cheaper than diesel, that’s been a plus. And gas is more widely available than diesel. On some of the back roads we’ve driven, there were more than a few times in our Sprinters when all we passed were stations selling gas. But on the other hand, on the Wonder, I’m only getting about 12.7 miles per gallon (mpg). On the Sprinter-based and diesel-fueled Unity, I got 15 mpg. On some of the Sprinter B vans we had before (all diesel), I got as much as 18 mpg.

As mentioned above where we talked about AWD, the Transit is quick off the stop; at least quick when compared to the diesel Sprinter. True, the Sprinter has more sheer pulling power, but it can feel ponderous when taking off from a dead stop.

The Transit lets me quickly accelerate and merge into heavy interstate traffic (sometimes a bit of a challenge for the Sprinter). And at stoplights, it would never bring frustrated honks from the line of vehicles behind.

Our Transit has a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 410 ft-lb of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A Car and Driver review of the Transit van tested a Transit engine like ours doing 0 to 60 mpg in 6.8 seconds. A 2019 Sprinter engine like we had did the same 0 to 60 in around 11 seconds.

Both the Sprinter Unity and the Transit Wonder models have an 11,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The Unity could tow 5,000 pounds. We can only tow ~2,000 pounds with our Wonder RTB model. Other Transit LTV Wonder floor plans can tow 3,000 pounds. The Wonder RTB is less because of the way the rear garage is designed. I think the peppier acceleration makes up for the lower towing capacity, but this depends if you like to tow.

Interior Design and Floor Plan

Back inside the motorhome, our Wonder has a dry shower, a must-have on our list of desired features. The self-contained, stand-up dry shower in our Wonder can accommodate someone 6’2″ tall. It even has a sunroof to let in lots of natural light. The RV comes with the Truma Aqua Go instant hot water heater, which means water is always hot and you don’t waste any water by having to leave it running to warm up.

I love boondocking deep in the wilderness and being able to take a hot luxurious shower. Turn the shower on, and it’s instantly warm. And because the shower is totally separate from the rest of the RV, there’s nothing that needs to be toweled off and dried. (Except you, of course.) The “wet” showers on the Class B RVs we used to have always required more time to dry the bathroom afterwards than it took to shower.

Even though our Wonder is just shy of 25 feet long, it really has two separate living areas. The door on the shower has a double function. It can be used to seal the bedroom area at the rear of the coach from the front galley and lounge area.

I’m an early riser – I get up about 5:30 am. Jennifer (and Bo) like to sleep till around 7 am. I can block off the back and make my morning coffee, read, work, and putz around the front of the RV without disturbing them.

Video Reviews

We’ve done a very extensive video review of our Wonder RTB, which you can see here:

And if that is not enough, we even did a Part 2 of the review here:

Our Top 10 Favorite Things About the Wonder

We sat down the other day and made a list of the various options and features we most like on our Wonder:

  1. The stowaway picnic table. It attaches to the side of the RV, then folds up and fits inside the “garage” when not in use.
  2. The two 100-amp lithium batteries, with built-in heaters. Lithium batteries charge fuller, faster, weigh less, discharge deeper, and greatly extend our off-the-grid capabilities.
  3. The 400 watts of solar panels. These help top off my batteries when we are boondocking.
  4. The 2,000-watt inverter. The only thing we can’t operate off the batteries is the air conditioner, but we also have a generator that will let us do that when far off the grid.
  5. The touchscreen Firefly control center. All of the controls we need are right at our fingertips.
  6. The massive inside storage under the beds. There’s space for Jennifer and me to bring hang-up clothing and lots more.
  7. The large bathroom. It has a fan, a window, a medicine cabinet, and lots of room. Right across from it is a roomy dedicated dry shower.
  8. The rooftop Winegard ConnecT 2.0 Wifi Extender and 4G LTE antenna. It brings in WiFi signals from a wide area and allows me to set up an Internet hot spot inside the coach.
  9. Being prewired for satellite TV. If I add a satellite dome dish to the roof, there are no holes to drill. If I use a portable dish, there’s an outside connection.
  10. The heater to warm the lithium batteries in cold weather. This is such a great addition for those of us who like to camp all year round.

