Wonder Vs Unity in 2023: Which Leisure Travel Vans is best?
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- In this video, we're looking at the best leisure travel vans model in 2023 and 2024. If you are considering both Wonder and Unity models, we'll give you a rundown of the pros and cons of each.
Ultimately, the choice of leisure travel van model is a personal one. However, by understanding the pros and cons of each model, you'll be in a better position to make an informed decision. So make sure to watch this video and find out which leisure travel van model is the best in 2023 and 2024!
Our Must Have Gear for our Leisure Travel Van Unity & Airstream Globetrotter: pagosasupply.co/gear-suggestions
Learn about & join Harvest Hosts: pagosasupply.co/harvesthost
Viair RV Air Compressor: pagosasupply.co/amazon
Get your Snap Pads and save 10% using discount code PAGOSA10: rvsnappad.com/discount/PAGOSA10
Soft Start / Easy Start guide & Promo Codes: pagosasupply.co/easystart
Our lithium setup, written guides and purchase Lithionics: pagosasupply.co/lithium
Get your custom fit skylight cover for Leisure Travel Vans: pagosasupply.co/shop/p/skylig...
Our Amazon page: pagosasupply.co/amazon
Some links may be affiliate links
🔹🔗 Soft Start guide: pagosasupply.co/ac
🔹🔗 RV Lithium Upgrade Guide: pagosasupply.co/lithium
🔹🔗 Custom Leisure Travel Van & Airstream Gear: pagosasupply.co
Thank you for this video, Brandon. The weighting of comparison factors will always vary depending on the user, but storage space is another factor worthy of consideration. This will, of course, vary from model to model.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for your review
Ps Diesel engines fare better in long run
😃
Great work. Thanks
😃
We are in NH and use our rig in the winter for day trips and an occasional overnight visiting friends.
Glad you don’t have to put it away all winter 😃
Hi Bandon, you should probably compare service availability and costs too. Thanks
Yes, I get that asked a lot. However, I don't think there is actually much difference as many ford dealers won't work on motor homes and Freightliner centers will work on MB chassis, so pretty sure it's about even.
I have never had a LTV however, I have had 4 sprinter vans and 3 transit vans. Believe me there is no comparison in ownership. The Transits beat the sprinters on MPGs in every case and gas as you pointed out is much less [$1 to $1.5 less per gallon]. I can have my transit serviced at a local Ford dealer about 10 miles away. I had to drive my sprinters 50 miles one way to get service done and most often had to make a second trip when parts came in from Germany. I remember my nephew was with me for a sprinter service at a dealership in Charlotte and they brought in lunch around 11:30am and my nephew was impressed. I told him we could have eaten at any steakhouse in Charlotte and I'd have saved a lot of money - LOL. I have never had any mechanical issues after warranties are expired but I've read horror stories about the sprinter and I'm sure it would require a bank loan - LOL.
I'm very fortunate the main Dallas Sprinter service center is only 3 miles from my office. Understand that most folks aren't that fortunate.
Brandon - can you create a video on sprint van issues that you’ve experienced or seen? I’m struggling with the Sprinter vs. Ford issue as well.
Totally agree Brandon - gas all the way! Thanks for this comparison!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video and great for my research while I am gathering information. I have not made a decision on which one I am interested in purchasing. I just know that I plan to purchase one of these vans this year.
Glad it was helpful!
For me, it comes down to leveling jacks. I've been contemplating trading in my Plateau for the Unity solely for that reason. Unless you camp alone, it's a must-have.
Agree
I think camping alone is the main reason for wanting hydraulic leveling jacks.
Oh, c'mon. 10 speed transmission, more horsepower and more torque? The Ford Transit is definitely going to tow more weight and be more efficient than the Mercedes.
