One reason Minnesota millennials Shea and Erin Laughlin chose the 2017 19.7-foot Hymer Aktiv 1.0 for their home on the road is because of its small footprint.
The Aktiv is built on the RAM ProMaster 2500 chassis providing for a stable ride. The front-wheel-drive van is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 fuel-injected gasoline engine allowing for safe driving on interstate highways or two-lane country roads. Fuel economy varies depending on driving conditions; stop-and-go traffic averages 13 mpg, while open roads can see 19 mpg.
The 2017 Hymer Aktiv has a basic list price of between $93,000-$105,000. Popular options include EcoTrek 400 lithium power module, 250-watt solar panels, and the VoltStart auto-start system. It comes with a generous six-year transferable warranty covering the manufacturer of the rig, appliances, electronics, plumbing and EcoTrek batteries.
For the foreseeable future, the Hymer Aktiv will remain the Laughlins’ only home.
“While some may criticize us for living a non-traditional lifestyle, thinking it is somehow irresponsible,” said Shea Laughlin, “we think that it is probably the most responsible thing to be doing in today’s world.
“In our opinion,” he continued, “it is critical to get out of one’s comfort zone and experience life through someone else’s eyes. We are able to meet so many people with different backgrounds than our own and it exposes us to things that we may not have been exposed to if we didn’t travel.”
Erin Laughlin added: “We have no intention on slowing down and have even thought about taking the van overseas to do some extended travel there as well.”
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Photos: Shea and Erin Laughlin