So there you go. Now you know why we love our Wonder. If you see us out there on the road, we’ll be glad to give you a tour.

Happy Trails!

Note: The views expressed in this post are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Triple E Recreational Vehicles.

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Thoughts on the Effects of the Unity FX https://leisurevans.com/blog/thoughts-on-the-effects-of-the-unity-fx/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/thoughts-on-the-effects-of-the-unity-fx/#respond Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:51:59 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=52237 "As an LTV Explorer, I've received numerous private messages from fellow Leisure Travel Vans enthusiasts and travel lovers who were interested in my thoughts on our 2019 Unity FX. The popular demand for an honest review of this LTV layout became the inspiration to share my thoughts on the effects of our Unity FX!"]]>

As an LTV Explorer, I’ve received numerous private messages from fellow Leisure Travel Vans enthusiasts and travel lovers who were interested in my thoughts on our 2019 Unity FX. The popular demand for an honest review of this LTV layout became the inspiration to share my thoughts on the effects of our Unity FX!

2019 Unity FX

Why We Chose the Unity FX

When we began searching for our new home-on-wheels back in 2018, we were shopping with the intent to down-size from our 38-foot Class A motorhome to a smaller RV that would still satisfy all of our needs for full-time travel and our taste for more modern décor, and also provide comfort in driving – primarily for me (Larissa), since I never actually built up the courage to drive our Class A over the two years we had it. Oops!

When we discovered Leisure Travel Vans and walked through the Unity FX, we were immediately attracted to what the layout offered. The name says it all! The Unity FX wowed us with a set of “effects” that made its layout truly unique in comparison to the other Leisure Travel Vans floorplans that we saw in person and on YouTube.

Because we own our business and work on our laptops while on the road, we loved the fact that the FX was designed to have two separate living spaces – or even three, if you count the fact that when the Murphy bed is down, it creates the sense of another “room.” The separate spaces would allow us to have our own “offices” while working, but would also allow us to reconfigure to create a different ambiance when retreating to eat, relax, and wind down.

Additionally, we were impressed by how this floorplan’s interior was thoughtfully laid out, and how every bit of space had a purpose and a space-saving or storage function. The Murphy bed, the slim slide-out pantry cabinet, the innovative bathroom door, the separate lounge living space, and all of the furniture configurations that Dean from Leisure Travel Vans demonstrates so well in the video below – all of these features made our decision to go with the 25-foot Unity FX Class B+ so easy.

Full-Time Living in Our LTV Unity FX

2 years and 10,000+ miles later…

We’ve traveled coast-to-coast in our Unity, created memories that will last a lifetime, and experienced what it’s actually like to live in our FX. Over the past couple of years, we’ve found that there are many features that we love about our Unity and a handful of things we don’t care for or wish were different. We also found a number ways to modify and enhance our living space to better suit our needs and to make our RV feel more like home.

LTV Unity FX

The Good

As I mentioned earlier in this blog post, we absolutely LOVE the layout of our FX. We loved it when we first bought it, and we continue to love it now. When you’re living tiny and work in your home-on-wheels, every feature and every bit of space matters! Because it’s always been incredibly important to me to separate our “workspace” from our “play space,” I’ve been really happy with how the FX allows us to reconfigure our living space in so many different ways.

On workdays in the morning, the dinette allows us to enjoy breakfast together. After eating, we separate into our own “offices” – the dinette becomes Jamie’s desk, while I venture to the back of our rig, to my “office with a new view” – a view that I get to see change every 2 weeks to 1 month. On nice days, I often find myself taking my office outside to enjoy the fresh air. As the day goes on and we wrap up our workday, Jamie’s desk becomes a kitchen prep table and ultimately where we dine, and mine becomes a lounge. Whether we choose to relax together or to do our own thing, we have the option to hang out up front on our day bed, which can easily turn into theater seating, or to relax in the back lounge. Both areas have TVs that allow us to watch our favorite shows together or separately, while stretching out on our own couches. Whenever we do want to sit together, we can do that too, as both areas have ottomans and room for two! When we’re finally ready to turn in for the evening, bringing down the Murphy bed is quick and easy, and it creates our third “room” and sets the tone for bedtime. As you can see, there’s a lot we can do in this Class B+. Three living spaces in one 25-foot RV… it’s pretty amazing, if you ask me!

