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Roadtrek’s new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking

| Updated Sep 29, 2012

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 1Maybe we should now use a new term for “Boondocking,” or dry camping in the wilderness without hookups or utilities.

Maybe now we should call it “Boontreking.”

That's my take after a hands-on look at the brand new, high tech and eco-friendly RS E-Trek, the latest addition to the Roadtrek family of motorhomes.

I made my way across the International Bridge to Canada in Port Huron, MI and drove 100 miles northeast to the Roadtrek factory in Kitchener, ON. The RS E-Trek I saw was the first to roll off the assembly line. Several others are now in various stages of completion in anticipation of the first orders starting to roll in. I have no doubt they indeed will.

The RS E-Trek is a very innovative RV.

The E-Trek is all electric. It has no propane, needs no external generator. Instead, it provides all the juice you need through an advanced generator system that runs off the vehicle engine, aided by a solar panel and optional fuel cells.

You can see it all in my video above, shot at and around the Kitchener, Ontario Roadtrek headquarters in Canada.

The E-Trek is on the regular Mercedes Sprinter chasis (170 inch wheelbase) and it is painted in a subtle shade of green. The first thing you'll notice is that unique, yet low-keyed color. Even the ground effects and body moldings are painted the same color. The decals and logos are intentionally subtle and downplayed, giving the E-Trek a very sleek , clean look.

But it's the infrastructure that has me excited. I love wilderness camping. This vehicle can let me do that like never before.

“This changes all the previous assumptions about a Class B, that you have to have shore power,” Roadtrek President Jim Hammill told me. “It provides independence to the owner. The E-Trek uses solar power, fuel cell power and uses the existing bio diesel engine of the vehicle in order to provide more power than has ever been provided to the Class B RV before. This allows the owner to say out in the field, not connected to shore power, for much longer periods of time.”

You can even run the interior air conditioner while you're going down the road, without having to power up a generator.

The 240 watt solar panel just needs daylight to generate power, not direct sunlight. You can run the DVD, TV and all interior LED lights just off the soar power. Pretty much indefinitely.

The interior has also been redesigned. There's a new soft cushioned floor that looks like wood flooring. They've added a second water spigot that delivers instant hot water for tea or hot chocolate or filtered drinking water. They've removed the old gas burners and put in an instant-on all electric induction stovetop and added some stylish new counter and table tops made of recycled plastic. There's now a second row of seating in upgraded,  very plush swivel captain-style chairs. Seriously, they are as comfortable and comfy as my home recliner.

I can't wait to get hold of an RS E-Trek for an extended period of time. I want to get far out there, in the woods and mountains and fields and be totally self contained to really test out the power-generating capabilities. Hammill told me if you run the engine 20 minutes a day, everything is charged enough to keep you out there for days at a time… until you need to go get some more diesel for the engine.

I'm already planning my trips to go… BoonTreking in an RS E-Trek.

Here are some stills I snapped while making the video:

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 2
The new RS E-Trek by Roadtrek

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 3
It's painted in a very subtle shade of green. Even the trim and ground effects match, for a very clean, sleek look.

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 4
The decals and logos are low-keyed

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 5
A sofa/seating area in the rear turns into a king sized bed with the push of a button

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 6
Gone is the gas burner. A new energy-saving induction electric stove automatically and instantly heats up when you out a pan on it. It also cools very quickly when you remove it.

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 7
Instant hot water. Jennifer loves that for tea and hot chocolate. Filtered cold drinking water, too.

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 8
Plush second row captain chairs come on the E-Trek. You will not believe how comfortable they are.

 

Roadtrek's new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking 9
The E-Trek looks pretty nice heading down the road.

