Hello from Europe! And why is USA so (UNINFORMED/UNDER-EQUIPPED)

[rkj__]

First of all to the OP, the USA is not stupid just because the toys you want aren't made here. Stay in Europe and play with all the crap you want. I'm really sick of ************** in other countries knocking ours and thinking whatever socialist utopia country they're in is better. I, for one, am happy you're there and not here.

M1078, I was about to reply to you, and tell you your response was out of line. But then, I realized, that the title called the USA stupid, and that was a little out of line too.

I've noticed these extreme / sharp titles have infected the internet in a real bad way lately. I understand that some people just crave attention, and in some cases there is a lot of profit tied to clicks / traffic on many websites, so content posters use whatever title they think will get the most attention, and traffic. But, I'm finding it really irritating, how inflamitory article / video / thread titles are getting.

Why does it always have to be "13 things we HATE about the new JL" when it's just some vloger with a pretty face going on about cupholder design and other insignificant dislikes. Why does it have to be "Will GM buy back my ZR2 Lemon?" When it is just some entitled rich kid that found a stitch out of place on his seat.

/Rant

 

[CSG]

Last year, my wife and I (both in our twenties), went to a big RV show in Toronto. We concluded we must not be the intended demographic for most RVs. It seems like they are designed for 65 year olds, who want to feel at home, when they are on the road. Their "home" being a house built in the 70s, and not upgraded stylistically at all.

There are a few nice interior designs, but they seem few and far between.

We started looking at RVs seriously when we were in our early 30's (back in the 1980's and felt the same way - RV's were designed for old people). Now, we're in our 60's and still hate most of the interior fabrics and design choices. Pleasureway is an exception.

You will find that you are the same person as you get older; only the mirror lies.

 

[RVflyfish]

Can we get back to the original post?

...all the interior finishes and appointments are SPOT ON...and [they] have all kinds of well thought out features like shades and screens and power steps...and drop down beds etc.

and Christian P's post:

But the innovation and design are way ahead for sure.

Do you have any pics/vids/links, guys?

 

[Ovrlnd Rd]

Agreed, its USA stupid for entirely different reasons.

Everyone can see my prior post. Ditto on the ************ remark.

 

[Riptide]

I gotta agree with you, OP. We have a Westfalia Sprinter, known as the James Cook in Europe, and the design is such that even after 9 years of ownership, I still don't see how I could improve the basic design. Yeah, I've upgraded and replaced a few things, but they managed to cram a lot of living into a small package. If I had 4wd, it would be perfect...

 

[Mwilliamshs]

DOT/EPA!

X2

 

[Christian P.]

Here an article along the same lines, albeit with a less provocative title:

https://www.curbed.com/2017/10/11/16454974/campers-rvs-motorhome-europe-for-sale

 

[Christian P.]

Can we get back to the original post?


and Christian P's post:


Do you have any pics/vids/links, guys?

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/camper-vans/marco-polo-stylish-camper-van/

 

[Christian P.]

Can we get back to the original post?


and Christian P's post:


Do you have any pics/vids/links, guys?

Look at the bathroom in this Sprinter 4x4...

 

[Christian P.]

https://www.hymer.com/en/service-an...geber/fiat-ducato-motorhomes-and-campers.html

https://www.hymercar.com/en/models/...ymercar-free/hymercar-free-image-gallery.html

 

[wantahertzdonut]

Big RV's aren't built to last any longer than the traveling lifespan of the retiree that buys it new. It's fun going to the RV sales and looking at the trailers that have been traveling around a while and seeing at all the trim pieces that are falling off.

We bought an old toy hauler and traveled full time in it for 2 years and it worked, but the build quality is abysmal. Basically if I plan to own a trailer again, I'm buying an older used model or building one myself out of a race car trailer.

 

[Keyne]

There are US RV's that a are nice; depending on how you want to use them. We have a 2017 RoadTrek SS Agile (Sprinter 144 based) RV and it's been awesome. The van is a no-propane setup with Alde hydronic diesel heat/hot water, induction cook top, 4 AGM batteries, fridge, solar to trickle charge the batters, two 2K watt inverters, microwave/convection oven, bathroom with 10 gallons of sewer, 20 gallons of fresh water, indoor and outdoor shower, and a large second alternator to charge batteries and run AC. You can order one with 4x4 but ground clearance would be an issue. It doesn't look as cool as an Outside Van, but doesn't cost as much and it has more off-grid battery capability than an OSV and has a full bathroom with shower... I lusted after the Expedition campers but after looking how we would really use it where we live; our choice ended up being perfect for us.

This is our second season with the van and use it almost every weekend Spring to End of Fall. We could use it during Winter (with bottled water and some anti-freeze in the toilet) but choose not to. I think the big thing to look at is how you plan to use it. We live in New England where it isn't as wide open as the West so we are in campgrounds, state or national parks 99% of the time. We camp almost every weekend and use it for hiking base camp (fits in a regular parking spot), fly fishing (park on side of road or parking lot), day trips, long weekends, and week long vacations. Is it really "camping" maybe not but it gets me and the wife out in the woods hiking of fly fishing almost every weekend and we can come back to our van for a movie night with surround sound in AC comfort... We can easily go off grid for days.

There was a post in the van section where a guy bought a used Sprinter RV (pre DEF year) $30K, beefed up some things, and drove all over South America... he wondered why everyone was buying or building expensive custom vans when you could just buy an old retirees RV with a full interior already built. Make some updates and go right away. With some exceptions I bet a typical RV would be a great start for most people to get out and do what they want to do if they over look some of the ego and "cool" factor of overlanding branded kits. Check out the Winnebago Revel FB page and a lot of those people are out there using them in remote places. Not a perfect setup but definitely capable.

 

[Buliwyf]

Where is a ******** box Sprinter van going to go?

Oh look, more pavement. Yay. Stupid Europeans and their weak sauce as usual.

 

[RVflyfish]

Man, the "stupid insert-whatever-country/continent-you-want-here" vibes. Why all the negativity? Not to call you out specifically, Buliwyf, but I did notice "12 Ducati Panigale 1199S" in your signature. Last I checked, Ducati is from Italy, which, also last I checked, is still in Europe. But anyway...

Christian, thanks for the links, pics and vids. Good stuff, cool ideas to incorporate!

 

[luthj]

Yep, sprinters never leave the pavement. I bet all the lifted big wheels superduty trucks see lots of dirt... /sarcasm

The European market (Aus too) has a totally different design paradigm. Look how long it took for high roof trade vans too get a hold in the USA. Despite being superior for a lot of trade and delivery work.