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Which Wonder??

Looking for a large class B or small C RV for extended (60-90 day) hunting and fishing trips. Interested at the Wonder RTB.  Needs: extended boon-docking - 7-10 days, able to safely drive on improved roads with light mud or snow (no steep grades), Sleeping two 6'3" 240lbs men for extended trips and smaller third adult for short stays, extensive storage space for gear, space inside or on a hitch for a Yeti 95 for game meat.  Yes, I am willing to wait 28-30 months for a new one if necessary.  Any suggestions? What options should I consider?

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #1 –
IIRC, the WonderRTB has the largest storage capacity of all the LTVs.  Search YouTube for Leisure Travel Vans Wonder RTB for a walkthrough video.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #2 –
I've got a 2021 Wonder RTB AWD, and will try and answer a few of your questions.

I'm 6'1" and slightly over 200 lbs. The sleeping area is short on headroom. I need to stoop and watch my head on the AC unit, but it's not a deal breaker for me. As a twin, the mattresses are very comfortable but the length is tight, again, adequate for me but may be a bit short for you. The third sleeper is an option on the 2022, but they better be small.

Exterior storage is very generous, interior as well. The hitch is only rated at 200 lbs weight, 2000 lbs towing due to the nature of the garage construction. I would not trust a carrier over 150 lbs total weight because of the increased leverage due to the extension. With the macerator toilet, water usage is more than a direct drop so your black water tank could be the boon-docking weak link. Fresh tank is generous for this size of rig.

The Ford intelligent AWD works well but the clearance is underwhelming as is the very limited selection of aggressive tires. Lift kits are available and I may explore that option in the future.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #3 –
Thank you for the insights - very helpful

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #4 –
Quote from: dcd51 –
Looking for a large class B or small C RV for extended (60-90 day) hunting and fishing trips. Interested at the Wonder RTB.  Needs: extended boon-docking - 7-10 days,
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I don't think any LTV is right for your needs and certainly not the WRTB.    Very tight quarters for three men, not enough water and tank capacity for dry camping that long.  No true B will handle it and IMO you need a larger C.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Killtimer –
I've got a 2021 Wonder RTB AWD, and will try and answer a few of your questions.

The Ford intelligent AWD works well but the clearance is underwhelming as is the very limited selection of aggressive tires. Lift kits are available and I may explore that option in the future.

I am looking at the Wonder as an option, we really like the layout but I am worried about the ground clearance and wonder what your thoughts are on that.

We want to camp on BLM land and in some remote Forest Service sites that will be gravel roads, probably not too rough but certainly not paved and want something that will stand up to that kind of travel.

If I could make my wish RV I would take the Wonder interior and put it inside the Winnebago Ekko to get the four season set up with the great interior of the Wonder.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #6 –
Quote from: TravisB –
I am looking at the Wonder as an option, we really like the layout but I am worried about the ground clearance and wonder what your thoughts are on that.

We want to camp on BLM land and in some remote Forest Service sites that will be gravel roads, probably not too rough but certainly not paved and want something that will stand up to that kind of travel.

I've driven quite a bit of "maintained" gravel and a few rougher access roads, no issues. Deep ruts or very abrupt attack/departure angle situations are probably a bigger concern. The front bumper and fascia are quire low and with the very long rear overhang even moderately abrupt attack angles will create rear drag. The trailer hitch assembly is a compromise due to the way the rear garage is engineered and would not take much rear drag abuse but it would provide some protection to the rear body work during minor contact.

From what I've see, critical components, waste tanks etc, are tucked up along the frame quite well the exception being the exhaust pipe for the generator which runs across the unit amidship just below the frame.

My unit is a Wonder RTB, AWD. Other Wonder models have different configurations and may have clearance issues I'm not familiar with.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Killtimer –
I've driven quite a bit of "maintained" gravel and a few rougher access roads, no issues. Deep ruts or very abrupt attack/departure angle situations are probably a bigger concern. The front bumper and fascia are quire low and with the very long rear overhang even moderately abrupt attack angles will create rear drag. The trailer hitch assembly is a compromise due to the way the rear garage is engineered and would not take much rear drag abuse but it would provide some protection to the rear body work during minor contact.