Unity FX Layout

In comparison to the the other floorplans we walked through – we checked out many! – we found that the Unity FX felt much more open than the others. Given that the Murphy bed gets tucked away when it’s not in use and that the lounge area is L-shaped and hugs the walls of the RV, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic inside the van. I believe the interior colors of our RV also help create the sense of a bigger space. Ours has the Sierra Maple wood cabinetry, the white Arctic Glamour Décor Package, and the Fog leather color and light gray cloth lounge. When we were browsing, we were initially more attracted to the darker, richer colors, but after stepping into both, there was a significant difference in how much more open the van felt with lighter tones in comparison to the darker. Because we do spend so much time in the RV when we’re working, I’m so glad we ended up with this color scheme.

In addition to the floorplan and colors, we are happy with all of the nooks and crannies that the FX has to offer. Although this plan has the least amount of storage space, from what I recall, I love that there’s a space for everything. For example, there are cabinets under the day bed that perfectly fit the ottoman cushions for the theater seating. There are storage areas for little knickknacks in the armrests that are great for bedside items (glasses, earplugs, cell phones, etc.), and more storage above the lounge TV for remote controls and other miscellaneous items. Outlets and plug-ins are strategically placed throughout the van, which is nice and convenient. The lounge has an ottoman and a desk that gets tucked away and hidden when it’s not in use. Our floorplan also has an extra desk that can be assembled in the front cab, and we like the fact that it can be stored flat in the closet without taking up a lot of our much-valued closet space.

The way the bathroom door is designed is pretty clever too, as it swings in to create more space when it’s not in use, and swings out when it is in use. We’re happy with that, as it assists in keeping the living space open while at the same time ensuring the bathroom doesn’t feel claustrophobic. We like the slim sliding pantry as it stores quite a bit and doesn’t take up any real estate. I’m surprised by how many pots, pans, and dining and kitchenware we’ve been able to stuff in the cabinets! I’ll be honest, our drawers aren’t not as organized as I’d like, but it definitely gets the job done.

Lastly and quite importantly, the drive is easy and great! I was always a little terrified of driving our Class A, but driving the FX is like driving a car. I’m super comfortable in it, and that was really important to us when we were searching for the perfect motorhome.

Jamie's Workspace

The Bad

As much as we love our Unity, we’ve noticed some cons too. The good definitely outweighs the bad, but from our experience, here’s what we thought may be important for anyone interested in the Unity FX, especially those who are down-sizing and/or full-timing, to know:

Full-timing in our LTV Class B+ is way different than full-timing in a Class A. Yes, there’s the obvious difference when it comes to the size and the amount of storage. However, there were also the not-so-obvious things that we weren’t aware of prior to purchasing.

Prior to purchasing, we weren’t aware that LTVs aren’t winter ready. Given that we’re not RV experts and we didn’t know to ask (since we never had to worry about this in our Class A), it was pretty difficult to accept as we moved into our RV in the middle of winter. It turns out that traveling in freezing temperatures comes with limitations with needing to winterize. We found that with the heater on, the humidity can climb in the unit. It’s something to be aware of, if you’re planning to full-time and include travel in freezing temperatures. Fortunately for us, we were able to make some cold-weather modifications. We also enjoy chasing the warm weather anyway, so we haven’t experienced too many limitations over the past 2 years.

From a livability standpoint, the FX has everything we need. It’s got all of the essentials – we can cook, we can shower, we can eat, we can sleep, we can work, and we can drive from destination to destination. It has gifted us with incredible memories that will last forever! From a comfort standpoint, however, it could improve. My opinion may be different if we only took weekend or short-term trips, because when you’re vacationing, the goal isn’t really to stay indoors – it’s to go out and explore! Like most vacationers, we do spend a lot of time out exploring, but given that this is our home, we spend quite a bit of time inside, too.

