All I need to do is figure out where to put the toilet…
So you’ve probably surmised from all the RV review posts we’ve put up that Stef and I are in the market for a new RV. We’re having a bit of a tough time finding one that both meets our needs, AND is a better fit for us than the one we already own outright. So I thought I’d share what we’re looking for in this post, in the hopes that someone else might be able to benefit from the thought process.
As we’ve been RVing for a while, we have a pretty good idea of features we would use, things that are important to us, and things we can’t stand or don’t want. We also know how we like to use the RV itself – the kinds of trips we take and what we do when we take them. These experiences have helped shape our requirements, and certainly our “must have” requirements.
You’ve probably already seen The RV Remodel page. If you have, then you know I’m reasonably handy, and could make most RV modifications myself. This factors into our decision too. You see, some things are easy enough for me to change – say, adding more battery capacity, or changing the lights to LED. These changeable things lead to some of the items on my 47 point checklist that I attach to the reviews.
But there are some things I can’t change – like, the length of the coach, or the type of fuel it uses – and since I can’t change them, they need to match up with our requirements right out of the (very large) box. So with that said, let’s have a look at our Absolute Must Have Criteria. (there are only 5)
Under 24 feet long
This requirement comes from how we use our RV. We rarely stay someplace more than one or two nights. There’s just too much to see! Since we’re almost always moving, we want to be maneuverable. We also use our RV to go to bicycle races, and, since they usually just start on the side of the road, there’s never room to park a large vehicle. This 24 foot total length requirement eliminates any towable RV. This has led us to concentrate our search on Class B, B+, and very small Class C motorhomes.
Permanent Bed
This is a requirement that we didn’t realize until we’d had an RV for a while. Having to “convert” spaces from sleeping, to dining, to living or whatnot is a pain. It also means that everyone has to get out of bed at the same time. Further, even if it’s a really cool Murphy bed or something – it’s just a hassle when you have to do it twice a day, every day. We like to get away from hassles, not to have more of them. This is the one area where Das Bus lets us down – we have to make a “decision” each night about when to convert the coach to a sleeping configuration. And we have to wait until everyone wants to get up before we can convert back to a livable configuration in the morning. (Plus, then we have to store all the linens and pillows…) A permanent bed is a must-have in our next RV.
Dry Bath
I’ve gone 45 years without showering while sitting naked on the toilet. I don’t intend to start now. Almost every class B I’ve seen – except ours – has a “wet bath” on one side. I’m sure they’re nice and they work fine and all. I’ve gotten in them, and they seem like they would be OK. But when it gets down to it, I’m just not interested in having to remove the toilet paper before taking a shower. Stef, being a girl, is even less interested in a cramped , double purpose shower. Our current RV has a dry bath. Anything less would be a step backwards.
4 season capability
We often take the RV out in the winter. During the remodel, I took some extra steps to ensure that our water lines (which are all IN THE HEATED SPACE) would not freeze. We’ve been out in very low temperatures and have been fine. I don’t want to give this up. So, when I see an RV with water lines running underneath, it’s a huge turnoff. Yes, I could tear the RV apart and relocate the water inside, but in a new RV, I shouldn’t have to.
Indoor Bike Storage
I admit that this probably isn’t a consideration for most. I’ve mentioned before on this site that we take the RV to bicycle races. If you’ve never looked into it, a racing bicycle is stupidly expensive, so carrying them on a hitch, or storing them outside overnight is out of the question. In our current RV, we can fit them inside, but it blocks the access to our sliding door – it’s a tradeoff, but it’s working for us. If you’re a B or B+ manufacturer reading this, a bicycle on a fork mount is approximately 67 inches long, 40 inches high, and 20 inches wide. We would ideally be able to fit two of them in our next RV, preferably in a storage area.
So those are the Big 5. A “no” on any one of them would throw an RV out of consideration because we already have an RV with only one “no”. But there are a lot of other things in an RV that would factor in to our decision one way or another. Again, given that I can change most things myself, I’m only going to concentrate here on the things I can’t change. So with that, here is the list of Pretty Nice Features to Have. (there are only 4)
Mileage
Yep – mileage. Das Bus is a diesel, and I currently get around 20 miles per gallon without even trying. I can’t do much about the mileage in a new coach; it gets what it gets. While I might be willing to trade a little mileage for the perfect RV, I can’t see myself driving a 6mpg motorhome. I’d go nuts every time I filled up. Our current RV has set the bar pretty high here.
