Selecting my RV

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Selecting my RV 

Let’s first talk about the RV I have decided to purchase: PanoramicRV 


My goals were:

  • Size 
    • Class B 
      • parking
      • driving
      • year-round use as a vehicle
      • technology
      • fuel efficiency
  • Max Budget
    • Approx $125,000 USD 
  • Platform
    • Dodge Ram Promaster 3500 
      • 20-21’, height and width good
      • gas
      • generator 
      • lots of Dodge Ram dealers/service facilities
      • lots of windows
      • swivel seats
Features I looked for:
  • Technology 
    • lithium batteries
    • inverter
    • surge protector (built in or external)
    • solar panels
    • power awning
    • power step 
    • steps at cab doors needed
    • satellite antenna (need for DISH)
  • Functionality
    • tank sizes (fresh water, grey water, black waste) - refill and dump
    • LP hookup for grill
    • outside shower
    • fans and AC unit
    • sunlights
    • bike rack 
    • outside power
    • screens
  • Interior Design
    • open feel with lots of windows
    • modern interior colors and European styling
    • seating (with seatbelts for guests/kids/car seat) converts to bed
    • space for dog food, water, crate and bed
    • shoe storage
    • table large enough for meals, computer, games
    • TV with satellite hookup for Netflix and DISH
    • fitted window coverings
  • Cooks Kitchen 
    • two burner stove either gas or induction
    • large compressor refrigerator with separate freezer
    • microwave (maybe combo like Amazon Smart Oven)
    • counter space for food prep and small Keurig coffee maker, flip up or slide out extra counter
    • large rectangular sink with sprayer or pot-filler faucet
    • adequate storage for grill/pizza oven, appliances, cookware, dishes
    • pantry for food, paper products, snacks, beverages
  • Bathroom 
    • easily accessible from cab and bed
    • flushing toilet 
    • shower space
    • storage for toiletries, TP, towels
    • window
    • sink not essential
  • Bedroom with “garage” underneath accessible from back door or inside
    • quality bed and mattress that didn’t require set-up/tear-down daily
    • mattress for 2 persons with adequate support
    • TV with satellite hookup
    • storage underneath for chairs, rug, bikes (if need securing), helmets, tools, compressor, vac and mop, extra stuff
    • overhead cabinets for clothing
    • drawers for essentials
    • spare tire and holder for door, cover (need to add)
  • Dream “features” not available or standard yet in Class B
    • drawer dishwasher - not feasible for boondocking but if hooked up to water/power (there is space)
    • washer/dryer in bathroom (space above ottoman in sofa-style units) - not done yet but feasible if hooked up to water/power 
    • built in drinking water filter - checking on this
    • hook for dog cable (interior and exterior) - will add
    • doggy half door for screen door in use -thinking about options otherwise hook is important
    • lock for fresh water outside (will arrange for if needed)





PanoramicRV Videos (3):
Several excellent You Tube videos are available with company CEO, Phillipe Marcotte. 

https://www.youtube.com/PanoramicRV 


A ranking of the many units I reviewed and considered is below. This list was made once I determined that a Mercedes Benz platform was too expensive and not realistic in terms of maintenance and repair. There are no dealers nearby, diesel vs bio diesel fuel, access to repair throughout the US for diesel engines is not good except for urban areas. As a single senior, I wanted to reduce risk. They are also smaller.

Contenders 

  1. PanoramicRV (Promaster)
  2. Humble Road Customized RV (Promaster)
  3. Roadtrek Zion (Promaster)
  4. PleasureWay Luxor (Promaster)
  5. Coachmen (Transit)
If you have the budget and inclination for a Mercedes Benz your top options are:
  1. Advanced RV 
  2. Air Stream 
  3. PleasureWay
  4. Humble Road


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