Surprisingly, $100K still buys a lot of motorhome; here are 12 Class A choices
Six figures just ain’t what it used to be. I can remember daydreaming as a child, thinking, “If I had $100,000, I’d be rich and set for life!” Ah, youth. True, $100K is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not exactly the life-altering amount that had me dreaming of multiple mansions, worldly travels and fancy cars in my days of youth. But that doesn’t mean you have to “settle” for a $100,000 motorhome: even in these days of quarter-million-dollar coaches practically being the norm, the princely sum of $100,000 can get you a nicely outfitted Class A.
Stout construction? How about fiberglass front and rear caps and one-piece roofs. Upscale amenities? Try solid-surface countertops, residential appliances and precision cabinetry. State-of-the-art electronics? Do big-screen TVs, Bluetooth-enabled DVD players and cutting-edge monitoring solutions toot your horn?
These motorhomes have many amenities without sacrificing craftsmanship, quality or perhaps best of all, overall visual appeal.
So, much like your childhood fantasies, allow yourself to dream big, and check out these motorhomes for around $100,000, listed from lowest to highest base MSRP.
Fleetwood Flair 26D
Fleetwood builds motorhomes using what it calls F21 technology; “F” being for Fleetwood RV, and “21” for 21st-century materials and techniques. This means the company utilizes such materials as precision-welded aluminum frames, solid-bead insulation and aluminum-extruded slide ramps, to name a few. The Flair may be Fleetwood’s entry-level Class A gasser, but that doesn’t mean the company has scrimped on the amenities. Two 12-volt DC power jacks, a central monitor panel, composite tile flooring and hardwood cabinet doors are standard, as are interior LED lighting and auxiliary batteries with a disconnect switch. Galley features include laminate countertops and a residential double-bowl sink, while the bedroom offers an LED TV on a swing arm, a headboard and handy reading lights in the queen bed’s overhead cabinet. The 26D offers a freestanding recliner in the living area, in addition to a spacious amidships galley.
Fleetwood RV | 800-854-1344 | www.fleetwoodrv.com
Nexus Maybach
Nexus RV is a factory-direct RV manufacturer, which makes purchasing the 2017 Maybach a more hands-on buying experience. The exterior of the well-appointed base model features seamless fiberglass side walls, radius tinted windows, a fiberglass front cap and a fiberglass roof, while inside, buyers are treated to amenities such as raised-panel cabinets, upgraded flooring, LED lighting, stainless-steel sinks in the galley and bathroom, a queen bed and a double-door refrigerator. But the true personalized experience begins when customers begin selecting from an impressive array of options (available online, with prices), with everything from upgrades to the cockpit area to deluxe furniture to Blu-ray entertainment systems and practically all you could imagine in between. You can even opt to swap out the standard bunks with a large wardrobe. The Maybach is built to last with a high-strength alloy-steel cage frame, galvanized exterior storage compartments and all composite materials throughout.
Nexus RV | 855-786-3987 | www.nexusrv.com
Thor Vegas 25.4 RUV
With a length of 27 feet and a narrow width of 7 feet 10 inches, the Vegas 25.4 RUV is easy to drive and maneuver, making it a great choice for campgrounds with tight turns or even a tailgating party outside the local team’s stadium. Owners can opt for the 32-inch LED exterior TV to watch the big game under the stars, or they can cheer on the home team in the living room while watching the LED TV. The 42-by-74-inch Dream Dinette in the 25.4 is spacious enough for the whole tribe, and RV chefs are never far from the action in the free-flowing galley layout. The bedroom is fully outfitted with a nightstand, dresser, wardrobe and queen bed, and there’s the option here for yet another 32-inch LED TV. The power drop-down hideaway overhead bunk in the living area means there’s room for everybody to sleep, and the ceiling-ducted air-conditioning system means they’ll be sleeping in comfort. The cockpit has been outfitted with a touch-screen AM/FM/CD unit with Bluetooth compatibility and a handy backup monitor and mirror display.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.thormotorcoach.com
Thor Axis 24.1 RUV
Thor calls its Axis a recreational utility vehicle (RUV), as it combines the versatility and easy driving attitude of an SUV with the amenities of a Class A . Storage in the Axis is convenient, as a large MEGA storage compartment should easily swallow most supplies; additional rotocast storage compartments will handle the rest. Inside, the rear bedroom of the 24.1 has an interesting twist: dual twin beds that can be combined to form one large RV king bed. The living area boasts a large sofa bed (with air mattress), perfect for dining at the roomy pedestal table. A drop-down overhead bunk provides additional sleeping options. In the galley, a flip-up countertop extension means chefs have plenty of space to work while preparing food from the 6-cubic-foot double-door refrigerator on the three-burner stove or in the standard microwave. An oversized-bowl kitchen sink and single faucet with pull-down sprayer complement the flat-panel cabinet doors with a rattan inlay and nickel-finish hardware.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.thormotorcoach.com
Winnebago Sunstar
The Winnebago Sunstar is a family-friendly Class A offered in a variety of budget-friendly floorplans ranging from 27 to 31 feet. The Sunstar has been outfitted with standard features you don’t often find at this price, such as a rearview monitor system, a decorative backsplash in the galley and MCD roller shades. The master bedroom in the 26HE offers a private retreat complete with walk-around queen-size bed, a wardrobe and shirt closet. The 31BE offers a bunk-bed configuration for families with small children, as well as an optional exterior entertainment system. The 31KE features a U-shaped dinette, a dash workstation, sofa bed, large living area, split bath and a walk-around queen-size bed. Also available is the new 29VE, complete with optional tailgate package and exterior TV and speakers. Additional sleeping space in all Sunstar motorhomes can be added with the available StudioLoft bed that lowers from the ceiling.
