Noovo Lite vs Coachmen Nova

Key features & use cases comparison

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The Noovo Lite is built for extended off-grid living, appealing to full-time vanlifers and remote workers. Its custom interior and beefy electrical system are designed for those** who want their van to feel like home, wherever they roam**.

The Coachmen Nova, part of the well-established Forest River RV family, targets weekend warriors and occasional travelers. It offers a blend of traditional RV comforts with the maneuverability of a van, suitable for those transitioning from larger RVs to more compact adventures.

Both vans are based on the RAM ProMaster chassis, but their approaches to layout, power systems, and target audience diverge significantly.

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Noovo Lite vs Coachmen Nova

Key Features

Features

Noovo Lite

Coachmen Nova

Chassis

RAM ProMaster 3500

RAM ProMaster 3500

Length

20'11"

20'11"

Sleeps

Up to 2

Up to 2

Bathroom

Wet bath with cassette toilet

Wet bath with traditional toilet

Power System

Lithium batteries (660Ah-1320Ah) with 400W solar

190Ah AGM battery with 190W solar

Heating

Gas-powered Rixens system

Truma Combi Eco Plus

Fresh Water

40 gallons

29 gallons

Price (Starting)

$162,700

$131,59

The Noovo Lite and Coachmen Nova are both built on the RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis, but that's where the similarities start to thin out. The Noovo Lite is all about extended off-grid living, with a power system that'll make most vanlifers drool - we're talking up to 1320Ah of lithium batteries paired with 400W of solar. The Nova? It's got a more modest 190Ah AGM battery and 190W solar setup. It'll get you through a weekend warrior stint, but for full-time living, you might be left wanting more juice.

When it comes to keeping clean, both vans sport wet baths, but the Noovo opts for a cassette toilet while the Nova sticks with a traditional RV toilet. The Noovo's 40-gallon fresh water tank outpaces the Nova's 29 gallons, meaning fewer pit stops for water refills on those long hauls.

Price-wise, the Noovo Lite commands a premium at $162,700, while the Nova starts at a more wallet-friendly $131,593. But remember, you're not just paying for a van with the Noovo - you're investing in a custom-built home on wheels.

The Nova feels like a traditional RV shrunk down to van size, perfect for those dipping their toes into the van life waters. The Noovo Lite? It's for those ready to dive in headfirst, with a rig that's built to handle full-time living from the ground up.

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The living room of the Noovo Lite

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The bed of the Noovo Lite

Noovo Lite vs Coachmen Nova

Full Spec Comparison

Features

Noovo Lite

Coachmen Nova

Chassis

RAM ProMaster 3500

RAM ProMaster 3500

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

3.6L Pentastar V6

Transmission

9-speed automatic

9-speed automatic

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Gasoline

Exterior Length

20'11"

20'11"

Exterior Width

8'2.25"

7'3"

Exterior Height

9'3" (including AC)

9'3"

Interior Height

6'2.25"

6'1"

Fresh Water Capacity

40 gallons

29 gallons

Grey Water Capacity

40 gallons

20 gallons

Black Water Capacity

N/A (cassette toilet)

13 gallons

Power System

660Ah-1320Ah lithium batteries, 400W solar

190Ah AGM battery, 190W solar

Inverter

3000W

1000W

Air Conditioning

12V Roof AC - Dometic RTX 2000

13,500 BTU roof AC

Heating

Gas-powered Rixens system

Truma Combi Eco Plus

Refrigerator

12V Vitrifrigo C85i

5.3 cu ft 12V refrigerator

Cooktop

Single burner induction

2-burner propane

Microwave

Yes

Yes

Kitchen Sink

15" x 15" stainless steel

Stainless steel

Bed Size

RV Queen (60" x 80")

70" x 76" convertible

Seating

Driver and passenger swivel seats, bench

Driver and passenger swivel seats, sofa

Exterior Awning

Yes

Yes

Price (Starting)

$162,700

$131,593

Let's break it down: both the Noovo Lite and Coachmen Nova are rocking the RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis with that peppy 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. But from there, these vans start to carve their own paths.

