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Unicorn Driver · 09-28-2021, 12:42 PM

Hi,

I am researching small class C"s and class B's and keep on coming across Coachmen class B's such as the Beyond

Are these the same quality as the brands travels trailers and A's or are they different?

Are they worth investing time in further research?

Thanks,

JRS950 · 09-30-2021, 08:33 AM

Watching this because I also am interested in Coachmen "B's"

R.Wold · 09-30-2021, 09:42 AM

Coachmen is owned by Forest River so you might do better looking into quality issues and the reputation of that company. As an example, look at before and after comparisons of quality, materials, fit and finish in the Dynamax line. That brand experienced some significant changes after being bought out by Forest River. Coachmen Bs might be a good value, but expect production line results, not custom built, hand made quality.

Unicorn Driver · 09-30-2021, 12:42 PM

Thanks R. Wold,

I was a bit hesitant about the brand.
Anyways it turns out the wet bath is a show stopper for DW.

Rocinante440 · 10-01-2021, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Thanks R. Wold,

I was a bit hesitant about the brand.
Anyways it turns out the wet bath is a show stopper for DW.

Show her a few of the "poop in a bucket" van floor plans out there, and suddenly a wet bath will look like a luxurious addition to any van!

sask66 · 10-03-2021, 08:05 AM

We have a 2019 coachmen CrossFit 22c. The quality of construction has been good. The Ford transit chassis handles well and averages 15mpg.

R.Wold · 10-03-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sask66

We have a 2019 coachmen CrossFit 22c. The quality of construction has been good. The Ford transit chassis handles well and averages 15mpg.

I think a rig like this built into a high-top van is one of the safest bets available because the body isnt built by the RV manufacturer - all you have to worry about is the quality of the interior components which you can easily determine. Cabinets, furniture and appliances are easy to evaluate and can often be upgraded. Its when you get into the house build and chassis modifications and more extensive plumbing and electrical that you have more room for error.

Unicorn Driver · 10-03-2021, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Wold

I think a rig like this built into a high-top van is one of the safest bets available because the body isnt built by the RV manufacturer - all you have to worry about is the quality of the interior components which you can easily determine. Cabinets, furniture and appliances are easy to evaluate and can often be upgraded. Its when you get into the house build and chassis modifications and more extensive plumbing and electrical that you have more room for error.

Thanks R Wold,

That's what I was thinking also.

KanzKran · 10-03-2021, 09:11 AM

FWIW, I’m happy enough with the upfit work in my Galleria. There are shortcuts taken, like stapled cleats that support the panels that supports the seat cushions over the wheel wells that couldn’t support my 230 lb without coming loose. Not big deal, as a little glue and some screws took car of it permanently.

The standard arrangement for this van was a generator and two solar panels, but mine has no generator and three solar panels. I found the leads from the third panel tucked into the insulation in the overhead cabinet that houses the electrical controls. I terminated them for a 50% increase in solar charging current.

Little things like that are an annoyance, but from what I can tell, most RVs are delivered with little annoyance flaws. No water heater bypass valves for winterizing (I added them), no individual switches on the reading lights (later versions have them), little stuff like that.

Cabinets are solid (dovetail joints on the drawers), on the other hand, with soft close slides and hinges. Dimmable LED lighting everywhere with under counter strip lighting in the galley (good for TV watching), lots of little things that are nice. The jack knife couch makes a very comfortable bed. I’ve looked at other brands, including Airstream and Chinook, and just didn’t see the value in the higher asking prices.

Plus, this one has no generator but has a 600Ah battery and second alternator, which is exactly what I wanted. It’s a travel van to us rather than a ‘park it and stay a while’ RV, and it’s just right for that. I can run the roof A/C for hours off the battery while eating lunch and walking the dog and such (all night if it can cycle), and the engine recharges the battery once we get back on the road. The 7 cf AC/DC compressor fridge/freezer will run forever off the solar panels and is big enough for any road trip. It has the Truma Combi heat and hot water system which sips LP and can use electric resistance heat instead (or with LP) when on shore power or the inverter when driving.

I’m happy with it and have no plans to change.