VanLife 🚙 | 2020 Winnebago Revel 44E 4x4 Buyer Walkthrough (2019 Mercedes Sprinter 144 chassis)
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- #vanlife #winnebagorevel #revel #4x4 #sprinter #sprinter2500 #offroad #walkthrough
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I videoed the dealer walk-through when I picked up my 2020 Winnebago Revel. This is built on the 2019 Mercedes Sprinter chassis.
If you're considering buying a Revel, this walk-through goes through all the features of the Revel, the good points and some of the warts that come with it. The Revel is a great adventure vehicle but is it perfect? No.
My walk-through was nearly three hours in length. I did not video the 2019 Sprinter dash and infotainment but I did video all of the Revel outside and inside features. That was 2 hours which I trimmed to 1-1/2 hours here. Yes it's long, but if you're seriously considering a Revel, there is lots of useful information here.
Since then I have learned a lot and bought a lot for the van. I will do follow up videos on improving sound, reducing rattle, increasing storage. For now this is what I have bought for my van and has proven to be successful.
Electronics:
VIOFO A129 Pro 4K UHD 2160p Dual Band Wi-Fi Front Dash Camera (amzn.to/32Sm7jy)
VIOFO CPL Anti-Glare Filter Lens Cover for A129 (amzn.to/3kSIv2H)
SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video MicroSDXC (amzn.to/2FRP32x)
Storage, soft and household items:
Felt Storage Bin 13.8x9.5x8.3” (amzn.to/2RQvpq2) - use 3 on the head liner shelf
Felt Storage Bin 17.9x12.2x11.6 (amzn.to/300UHGC) - use 2 on the top self in the shower
Shallow fabric bin 13x8.9x4.5 (amzn.to/32TrVcu) - good for organization in cabinet above sink
Oxo large silicone drying mat (amzn.to/300VvLE) - helps to protect the induction cooktop
Paper Towel Holder, Stainless Steel (amzn.to/2FXRdxo) - mount under galley cabinet
Keep that number 1 and number 2 smell at bay (amzn.to/33QGygf)
Yes you need this if you go number 2 😁 (amzn.to/30hXkUD) and also this (amzn.to/3hYZA94)
RV Short 48”x75” mattress protector (amzn.to/3hSnF19)
Super nice bedding for short RV 48x75” (amzn.to/3hUxLyS)
Electric kettle that good for van (amzn.to/361oEtU)
Magma 10-pc S/S stacking induction pans (amzn.to/3kLRzX3)
Pads to silence the pans (amzn.to/3mL7u9K)
Pantry Storage Addition:
Adjustable Shelf Standard (amzn.to/3mMVZOU)
20 Pack White Knape & Vogt 256 Adjustable Steel Pilaster Shelf Support Clips (amzn.to/3mM6p1d)
Bins that fit the pantry (amzn.to/3kGSQyk) - a bit creaky though if not loaded up with stuff
Anti-Rattle Solutions and Common Repairs:
3M VHB double sided tape (amzn.to/32UacC3) - reattach all your door clips!
Felt pads (amzn.to/2ZWSgVi)
5/8” backer rod (amzn.to/2ZZmHub)
Foam Strips 1/2” Wide X 1/4” Thick (amzn.to/3kGW84J)
Door Weather Stripping (amzn.to/33OW9g8)
Bracing for sliding window:
3/4 by 3/4 by 48” angled aluminum (amzn.to/2EquucT)
Sound deadening/vibration mat (amzn.to/35Z8EZ7)
Roller wheel (amzn.to/3kGRbJ6)
Havelock wool
Tools:
DEWALT Right Angle Attachment, Flex Shaft, 12-Inch (amzn.to/3kLP7Ql) - very much needed for removing slide panels and installing extra storage in pantry
Data Capture:
GPS: Garmin 520 Plus (amzn.to/3i1NrAs)
GPS: Garmin 800 (amzn.to/2FY6uy3)
Apple Watch Series 4 (amzn.to/2HgavOW)
Video:
GoPro 7 Black (amzn.to/2RPWQjH)
External power solution for Hero 7 (amzn.to/3hVbtNk)
GoPro adapters, mounts, accessories that are tested and true.
Ball Joint Mount - use with shorty (amzn.to/3coqUwv)
Adjust Arm Straight Joints Mounts - good for chin mount Hero 7 (amzn.to/3hVc3uu)
Windslayer Cover for Hero 7 (amzn.to/3iVaNbT)
GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole Tripod (amzn.to/3020JXo)
Edited on Apple iMac 27 5K 3.8 i5 Radeon Pro 580 2TB 40GB with Final Cut Pro X
Links may be affiliated and may point to newer versions of products I use. I may get a small commission from any sale through such links at no extra cost to you.
