This “go anywhere” Type B motorhome, built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, offers the flexibility of two seating areas and is packed with functionality and high-tech features.
By Lazelle Jones
June 2019
For more than three decades — since 1986 — Pleasure-Way, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been designing, engineering, and building motorized recreation vehicles. In their 140,000-square-foot facility, they create between 700 and 800 units a year. These motorhomes are showcased by a network of 50 dealer locations across North America. The company focuses on Type B motorhomes, which rank as one of the most popular motorized RVs on the market today.
Pleasure-Way builds Type B motorhomes on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and the Ram ProMaster chassis. They offer a total of nine different models; six on the Sprinter chassis and three on the ProMaster. Recently, I spent a day at La Mesa RV in San Diego, California, where I completed a very detailed look-see with the Lexor FL floor plan.
Chassis/Exterior
The Pleasure-Way Lexor FL features factory silver metallic paint.
The Lexor FL uses the Ram ProMaster chassis as its platform. The unit has a wheelbase of 159 inches, an overall length of 20 feet 11 inches, and an exterior width of 89 inches with the mirrors retracted. The unitized construction used to create the Lexor, and the fact that the exterior sidewalls extend vertically and are not curved near the top as the walls rise to the roof, allows Pleasure-Way designers to take full advantage of the living and storage volume inside.
Pleasure-Way employees make minimal penetrations in the Ram ProMaster chassis so as to maintain its structural integrity. The roof and the floor remain intact; they are not cut, chopped, repositioned, or rewelded. Pleasure-Way receives the unit with no windows in the body and then employees add frameless windows by C.R. Laurence. These jalousie-style windows incorporate tempered, tinted thermal sheets of glass. The louvers that articulate out and in measure a full 6 inches, a feature that permits greater ventilation capability. They also can be opened just a small amount, allowing occupants comfort control.
The exterior of the Lexor features Ram ProMaster factory silver metallic paint. For a “smart” finished appearance that also facilitates ingress and egress, long, single-piece running boards are added along each side, giving the bottom of the coach a finished and complete look.
A single-hinged door on the street side of the unit protects and houses the utility station. It includes a plug for the 30-amp shore power cable, a city water connection, and a cable television coupler. A low-profile Winegard Rayzar digital television antenna comes standard and provides reception in many locations. With the fully automatic Winegard antenna on the roof, the concern of leaving a campsite with the antenna in the “up” position will never be an issue.
The Lexor FL galley is just inside the sliding side entry door.
The roof also is the platform for optional 95-watt solar panels. Each panel (under direct sunlight conditions) can generate up to 5 amps per hour. These solar panels provide enough energy to the twin lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to keep them fully charged in order to support normal lifestyle demands. Up to three 95-watt panels can be added to the Lexor FL.
Another exterior feature that’s important to note is the Fiamma power patio awning. At the touch of a button, it extends a full 8 feet out from the coach. It measures 12 feet long. The legless awning features telescopic self-supporting arms and comes with a sensor that causes it to automatically retract into its protective housing when strong winds are detected.
Utilities
As noted, at the heart of the DC electric system are two lithium-iron-phosphate batteries (100 amp-hours each). They are sequestered beneath the rear bench seat inside the motorhome. These batteries are maintenance-free, and unlike conventional lead-acid house batteries, they do not “off gas.” However, to meet RV Industry Association standards, they are sealed and vented in a protective enclosure.
As an added safeguard related to extreme high or low temperatures, when the coach is not in service, the two lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are equipped with a key called a charge-line disconnect. With the key manually turned to the “off” position, no charging occurs, and the lithium batteries remain protected against extreme outside temperatures.
Although lithium-iron-phosphate batteries initially may be a bit more expensive than conventional lead-acid batteries, they are capable of yielding between 2,000 and 3,000 charging/discharging cycles, whereas conventional batteries may yield far fewer such cycles (perhaps 200 to 300 cycles). In other words, lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are capable of lasting about 10 times longer than conventional batteries.
