Automotive

Lithium-powered camper van creates a solid foundation for American off-grid adventure

Lithium-powered camper van creates a solid foundation for American off-grid adventure
The Tofino features a dual-lithium battery set-up for plenty of power on the go
The Tofino features a dual-lithium battery set-up for plenty of power on the go
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Pleasure-Way sticks with a simple folding bench interior with electric-powered kitchen block
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Pleasure-Way sticks with a simple folding bench interior with electric-powered kitchen block
Pleasure-Way has designed the Tofino to be four season-compatible, with a built-in furnace and indoor plumbing
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Pleasure-Way has designed the Tofino to be four season-compatible, with a built-in furnace and indoor plumbing
The rear cargo area offers 70 cubic feet of space
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The rear cargo area offers 70 cubic feet of space
The Tofino sleeps up to four on the folding cabin bed and standard roof bed
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The Tofino sleeps up to four on the folding cabin bed and standard roof bed
A look up toward the Tofino camper van's swivel front seats
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A look up toward the Tofino camper van's swivel front seats
The kitchen includes an induction cooktop and stainless steel sink
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The kitchen includes an induction cooktop and stainless steel sink
A roof rack and solar package are available optionally
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A roof rack and solar package are available optionally
Inside the pop-up roof
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Inside the pop-up roof
The Tofino is based on a 213-in Ram Promaster 1500
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The Tofino is based on a 213-in Ram Promaster 1500
Pleasure-Way introduced the Tofino camper van earlier in October
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Pleasure-Way introduced the Tofino camper van earlier in October
The Tofino features a dual-lithium battery set-up for plenty of power on the go
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The Tofino features a dual-lithium battery set-up for plenty of power on the go
Pleasure-Way Tofino camper van
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Pleasure-Way Tofino camper van
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We've been covering a slew of new and innovative European camper vans lately, so it's about time we look at an all-new Class B motorhome made and sold in North America. One such camper van hitting American roads, the Ram Promaster-based Tofino from Canada's Pleasure-Way, is a compact powerhouse with a lithium battery bank and a focus on electric appliances. Drop in the available solar package and you can start up an extended off-grid adventure.

A sort of revival of Pleasure-Way's old Ford-based Traverse, albeit on a different van platform and packed with the latest technologies, the Tofino debuts as a new entry-level option for the Saskatoon-based conversion company. The new camper starts life as a 213-in (541-cm) Ram Promaster 1500 van with 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and 136-in (345-cm) wheelbase. Pleasure-Way toughens up the exterior look with a set of tubular running boards.

The Promaster base van is the American-market version of the Fiat Ducato, Europe's most popular camper base van and the heart of several recent debuts, like the Hymercar Free and Adria Twin Supreme.

Pleasure-Way sticks with a simple folding bench interior with electric-powered kitchen block
Pleasure-Way sticks with a simple folding bench interior with electric-powered kitchen block

What gives the Tofino bragging rights over many other camper vans its size is its beefier electrical package, beginning with dual 100-Ah lithium coach batteries. The batteries power the induction cooktop, Dometic AC/DC refrigerator, LED lighting and more, with help from a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter. An available 100- to 200-watt solar system keeps the batteries topped off while traveling between corners of the map, and the electrical system can be monitored and controlled via a touchscreen panel with remote control.

The Tofino's cabin appears simple but functional, combining a driver-side kitchen block with cooktop, stainless steel sink and fridge, a two-seat bench that folds into a 54 x 72-in (137 x 183-in) bed, and swivel driver cab seats. The manual pop-up roof houses a second bed, measuring 49 x 72 in (124 x 183 in).

The Tofino sleeps up to four on the folding cabin bed and standard roof bed
The Tofino sleeps up to four on the folding cabin bed and standard roof bed

A 16,000-BTU furnace comes standard on the Tofino, and Pleasure-Way says the van is four-season-capable, owing to its internally mounted 57-L fresh water tank, 30-gal grey water tank and plumbing lines. The liquid propane (LP) tank is plumbed to an external quick connection for hooking up a grill.

With its full-width bench/bed, the Tofino lacks the slick flip-away bed/elongated rear storage we've been seeing a lot of on recent camper van debuts, but it does have a roomy 70-cu ft (2-cu m) load area for hauling luggage, sports gear and more. An optional set of crossbars sets you up for carrying larger gear like paddleboards and kayaks.

A roof rack and solar package are available optionally
A roof rack and solar package are available optionally

The Tofino starts at US$69,550 with a standard equipment package that includes the pop-up roof with bed, a 5-in Uconnect infotainment system in the cab and a rear-view camera. The short options list includes two solar packages, roll-up door screens and the roof rack.

Pleasure-Way introduced the Tofino earlier this month at the California RV Show. Check out the introductory video below.

Pleasure-Way Tofino Pop-Top Campervan

Source: Pleasure-Way

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1 comment
1 comment
guzmanchinky
I like seeing how the RV industry is going electric. Propane is a dangerous pain in the butt. That said, the front of that van looks like a butt.