Tank capacity
This might be something that I technically could change, but it would be very difficult and I just don’t want to. I don’t think anyone enjoys spending time at the RV dump, and I’m no exception. Without getting too personal, I’ll just say that we put plenty of fluid through our tanks, and I’m not interested in dumping any more frequently than we do now. Our current capacities for fresh/grey/black are 25/24/and 30 gallons. So some of the RVs I’ve seen with 14 gallon holding tanks just aren’t going to cut it for us.
No Slides
I’m probably in the minority here, but I don’t like slides. I have a number of reasons for this. First and foremost – it’s related to the permanent bed item above. We just don’t want hassles, and moving slides in and out is just another chore we would have to do every night and every morning (and in some RVs, every time we wanted to stop for a sandwich). Also, slides are just another thing that can go wrong, leak inside your RV, etc. I just don’t want to deal with them. And finally, in typical floorplans with slides, the inside is very cramped or unworkable with the slides in. I’m not saying I absolutely won’t purchase an RV with slides. But I am saying that if any feature of the RV is un-useable with the slides in (like a bed you can’t get into, or a sofa that blocks the refrigerator from opening) we won’t consider it. We’ve found the non-slide floorplans work better for us.
One fuel source
I’m secretly hoping that the Roadtrek ETrek is going to start a new trend. I would very much prefer to do away with the propane system in our next RV. I have nothing against propane, but it seems like extra junk to carry around (tank, lines, regulators, etc) when there are other ways of accomplishing the same tasks. Cooking can be done on induction burners or a diesel cooktop. Hot water can also be had through diesel or electric, we have an all-electric fridge now, and air conditioning CAN be run off batteries (subject to their capacity). We rarely use our current generator, and it would be great to get rid of that also. It CAN be done, and I applaud those manufacturers that are taking the first steps. A motorhome with this feature would certainly warrant a second look.
So there you have it. That’s what we’re looking for. There are lots of little items, like “do we like the shower spray nozzle”, that I’m not listing out because they’re easy enough for me to change. I figure some refitting of any RV is inevitable, so I’m not going to get hung up on those. I still care about those details, and I’ll still consider them in reviews and when I look at any coach. But when it gets right down to it, it’s the RV that finally meets these 9 criteria that will ultimately push us to make the jump.
When you put them all in a handy comparison table that Das Bus always wins, it looks like this:
[table id=2 /]
Seriously. Das Bus always wins. Always.
So that’s what we’re looking for. Hopefully this will help someone else in the process of picking out a new coach. Or, hopefully this will help some manufacturer finally produce the perfect motorhome for our Fit RV lifestyle. Cheers!
James; Just wanted to say my wife and I went to the 2016 Advanced Fest. Not only did we enjoy our selfs we also placed an order for a 2017 RV 4×4. My one request was a composting toilet. We chose the Separett Villa 9210, Mike said he should be able to install it. I gave Fit RV an ataboy for making the video which put Advanced on my radar. Maybe we will cross paths on the boulevard someday. The name of our RV will be Ming Dynasty.
OK. LOVE the name. Love it.
I’m glad we had a hand in getting you into the right RV. We enjoy hearing stories like this from our readers.
Your blog always comes up when I’m window shopping for new RVs.
– permanent full or queen bed
– shower/toilet
– sleeps 2 in one bed and 1-2 more elsewhere (bunk bed, loft, or couch). We have one little kid who needs a bed, and we might like to bring a friend for her.
– 4 season
– off road able
– outside table
We have a small 17ft bumperpull that we drag off road but would prefer a 4×4 van or a truck camper for more versatility getting into biking, hiking, and climbing trailheads.
We work on the road on long trips, so converting the table(desk) to a bed is annoying.
We’ve never really looked into Truck Campers much (because we don’t have the big truck they require). But perhaps there’s something there for you.
Outside table is an interesting requirement. Do you mean something attached to the RV? Or do you mean you need to be able to bring a picnic table?
Have you looked at the 2016 Coach House Plantinum 220 TB? Nice floor plan, twin beds, no slide, 23 feet long. Fresh water/gray/black is 28/30/25.
Coach House makes a nice rig, to be sure. We thought so when we got to tour one that some of our readers brought to Salt Lake City. They don’t have stock at dealers though, so the trip to Florida to look at one was always a bit of an obstacle.