Gonna be interesting to see once the new MB chassis is real life tested
Towing capacity is not only a function of power and torque. It's also chassis, brakes, weight, transmission, etc.
gracias a este video me decidi a comprar el UNITY
Me alegro de que haya sido útil
Thank Brandon, great video in going through the same dilemma. Decided to go with the Unity MBL mostly due to the availability of the Mercedes-Benz versus the Ford (sales indicated 6-12 months longer wait for the Ford) and the self-leveling jacks on the Unity with the slide out. Agree on the diesel cost are significantly higher but who knows when I actually get the unit that will most likely be in 2024! Ouch! The Sprinter will also be going to a 4 cylinder this summer that has had very positive performance reviews but still not sure if they FINALLY added TPMS! Would be great if you get any inside information on the new Sprinter. Appreciate all your videos as I patiently wait for my LTV!
Glad it helped! I sure hope TPMS is there too
Brandon, I have a 2022 wonder with all wheel drive and 14 mpg mileage. I chose awd in case I experience inclement weather traversing from New England to warmer climates. I am happy to have gas fuel. Glad I picked the wonder, just wish I had a little more legroom driving. My next rv will be a wonder mbl, if I can stand with my 6 foot 3 inch frame in the lowered ceiling due to the ducted air.
I think your hair will be touching! That’s one area the Unity has an advantage is ceiling height with ducted
@@Pagosa many people are getting the Travato because it is wider and a bit taller than the Ford!
@@gosman949 Travato? Are you referring to the Winnebago class B RV? If so, explain how can it be wider and taller than an LTV seeing as it is constrained by the dimensions of the Ram van body?
@@robrobertson8584 my bad. I'm just talking about the Class Bs only.
I am also getting 14 mpg on gas for my 2022 Ford Transit ecoboost at 65-70 mph.
Great video, Brandon; thank you. One point on the AWD; having had many vehicles with this feature, it works fantastic in heavy rain, mud and sand, regardless of outdoor ambient temps. I love the idea of an AWD RV and I think MB will get there in the next year or so. My issue is that at 6' 2", the Transit's leg room while at the wheel is just too tight for me to be comfortable on long drives.
good point. the Sprinter is super comfortable for us tall guys for sure.
I am here to boost the AWD. It makes a huge difference in handling and control of your vehicle. And if you want to boondock, it's definitely an added bonus. Sadly, I am a woman whose height is almost 5'11" and I need a lot of legroom. So I would have to decide (right now) which is more important.
Love your videos! Any suggestions of where to actually see any of these in a current (2021+) model? Ideally a few floor plans? If one is willing to travel to see them? Try to find private owners? See them at the factory?
I think LTV is going to have every model at the Tampa show in January, would be an excellent place to see them
Leaving today specifically to go to the Tampa show!
I think this was a great follow-up video because when I started looking at LTVs a couple years ago the unity was far superior. The price difference was large enough that that was essentially the main difference in my opinion. The one thing that I oddly look forward to the most going from a travel trailer to a little motorhome is hydraulic leveling jacks. If that can't happen on the Ford, then I guess Unity it is.
Levelers are awesome and worth every cent
What about the costs of regular maintenance? Oil change for example. We are waiting impatiently for our LTV Wonder.
I’m not sure of the gas engine maintenance costs, but I have a few vids of my MB oil changes if you search my channel
Brandon what year did they start putting in the 3.5 ecobost in the Wonder that makes it a game changer?
I think the first LTVs with the Ecoboost is 2021
I am considering Unity. My main concern is the diesel generator's noise and smell vs the Wonder's gas generator. I live in Texas, so I would run the generator a lot for ac.Thoughts?
The Unity has a propane gen option, which I now recommend over the diesel, but if you do get the diesel, you can't tell the noise from the propane. Not sure about the smell.
FYI you can get a device to make the apple car play wireless. It just plugs into the USB and syncs with the car play. Then you sync it to your phone. Once you have synced your phone, you never have to worry about having to plug in your phone again.
I’ve seen those, got a recommendation on a good one?
