Thanks for all the great information. We have a Coachmen Freedom Express 2017 Travel trailer that has been an excellent camper. No issues. We are looking to purchase a class b+ or a class c. Really appreciate all that you and your wife share. Thanks again.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@rightright65829 күн бұрын
14 mpg way too much, south of the border, we install a natural gas tank system. We get an equivalent of 25 mpg in our net cost
@markbeavers57474 ай бұрын
Great review as I had a lot of questions on this unit. Thanks and looking forward to more reviews!!!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Thanks! With the number of views this one got, there is clearly a good deal of interest in the model. I need to put a little more effort into my videos, I guess.
@markbeavers57474 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 You videos are excellent I think!!!
@robertarnobit53572 ай бұрын
Loved your review ❤️ the vancaskeys loved your class B+ van and so do i. I'm an all around handyman and your issues are easy fix👍 I will get the same one. Very cheap too😊
@ricktanner98172 ай бұрын
We were excited to have the Vancaskeys do a video review of our new RV. I believe that is the most popular video they did this year. You wouldn't be "Traveling Robert" from KZfaq, would you?
@krislynch74544 ай бұрын
Love your narration of your journey❤❤ stay safe!!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Thank you! You too!
@SkySkier4 ай бұрын
Nice explanation, thank you. If there was a twin bed model this would certainly be on my list.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
That would be nice. This works for us, but I certainly understand it wouldn't work for most. There is a bunk house model.
@jonnygrizz4 ай бұрын
Very informative, thank you!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@EugenesVids4 ай бұрын
Another great video, thanks! I have a 2023 Cross Trail 20 XG. It has 640AH of lithium but only a single 130w solar panel. I'm looking to add a second 200w panel. I was hoping for a recommendation on which panel to buy and wondering how I can find the beams on the roof to mount it to. Thanks again. Eugene
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
We tried to match the location of the new panels with the existing one to hit the beams. This week we were in 35 mph head wind driving 65mph. That put a 100 mph wind over the top and no issues. In my research I found it was important to match the panels specs as closely as possible. We have Renorgy and Go Power, but the specs are the same.
@EugenesVids4 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 Great, thanks for the info!
@Flyingfrogs2y3 ай бұрын
I’m fixing to go back on the road as a traveling electrician. My wife wants me to buy a motor home so she can come with as well as the pets 😅. Thank you sir for your videos on this rig. I think this is the winner since I can carry all of my tools and only have one vehicle to drive and not worry about towing my truck. 🤠
@ricktanner98173 ай бұрын
Glad the videos were useful to you. I hope to have a new one out this weekend. Just did a 5,000 mile trip and had some unexpected adventures. All well in the end. Best of luck!
@somedayistodayrv4 ай бұрын
Sounds like a great adventure to Washington State. Nice review of the different RV's, chassis, etc. Thanks for the info and sharing all the details, good or not so good. Take care.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Thanks 😊 We just returned to Seattle after a 7 day Alaska cruise. It was a lot of fun and a nice break from the road, but we are happy to be back on the RV.
@StephenRizzuto-jo1vo2 ай бұрын
Rick, have you camped in Critter in freezing temperatures? Is the Cross Trail Extreme a four season RV? Thanks
@ricktanner98172 ай бұрын
Many nights in the single digits. Furnace is propane and very efficient. Never had an issue with anything freezing. All tanks are on heating pads. Per Coachmen, it is a 4 seasons RV. Drives great in show and ice as it has a lift kit, all terrain tires, and full-time all wheel drive.
@Squarekn0t4 ай бұрын
Critter, had the same problem with my daughters hinges in the Thor Tallero. I redecked my houseboat many years ago and when I went to reinstall the railings I drilled a smaller pilot hole and then used one of those small syringe style to soak the wood with epoxy so any water would not cause wood to start rotting. On the hinges it would solidify the pressboard to give the screw something to anchor in. (I love talking nautical). So I went around and did the same thing and then reinserted the screws after it set. Thor's water filter was under the front bench seat, but in order to lower the filter cartridge you would spill water all over under the compartment, and they put a hose right in front of it so you could not even get it out without removing the whole bench seat above?????? Been following you since you stopped at VanCaseys in Phoenix.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
I think we are going to give this a try. Thanks.
