3 Winnebago Revel Alternatives for Your Off-Road Van Life – Jalopnik

Most people might think of a recreational vehicle as this giant, bulky, bus-like house on wheels. While there are certainly models that fit that description, there are also many smaller Class B options in van size. These sleek RVs not only offer many of the comforts of home, but they can also go off-road, taking you to adventurous places that larger Class-A RVs couldn’t dream of. Take for example the popular Winnebago Revel, which has captured the attention of both overland and van life enthusiasts.

The Winnebago Revel in particular offers travelers a number of conveniences, including its size. This all-wheel drive van uses Mercedes Sprinter bones and is less than 6 meters long and less than 2.5 meters wide, allowing it to fit into most parking spaces. In addition, the Revel is equipped with a robust 16.8 kWh battery that can keep the energy flowing for up to a week, according to the manufacturer. There’s also a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and a 35-litre water tank. Due to its unique design with extended back panels, the Revel also allows the bed to be laid down sideways instead of lengthwise, creating valuable extra space.

Unfortunately, the Revel isn’t for everyone, and the first barrier to entry is the price – which starts at an eye-watering $261,808 – pretty much the opposite of cheap compact vans. Some rivals have criticized the Revel, claiming that not everything in the van is made from top-level materials. The Revel Sport is significantly cheaper at $208,804, albeit with fewer bells and whistles. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that offer advantages over the Revel.

For example, the Thor Sanctuary comes equipped with a built-in microwave, which is strangely missing from the Revel. The Sanctuary also features a 24-inch Smart TV in the living/sleeping area. If you want a TV in the Revel, you’ll have to have it retrofitted, as the factory model doesn’t offer the option for this. While overlanding in a 4×4 vehicle may not involve much television viewing, it is still a nice feature to have.

The Sanctuary also offers a unique drop-down vanity in the shower, along with wall units with mirrors. With the Revel, there are no mirrors in the shower area – technically they are on the bathroom door – and if you want to use the sink, you have to use it in the kitchen. Finally, the Sanctuary may be the easier option for remote travelers, as it includes a factory-prepared pass-through and configuration for those using Starlink to connect online. This eliminates the need for owners to find an existing unused port, or drill through the body, weatherproof and insulate the opening, and route the appropriate equipment through.

One of the problems with limited freshwater is that once it runs out, you have to get back to civilization, potentially shortening the trip. Jayco’s Aqua View SHOWERMI$ER water management system intelligently conserves water and recirculates water through the system until it warms up and you are ready to shower, reducing water loss during the system’s flow. One of the other features that the Jayco brand is known for is its robust 750-pound fold-down bunk bed capacity. In the Terrain you get an electric bed that lowers from the back of the unit and can safely accommodate two adults. The bunk bed stays out of the way when not in use and offers plenty of space for storing mountain bikes or climbing equipment, for example.

The Revel is equipped with a standard Mercedes Sprinter suspension system, with several owners choosing to install aftermarket upgrades, replacing the OEM installation. Alternatively, the Terrain offers a few suspension upgrades that can help both on and off-road. Jayco, for example, comes equipped with a beefier rear stabilizer bar and Koni shocks, both of which are said to improve handling.

In the kitchen, the Rangeline usually matches or exceeds the Revel’s capabilities – a strong selling point when you consider the lower price. The Rangeline has a slightly larger refrigerator at 3.2 cubic feet, versus 10 cubic feet for the Revel, and the Rangeline has an equally powerful induction cooktop. If you look up in the Airstream, you will also notice something familiar from the brand: an aluminum ceiling. It’s a nice touch, as little else in the Rangeline visually connects it to the iconic trailers.

While not standard, for around $11,900 extra you can add a Pop-Top to the Rangeline, which improves functionality. The roof extends upwards, creating space for another bunk bed. It increases sleeping options from 2 to 4 people and frees up interior space because the standard bunk bed underneath can be left up. If you’re trying to register an RV as your primary residence, this could be the kind of extra space you need to take the plunge.