I had the Ford Diesel on my B+ Camper. I could drag race with it. I have also driven the Sprinter Class B. I felt the Ford Chassis made for a smoother ride. DON'T rule out the Ford in favor of the more prestigeous Sprinter. Plus...always looking for a Diesel pump, when I pulled into a gas station...and having to buy DEF every six months (and having to decode the date code on the container to insure I wasn't loading old, stale, DEF) was a pain. On my next RV I opted for a gasoline engine.
Gas isn't a bad option at all
However if you really like the stability jacks and very luxurious sprinter cab and cheaper gas prices wasn’t a concern then I guess you would opt for the Mercedes Unity right?
That's true. Transit catching up with MB, but MB still has a few advantages
What changes are you expecting with the new MB chassis? Gas?
It's still diesel, but 4cyl now with more horsepower and torque
All-wheel drive may be necessary in a tight situation when if you encounter muddy roads.
The problem is the Wonder sits so low to the ground, you wouldn’t really want to take it off paved roads. Sits much lower than the Unity.
I’m expecting delivery of a new UTB sometime late Dec./early Jan. With diesel prices what they are, do you have any experience with the mudfl*p app to get discounts on diesel purchases?
I’ve heard mixed reviews on mudflap. I use the TSD Logistics card. I love truck stops as the big rig diesel nozzles fill up in seconds and def at the pump.
Which chassis brand and motor is most quiet to drive? The Ford?
The MB is very quiet to drive. Can't imagine there is a difference.
Wonder should add “on demand” hydraulic lift system on suspension for the 4x4 model
That would be nice
Hello from Greece!! It is possible to do any changes it needs to use in Europe??? Wander or Unity!!!
I know lot's of folks who ship their LTV over to Europe for the summer, so other than it being larger than most European RVs, and it being 110V electric, I think you would have no problem
Gas vs. Diesel would be my deciding factor. Prices at the pump add up and traveling is the reason for getting one of these.
That's a good point
Based on your comparison of “house” it sounds more like a tie for that category. Giving it to the Wonder because it is less expensive seems odd since you have a separate category for “price”
Wonder has been brought into equity with the Unity lately and much less expensive still, so a very good value
Excellent comparison video. Agree completely with avoiding diesel engines for the foreseeable future. Until our refineries dramatically exceed demand and the war in Ukraine ends, it's hard to see diesel prices declining. We bought our Winnebago Travato Class B 6 years ago, but I've always wanted an LTV. Sadly, we were priced out of the market when they topped $150K and went on up from there. Heck, I can't even afford a new Winnebago Class B now! MSPR has more than doubled in 6 years. Crazy. Still love looking at LTVs though. First stop for us whenever we go to the Tampa RV show!
Prices are insane! Tell Dean I said hey if you see him in Tampa
eventually discounts up to 25% off of MSRP will return. I suspect sooner rather than later!
@@gosman949 This has never been the case with LTV in my experience watching them over the past 10 years. In a soft market, max of $5K off, but more often they get MSRP or very, very close to it. Winnebago, Thor products, yes, but never LTV. Would take a real market collapse as there's too many wannabees out there like me who would love to have the quality LTV offers. They have very successfully nurtured a niche market based on quality.
@@rogerz8051 if we would just stop ordering these RVs for 6 months, supply would catch up and it would be a buyers market.
@@gosman949 We'll see. I've been closely watching LTV in particular for 10 years now. Not once have they had less than an 18 month backlog. They don't expand much to accomodate increased demand due to manpower shortages in their local area, and they sure don't cut corners on quality to push the rigs out quicker. The LTV backlog is well over 2 years now.