This helps support this channel and assists me to provide interesting content for you. Thank you.
If you have any questions on the Revel ask me below and I’ll do my best to answer them 😁
You may be right. If you still have some savings (good luck!) then you may get a good discount now.
@@Roaming50 is this a standard 2020 Revel ? Ive read the 2021 have full lithium. Are there any other changes to the 2021 you can report ?
@@decoff Yes, mine is the 2020. The 2021 is changed in that it now has lithium and water tanks inside the rear garage (which does reduce the space) and it has a different bench layout that removes the third bed and changes to the galley with no built in induction top, relocated sink and refrigerator. The price also jumped up a lot. Personally, I prefer the 2020 layout over the 2021 as I would not be able to store my bike in the garage the way I do now (horizontally across the width). For the cost increase as well, you can get better aftermarket lithium set ups to fit the 2020 and earlier vans by RoamRig as well.
This video was exactly the information that I needed at this time of social distancing to best understand the 2020 Revel. I am so grateful. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!
You are so welcome!
excellent vid for those looking to purchase, but a hell of a lot of learning to be had. Complicated to those unfamiliar with any RV operation and maintenance.
As a first time RVer myself I agree that it can seem to be overwhelming at first but you soon start to figure things out. I've recorded a lot of video on "living" with the Revel and tweaks I've done to it over the last year but it will still be a while before I have time to post this content (in the process of moving house). Just understand that you are buying both an automobile and a house in one and realize that you'll likely have an odd electrical or plumbing or heating issues from time to time (especially when you are shaking your "house" down washboard roads) and you'll be okay.
So much money for such a piece of crap I thought everything was going to break just from touching it was all so flimsy. I can't believe I actually wanted this thing! Also, bless this guy for being thorough and relaying customer feedback. I hope they pay him well.
There are definitely some areas where you do question, what were they thinking! I consider the Revel the ultimate project vehicle as you will forever be tinkering with it to make it your own.
Now, with that said, while it does have a few warts, I love it more and more the more I use it. Plus, custom vans are a whole lot more and take a long time to deliver to you as well.
I was looking at my awning and I don't know if I have that connect thing on mine I opened the awning and saw the black box with 2 screws not sure if that is it I got the app and it says no awning found. I am getting a lot of info from your video, the idiot I had that did the "walk through" did not know shit I have been finding stuff on my own and your video is helping so much more. The guy did not even know what key to use to open the door for the cassette toilet or how it opened I had to show him.
Glad this helped. I have never tried the awning app. I mostly use it to keep rain out the door.
Wow! That was awesome! Thank you for posting this. It’s my dream van and though a bit complicated, I still think it’s way cool. Keep us posted on your adventures and tell us what you discover is great or what you don’t like when boon docking. Happy Trails!!
Thanks! Yeah I must get some van videos out. I'm still very much on the MTB side at the moment though. I bit of catching up to do...
While fueling wear gloves and a quart milk bottle of bleach or disinfectant water to clean up areas and wash your hands. Keep the bottle in a case clean outside of case for double cleaning.
Good feedback. Luckily I’ll yet to have and issues. However in these days off Covid I do always wash my hands when getting back in the van.
Thank you for providing this very informative and in depth review of the Revel vehicle. It is a very nice effort and greatly appreciated walk around right down to the hilarious and superbly honest Winnebago employee. It is also a perfect advertisement for why you would want to go to Advanced RV in Ohio (for your next rig) their extraordinary attention to detail from rattle free components to high end shower sprayers along with making the working bits accessible for repair is exceptional. The cost is commiserate with the quality. Winnebago should be embarrassed not to provide hoses and decent fittings for all outlets, label fuses (at the very least) as well as more solar power to run the air conditioner without shore power. I have been looking for a camper van. It is not Mercedes that is at fault for this less than par quality, but Winnebago's conversion. I would be hesitant to take this vehicle home without investing even more money and correcting the "warts" before I drove it off the factory floor. Please do another review after you have been on the road for a year or so. I wish you good health, luck, repair free adventures and happy trails. P.S. I have no affiliation to Advanced RV.
burlms Advance RV are quality bespoke products for sure but you’re looking at 200k or more which is significantly more than the Revel. While I have a few niggles with the WGO’s quality, ironically the serious issues I’ve had have all been on the Mercedes Benz side which might affect any RV build on this chassis.