A view of the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL motorhome looking forward from the rear lounge
Since 2016, Pleasure-Way has been using this lithium-iron-phosphate house battery pack as the core of the Lexor FL’s electrical system. These two house batteries provide power for almost everything on the coach that is 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC. The one exception is the 11,500-Btu low-profile roof air conditioner. To operate the A/C unit, either the auxiliary generator must be engaged or the motorhome must be connected to 30-amp shore power. Four sources provide a charge to the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries: the chassis alternator (over the road); 30-amp shore power; the 2.8-kw gasoline-powered auxiliary generator; and solar panels (optional).
The Lexor FL has two separate, identical 7-inch touch-screen control panels. One is located just inside the sliding patio-side door, at the end of the galley counter. The second one is mounted above the flat-screen television at the rear of the coach. These panels boast big, user-friendly icons and make it possible to operate and monitor onboard systems such as the furnace, the air conditioner, the Fan-Tastic Vent fan, the 12-volt system, and the automatic generator start system.
Another key electrical component is the 2,000-watt Xantrex pure sine wave inverter. It changes DC power to AC to operate the three-way refrigerator/freezer, the microwave-convection oven, and a flat-screen television. The TV is mounted to an arm that permits it to be articulated out and away from its storage location against the wall for viewing from anywhere in the coach.
The 4.9-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer seeks 110-volt AC first and then 12-volt DC and, finally, propane. A propane tank is the fuel source for the two-burner cooktop, the 16,000-Btu centrally ducted forced-air furnace, and the tankless water heater.
The cockpit seats in the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL, upholstered in Ultraleather fabric, swivel rearward to face the cantilevered table when it is secured to a wall bracket.
Holding tank capacities for the fresh-water, gray-water, and black-water tanks are 28, 20, and 12 gallons, respectively. Because the holding tanks are mounted underneath the ProMaster chassis, they are not insulated, something to keep in mind when considering camping in very cold climates. With the state-of-the-art electrical setup, the motorhome does lend itself to off-grid RV camping, with the length of time dictated almost entirely by occupants’ ability to manage holding tank levels.
Interior
A workstation with power outlets and a USB charging port flips up behind the driver’s chair in the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL motorhome.
The Lexor FL floor plan gleans livability and functionality out of seemingly every square inch of interior floor space, and every cubic foot of interior volume. FL, by the way, stands for forward lounge. This front lounge space makes use of the Ultraleather-covered cockpit seats, which swivel toward the rear. Having the up-front seating option allows occupants to convert the rear seating area to a queen-size bed — at the touch of a button — and to leave the bed made up during the day while in camp. The rear bench seat is equipped with two three-point seatbelts.
A key feature of the dual living areas is a table made by Lagun, which can be used in the salon area at the rear of the coach or up front directly behind the driver’s seat. The innovative table pivots 360 degrees on a cantilevered pedestal, rather than having a support post that inserts into a hole in the floor. The table slides into a substantial wall bracket (one in front, one in back) and locks in place. With the table placed up front and the two captain chairs turned rearward, the Lagun table serves as a dining table or a utility table.
The Pleasure-Way Lexor FL comes with a permanent wet bath.
The driver’s seat also can be swiveled rearward to make use of the flip-up workstation, which is on the exterior side of the bathroom wall directly behind it. The workstation is equipped with a 120-volt power outlet plus USB charging ports.
The Lexor FL also comes with an inflatable air mattress that fits across the cockpit seats to provide an additional sleeping berth.
Just behind the cockpit is a full, permanent wet bath that features all the accoutrements a residential bath would offer. The interior of the bathroom is such that the average-height adult can stand up inside. It includes a lavatory, a countertop, cabinets, a shower, and a porcelain toilet.
A three-quarter-length wardrobe is positioned aft of the refrigerator/freezer.
The galley is located immediately to the left and inside the sliding side entry door. Both the side door and the two doors at the back of the coach (which have a center post) can be outfitted with optional nylon roll-up insect screens. The screens feature a magnetic bead around the edge that draws the curtain to a fully closed position to keep bugs out while allowing ventilation.
