Some RVs are easy to have a look at. You can find most Winnebago or Roadtrek models at dealers all over North America. It’s easy to “kick the tires” on one of these – and even if they don’t have the exact options you want, you’ll get a good idea what kind of coach it is.
Some RV makes have smaller dealer networks. It may be a bit more difficult to find one on the lot at a dealer, but it’s possible. And even if you can’t find that, you can usually find them at one of the larger RV shows.
But some RVs are more exclusive. They may be sold direct – which means no models on a lot to look at. They may not have a presence at shows. So regardless of how cool or technically advanced they are, it may still be difficult to see one in person.
All of this is why Stef and I were excited to be part of the Advanced RV rally this May in Willoughby, Ohio. It was a chance to get up close and see the manufacturing process of some RVs that we might not otherwise get a chance to look into. Like this Ocean One model from Advanced RV.
The folks at Advanced RV work with each customer to design exactly what they want into each Sprinter-based motorhome. In that respect, each one of their RVs is something of a custom job – every one is unique. They also have the most advanced power management system I’ve yet seen in a class B van. These rigs have no propane systems, for example, and can run air conditioning and induction cooking off of battery power – courtesy of a 2800 watt inverter/charger (though I think I incorrectly said a 2000 watt inverter in the narrative).
Mike Neundorfer and his team were very accommodating in letting me review this rig, which they’ve named Mzungu. Knowing that I always crawl around underneath the RVs I review, they even put it up on a lift for me!
There’s a lot to like in these RVs, and knowing that each one can be customized for its owners, there’s opportunity to change things you may not like. So don’t look at this review as “this is their model and this is what you get”. Instead, pay attention to the craftsmanship and ingenuity in the build, and then decide if an Advanced RV may be right for you. You’ll find my usual 47 point checklist attached below.
Enjoy!
Hi, Just discovered your awesome site. Want to get some of those exercise bands that Steph uses (great video!), but there were SOOO many choices on the place you link to (bodylastic). Can you give me some pointers? I’m a senior, but fairly fit (use a 30 lb. bar to do bicep curls for example. and 100 lbs on the quad press). THANKS,
PS Signed up for your newsletter but did not get a verifying e-mail (it’s not in Junk either)
Well, first things first – I’ve added you to our email list. Don’t know what happened there, but it’s all good now.
As far as band kits go, you could probably get the “Bodylastics 14 pcs Max XT Resistance” or, at most, the 19 piece Strong Man Resistance Bands Set and never need another thing. If you do get totally ripped, you can always add more bands individually later on. Thanks for finding us!
I enjoy your reviews. My wife and I are looking for our first RV. We starting knowing nothing not what’s an A, B or C etc. We just knew we wanted luxury type comfort with proven tech features and under 30 foot. Well it’s hard to find other that the beast diesel pushers. Well we found the Mercedes Sprinters of Roadtrek and Airstream Inyetstate. We like some items of both but yet found the ideal class B. I then saw your review on the Advanced RV – they seem to hit the target. I’ll contact them soon. My only concern we are just outside of Atlanta and sure the engine won’t be a problem but the RV customization warranty might be one.
I wouldn’t worry about servicing an Advanced RV. They will send you to any certified RV tech, and work with the tech to make any repairs necessary. No need to travel back to Ohio. Ask them and they will tell you all about it.
Good luck in your search for your first RV!!
What was the price of the Ocean model you reviewed. I’m trying to get the price ranges?
Well Skip, to be completely honest, I didn’t ask, and it didn’t exactly have a window sticker.
Advanced-RV builds each one to suit its owner, so it’s going to cost more than something coming “off the line”. And the options you might pick would certainly affect the price. Think of it as hiring an artist to paint your family portrait versus going to the Wal-Mart portrait studio. You’ll notice a difference in price, but you’ll also notice a difference in quality.
Sorry I can’t be more specific. But you can call them up and I think they’ll go as detailed as you want to. They don’t strike me as the high-pressure-sales type, so don’t worry about bugging them.
Steph & James,
thanks for some great reviews. They keep getting better! The Ocean One you reviewed is giving other manufacturers some ideas, and the Airstream Interstate Grand Tour 2015, which incorporates several of the Ocean One concepts, now seems to be AdvancedRV’s major competitor.
We’re hoping that you’ll soon review the Airstream Interstate Grand Tour, and give it your thorough critique.
-Tom
Tom. You mean like this?
We saw the interstate recently at Pomona. It wasn’t a good time for us to conduct a full review of it, but it’s on our list for a future review.
Sorry for the teaser.
We really like the microwave – which you can see in that picture. It’s easy to reach, and in a drawer.
But we did NOT get the impression that they were as open to customization as Advanced-RV is. Not by a long shot.
Cheers!
Yeah, ain’t that microwave the coolest?
I think you’re right about the customization thing. THAT is what distinguishes AdvancedRV from all the others. But when you order “custom”, it almost certainly diminishes your ability to negotiate price. If a stock model gets pretty close to what your dream vehicle is, and they make dozens of them and distribute them to many dealers, then I MAY negotiate a better deal than MSRP.
In your visit to Advanced, did you ever get the impression that they were willing to bend on price to make the sale?
We didn’t talk price with Advanced-RV, so all I can really say is that they seemed like very reasonable and straight-up people. I don’t think they would take advantage of a customization to price-gouge. They would probably have some ideas for you to keep costs down, as long as they didn’t compromise quality. I don’t think you could get them to use a cheap-o inverter, for example. The design process with Advanced-RV would be extensive, and I’m sure there are many opportunities for a sanity and price check.
I always enjoy your reviews. I find information and review facts that are not common knowledge from a buyers perspective. You certainly could design a better RV than those cookie cutter engineers that just stuff a box and call it a RV. I get a lot of ideas from you guys. Keep the reviews coming.
Glad you like the reviews. Because we’ve got more coming!