The question is, do you spend $120 on a Revel now and invest some $$ to make it you own over time, meanwhile getting to enjoy it and learn about RVs in the first place or do you go out and spend $160-200k on a custom build and have to wait a year for it to be built?
@@Roaming50 Thank you for taking the time to reply. Your points are very well taken. I am surprised (and it is good to know) that the Mercedes was a source of issues. Carry on and cheers!
Excellent video I am saving for future reference after I get a Revel! Thanks for sharing!
No problem!
I’ve been typing in Revel searches for weeks and got the same content. I had to go to Reddit to find your video. Thank You!!
Glad you found me!
Decisions. Revel or Travato 59GL for full timing adventures. I am leaning toward the Revel...
That really depends on where you want to take it and put inside. The Travago will have more space but loses the off road capability and garage storage. The Revel is great for weekend trips away with the ability to navigate rough/loose and steep roads while storing outdoor gear in the garage but it is small. While full timers do survive in the Revel you’ll need to learn to pack light. Good luck!
Coool 👍👍👍
Thanks for the walk through, so the 2020 no third wooden bathroom shelf, no spare tire, no expanding exterior table leg, no blue water hose, thats CONCERNING from Winnebago! At the MSRP of $180,000 those SHOUD be MANDATORY!
My neighbor paid $105,000 for his 2020 Revel
MSRP on this is ridiculous as no one sells it for that (it's $167k btw). Still you're right the van i far from perfect and there is penny pinching here and there which boggles the mind (spare tire, blue hose, shelf, non-adjustable table leg..)
$105k for you neighbor was a cracking deal. I haven't heard of anything that low for new. Only used..
Roaming50 check out Owl Engineering. They make an awesome spare tire carrier for the revel.
I pick mine up this Friday, hope my walk through guy is better. I looked at doing a build out and other sprinter outfitters. I went with the revel. Example looked at sports mobile a year out and no shower inside they were 180k
mtn ride Goid luck on Friday. Winnebago’s quality can be lacking but for the $60k difference you can do a lot of “upgrades”. I think you’ll still love. It’s a great “starter” van. Lol.
Roaming50 my starters were trucks, vans, and last 12 years an 87 VW Westy that was totally redone. The Revel will be a huge upgrade and so many mods you can do, just like the VW Westys
Thank for the candid walk-through. I'm considering a New Revel and would like to find out some real life pricing. I know that the MRSP is around 169+.....did you get a lot better than that. I would like to purchase a "New" one, but the ones in my area (Wash. State) already have 1800-2000 miles on them. I consider this to be used for being called "New" (driving from Forest City, Iowa to dealer). Thanks again
Apparently Revels are driven to dealers, not transported. The one I purchased had
@@Roaming50 Thanks again.....I'll go to the Facebook group
in southern california, same 1800-2000 miles and they're about 119k
Nice
Thanks
Congrats.....
I am getting good info. I started watching this again. In the winter I opened those valves and it drained everything including tank and I found you have to turn on the pump to empty it. Have you tried removing drawers? I tried with no luck
One last thing you mentioned Lichsinn RV located in Indiana about 5 miles fromm Winnebago. Depending on how fast you want the Revel, the cost is more. In all cases, they are asking way above MSRP. I know this because I tried to negotiate the price and they wouldn't budge.
LichtsInn RV is in Iowa, not Indiana. I did not get a price quote from them as they did not have the stock at the time but by all account in Jan/Fed they were quoting ~$117 including spare wheel and soft-start a/c.
To check what others are getting I’d recommend joining the Revel4x4 Facebook groups. Lots of good info there.
Sorry I meant Iowa. it was last summer when I talked to them, I will call them again.
Excellent video !!! 'Sure is a lot to learn and consider.....
Rob Peterson and I’m still learning. Not that I’ve driven it very far with these lock downs and all.
@@Roaming50 Nicest looking adventure van out there, I'm sure you will enjoy it ! My passion is mountain biking, but don't need 4x4, and would like a slightly larger garage, so probably going with a conversion.
Rob Peterson most of my channel is MTB 🤘. The van is the interloper. Bike fitment in the garage is tight, there’s no denying that but it works. I like the 4x4 as I use it 4 season for fat biking and skiing as well. For more room with no 4x4 the 157 Ram ProMaster seems to be the MTBer’s van of choice. Check out Paul The Punter’s build. It’s sweet, but I’d still want an indoor shower.
