Louisville Showcase: What’s Hot

Built-in fireplaces and elaborate entertainment centers were among the most noticeable trends on view as RV manufacturers unveiled their newest creations at the 43rd National RV Trade Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

Nearly 1,200 RVs were on display at the show November 29 to December 1 as manufacturers presented their products to more than 5,200 dealer representatives.

Among the RVs attracting interest were models offering complete home theater systems with flat panel TVs, surround sound audio, and satellite TV and radio systems to go with electric fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, stylish furnishings and a host of other luxuries.

The show demonstrated that a growing number of RVs are being built to appeal to young, active families. Motorhomes, fifth wheels and trailers with space to carry motorcycles, ATVs and other equipment are becoming more numerous, and manufacturers are expanding sleeping areas in everything from truck campers to motorhomes to accommodate large families.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), which sponsors the show, presented an optimistic sales forecast for 2006 at its annual outlook breakfast at the trade show. The RVIA reported that wholesale RV shipments were projected to reach 376,700 for 2005, the highest number since 1978, and that consumer surveys and demographic trends point to steady growth in RV ownership throughout this decade.

The annual trade show is an opportunity for manufacturers to present their new products to dealers and also preview models that have not yet entered production. Here is a look at some of the RVs that attracted attention in Louisville:

Jayco Seneca ZX
The 35-foot Seneca ZX motorhome is an upscale version of a toy hauler. In front is a living area with luxury features, including a surround-sound home theater system. In the rear is a garage that is big enough to house two ATVs, and a workspace.

Sid Johnson, Jayco’s director of marketing, said customers have complained that many toy haulers are just storage containers with sparse interiors, so Jayco decided to produce a product that is comfortable and stylish. The Seneca includes a large refrigerator, range and microwave, adjustable recliners, a Howard Miller clock, raised panel cabinets and decorator fabrics.

The motorhome is powered by a 300-horsepower Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engine with a five-speed automatic Allison 1000 Series transmission with overdrive. The power lift tailgate has a capacity of up to 1,600 pounds. The Seneca ZX has the hitch package and combination weight rating to tow most cars and small utility trailers.

For information, contact, Jayco, P. O. Box 460, Middlebury, IN 46540. Phone (800) RV-JAYCO or visit www.jayco.com.

Winnebago Adventurer/Itasca Suncruiser
More than half of Winnebago’s motorhomes have been redesigned for 2006, including the best-selling Class A gas models, the Winnebago Adventurer and its twin, the Itasca Suncruiser.

A redesigned exterior and an increase in ceiling height are among the notable features. The spacious interior has a height of seven feet, two and a half inches. Six popular floor plans return for 2006, and a seventh, the 38T, has been added.

The innovative 38Tplan has 385 square feet of living space, with two large slideouts. The front slideout extends the refrigerator, dining table and couch, while the bed, wardrobe, lounge chair and TV entertainment center extend in the rear. The floor plan puts the galley in the front of the motorhome, with the middle occupied by the lounge area, including an optional fireplace.

In all the floor plans, a Sony home theater sound system that includes a combination DVD/VCR, five speakers, amplifier and receiver is part of the entertainment system. A Sony 27-inch color TV is included with each model. Options include a satellite TV system and Sirius Satellite Radio. The bedroom also has a flat screen TV.

The Adventurer and Suncruiser are offered in floor plans that range from 33 feet to 38 feet in length. An optional side-mounted video system allows the driver and passenger to view both the rear and sides of the motorhome via the back-up monitor

For information, contact Winnebago Industries, P. O. Box 152, Forest City, IA 50436. Phone (800) 643-4892, Extension 3, or visit www.winnebagoind.com.

Airstream BaseCamp
BaseCamp is a futuristic tent-trailer hybrid designed by Nissan Design America to meet the needs of a new generation of Airstream customers. It comes with an attached tent extension, engineered by outdoor products manufacturer Kelty.

The BaseCamp has Airstream’s trademark aluminum skin, and wrap-around tinted windows in a design that takes its styling cues from the Torpedo, which was developed by Airstream founder Wally Byam in the 1930s. With a 2,000-pound gross weight, it is light enough to be towed by most conventional vehicles.

The interior layout is flexible so that the owner can convert it to new uses through life’s stages. It can be used as a conventional travel trailer able to sleep two to four people, be used as a combination travel trailer/toy hauler to accommodate motorcycles, ATVs or other gear, or serve as a utility trailer. The tent extension at the rear of the trailer doubles the available living space.

The BaseCamp, which was introduced at the Louisville show, will go on sale this year at Airstream dealers at a suggested retail price of under $20,000.

For information, contact Airstream, 419 W. Pike Street, P. O. Box 629, Jackson Center, OH 45334-0629. Phone (937) 596-6111 or visit www.airstream.com.