Mike Wendland

Published on 2012-09-29

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

44 Responses to “Roadtrek’s new RS E-Trek is Perfect for Boondocking”

April 03, 2013at11:30 am, David Theriault said:

anyone who would like to purchase one of Roadtrek’s products in the southeastern U.S. is invited to contact me.
i am in central Florida at 1-877-663-7506

February 06, 2015at12:11 am, Susan Falco said:

My 98 Roadtrek Versatile needs a new propane tank. I have had bad luck with my RT which I bought a few months ago. Just spent thousands on a new transmission. Then Camping World told me I needed a new propane gage, then a week later the tank leaked and come to find out I need a tank! How much is that going to cost me? Help! Selfinny@yahoo.com Thank you!

December 14, 2012at12:48 pm, Jack said:

Would love to see this model available with awd. Mercedes has this available everywhere in the world except north America. Their intelligent awd delivers power to wheels to help get out of slippery sandy icy locations that you would otherwise be fearful of as boon dockers. An RS E-Trek iAWD would be the ultimate 4 season go everywhere vehicle.

November 20, 2012at4:52 pm, Martin said:

Very nice… I wonder what the RV Rental Prices would be on the E Trek? If only all RVs were eco-friendly 🙂

November 10, 2012at9:49 am, Gordon Meggison said:

I notice this unit also has the mechanical bed. This bed is the most uncomfortable bed ever. I hope that RT will improve on it. I have an RS ADV 2012 and have asked RT to work on improving the bed. There is a 5″ gap between the back and the seat. This shouldn’t go on. This has been a problem for some time, so I brought it to the attention of RT this week. Hope they are able to address the problem and fix it.

November 10, 2012at9:43 am, Mary Ann Stibbe said:

Can you show a larger view of the bathroom. Can the secon row seats be replaced with storage cabinets for those of who do not travel with extended family or guests. How do I get a copy of the options available.

November 01, 2012at2:07 pm, Gordon Meggison said:

Mike, just got back from our first 30 day trip in the RS Adventerous 2012. Got 19 mpg at 60 mph towing a 6×11 trailer in florida, 17 mpg in hill ctry in Ga, and 14.9 mpg in mountains. Had a few issues the unit being new. Bed was very uncomfortable, the gap between the backrest and the seat when in the bed mode was simply uncomfortable. and the l l/2″ rise on the side cusions left one sleeping with head lower than the feet. Dealer raised the bed even wit the cushions, but said nothing could be done with the gap. couple of cabinets popped open, on hinge let go above the clothes closet, and the bathroom leaked around the sink. Guages on the black water didn’t work. Showed always full. Am in process of soaking them if that doesn’t work, Dealer says they will change the top one out. Other than the above minor repairs, driving the vehicle was great. Good acceleration, good diesel mileage. Not 21/22 but decent. Gps doesn’t work worth a tinkers dam, and can’t see the back up sensor since it is too far from the drivers seat, especially if the sun is out. The connection for the dump tanks outside, poor planning with shut off valve, can’t close the hatch, since the valve is in the way, have to travel with it partly open.
Read your article, we have added a convection burner to our unit also, can’t say enuf good things about magnetic burners. Don’t want to seem like I’m complaining but these things could be engineered better if RT is but made aware of the. (one would think) again, have enjoyed your articles and talking to you on the phone. I promised I would let you know how the trip went to NC and GA so here it is. As ever gm

October 31, 2012at12:27 pm, Douglas and Marta Wood said:

We are about ready to purchase an RS-Adventurous after reading your stories. Before that we were considering an Era. My question, sir, is should we instead purchase an etrek? Did you trade your RS in for an etrek? If so, can we come see it as it is not at a dealer yet. We live just north of Dayton, Ohio and could drive to Michigan unless you happen to be driving down this way. We are looking to buy after the first of the year.

October 26, 2012at5:23 pm, Robert Wensel said:

If anyone is interested in purchasing any Roadtrek, please contact me at American RV in Grand Rapids, Michigan at toll free 877-863-9527. Please ask for Robert Wensel.

October 20, 2012at9:10 pm, Bob Murphy said:

Got to see it at the Pomona show.

