Van•Nois•Seur Podcast

Hank Strange and Nick Schmidt explore the 2025 market landscape for class B vans, touching on the impact of the ProMaster recall and audience preferences in van features. They discuss the Noovo Next and Noovo Plus models and the appeal of the double lithium battery option for Pixel 1.8 along with excitement for the Tampa show and future RV plans.

(0:00) Introduction and opening topics

(3:08) 2025 market overview for class b vans and ProMaster recall impact

(7:14) Preferences in van features and options and audience questions

(10:23) Hank's personal van experience and the popularity of Ford class b's

(13:43) Nuvo Next and Nuvo Plus models discussion and future features

(17:20) Audience loyalty and the popularity of Sprinter vans

(21:18) Double lithium battery option for Pixel 1.8 and quick break

(22:37) Comfort and relaxation in the van and audience questions

(31:12) Securing specific make/model/color and Mercedes Benz units discussion

(37:40) New offerings in Sunshine State Elite Club and sponsorship news

(42:09) Audience question on Pixel 1.8 LI vs Nova LI and van lengths

(46:07) Industry standards and customer service importance

(50:15) Dealing with RV issues and excitement about the Tampa show

(53:45) Preferences for van features and future van plans

(59:12) Upcoming RV shows and meeting listeners

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Zach Eppers from Coachmen to discuss the evolving world of RVs. They compare Class A and Class B RVs and delve into the Coachmen RVEX project, highlighting building challenges and the future of electric RVs. The conversation covers Coachmen's plans post-Brightrop E-RV, chassis collaborations, and the industry's shift towards efficiency and hybrid technology. They explore manufacturing costs, new Coachmen models, and the impact of the Euro model.

(0:00) Introduction, upcoming guests, and Zach Eppers from Coachmen

(4:03) Class A vs. Class B RVs and the Coachmen RVX project

(18:30) Building challenges and the future of electric RVs

(26:42) Coachmen's post Brightrop ERV plans and chassis collaborations

(35:35) Trends towards efficiency and hybrid technology in RVs

(45:52) RV manufacturing costs and new Coachmen models

(48:05) Coachmen owners meetup and Euro model impact

(52:01) Evolving buyer demographics and tech in Class A motorhomes

(58:20) Connectivity and energy shifts in RVing

(1:03:21) Air conditioning, audience questions, and future tech in RVs

(1:09:02) Conclusion with Zach Eppers and final thoughts

(1:10:18) Closing remarks, new merchandise, and holiday wishes

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Nick Recchio from Coachmen to discuss the Class B market and van life culture. They explore Coachmen's production growth, market trends, and the company's recent DSI award. The conversation touches on Coachmen's owner support, extreme weather testing, and insulation practices. A van buyer's guide is offered, highlighting the importance of online reviews and due diligence. Nick shares insights into Coachmen's water tank capacities, off-road model plans, and announces new models like the Galleria, Pixel, and Helix.

(0:00) Introduction with guest Nick Recchio and sponsor acknowledgment

(2:10) Nick Recchio's role at Coachmen and Class B market insights

(6:53) Van life culture and Coachmen's production growth

(11:10) Market trends and Class B performance, including DSI award

(17:57) Coachmen's owner support and extreme weather testing

(24:12) Coachmen's insulation practices and pop top benefits

(30:09) Van buyer's guide: Online reviews and due diligence

(32:24) Coachmen's water tank capacities and off-road model plans

(38:42) New Coachmen Galleria and Pixel model announcements

(41:47) Power systems: Solar, AC, and lithium battery options

(51:07) New Coachmen adventure van, the Salient, and plant expansion

(57:32) Technological advances in lightweight RV construction

(1:04:41) Upcoming events and Coachmen customer engagement

(1:09:20) Podcast schedule, contact info, and future collaborations

(1:12:18) Closing remarks and holiday greetings

In this episode, Hank Strange and Ron Preston deep dive into the features and options of the athletic series vans. They provide an overview of financing options and RVIA requirements for camper vans, while touring the Patriot and Passage models. The episode introduces the Cruiser model, addressing the needs of taller customers. Audience questions cover van tech, performance, battery specs, fuel mileage, and towing capacity are also explored for vanlife.

