Practical Magic

“How does that Nissan do with that big trailer?” asked our fellow campground occupant as he
gave our lashup a steely eyed once-over. “It’s terrific! Takes on the hills with no
problem, brakes well going down, feels good in the corners and in general handles the
trailer as it should. It’s a nice setup,” I replied. “Thanks! We’re lookin’ for a new
truck. Maybe that Titan is one we should try out.” During the 10-day, 3,240-mile duration
of our test drive we had many similar exchanges. People would stop, look at the Titan and
Holiday Rambler Savoy with puzzled expressions and inquire about various aspect of their
performance. Holiday Rambler states the Savoy series is aimed specifically at half-ton
trucks as tow vehicles. Loaded right to its 9,950-pound gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr),
the Savoy is heavier than the tow rating of any half-ton truck on the market, so if
kitchen-sink-philosophy packing is your standard of operation, you’ll have to upgrade
beyond the half-ton category. On the road, engine noise observed from the Titan’s driver’s
seat is heavily muffled, yet the exhaust delivers a fun and rumbly note that sounds like
horsepower. Throttle response is smooth and precise through the speed range. We used the
tow/haul mode setting that changes the transmission shift points somewhat to produce
improved transmission feel and performance. From a handling standpoint, the Savoy is a good
match for the Titan. Cornering, braking and fast lane changes or unexpected turns occur
without any fuss. Full four-wheel ABS and four-wheel traction control added safety and
go-anywhere functionality to the powertrain. We had no problems finding enough elbowroom in
the Savoy’s expansive interior. Its 11-foot 8-inch long by 37-inch-deep slideout room adds
more than enough living space to the trailer’s aft end, which encompasses the living,
dining and kitchen areas. The main bedroom is up front, and the walk-through bath is
between the kitchen and the bedroom. The floorplan is lifted right from a common
fifth-wheel-interior configuration. Holiday Rambler appears to have a winner with its new
Savoy trailer. It was comfortable and functional and, with the Nissan Titan leading the
way, served as a fine temporary home on wheels during our tour. Pick up the August 2005
issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and more details on the Holiday Rambler
Savoy and Nissan’s Titan — then subscribe to Trailer Life, so
you can stay informed on the latest tests, previews, tow vehicles, and technical and
RV-lifestyle information. Holiday Rambler, a division of Monaco Coach Corporation, (800)
245-4778, holidayrambler.com