It also has LED lights inside, replacing the fluorescents in the standard RS.
They have classy look and throw off a brighter light.

That new countertop looks and feels great in person.

And those second row captain’s chairs ARE super comfy.

-Bob

October 10, 2012at6:55 am, Mike Wendland said:

They tell me 19-21 mpg, Bill

October 09, 2012at9:54 am, Bill said:

Anyone with a newer RS Adventurous with the dual rear wheels – What sort of gas mileage are you getting?

October 07, 2012at6:14 pm, Bill Mitchell said:

Thanks a lot, Mike. Just the sort of info-guess I was hoping for!

October 06, 2012at1:58 pm, Mike Wendland said:

Hi Bill… they haven’t announced pricing yet. So many options. But they say they will announce in next week or so. If I had to guess – and it’s only a guess – I’d bet it will $120K to $135K depending on options.
The Airstream Interstate Sprinter model, closest competitor to the Roadtrek E-Trek but without all the green/solar power options – is $140-$145K.

October 06, 2012at10:46 am, Bill Mitchell said:

Looks like a great vehicle, Mike. Any idea of the price range if not particular prices by various options?

October 04, 2012at9:47 am, Alex said:

Well, forget about A/C, water heater, TV and other devices. Let’s do simple calculations with refrigerator. Power consumption of refrigerator as low as 6 A/h ( just for sample )
6A x24 hours = 144 A/h daily. Solar panel can back you in best scenario 60A/h.
So in 3-4 days your all 8 battery will be have 50% capacity. Ok , I am going to change my location and drive to another place. How long shell I drive to charge full all my battery ?? At list 8-10 hours……..Why? because max charging current for acid battery 10 -15 A/h Any comments??

October 03, 2012at8:14 pm, Alex said:

Could somebody tell me how works water heater? Or no hot water available for E-version?

October 03, 2012at6:51 pm, Bob Murphy said:

Also, check out how uncluttered the driver’s side of the E-tek is compared to a propane-powered RS. No vents, ports, exhausts – all eliminated, just the shower door now. Its amazingly clean v. propane.

-Bob

October 03, 2012at3:19 pm, Maureen said:

Mike,loved your video on the E-Trek, however, the sound was very uneven which, at times, prevented me from hearing your melodious voice. Don’t know if others are experiencing this but thought you should know. Thanks again, great video on a superb design.

October 03, 2012at3:16 pm, Maureen said:

Hi Mike, Loved your video on the E-Trek, however, the sound was very uneven which, at times, prevented me from hearing your melodious voice. Don’t know if others are experiencing this but thought you should know. Thanks again, great video on a superb design.

October 03, 2012at6:39 am, Mike Wendland said:

OK Angie… I’ve asked Jennifer to write an official post in response to your question about her reluctance to drive the RS. I have the 2006 model with the single wheels. I’m not sure whether the newer one with duals would give her more stability. I’m betting this will provoke discussion from other women RT drivers. Coming later today.

October 03, 2012at2:13 am, Angie O'Malley said:

I am eager to know if/when Jennifer drives the RS and what she thinks… I am very comfortable driving the 190 Popular but am skittish about driving the RS. Have never tried it….

Angie

October 02, 2012at10:41 pm, Marianne Edwards said:

So happy to see the interest in helping with boondocking. After all, that’s really the grass roots of RVing – all were originally built for dry-camping. In the history of RVs, hookups came much later.

We’re avid boondockers, have been RVing for 13 years and prefer finding a spot in the wilderness to campgrounds. We’ve also always driven a Roadtrek (currently a 2002 popular 190).

We’ve learned to manage just fine for 4 to 7 days without solar or generators so, for us, power consumption has never never the biggest issue.

There are two other factors that I suggest Roadtrek should look at if they’re truly serious about wooing boondockers: 1)Fresh water tank capacity. Even if we conserve very carefully, we need to carry an extra 7-gallons to survive 5 to 7 days. 2)Clearance. we wish Roadtrek could address its notorious extra-low clearance which limits driving on many of the roads that lead to the best scenic boondocking locations.