(0:00) Intro with Ron Preston and Midwest Automotive Design

(7:56) Exploring the athletic series van features and options

(11:10) Financing options and RVIA requirements overview

(13:50) Touring different van models: Patriot and Passage

(18:23) Introducing the Cruiser model with rear restroom

(23:12) Addressing tall customer needs and special features

(26:26) Ford Transit series demand, supply, and unique features

(30:47) Audience questions: Van tech and comforts

(39:47) Audience questions: Van performance and customization

(45:36) Winterizing vans and customer experiences

(48:09) Van specifications: Battery, fuel mileage, and towing capacity

(57:48) Comparing physical switches to Firefly system

(1:01:08) Customer customization requests and storage solutions

(1:09:47) Upcoming events and contact information

(1:12:45) Closing remarks and end of episode

In this episode, Hank Strange chats with Nick Recchio, GM of Coachmen Class B RV. The conversation highlights Coachmen's industry leadership, teamwork, and recognition through RVDA Quality Awards. The episode also explores expansions in the Pixel line, innovations in the Galleria, new floor plans, and the Tampa RV Super Show.

(0:00) Introduction and shoutout to Lola

(0:27) Introduction of guests and preshow announcements

(1:48) Sponsor: Coachmen

(3:27) Coachmen's industry leadership and teamwork recognition

(7:00) Celebration of Stranger Palooza’s 201,000 subscribers

(9:54) Tribute to Pete Legal and Coachmen's DSI Quality Awards

(22:23) Audience questions and discussion on the Pixel 2.0

(26:20) Expansion and improvements in the Pixel line

(32:37) Accessibility and all-wheel drive options in vans

(37:02) Innovations in Galleria and new floor plans

(39:41) Tampa RV Super Show and partnerships

(44:45) Considerations for low roof van models

(51:40) Upcoming events and the Sunshine Coachmenova Pixel booth

(54:19) Tesla Cybertruck experience and class B van displays

(57:58) Remembering Murphy and lightning strike van damage

(1:04:53) Closing announcements and appreciation for Coachmen team

In this episode, Hank Strange chats with Jared McCauslin, CEO of Vandoit, about the growth of Van Life and its impact due to COVID-19. They delve into the popularity of Van Duet, advantages of buying a Ford transit from Vandoit, and the versatility of their vans. The episode also features discussions on the Move model, aluminum frame pros & cons, cost and financing options, and the future of van life.

(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction: Jared McCauslin, CEO of Vandoit

(6:02) Discussion on the growth of Van Life and the impact of COVID-19

(8:33) Audience interaction and discussion on the growth of Van Life

(15:24) Popularity and visibility of Van Duet on the road

(20:13) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs

(21:39) Benefits of buying a Ford transit from Vandoit

(24:09) Versatility and modularity of Vandoit's vans

(30:07) Learning curve of driving a larger vehicle and practicality of Vandoit's vans for families

(41:49) Discussion on the Move model

(52:08) Advantages and disadvantages of the aluminum frame in the van

(1:02:48) Listener question: Cost and financing options for Vandoit RVs

(1:06:19) The future of van life and Class B vans according to Jared McCauslin

(1:12:53) Closing remarks and thanks from Hank Strange

In this episode, Hank Strange talks with Justin Humphreys, VP of sales at Airstream, about the iconic brand and the rise of class B RVs. They explore the unique features of the Airstream Atlas and discuss the company's approach to quality control and customer feedback. Also, they delve into the impact of social media on customer feedback and the future of renewable batteries and electric vans in the RV industry.

