After years of RV adventures, from towing Airstreams across countless miles to navigating the country in a larger Class A motorhome, I’ve discovered my perfect travel companion in a Leisure Van Unity. With over 11,000 miles clocked on my Unity, I can confidently say it’s the most enjoyable recreational vehicle I’ve ever owned. This is my comprehensive review of my Unity experience, including the enhancements I’ve made during my first ten months of ownership, tailored for those considering the travel van lifestyle.
My journey began with a relatively short wait before taking delivery of my Unity from Schaap’s RV Traveland in Sioux Falls, South Dakota – a dealership I wholeheartedly recommend for their exceptional service. My RV history is extensive, featuring three Airstreams pulled for about 70,000 miles by a robust Dodge/Cummins 4×4, and a foray into the world of larger RVs with a 2010 Tiffin Allegro Bus, in which I covered 51,000 miles before seeking a more compact and efficient option. This background has given me a broad perspective on the RV world, leading me to deeply appreciate the unique advantages of Travel Vans.
What makes me so enthusiastic about my Unity travel van? Firstly, its maneuverability is a game-changer. It handles much like a car, or at most a small truck, making driving in diverse conditions significantly less stressful. Fuel efficiency is another major benefit, consistently delivering between 14 and 18 mpg, depending on wind conditions. This is a welcome change from less economical RVs and makes longer trips more affordable and environmentally conscious. Beyond practicality, the build quality of the Unity is exceptional. In my experience, it surpasses most recreational vehicles and rivals the renowned quality of high-end Canadian motorhomes, often praised for their craftsmanship. For someone like me, needing a functional workstation for my iMac while on the road, the Corner Bed model is an ideal layout, providing both comfort and utility.
Unity U24CB compartment upon entry showcasing storage solutions
Are there any downsides to travel vans like the Unity? If I were to nitpick, the original cockpit seat could benefit from improvements, although newer Sprinter chassis models have addressed this. Any other adjustments I’ve desired have been easily managed through personal modifications, enhancing the vehicle to perfectly suit my needs. Minor issues have been minimal and quickly resolved, including a small water leak near the bedroom window (promptly fixed under warranty with a galley faucet replacement) and a lost hubcap (replaced by Triple E). Like many Sprinter owners, I also experienced front-end alignment issues, a common topic in online forums. After 11,000 miles, an alignment was necessary, especially considering the occasional encounters with challenging road conditions and potholes during my travels.
To further personalize my travel van and enhance its functionality, I’ve implemented several additions. Let’s explore some of these modifications with accompanying photos.
Starting with the cockpit area, I focused on enhancing both entertainment and navigational capabilities. I installed a soundbar for the front TV, which significantly improved audio quality. For added comfort, an armrest was installed on the door. Technological upgrades include a new head unit with SiriusXM for entertainment variety, multiple GPS units for comprehensive route planning and monitoring, a Valentine One radar detector to maintain driving awareness, and a front dash camera for added security and peace of mind. A custom center console now neatly organizes essentials like my coffee mug, iPhone, iPad, and CB radio, and is easily removable if needed.
Unity U24CB cockpit modifications including armrest and electronic upgrades
Moving to the U-dinette area, I addressed storage accessibility – an area where minor improvements could be made. The photo highlights the under-seat storage access, suggesting simpler access solutions could enhance user convenience. Crucially, as a digital nomad, I travel with a 27” iMac. To create a stable and ergonomic workspace, I mounted the iMac to an arm, which is securely attached to the U-dinette seat frame. This setup avoids drilling into the walls and provides a robust workstation for on-the-road productivity.
Unity U24CB U-dinette area with iMac workstation and storage access
In the galley area, I maximized organization using readily available and affordable solutions. IKEA rods and hooks were installed to increase hanging storage, complemented by a custom-made paper towel holder. These simple additions significantly improve the functionality and tidiness of the kitchen space in the travel van.
Unity U24CB galley enhancements with IKEA rods and paper towel holder
Finally, even the bathroom cabinet received organizational tweaks. These small modifications, though not extensively detailed visually, contribute to the overall efficiency and user-friendliness of the travel van’s living spaces.
Unity U24CB bathroom cabinet organization improvements
What’s next for me and my Unity? For now, my focus is on slowing down, hitting the open road, and thoroughly enjoying my exceptional travel van. My sincere appreciation goes to the dedicated team in Winkler who maintain a commitment to quality and doing things the right way. For anyone considering the RV lifestyle or looking to downsize without compromising on comfort and quality, I highly recommend exploring the world of travel vans. They offer a unique blend of maneuverability, efficiency, and comfort, perfectly suited for both weekend getaways and extended adventures.
