Roadtrek Zion | Our Personal RV Camper Van Review | Best RV?

Last Updated on 04/07/2024 by Glynn Willard

Roadtrek RV Reviews From Personal Experience

 
We currently own a 2023 Roadtrek Zion Slumber built on a 2022 Ram Promaster chassis.

When shopping for class Bs, we narrowed down our decision to Roadtrek class B motorhomes based on:

• Reputation of the Roadtrek brand.

 

• A comfortable floor plan that could safely seat four.

 

• The Zion Slumber’s ability to comfortably sleep four.

 

• It’s fuel fuel-efficient (for an RV) gas engine.

 
My goal is to help satisfy your curiosity and answer your questions from the perspective of someone who just researched campervans for purchase and all the questions and problems we faced after the delivery of our new Roadtrek.

I will update this article as we put more miles on our campervan bouncing around North America.

Oh, and we’re not affiliated with Roadtrek, so this is unbiased.
 

 

Why A Class B Camper For A Family Of Four?

 
I know, I know, it’s too small for a family of four. I agree.

But we now have a different agenda from our full-time RV life on the road.

Since we needed to stay closer to our home base in Delaware, we decided on small and agile.

It’s easy to maneuver a 28′ travel trailer all over BLM land out west. But not in the Northeast quadrant.

I also wanted something fuel-efficient (for an RV) that could also serve as a “get around” mobile while traveling and in our local area.

This “chapter” of our traveling will likely last about two years, so we (as a family) will survive the tight quarters.

If there are more than four in your family and you’re considering a campervan, proceed cautiously.
 

What Other Camper Vans Did We Consider?

 
It’s only fair that I disclose the other vans we considered before moving forward with Roadtrek.

The following made our “final pick” list.

I’ll be brief.

• Winnebago Solis 59PX
   
  
  

  We came close, but the quality just wasn’t there.

  
   
  We’ve never been impressed with the Winnebago RVs, but at first, the Solis checked a lot of boxes. Ultimately, we didn’t like the build quality.

 

• Storyteller Overland Stealth Mode
   
  
  

  We really wanted to make this work!

  
   
  This would have been our first choice if it slept four more comfortably.

  It’s the most suitable for the type of RV camping we do when traveling.

 
We also considered the Winnebago Revel, but wrote it off quickly after realizing 2023 and older models have unsafe rear passenger seating.

This has been updated for 2024, going forward. Credit given!

The articles below highlight some of the criteria we looked for when shopping for a class B van.
 
Guide To The Best Class B Camper (Vans) For Boondocking
 
Best Family Class B RVs That Sleep 4 (Camper Vans)
 

Our (My) First Impressions Of The Popular Roadtrek

 
I went to pick up our Roadtrek from Beaver Motors RV, spent the night checking the RV systems, and then did the four-hour trek home solo.

Of course, I was looking and listening for every discrepancy and unnatural sound emanating from the van.

The chassis did great on the steep upward and downward grades. However, I should not have compared it to my previous diesel HD truck with an engine brake.

Here are my first thoughts during my drive home on a variety of roads:
 

• This thing is noisy! Yes, it creaks and moans with every bump, and the skylight whistles at speeds over 60mph.
  A lot of the creaking and moaning dissipated once we tightened and added weight to the cabinetry.

 

• The radio that comes with Promaster’s RV chassis is garbage. In fact, it would be better if it was left out of the van. It might be the first big upgrade (for my sanity).

 

• The van gets a lot more attention from others than our travel trailer did. This may not reflect the van build quality, but it was an observation.

 

• I didn’t like the driver’s seat angle. It’s limited because it bumps up against the wet bath wall.

  Yes, an opinion, but worth considering if you like to recline when driving.

 

• The “ride feel” was similar to a minivan with stiff suspension. Not too bad for an RV.

 

• I was pleased to have achieved over 17 mpg of gasoline during the drive home. I was used to getting 11 mpg of diesel when towing. Nice!!!

We have since used the van more to its full abilities, so read on for a more in-depth review of the systems.
 

 

Our Opinion Of The Components & Build Quality

 

 
Since there was no previous owner, we had to work out the “kinks” in the van ourselves.

And since the nearest Roadtrek dealer is over two hours away, we didn’t see any point in having warranty work done on things we could fix ourselves.

I’ll list each system separately, giving our experience with each.
 

• The Roadtrek’s Electrical System

   
  We learned a lot about different RV electrical systems while living on the road and interviewing several big players in the RV electrical upgrade world.

  I thought I was prepared for the complexities of Roadtrek’s electrical systems.

  Our Zion came with 600 amp hours of KS2 lithium batteries, a 3000-watt inverter, 200 watts of solar panels, and a charge controller.

  The van is also equipped with a second alternator under the hood creatively dubbed an “under-hood generator.”

  The whole system functions a little differently than many we’ve been exposed to, but it’s not impossible to learn.

  When designing this particular system, if Roadtrek engineers had supplied its customers with schematics and a better explanation, a lot of confusion could have been avoided.

  We have since, figured out how the whole system works and how to address problems.

  If you’re considering a Roadtrek, be prepared for a learning curve.

