As the calendar flips to the latter part of the year, many motorhome owners have an ear to the ground to hear about the newest models. Oftentimes, new model-year coaches are introduced exclusively at industry shows – with public unveiling at a later date. However, many new-for-2014 motorhomes are available right now, as you read this. We’ve picked a few of our favorites, and lifted the curtain on some of the top trends in the motorhome industry.
Airstream Interstate
That classic Airstream styling isn’t just for trailers. Though it doesn’t share the same exterior as the iconic trailers, the Airstream Interstate Class B motorhome will turn just as many heads as you travel down the highway. Advanced safety features such as front and rear parking sensors, a smart steering wheel and six air bags help enhance the driving experience, as do a multimedia in-dash touch-screen system, heated Ultraleather seats and aluminum Alcoa wheels. For in camp, the Interstate is available in a variety of configurations, all featuring holding tanks, appliances, a 6-gallon water heater and a lav. There’s even an available option for a golf-bag storage system ($452) for the duffer in us all.
Airstream | 877-596-6111 | www.airstream.com
Born Free Triumph
The 25-foot, rear-bath Triumph features a single slide housing a sofa, which is a departure from previous Born Free models. What isn’t a departure from the past is the craftsmanship. Standard features include three tubular steel roll bars, solid-surface countertops, furniture-grade raised panel hardwood cabinetry with real wood edge banding and brushed-nickel fixtures. Add to that the 4 kW Cummins Onan gas generator, touch screen cab radio with integrated navigation and backup camera, a 13,500-Btu roof air conditioner, a fully dimmable lighting system and premium residential size convection microwave, and you’ll likely not even need to see the options list. But if you do, you’ll find new options ranging from a heated floor to full-body paint to HWH hydraulic leveling jacks, to name just a few.
Born Free | 800-247-1835 | www.bornfreerv.com
Entegra Coach
Entegra Coach has focused on improving the ride of its motorhomes by utilizing a cab-forward design. With the cab directly over the tires – plus a shallower dashboard design – drivers are offered improved visibility, making the Aspire easier to drive. A thicker wood floor helps minimize road noise and vibrations, while the cabinets are screwed directly into the floor and then tiled in to prevent squeaks and cracked tiles. But once inside the coach, it’s easy to see that the Aspire is more than just a smooth ride. An expandable sectional sofa facing a 46-inch TV is great for entertaining, and a king-size bed in the master means a restful night’s sleep. The quad-slide unit features a full rear bath, while a half bath is located amidships. There’s also an exterior entertainment center for some fun under the stars. Five floorplans are available.
Entegra Coach | 800-945-4787 | www.entegracoach.com
Fleetwood Southwind 36L
Although tailgating is often considered a favorite activity among motorhome owners, it would be tough to leave the Fleetwood Southwind 36L to watch the big game thanks to the large sectional sofa and 40-inch LED TV in the living room. The Southwind also features a half-bath located amidships for all the armchair quarterbacks, while a spacious full rear bath is located just off the master for the team captains. Inside the master, a large dresser flanked on each side by a wardrobe also houses a 32-inch TV. There is an optional exterior entertainment center ($1,932) should you finally decide to take things outside.
Fleetwood RV | 800-322-8216 | www.fleetwoodrv.com
Forest River FR3
Forest River’s new FR3 is called a crossover because it incorporates the family friendly features normally found in a Class C with the space and convenience of a Class A. The gas coach – available in two dual-slide floorplans – has been designed primarily for motorhome owners who want a more compact floorplan without sacrificing comfort or amenities. The FR3 features an electric powered bunk mechanism over the cockpit seating area, which converts the front overhead interior into the styling of a Class C motorhome at the touch of a button. Although the FR3s are some of the shorter dual-slide gas motorhomes on the market, their interiors feel much larger, primarily due to the 32-inch-deep main living area slide and the 36-inch rear queen bed slide. The FR3 comes standard with everything you’d expect in a Class A. Highlights include a power awning, LED trim rings and fog lights on the front cap, powered front shades and 80-inch-long residential size mattresses. Only three options are offered: an outside entertainment center, hydraulic leveling jacks and a rear bedroom TV.
Forest River | www.forestriverinc.com
Four Winds Super C 33SW
Four Winds’ 33SW is a spacious Class C coach constructed with a fully welded tubular aluminum roof, side wall cage and floor framing. With the standard towing package, including a fully integrated Ford trailer brake controller, the motorhome can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The luxurious interior is a stark contrast to the beefy frame and power; subtle touches like an 18-cubic-foot refrigerator, leatherette furniture, 30-inch over-the-range microwave and incandescent ceiling lighting create a residential feel. And the 82-inch ceiling height makes the coach feel wide open … or perhaps that’s the result of the enormous full-wall streetside slide.