The Noovo Lite is like that friend who's always prepared - its power system is a beast, with up to 1320Ah of lithium batteries and 400W of solar. You could probably run a small coffee shop out of this thing. The Nova? It's got a 190Ah AGM battery and 190W solar panel.** It'll keep your phones charged and the lights on, but don't expect to power a party.**

When it comes to water, the Noovo Lite is ready for the long haul with 40 gallons each for fresh and grey water. The Nova's got 29 gallons of fresh, 20 gallons of grey, and 13 gallons of black water capacity. It's a more traditional RV setup, but you'll be hunting for dump stations more often.

In the kitchen, the Noovo Lite goes for a sleek single burner induction cooktop, while the Nova sticks with a classic 2-burner propane setup. Both have microwaves because, let's face it, sometimes you just need to nuke a burrito.

Sleeping arrangements? The Noovo Lite gives you a fixed RV queen bed - no fuss, no muss, just crawl in and zonk out. The Nova's got a convertible bed that's slightly larger when set up, but you'll be doing the old fold-out dance every night.

The Nova's lower price point might be tempting, but remember - the Noovo Lite is built for full-time living. It's not just a van, it's a tiny home on wheels, custom-built to make life on the road as comfy as possible.

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Pricing & Value

Comparison

Pricing Components

Noovo Lite

Coachmen Nova

Base Price

Starting at $162,700

Starting at $131,593

Financing Options

Available through Noovo, tailored plans

Available through Coachmen dealers

Estimated Monthly Payment

From $1,087/month

From $879/month (estimated)

Additional Costs

Custom features, energy upgrades

Optional packages, dealer fees

Warranty

3-year warranty

1-year limited warranty

Resale Value

High, due to custom build

Moderate to high, backed by established brand

Let's talk money. The Noovo Lite starts at $162,700, which might make your wallet wince a bit. The Coachmen Nova? It's easier on the bank account at $131,593. But here's the thing - you're not just buying a van with the Noovo, you're investing in a purpose-built tiny home on wheels.

Financing-wise, Noovo's got your back with tailored plans, while Coachmen leaves it up to their dealers. Monthly payments? You're looking at about $1,087 for the Noovo Lite and around $879 for the Nova. That's assuming you've got good credit and a decent down payment, of course.

Now, don't forget about the extras. With the Noovo, you might be tempted by some custom features or beefier energy systems. The Nova? You'll probably be eyeing those optional packages. Either way, your final price tag is gonna be north of the base price.

When it comes to warranties, Coachmen offers a 1-year limited warranty. Noovo's warranty is 3-year unlimited warranty. Make sure you get the full scoop before signing on the dotted line.

Resale value is where things get interesting. The Noovo Lite, being a custom build, is likely to hold its value well - especially with that powerhouse electrical system. The Nova, backed by the Forest River name, should also retain decent value. But let's be real - the type of person dropping coin on a used Noovo is probably different from the Nova buyer.

Bottom line? If you're planning on full-time van life, the extra cost of the Noovo Lite might pay off in the long run. Weekend warrior? The Nova could be your ticket to adventure without breaking the bank.

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Noovo Lite

  • Beastly electrical system for serious off-grid living

  • Larger fresh and grey water tanks

  • Custom-built interior that feels like a real home

  • Fixed queen-size bed for consistent comfort

  • More spacious interior

  • Built for full-time living from the ground up

  • Higher upfront cost

  • Newer brand, might make some folks nervous

  • Single burner cooktop might limit your gourmet aspirations

  • Cassette toilet isn't everyone's cup of tea

Coachmen Nova

  • More budget-friendly starting price

  • Backed by established Forest River brand

  • Traditional RV-style amenities familiar to many

  • Two-burner propane stove for more cooking options

  • Slightly larger bed when converted

  • Great for weekend warriors and occasional travelers

  • Less powerful electrical system limits off-grid capabilities

  • Smaller water tanks mean more frequent fill-ups and dump-outs

  • Convertible bed requires daily setup

  • Less customization options

  • May feel less "homey" for full-time living

FAQ

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