We’re happy for now with our Travato!
When we look for another RV someday, this list may look different.
James,
LTV Island Bed gives you 2 interior bike storage locations that do not impede everyday functions, permanent queen in back of coach, NO slide-out, dry bath, etc. If not a 4-season RV, you could make it that way.
Pleasure Way looks like a terrific product, but why don’t you consider the Island Bed? I am looking at XL Plateau and LTV Island.
Thanks for all your fantastic videos and reviews!
Dave
Hello James;
I posted a week ago with my idea of a composting toilet for the Advanced RV.
Primarily on the fact that no plumbing is needed which may make it easer to find a suitable location. After a few sleepless nights I may have a suggestion which may help both of us, we both would like a dry bath and you are looking for bicycle storage.
Hears my idea so take this with a grain of salt. Rather than Twin Beds have Advanced RV build Bunk Beds.
With the extra space we both get the dry bath and you get a place for bike storage. The bottom bunk can be lower to the floor than the now existing twin bed set up and still have some space underneath for storing thin items, such as folding chairs or electrical cords.
One last idea. If we need head room for the upper bunk Advanced RV has the stealth model. Im not sure if this would interfere with solar panels?
Like your videos and I will suggest my ideas with Mike Neundorfer.
Glad you’re liking our videos.
I know Advanced RV has built at least one model with bunk beds. I’m sure they can try to bring to life whatever you can dream up.
Curious to hear what Mike has to say about your idea. Good Luck!
I’m looking for a class B with most of your must have options. My one change would be the Natures Head Composting Toilet instead of bike storage. No black tank, saving water and longer use before dumping seems like a plus. Have you any advice regarding this issue . Advanced Rv is on my short list, The Dry Bath may be easer for them to install by not moving plumbing lines.
Thanks for all your good videos
Mixed feelings on a composting toilet. We have one, and it’s OK. But there are situations where it wouldn’t be. It’s a long story and difficult to answer without getting too personal about bathroom habits.
Advanced-RV can likely do anything you can dream up. That’s their whole game. Give them a call, or visit their “Advanced Fest” in May.
I could live without indoor bike storage, and might go a little over 24′ but otherwise our wish lists are about the same. It’s hard to find anything today without a slideout (or several slideouts).
Agreed. I think most RVs are designed with the “get it there and park it” mindset. Slides work great for that.
We roll with more of a “get there and do something, then go someplace else” mentality. Plus we don’t like to tow. So slides don’t work well for us.
I’m just recently thinking of RVing, and I want to live in it fulltime. I like the Class B, but I also need the full-time bed, queen if possible. I not want to deal with setting anything up as I’d prefer to leave my bed unmade as it is. The wet bath, can be doable, but I’d rather not. I’m also not a fan of the sliders. I’d be afraid they’d get stuck, and somehow it just seems like I’m being fooled. I want it to be one way, and that’s that. I prefer a 22 ft, but we’ll see. I need something easy to drive. I’m going to my first RV show next week, and I’m excited to see what’s there.
The only currently made rig I can think of that meets all your requirements is the Pleasure-Way Plateau XL (two models).
There are a number of B+ rigs, but most are longer than 22 feet, and over half of them have slides. Good luck at the show!
I am an old guy…wife almost as old. We have had MH’s to 38 ft and have tent camped with three kids. Here is what we want and cannot find.
1. 23-26 ft., class A or (more likely) C
2. TWIN BEDS in the rear — not some silly wanna-be leather couches that “can be made into”.
3. REAL bathroom
4. NO DINETTE (what a waste of space)
5. NO COUCH. We will be using two very comfy recliners, and guests can use cots (keeps them from staying too long).
6. V-10 of small diesel.
7. No foo-foo silliness, like outside TV, outside kitchen, poofy window treatments, Nike swoosh paint job…..
8. Reasonable outside storage for extra batteries and inverter….and a bit of “stuff”.
9. As luxurious a cockpit as we can get, except for nav (built in nav can’t be used in motion….damn nannies).
10. REAL sink, not the little round bowl (ever try to fit a dish drainer to the little round bowl ?)
11. Old style hangy-down air conditioner, NOT ducted. Ever use a ducted a/c in AZ in the summer ? By the time it gets to the ducts….it’s HOT again.
