At the Tampa Super RV show this past January, I poked around inside a Roadtrek Zion. This Class B van conversion was introduced at the Louisville RV Show 2015. I decided to review it again – not because it’s “all-new” – instead because it’s been a steady seller for the past eight years.
Roadtrek was one of the first-class B manufacturers to buy and build on the newly introduced Ram ProMaster chassis in 2015. The fact that it’s now making a variety of van configurations speaks to how well it’s been accepted by Class B customers. It’s worth having a look at again – as well as exploring one of its newest configurations – the pop-top Slumber model.
Its front-wheel drive design is unique to the ProMaster in the van world. Ram says it gives its new van several best-in-class features, such as fuel economy, cargo capacity, payload, turning radius, interior ceiling height and lowest step-in height. This is all good news if you are a company like Roadtrek which builds on stock vans. Hence the original Zion.
But, back to the critical differences between this and other vans. The lack of a rear driveshaft, complete axle and differential makes the body sit very low. This offers up more inside space for Roadtrek to build in – but it also gives it a low centre of gravity and a firm, planted feeling while driving.
Up front, the turning radius and steering feel aren’t just a lucky engineering break. No, again, it’s because of the front-wheel-drive design. It puts the weight of the engine, transaxle, and drive components right under the driver’s feet, and the position of that front axle will turn this van around in a very tight circle. It uses Ram’s Pentastar V6 gas engine and offers a stability program that includes wind assist, sway assist, drift compensation, rollover mitigation and (when towing) trailer sway control.
So, what’s inside the built-up Zion?
- The exposed center aisle for storage of more extensive gaming and sporting items
- Firefly coach monitoring system
- Galley features a 5.0 cu. Ft. Refrigerator, propane stove, microwave, and flip-up counter extension with charging station
- Loads of storage in the kitchen, including a slide-out pantry and large pot drawer
- Interior permanent bathroom with marine toilet, sink and shower
- Automatic propane heating system
- An abundance of interior storage, including large under-sofa drawers
- Rear power sofas can be used as twin beds or quickly transform to a king size bed
Other technical features include:
- 11,000 BTU roof mount air conditioner
- Retractable power awning
- Outdoor shower
- Heavy duty, magnetic bug screen for rear and passenger sliding door
- Power steps
- Easily accessible hookups
- Large windows with “peek through” vents for a beautiful and sleek look
- Power side mirrors that fold for tight spaces
- 300 watts of solar power
I have often said that Class B’s get driven more than any other type of motorhome – shorter trips, taken more often and with adventure destinations for many. The Zion is perfect for this active lifestyle as the open-concept floor plan allows you to pack all your outdoor adventure toys, from bikes to kayaks, in the spacious center aisle.
The Slumber version of the Zion is built for a couple looking for separate living and dining spaces or a family (needing more sleeping space) wanting to explore the countryside together.
Unique features of the Slumber:
- Slumber pop top for additional sleeping capacity
- 13,500 BTU roof mount air conditioner
- Solar ready
- The slumber pop-top area offers ample comfortable sleeping space for up to two people
- Molded storage tray with charging ports in the pop-top area gives you an easily accessible area for your items
- The exposed center aisle for storage of more extensive gaming and sporting items
Specifications: 2023 Roadtrek Zion Slumber
- Chassis: Ram ProMaster 3500 extended van
- Seating capacity: Five
- Sleeping capacity: Five (with optional folding mattress)
- Fuel type: Gas
- Exterior length: 20’9″
- Exterior width (without mirrors): 6’11”
- Interior aisle width: 29″
- Exterior height (with roof AC): 9’5″
- Interior standing height: 6’2″
- Wheelbase: 159″
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 9,350 lbs
- Occupant & cargo carrying capacity: 1,250 lbs
- Gross combined weight rating: 10,600 lbs
- Towing – tow hitch rating: 2,000 lbs
- Fresh water: 37 gal
- Black water: 8.5 gal
- Gray water: 14 gal
- Rear king bed size: (width x length) 70″ x 75″
- Rear twin bed size – passenger side (width x length) 24″ x 75″
- Rear twin bed size – driver side extended (width x length) 39″ x 75″
Ram ProMaster 3500 Extended Van Specifications:
- Engine: V6, 280 HP
- Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @6400 RPM
- Rear Axle Ratio: 3.86
- Transmission: Automatic 6-speed 62 TE
- Tires: LT225/75R16E black wall
- Sleeps: 5
- GVRW: 9,350 lbs.
- GCWR: 11,500 lbs.
Related Articles
The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier
Nissan, as a truck manufacturer in the North American market, is one of the smaller players. So, while its market share is small, its truck history is anything but. Nissan can trace the roots of the new Frontier back to its entry into the US market in 1959. And, as...
Ram drops its all-electric pickup at the New York Auto Show
With its debut at the New York Auto Show, Ram's REV is now the third all-electric pickup offered by Detroit builders. While Ram is last to the party, behind Ford and GM, it's possible that they saved the best for last. The REV is estimated to offer over 800 km of...
A Look Inside the Crossroads Hampton Destination Trailer
Not every RVer wants to roll on down the road. Many find a location that they really like and they stay put. This makes them permanent campers and they find these sites most often in a RV park that caters to seasonal rentals. Of course, when you stumble on this...
