Fleetwood Orbit 240FQS

With adventure as an implied theme, Fleetwood introduced the 2005 Orbit towables at the
Louisville RVIA industry show last December, and one thing we can say is this isn’t your
grandma’s RV. Dave Partin, director of RV group design, claims, “It’s much more European in
look. It has some colors that may offend some of the older generation, but will appeal to
the younger generation.” Indeed, the exterior styling and graphics are anything but
put-you-to-sleep artwork. There’s action and adventure here, with intriguing shapes, bright
colors and orbiting rings flying down the smooth fiberglass side walls. The curved front
cap may ease the aero drag that affects smaller tow vehicles as well. There is no question
that Fleetwood is making a play for the younger crowd with this line of towables (four
fifth-wheels and eight travel trailers), but it’s being done without abandoning Fleetwood’s
well-established traditions of engineering and construction, coupled with innovative
floorplans. Take the model 240FQS, for example, with its aft-entry floorplan. A platform
queen bed forward has typical storage below, and a full pass-through storage unit
underneath. The bath is in the streetside rear corner, near the entry door and wardrobe,
but not near the forward bedroom. A single streetside slideout houses a full sofa bed, and
the galley opposite has all the requisite appliances and generous counter space. Notes
Alexis Fulton, interior product design team member: “We wanted to put something out there
that was new and fresh. The goal is definitely to get a younger buyer involved in the RV
market.” Both the primary wardrobe and pantry are easily accessed immediately adjacent to
the entry door. Construction features of the Orbit line include a seamless roof for
leak-proof protection and easy cleaning; aluminum-framed smooth fiberglass side walls;
lighted and insulated exterior cargo bins; pass-through compartments big enough to fit a
wakeboard or skis; and all the comforts of home. For fun, there’s an exterior entertainment
center with an AM/FM radio and CD player, so you can have the party outside under the
awning. And, depending upon the day’s activities, the outside shower with hot and cold
water will come in handy. The Orbit is part of a trend to bring back lighter-weight
towables for those who trailer more for vacation and long weekends. Director of Product
Planning Luc VanHerle calls the Orbit “Fleetwood’s answer to an unmet need in the
marketplace,” and the marketplace will tell soon enough. Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., (877)
308-7644, fleetwood.com