Fleetwood Discovery
Fleetwood RV, which introduced its SpacePlus full-wall slideout on the 2005 Pace Arrow, has extended the technology to the 2006 Discovery, Excursion and Providence Class A diesel motorhomes.

With the 27-foot slideout wall, Fleetwood is able to offer 390 square feet of open living space. Fleetwood collaborated with Freightliner Custom Chassis to lower the engine and eliminate the typical step-up around the master bed, creating a rear living space with a flat floor, seven-foot ceilings, and a greater feeling of spaciousness throughout the coach.

The new Excursion, Discovery and Providence have exterior compartment doors that extend with the slideouts. Each unit also offers many options, including water heaters with 16-gallon output capability, automatic-start generators and 14-cubic-foot refrigerators.

The 2006 Discovery on display in Louisville included a complete home theater with a surround-sound system with DVD, CD and MP3 player plus AM/FM stereo and a flat screen television. It comes with 36 interior/exterior options.

For information, contact Fleetwood Customer Relations, P. O. Box 7638, Riverside, CA 92513-7638. Phone (877) 308-7644 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

Wild Thing
The Wild Thing from Dutchmen is a new fifth wheel entry in the growing sport utility RV market. The company says it has tried to combine the best features of cargo trailers and RVs to produce the ultimate toy hauler.

The cargo area is big, up to 18 feet in length. And the living area comes with cherry cabinets, and an executive entertainment package with a flat screen TV, automotive AM/FM/CD/DVD car stereo system and interior and exterior flat panel speakers.

Dutchmen also builds the Victory Lane Sport Utility RVs, which this year have added a new décor package called “radical red.” Dutchmen builds both travel trailer and fifth wheel toy haulers under the Victory Lane name.

For information, contact Dutchmen Manufacturing, 2164 Caragana Court, Goshen, IN 46526. Phone (574) 534-1224 or visit www.dutchmenmfg.com.

Dynamax ISATA Touring Sedan
Dynamax Corporation debuted its new E and F series ISATA models at the Louisville show. The new E series is built on the Ford Econoline 450 chassis. The F series is based on the popular Ford F series truck chassis, which provides additional power with a standard 362-horsepower gas V-10 engine or optional 325-horsepower diesel 6.0L engine.

The ISATA Touring Sedan is a Class C motorhome that is luxuriously furnished and aimed at those who seek an upscale motor coach in a driver-friendly size.

The E-series units feature a new floor plan with a sofa slideout and two floor plans that offer a cab-over option with a bed over the driving area.

The F-series models are available in plans up to 35 feet in length. The vehicle is designed with the engine out front, providing a roomier cab area with extra legroom. The chassis is higher off the ground, allowing for taller exterior storage compartments and room for a 5.5 diesel generator.

The 2006 ISATA models come equipped with a new DynaRide air suspension system that company officials say will offer the best ride of any Ford motorhomes on the market.

For information, contact Dynamax Corporation, 2745 Northland Drive, P. O. Box 1948, Elkhart, IN 46515. Phone (888) 295-7859 or visit www.dynamaxcorp.com.

Newmar All Star
Although 2006 has just begun, Newmar has introduced its first 2007 model, the All Star, a diesel pusher that uses a mid-engine chassis design to create a two-story sleeping quarters at the rear of the coach.

The All Star is designed to meet the needs of big families. James Sammut, director of sales and marketing, said, “This is a motorhome that can legitimately sleep a family of eight, while also providing safe seating and ample dining areas. The All Star really sleeps eight, seats eight and dines eight people.”

The All Star is built on the Spartan Chassis that puts a 350-horsepower Cummins engine in the middle. This unique chassis allows Newmar to put a sleeping area in the rear with a queen bed and 26-inch LCD television on the bottom floor and twin beds and a 13-inch monitor on the upper floor. In addition, an oversized dinette converts to a bed, and there is an optional sleeper sofa in the living area.

Other standard feature of the All Star include two captain chairs that are in line behind the front passenger seat and allow the passengers to face forward and look out two large windows. The seats also swivel to face each other so the occupants can play games or dine on a retractable table. In addition to the two television monitors in the sleeping quarters, there is another 26-inch LCD unit in mid-coach and a 24-inch flat screen above the two front seats.

The All Star made its debut at the Louisville show, and production is now under way. The All Star starts at a retail base price of $216,594.

For information, contact Newmar, 355 N. Delaware St., P. O. Box 30, Nappanee, IN 46550. Phone (574) 773-7791 or visit www.newmarcorp.com.

