Leisure Travel Vans
The 2021 Wonder in all its Class C glory.
Words by Steve Fennell
Leisure Travel Vans has recently added several new features to its 2021 Wonder and Unity lines, and while we thought these models were interesting before, we won’t be surprised if they become even more appealing to RVers with their added function and convenience.
2021 Leisure Travel Vans Unity
The latest Class C floorplan that’s ready for the 2021 season is the Unity Rear Lounge (RL). Given its length of a mere 7.7 m (25.11 ft) and width of just 2 m (7.11 ft), designers at Leisure made great use of space to include two functional living areas with a dinette forward and a large lounge that occupies the rear.
Leisure Travel Vans
The Unity Rear Lounge’s (RL) front living area and galley.
When it’s time to turn in, the rear can be transformed into a large bedroom with the lowering of a queen-plus murphy bed. What more could RVers ask for in a Class C with two excellent interior living spaces by day and comfortable sleeping at night? More function is found in between these two spaces with a well-designed head that’s opposite a large clothes closet, complete with drawers, and a variety of cupboards.
“We took the most regarded elements from previous floorplans in the Unity line and melded them into one design to create the Rear Lounge,” says Mike Elias VP/director of marketing for Leisure Travel Vans. “Since we launched the Unity Murphy Bed in 2009, we have added five additional floorplans to date, and this is the latest design.”
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Leisure Travel Vans
With a quick adjustment, the lounge on the Rear Lounge converts to a large Murphy bed, offering a great sleeping space.
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Leisure Travel Vans
With a quick adjustment, the lounge on the Rear Lounge converts to a large Murphy bed, offering a great sleeping space.
Like all floorplans in the Unity family, the Rear Lounge rides on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab 3500 Chassis (the dedicated platform for the series) and sports many upgrades for driver convenience. For instance, the Driver Convenience Package adds a multifunction leather-wrapped wheel, 12V power outlet at the driver seat base, heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors, plus cruise control and Attention-Assist, which immediately triggers an alarm when it ingeniously senses driver fatigue.
The Sprinter also offers the Premium Plus Package, which we really like. It expands console space for smart devices (complete with wireless charging); an MBUX multimedia system with a 26 cm (10.25 in) LCD and touchscreen navigation with a three-year subscription to mapping data and Sirius XM; and the Sprinter-exclusive Distronic Plus, another driver-assist system that alerts drivers when they are too close to other vehicles at the front and back. To add some bling to the exterior, there’s a Chrome Grille Package as well as an Exterior Lighting Package, which includes fog lamps and LED headlamps with high-beam assist for those cloudy, wet days or when driving along dark rural roads.
Leisure Travel Vans
The additional sleeping option in the forward living area on the Unity Rear Lounge.
Although a few optional appointments such as the woven flooring, Bordeaux exterior paint, and electric stabilizer jacks were discontinued for ’21, other new items have been introduced. It’s nice to see the optional 4-point leveling system, which is superior to the jacks, lithium batteries, natural rift cabinetry, plus an inflatable bed and new optional seating to convert the dinette into another sleeping area.
But there are some new standard features as well like a surge protector, flip-down towel bar in the head, a magnetic accessory bar in the galley, and upgraded baggage compartment latches. While not the sexiest additions, they do make a big difference when travelling day after day in a smaller space.
Leisure Travel Vans
Driving has been made more convenient thanks to the fully loaded dash that comes with the Sprinter Chassis.
“Our design approach is very modern and European with clean designs,” says Elias. “We implement light wood cabinets and Corian for the countertops, as well as Ultraleather for the seating. We try to pick the best materials that we can find, and it reflects in the end product.”
2021 Leisure Travel Vans Wonder
One significant enhancement to the Wonder Class C line is the updated Ford Transit chassis on its four floorplans, which include the Rear Lounge (RL), Rear Twin Bed (RTB), Front Twin Bed (FTB), and the Murphy Bed (MB). And although it was new in the spring of 2020, Elias explained it’s still fresh on showroom floors and comes with a wealth of appealing appointments.
Leisure Travel Vans
You’ll enjoy the expanded living arrangement on Wonder Rear Lounge.
We’re fans of the Ford Transit chassis, and with the V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, we’ll bet there will be more reliable power. Although the reported fuel numbers of 13 to 14 mpg aren’t as significant as some diesel Class C models, the easy availability of gas in rural locations will make your explorations stress-free.
“The 2020 Transit chassis is still relatively new as it’s only been a year since it was introduced,” says Elias. “It gives the Wonder such a much nicer exterior profile with a more luxurious interior. Plus, we find a lot of RVers prefer a gas engine over diesel for more convenience and easier (and less expensive) maintenance.”
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Leisure Travel Vans
The Wonder Rear Lounge has a great area to relax during the day with comfortable sleeping at night.
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Leisure Travel Vans
The Wonder Rear Lounge has a great area to relax during the day with comfortable sleeping at night.
While the Wonder has many of the new standards found in the Unity, some additions include, a Touchscreen Control System with a mobile app control via Bluetooth, and a rear storage 12V power receptacle. While this is a minor addition, we never realize how important these are until we need one. Additional available options across all the Wonder floorplans include 12V lithium coach batteries (2), stylish cashmere or natural rift cabinetry, and a 4.0 kW Gas Generator with auto start/changeover – an update from a 3.6 kW LP generator.
“As we currently offer two lines of Class C models with the Wonder on the upgraded Ford Transit and the Unity on the Sprinter, we’re moving forward with achieving our goals of having more similar floorplans on each chassis, allowing customers to choose from either the Sprinter or Ford Transit while still getting exactly what they want,” says Elias.
Be sure to check out our youtube.com channel for a full review on the Wonder FTB and more details of the 2021 Wonder Rear Lounge.