From what I've see, critical components, waste tanks etc, are tucked up along the frame quite well the exception being the exhaust pipe for the generator which runs across the unit amidship just below the frame.

My unit is a Wonder RTB, AWD. Other Wonder models have different configurations and may have clearance issues I'm not familiar with.

Thanks for the info.

How does it do as a four season RV?  We probably won't be doing much winter camping (we are in Washington state) but may be driving when it is freezing headed someplace else, any concerns about things freezing?

One of the things I like about the EKKO is that is has everything insulated inside the box with decent insulation in the walls.

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #8 –
It's not a four season rig, no "C" on the market right now really is. The EKKO is more marketing hype than reality.

That being said, we've used ours late fall/early spring with overnight temps in the -5c range with no issues. The freshwater tank in our model is inside the garage, so some insulation. All of the water lines and drain lines are inside the shell, the hot water heater is an on demand Truma that circulates and has a cold weather factory option kit than can be ordered that protects the hot water components outside of the shell when traveling with the propane shut off . The black and grey holding tanks are exposed but that does not concern me for short periods of cold exposure.

Two concerns for me are the macerator pump and the service bay where all of the valving and fill locations are. I've used a 120v incandescent trouble light inside that compartment when worried and have just recently installed an aftermarket 12v heating pad for a more permanent solution. Still evaluating that. There are ways to use the unit in the winter after it's winterized, and people have retrofit heating pads to the holding tanks and valving, installed window insulation and used the rig year round. The biggest issues IMO are the lack of thermopane windows and condensation.

Two couples have documented their experiences on one of the LTV facebook pages, using the Wonder year round as a ski base in the Rockies. At least one other has documented his cold weather retrofit.

Quote from: TravisB –
How does it do as a four season RV?  We probably won't be doing much winter camping (we are in Washington state) but may be driving when it is freezing headed someplace else, any concerns about things freezing?

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #9 –
I think it is not a summer season coach either!  Wonder FTB. Ever try to camp in over 100 temps? 
Heat pours in thru the cab, even with insulated film on all 3 windows.  Single pane glass in coach section does not help. Sure we cover windows with Reflex foil, but then you are living in a dark cave!  Compartment doors under the couches have only about 1” of insulation.  Step well has no insulation.  The glued on solar panels generate extra heat in the ceiling.  The  AC pumps out air in the 40s, but it can’t compete with shell temps that are over 100!
Yes, I know move to cooler temps, then in winter move to warmer areas!
We travel from 5-6 months and are selective where we go, but to get out of Arizona you have to go thru 110 zones!
Over 3 years of ownership, still are happy travelers. Last month first time ever at a Ford dealer, for a recall!
Harry
Tempe, Az
2019 Wonder FTB
Toad 2007 Honda Fit

Re: Which Wonder??

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Harrysalit –
I think it is not a summer season coach either!  Wonder FTB. Ever try to camp in over 100 temps? 
Heat pours in thru the cab, even with insulated film on all 3 windows.  Single pane glass in coach section does not help. Sure we cover windows with Reflex foil, but then you are living in a dark cave!  Compartment doors under the couches have only about 1” of insulation.  Step well has no insulation.  The glued on solar panels generate extra heat in the ceiling.  The  AC pumps out air in the 40s, but it can’t compete with shell temps that are over 100!
Yes, I know move to cooler temps, then in winter move to warmer areas!
We travel from 5-6 months and are selective where we go, but to get out of Arizona you have to go thru 110 zones!
Over 3 years of ownership, still are happy travelers. Last month first time ever at a Ford dealer, for a recall!

Thanks to both of you for the information, I am planning on retiring in a couple of years and want to get something ordered this year so it will be ready when I am. 

First time RV buyer and need see how both the options we are considering look when we can actually get inside them and decide.

If you know of any getting started with LTV RV forums or have wise words you can share from your experience please do, it will help us be better buyers.