I’ll be curious about your thoughts on these matters after your true trial run, Mike.

I live in Elora, Ontario – just outside Kitchener and, although we’ve had a factory tour, we’re now anxious to return to see this model and ask more questions.

October 02, 2012at4:48 pm, Bill R said:

Mike – Thanks for sharing this info. I echo Jack’s comment – get ahold of an eTrek and really test it for us future buyers. I would have thought that Roadtrek would have built this on a 2500 chassis since the weight of the propane system and aux. generator are gone. I’ve also read on some forums where the dual wheels on the 3500’s cause a drop of 3-4 mpg (plus extra maintenance and tolls). On an ’06 RS Adventurous with 2500, ride/handling are quite good and mpg is a respectable 21-23 mpg. Not sure why the 3500 chassis is needed.

October 01, 2012at2:33 pm, Robert Wensel said:

Mike, Great job in introducing the Roadtrek RS E-trek. I can’t wait to have one at the dealership so I can start selling this inovative vehicle.

October 01, 2012at12:54 pm, Gary Hennes said:

Mike, Bring one of those up here to Northern MN this winter and let’s try it out at -30F. I didn’t hear much about heat sources or insulation yet.

September 30, 2012at9:42 pm, Jack Berger said:

Here’s an idea for you Mike: Do videos like this on ALL the Roadtrek models. I really like your style. No high pressure, friendly, interesting. I’d like to see your reviews on the other things Roadtrek makes. Really test them out. Take them out under real conditions faced by RVers. Just an idea. I also like your new stories on the interesting things you see. Keep them coming.

September 30, 2012at7:31 pm, Alex said:

Mike, do you need help in aerial video? I live in Guelph, 15 km from manufacturer

September 30, 2012at7:04 pm, Bob Murphy said:

Outstanding! In one fell swoop, the E-Trek eliminates our biggest issue in our desired style of camping – the propane generator noise.

We rented our first RV this summer, a Roadtrek Adventurous RS (because that’s the one we were most interested in buying). Camping in state/US parks, after our first night we wanted to try out the built-in coffee maker and had to fire up the propane generator to do so. We were taken back by the noise and didn’t use it again for the rest of the trip. This is a fantastic solution to our style of dry camping amongst tent campers. (Most of the sites we slipped into were “tent” sites – a real advantage with the RS let me tell you.) An open flame inside a vehicle never seemed that smart either (our cruise ship was all induction).

The second (and only other) issue we had with the RS was the fiddly second “bed” placed across the front and rear (lounge) seat. We stopped using that too.

QUESTION: Do the second row captain’s seats have adjustable headrests? There are none in the pictures/video.

Can’t wait to see this in Pomona!

Thanks!

Bob in San Diego

September 30, 2012at8:43 am, Mike Wendland said:

Answers to several comments here: No, Jennifer hasn’t driven the e-Trek yet. She doesn’t like to drive our current 2006 RS Adventurous on the interstates – too much bouncing from passing trucks. Anxious for her to try the E-Trek with the dual wheel wheels. Maybe she will soon, as we’re doing more videos in Kitchener on more RT models this coming week. And I’ll be testing the E-Trek in real conditions out in the field in a couple weeks.
Yes, I will be at the by MARVAC Michigan camping show, probably Thursday and Friday. Also the big RV California RV show out in Pomona from Oct. 15-21. Anyone attending either show, just email me when you’re there and we’ll meet.
They have not yet announced cost. Lots of optional setups. Dealers will be able to help answer that soon.

September 30, 2012at6:00 am, Sam Saab said:

Hello There,

I would like to drive a new rs-e-trek is perfect road in Ontario also Canada to show the Environment about our growing need for food, goods and energy has had many harmful effects on the environment in Ontario.
It is a perfect business for me as a Architect to show customer about helpful than harmful…etc
Solar charging is helpful!