 

• Roadtrek Zion’s Water System

   
  Several of the newer Roadtreks come with two freshwater tanks. It’s an odd setup, but it functions.

  There’s no way to winterize the campervan without adding antifreeze to the freshwater tanks.

  It’s possible, but either requires modification of the plumbing around the water pump or hand-pumping antifreeze into the city water intake.

  The plumbing in OUR travel trailer was laid out simply and you could easily blow out the lines.

  The Roadtrek is a little more complicated.

  Our Roadtrek came with a Truma Aquago Go water heater. It’s an instant hot water heater that relies on propane. It works fine.

  The toilet is in the shower (wet bath) and is a little tight, but it works.

  It’s definitely not an option for a family of four or more for full-time RVing.

  Most Roadtreks come with both a macerator and a gravity-fed dump system. There’s no place to store a stinky-slinky, so we just use the macerator.

 

• Roadtrek’s Exterior Features

   
  There’s no exterior storage in a Roadtrek. But there is a really nice power awning that works well and is well-designed.

  There’s also a decent outdoor shower that we have not yet used.

  Screens are more indoor, but the side door (passenger side) and rear doors screen system is good quality and functions as it should.

 

• The HVAC Systems In Roadtrek

   
  The 16,000 BTU furnace, like most RV’s is fueled by propane and works just fine.

  The 110 V, 13,500 BTU roof-mounted AC is made by GE and also works well. It can run off the batteries for several hours, which is nice.

  Pop-top Slumber versions have a skylight rather than a Max Air fan for obvious reasons.

 

• Firefly Control System

   
  The RV industry has stepped up most newer RVs with some type of digital command center for all the systems.

  Roadtrek contracts with Firefly, which works well so far and has a comfortable user interface.

  I especially like that it connects to my phone and I can monitor and control the systems whenever I’m near the van.

 

• Cabinetry Build Quality

   
  Our previous RV had solid wood cabinetry, so we’re a little disappointed with the veneer cabinets.

  They’re not awful and better than Winnebago Motorhomes and Thor.

  Although the Storyteller Overland we were considering had solid wood cabinets. They were nice!

 

• Storage Spaces In The Roadtrek

   
  There’s a surprisingly decent amount of storage in our Zion Slumber. The cabinets, drawers, nooks, and garage space can handle a lot.

  There’s also a higher cargo-carrying capacity that you’ll likely need during your travels.

  All-in-all, we have been pleasantly surprised with the amount of storage for all four of us.


 

• Sleep Comfort In The Zion Slumber

   
  There’s a king size bed in the rear of the van. I like how smaller RVs use the term king size when it’s a little smaller.

  It starts as a reclining bench seat with shoulder belts that our boys use when traveling and as a seating area for dining/work.

  The slumber pop-top opens up an enormous (and comfortable) bed that will easily sleep two.

  That said, our boys refuse to share a bed and I completely understand.
   
  
   
  So we use a Luno air mattress for the cab of the Promaster. It’s really nice and quite comfortable.

  A curtain rod and lightweight curtains have provided our youngest son with his own bedroom.

  I like to call it a “car bed!”

​ 

• Promaster 2022 Features & Issues

   
  This particular Roadtrek lacks a spare tire, with which I’m not comfortable.

  We dealt with wheel issues several times in our travel trailer during our two years of full-time.

  We’re currently researching the best way to add a spare tire to the van. There are plenty of options.

  The backup camera also functions full-time on the rear-view mirror. This gives a much better field of view around the van.

  Otherwise, it’s a cargo van.

 

 

 

Our Overall Thoughts About Traveling In A Roadtrek Campervan

 

 
Other than the worthless audio system, we love traveling in the van.

It fits in most parking spots, is comfortable, and functions like any other motorhome.

We have to give a shout-out and praise to the whole FB Roadtrek Zion group and administrators.

They do a better job at discriminating helpful information about the campervan than Roadtrek Inc.

The group is also full of kind and welcoming individuals who are always willing to help.

We found the ORV FB community to be the same.

Whatever flavor of campervan you are seeking, a great way to get to know the RV and community is to join one of these FB groups.

Is it obvious how much we like the RV lifestyle and community?
 

The Problems We’ve Encountered With Our Roadtrek

 
As of current, we only had the following issues occur with our Roadtrek Zion Model. One worked itself out and I repaired what I could.
​ 

1. The Roadtrek installed LED light over the passenger seat didn’t work.
    
   Oddly, after a while, it just started working. This is likely a reflection of a loose wire connector.

 

2. After my first “Navy shower” in the van, I found water outside on the ground under the shower area.
    
   We tested it and found the plumbing coming from the shower pan to be secure and properly installed.

   Then we tested the caulking between the walls and shower pan. Found it!

   I resealed the junctions, let them dry, and tested them again. No leaking! Problem solved.

 
I will continue to update this list if more issues arise.
 

Wrapping Up Our Review Of Roadtrek

 
Overall, we are very satisfied with our Roadtrek for both leisure travel, long trips, and an occasional local camping trip.

Based on our experience so far, I can genuinely say that Roadtrek is building quality Class B motorhomes.

If you’re looking for a campervan for yourself or your family, Roadtrek is a worthy option to investigate.
 
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