What’s New in RVs?
By: Alan Lidstone, Woodall’s Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-04-19 11:32:46.999150-04:00
It's been a busy time lately for RV manufacturers seeking to match new interests on the part of RVers with changes in fuel costs and the economy. Fortunately, a number of concepts under study are now becoming available in the new RVs.
RV designers are working to ensure that the products we buy provide the features and ease of use we enjoy along with getting the best buy for the money. Improved RV designs and products coming out include electronics, interior and exterior designs, and upgraded engine, transmission, and chassis offerings.
RV Electronics
The electronics industry continues to bring out new and innovative products that RVers use at home and would like to use on the road.
Initially provided for towable RVs, toy haulers are now available in all RV classes, including travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes. We've gone from space for an ATV and a drop-down ramp in a towable RV to offerings like the luxury diesel-engine 2007 Newmar All Star Cycle Hauler, which can carry two Harley-Davidson motorcycles in two separate slide-outs. (The RV industry is now using the term SURV (Sport Utility RV) to identify RVs that provide enclosed storage and work space for sport and recreation machines and equipment.)
Interior and Exterior Design Changes
The 2007 motorhomes with a full–wall on one side and a large slide on the opposite wall make for roomier RVs with much wider aisles from front to rear.
To set the mood, many RVs, towables and motorhomes are available with light-emitting-diode (LED) lighting that provides bright and soft lighting in compact fixtures that have a very low power draw. Interiors have Euro-style cabinets with hidden hinges, and cabinet faces and counter tops that may be curved or slightly angular. The RV ceilings have fewer protruding items (vents, lights, fans, antenna controls, etc., providing a much cleaner appearance. There is an increasing use of wood or wood laminate floors providing a nice touch and the 12 cubic-ft refrigerator is also becoming increasingly popular with RVers.
Externally, full–body paint is now becoming more available on motorhomes and towable RVs for improved aesthetics. The designers are also conveniently combining the various buttons, switches, gauges, and controls for the various RV systems in a single space to make them easy to locate and use.
Power Plant and Chassis Options
Manufacturer attentions to RVer concerns about better fuel efficiency and getting the most for your money is evident with several recent RV industry innovations in the 2007 models.
For instance, Class B and mini–Class C motorhomes using the popular Sprinter chassis from Daimler-Chrysler with the Mercedes 5-cylinder engine continue to grow in popularity. The Class Bs get 19-22 mpg and the mini-Class Cs get 17-19 mpg. RV Business Magazine reported in December that there are nine RV manufacturers offering a variety of models with lengths of up to 23.5 ft. Most of the models have GVWRs of up to 10,500 pounds and list prices from $70,000 to $80,000, and can cost up to $100,000. The introduction of the Front–Engine Diesel (FRED) chassis that appeared last year helps provide the value, fuel efficiency, and torque of the diesel engine to RVers at lower prices because the chassis, similar to those used in the trucking industry, provides economies of scale that can be used to lower RV manufacturing cost.
The Workhorse Universal Fuel Option (UFO) chassis, announced this past fall, can utilize a rear-mounted diesel or gas powerplant, along with an Allison transmission, and a completely flat floor from front to rear. The problems originally encountered in rear-mounted gas powerplants of the late 1970s have been resolved. The new UFO engine/transmission/chassis enables RV manufacturers to offer RVers a choice of diesel or gas and reduce the number of coach models by using a single chassis. Manufacturers using the new chassis include Winnebago and Tiffin.
Books
2007 Roadmaster Campground & RV Park Road Atlas
RV Living in the 21st Century: The Essential Reference Guide for ALL RVers
Links
Article courtesy of www.woodalls.com, Diamond Club eNewsletter
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
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