The Chaparral Mid Profile fifth wheel from the Coachmen RV division of Forest River Inc. has been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year and now sports the tightest turning radius in the industry, said Fred Hershberger, sales manager for the Chaparral product line.

Chaparral engineers collaborated to create a new fiberglass front cap that is aerodynamically designed to improve fuel economy while also allowing the tow vehicle to pivot 90 degrees. “We call it TurnTec Engineering,” said Hershberger. “It’s one of the linchpins in our effort to make the new Chaparral Mid Profile ‘Ready for Anything.’ ”

“Anything” includes dry camping, addressed by the new Chaparral’s Dry Camp Package that includes 12-volt lighting and stereo power, a dedicated space for a generator and a fully enclosed underbelly.

Termination valves are also enclosed to handle extreme weather camping, and are part of a universal docking station that conveniently houses, in one location, items such as city water hookup, fresh water fill, electric and satellite hookups.

Other new features that add to the “Ready for Anything” capabilities of the Chaparral include:

• Arctic Package for cold weather camping, which includes heated and enclosed holding tanks and valves, astro foil insulation, insulated baggage doors and optional thermopane windows.
• Heavy-duty axles.
• Equa-Flex™ suspension to dissipate road shocks.
• Goodyear tires.
• Pack Max Storage — Larger, insulated pass-through storage doors to make more room for coolers and camping equipment.

The new Chaparral Mid Profile offers nine floorplans including one that has a unique loft room in the rear. “It incorporates a dedicated bedroom and dedicated family room within the same space. It’s perfect for kids, grandparents or even an office,” said Hershberger. “It takes full advantage of our industry-best headroom.”

The loft bed, accessed by side steps, provides nearly 30 inches of mattress-to-ceiling room while a 6’ 2” tall traveler can easily stand in the living space below, which offers a couch and flat screen TV.

Other new interior features provide all the appointments of fine living and entertaining, including elegant Corian countertops, Jensen AM/FM/CD/DVD player with dedicated MP3 hookup and zone listening, full-sized queen beds (60” x 80”) and an optional 32-inch LCD flat screen TV.

Also new for the 2010 Chaparral are an electric awning, aluminum wheels, 12 volt battery disconnect, electric stabilizer jacks and the Magic Night Sleep system that deploys an air mattress with the touch of a button.

“We’ve specifically engineered the 2010 Chaparral for easy and adventurous travel,” said Hershberger. “Whether navigating rush hour traffic or crossing mountain ranges, cold weather camping, hot weather camping or dry camping — the Chaparral is ready to make the most of your RV experience no matter what conditions you may encounter.”

MSRPs for the 2010 Coachmen Chaparral Mid Profile begin at $27,900.

Revolutionary 2010 Winnebago Via and First Hybrid Concept RV Introduced

Winnebago Via

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), the nation's top-selling manufacturer of motor homes, unveiled three exciting new motor home designs at the 46th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY: the new 2010 Winnebago Via, the most fuel efficient Class A motor home, a full-size Class A hybrid concept RV under the Winnebago Adventurer nameplate and a 32-foot Itasca Sunstar front engine diesel motor home.

"We are pleased to introduce the most revolutionary product concepts this industry has ever seen with the new 2010 Winnebago Via, the Winnebago Adventurer hybrid, and the Itasca Sunstar front engine diesel motor home," said Winnebago Industries Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Bob Olson. "Winnebago Industries has long been a leader in this industry, and with the introduction of these new vehicles, we continue to set the bar with the most innovative and unique products on the market today."

Winnebago Via - First Class A-based Sprinter

Built on the fuel-efficient 11,030-lb. GVWR Dodge Sprinter chassis with a Mercedes Benz diesel engine, the new Winnebago Via is the first of its kind, and is sure to revolutionize the industry thanks to its fuel economy. The Via features an industry-leading fuel efficiency that's estimated at 15+ miles per gallon. Factor in the Via's use of space utilization and contemporary design and it's a complete package.

"Winnebago Industries was the first manufacturer to introduce products built on the Dodge Sprinter Class C chassis and now we are the first to bring a Class A motor home built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis to the market," said Winnebago Industries' Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Bob Olson. "The new Via, and its Itasca counterpart, the Reyo, are innovative Class A coaches that combine design, space, efficiency and drivability into one compact 25-foot package. You won't find another motor home like it in the market place, and I'm proud to say Winnebago Industries did it first."

The Via showcases the new 25T at Louisville. Despite its compact 25-foot length, the Via offers impressive roominess with a front slideout room, a private bathroom area, fully equipped galley, and sleeping accommodations that are truly unique. In the rear, twin beds offer a flex bed concept that is easily converted into a queen bed for a larger continuous sleeping space. Additional sleeping space is also found up front with the new Studio Loft. This new "spare" bed system neatly tucks into the ceiling of the coach when not in use and conveniently pulls down to create a second bedroom area. Other highlights include the new Intellisense monitor panel that incorporates a LCD panel readout with touch screen technology, and the new Threshold RV Door. The exclusive Threshold door design is unique in that it has dual latching points and does not break the seal plane for the latch and hinge connection points. This creates a more secure and quieter door. It also features a unique residential style window with built-in screen than eliminates the need for a separate screen door. The Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo will be available in the market in summer 2009.