Theater Seating

We’ve found that the lounge couch in the back is more comfortable than the theater seating for lying down or getting comfy for long periods of time. Because of that, when we want to relax after a long day for extended periods of time, Jamie and I take turns on who gets to lie on the lounge couch. For short-term use or to simply visit with family or friends, the theater seating is fine – only snuggling and longer-term comfort is harder to achieve up here!

We originally liked the concept of having a roll-out ottoman/desk in the L-shaped couch, due to its space-saving mechanism. We’ve found that it works well as an ottoman when we both want to sit back there to relax. However, we’ve found that it’s not as a great as a desk because space gets really tight back there when it’s out. If someone needs to go to the bathroom, it can be a fiasco trying to maneuver around it! Due to the hassle, we ended up finding a different solution for a desk, which is much more compact and can be put away like a notebook when it’s not in use. So, we did find a work around! The FX concept was nice, but it’s not as functional as we would have liked.

Back Lounge Office

The only other cons that stick out to me are very minor, but worth a mention. First, we never thought that the lack of seatbelts in the living area of the unit would affect us. However, we’ve found that when we meet up with family and friends during our travels, it would be nice if they could ride with us in the back.

Another small complaint is that, due to the Murphy bed and the bathroom being on the right side of the rig, there are no windows on that side unless the bed is down. I love windows and the feeling of openness, and sometimes it can get a little gloomy when we’re indoors, depending on where the sun shines down in any given area we visit.

Lastly – and this is no fault to LTV – as full-time RVers, we have way more stuff than we need, and a little more storage space would sometimes come in handy! We knew that the FX had the smallest amount of storage space, but we loved the layout enough that it trumped this fact. We also knew we’d be able to find ways to make it work. As a full-timer, every bit of space matters, but for anyone planning to purchase an FX for short-term travel, I can say that there’s definitely more than enough space for two!

Our Enhanced Modifications

Despite some of the limitations mentioned above, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and the cons are manageable – even solvable, if you’re solutions-oriented! To enhance upon the original manufacturer’s specs, we’ve also added quite a bit to personalize our living space, in order to best suit our needs.

Outside the unit, we added a Let’s Go Aero Big Box Slideout Enclosed Carrier for extra storage. We also use it to store and protect our fat tire Pedego electric bikes. This add-on has helped us greatly as full-timers – the extra space has been incredibly beneficial!

We had a winter package professionally installed, so we no longer have to worry about pipes and tanks freezing in the winter. All of the heating elements installed outside are controlled from inside our RV. We also purchased a small dehumidifier that works perfectly to prevent our windows from fogging up when we turn on the heater.

Lets Go Aero Black BoxPedego + Burley Bike

To assist in driving, we upgraded our head unit with a touchscreen that includes a Garmin GPS, Apple Car Play, and satellite radio. This way, we’re able to utilize our preferred GPS and easily listen to our all of our favorite tunes and podcasts while we’re on the road. We also installed blind spot cameras that display the left and right rearview mirrors on our head unit screen, to assist with merging and changing lanes.

In the unit, we upgraded the standard kitchen faucet to one that has a pull-down sprayer and three different stream settings for easier cleaning. We upgraded the standard fan in both the living area and bathroom to a Maxxair Ventillation Fan that incorporates a vent, fan, and rain shield all in the unit. To enhance our TV’s sound system, we added a Bose Sound Bar speaker that fits perfectly under the front TV and is safely secured while driving. We upgraded the standard smoke alarm with a Nest smoke and carbon dioxide detector. We even installed a Ring Alarm system for our safety at night, and so we can watch our pup, Chloe, when we take day trips! (My husband’s a techy, if you couldn’t tell.)

