|
Written by RV Life Magazine
|
|
Thursday, 31 December 2009 16:00 |
|
RV manufacturers brought their newest products to Louisville, Kentucky, last month, for the National RV Trade Show, and the emphasis was on RVs that are light in weight, energy efficient and affordable.
More than 8,300 dealers, suppliers, manufacturers and others in the RV industry attended the event, and heard industry leaders predict better times for the RV business as the country emerges from recession. An economic consultant to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, which sponsors the trade show, forecast a 27 percent increase in RV shipments this year.
Manufacturers are preparing for the resurgence with motorhomes and trailers that appeal to the pocketbook and address environmental concerns. Composite materials are being introduced and other steps are being taken to lighten RVs, improving fuel economy. Increased use of LED lighting is another way that manufacturers are incorporating energy savings.
Jayco used the trade show to announce a partnership with SFC Smart Fuel Cell of Germany to study the feasibility of using fuel cell technology in RVs. A fuel cell powered by a methanol cartridge would be connected to the RV’s on-board battery and would monitor and recharge the battery as needed. This would enable the RV owner to store a lot of energy in the vehicle at very low weight and without the noise and exhaust of a generator.
 Brian Brawdy, who spent the past year on a 48-state national tour to promote RVing and energy independence, exhibited what he calls his Self-Reliant Mobile Residences, which consist of a Lance camper pulling a Lance trailer with lots of environmentally friendly features, including 11 large solar panels and three wind turbines. Brawdy is working with Lance and a variety of RV suppliers to promote products that conserve energy.
Manufacturers displayed not only 2010 models, but also previewed some 2011 RVs at the trade show. Here are some of the new products that were on display:
EverGreen Ever-Lite
 EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, which builds trailers with all composite materials, debuted its first fifth wheel, a 30-foot model with a rear living room floor plan. It weighs less than 7,500 pounds fully equipped.
The new Ever-Lite fifth wheel employs ComposiTek construction, making its floor, walls and roof wood-free. ComposiTek materials are vacuum laminated onto an aluminum structural frame, creating one-piece walls, floors and ceilings.
“By eliminating wood and incorporating composite materials, we have achieved a product that is tougher, more durable, lighter weight and virtually waterproof,” said Doug Lantz, president of EverGreen.
 The fifth wheel has a highly polished glossy exterior. It comes with a 42-inch-deep slideout that extends the living and dining areas. Other features include deep tint, awning style windows that have large vents to provide air flow, and a 10-blade power fan in the bedroom to move fresh air through the interior. A tankless water heater that runs on propane provides hot water on demand.
A large basement storage area can be accessed through doors from either side. One unique feature is a laundry shoot that empties into a basket in the basement.
The Ever-Lite 30RLS-5 featured at the Louisville show carries a price of $41,992 before freight and dealer pre-delivery inspection.
For more information, visit GoEverGreenRV.com or call (574) 825-4298.
 Fleetwood Discovery
Features that are often offered only as options have been made standard on the 2010 Discovery diesel motorhome from Fleetwood RV. Among them are a ceramic tile floor from the galley to the bedroom, day/night shades, a GPS/AM/FM/DVD in-dash radio, a central vacuum, a reclining passenger seat with a footrest, and Sony television and sound systems throughout, including a 32-inch Sony HD TV as part of an exterior entertainment system.
A 22-cubic-foot residential refrigerator can also be selected without additional cost. And a new optional feature being offered for the first time is a stackable washer/dryer.
 The 2010 Discovery is available in three 40-foot floor plans. One has a full-wall slide on the curb side and offers optional bunk beds with flip-down LCD TVs. The other two floor plans have triple slideouts
The Discovery is built on the Power Bridge Chassis, which includes pass-through storage with side-swing luggage doors and a centralized utility center. A pullout barbecue grill and kitchenette can be added as an option.
Suggested retail prices start at $224,363.
For more information, visit fleetwoodrv.com or call (800) 322-8216.
 Fleetwood Encounter
Fleetwood RV is calling its 2010 Encounter, a crossover motorhome because it has the roominess and storage of a Class A motorhome and the sleeping capacity and value of a Class C model.
The Encounter comes in three floor plans: a 28-foot single slide and two 31-foot dual slides. All offer the option of Fleetwood’s innovative “Hide-a-Loft,” which features a queen-sized, electronic drop-down bed with an air mattress that can be lowered above the driver and passenger captain’s chairs.
The 28-foot floor plan has a rear bedroom with a walk-around queen bed and a wrap-around booth dinette. One of the 31-foot models can be ordered either with traditional bunk beds or the optional “Bunk Bed-n-Breakfast” that has a two-person dinette that converts into bunk beds.
 Standard features include a 19-inch LCD wide-screen TV with DVD player, pleated night shades, a basement with heated holding tanks and luggage compartments, pass-through storage, an Onan 4.0 kw generator, 15,000 BTU air conditioner, patio awning and a rear vision camera with monitor.