Adventurer 10T Tent
Adventurer has expanded its lineup of truck campers to include the 10T Tent, with a foldout extension that makes it possible for the camper to sleep six. The 10T Tent can sleep two over the cab, two in the dinette that converts to a bed and two in the sidewall bed that extends like a tent from the side of the camper.

Also debuting at the Louisville show was the new Adventurer 93FDS, which contains a full wall slideout, which permits a larger bathroom topped with a large skylight. The 93FDS is designed for a short box pickup.

Both new floor plans increase the choices available to customers seeking truck campers in the range of 8 to 10 feet. Adventurer now offers 13 truck camper models. New features include piezo ignition for stovetops and ovens and deeper, white acrylic sinks.

For information, contact Adventurer Manufacturing, 33541 MacLure Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7W1. Phone (604) 852-5731 or visit www.amlrv.com.

Lance Sports Camper
Lance has introduced a new series of campers specifically tailored for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The series offers two models, one for long bed trucks and another for short bed trucks. Both feature twin beds in the cab-over that can easily be adjusted to become a king-sized bed, special vinyl upholstery, fiberglass exterior and a heavy-duty rack and ladder.

Special features for the outdoorsmen include a locking gun closet, fishing pole holders and a large wardrobe for winter clothing. Options include a generator, roof storage pod and a foul weather package.

Like all Lance campers, the Sports Camper models are fully self-contained with a complete bathroom and shower, large refrigerator, three-burner range and a dinette that converts to an extra bed. Suggested retail prices are $17,430 for the Lance 9SC for long bed trucks and $16,785 for the Lance 8SCS for short bed trucks.

For information, contact Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation, 43120 Venture St., Lancaster, CA 93535-4510. Phone (661) 949-3322 or visit www.LanceCamper.com.

Prowler Lynx
Fleetwood RV has reintroduced the Prowler Lynx, Terry Dakota and Wilderness Yukon travel trailers to serve the demand for lightweight units. All are classified as half-ton towable units, meaning they are light enough to be towed by any large SUV or half-ton vehicle.

All of these 2006 models are eight feet wide and offer ceilings that are 80 inches high. They are equipped with 40-gallon fresh water, black and gray holding tanks, an enclosed and heated underbelly and an optional molded front cap with an integrated LP cover.

All come in a variety of floor plans of varying lengths. Suggested retail prices start at under $20,000.

For information, contact Fleetwood Customer Relations, P. O. Box 7638, Riverside, CA 92513-7638. Phone (877) 308-7644 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

Winnebago Outlook/Itasca Spirit
There is no shortage of choices for buyers of the new 2006 Winnebago Outlook and companion Itasca Spirit, two entry-level Class C motorhomes. Each offers 10 floor plans in lengths ranging from 22 feet to 32 feet.

The Outlook and Spirit are built on a Ford chassis, but there’s another option too—a Chevy chassis.

New for 2006 is the 25F floor plan, which features a front lounge-area slideout, large angled rear galley, and a spacious rear trunk with a storage system that includes adjustable shelves, hooks and wire baskets. The 25F also features a removable wastebasket that can be accessed from outside of the coach.

Many entertainment features are included in the Outlook and Spirit. The cab area features Winnebago Industries’ RV Radio, which features a large display, AM/FM radio, CD and Weather Band controlled with steering wheel and hand-held remotes. If the Sirius satellite radio system is selected, a six-month subscription is included. A home theater system and satellite dish are among other options.

For information, contact Winnebago Industries, P. O. Box 152, Forest City, IA 50436.Phone (800) 643-4892, Extension 3, or visit www.winnebagoind.com.

Newmar Cypress
Two new floor plans are being introduced in the 2006 Cypress fifth wheels from Newmar Corporation. One has three slideouts to provide extra room for the master bedroom in front, bunk beds in the rear and a living area in the middle. The other new plan is a double slideout that offers an oval kitchen design in the rear of the unit.

With the two additions, there are now 12 floor plans to choose from in the Cypress series. All feature Newmar’s “Great Eight” value, a list of eight special standard interior features and eight more exterior features. The interior items include sliding pantry doors, a Hide-A-Bed sofa with two footrests, and an entertainment package with a 24-inch color TV and surround sound system with DVD, CD and AM/FM stereo system. Standard exterior items include an in-line water filter, EZ Lube Axles and insulated and heated holding tanks that are protected by the fully enclosed underbelly.

The bedroom suite has two built-in speakers to pipe in music from the entertainment center. Storage space includes a full-width wardrobe with mirrored doors and a large, carpeted, under-bed compartment that flips open easily because of hydraulic bed-top lifts.

For information, contact Newmar, 355 N. Delaware St., P.O. Box 30, Nappanee, IN 46550. Phone (574) 773-7791 or visit www.newmarcorp.com.