And lastly, there are just the little miscellaneous things that we added to make our RV feel more like home and make everyday tasks a little easier. We had fun hanging pictures and our scratch-off map in the back lounge. We added key holders that are conveniently placed next to the door. We added child-locks to the drawers so they don’t fly out while driving.  We added nice bed/desk side hooks to display our headphones. We found nice towel hooks for the bathroom, miniature trash bins to hang from the cabinet, and a laundry bag that is out of sight. It’s often the little things that we don’t always think about that make a big difference!

Upgraded Kitchen Faucet

Our Overall Thoughts

Overall, we really do love our Unity FX! As full-timers, there are some challenges, but nothing major that we have not been able to combat. We love the layout, the design is modern and beautiful, it’s got everything we need to live, and most importantly, it takes us anywhere and everywhere our wandering hearts desire to go! For anyone interested in the FX, I think it’s the perfect Class B+, especially for short-term travel. But as you can see, full-timing living in an LTV can definitely be done too!

Jamie Larissa and Chloe

Note: Full-time RVing (in any type or make of RV) may have implications on policies including, but not limited to, warranty and insurance policies. Please do your own research before making the decision to live in an RV on a full-time basis.

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My Unity U24CB – The First 10,000 Miles https://leisurevans.com/blog/unity-u24cb-first-10000-miles/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/unity-u24cb-first-10000-miles/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:30:18 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=35705 Well actually, my Unity now has 11,000 miles, but it remains the best recreational vehicle I have owned. This is my report on my total experience with my Unity, and...]]>

Well actually, my Unity now has 11,000 miles, but it remains the best recreational vehicle I have owned. This is my report on my total experience with my Unity, and a few of the add-ons I have made in the 10 months of ownership.

After only a year of waiting, I took delivery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from Schaap’s RV Traveland, a dealer I can highly recommend. My previous RVs included three Airstreams pulled for approximately 70,000 miles by a Dodge/Cummins 4×4, and a venture into the 8-mpg crowd with a 2010 Tiffin Allegro Bus in which I traveled 51,000 miles before going smaller. Thus, I have had my “experience” with RVs.

What do I love about my Unity … First, it can be driven around like a car – or at least a small truck. Fuel mileage is generally 14 – 18 mpg, wind dependant. I also love the quality, which is way beyond that which I have seen in most recreational vehicles, and in my opinion as good as that other Canadian company that makes the big buses, and is almost always mispronounced. For me and my need for a work station for my iMac, the Corner Bed is ideal.

What do I not like about my Unity? The seat in the cockpit needs improving, which has been accomplished in the new Sprinter chassis. Anything else I have changed myself, or as will be shown here, simply added into the vehicle. Problems so far have been limited to a small water seepage in the bedroom window (easily corrected with the galley faucet being replaced under warranty), a hub cap that fell off (replaced by Triple E), and the Sprinter front-end alignment, a problem known about on almost all Sprinter forums on the web. I just completed the alignment at 11,000 miles and it needed it. I must mention that I have also hit some potholes in my travels which nearly knocked out the fillings in my teeth, so an alignment did not seem unreasonable.

OK – now the list of changes, with some photos.

I added a soundbar for the front TV, and it seems to be worth the effort. But, let’s start with a photo of the compartment to one’s right upon entering – self-explanatory.

Next, the cockpit. I added an armrest on the door, a new head unit with SiriusXM, two more GPS units for monitoring and route variations, a Valentine One radar detector (mainly to give an alert which helps to maintain concentration while driving), and a front dash camera. Then there is a center console, which holds my large coffee mug, iPhone, iPad, and CB Radio, and can be removed with two wing nuts.

Next, a look at the U-dinette option and what we see is access to the storage under the seat… come-on Triple E, you can do it! Also, as I carry a 27” iMac with me, this mounts to the arm which is actually attached via a bracket to the seat of the U-dinette, rather than hanging it on the wall which I could not bring myself to punch holes into.

Over the galley, more IKEA rods and hooks along with a fabricated paper towel holder.

And, finally, a couple of changes in the bathroom cabinet.