@keithburton37133 ай бұрын
I like that idea boat owners come up with the best ideas👍👍
@DebThoraLarsenАй бұрын
Hi Rick, My partner and I really appreciate your videos on the Cross Trail - the insights and approach. We are considering the Cross Trail 20XG and similarly, the new (2024) Jayco Granite Ridge and the Entegra Condor. Would be great to get your input on power particularly if you have a moment. Seems the Cross Trail has a great boondocking power system but we really prefer the bedroom cabinet storage on the Jayco and Entegra as well as the fuller outside kitchen and larger tanks due to cassette but are not sure about the battery/ power capabilities in them nor do we love first year release or new of any rv. (Seems kinks get ironed out and depreciation is so extreme in those fist couple years on top of current crazy prices.) The Granite Ridge (and I think Condor is the same in all respects) states it has 3.9 Kwh 12 lith battery w 360 roof solar (room for more), dual controller and 2,000 watt inverter. We are almost RV newbies and have limited knowledge here but like you, we are not campground folks, plan to be part-year on the road working remotely and traveling, and prefer BLM n Forest Roads etc as much as we can before campgrounds. I wish Coachman considered that for many it was not necessary to raise that bed all the way to ceiling to use the garage for most things w three access doors. Seems that would allow for full upper cabinets in bedroom and better TV placement not blocking the window. Also, I know you said its a great coach in many respects and appreciate that input. Yet.... for 150,000+ it is discouraging to have to correct so many things. We are handy, fixers and restorers and its discouraging to see screws pulling out on brand new RV cabinets at this price or cheap Chinese fans instead of spending $500 more dollars to put ones in correctly initially. Its not like that poor quality is unrecognized. It is a choice to overlook it. One I dont like but cant do much about I guess. Very few rigs in this niche.. Anyway is you have a sense on how the power compares on these to yours I would be so so grateful for any direction. Best wishes!
@ricktanner9817Ай бұрын
Feel free to email me if you like at ricktanner@outlook.com for additional info any time. This (selecting a new RV) is no easy choice, but you are asking the right questions. We see little upside to campgrounds when traveling. Makes more sence money wise to drive your car and stay in the best hotel resorts than to buy an expensie RV then pay for hookups every night while you are crammed in listening to arguments, dogs and everyone elses noise. Not to mention being smoked out by campfires blinded with miles of rope lights. The fees are nuts and we didn't buy and RV to be bound by reservations, check in times and check out times. Last night we were right on the beach near Galveston, for free. You could pay the county $10 and stay for a year! I digress....Power is vital and you need options. As you know we have a lithiam battery bank of 800 amps factory and that is huge for this size RV. The trick is filling the batteries and this rig has a second dedicated altinator in the Transit engine to do that while you are driving. After that you have the sun and we have 4 nice 200 watt panels on top with another 300 watts we can plug in on the side. Then there is the duel fuel genny that is fantastic when you need it. It will draw from either your big propane tank or gas tank with the flip of a switch. Finally there is the option to plug in with a 30 amp service. We don't actually even travel with the cable because we never use it. The batteries will run everything (including AC) through the 3000 watt inverter but when it is really hot out and the AC is on 24-7 you will need to keep them topped off with the genny or by driving. Yesterday it was 109 and humid so we did have to call on the genny. Let me know if you would liek to discuss more.
@DebThoraLarsenАй бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 Thank you Rick. So very generous of you. I will take you up on that. Til then so pleased to hear your description of power with your set up. Wow! FYI Agree 100% with your campground digression!
@philo50962 ай бұрын
Great vid, I wish it was a real bedroom and not a flipup bed to hallway. That looks cheap and tacky. I am glad its a Ford though.
@ricktanner98172 ай бұрын
This style bedroom is not for everyone but works for us.
@frankehret88444 ай бұрын
These have been great, I'm living vicariously through you. I'm about to make the plunge to do this full-time time I'm looking at a couple of different B+ motorhomes and I'm curious about the things I just take for Granted when you're living in one place. If you're in this full-time, how do you deal with the simple stuff, like mail, meds, if you want to buy something off Amazon and if you're full timing and this is your home and traveling from state to state when it comes time to file your taxes what's your place or residence. I’m Thinking of a two-year journey and doing this full time which are probably simple questions, hopefully, they have simple answers. thanks
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
We have a small place in Ketchikan Alaska so that is our home address. Amazon will ship to lock boxes in just about every town. There are some good videos out there that address all the details when going full time.