THAT’S ALL…….where are they ?
The Leisure Travel Vans Unity Twin Bed model comes close to what you’re looking for, but it doesn’t check every one of the boxes. It has a round sink, for example, and I believe it has ducted air.
Something like this, but enclosed to hold your bikes (and some other gear). Then, you are a little more flexible on find a B with a dry bath that meets your other requirements.
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Blue-Ox/SC2102.html
Well, at that point, I’d probably look to a small cargo trailer like a Haulmark or Wells Cargo.
But the good news is… we don’t have to go there!!
We’re working on our next RV with Winnebago, and trust me – bike storage is definitely part of the picture!
I stumbled across this article about the Avion Azur being sold factory direct for less than $100K
http://www.rvbusiness.com/2015/02/nexus-partners-launch-factory-direct-startup/
The features the article mentions fitting your list include:
Sprinter Diesel
Highly insulated four season coach (they have a whole page on the insulation for you to geek over)
24.1 ft length
A high mount permanent bed with pop-out side panels allowing a transverse sleeping arrangement.
Massive under the bed storage for the bikes
However they do not meet your requirements for:
larger tanks (30 freshwater and 30 Grey/Black, dunno what that means)
Dry Bath
You can check out their website at:
http://www.avionvans.com/
OK… the bump-out sides for transverse sleeping are a neat idea. And I’ve never seen anyone put a dinette in front of a raised bed like that (though one of our readers suggested that in his own design). So props for Avion for some original thinking. The bigger tanks are definitely a plus.
FWIW, I may be coming around on the dry bath. I still don’t much like the side baths typical in the Sprinters. But the Travato wet bath seems pretty useable, and it would keep us from storing stuff in the shower. I’m not totally giving up on the dry bath, but I’m becoming more open minded about it.
(That chuckling you just heard was Stef, when she saw me type “I’m becoming more open minded…”)
I noticed in their video it looks like the bump out only provides enough space for one person to lay across. So your partner needs to be short. The rear dinette is kind of weird and only seems to exist for you to sit and watch TV.
If you’re softening on the Dry Bath requirement I’ve seen the bump out once before with the Outside Van Cozy Town model http://www.outsidevan.com/cozytown.php which provides plenty of plenty of pictures for a bike enthusiast such as yourself to drool over saying “Yeah, that’s how I want my babies stored”. Unfortunately, I think their prices are firmly in “nose bleed” territory because I vaguely remember them asking for $250K for some of their vans.
$250k?? Ouch!
We want to ENCOURAGE people to RV and stay fit. Not make them think they could never own one!
But oh my, yes. Now THAT’s the way to design some bike storage into an RV.
Yup, I don’t think Steph will go for spending $250K and only get what looks like another 1.8 cu ft fridge in the Outside Van (Even with the nifty suspension exercise cords hanging from the bathroom). However, the similar layout with the Avion does suggest possible bike storage solutions. The Avion video did mention they are open to custom modifications such as, removing the rear dinette to increase the storage under the bed. The Avion also includes 4 captains chairs around the front dinette which you could probably remove one or two for extra storage options. The one problem I see, is they are using a macerator toilet. Not something I’d want to take apart if it breaks down. Also the description of the black/grey tank is vague and makes it sound like they are combined (which would be kind of icky).
Also, look for
– payload – what can you carry? water, gas, more…
– bikes – how about room for 2 bikes – without much disassembly, They overlap well.
– power – solar, batteries, ….
James, we like your video and your web site…. 🙂
We own a LTV Murphy Bed 2014 and we love it…Even if it do not meet your requirement of a permanent bed and no Slideout…
For us we find that the Murphy Bed have Awesome and comfy bed, Amazing bathroom and a large galley (BUT ONLY TWO AT A TIME lol )
My comment is for your bike need .. I have seen a little box and took the time to search for the manufacturer ,check this out :http://www.komocreation.com/
Multi-Purpose chest
Cheer!
Dany
Dany – The Unity MB is an awesome coach… It’s not quite the perfect one for us, but we’re a bit jealous just the same!
I’ve seen boxes like that before. Thanks for the link. It would open up some other options for us in our next coach. I’d probably want to see one up close before I could commit to it. But I like that they show it mounted on the back of Sprinters and other class B RVs. Thanks for stopping by!
Rialta? Not new, not diesel, but checks off most of your list.
