Category: New Class B

Class B Vans provide the very best way to travel across the country.  There size and gas mileage allow you to go anywhere at any time.  Large motorhomes are difficult to maneuver and are limited on where they can go.   With a larger RV, many people leave the RV behind and drive a tow vehicle to explore the area.  With a small Class B Camper, comfort and home is always with you.  In a Roadtrek Van you can access narrow forest roads and other dirt roads leading to free dispersed camping areas.

Class B Vans are truly for an individual who wants it all. Enjoy the convenience of your own bathroom, change room, kitchen, living room and bedroom. You can be more spontaneous.  Since all your gear is with you, if you find a wonderful hiking trail, camping area, or meet up with people, you can take advantage of opportunities without having to return to home base.

For more information on starting your adventure in a Roadtrek van, call 1-866-975-3287.  One of our van experts will help you decide which van best fits your needs.

Many times your local dealer does not understand the uniqueness of a Class B Van.  This uncertainty leads to you getting less money for trade-in.  Dave Arbogast Van Depot specializes in conversion vans and Class B Vans.  We are the largest van dealer in the United States.  Arbogast understands the value of your class b van.  You will get more money for your van from Arbogast.

Dave Arbogast Van Depot is looking for Class B Vans.  Arbogast will pay top dollar for vans by Pleasure-Way, Winnebago, Airstream, Roadtrek or any other conversion company.  If you are interested in selling your Class B Van, call one of our experts at 1-866-975-3287.  Our van specialist will organize pick up of your van and pay you cash.

Call 1-866-975-3287 today and speak with our van department or visit class b trade-in form.  Remember at Arbogast you will get top dollar for your trade! We will not be beat!

Yesterday we had a customer call in and ask the difference between Class B and Class C motorhomes. It’s a very common question with a fairly simple answer.  Below I have included some of the differences between the models along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Class B vans are built on van or sprinter chassis. The roof of a Class B Van is often raised, giving occupants more headroom and accommodating cabinets and accessories. Class B motorhomes are often called camper vans or van conversions. The bigger and more luxurious Class B motorhomes can have slide-outs for more space. Unlike the Class C motorhome, they do not have a bed or entertainment center in a cabover, which is the area over the driver’s and passenger’s seats. A Class B averages 10 to 25 miles per gallon, depending on length and weight.

Class C motorhomes are built on a cutaway van chassis or large truck chassis.  A Class C motorhome is bigger than a Class B, but smaller than a Class A. It can generally be

distinguished from a Class B motorhome by the overcab sleeping area. A Class C motorhome gets 8 to 15 miles per gallon depending on length and weight.

A Class B motorhome handles just like a mini-van or full-size van, so it’s easy to drive. It gets better gas mileage than the Class C motorhome.  It can easily fit in a regular-sized parking spot or a driveway. Because it is basically a van, you don’t need a towed vehicle when running local errands.

It all comes down to size, amenities, and gas mileage.  Each type of motorhome has its advantages and disadvantages. Our trained professionals are here to provide you with all the information needed to find the perfect RV for you and your family. Call us today at 1-866-975-3287!

Dave Arbogast Van Depot had the chance to tour the 2011 Airstream Avenue Class B motorhome yesterday. Airstream has teamed up with Chevrolet to introduce the new Airstream model. We were very impressed with the looks and functionality and look forward to stocking the new Avenue! For more details call us at 1-866-975-3287 or read the statement from Airstream below:

“We designed every detail of the 2011 Airstream Avenue to bring our customers a motorhome that combines value, performance and comfort,” said Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler. “Our latest motorhome offering delivers remarkable horsepower and towing capabilities — all with budget and safety in mind. With the Avenue, travelers can enjoy the drivability of an automobile yet have a true home on wheels.”

The Avenue is built on the Chevrolet 3500 Series Express chassis with a L96 V-8 engine and 6L90 transmission, the largest of GM’s rear-wheel-drive six-speed automatic transmission variants. The Airstream Class B Van has a towing capacity of nearly 8,000 pounds and is equipped with side impact air bags. “For families gearing up for their first road trip or retirees taking a cross-country drive, both will appreciate the Avenue’s power and safety features,” said Wheeler.