My husband has searched extensively for the drive on these. He wants to know how they handle and drive. Can you help with this? Thanks
sure, did a video a few years ago, hope it helps: czcams.com/video/cHRL0fEVUwA/video.html
My main problem with the ford is leg room. The mercedes sprinters I have sat in give me enough leg room to drive comfortably unfortunately the ford is so uncomfortable for my 36 inch legs and my husbands 38 inch legs. I do most of the driving but he cant even get into the passenger seat on the fords. If there isnt enough leg room for comfort then traveling 4-8 hrs is not going to be an enjoyable trip. This is a shame because I have a ford flex and it is the most comfortable to drive and tons of leg room. My second most favorite thing is the leveling jack. I think they will make my back so much happier when it comes time to set up and tear down camp. Thank you for the video because I was curious as to the differences between the Unity and Wonder.
The Sprinter and the Unity are a dream to drive and so comfortable
We are listing our Tiffin Breeze pusher in a week hoping to put a deposit down on the Wonder . We are moving we don’t want to build a bigger garage again .
Good choice, much easier on every account than a Class A
We should of done it a long time ago. Hopefully someone stepping down from a larger pusher will want ours fast. Lol it’s beautiful and so well taken care of. I think we will go wonder the diesel oil changes with the Mercedes in Ohio are $800 to $1500 I don’t want to do that again .
between unity and wonder MBL models with the slide murphy bed the wonder can have the bed down whether slide is in or out the unity can't have the murphy bed out unless the slide is out because it will hit the counter
Both the Unity MB and MBL can have the bed down with slide in. It's the FX that can't have the slide in and lower bed.
The Transit gets around 10-12 mpg at the same speeds that the new Sprinter gets 18mpg, and diesel was cheaper than regular gas this entire summer on our 7k mile trip around the Western Canada and USA.
I was glad to see diesel prices come down!
We're confused. Because of your video, we just picked out the Wonder MBL and the corresponding Unity MBL. The Wonder was base priced at over $233K while the Unity base price was $193K. I thought the Wonders were (at least nominally) supposed to be the lower cost option.
If you used LTV website, it defaults to Canadian dollars. Make sure to toggle to USD. So you prob built wonder with CA and Unity with USD
One additional suggestion to Ford - why let Sprinter continue to have the largest van - put a "big van" on the 178" wheelbase and dominate the van market with a truly BIG van.
Interesting question
How come no Leisure Dealer in the Chicago/Milwaukee area?
Check out Van City in Vegas. You can order there and pick up and lose double the money on the strip, lol
I like the wonder rear twin bed design, because of big exterior rear storage, you can put many utilities like vacuum, portable pressure washer, portable washing machine, the thing i dont like is the ford transit. Unity RTB has no big exterior rear storage. I hope that wonder model have an option for Mercedes sprinter
That is the best for exterior storage
I think when Mercedes switches to gas with the new chassis generation that I will start to like the Wonder more
Isn’t the new 4 cyl going to be a diesel?
@@Lolaandcassidyadventures there's 3 new engines, one gas and two diesels but my understanding was that north America is only getting the gas engine because our diesel regulations are too much of a problem
@@joshmatthews3450 thx Josh that will be an issue hopefully they are turbocharged.:)
It’s going to be Diesel for sure
From what you said - Round 3 (the house) seemed like a solid tie to me. I didn't hear a good reason why the Wonder was better unless it was implicitly just based on a lower cost for the ~same thing?
Yes, now that ducted air is coming into the equation, LTV has basically made the Wonder as featureful as Unity at a lower cost.
Great video, has anyone tried to order a Wonder in the last month or so? At my dealership they are saying 24-28 months for the Unity but possibly 36+ months for the Wonder because of no transit chassis coming in. Also on the Unity order form it says it will be AWD with the new 4 cylinder twin turbo diesel, does anybody know if this is true.
I haven’t heard a definite on AWD on new MB chassis, and ford is slow on the draw with transits now for sure
I ordered my Wonder RL in April of 2021 with an expected delivery of June-August of 2022. A few weeks ago I was told that my coach will arrive NEXT July. As in 2023. Almost 2 1/2 years later. This, despite the fact that Transit production has been nonstop for sometime now according to Ford Authority. I also see no shortage of Transits available in the Class B market and other Class C manufacturers. Meanwhile, the price has gone from 160k t0 190k. The LTV Wonder is rapidly losing any perceived extra value given the fact that it does not offer things such as ducted air on all models, quiet generator option, better battery/inverter capacity, heated tanks etc. than many competitors, including some very desirable Class B’s now available. And the Unity, as noted, is not much of a viable option given the state of diesel today.