I’ve always been intrigued by the Rialta. But yeah. “New” should have probably been on our list. If I got another used one, I’d probably start remodeling…
OK, I may be late to this conversation but I just found it. DT said, “Advanced RV in Willoughby Ohio does make a Class B with a dry bath and one fuel source.”
I’ve found info about their one fuel source vans but I can’t find any of their floor plans that show a dry bath. I know that they do custom work but I can’t imagine where they’d put a dry bath without having a slide out for the bed or something else. Since you’ve spoken with Mike Neundorfer of Advanced RV, can you check that they’ve actually built one like this? A Class B with no slideouts and a dry bath sounds ideal for you and me, too!
True, their standard floorplan does not have a dry bath. But when we were at their rally recently, they were speaking with another customer about including one in his build. So I know that’s something they will entertain doing. I’m pretty sure there are trade-offs in that design though. I think one of the storage cabinets has to be eliminated, and some of the mechanical components have to be relocated, so you may lose space elsewhere as well. You would have to get the specifics from Advanced RV. I’m not building one myself just yet, so I don’t have more details. They’re very good about entertaining questions though, so don’t be shy about giving them a shout.
The Advanced RV is lovely, but the wet bath isn’t. Maybe removing the teeny tiny sink & vanity would allow enough room to work out some kind of dry bath plan. If not, it would at least provide more room to turn around in the shower.
You know – removing the sink in a class B Bathroom is something that comes up frequently.
On the one hand, it feels right to have a sink in the bathroom.
But on the other hand – there’s another sink 4 feet away!
One word: Sportsmobile, you could do all of this with a custom sportsmobile on a long body Mercedes sprinter
I’ve thought about Sportsmobile in the past, but they don’t offer a true dry bath with a fixed toilet. I’ve seen them at shows, and while I was intrigued, Stef thought they were a little too “masculine”.
But I do go to their website from time to time to ponder options.
OK Guys,
I’m a big workout person. 55 years old. Raced Mtn Bikes, Dirt Bikes, Did Centuries, Became a Certified Yoga Instructor, Hike, swim, ski, etc
Slowing down at 55. Still in great shape. Look in 40’s. Just not fast anymore. So I thought I would change it up a bit.
I use to own a 24′ Weekend Warrior Trailer and used it for Southern Ca Beaches as well as to haul the bikes to Northern CA Forest and Southern CA Deserts to Race. The kids and I loved it
Then I got tired of hooking up the big heavy RV Trailer. I had bought a Rear View camera for hitch as well as a device to move trailer around like you do airplanes. This thing was heavy when loaded up. I calculated over 10K. I was able to park it in the most interesting places though. Very tight in the trees and up and down dirt roads with ruts and through rivers.
I wanted something more maneuverable. So I sold it. We bought it in 2002 and sold around 2004.
Bought a Eagle Cap Truck Camper. Loaded with all the bells and whistles. Took it to Moab to ride dirt bikes and mtn bikes from San Francisco Bay Area. Pulled a small 12′ trailer. Did many trips. Was a bit heavy, but the air adjustable bags on suspension helped. Was tight inside. Good for up to 3 people with gear. Camped in snow, beach and desert. Finally sold it. Ran out of money. Playing can get expensive
Now back in the game.
Started with my old fav, Chinook. Then fell in love with the Sprinter Vans like Roadtrek Ideal, Then found Leisure Travel Vans and liked all of them for different reasons. The Libero is my best bet in them. Gas (so I could go to and through Mexico if I want) New Diesel units can’t burn the fuel south of the boarder. Also the Libero can carry either my BMW K1600 GT or My Ducati Diavel. I had talked to Dean on this. There is a 280lb bike carrier that can work wonders and Dean said I can do 800 to 1,0000 lbs on back of Libero.
Then I started to feel cramped and fell in love with Class A. Tiffan and Newmar. Tiffan has a nice diesel pusher floor plan for under 34′. Sill big and no south of boarder
Newmar has the Canyon Star. You can even get a garage in it. Runs on Gas and can go south of boarder. The garage could hold my motorcycles, bikes, dive gear, skis, hiking packs and gear, plus what else
If I go for weekends and short week to one month trips, I would get one of the following:
-LTV Libero
-Chinook used (Glacier or Concourse)
-Pleasure Way, Roadtrek or LTV Free with no slides. (These are great to boondock in the city, at trail heads, in campgrounds, anywhere. Just not as comfy (No Mexico, but this is not a concern in the short trip ideas)
-The Fleetwood Searcher looks great 🙂
-Truck Camper (great to blend in too)
-Winnebago View
LTV makes great Vans. Smaller ones blend, the Libero may get noticed, but more comfy. The truck campers will blend and you can be comfy. Just a truck with a camper on back.