In keeping with Airstream’s history of handcrafted quality and sophisticated styling cues, the 2011 Avenue, which seats seven and sleeps two, features Ultraleather seating and stainless steel appliances. Swiveling front captain chairs are designed so that meals can be enjoyed at a central table for four. The table can also be removed for extra comfort and convenience.

For that true home-on-the-road feel, Airstream has equipped the Avenue with a kitchen, bathroom, and a lounge area that conveniently turns into a bed for two. The class b motorhome also includes a 19-inch flat-panel HD LCD/DVD prewired to accept a satellite dish. A standard 13,500 Btu air conditioner and 16,000 Btu furnace allows for easy in-cabin temperature regulation.

“The distinctive combination of the two classic American brands, Chevrolet and Airstream, brings the ultimate value to customers by setting a new standard for effortless travel, perfect for those who just want to pack up and go,” Wheeler said.

The 2011 Avenue is available in two interior decors — Onyx and Light Camel and two exterior colors — Sheer Silver and Summit White. A two-tone paint option is also available. The 2011 Airstream Avenue base model has a suggested retail price of $95,544.

Class B Vans have become the fastest growing segment of the RV industry in recent years. Consumers are finding Class B Vans to be nimble, responsive and pleasure to drive. They get great gas mileage and with their relatively small size can be taken anywhere. Here are 13 advantages of owning a Class B Van:

1. Better fuel economy.
2. Can access narrow forest roads and other dirt roads leading to free dispersed camping areas.
3. Can “sneak-a-sleep” wherever overnight parking is allowed.
4. With a larger RV, many people leave the RV behind and drive a tow vehicle to explore the area. With a small Class B Van, your home and food is always with you so you can save on restaurant meals.
5. If, while exploring, you find a great overnight spot, you can stay without having to backtrack to get your RV.
6. Since every storage area in an RV seems to get filled, the less storage space you have, the less “stuff” you bring or are tempted to buy on route.
7. Can be used as a primary or secondary vehicle when not traveling.
8. With the recent escalation in fuel prices, a small RV should hold its value better than a larger model.
9. Easy to drive and park.
10. Allows you to explore what’s down a narrow road without fearing that you may not be able to turn around.
11. If you find a great spot, your home is with you so you are free to spend as much time as you like.
12. You can be more spontaneous. Since all your gear is with you, if you find a wonderful hiking trail, camping area, or meet up with people, you can take advantage of opportunities without having to return to home base.

Dave Arbogast Van Depot has a large selection of Roadtrek and Airstream Class b Vans.  Call 1-866-975-3287 to speak with a van expert!

Awnings are a great feature to have on your Roadtrek. There are several different types of Class B Van awnings and they serve different purposes.

Window and door awnings provide shade and keep rain away from your Roadtrek windows or entry door. Slide-out awnings help to protect the top of the slide out from debris and water. And patio awnings can extend the living area of our outdoor world.

The awnings on your Roadtrek will provide years of reliable, trouble-free operation if you take the time to do a little preventive maintenance and cleaning

Here is Dave Arbogast Van Depot’s top 7 tips for extending the life of your Roadtrek awnings.

1. The first step to maintaining your awnings is to understand more about the different types of awning fabrics. Fabric used on Class B Van awnings is one of two types, acrylic or vinyl. Acrylic fabric is a woven cloth that lets air circulate through the fabric. This air circulation allows the fabric to dry quickly when it gets wet. Acrylic fabrics are water repellent, but not waterproof. If you have experience tent camping you know that you shouldn’t touch the underside of the tent when it’s wet. Touching the wet fabric allows water to seep through the fabric. The same applies to an acrylic awning fabric. Vinyl awning fabric is mildew resistant, but not necessarily mildew proof. Mildew can form on the dirt and dust that collects on the vinyl fabric. The mildew will be worse in high temperatures, high humidity and if the fabric is stored when it is wet.

2. When you open the awnings for the first time each year, or if an awning has been stored for a while, you will need to inspect the awning fabric for any signs of mildew or stains. Remember that vinyl awnings will mildew. To prevent dirt from imbedding in the woven fabric of an acrylic awning fabric, you should simply hose the fabric off on a routine basis. Avoid scrubbing acrylic awning fabric. Scrubbing can remove the water retardant finish. For stubborn stains, blot the approved cleaner on the acrylic fabric with a sponge or soft cloth.

