Class B van conversion RV features slide-out and more

Class-B "camper vans" have come a long way since the days of the old "hippie conversion." Now comes an upstart idea from Canada: A Class B with a slide-out and a dry bath. Leisure Travel Vans announced  the release of their "Free Spirit SS" on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van chassis.

For RVers who don't mind a minimalist space environment, there are a few things almost just too good to be true: Picture getting 19 to 22 mile-per-gallon. Need a little fresh air while napping? Just open the sliding door at the foot of your bed for a bigger-than-life view of the outdoors. Need to head off to 'powder your nose'? Stand ready for a porcelain toilet, shower--even a vanity.

The Free Spirit SS adds a few other features:

- V6 turbo diesel
- Rack and pinion fiberglass slideout--just to the rear of the driver's seat
- Leather sofa bed, folds down to 54" x 80" with memory foam topper
- Under the sofa bed, a pedestal table, 'erects in seconds'
- Corian countertop, stainless sink, cabinets, refrigerator/freezer, convention-microwave oven equipped galley
- 16,000 Btu furnace
- 600 watt inverter
- Full width sliding screen door.

Expect sales to start this fall at less than $120,000 (US).