Question 1

How much do these RVs cost?

Accepted Answer

As truly custom built RVs, the pricing can vary quite a lot.  Making these units road worthy - 24/7, 365 days a year, and all four seasons capable, requires high-end materials and exceptional workmanship.  There are certain foundational costs (trailer, independent suspension, leveling, steel frame structure, bi-fold window-door entertainment wall, etc.) that will be part of every home.  We expect pricing to generally start at $350,000.

Question 2

Do you have a few models to pick from or are they truly custom?

Accepted Answer

We offer several models as starting points and inspiration, however, yours can be 100% custom.

Question 3

Where do you build them?

Accepted Answer

The Barclay RV will be built in Kansas and can be delivered nation wide.

Question 4

What is the process like if I want to build one?

Accepted Answer

It starts with completing a simple form.(https://www.customtravelhomes.com/contact-8)  We will then contact you to get an understanding of your needs and desires.  Once you give us your approval to move forward, we will require a deposit to initiate the design work.  We will meet with you in person, if possible, and work collaboratively to create a plan that you agree to, and then finalize a production and cost schedule.  We will invite you to meet with us during the build process.  Alternatively, we will conduct reviews over video calls.  Depending on the size and complexity of the build, you can expect this process to be 6-9 months but will depend on supply chain constraints that are not within our control.  Regardless, we will proactively work with our partners to expedite every component so that it does not impact our schedule.

Question 5

What kind of tow vehicle do I need?

Accepted Answer

We like to flip that question - what do you have or do you want to tow with?  Generally, as these Travel Homes will weigh in at 20,000 lbs or more, a 1-ton dually would be required and that is what we targeted for the CTH34.  We will use your desired truck as the basis for understanding the constraints and limitations to design your custom Barclay RV.  A Heavy Duty Truck (HDT) is not required.

Question 6

I only plan to move it a short distance once or twice a year.  Is this still right for me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, we get a lot of inquiries from people who want to spend the winter months in warmer climates and then up north where the summers are a lot cooler.  See this link (https://www.customtravelhomes.com/single-post/snowbirds-rejoice-travel-homes-are-here)for a recent blog post

Question 7

What are the maximum dimensions?

Accepted Answer

For towing down the road without special permits, the width can not exceed 8'6" and the height can not be more than 13'6".  We like to use both dimensions to their limit.  For length, we would recommend 20'-40'.

Question 8

Do you offer slides?

Accepted Answer

In our current designs, we do not offer slides because the bi-fold window door entertainment wall system, a signature design element in our builds, provides the natural light and expansive layout, bringing the outside in.  However, if your preference is to go 100% custom, we will incorporate slides to your specific needs.

Question 9

Are these four season RVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely.  We use closed cell blown-in insulation, double and triple pane residential windows, heat recovery air circulation systems, heat-pump mini split heat/AC units, and can also incorporate heated floors and a wood stove.   All water tanks and connections are protected from the cold and you can run in an off grid fashion, if desired.

Question 10

Why metal frame versus wood?

Accepted Answer

Steel framing provides an incredibly strong light-weight alternative to wood.  It will save thousands of pounds in weight versus traditional wood framing.  Additionally, steel framing provides the necessary rigidity for a unit that will travel over 70mph down the road, literally hurricane strength winds and earthquake motion.  This RV is built for hurricanes and earthquakes.

Question 11

Why choose this over a regular RV?

Accepted Answer

We wanted a RV that would incorporate individuality and distinction. There are many nice RVs out there.  We looked at them as well when we started this journey.  The issue we had was that whichever one we picked, we had to make compromises.  We wanted a RV with all the amenities we were used to and this gave us that ability

Question 12

Is it difficult to find parking?

Accepted Answer

The size will always impact where you are able to park, but rigs in general are getting larger and this is like any other fifth wheel.  All builds will be RVIA certified.   In our travels, we have had zero issues and quite the opposite, are often asked to park in a very visible location as it draws so much positive attention.

Question 13

What certifications will these homes have?

Accepted Answer

All builds will have industry RV certifications.  In addition, all building, electrical, and plumbing will be done at or exceeding current residential home building standards with the exception of some spatial requirements that are simply not possible.  We are also working with several sustainability and high performance building organizations to ensure we use the right materials and design to minimize our footprint.

Question 14

How is the electrical system different?

Accepted Answer

While the traditional RV has a 12 volt based system, the Barclay RV use a 48 volt lithium battery system that feeds an inverter and subsequently powers a residential 220v panel.  The result is that we can support any residential appliance and system without any issues.  Any required 12v RV equipment is simply run by installing a 12v inverter connected to the system. Designed together with a Solar system for off grid use, the battery bank can theoretically power the system indefinitely (with enough solar coverage).    When plugging in to shore power, the system can accommodate 50amp, 30 amp, 20amp, all the way down to a 7 amp connection and you can still run all the appliances.   This is because they run from the battery and the shore power is simply there to charge it.
As with all systems, battery and solar configurations need to be optimized based on expected and maximum draws on the system from all connected devices.   When high voltage usage such as EV charging is anticipated, scheduling and throttling usage may be necessary to ensure smooth operation.