We are looking at Class B’s! I may never get to use the nice ceiling covers I bought from you Brandon!
yes , both correct ; however, not likely until fall 2023 delivery dates . plus 10 speed transmission with the biturbo 4 cylinder yields 20 more horsepower
@@davenehilla9610u
I am a lifetime Mercedes Benz fan, driver and I won't switch to anything lese just for a a fuel consumption. Disel has its own advantages that gaz doesnt have. Another great video. Thanks buddy. Why do you need 3 RV/Camper? Is your new way to invest? I know that you are a very smart business man. lol
Haha, the LTV actually has gone up in value very significantly as I purchased before pandemic. Was not expecting that! I'm actually selling the FX and will use the Airstream until the MBL is in.
Hey Brandon if you were to look at a used Unity. What year would you be looking at? I'm looking at used Unity. I don't know when did they change the models.
For the upgraded Mercedes chassis like mine, you will want a 2020 LTV or later. What floor plan are you leaning toward?
@@Pagosa my wife and I like the rear twin bed floor plan. I was just wonder how far back should I look at to get the same Is Mercedes chassee. We found some really good prices 2018 and 2019 LTV.
Unity wins for me !
Me too!
Brandon you neglected to mention that the taller Unity models makes for higher center of gravity and hence owners have reported beefing up shocks bump stops. You will never see a Wonder owner complain about any suspension issues. Lastly the Wonder rear wheel stance is wider plus the 178 versus 170 wheel base. And FWIW Washington DC to Key West and back at 16.9 mpg with 2WD gas Wonder.
I’ve never felt the need to do anything about the suspension and a couple inches height prob isn’t going to make an 11,000 pound vehicle so much worse. I think many do suspension upgrades just cuz they read others have and aren’t used to driving a tall, unstable vehicle like a motor home. Now, I’ve never driven a Wonder, but that’s my takeaway. I assume we have the same experience. That’s great on the MPGs, same as the diesel in mine.
@@Pagosa Next time we meet or next time you are at a LTV rally ask to drive a Wonder gas and feel these changes for yourself. I was lucky before I bought I rented a Sprinter Forest River RV for a week and that baby was a box on wheels with the taller height and shorter wheelbase. Can you get used to it sure can, but nothing like driving one and see for yourself. And I am sure the AWD is a better gripping drive but I was not willing to pay the gas hit for the extra weight and mechanicals. At days end AWD in an RV ain't like my Outback :)
@@smileyel-abd9984 Yes, I need to drive one. I don't understand why someone would want the AWD in the Wonder, but at least glad they can if they want.
Compare the mileage range of each tank, I would think diesel would be much better. I drive a diesel BMW and like that I have a 5-600 mile range. Obviously, won’t get that on either one. Trying to make a decision on finding a 2018/9 Wonder rear twin unit in diesel. Interested in AWD because while I might not winter boondocks, may want to use on ski trips.
I don’t think the advantage of gas is range but more of $$$ per mile. With their being a $1.50-$2.50 price difference between gas and diesel it has erased and MPG advantage that the Diesel engine had.
MLWILSON7. The differential in mileage between the RVs seems to be at best 5 miles to the gallon advantage, so agree. Since I drive a diesel car and assume that the average MPG among all classes is about half of what I get, I think of if differently. The average MPG may be higher with more fuel efficient cars. I think of it is being around 25 mpg, though newer cars need to be 35 or above (may have been suspended under the last administration).
In my calculation for my vehicle which is not a RV, diesel would have to approach twice as much as regular to make it not worth it. Also in the Northwest, the price differential is not as dramatic as in the south, am not sure why. Right now it is priced between mid-range and premium. Tends to be higher in the Northeast and New England because demand is competing with heating oil.
