[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
I have spent the majority of the last three years living in various Winnebago<\/a> Class B<\/a> & Class C<\/a> vans. Being able to try out different vans for long periods of time brought me a wealth of insights into what I was looking for when I purchased a van of my own. I had the opportunity to live in each of these vans for various lengths of time, some for a few months, some for a year, and was able to compare and contrast their features, strengths, and weaknesses. In this post, I will share my experiences living in each of these vans and provide some tips for those who are considering a similar van life adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The first van I lived in was the Winnebago<\/a> Boldt<\/span>\u00a0KL, built on the 170 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. This van is designed for luxury and comfort while also having off-grid capabilities. One of the most important features of the Winnebago Boldt is the Pure 3 Lithium System by Volta. This advanced energy system is made up of three 48V lithium-ion batteries providing 12,800 watt hours of energy, a high-performance alternator, and a power management system that optimizes energy usage. The Boldt\u2019s system capabilities allowed me to explore remote locations for days on end without worrying about my battery levels (why wasn\u2019t Starlink around when I had this much power?!). The Boldt\u2019s interior was homey, high-quality and functional, with a good sized kitchen and two twin beds that could be converted into a queen. The layout of the van worked great for my pup and I with separate beds and an open concept floor plan where we could open up the backdoors and have a straight view of the ocean while cooking dinner.\u00a0 The dual-pane acrylic windows offered an extra layer of insulation as well as a good source of airflow. <\/span><\/p>\n What I didn\u2019t love: not having a dedicated workspace.\u00a0 I would have preferred the layout of the Boldt BL with a dedicated space to work, eat and extra seating for transporting friends. I also didn\u2019t love the length. 170 Sprinters are fantastic if you need the space, but it felt a little too large for me as I\u2019m a solo traveler and made it more difficult to navigate tight trails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Boldt-Idaho-scaled.jpg” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blog Merrisa Class B Winnebago Boldt Idaho” title_text=”NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Boldt-Idaho” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58%” max_width=”58%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Merrisa in Idaho with her Winnebago Boldt KL<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The second van I lived in was the Winnebago <\/a><\/span>Solis<\/span><\/a> PX, built on the 159 Promaster chassis. I spent a year living in this van and enjoyed every minute of it. The layout was perfect, giving me a dedicated space to work and eat as well as a good sized kitchen, wet bath and full-size bed. I also had the luxury of being able to have friends stay with me without having to share my bed. The pop-top offered a second sleeping space all while giving them a cool \u201cvanlife\u201d experience. Not only did the pop-top provide an extra sleeping space, but it was also nice to have open for the extra airflow and natural lighting. The Solis PX offered an AGM battery system with a Cummins Onan 2800i gas generator. I loved the reliability of the generator as it ran off of my fuel tank. So as long as I had gas, I had power. I felt comfortable leaving my dog in the A\/C with the generator on for a few hours without having to worry about running out of power.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Solis-salt-flats-scaled.jpg” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blog Merrisa Class B Winnebago Solis salt flats” title_text=”NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Solis-salt-flats” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”85%” max_width=”85%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Merrisa in the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n However, the Solis was not ideal for off-road adventures, and it was challenging to navigate narrow roads and tight turns with the combination of length and 2WD. Overall, the Solis is an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and convenience over off-road capabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Solis-Pop-top.jpg” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blog Merrisa Class B Winnebago Solis Red Rocks Amphitheater Morrison, CO” title_text=”NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Solis-Pop-top” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58%” max_width=”58%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Merrisa at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO in her Winnebago Solis pop-top<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The third \u201cvan\u201d I lived in was the Winnebago <\/a><\/span>EKKO<\/span><\/a>, built on the AWD Ford Transit chassis and coming in at a little over twenty-three feet long. This RV was the largest rig that I have lived in and it was pure luxury having so much storage space. This versatile and rugged Class C motorhome is designed to take you off the beaten path and allow you to explore the great outdoors in comfort and style. The interior of the Winnebago EKKO is modern and stylish, with high-quality materials and finishes throughout. My favorite part is the genius European design of the pivoting bathroom wall to save space and keep the bathroom dry when not showering. There are two twin beds in the rear that convert into a queen and are the most comfortable van beds that I have ever slept on. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, a freezer big enough for ice cream (!!), a microwave, cooktop, and a sink.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The biggest benefit of the EKKO is its size. It is not much bigger than a van and you get an insane amount of storage; both interior and exterior. Another benefit is the fifty gallons of fresh water capacity. Water is always my biggest drawback when staying off-grid for long periods of time and with the EKKO, I was able to stay in the middle of the desert for weeks on end (of course, this will depend on personal water usage).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most surprising features of the Winnebago EKKO is its off-road capabilities. The all-wheel drive makes this vehicle built to handle some of the more challenging driving conditions and I definitely put it to the test with some of the gnarly off-road roads we went down. This was also the only vehicle that I have never gotten stuck in.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-EKKO-cartwheel-scaled.jpg” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blog Merrisa Class B Winnebago Ekko boondocking” title_text=”NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-EKKO-cartwheel” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”85%” max_width=”85%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Merrisa having fun with her Winnebago EKKO<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The fourth van I have lived in is the Winnebago <\/a><\/span>Solis<\/span><\/a> Pocket, built on the 136 Promaster chassis.\u00a0 This is the van I ended up purchasing after spending time learning what I did and didn\u2019t need in the other vans. The Solis Pocket is a great combination of most of the things I loved about the other vans. It has a dedicated work space, a second bed for friends, plenty of storage, a decent sized kitchen, and a full bed. I can\u2019t take it off-roading per say, but the short length makes it easier to get to places that a longer van may have trouble accessing. I can also whip a u-turn without having to do a three point turn and that was important to me ;). After spending time in the other vans, I decided that a bathroom wasn\u2019t as important to me as I once thought it was. This van is perfect for me as a solo traveler because of its size and surprising amount of storage.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Pocket-working.png” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blog Merrisa Class B Winnebago Pocket working” title_text=”NIRVC-blog-Merrisa-Class-B-Winnebago-Pocket-working” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”58%” max_width=”58%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n