@WndyW00-zv2op4 ай бұрын
I’m glad to learn the mpg, unable to find that info anywhere. I’ve spoke to Nolan at MH Specialist & told him I’ve been learning about this motorhome through you & Shari’s video’s. He definitely knows you & has high regards for you. I wanted to tell him you should be compensated for any referrals to them. 😊 I hope to get a 21xg in the future & am now wondering if the non extreme may get a bit better mpg? Love all your mods too!!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
If the non Extreme is not AWD, I am certain it will get much better MPG. Possibly as high as 17 or 18.
@ohenri59383 ай бұрын
We have found your experience very informative. We are picking up our new 20xg on Wednesday . Thecwife is encouraging me to do mush of what you have done, and then some. I am curious as to where you tapped into the 12 volts for the fan in the bedroom? We want to add a couple of reading lights in the bedroom.
@ricktanner98173 ай бұрын
Sherri actually had to run it from the 12 v under the dinette. It was a little tricky, but feel free to reach out when you are ready to do that.
@mikemangum48862 ай бұрын
Hey Rick,we really appreciate all the content you put out about this rig! Wondering if there’s any apps that you use in your boondocking adventures?
@ricktanner98172 ай бұрын
Sometimes. Free campsites.net is one and occasionally Overlander.
@KamperKen6384 ай бұрын
Is your RV 3 season or 4 season? is the fresh water tank in a heated area. Thanks,Ken
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
It is 4 season. All tanks are on heated pads that are controlled by a switch on the control panel. We have spent much of the first 3 months in the teens. Just a few times in the single digits and had no problems at all. The furnace runs off the huge propane tank, so it is very efficient. Propane also runs the on-demand hot water and the outdoor griddle. We have only filled the tank once in 5 months.
@KamperKen6384 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 thank you for the info
@citionriverАй бұрын
It does not have a generator, right? How did you manage that problem of traveling during winter month where literslly no sun for days?
@ricktanner9817Ай бұрын
Yes, it does have a generator. We didn't use it once all winter. The furnace is propane, and the batteries charge any time you drive. Also, I don't believe we ever went more than a day or two without any sun. Even partial sun will generate power.
@mikecat17714 ай бұрын
Its a great boondocker
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
That it is.
@renataraziano89534 ай бұрын
Since you have driven both, I'm wondering how you would compare the power of the Transit Ecoboost to the Ram promaster? We have a promaster and find it pretty lacking on the uphills in the mountain west.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Even though the Coachmen is a good deal heavier than our Sequence was the available power is noticeably greater. Even very steep bridges are no problem.
@anchaleelong97414 ай бұрын
How do you install the privacy curtains they look very nice, I like to install one in my, but look like you got professional to do it for you, if you can answer me I thank you very much.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Sherri installed it. Track is an adhesive stick product from Amazon, and no screws are needed. Blackout curtains are from Walmart. She cut them to the right length and used iron on hem tape.
@ChrisHarrold4 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 It sounds like Sherri is the real-life, female version of Macgyver!!! :)
@Vancaskeys4 ай бұрын
Awesome video!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
You are too kind! My videos are still terrible. Fortunately, people are willing to watch in spite of that. If they want actual entertainment with quality planning and editing, they go to your channel. I tune in every Wednesday afternoon.
@kdel4518 күн бұрын
Thanks for a great video. I am considering upsizing from my self-built class B (on a transit chassis) to a crosstrail or similar. Do you know where I can buy a Crosstrail like yours? Meaning...with all of the electrical upgrades, lift kit, etc. They seem to be hard to find. Can you point me in a direction? :)
@ricktanner981718 күн бұрын
We purchased ours from MHSRV in Alvarado, TX. The salesperson was Noland. This is not the only dealer in the country but we had bought from this dealership before and we're very comfortable with them. If you fly in, they will pick you up from the airport. I believe they are the largest single RV dealership in the world. They have golf carts for customers because the lot is huge. You could spend days looking.
@kdel4517 күн бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 Okay. Thank you!!
@horizon42q4 ай бұрын
Good one
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Thanks, I thought I may have come off as long-winded or repetitive, but so far, no complaints.
@FrPeterTobias2 ай бұрын
I’ve heard recently about pex fittings being used on flex hoses throughout the industry resulting in leaks. Is this really an issue?