@@Roaming50 Thanks ! I checked Paul's build....NICE and organized garage. Too bad Van Go is a bit far, as I'm in FL.
Rob Peterson .. I thought it was a hit or miss.. some of the info didn’t provide a full explanation and the one taking him thru the evil was half assed and if the owner said ok he then moved on to another item... maybe the owner should MOT SAY YEP so we get the full explanation .. also when he gives info for replacements is this on a paper manual or something because there is NO way to remember... and why dismiss the questions about what is to be done “in case of”...... I notice also the dismissive responses to some of the concern and questioning of some of the queries.... I say this because I have gone thru sport mobile with a new owner and they have IN-DEPTH when the owner has a quest he ( the mechanic ) has already moved on in his mind so he says yep to the owner and moves on to the item he has next on his mental check list.. this is very quick .... the walk they some others will have you there for the day ... stay the night ... then go bet additional questions ... I have decided sportsmobile... and STOP blaming Mercedes for what you have NOT ADDRESSED ON YOUR SIDE and finding solutions..... like the exhaust pipe on the side and not Run through to the back where it should be and ran higher!!!
@1:00. That's something that might rattle too ? Come on Mercedes, what the hell are your engineers smoking.
Winnebago conversion is responsible for the rattles not Mercedes.
Can you have water in the winter without winterizing? The espar heats the tanks, but what about the water lines?? Are you able to drain them enough so they don’t freeze and burst or have issues? Are the water lines heated or insulated and running interior?? Seems like something they could engineer if not for future Revels
Jon Husby I have kept water in it all winter. When at home I plugged it into shore power and set the interior thermostat to 45F. That electrically heats the water and house to stop freezing. Otherwise the Esbar diesel furnace runs heated glycol lines around the tanks to prevent freezing. Some of the insulation on the pipes beneath the van is not the best but it gets the job done. However, that is an upgrade project for the future... So far I’ve gone down to around 10F with no issue so far.
An American would have wanted him to test the Orning smiles English folks are so humble and conservative.
Very nice.
What is the interior height?
It’s is a smidge under 75 inches.
Hey!! Now that you have had the Revel for a bit, how are you liking it?
Love it. It was a total game changer. Perfect? No, but it allow you to do so much...
Would you video how & where you pack your bike in the Revel please? I’m thinking of buying a Revel but want my bike to be able to fit inside of the Revel, even with the bed (somewhat) lowered. Thanks
I do intend to do this. I’ve been playing with options as it is a tight fit. My first attempt was not too successful as my ply board warped (I need better wood) so for my last trip I just threw the bike (fat bike) in horizontally. Horizontally you can have the bed fully down which is nice. For a vertical mount I found an East-West configuration (where north-south is the direction of the van) works well for two bikes but the bed will be about 10” higher so you’ll need to add blusters at the side. This is still very much a work in progress for me.
I never knew about that refueling issue with the sprinter. So what if you’ve got a passenger and it’s blowing snow or rain? Or even without a passenger? Seems like a bad design if you must have the door open while refueling.
Stephen Otto you only need to open the driver’s door to open the flap (like as you exit). Once the flap is open you can shut the driver’s door again to keep heat in.
Roaming50 Thanks for the clarification. I was thinking that, but I’m not sure it was said in the video!
Delivery day? Congrats!
Yes! Thank you!
The owner isn't at all irritating, the dealer walk through tech is not impressive at all.
Did you get it in the UK
No. Colorado. I’ve lived in the states 20 years now. Don’t let my accent fool you😁
any one have a revel and a baby? thinking of buying one and planning on a baby in about 2-3 years. haven't seen anyone with car seats solutions. probably just gonna buy a ram HD and a 4wheel camper.
MikeAnshit check out the Revel4x4 Facebook groups. I think they may be some people with babies there. There are no latch bolts on the rear seat that I’m aware off.
I live in Lake Tahoe and was considering this van for my back country ski trips. Not sure now. The plastic grey water drain seems like a big weak link. It’s common for it to get -5 on some of these trips. I don’t want to have to winterize the van on these trips. Any fixes for this?
I’ve read you can put antifreeze in your grey tank, would this be a fix for the valve?
I stuck my head beneath the van and you’re right in that it’s not insulated. So far I’ve not had an issue as you’re often dumping warm water into it and I’ve emptied during the day when warmer. However if you have extended days below freezing, like deep freezing, I would agree that poring a gallon (or 2) of RV antifreeze into it might be a good solution.