The Encounter is built on a Ford chassis with a 6.8L Triton V10 engine with 362 horsepower. Suggested retail prices range from $81,263 to $90,062, depending on the floor plan.
For more information, visit fleetwoodrv.com or call (800) 322-8216.
Holiday Rambler Campmaster
 A tailgater exterior kitchen with an entertainment center is a new feature available in the Campmaster travel trailer from Holiday Rambler.
The exterior kitchen is in a rear compartment on the curb side of the trailer. A large door lifts up to reveal a five-cubic-foot refrigerator, sink and optional 26-inch LCD TV. A grill can be added to provide everything for outdoor cooking.
The outdoor kitchen is included in the floor plan of Campmaster model 28RTS. The model also includes an indoor kitchen with a six-cubic-foot refrigerator, three-burner cooktop, and microwave oven, and has a dinette, jackknife sleeper sofa, queen bed and entertainment center. A 42-inch deep slideout creates additional living space by extending the dinette and sofa area.
The Campmaster is available in five floor plans. Two are 23 feet in length and the others, including the exterior kitchen model, are a little more than 30 feet. Features include a large pass-through storage compartment, large windows to invite in natural light, heated and enclosed fresh water and holding tanks, and an aerodynamic design and enclosed underbelly to increase air flow, improving towability and fuel economy. Campmaster trailers are classified as ultra-light, with models as low as 3,349 pounds unloaded.
For more information, visit holidayrambler.com or call (800) 877-0870.
 Itasca Meridian V Class
The new Meridian V is for buyers who want a diesel coach with many features, but in a compact length of 34 feet. It is being offered in two floor plans, both built on the Freightliner XCS chassis with a Cummins ISB 340-horsepower engine.
The 34Y model has a full-wall slideout on the driver’s side and two slideouts on the curb side. A 32-inch LCD TV is standard in the front overhead cab. Opposite the couch in the living area is a dinette. There is also the option of a dining table and buffet module with a 40-inch LCD TV that raises and lowers out of the buffet.
 The fully equipped galley has an angled sink for a contemporary look, and the enclosed bathroom has a curved wall for added eye-appeal.
The bedroom has a queen bed and enlarges with a slideout. Other features include a wardrobe across the rear wall and a 26-inch LCD TV.
An exterior option is a 32-inch LCD TV with a DVD player, radio, speakers and remote control in a lockable compartment. Suggested retail price for the 34Y model is $205,419.
For more information, visit winnebagoind.com or call (641) 585-3535.
 Jayco Skylark
Light weight, European styling and energy efficiency are some of the goals achieved in the design of the 2011 Skylark travel trailer from Jayco.
The 22-foot trailer weighs only 2,950 pounds, so it can be towed by 75 percent of today’s cars, SUVs and light trucks, according to Jayco. To enhance towability, Jayco gave the Skylark an aerodynamic V-nose front profile, and moved the air conditioner from the roofline to the floor line. The relocation of the air conditioner lowers the center of gravity, allowing the use of a single axle system, which reduces weight.
Design features include Euro-style tinted dual-pane acrylic windows with integrated roller blind, light weight cabinetry, brushed nickel hardware, linoleum flooring and a stainless steel sink with an integrated faucet and cover.
Energy savings are achieved with the help of LED lighting systems that consume one-fourth the energy of conventional lighting and have lamps that last about 10 times as long.
Suggested retail price for the Skylark is $23,143.
For more information, visit www.jayco.com or call (800) RV-JAYCO.
 Keystone Fuzion Toy Hauler
Keystone has introduced Touring Edition-II, adding $7,795 in retail upgrades to its Fuzion toy haulers, which are available in both travel trailer and fifth wheel models.
The new features include a Happi-Jac bed system in the garage area. The bottom portion of the Fuzion Happi-Jac converts into a picnic table with seating for eight. Also new is the “ramp door patio system,” which converts the ramp door into a patio area with railings that have built-in cup holders.
 The Touring Edition-II package includes dual fuel cells, with one holding fuel to power the Onan 5.5 kw generator and the second to store fuel for quads, bikes or other vehicles. There are separate air conditioners for the living area and the garage. A built-in air compressor can keep tires inflated. Steel storage boxes are included to hold tools and other items.
Keystone offers the Fuzion with a suggested base price of $33,390 on the travel trailer model and in seven fifth wheel models, starting at $40,375.
For more information, visit Keystonerv.com or call (574) 535-2100.
Lance Travel Trailer
 Lance, the nation’s largest truck camper manufacturer, entered the travel trailer business more than a year ago with an emphasis on building trailers light enough to be pulled by mid-size SUVs and pickup trucks.
For 2010, it has expanded its lineup to six models, including the new Lance 2285. With an overall length of 27 feet, the Lance 2285 is the biggest trailer Lance offers, but it is still comparatively light, with a gross dry weight of 4,027 pounds.
A slideout extends a U-shaped dinette, which is positioned opposite a sofa bed. The kitchen, which includes a six-cubic-foot refrigerator, is at the rear of the trailer, and there are two entry doors along the side.