What is next? Maybe I will slow down for awhile and just get back out on the road and enjoy my fabulous RV. My sincere gratitude to the folks up in Winkler who have held on to the philosophy of simply doing things right.

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Why We Chose A Murphy Bed https://leisurevans.com/blog/chose-murphy-bed/ https://leisurevans.com/blog/chose-murphy-bed/#respond Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:21:19 +0000 https://leisurevans.com/?p=33110 Once you’ve made the decision to buy a motorhome, you are one step closer to owning one. For some, the decision process might be no more than one trip to...]]>

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a motorhome, you are one step closer to owning one. For some, the decision process might be no more than one trip to a dealer, looking at models, and signing on the dotted line (or several dotted lines).

But for most of us, the decision to own a RV can be complicated and overwhelming. Choices abound: brands, floor plans, size, cost, you name it. We bought a different RV/camper every two years before we hit our sweet spot with Lucky Us, our 2015.5 Leisure Unity Murphy Bed. Now that we have the unit of our dreams, we have no need to look further.

Finding The One

But how did we get here? Finances drive many decisions, especially when it comes to travel. Bill and I each began taking our vacations in tents many decades ago, and for many years it sufficed.

Then something seemed to quietly creep up on us – the need for sleeping above the ground, and a desire for a moveable home with less work involved (oh yeah – age, too). We wanted something a bit easier, with more of the creature comforts. Bill moved up to a van he customized himself, and then to a high-top van.

We made our first move up together with a pop-up camper. It was very affordable, and we were no longer sleeping on the ground; now we were towing and setting up our home, raising the roof and pulling out the beds. But setting it up became tiresome, and we were taking two vehicles – one towing the camper, the other towing our boat – when we wanted to go fishing in our home state of Michigan.

We wanted to get away from towing, so we bought a truck camper. Now we had a bathroom, refrigerator, and stove, along with a bed. We could leave the camper on-site and drive around. We could tow the boat, too.

With bike holders and more, this pop-up truck camper seemed to have everything.

Then Bill spotted a Class B RV for sale. We went back to look at it several times. Now, we wanted something better. But what form would “better” take? A year or two passed, with Bill reminding me of that beautiful RV we saw – and lusted for – in that parking lot. Could something like that become part of our travels?

First, let’s look at lifestyle. Bill is an avid walleye angler, and owns a 20-foot walleye boat. We live in Michigan, near Detroit, the walleye capital of the world. Our RV must be able to tow – and launch – his 2,800-pound boat, which includes a 250-horsepower outboard, and other gear.

Towing a boat meant we needed torque, and among the choices in a small RV would be a diesel engine-powered vehicle with dually wheels on the back. On non-fishing trips, we’d have a rack for our bicycles. We focused our search on 22-foot Sprinters, and bought one just two years old with less than 10,000 miles. It was outfitted with a rear dinette that converted to a bed with the touch of a button. With a bathroom, bigger refrigerator, stove and more, we thought we were all set. It seemed perfect.

Our 22-foot Sprinter seemed like the perfect option… for a while.

We took our new-to-us RV from Michigan to California and back. We took it from Michigan to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Coast. And we took it on our annual winter trip to Florida. We even traveled with our two cats on a few trips.

In the course of the two years that we owned it, something happened again. Every night, Bill would take down the dinette table, put it between the seats, rearrange the cushions to lie flat, and then push the button to bring the back of the couch down flat. Then I would make the bed.

In the morning, we’d pull off the sheets and blanket, and bring the back of the couch up. I didn’t mind the routine, but Bill wanted something easier. No more daily bed making. No more figuring out who wanted to pass through the aisle from the dinette to the front of the RV.

The final, last straw – making the bed nightly.

Our outside storage was very limited. We stuffed our camp chairs and more on the floor in front of the couch, bungeed them to the bike rack, or placed them under the boat cover. The little bit of outside access was reachable only through the back two doors, and our bike rack was always in the way.

There was a model out there for us, he insisted, that would be just a little bit bigger and better. We wouldn’t have to dance the pass-through waltz. We would have usable outside storage. We just had to find it.

