Are Leisure Travel Vans Worth the Money? If you love traveling and exploring new places, you might have considered getting a recreational vehicle (RV) to make your trips more comfortable and convenient. RVs come in different shapes and sizes, from large motorhomes to small trailers, but one of the most popular types is the leisure travel van.
Leisure travel vans are compact luxury motorhomes that offer a range of features and amenities for a comfortable road trip. They are built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Ford Transit chassis, which provide reliable performance and safety. Leisure travel vans have innovative floorplans that maximize living space and storage, as well as convertible beds and seating areas that can accommodate different needs. They also have a full kitchen and bathroom, insulation, heating/cooling systems, and optional solar power to make your travel experience more enjoyable.
But are leisure travel vans worth the money? How much do they cost and what are the pros and cons of owning one? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some tips and advice to help you decide if a leisure travel van is right for you.
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Are Leisure Travel Vans Worth the Money?
Leisure travel vans are designed to provide a high level of comfort and convenience for travelers who want to explore the world in style.
What Makes Leisure Travel Vans So Appealing?
Some of the benefits of owning a leisure travel van are:
1. Compact size
Leisure travel vans are smaller than most RVs, which makes them easier to drive, park, and maneuver. They can fit in most standard parking spaces and garages, and they have a lower fuel consumption than larger motorhomes. They are also more agile and versatile, allowing you to access more places and destinations that might be off-limits for bigger RVs.
2. Luxury features
Leisure travel vans are equipped with high-quality materials and finishes, such as handcrafted wood cabinetry, French-seamed upholstery, LED lighting, and Corian countertops. They also have modern appliances and technology, such as a refrigerator, microwave, stove, TV, DVD player, stereo system, and USB ports. Some models even have a digital rearview mirror, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features like lane keeping assist and brake assist.
3. Innovative design
Leisure travel vans have clever floorplans that optimize the use of space and offer flexibility and functionality. Depending on the model, you can choose from different bed configurations, such as twin beds, a corner bed, a rear lounge, or a Murphy bed that folds down from the wall. You can also transform the seating areas into additional sleeping spaces, dining areas, or workstations. The storage space is also ample and well-organized, with cabinets, drawers, closets, and compartments for your belongings.
4. Comfortable living
Leisure travel vans are designed to make you feel at home on the road. They have a full bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink, as well as a kitchen with a sink, faucet, and cooktop. They also have insulation, heating, and cooling systems to keep you comfortable in any weather. Some models have optional solar panels and lithium batteries that allow you to go off-grid and enjoy the outdoors without relying on external power sources.
How Much Do Leisure Travel Vans Cost?
Are Leisure Travel Vans Worth the Money? Leisure travel vans are not cheap, but they are not the most expensive RVs either. The price of a leisure travel van depends on the model, the year, the condition, and the options you choose. According to the Leisure Travel Vans website, the starting prices for the 2024 models are:
- Wonder: $156,370 USD
- Unity: $186,370 USD
- Serenity: $206,370 USD
These prices are for the base models and do not include taxes, fees, or delivery charges. You can also customize your leisure travel van with different colors, fabrics, finishes, and features, which will increase the cost. For example, adding solar panels, lithium batteries, a generator, or a macerator will add thousands of dollars to the price.
If you are looking for a used leisure travel van, you can find them on websites like AutoTrader.ca2 or RV Trader, where you can browse through listings from dealers and private sellers. The prices of used leisure travel vans vary depending on the age, mileage, condition, and location of the vehicle. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 for a used leisure travel van, depending on these factors.
What to Consider Before Buying a Leisure Travel Van?
Buying a leisure travel van is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Before you make a purchase, you should think about the following aspects:
1. Your budget
Leisure travel vans are not cheap, so you need to have a realistic budget and a financing plan. You should also factor in the ongoing costs of owning and maintaining a leisure travel van, such as insurance, registration, fuel, repairs, maintenance, and storage. You should also consider the depreciation of the vehicle, which means that it will lose value over time and might be harder to sell in the future.
2. Your lifestyle
Leisure travel vans are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of RVing, but they are not for everyone. You should consider how often you plan to use your leisure travel van, where you want to go, and what kind of activities you want to do. You should also think about how comfortable you are with living in a small space, driving a large vehicle, and dealing with the challenges of RVing, such as finding campsites, hooking up utilities, dumping tanks, and troubleshooting issues.
3. Your needs
Leisure travel vans come in different models and floorplans, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences, based on the number of people you travel with, the amount of space and storage you need, the type of bed and seating you prefer, and the features and options you want. You should also compare the different chassis options, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Ford Transit, and see which one offers the best performance, fuel efficiency, and safety for your needs.
FAQs: Are Leisure Travel Vans Worth the Money
Here are some frequently asked questions about are leisure travel vans worth the money:
Q: How many people can sleep in a leisure travel van?
The number of people that can sleep in a leisure travel van depends on the model and the floorplan. The Wonder and the Unity models can sleep up to four people, while the Serenity model can sleep up to three people. However, the sleeping capacity also depends on the size and comfort of the beds and the seating areas that can be converted into sleeping spaces.
Q: How long are leisure travel vans?
The length of leisure travel vans varies depending on the model and the chassis. The Wonder models are 24 feet 9 inches long, the Unity models are 25 feet 1 inch long, and the Serenity model is 24 feet 6 inches long. These lengths are measured from the front bumper to the rear bumper and do not include any accessories or extensions.
How much do leisure travel vans weigh?
The weight of leisure travel vans depends on the model, the chassis, and the options. The Wonder models have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 11,030 lbs, the Unity models have a GVWR of 11,030 lbs or 11,030 lbs depending on the chassis, and the Serenity model has a GVWR of 11,030 lbs. The GVWR is the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, the passengers, the cargo, the fluids, and the accessories.
How do I find a leisure travel van dealer near me?
You can find a leisure travel van dealer near you by visiting the Leisure Travel Vans website and using the dealer locator tool. You can enter your zip code or city and state, and the tool will show you the nearest dealers and their contact information. You can also filter the results by the models and the services they offer.
Conclusion: Are Leisure Travel Vans Worth the Money
Leisure travel vans are compact luxury motorhomes that offer a range of benefits for travelers who want to explore the world in style and comfort. They have innovative floorplans, high-quality features, and reliable performance. However, they are also expensive, require maintenance, and might not suit everyone’s lifestyle and needs.
Therefore, before buying a leisure travel van, you should consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your needs, and compare the different models and options available. You should also do your own research and verify the facts before making a purchase. If you are interested in learning more about leisure travel vans, you can visit the Leisure Travel Vans website, watch their videos, read their blog, or contact their dealers. We hope this article has helped you answer the question: are leisure travel vans worth the money? Happy travels!