Fully customized interiors and user-selected features help this company stand out in a competitive niche RV market
Advanced RV is a fairly new motorhome manufacturer that stands out in the Class-B field which, by most descriptions, is a niche market in the RV industry. First, it’s a direct factory-sales-only company and has no dealers. Second, it offers no standard off-the-shelf products and every motorhome it builds is custom-ordered to suit the customer’s needs and desires. As such, Advanced RV seems to be a niche builder in a niche market, and the company likes it that way just fine.
We saw several motorhomes in process during our recent factory tour, but one mostly finished model caught our attention. Like the other Advanced RV models, this one was built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis – in this example, the extended-length 3500. The exterior is kept extra clean and vent-free because this motorhome has no LP-gas onboard; all appliances are electric or diesel-fueled. Less wind noise and wind resistance are benefits of the smooth exterior. A Mercedes-Benz-approved VB air-ride rear suspension is available as a factory option.
This version of the company’s Ocean One EcOasis model was configured to accommodate a customer’s need to haul show dogs on the contest circuit. A V-6 diesel with a five-speed automatic transmission is standard and a four-cylinder diesel backed by a seven-speed automatic is optionally available for those interested in maximizing fuel economy. This unit also has a tire-pressure monitoring system.
A pair of twin-size beds out back flanks the center access aisle with deep storage drawers at the forward ends of the beds. The aft section includes caged dog kennels with opening and foldaway screened doors plus small water beds for the dogs’ comfort. Separate HVAC units are built into each kennel. There’s a large storage shelf that abuts the curved overhead cabinets encircling the back end of the motorhome.
In a layout common to Class B’s, the galley with a single-bowl sink in a granite countertop is curbside adjacent to and aft of the entry door, and opposite, streetside, there’s a cabinet unit housing the stainless-steel-faced refrigerator and microwave, pantry, storage cabinets and convenience shelf. A single-burner induction portable cooktop and Keurig coffeemaker are standard. The sky is the limit when it comes to designing a custom interior and its details.
This rig’s interior layout may be familiar, but it’s in the details that Advanced RV makes the difference. Every component and accessory is top-notch and selected for durability, energy efficiency, beauty and function. Cabinets are constructed with furniture-grade plywood, using quality furniture building techniques, and faced with high-pressure laminate veneer – maple in the example of this coach – and fitted with German-spec hardware, some hidden and some visible where necessary. LED lights, including LEC strip accent lights, are used throughout.
Custom-cut and hand-fitted leather upholstery is used in each Advanced RV coach unless the customer specifies otherwise.
Depending on the floorplan, a side-retract screen door and attachable screen panel make it possible to leave the van sliding door open for air circulation when desired. A similar attachable screen is available for the aft-end doors.
Many of the vehicle’s systems are routed through and monitored or controlled by the SilverLeaf control system. SilverLeaf uses industry multiplexing standards to integrate most of the coach electrical systems including engine remote start, solar charging, battery charging and maintenance when on shorepower.
A 2,800-watt inverter provides power for accessories such as the .7-cubic-foot Frigidaire microwave oven. The refrigerator is a 12-volt DC-powered 6.8-cubic-foot Novacool conventional compressor-type refrigerator as opposed to the usual absorption-type model. A 200-watt solar panel system and three lithium-ion batteries are options in this rig, along with an Apple TV, Wi-Fi Ranger, a Level 2 sound system and Compustar Drone Security with remote control, among other features. XM Satellite Radio is part of the Pioneer stereo system that also includes a backup monitor.
The furnace is an Espar diesel-fueled hydronic system that provides interior heat, hot water via a heat exchanger and engine preheat in cold climates. An electric element heats the unit and saves diesel fuel when connected to shorepower.
The wet bath includes a porcelain toilet, medicine cabinet, hand-held residential-type shower head and sink. A standard macerator pump helps simplify wastewater dumping.
Paying attention to customer needs and delivering the best possible product are characteristics that help to make Advanced RV stand out in a niche market.
Advanced RV | 440-283-0405 | www.advanced-rv.com
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