Recently, news came from Shenyang about a couple in their seventies—Yi Changwu and Li Chunxia—who converted a minivan into an RV. They have not only traveled to over 20 provinces and cities across China and visited all 56 ethnic groups, but this year they also drove all the way to Russia. In this way, RVs have quietly entered the lives of ordinary Chinese people and are no longer a luxury.
A Minivan Transformed into an RV
Yi Changwu is a seasoned road-tripper. As early as three years ago, he converted his small “minivan” into an RV, which can truly be described as “small but well-equipped.”
The seat behind the driver’s seat was removed, creating a space approximately 2 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. During the day, it serves as a dining area, and at night, it becomes a bedroom. To solve the water issue, there is a 40-liter water tank on the roof. By turning on the tap and hanging up a shower curtain, the bedroom transforms into a bathroom—even solar power can be used, and after just two hours in the sun, the water gets very hot.
Open the tailgate, and the back of the vehicle functions as a “kitchen,” complete with foldable table and chairs, as well as a small gas tank, stove, pressure cooker, and mini refrigerator. Li Chunxia mentioned that she even made dumplings during the New Year. The RV also has two power outlets for charging laptops, cameras, mobile phones, and even a microphone for karaoke.
Equally important are support and services. This is also a key criterion for evaluating RV manufacturers. Among domestic brands, SAIC MAXUS offers eight service commitments, including 24/7 free roadside assistance, trip continuation, one-hour emergency response, 24-hour customer service, 48-hour fault resolution, and differentiated value-added services. Even when traveling to remote areas, you won’t feel “far from help.”
Although RVs are used less frequently than regular cars, usage costs are still an important factor to consider. The 2.5T engine of the SAIC MAXUS V80 RV is based on the latest model from the renowned Italian light-duty diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori. It uses a TDCI turbocharged common-rail direct-injection diesel system, consuming 8–10% less fuel than similar market products, helping owners save on travel expenses. In addition, SAIC MAXUS offers the industry’s only 3-year/80,000-km powertrain warranty and 2-year/50,000-km whole-vehicle warranty, helping owners “protect their wallets.”