Davydd, I'm not sure why you would suggest that it is inappropriate that someone might look at both Advanced RV and Roadtrek. From a systems innovation standpoint, they seem to be the two best Class B Sprinters on the market, although with different strengths and weaknesses. I think it would be a mistake not to look at both of them and evaluate each option. I've spent a lot of time trying to learn about both.
ARV clearly is more technologically advanced, has a higher finish level, offers VB air suspension, and provides an opportunity for extensive customization, but also carries a substantially higher price tag, has a longer lead time and involves the inherent risks of dealing with a smaller upfitter. There's not a lot of information on ARV's pricing, but rdominy indicated it would be upwards of $220,000 for any ARV, and I've seen other posts indicating that one might expect over $250,000, and perhaps $300,000, for a reasonably well-equipped 4x4. ARV's lead time is apparently around 12 months, although I've also heard rumors that it can be more than two years. Two years is a long time to wait for an old man like me, although if I died in the interim, it could serve as a pretty nice mausoleum.
Roadtrek's 2016 CS, when properly equipped, has the opportunity for more solar, more battery capacity, and an undermount air conditioner. Roadtrek also can provide an all electric RV, with an underhood engine generator/alternator, a large inverter and diesel radiant heat. Not bad. A 4x4 XL CS with every imaginable option offered by Roadtrek can be had for about $160,000. I'm told a special order unit can be delivered in three to four months. Roadtrek is a larger, more established upfitter, and now has Hymer backing it financially.
I've seen posts about Solar Womp, and it is indeed quite the vehicle. Congratulations to 773captain on his design and vision. Clearly it would not be available from a production upfitter like Roadtrek. I've also read many of your posts here and elsewhere, and realize that Roadtrek isn't the right upfitter to provide articulating beds and many of the other customizations that you've described. ARV is clearly the leader in full customization, and that's a real plus.
Admittedly, Roadtrek's finish level is a bit dated and doesn't appear to compete with ARV's in any objective analysis. It's floorplan isn't ideal (for me) and the ability to customize Roadtrek's product is limited to a set of factory options. Roadtrek doesn't offer VB air suspension, although I've checked and there apparently are authorized VB shops that can add it at a reasonable price. There are a lot of people out there who think Roadtrek's product, despite its limitations, is still a nice RV.
Compromise is the basic calculus in anything relating to a Class B. I don't think that my considering both ARV and Roadtrek is irrational. Rdominy seriously looked at both, and eventually chose Roadtrek. I'm sure he isn't alone. I assume you looked at various upfitters and chose ARV, and I don't doubt you had a good reason to choose ARV for your needs.
I can easily afford an ARV, but that doesn't mean cost and value (which is admittedly a purely subjective analysis) should be completely discounted. And there are other factors, like having something to enjoy now, rather than a year or two from now. Finally, there is the factor of the buying experience, which for me is an important consideration. Rdominy indicated that he had some concerns regarding "customer frustration", and that's why I asked that he elaborate on his experience. I don't think that's unreasonable.
I'd welcome any thoughts you might be able to provide as an ARV owner, just as I asked for rdominy's thoughts on the ARV process. I don't, however, agree with your position that anyone who would consider a Roadtrek is some sort of unenlightened Philistine who is unworthy of even considering an ARV.
Why do so many people get so defensive and critical on these websites? We're talking about an RV after all, not each other's wives and children.
quality build.
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