@ricktanner98172 ай бұрын
Ours is pex fittings on pex hoses. The issue we had was the hot water pex hose in the shower was cut slightly too long during the build. This put pressure on the fitting/fixture and resulted in a slow leak. There was no water damage, but it was a pain getting to it and correcting it.
@oimissed12923 ай бұрын
I was hoping you were going to let us know which one got the best fuel mileage between the Ford the Mercedes and the Dodge and which one would you prefer to drive if it wasn't for the electronic doodads thanks
@ricktanner98173 ай бұрын
Best MPG was the Dodge Promaster, then Ford, then Mercedes Benz, but the weight has more to do with that than anything else. The Tiffin on the Mercedes weighed twice what the Thor Sequence (Dodge) did. I love all the electronic doodads, but that aside, the MB has the best torque, comfortable seats, and smoothest ride.
@TonyThomson-ke3on4 ай бұрын
Hi Rick, considering a unit equipped identically to yours, w/ exception of duel fuel generator. Thoughts on no gen?
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
That's an interesting question, and I am on the fence. On one hand, it is always good to have a backup. It is also important when considering resale value. On the other hand, it weighs a lot and takes up space for something we almost never use. Finally, as an option, it adds about $4,000 to the cost of the RV. Knowing what I know now, I would likely choose not to add it. But that's just us.
@CDelandFl4 ай бұрын
How long can you run the A/C on the house battery?
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Just based on what I have read, you can run the AC for 9 hours with 1 400 amp battery. We have two (for a total of 800 amps) but we have hardly used the AC, so I don't have any personal data. The outside air temperature would also factor in greatly. We'll see how the summer goes.
@bruceobrien58034 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 my wife and I are thinking of buying the same unit.bany regrets? Thanks
@bruceobrien58033 ай бұрын
I just bought the same unit and if you do not mind, I have a question. What is the best way to connect with you? Many thanks! Bruce
@ricktanner98173 ай бұрын
You can email me at ricktanner@outlook.com
@sew_gal73404 ай бұрын
I also heard thor craftsmanship is atrocious these days, and everything they make falls apart now...is this true?
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
Sadly, that has been our experience with the 2022 Thor Sequence we had.
@ChineseSneakerMoney3 ай бұрын
How do you feel about not having auto leveling jacks?
@ricktanner98173 ай бұрын
At first I thought it was going to be an issue with both leveling and with wobbling as you moved around inside. Turns our it hasn't been an issue for either. On the rare occasions I can not get in a level spot, I do have a set of levelers. I have only used them a couple of times.
@XPRoller12 күн бұрын
Nice review! Any spare tire?
@ricktanner981712 күн бұрын
No, this unit does not come with a spare tire.
@XPRoller11 күн бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 then I can’t go to any remote area. No guts to go.
@ricktanner981711 күн бұрын
@XPRoller We do carry a tire repair kit and inflator. That will work with a puncture in the tread but not sidewall damage.
@user-mf2xv4ez2wАй бұрын
No, at these prices I don't expect quality issues. Current RVs remind me of American cars in the late 70's and early 80's (crap!).
@ricktanner9817Ай бұрын
I can't disagree with that.
@dlg54852 күн бұрын
There should never be quality issues on any brand new RV. The RV industry has brainwashed everyone into believing their terrible quality should be expected, but that's nonsense. At these prices, I don't want to deal with unnecessary issues that prevent me from enjoying the rig I paid good money for.
@sew_gal73404 ай бұрын
NICE ! I've been monitoring this channel because i am a newbie rver embarking on the road for the first time and ive narrowed it down to this rig and another A class....i really love the high quality of this one though!
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
We feel very fortunate to be so problem free considering all the high-tech features this RV had and all of the off-roading we do. Hope it continues.
@rickowen44104 ай бұрын
I’ve never understood why Coachmen’s B+ products can be such poor quality compared to other rigs they make that are higher quality.
@ricktanner98174 ай бұрын
This is our first Coachmen product and like I said in the video, we are very pleased with both the engineering and build quality of this B+ RV. If othe Coachmen classes are better, that's great.
@rickowen44104 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 if you’re satisfied, that’s what counts. I like the modifications and improvements you’ve done. You seem very handy. This can make a difference, compared to folks like myself who aren’t quite as handy. You have been able to further upfit and upgrade your coach. Congratulations. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
@TonyThomson-ke3on4 ай бұрын
@@ricktanner9817 looking at a similarly equipped unit but minus the generator. mistake?