Which Camper Van Should You Rent? (Travato vs Sequence vs Nova)
On paper, these three vans look nearly identical. Same chassis, same engine, roughly the same footprint. In real-world travel, they feel quite different – and choosing the wrong one for your trip can make a noticeable difference in comfort, practicality, and day-to-day experience on the road.
⚡ Quick Verdict
All three vans run on the same Ram ProMaster 3500 platform – 3.6L V6, front-wheel drive, roughly 16-18 MPG. The drivetrain isn’t what separates them. What separates them is how the interior is designed, how much off-grid capability comes ready to use, and how each van feels during a trip of a few days versus a few weeks.
This guide is aimed at people choosing a Class B rental for an upcoming trip – whether that’s a weekend getaway, a longer road trip with a partner, or a remote camping adventure. The right choice usually comes down to a handful of practical factors.
Ready to book? Availability varies by location and travel dates. Browse current Class B rental options to see what’s near you.
Browse RV Rentals →What to Think About Before You Book
- Trip length: A weekend trip is forgiving – almost any of these will work fine. A trip of one to two weeks makes comfort, storage, and noise levels much more noticeable. The vans that feel similar on a Saturday can feel very different by day eight.
- Number of travelers: All three are designed primarily for one or two people. If you’re traveling as a couple, interior space and bed comfort become priorities. Solo travelers have more flexibility.
- Driving comfort and ease: The Ram ProMaster drives similarly across all three, but van rental can be unfamiliar if you’re new to it. All three are front-wheel drive and relatively manageable in cities – more so than a Class C or Class A.
- Parking and maneuverability: Class B vans are among the easiest RVs to park. All three fit standard parking spaces, which opens up destinations that larger rigs can’t reach.
- Storage for your trip: If you’re packing outdoor gear, hiking equipment, or traveling with a lot of luggage, storage differences between models matter. The Travato tends to offer the most usable space.
- Off-grid capability: If you plan to camp without hookups – dispersed camping, remote sites, boondocking – it’s worth checking what solar and battery monitoring each rental includes before you book.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Winnebago Travato | Thor Sequence | Coachmen Nova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis | Ram ProMaster 3500 | Ram ProMaster 3500 | Ram ProMaster 3500 |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (~280 hp) | 3.6L V6 (~280 hp) | 3.6L V6 (~280 hp) |
| Fuel Economy | 16–18 MPG | 16–18 MPG | 16–18 MPG |
| Interior Style | Functional, practical | Modern, contemporary | Luxury, refined |
| Tech Features | Standard RV features | Advanced control panels, enhanced solar | Premium entertainment + smart controls |
| Build Quality | Well-regarded (Winnebago reputation) | Good | Strong (premium materials) |
| Storage | Strongest of the three | Moderate | Moderate (comfort prioritized) |
| Insulation / Quiet | Standard | Standard | Noticeably better |
| Rental Price Range | Mid-range | Most affordable | Premium (highest) |
| Best For | Weekend trips, gear-heavy travel | Budget rentals, off-grid camping | Extended trips, comfort-focused travel |
Watch: See the Differences Up Close
Specs only tell part of the story. This walkthrough covers the interior, layout, and day-to-day feel of these three vans in a way that’s hard to get from a table.
- The Nova’s interior feels noticeably more refined – materials and finish work are a clear step up
- The Sequence makes its tech interface the centerpiece; the controls are more capable and more visible than on the other two
- The Travato’s layout is the most practical day-to-day – storage is better organized, and nothing feels wasted
With those impressions in mind, here’s how each van holds up across the categories that tend to matter most.
Interior & Layout: What It Feels Like to Travel In
All three offer floorplans with a rear bed, wet bath, kitchen, and front living area. The differences are in the feel, not the footprint.
The Travato is the most utilitarian of the three – everything has a purpose, there’s minimal excess, and the layout is efficient in a way that feels almost engineered. It’s not sparse, just unsentimental. For travelers who want to cover ground without fussing with the van, that works in its favor.
The Sequence leans into aesthetics more than either competitor. Lighter color palettes, modern fixtures, and a visual warmth that makes the interior feel larger than it is. Reclining seats and better mattresses are often included as standard. If you want a van that feels current and comfortable without paying a premium rate, the Sequence is worth considering.
The Nova sits in a different tier. High-quality cabinetry, better upholstery, and noticeably tighter finish work give it a more refined feel throughout. Road noise is reduced – not eliminated, but meaningfully less than what you get in the other two. After a long day of driving, that tends to matter more than it seems. For trips of a week or more, many renters find the Nova the most comfortable of the three to actually spend time in.
Technology: How Easy Is It to Use on the Road?
The Thor Sequence tends to come out ahead on off-grid features. Its centralized control panel gives you real-time monitoring of battery levels, water tanks, and temperature from one screen. Enhanced solar packages are often included as standard rather than as add-ons. For renters who want off-grid capability without having to configure much themselves, the Sequence is generally the more practical option.
The Travato covers the essentials – generator, AC, furnace, water heater – with straightforward controls that work without a learning curve. Solar is available but may not be included in every rental. If you want a van that just works without reading a manual, the Travato suits that approach.
The Nova falls somewhere in between. The entertainment system is upgraded and the controls are user-friendly. Better insulation also has an indirect benefit on the road – a more stable interior temperature puts less demand on your battery over time – though it’s not a replacement for a purpose-built off-grid setup.
Storage: How Practical Is It for Your Trip?