He was infected with two-foot fever.

Two-foot fever, in RV-ese, is that desire for something just a little bit bigger (or smaller).  And although I thought I was happy with our 22-foot Sprinter, two-foot fever had a hold on us. And so, to the next RV show we went, where we first spotted a Leisure Travel Van and a Leisure Unity MB, along with other Class B RVs with separate sleeping quarters and a dinette, or other floor plans. Now what?

We spent February and March in Florida in our 22-foot Sprinter, and Bill’s two-foot fever persisted. He spent an afternoon at the dealer where we bought our 22-footer. Now he wanted me to go, too. What about fuel expenses, license plates, mileage, insurance, and more? I was leery of the cost – how could we afford this?

Fortunately for us, this RV dealer had several brand new Leisure Travel Vans on display, and they were taking orders. The price tag of a brand new RV was staggering – maybe we could find a pre-owned coach, like we had with our 22-footer.

We quickly crossed off a few floor plans. The Corner Bed was an instant “no” for us. Bill had climbed over me to get out of bed in the truck camper and in the 22-footer. We wanted easy access out of bed.

The Island Bed and Twin Bed models had many features that we liked, but we felt too cramped in the dining/kitchen area. We go to bed and get up about the same time each night, and don’t need separate sleeping and dining areas. Scooting around each other in our current RV played heavily in our decision.

The Leisure Unity Murphy Bed offered everything that we wanted. We would have a much more open floor plan. No more putting a bed together every night, and no more taking the sheets off every morning. Even with the slide in, we would be able to easily walk around while stopped on the road.

The Unity MB floor plan would be like our own little studio apartment. The spacious bathroom offered room for our cat litter boxes, and still left space to move around. We would each have two drawers for clothes – one each under the bed and below the closet. It had plenty of outdoor storage. The Murphy Bed model seemed perfect for us.

We prefer buying “gently used” RVs for the savings. Unfortunately, the dealer didn’t have any previously owned Unity Murphy Beds on the lot. He also told us that, if and when they do get a used LTV of any floor plan, they are sold in a day or two. However, he did have another model by a major U.S. builder headquartered in Iowa, with a separate bedroom and dinette, available and equal in price with our 22-footer. We could go bigger. But would it be better?

The next day, our sales representative called. A 2015.5 Leisure Unity Murphy Bed with 9,000 miles just came in on consignment. Would we want to see it?

Decision Time

We took a look at the 2015.5 Leisure Murphy Bed the next morning and fell in love. It had everything we wanted, plus low mileage. But could we afford this, when right next to it was another make and model that would be bigger than what we had, and would keep us within our current RV payment? Could we afford to step up once again?

Back and forth we walked from one RV to the other, sitting in each one, comparing space and how easily we could move around, and comparing quality (the LTV easily won on that issue). We even took the “other” for a test-drive. In the end, it boiled down to this: Save money, or get the RV of our dreams. We weighed the costs that night. Then I uttered the crucial factor in making our decision, and it made it easy.

“If not now, when, Bill? You are turning 70 this year. Will we get the RV of our dreams, or will we keep lusting for this rig every time we watch one drive by. If not now, when?”

Our choice was made. We never looked back, and never regretted our decision. When it came time to name our Unity MB, it didn’t take long: Lucky Us.

Whether camping in the Blue Ridge Parkway, as seen here, or exploring other lands, our Leisure Unity MB is the perfect RV for us.

Choosing Your Floor Plan

Sleeping Habits

If you travel with someone, how compatible are your sleep patterns? We have talked with other LTV owners and been surprised by how many people want/need separate sleeping areas, because one person typically goes to bed or gets up earlier than the other. Maybe another person gets up in the middle of the night to read, or wants a separate sleeping area for daytime naps – the list goes on.

This was not an issue for us. We get up about the same time, and if I want to take a nap while we are at a campground, I can just lie down on the couch, which serves as a day bed. If Bill wants to work on his computer while I’m resting, he just turns the passenger seat around or goes outside under the awning and plugs in to the exterior outlet.