Four Winds | www.fourwinds-classc.com
Thor A.C.E. 30.1
The A.C.E. name comes from combining (Class) A, (Class) C and E(volution), resulting in a motorhome that drives like a Class C and lives like a Class A. The Class A coach does offer a few Class C touches, such as the hideaway overhead bunk above the cockpit area. The A.C.E. features easy-clean, pet- and kid-friendly surfaces for added versatility, and a Mudroom Wet Storage unit in the entry continues the family-focused trend. There’s also an entry-step toolbox and storage drawer, perfect for storing greasy and gritty wrenches and the like. Large Mega-Storage Compartment areas mean there’s plenty of space for gear, and the booth dinette, sofa and queen bed in the rear master bedroom provide lots of sleeping options.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.acemotorhome.com
Thor Challenger 37GT
For nearly a quarter century, the Challenger motorhome has been a prime example of residential appointments in a Class A motorhome. For 2014, that tradition continues, with a large chef-friendly kitchen with a peninsular layout, in addition to a large bathroom with dual vanity cabinet and a full-length mirror. Plus, the Challenger is fully functional with the slides in, meaning you don’t have to completely set up shop in order to access the interior. The freestanding dinette and cleverly designed sofa that features a recliner on one end and a sofa bed on the other make the living-area configuration truly versatile, while the master bedroom offers his-and-hers wardrobes across the foot of the bed in addition to the standard shirt cabinets on each side of the queen bed.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.challengermotorhome.com
Thor Chateau 22E
Designed with motorhome families in mind, the compact Chateau 22E Class C is fuel-efficient and easy to drive. Outside, the fiberglass front cap, along with Thor Motor Coach’s Full Color HD-MAX Exteriors come standard to help things look nice. Inside, the efficient corner bedroom makes the most of its space, while the Premium Denver Mattress Pillow-Top allows for a comfy slumber. The family sized U-shape booth dinette provides plenty of room for meals, and an available child-safety seat tether is great for families with little ones. The large exterior storage compartment should be able to swallow most of the family’s camping gear.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.chateau-rv.com
Thor Palazzo 33.2
The Palazzo 33.2 offers the benefits of a diesel-pusher in a compact floorplan. The six-speed Allison 2100 transmission combines with the 300-hp ISB Cummins engine to deliver up to 660 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the large streetside slide opens up the spacious interior, which includes a large 45-by-72-inch dinette and push-button side sleeper sofa. Standard dual-pane windows help keep the weather at bay, while solar and privacy shades in the living area add extra insulation. Hardwood, raised-panel cabinet doors are standard, as are halogen ceiling lights, leatherette furniture and solid-surface countertops. For the techies, there’s a co-pilot workstation with charging station, and a large media-storage compartment with a slide tray.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.palazzorv.com
Thor Tuscany 42WX
As Thor Motor Coach’s flagship Class A motorhome, the Tuscany is billed as offering the ultimate in beauty, styling and power. The new 42WX floorplan offers a ZF front suspension and a 15,000-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped). Tuscany features high-end appointments like premium Comfort-fit by Villa custom furniture, 24-by-12-inch polished porcelain tile, a built-in fireplace and handcrafted solid-wood cabinetry. The residential French-door refrigerator highlights the galley, while the living area features an expandable sofa with a double air bed, both of which are great for viewing the 40-inch TV. The bath-and-a-half floorplan features a powder room amidships, while the main bathroom is partially located in the rear slide, making for a bigger footprint with an extra-large shower.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.tuscanyrv.com
Tiffin Allegro Breeze 28 BR
The Allegro Breeze is one of the most compact luxury diesel-pushers on the market. Built on Tiiffin’s proprietary Powerglide chassis in Red Bay, Ala., the Allegro Breeze 28 BR features Tiffin’s Independent Front Suspension (PrecisionTrack) system, designed to offer precise handling with nimble response times. Inside, a U-shaped dinette converts to a bed in the living area, and attractive wall-to-wall vinyl flooring makes for easy maintenance and a clean look. Hardwood, raised panel cabinet doors are affixed to ceiling-mounted cabinets, while the built-in pantry and expansive basement storage mean you’ll have plenty of space for your belongings, even in the compact floorplan. The memory-foam queen bed in the carpeted master makes resting easy, well a breeze.
Tiffin Motorhomes | 256-356-8661| www.tiffinmotorhomes.com
Winnebago Adventurer 38Q
Winnebago’s Adventurer is available in four floorplans, including the new triple-slide 38Q (shown above). Designed for entertaining, the 38Q offers multiple large HDTVs and a front lounge with sectional sofa. The mid-coach galley with island sink is great for meal prep, and the stainless-steel French door refrigerator with interior water and ice dispenser and glide-out, bottom freezer drawer should keep guests happy with food and drink. Standards include Ultraleather furniture, MCD solar/blackout roller shades and LED lighting. Full-body paint, a redesigned front cap and an optional upgrade to dual-pane Contour windows help deliver a stylish look.
Winnebago | 641-585-3535 | www.gowinnebago.com
Winnebago Itasca Reyo 25P
With the powerful, yet nimble Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis as its foundation, the Itasca Reyo offers a unique combination of fun and fuel-efficiency. Features such as the StudioLoft and FlexBed system make the most of the available space, allowing more room for luxury features in the three 25-foot models. The all-new 25P features a spacious lounge and large rear storage trunk. The single slide houses the BenchMark dinette and large wardrobe with three drawers below for additional storage. An Ultraleather Comfort Sofa/Sleeper with moveable table is available instead of the dinette.
Winnebago Industries | 641-585-3535 | www.goitasca.com