A large wardrobe is located near the center. The bathroom adjoins the bedroom, which is at the front. There is space in the bedroom to walk around a queen-sized bed, and the storage area under the bed can be accessed from either inside or outside of the trailer. The queen bed, the sofa bed and the dinette that converts to a bed provide sleeping accommodations for six.
The Lance 2285 has a suggested retail price starting at about $22,000.
For more information, visit LanceTrailer.com or call (661) 949-3322.
 Monaco Diplomat
A full-wall slideout and a bath and a half are among the new layouts offered by Monaco Coach in its Diplomat motorhomes.
The Diplomat features solid hardwood cabinetry throughout, and the option of a residential refrigerator and stackable washer/dryer in all floor plans. You can also get a freestanding dinette with a computer workstation and an exterior entertainment center with a 40-inch LCD TV and DVD player.
With suggested retail prices starting at $292,737, the Diplomat is a luxury coach with many high-end features and a variety of options. Some floor plans have a bath and a half, with a full bathroom in the master suite and a half-bath off the living area. One plan includes a full-wall slideout on the street side and two slideouts on the curb side, creating a spacious interior. There is a 68-inch sofa on one side and a 75-inch sofa on the other, and the entertainment center includes a 40-inch LCD TV.
The Diplomat is built on a Roadmaster chassis with a Cummins ISL 425-horsepower engine.
For more information, visit monacocoach.com or call (800) 634-0855.
 RetroLite
The compact RetroLite travel trailer has adopted a new look for 2010, with a gray aluminum skin, trimmed in black with gold and blue accents, a black diamond plate on the lower side panels, and a front stone guard.
The travel trailer is just 16 feet long, and is being offered with a wide range of options so that customers can choose the features they want, according to Alan Carter, president and CEO of Cikira RV, which makes the RetroLite.
The basic bare-bones model is $9,800 but for about $15,500 you can get a fully equipped model with a refrigerator, cooktop, microwave oven, furnace, shower and many other features. The well equipped version weighs only 1,700 pounds, so many cars and trucks can easily tow it.
The RetroLite is built with an aluminum superstructure, foam insulation and plastic composite panels, so that the potential for water leak damage is avoided. Fiberglass is an optional alternative to the standard aluminum exterior.
For more information, visit cikirarv.com.
 Salem Ice Cabin
If your plans include ice fishing, Salem is building a trailer just for you. The new Salem Ice Cabin can be lowered with the touch of a button to sit flush on the ice. Inside, are eight holes where you can drop your fishing line. And the cabin is even wired so you can hook up your underwater fish camera to the TV.
Ron Mullet, Salem product manager, said some small manufacturers have built trailers for ice fishing, but Salem is the first to outfit a well-furnished trailer complete with rustic cedar paneling. The trailer includes a dinette, three-burner range and oven, AM/FM/CD stereo with speakers, dual-pane windows, three-quarter-inch marine grade plywood floor, and an enclosed battery box so the cold weather won’t drain the battery.
 There are various sofa and bed options, depending on the model that is chosen. Sleeping capacity is seven.
The Salem Ice Cabin is available in three floor plans, with units ranging in length from 21 feet five inches to 25 feet, six inches, including the hitch. The Ice Cabin was originally equipped with a crank system to lower and raise the trailer off the ground, but a new power system was introduced at the Louisville show.
Suggested retail prices of the various models range from $15,449 to $18,094.
For more information, visit forestriverinc.com.
Winnebago Tour
 Three new floor plans, including a new 42-foot tag axle model, are part of the redesign of the Winnebago Tour for 2010. The new Tour is built on the Maxum chassis, with a longer wheelbase and higher gross vehicle weight rating to improve the ride and raise the carrying capacity.
New features include optional heated cab seats, a Sony home theater sound system, an exterior refrigerator/freezer option, a stacked washer/dryer in two models, and the introduction of the Rest-Easy sofa. The new sofa is a multi-function unit that can be extended into a sectional sofa with seating for seven, converted into a recliner or lounger with a pullout ottoman, and converted into a bed.
The Rest-Easy sofa is available on two floor plans, including the 42AD tag axle model, which has four slideouts. In this model, the dining room and galley are positioned behind the cab area, which has Ultraleather driver and passenger seats that swivel to provide additional seating when parked.
 The galley has a large pantry, three-burner range, solid-surface counter tops and a microwave/convection oven. A 12-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer is standard but it can be upgraded to a 14-cubic-foot model.
Beyond the galley is a 40-inch LCD TV with storage below or an optional electric fireplace.
The rear of the motorhome is dedicated to a spacious bedroom with wardrobe storage across the entire back. Slideouts on each side provide ample room for a king-sized bed that is powered for reclining and viewing a 32-inch LCD TV above the vanity and chest of drawers on the opposite wall.
The Tour is available in several other floor plans, including a bath and a half design. Suggested retail base prices range from $274,554 to $311,630.
For information, visit winnebagoind.com or call (641) 585-3535.
Trackback(0)
 |
|
Subscribe to RV Life Magazine
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