The biggest thing with diesel for me now is the fact they are talking diesel shortages. Would not want to get stuck somewhere. The diesel Wonders did not have AWD as an option, just the newer gassers.
Our Mercedes cost us $800 to $1200 for full service oil change.
Oh wow, good info
Wonder is wonderful. Not a fan of diesel. Give me Ford over Mercedes.
Agree, the gas is great.
To me no leveling jacks is a deal breaker.
I’m a huge fan of levelers
"Why would u want awd" u my good sir don't live in Mn or ND winter from November late March
These aren't four season coaches, so 99% of people store these during the months you speak of. There are a few folks that use them in the winter, so glad it's an option for them.
@@Pagosa But in the middle of the country, you get wild swings in temps and weather -- which even happened when I lived in Dallas. The Boy Scout motto of always be prepared comes to mind in regards to AWD.
So the Mercedes Unity is a 3500XD chassis which is tow rated for 7,500 lbs with a tongue weight rated for 750 lbs with a class 3 hitch and the Ford Transit dually is rated for 6,800 lbs with a tongue weight rated for 680 lbs with also a class 3 hitch which both RV’s have a class 3 hitch. What’s this 4,000 lbs estimate number from when manufacturing numbers don’t lie… 🤔
The LTV uses a chassis configured with a 5000 lb tow rating and 500 tongue weight. It has a GVWR of 11,030 and GCVWR of 15,250, which is approx 4000 pounds that can be towed within the manufacturers limit. The new Ford chassis is about the same configuration. The old Ford chassis had a 2000 lb tow rating.
Quiet Wonder engine vs. noisy unity engine.
The sprinter engine, especially the new ones are basically as quiet as gas, so don’t use that as a metric
Very nice RVs, too bad you can't buy one!
There’s always pre-owned 😃
@@Pagosa Not in Ontario, funny province with 15 million people has 2 dealers, sells a hand full of units each year
@@Pagosa No pre owned, because they don't sell new in Ontario
It's a moot point since you can't get any of them at this time.
You’re not wrong
The wonder over the unity ANYDAY! Less purchase cost, less maintenance cost, less fuel cost and way more driveability i.e. 10 speed. ANYDAY.
It’s much better now for sure
The Ford will cost less to service then the Mercedes,
Not necessarily. That is a common misconception that you can take the Transit to any Ford dealer, but many will refuse to service. If you have a Transit service center close, it will be less expensive to change oil etc, but with a $200K vehicle, who cares about a few extra dollars for an oil change when the MB is much more comfortable and roomy for taller people.
I do wonder why anybody would buy anything made by Ford.
I have a Ford F350 that pulls our Airstream and love it. Also have never heard a disparaging word from Wonder owners over their chassis, so you should be good if you choose a Wonder.
Great video, has anyone tried to order a Wonder in the last month or so? At my dealership they are saying 24-28 months for the Unity but possibly 36+ months for the Wonder because of no transit chassis coming in. Also on the Unity order form it says it will be AWD with the new 4 cylinder twin turbo diesel, does anybody know if this is true.
I heard the same from our dealer, we bought a used 2018 Unity FX and love it. Couldn’t wait that long I wanted to start traveling.:)
I actually heard from an LTV employee the transit may be 4 years 😐
@@Pagosa I just have to believe this is LTV’S inability to put product out the door as quickly as demand for them, more than a shortage of Transit chassis’.
@@davenehilla9610 I do think it's a transit availability issue. Amazon has ordered a ton, and Ford is focused on getting their F150s and Superduty's built they have been so backlogged on. A small purchaser like LTV is at the back of the line I'm sure with Amazon buying all they make.
@@davenehilla9610 they have over a 350 unit backlog. Each coach takes 6-8 weeks to build. Then there were all the supply chain issues to boot!