In 1999, we began our land travels in a 1998 RoadTrek 190 Poplar, which was built around a Dodge Ram 3500 frame. This motorhome was the one and only time we purchased a vehicle for travels that was new and not converted. The RoadTrek was classified as a Van Motorhome (Class B) at the time. The original sales brochure in PDF is very interesting to look at almost 30 years later when these camper vans are all over the roads, but at that time it was a unique and special vehicle. We ended up living in this van in the late 90’s and early 2000’s before we purchased our Greyhound MCI-9 and began our shanty bus conversion adventure.
The 1998 RoadTrek 190 Poplar
RoadTrek, a Canadian company founded in 1974, is known for its innovative Class B motorhomes. By the late 1990s, RoadTrek had become the leading manufacturer of Class B motorhomes in North America. The RoadTrek 190 Poplar, built on the Chevrolet 3500 van chassis, was designed to offer a versatile and comfortable camping experience with the convenience of a more compact vehicle.
1998 RoadTrek 190 Poplar Specs
Chassis and Dimensions:
- Base Chassis: Chevrolet 3500 van
- Length: Approximately 19 feet 6 inches
- Width: Approximately 6 feet 7 inches
- Height: Approximately 8 feet 9 inches
- Wheelbase: 155 inches
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 8,600 lbs
Engine and Performance:
- Engine: 5.7L V8 (350 cubic inches)
- Horsepower: Approximately 255 hp
- Torque: Approximately 330 lb-ft
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Interior Features:
- Sleeping Capacity: 2-4 people
- Sleeping Arrangements: Rear dinette converts into a double bed; optional forward single bed (if equipped with a second row of captain’s chairs)
- Kitchen: Compact kitchen with a two-burner propane stove, microwave, sink, and a 3-way refrigerator (runs on 12V DC, 110V AC, or propane)
- Bathroom: Enclosed wet bath with a marine toilet, shower, and sink
- Seating: Swiveling front captain’s chairs, additional seating for passengers
- Storage: Ample interior storage including overhead cabinets, wardrobe, and under-bed storage
Utilities and Systems:
- Fresh Water Capacity: Approximately 20 gallons
- Gray Water Capacity: Approximately 23 gallons
- Black Water Capacity: Approximately 10 gallons
- Propane Tank Capacity: Approximately 45 lbs
- Electrical System: 12V house battery system, 110V shore power connection, optional generator
- Heating and Cooling: Roof-mounted air conditioner, propane furnace, Fantastic Fan roof vent
Exterior Features:
- Awning: Manual crank-out awning for outdoor shade
- Exterior Storage: Limited exterior storage compartments
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (depending on the model and configuration)
The RoadTrek 190 Poplar is designed to be a self-contained and easy-to-drive motorhome, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the flexibility of van life and the convenience of having all essential amenities in a compact space.
Recent Vehicle Updates
To see all posts in our 1998 Roadtrek 190 tag please go there. Below is the most recent update in our Vehicles Category.
Roadtrek 190 Photos
Photography is a big part of what we do here at Shanty Travels, so we like to include photos that are representative of the places we see. Below are some of our favorites for this category.