(0:00) Introduction and guest Justin Humphreys, VP of sales at Airstream

(6:17) Discussion on the iconic Airstream brand and the rise of class B RVs

(13:04) Introduction of the Airstream Atlas and its unique features

(21:37) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs

(24:40) Discussion on Airstream's quality control measures and customer feedback

(27:45) Airstream's approach to customer complaints and dealership relationships

(32:14) The role of social media in customer feedback and quality control at Airstream

(51:58) Hank Strange discusses the Range Line and its impact on the RV market

(57:15) Discussion on the future of renewable batteries and electric vans in the RV industry

(1:04:28) Wrapping up with final thoughts from Justin Humphreys and upcoming events

(1:06:32) Outro by Hank Strange

In this episode, Hank Strange and guest Jason delve into the world of ham radio, its intersection with RV culture, and its role in events like Burning Man. They discuss vehicle capabilities for off-road travel, the necessity for self-sufficiency during extended van trips, and where to source RV supplies. The duo also talks about balancing skills, time, and money in van builds, and promotes the upcoming More Expo in Springfield, Missouri.

(0:00) Introduction and overview of the episode with Jason

(2:43) Introduction to Hank Radio 2.0 and Hank's journey to getting his ham radio license

(7:22) Discussion on the intersection of ham radio and RV culture

(26:36) Burning Man experiences and Ham Radio

(36:40) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs

(44:30) Understanding vehicle capabilities for off-road travel

(51:26) The need for self-sufficiency in a van for extended trips

(1:00:03) Where to buy RV and van supplies and market trends

(1:04:16) The balance between skills, time, and money in van builds

(1:07:59) Promoting the upcoming More Expo in Springfield, Missouri

(1:09:50) Closing remarks and gratitude for the listeners

In this episode, Hank Strange chats with Mark Howlett from Truma about the company's evolution, their commitment to customer service, and the importance of system redundancy. They delve into the efficiency of propane in RVs, the future of standardization in the industry, and the benefits of electrification. They also explore the challenges of DIY RV builds and the potential for new consumer-direct products. The episode concludes with a discussion about Truma's partnership with Aldi US and potential meet-up at the Tampa show.

(0:00) Introduction and guest, Mark Howlett's role at Truma

(6:09) Truma's connection to the United States and evolution of products

(14:26) Importance of service, customer support, and system redundancy in RVs

(20:14) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs

(22:54) Efficiency of propane in RVs and introduction to Truma's new diesel-powered system

(28:26) Importance of maintenance and cost of upgrading in RV safety

(33:19) Future of standardization and over-engineering in the RV industry

(43:27) Benefits of electrification and design philosophy in RVs

(49:37) Challenges and considerations for DIY RV builds and safety regulations

(57:04) Potential for new consumer-direct RV products and impact of market demand on product development

(1:02:21) Truma's partnership with Aldi US, new products, and potential meet-up at the Tampa show

(1:08:17) Wrapping up the episode and future plans

In this episode, Hank Strange and guest Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RVs discuss new RV models and features showcased at the Elkhart Open House. They address audience questions about wheelchair lifts in Class B RVs, introduce the Storyteller Overland, and preview the upcoming Rex Rover from 27 North. They also share maintenance tips for RV owners and discuss the benefits of the Sunshine State Elite Club.

(0:00) Introduction and Guest: Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RVs

(5:54) Main Topic: New RV models and features at the Elkhart Open House

(13:37) Audience Question: Accommodating a wheelchair lift in Class B RVs

(18:55) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs

(20:49) New Addition: Storyteller Overland at Sunshine State RVs

(28:44) Quality Control and Brand Overview with Nick Schmidt

(33:27) Upcoming RV shows and opportunities to see new models

(44:05) Preview: The upcoming Rex Rover from 27 North

(49:46) 2024 Coachmen Beyond: Available options and features

(1:04:28) Future Plans for Van Upgrades

(1:07:53) Maintenance Tips for RV Owners

(1:15:24) Sunshine State Elite Club and its benefits

(1:16:54) Conclusion and Preview of the Next Episode