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George Miklas · 11-05-2013, 03:13 PM

I just returned from a week-long trip to Germany. I saw many class B van campers while I was there. I am in the market for a Class B, that will facilitate my family's needs including seating for 4 (minimum), a reasonable place for 1 or 2 to sleep while enroute, and sufficient storage/luggage space for 4 people (maybe more storage space would be nice too).

Anyway, of all of the floor plans that I've looked at from all of the manufacturers in the US, we seem to be closed minded to offering flexible floor plans. I have had this conversation with several US RV dealers, whose standard answer is... You just need to buy a class A or a diesel pusher with a basement.

I'm sorry, but that is not the answer I'm looking for. Anybody have ideas that you can share with me?

Thanks,
George

wblynch · 11-07-2013, 10:57 AM

If you get a bare Mercedes Sprinter, maybe it would be possible to buy an interior conversion kit from Europe?

Or buy a used class-B, strip it out and rebuild it the way you like?

I know most home-made conversions look home made. But with planning, careful design and attention to quality materials and workmanship you can get what you want with a luxurious look.

wblynch · 11-07-2013, 10:58 AM

Or what about this?

Try the Mercedes European delivery program. Pick up your new Sprinter over there and get it converted before shipping it back?

I might try that myself...

DPJ · 11-21-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Miklas

I just returned from a week-long trip to Germany. I saw many class B van campers while I was there. I am in the market for a Class B, that will facilitate my family's needs including seating for 4 (minimum), a reasonable place for 1 or 2 to sleep while enroute, and sufficient storage/luggage space for 4 people (maybe more storage space would be nice too). Anyway, of all of the floor plans that I've looked at from all of the manufacturers in the US, we seem to be closed minded to offering flexible floor plans. I have had this conversation with several US RV dealers, whose standard answer is... You just need to buy a class A or a diesel pusher with a basement. I'm sorry, but that is not the answer I'm looking for. Anybody have ideas that you can share with me? Thanks, George

Sportsmobile. They will build any floor plan. Www.sportsmobile.com

TheFitRV · 11-22-2013, 05:23 PM

Visiting an RV dealer in Italy was a real eye-opener for us. Lots of variety in floor plans and interesting features. We took some video, and will be putting it up on our blog soon.

The biggest thing I saw in the European RVs was the inclusion of a GARAGE! I would give my spouse's kids for an RV with a garage (big enough to hold a motorcycle or couple of bicycles). Yet this seemed to be pretty standard on the RVs we saw. Granted, in the US, these would be B+ or C, and not a true B, but still.

I am giving serious consideration to getting my next RV from Europe if I can figure out the import, licensing and emissions details...

wblynch · 11-23-2013, 07:56 AM

My favorite feature of European RV's is the motorized drop down bed. A real bed that doesn't come from a dinette or other folding mechanism.

Push a button to bring it down at night and next morning it disappears into the ceiling.

You don't even have to make up the covers.