3. For more difficult stains or mildew on a vinyl awning fabric, use an aftermarket commercial cleaner made just for awning fabrics. One method that seems to work well is to spray the inside and outside of the awning fabric with the appropriate cleaner and then roll it up and let it sit for several minutes. This distributes the cleaner over the entire surface of the awning fabric and allows the cleaner time to work. Open the awning and thoroughly rinse both sides of the fabric. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains with a brush on a vinyl awning fabric before rinsing. You can clean the awning hardware with the same cleaner you use to wash the Roadtrek.

Note: Never use oil-based or abrasive cleaners on awning fabrics. Clean and thoroughly rinse both sides of the awning fabric. Carefully follow all awning and cleaner manufacturer directions.

4. Inspect the awning fabric for any tears or excessive wear. While the awning is out, inspect the awning hardware. The bottom awning brackets support most of the load from the awning. Check the lag screws in the awning brackets for secure mounting. Inspect the arm pivot holes for any enlarged holes or broken rivets in the handles. Check for a warped roller tube. If the roller tube is warped it will be noticeable when you roll the awning out. Inspect the awning end caps for secure mounting and any broken or loose rivets. Make sure the awning rail is securely mounted to the side of the Roadtrek.

Caution: Never attempt to remove the awning end caps. Spring tension can result in serious injury. Have any damaged or broken parts repaired before using the awning.

5. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your awnings, there are a few things to keep in mind when using the awnings, especially the patio awning. Always lower one end of the awning to allow for water runoff. The weight from water pooling on the awning fabric can cause extensive and costly damage. Any wind gusts over 20 miles per hour can also cause extensive damage to the awning and to the Roadtrek. Never leave the awning out unattended. If everyone is leaving the campsite, store the awning in the travel position. When you go to bed, store the awning. Even when you are at the campsite you should use awning tie downs to prevent any sudden damage caused by high wind gusts or a sudden storm. You have the option to position the awning arms straight down and stake them to the ground, but you will get better support if they’re attached to the bottom awning brackets on the side of the Roadtrek. Remember, it is much easier to prevent damage to your awning than it is to repair it.

6. Never store the awning when the fabric is wet. Allow enough time for it the fabric to dry completely, on both sides, before storing the awning.

For more information or to get service on your Class B Van contact Dave Arbogast Van Depot today!

Dave Arbogast Van Depot is proud to report Class B Van sales are on the rise and Roadtrek is leading the way. RV buyers are seeing class b vans as an alternative to gas loving class a and class c models. Retail sales of Class B motorhomes rose 29.1 percent in April, Statistical Surveys Inc. has reported.

Roadtrek Class B Vans continues to lead the way with a 38.8 percent market share in April and a 39.8 percent share year-to-date.  Pleasure-Way comes in second with a 24.8 percent share in April and 23 percent share year-to-date.  Coming in third is Winnebago with a 21.1 percent share in April and 18.1 percent share year-to-date.

Class B Vans get great gas mileage and with their relatively small size can be taken anywhere. RV buyers are noticing their appeal and enjoying the economical experience of a Class B Van.  For more information or to see how a class b van could fit into your life style call 1-866-975-3287 or visit Dave Arbogast Van Depot.

Looking for a Class B Van brochure?  Dave Arbogast Van Depot has uploaded brochures for your convenience to our Brochure Library.   Our  library enables you to view class b van and conversion van brochures online or print a copy from your computer.  This is just another way Arbogast Van Depot is providing customers with the best service in the industry.

If you would like for Arbogast to send you a hard copy brochure, please call 1-866-975-3287.

Dave Arbogast Van Depot has just reduced prices on all conversion vans and class b vans in stock!  We have vans manufactured by Explorer, Rocky Ridge and Class B Vans from Winnebago, Roadtrek, and Airstream!  Arbogast has hundreds of vans ready for immediate delivery.

Dave Arbogast also has the ability to deliver vans nationwide directly to you without having to make a trip to Ohio! See our class b van delivery page for more information.

Every van in our inventory is listed on our website under the inventory tab.  Each conversion van and class b van has numerous pictures, a detailed description, and a video tour.  How much easier can it be to find the perfect van for you!

At Dave Arbogast our simple no hassle, no haggle formula will ensure your get the best deal every time.  We don’t artificially inflate our pre-owned van prices in hopes of winning a “negotiating” contest with our customers. Come experience Dave Arbogast Van Depot, call 1-866-975-3287.