Life in a motorhome is all about compromise – if you want better mileage, you have to give up some space and amenities, and vice versa. However, given the volatile fuel prices and uncertain economy of the last two years, many motorhome manufacturers have become better at building products that provide their customers with all the comforts of home in a smaller, more manageable package. The new Unity from Leisure Travel Vans is one of the latest examples of this growing trend.
Built on the popular Sprinter chassis, the Unity has more to offer than the traditional Class B van conversion. And, the model U24MB brings some interesting features that would be considered innovative for any motorhome at any size or price point.
The Sprinter currently reigns as the fuel economy darling of the RV industry because it’s capable of achieving mileage figures in the mid- to high-teens during real-world driving. That’s pretty good for a motorhome.
Buyers of smaller coaches are often former Class A owners who want to downsize, and according to Leisure Travel Vans, one of the things these customers miss the most is a large, luxurious bath area. To meet that need, Leisure Travel did away with the traditional rear bedroom layout, choosing instead to make the space a master bath befitting a high-end rig. Then, a power Murphy bed was incorporated into the streetside slideout, effectively turning the living area into a bedroom suite.
The idea of a bedroom in the middle of the coach is not a new one, but the Unity excels in its creative use of space. During the day, the Unity’s living area features electric reclining “theater seating” with two ottomans. The opposing countertop represents the RV equivalent of a Swiss army knife – push a button, and a 26-inch LCD TV rises out of its solid surface. A folding, swing-out table can also be deployed from underneath – just the spot to place beverages and snacks. When it’s time to turn in for the evening, the 60- by 74-inch power Murphy bed settles over the recliners, and reveals the slideout window.
Understandably, the galley area is compact, but well-equipped. A contoured, solid-surface countertop plays host to a flush-mount two-burner cooktop and sink, each with its own hinged glass cover. The three-way Dometic refrigerator measures a generous 6.4 cubic feet, and features a removable freezer to provide an additional 0.6 cubic feet if needed. A convection microwave oven serves baking and reheating needs, while a pantry and cherry cabinetry with solid, curved doors provide plenty of storage.
And now, about that bath area. The first thing you’ll lay eyes on is the large corner shower with a skylight and glass door, next to which is a SeaLand china toilet with foot flush and sprayer. The generously proportioned lav is located along the back wall beneath the rear window, and a cavernous wardrobe accommodates clothes as well as the ottomans from the living area when they’re not needed.
Elsewhere, standard features include a built-in, removable TomTom GPS navigation system with integrated backup monitor, large rear exterior storage and full-body paint. Options include natural maple cabinetry, a macerator pump, diesel or LP-gas genset, and a 600-watt inverter.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Engine: 3.0-l V-6 diesel, 188 hp
Fuel: 26.4 Gal gvwr: 11,030 lbs
Exterior length: 24′ 7″
Exterior width: 7′ 8.5″
Exterior height: 10′ 5.5″
Wheelbase: 170″
Freshwater cap: 30 gal
Gray-water cap: 37 gal
Black-water cap: 29 gal
LP-gas cap: 12.7 gal
Base MSRP: $113,330
Leisure Travel Vans Ltd., 877-992-9906, www.leisurevans.com.