Thank you for your helpful!
Keep me touch!
Sam Saab

September 30, 2012at2:51 am, Joe Buchman said:

I’m reading this while boondocking in my 1998 190 V. Online via my smart phone modem ap. Have used some solar power with this RT, but WOW the e-trek looks fantastic. Fuel cells? Really? Not just lead acid batteries? And sounds like the bio diesel is used as the genset now? Excellent! How much water? That’s the other limiting factor for boondocking in my experience.

FYI I probably have over 1,500 nights boondocking in this 1998 190 — bought it new, has 242,000 miles on it now. Have not paid for a hotel for 2 to 3 conferences per year in Vegas for those 15 years, lived in it full time in Florida for five months 5 or so years ago. First year did 13,000 miles with my wife and our FOUR kids (put in side facing seat belts in the back) over 2 1/2 months of summer vacation (went from SLC, to Disneyland, over the Golden Gate, took a right to the Statue of Liberty, then to Kitchner, over Lake Michigan on a car ferry, to Badlands, Rushmore, Devils Tower and home again. Love this machine! Would like to retrofit with as many e-trek ideas as possible . . .

September 29, 2012at8:24 pm, les said:

Hi Mike, Thanks for the update. Are you heading to the Detroit rv show Oct. 3-7? If you are let us know, maybe we can meet up. We haven’t picked a day yet.

September 29, 2012at3:23 pm, Angie O'Malley said:

Wow! Thanks for the pics and video. I wonder if RT will begin putting some of these features in the Chevy-based models.

We are so thankful for your reporting. Enjoy the stories, info, and pics. And…in the process you are raising the visibility (and image) of Type B Motorhomes — which may eventually get us access to some of the RV resorts, etc. that are only open to Type A motorhomes.

Question: Has Jennifer driven your RS yet?

Angie

September 29, 2012at3:09 pm, Fred Showker said:

Sweet unit if it actually lives up to the claims. I worry a lot about air conditioning in high temperatures … but I love the promise of propane-free, generator-free cruising … and will watch closely as the consumer feedback rolls in. 🙂 Thanks Mike!

September 29, 2012at1:16 pm, Mary Wiles said:

Ingenious!!! Innovative!!!

September 29, 2012at10:05 am, Will said:

Hook me up to this unit that needs no hookups!

September 29, 2012at9:25 am, Rhonda said:

Super job in showing us this, Mike. You’ve made quite a name for yourself in the RV world since you started your blog. We will be buying one more Roadtrek (to replace out 2003) and this new one looks very nice. Love the instant hot water feature and my husband likes the solar charging. I’m also sending this link to some friends who are thinking about getting into RVing.

September 29, 2012at9:23 am, bob taylor said:

finance?

September 29, 2012at9:20 am, bob taylor said:

keep me posted on E trek

September 29, 2012at9:17 am, Richard Krantz said:

I found your post after seeing it linked on someone’s Twitter feed. Very fortuitous as I am currently shopping for an RV for my wife and I when I retire in the spring. We do not want one of those huge units we see on the highway towing the contents of their house behind them. This new etrack looks like it would fit our needs perfectly. I’ve been reading all your back posts on this page and am very excited about this Roadtrek brand. How is it for resale value? I live in New Jersey and will try to visit one at a dealer nearby this weekend. Thanks for interesting information. You do a very good job and your enthusiasm really shines through. Hope to see you out there someday soon.

September 29, 2012at8:34 am, Kathy Markward said:

This looks awesome and has everything a Roadtreker could want in a vehicle. I am almost afraid to ask what is the retail?… Thinking about adding solar panel to my 2001 Popular…

September 29, 2012at8:16 am, Gordon said:

Mike, nice video. Thanks for the update on this.

September 29, 2012at8:12 am, Alice Stern said:

Wow, that is beautiful, I love everything I see!

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