Hybrid Concept Adventurer

Winnebago Industries also unveiled a full-size Class A hybrid concept RV with the new 2009 Winnebago Adventurer. The Adventurer hybrid concept vehicle features a Freightliner ecoFRED chassis with Eaton hybrid power system components. This is a full hybrid system in that it utilizes two independent power sources (a diesel engine and an electric motor) that work in conjunction to optimally power the vehicle. The Adventurer Hybrid also is the first hybrid motor home to feature an Auxiliary Power Generation (APG) unit that senses hybrid battery power levels and automatically engages the coach's engine to charge the batteries. Because this hybrid system also supplies power to the 120-volt coach system, and on-board generator is not required. The Adventurer Hybrid concept vehicle explores new horizons in RV efficiency and functionality and is just one more example of Winnebago Industries tradition of industry leading innovation.

"Winnebago Industries is on the cutting edge of RV hybrid technology with this concept vehicle that explores the viability of advanced hybrid systems in motor home applications," said Olson. "We are pleased to bring this type of advancement to the market."

Sunstar - Front Engine Diesel Concept

A new Itasca Sunstar 32K concept vehicle featuring a 20,500 lb. GVWR Workhorse front engine diesel chassis with a MaxxForce 7 V8 diesel engine was also unveiled in Louisville. Built on the new Workhorse W20D front engine diesel chassis specifically designed for this RV application, this coach offers an estimated 10-12 MPG and features real towing capacity -- 5,000 lbs.; a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,000 lbs. and sleeping for six. The Itasca Sunstar and Winnebago Vista will be available with this new chassis in summer 2009.

MSRP Starting Around $16,000

The three models under 3,100 pounds are 18 feet 9 inches in length and sleep three to four. The two under 5,000 pounds are 20 feet 10 inches in length and sleep five.

Coachmen RV Group has made towing easier than ever with its new M-Series travel trailer that takes ultralights to a new level of utility for any RV buyer, even the first-time buyer. The M-Series, which started to ship this month, includes three floorplans that start around 3,000 pounds base weight, and two floorplans starting under 5,000 pounds.

That means these travel trailers only need the smaller SUV, minivan, crossover vehicle, or light duty pickup to tow them (check you auto owners manual for verification). This eliminates the expenses associated with a larger, less-fuel-efficient tow vehicle and makes it easy to just hitch up and go when you want to.

“There are many travel trailers today that claim to be ultra light,” says Bill Martin, vice president of marketing for Coachmen RV Group. “But often they are still not light enough for the buyer who is looking for something to tow with his or her existing vehicle. M-Series opens up the RV experience to a new segment of buyers. It’s also great for experienced RVers who want to downsize their tow vehicle. With the M-Series they can downsize their trailer without downsizing their quality or amenities.”

The construction technology that anchors the M-Series includes laminated, aluminum frame construction. An easy to clean fiberglass exterior adds extra toughness, while the standard Equa-Flex™ suspension soaks up and dissipates road bumps and vibrations for a smoother and easier towing vehicle.

This light but tough construction carries a host of RV features that rival many larger travel trailers. These include:

• Beauflor® flooring —a durable floor covering that is skid resistant, even when wet.
• Front window with awning.
• Fully equipped galley with high-rise kitchen faucet, stainless steel sink, double door refrigerator, 2-burner range and optional convection microwave.
• AM/FM/CD/DVD player with speakers inside and outside.
• Optional LCD TV with inside/outside mounting brackets.
• Optional bike rack that mounts to the rear bumper.
• Optional portable grill.
• Optional aluminum wheels.

“The M-Series is ideally suited for the next generation of lighter duty and more fuel efficient tow vehicles. It has all the amenities that you would expect to see in a trailer twice its length. But it offers these features in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package that allows the weekend RVer to drive home from work on Friday, hitch up, and head out,” said Martin. “For people with limited time available, the M-Series allows them to make the most of their time off with family and friends.”

“The M-Series size and impact on fuel-efficiency also allows buyers to make a statement about affordable and environmentally conscious RVing, while the M-Series eye appeal announces that these new owners have indeed arrived on the RV scene.”

Featuring New Pin Box Design With 90-Degree Turning Radius

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"Even in this challenging market, the demand for a competitive fifth wheel product is still very prevalent," said Paul Eskritt, president of Fleetwood's RV Group. "Over the past several months, we worked with our dealers to develop a fifth wheel line that will help them be more successful in the heart of the market. The 2009 Terry LX is that product and with the ongoing support of our valuable dealer network, we anticipate that it will quickly become a favorite choice for RVers throughout North America."