Our seating area converts easily into a daybed or dinette.

Outside Storage

Although we were very happy to finally have outside storage, we quickly discovered that our Webber tabletop grill was just a little too wide to fit in the rear passenger side storage unit. We solved that by removing a knob. Bill is still toying with the idea of getting another grill that we saw at our Leisurely Great Lakers rally. So, check out those outdoor storage specs carefully and take a good look at what you want to fit into them. It may make a difference in your decision.

Parking

Like our 22-footer, our LTV, while nearly three feet longer, fits easily into parking spaces at markets and malls.

Towing Capacity

Will you tow a vehicle, boat, or storage trailer?

As I mentioned, Bill has a nearly 21-foot boat. With everything we bring on fishing trips in Michigan – the boat and trailer plus two outboards, two electric trolling motors, and assorted rods and tackle – we are towing nearly 4,000 pounds. We had to choose a diesel engine, but the current Ford Transit Wonder only tows 3,000 pounds. The Mercedes can tow 5,000, so decision made. Tow capacity might be a factor for you, too.

Our diesel-powered rig easily tows our nearly 4,000-pound boat, motor, and trailer.

Bikes Or Other Stuff

Will you be attaching a scooter, motorcycle, or bicycles or e-bikes to your RV?

We bring two standard bikes, and chose a platform-style, hitch-mounted rack by Thule. We needed about a 16-inch hitch extension to the boat trailer tongue to clear the RV, and that was all we needed for our bike rack, too.

Other Costs

How much will your insurance and license plates cost?

A friend recently had an unpleasant surprise when they upgraded from a Class B to a Class A. Their Michigan license plate, which has to be renewed every year, costs much more than they expected.

Since license plates are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Michigan, we are enjoying a substantial savings with our Class B. And with insurance, the more expensive the vehicle, the more insurance can cost.

How about fuel mileage? Again, this might weigh on your decision. We average about 17.5 miles per gallon. When towing the boat, that drops by about two miles per gallon. There are other costs associated with owning a diesel, such as changing a fuel filter, but in the end, the extra mileage about evens it all out, in our opinion. And, not going to a dealer for every this and that service item makes a huge difference in maintenance costs.

Research on Social Media

Another way to research is to talk with other owners, and social media outlets offer many forums through which to contact others. We have gained many tips from the Leisure Travel Enthusiasts Facebook page.

For example, like us, some prefer not to rock-and-roll while entering and exiting store parking lots. Bill first saw the discussion on the Leisure Travel Vans Enthusiasts Facebook page about add-ons to help dampen the rolling motion as the unit climbed up or down the raised entrances. While there are a couple of options, we chose Sumo Springs and a Hellwig anti-sway bar, which fits around the rear drive axle and replaces a lighter factory unit. It helps immeasurably.

Solar or no solar?

This is another personal preference. You can purchase solar as a built-in factory option, or add yourselves. When our LTV was built, its first owners chose no solar, but we wanted it. We found the same panels the factory uses on eBay, bought the package which included the control panel, and had Holland Motor Homes, an authorized LTV dealer in Michigan, install it. We now have two 100-watt panels on the roof, putting out a maximum of about 11.5 amps per hour.

Does it work? Our unit has been in “storage” now for more than two months. We’ve turned off the “coach” power using the switch near the door. The batteries read 100 percent charged all the time.

When staying at one of our beautiful Michigan state forest campgrounds, there is no external power. We don’t need it. When it’s available, we plug in, so we can use other items inside. Would we buy solar again? You bet. Would we buy, say, 400 watts? You bet. Need we say more?

Take Your Time!

Whether you are ready to buy now, or are planning to buy a RV within the next several years, do your research. Spend HOURS, not minutes, comparing, and shoo the salesman away to think about your decision. Compare EVERYTHING. You’ll see a difference between LTV quality and that of other makers – there’s no comparison here. LTV wins, every time. And it’s OK if you trade in or sell one or two times to find the right fit. Because when you find the right LTV for you, you will search no more. Happy travels!

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