Most travelers who’ve used all three tend to give the Travato an edge on storage. Cabinets, drawers, and under-bed storage are well thought-out and oriented around function. If you’re packing outdoor gear, hiking equipment, or camping supplies, the Travato generally gives you more places to put things.
The Sequence trades some storage volume for a more open living area – a reasonable trade-off for couples who want more room to relax in the evenings. The Nova leans toward comfort over capacity, so dedicated storage space is slightly reduced. The solutions are thoughtful, just fewer of them.
Ride Quality & In-Trip Comfort
All three are built on the same platform, so the driving experience is broadly similar. Where they differ is in how well they insulate you from road noise and vibration – which becomes meaningful on long drives.
The Travato feels solid and consistent. It doesn’t have the plush interior of the Nova, but nothing rattles and it holds up well over longer stretches. Most renters find it easy to settle into.
The Sequence is a reasonable mid-range experience. It drives and rides well, and the modern interior makes it feel comfortable for daily use. It’s not quite as refined as the Nova, but for a weekend trip or a casual road trip, the difference isn’t significant.
The Nova is noticeably quieter inside than the other two. Better insulation reduces both road noise and temperature swings, which adds up over several days on the road. If you’re sensitive to noise or planning a longer trip, that difference is worth factoring in when comparing rental rates.
Pros & Cons Summary
Winnebago Travato
- Most storage of the three – useful for gear-heavy trips
- Practical, efficient layout that’s easy to settle into
- Straightforward controls with minimal learning curve
- Solid, consistent ride for longer drives
- Interior feels functional rather than refined
- Fewer standard tech features compared to the Sequence
- Less visually appealing than the other two
Thor Sequence
- Generally the most affordable rental rate of the three
- Off-grid and monitoring features often included as standard
- Modern, attractive interior – easy to spend time in
- Good option for remote camping trips
- Interior feel trails the Nova in refinement
- Less storage than the Travato
- Road noise is more noticeable than in the Nova
Coachmen Nova
- Noticeably quieter and more refined interior
- Better insulation – more comfortable on longer drives
- Premium materials throughout
- Often preferred for extended trips where daily comfort matters
- Typically the highest rental rate of the three
- Less storage than the Travato
- May not be available in as many rental locations
Which Van Should You Rent?
A practical all-rounder that works well for most trip types. Tends to suit:
- Weekend road trips and short getaways
- First-time Class B renters
- Travelers with a lot of gear or luggage
- Anyone who wants an easy, low-fuss experience
A good choice if you want modern features at a lower rental rate. Tends to suit:
- Remote and off-grid camping trips
- Couples who want a contemporary interior
- Budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice features
Worth the higher rental rate if comfort is the priority. Tends to suit:
- Longer trips of a week or more
- Travelers who are sensitive to road noise or temperature
- Anyone who wants a more refined, hotel-like experience on the road
Rental availability and pricing for these vans can vary significantly by location, season, and travel dates. It’s worth checking current rental deals early, particularly if you’re planning a trip during peak travel season.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a short trip, any of the three will do the job – the differences are less noticeable over two or three days. That said, the Travato tends to be the easiest to settle into quickly, with a practical layout and minimal learning curve. If you’re new to Class B rentals, it’s a solid starting point.
Most Class B vans are designed with one or two people in mind, so all three work reasonably well for couples. The Sequence tends to feel a bit more open and modern, which some couples prefer. The Nova is worth considering if you’re planning a longer trip together and want a quieter, more comfortable interior. The Travato gives you the most storage, which matters if you’re traveling with a lot of gear.
All three share the same Ram ProMaster 3500 platform, so the driving experience is broadly similar. Front-wheel drive makes them more manageable than rear-wheel drive alternatives, and they fit into standard parking spaces – which is one of the main advantages of a Class B over a larger RV. If you’re new to driving a van, all three are among the more approachable options available.
The Thor Sequence tends to be the strongest option here. Enhanced solar and off-grid monitoring are often included as standard, which means less setup and fewer surprises when you’re away from hookups. The Travato and Nova can handle off-grid camping too, but may need upgrades to match the Sequence’s capability – and that depends on what the specific rental includes. Worth checking before you book.
The Travato is a reasonable first rental for most people. The layout is practical, the controls are straightforward, and it handles well on the road. It won’t overwhelm you with features or require much adjustment. If you’re specifically interested in trying off-grid camping, starting with the Sequence makes sense given its standard solar setup.
Since all three share the same Ram ProMaster 3500 platform and 3.6L V6, fuel economy is broadly similar – roughly 16-18 MPG depending on load, driving conditions, and whether you’re running the AC or generator. That’s reasonably efficient compared to larger Class A or Class C motorhomes, though real-world results will vary.
For trips of a week or more, many travelers prefer the Coachmen Nova. The better insulation, reduced road noise, and more refined interior make a real difference when you’re spending several days on the road. If comfort is the priority and the rental rate fits your budget, it’s worth comparing against the other two. For shorter trips, the difference is less pronounced and the Travato or Sequence may offer better value for your travel dates.
For most trips, the Travato is the easiest all-around rental – practical storage, simple controls, and a layout that works without much adjustment. If you’re on a tighter budget or planning off-grid camping, the Sequence is worth a look. If you’re taking a longer trip and comfort matters more than price, the Nova tends to be the better experience. Availability varies by location and season, so it’s worth checking what’s available for your travel dates sooner rather than later.