Thanks for the reply. There’s an Alaska couple that has their van in -25f weather and I think the guy said he doesn’t winterize the grey water tank, but will winterize the fresh water tank. Still trying to learn what people do. I think this van is a great value for what you get! I look forward to more of your videos!
Chris Mcclary They have actually been down to -40F. But at that temperature their DEF froze so if you’re going that low you have other considerations. They added extra insulation as well and while the stock insulation is not great it gets the job done. Winnebago definitely built it down to a price but it’s still probably the best four season van out there that you can buy “off the self”.
Thank you. I was wondering if you bought this in Colo, and if so is it, and did you have to pay more than MSRP??
It was bought at Transwest In Frederick, CO. No one pays MSRP for these. Typical negotiated pricing is $117-120k.
Thank you, I live in the Springs so not far. I agree on costs. Place in Indiana are asking 160-170 k. Crazy. Did you get off road spare tire and wheel? If so, any problem mounting under the van?? Btw....love to see future videos on the revel and your thoughts. Again thank you.
Heather Shine I did get the performance wheel as a spare and it does fit beneath the van. I paid a little over as I didn’t have time to travel elsewhere to get one cheaper and they had the color/grill I wanted. I’ve since learned from others that if you get quotes from other dealers in the $117 range Transwest will price match. That was in the dead of winter though. Now we’re in Spring RV buying season I don’t know if they’re as still price competitive. I’ve heard that dealers in the NW are mid $120s and Florida may be the cheapest. $160k is crazy.
More videos to come (including improving storage on the 8” wide closet) but I’ve s backlog on mountain biking if videos first to get through 😁
I’ll also post some thoughts on initial build quality at some point...
Heather Shine I’ll add, take a look at LaMesaRV. They have locations in AZ (a days drive from the Springs) and routinely advertise st $117 (or they were...)
Thank you!!! Love to see your solution in transporting your bike. I have a very expensive bike, and want to transport in the van.
There is a bit of video in your ads...
Jesus loves everyone
Overpriced!
When it comes to RVs and these camper vans, you need not worry about the price because the value depreciates so fast. If you buy a year old van that's practically new, you'd probably save about $20k.
I respectfully disagree lol. I spent a full year researching Sprinter vans from building to buying and nitpicking every feature. At the end of the day, for me, purchasing the Revel was best for me. When you factor in warranty, reliability, labour, time, quality, functionality, practicality, winterization, ease of use and most of all comfort a Winnebago Revel was the right purchase for me. Not once have I ever felt uncomfortable or worried about something breaking. Personally there is value in peace of mind with something built by professionals. I didn’t want something that I would have to be fixing all the time myself. In other words.....I’m not a professional builder haha. Everyone is different and will value certain things more than others do. Do your research and get something that suits your needs
I agree.
I think we can safely say the RV business is in the toilet. It could take years to come back.
That’s what I’m hoping for! One more good covid scare and we’ll buy them with a credit card
The RV industry is more robust than ever, with long waits and high prices.
@@daprice1able You are so right. I expected it to tank with so many people out of work but apparently the wealthier folks have decided to go camping. Who knew.
John Tatman I too expected RV, housing and automotive markets too tank when this started, but there are few bargains with low interest and with rvs providing more isolation than airlines and high rise hotels
This British guy is annoying. Keeps interrupting while the guy is talking.
Sorry, can’t do an American accent. 😁
@@Roaming50 It's annoying because you interrupt. Not because of your accent. You don't comprehend your own language? Pity.
ocwaveoc69 No. it’s called having a conversation. In addition to the tech explaining the details it was also the time for me to ask questions to clarify things in my mind. There was a lot of back an forth on warranty and other items that I did not include. The video was for me but I shared it to assist others.
@@Roaming50 OMG! Really??!! Ocwaveoc69 should be grateful you took the time and effort to do this for others. Some Americans are so disrespectful!
This is a bit of a silly comment. The buyer was having a conversation, not an interview. It probably just comes across this way because he was doing this for his own purpose and not thinking about an audience. Be cool.
So on the heater, to get the temp buttons to work, you just have to hold either of them for 3-4 seconds, which unlocks the keypad, then you can adjust. It was driving me crazy and I looked up the manual from the manufacturer on the thermostat.
I think holding it for two seconds works, but yes, you need an initial long hold, then you can tap it to adjust it. It actually works well once you realize how it works. Before then you’d think it was broken 😁
An American would have wanted him to test the Orning smiles English folks are so humble and conservative.