If I decide to full time:
-I’m going Class A with washer and dryer and maybe Hydronic Heat for skiing.
-Might get a pre 2007 for going south of boarder if I want. Would need to remodel. Thinking.
Around and Around we go.
doug
Lafayette, CA
Doug – Wow!
Sounds like your thought process is similar to ours. So many options, so many tradeoffs.
I’ll have to check out the Canyon Star – I’m always intrigued by a garage.
Always great to hear from a fellow fitness buff. Do keep us posted on whatever you wind up with, and hopefully we’ll see you on the road!
Great blog! we are looking into the Unity Twin Bed version and wondered if you had a chance to check it out? Lots of storage outside and in. I am a healthy chef so a high powered blender is a must. Wonder if we could get the upgraded power to handle it. Bikes on the inside would be a great idea, but why not in a small storage trailer pulled behind?
We’ve seen the Unity Twin Bed at the shows. It is VERY similar to the Island Bed, which we’ve reviewed. The main differences are in the back sleeping area. The beds are obviously different, and the storage back there is also configured a bit differently – including the exterior storage. Beyond that, Leisure Travel Vans does its usual high-quality job on fit and finish, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed if that floorplan works for you. Stef and I have even considered the TB because it would allow one of us to stay in bed while the other was up and doing stuff – plus you can make it into one super-giant bed if you want to.
We have a Vita Mix. We don’t travel with it, but I don’t think it draws more than 10 amps. As long as you had the generator running, or shore power, you should be able to blend away (you may have to turn off the AC to do it though!). Now, if you wanted to run the blender while you were running on batteries – that would take some modification and a bigger inverter. Leisure, or your dealer, might do that for you.
Bikes on a trailer would work, but then that would ruin our whole “super nimble class B” mode of travel. We’d go from being a 22 foot long vehicle to being a 39 foot long vehicle. We’d be hooking and unhooking the trailer. I’d have to think more about backing up… parking… crosswinds… It’s just not for us. On our trip to Moab last weekend, I set up and broke camp no fewer than 6 times(!) over two and a half days. Slides, trailers, and even awnings just don’t work well for us.
Thanks for reading and hopefully we’ll see you on the road!
We had a diesel gen. on our 1st B+ but it sure was a pain in cold north weather. That was a 2002 dynamax sport and it did have a rear bed and dry bath. I must admit I haven’t seen any in the newer units because the manufactures all fell in love with the sprinter.
Yeah, the cold is tough on Das Bus, for sure. It took me a half hour last week to get her started! She’s got a Webasto engine pre-heater built in, but 4 degrees is still just cold. The Dynamax diesel units these days are pretty swanky! Probably a bit out of our price range though…
My wife and I have been following you blog for a few months and have really enjoyed some of the things that you’ve offered. We have a Sprinter based Class B (2010 Winnebago Era) and really love it. I’m 6’2″ and don’t really mind the wet bath. We love the mileage and the drivability. We really didn’t know you were in the market for a new RV. Advanced RV in Willoughby Ohio does make a Class B with a dry bath and one fuel source. I can’t think of any Class B’s that have a permanent bed. We are based an Utah and have driven all the way back to Ohio to have Advanced RV build us a screen door. Their work is first rate. If you contact Mike Neundorfer he can pretty much build you an RV to the specifications you seek. In case you are wondering, no we are not employees or representatives of his company. We’ve had them do some work for our “Stanley” and we loved it.
DT – Glad to hear that you’re liking the blog! I’ve actually looked into Advanced RV and contacted Mike. I had been asking them previously about the bike storage, which they handle behind the rear sofa in the extended Sprinter. Stef and I were invited, and are debating going to their expo in May. I have family in the Cleveland area, which would make that nice. The quality of their construction seems top notch, but I did not know they could do a dry bath! Thanks for the tip – and maybe we’ll see you at one of the local RV shows. I’ll be on the lookout for your ERA with a screen door. Cheers!