"When Fleetwood was developing the 2009 Terry LX, our dealership teams offered lots of input during the entire process and Fleetwood listened," said Craig Little, president of Arbutus RV with five locations in British Columbia, Canada and a Fleetwood dealer for more than 12 years. "The result is a product that truly hits the heart of the fifth wheel market. Not only is it in the right price point, it has the quality and features our customers want and more. Plus, the recent addition of the new pin box design makes it even more appealing and easier to sell. They did a fantastic job!"

During its 2008 National Dealer Meeting, Fleetwood unveiled a new style of pin box design, which allows a short-bed vehicle to make a 90-degree turn when towing and docking. Fleetwood added this design as an option in response to dealer feedback and as an alternative to competitive fifth wheel products that are limited to an 88-degree turning radius.

The 2009 Terry LX is built using 5-sided aluminum construction with a steel truss ceiling and radius roof transition. The stylish two-toned front and rear caps with raised logo and enhanced graphics offer more eye appeal and are unlike anything available on the market today. Terry LX also features aluminum wheels and 50 amp electrical service, which are both standard on all models.

Inside the 2009 Terry LX are beautiful interior décors with new "Mission-Style" cabinets and drawers equipped with contemporary hardware and hidden hinges to add to the residential appeal. Other interior highlights such as solid-surface countertops in the galley and bathroom, halogen ceiling lights with accent lighting throughout, 6'6" bedroom ceiling height, marbleized shower, walk-in closet, and bedroom fireplace make it hard to leave Terry LX when the vacation is over.

The 2009 Terry LX has a full assortment of leading fifth wheel floor plans ranging in length from 33' 2" to 39' 4", and MSRPs starting around $46,000.

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the W16D front-engine diesel chassis that powers The new Avanti motor home being introduced at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show

The show will introduce all-new Avanti (which means “forward” in Italian) from Damon Motor Coach (Booth 513), the first motor home to be built on the W16D front-engine diesel platform from Workhorse Custom Chassis. The W16D is a 16,000 lb. GVWR diesel powered platform that is both lower and narrower than traditional class A motor home chassis, enabling lower, sleeker motor home body designs.

The initial Avanti model is 31 ½ feet long and designed to be a more fuel efficient and easier-to-drive Class A motor home. Combining a sleek, low-to-the-ground, aerodynamic design with the re-engineered Workhorse chassis, the Avanti is expected to achieve up to 70 percent better fuel economy than comparable Class A motor homes, based on internal test results.

In addition, Vice President of Avanti Sales Matt Thompson describes the Avanti’s drivability as “awesome.” The Avanti’s coach is nearly 12 inches closer to the ground than any other Class A motor home and is six inches narrower. The low center of gravity, combined with the excellent ride and handling of the Workhorse chassis, gives it “an automotive feel,” said Thompson. “I think people will find it fun to drive. Certainly not like any other Class A.”

The RV-enhanced W16D chassis marks the latest in a series of chassis firsts from Workhorse that have multiplied motor home choices for consumers over the past decade. It will be on display at Workhorse Booth G by the GIANT Center along with the 2009 Chevy Workhorse Class C platform with best-in-class towing capacity.

The W16D also marks the first appearance of the MaxxForce™ 5 V6 diesel engine from Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) in a motor home. The MaxxForce 5 is mated to an Allison 1000 Series transmission and produces 200 horsepower and 440 ft.-lbs. of torque. Other key W16D features that enhance the drivability and manageability of the motor home include high-performance Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes, 50-degree wheel cut and electronic instrument cluster with full instrumentation and information center.

Leading edge technology makes the MaxxForce 5 a “clean diesel” engine that improves both emission levels and fuel efficiency. That and the relatively light weight of the Workhorse chassis both contribute to the Avanti’s fuel economy and payload capacity.

That capacity means the Avanti can put diesel class storage and amenities into a smaller motor home, enabling owners of larger motor homes to conveniently downsize. Thompson calls the storage space on the Avanti “phenomenal.” “Our 31 1/2-foot model has as much storage than a comparable 37-foot coach,” he said. “We worked hard to utilize every square inch.”

A walk-around queen bed, split bath layout, large screen TV and curvaceous nautical interior styling are some of the diesel-class luxury and amenities packed in the coach, making it “a great choice for both a first-time buyer or an experienced RVer looking to drive something a little ‘greener’ but with the storage and amenities they’re used to,” said Thompson. “They still have the interior space advantages of a Class A, but in the size of a Class C (motor home with a separate van cab compartment) and with better fuel economy than many Class Cs.”

Workhorse plans to develop more fuel-efficient chassis technology in the near future. “Our work with Damon on this project is typical of how we respond to manufacturer and market needs,” said Tony Monda, vice president of marketing and product planning for Workhorse. “We see ourselves as the customer’s advocate in the RV industry, and that means being proactive in developing new answers for new challenges.”

Those attending the show on Wednesday, Sept. 14, are encouraged to stop by either the Workhorse or Damon booths to pick up a wristband for admission to a special tailgate launch party for the Avanti from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Damon booth. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served as well as some exciting giveaways, while supplies last.