Ultraleather also covers bench seating at the rear of the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL motorhome.
The galley features a large (13 inches by 17 inches) stainless-steel sink accompanied by a high-arc faucet with a pull-out sprayer. The aforementioned refrigerator unit has a top freezer compartment. The refrigerated section includes adjustable shelves much like a home-style refrigerator and has space to hold typical containers, such as a gallon jug of milk. It also comes with a vegetable-crisper drawer.
The two-burner propane cooktop has a hinged tempered-glass cover that provides additional counter space when not in service. The microwave-convection oven sits immediately below the solid-surface galley countertop. Below the microwave is a large roll-out drawer. The handcrafted overhead cabinets that line the wall above the galley counter, and circle around the rear salon area, provide copious amounts of storage.
Final Impressions
At the touch of a button, the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL’s rear bench seat converts to a queen-size bed.
The Ram ProMaster chassis is rated to tow 2,150 pounds, so it may be possible to take along a boat or a utility trailer with ATVs or motorcycles. Owner feedback indicates fuel economy for the Lexor FL to be 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
The manufacturer’s base suggested retail price of the Lexor FL is $118,170. The fully equipped motorhome I reviewed included the optional side screen, rear screen, painted molding, and a solar package. The Lexor FL comes with Ram ProMaster factory paint, two interior fabric choices, and three cabinetry alternatives.
Whether you’re downsizing, right-sizing, or just starting to enjoy the RV lifestyle, the Pleasure-Way Lexor FL merits a close look.
SPECS | PLEASURE-WAY LEXOR FL
MANUFACTURER
Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd., 302 Portage Ave., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7J 4C6; (800) 364-0189; www.pleasureway.com.
MODEL
Lexor
FLOOR PLAN
FL (front lounge)
CHASSIS
Ram ProMaster 3500 van
ENGINE
3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar; 283 horsepower at 6,400 rpm; 260 pound-feet torque @ 4,400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
AXLE RATIO
3.86 to 1
TIRES
LT225/75R 16 all-season
WHEELS
16-inch aluminum
WHEELBASE
159 inches
BRAKES
four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
SUSPENSION
heavy-duty; additional SumoSprings in rear
SHOCK ABSORBERS
gas-pressurized
STEERING
power, tilt and telescopic, Smart Wheel
ALTERNATOR
180 amps
BATTERIES
chassis — (1) 95 amp-hour, 880 cca; maintenance-free;
house — (2) Eco-Ion lithium-iron-phosphate
AUXILIARY GENERATOR
Onan 2.8 kw, with automatic generator start feature
INVERTER
Xantrex pure sine wave, 2,000 watts
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
30 amps
EXTERIOR LENGTH
20 feet 11 inches
EXTERIOR WIDTH
89 inches; 98.5 inches with mirror extended
EXTERIOR HEIGHT
9 feet 3.5 inches
INTERIOR HEIGHT
6 feet 3 inches
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)
9,350 pounds
GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)
11,500 pounds
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR)
front — 4,629 pounds;
rear — 5,291 pounds
OCCUPANT & CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY
1,395 pounds to 1,455 pounds, depending on number of solar panels
INSULATION
walls — fiberglass insulation;
roof — foil-faced fiberglass insulation
FRESH-WATER CAPACITY
29 gallons
HOLDING TANK CAPACITIES
gray water — 20 gallons;
black water — 12 gallons
FUEL CAPACITY
24 gallons
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
gasoline
PROPANE CAPACITY
4.7 gallons
WATER HEATER
Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus tankless
WATER SYSTEM
demand
HEATING SYSTEM
Dometic 16,000-Btu auto-ignite furnace
AIR CONDITIONING
Dometic 11,000-Btu roof unit
REFRIGERATOR
4.9 cubic feet, three way (AC, DC, propane)
TOILET
Thetford residential
WARRANTY
chassis — 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain;
coach — 5 years/60,000 miles, limited
BASE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$118,170
PRICE AS REVIEWED
$126,825