Winnebago Industries Inc. | 641-585-3535 | www.winnebagoindustries.com
Fleetwood Storm 28MS
There aren’t any options available on Fleetwood’s Storm 28MS, but that’s because the sub-30-foot Class A comes equipped with most everything you’ll need. Whether it’s the 28-inch LED TV and DVD player in the living area, the laminate countertops with a bullnose edge, the whole-coach water filtration system or the porcelain toilet bowl in the bathroom, the Storm has been outfitted with residential-type amenities not usually found in this price range. Fleetwood’s F21 construction standards mean the motorhome is built for the long haul. Flexsteel furniture, a soft-touch vinyl ceiling and a Hide-a-Loft drop-down queen-size bed highlight the living area, while the hidden cabinet door and Euro hinges and full-extension drawer guides and transit-ship locks truly enhance the hardwood cabinetry, which is available in either a rich Barcelona hue or a lighter, tan Buttercup motif.
Fleetwood RV | 800-854-1344 | www.fleetwoodrv.com
Holiday Rambler Admiral XE
The Admiral XE 30U offers owners three distinct living areas for a true residential feel. The living area features a spacious 41-by-70-inch dinette, in addition to a 66-inch jackknife sofa, offering plenty of viewing options for the 32-inch LED TV. The galley has been designed with the RV chef in mind, with a 6-cubic-foot refrigerator, three-burner cooktop and handy round sink, which allows for easy cleanup of pots and pans. A large pantry handles the foodstuffs. After dinner, mom and dad can retreat to the private bedroom and sleep easy on the large king-size bed; a 19-inch LED TV, dual nightstands and a cavernous wardrobe round out the offerings. Outside, the power electric step and power awning with LED lighting allow owners to truly enjoy the campsite; an exterior entertainment center enhances the patio-side experience. All HR motorhomes include a one-piece molded fiberglass end cap, corrosion-resistant tubular framing, a Vacu-bond floor and hull lamination process, all of which combine to make a solid coach.
Holiday Rambler | 800-648-6582 | www.holidayrambler.com
Winnebago Vista
The popular Winnebago Vista offers owners a great value with four different floorplans designed with the whole family in mind. Outside, the premium high-gloss side walls look great, and flourishes such as the automatic entrance steps and powered patio awning add to the bang-for-your-buck factor. Automatic hydraulic leveling jacks make setting up in camp as easy as pushing a button. Each Vista makes maximum use of its space with dual-purpose furniture, such as a sofa bed, convertible dinette and swivel captain’s chairs. The new sure-to-be-a-hit 31BE floorplan features a full-wall slide, bunk beds (with optional DVD players with flip-down monitors), a walk-through bath with bedroom privacy entry and an exterior entertainment center. Owners of Vista motorhomes can add more sleeping space with the optional StudioLoft bed, while the galleys come standard with a two-door refrigerator, microwave, three-burner range and laminate countertops.
Winnebago Industries Inc. | 641-585-3535, | www.winnebagoindustries.com
Forest River Georgetown FR3 30DS
The Georgetown FR3 series is what Forest River has dubbed its “crossover” motorhome line due to its Class A-type amenities and Class C-like maneuverability. The 30DS shown above is a dual-slide configuration with a master “retreat” featuring a supple king-size bed, LED TV and dual wardrobes behind a solid door. The split-bath configuration maximizes the use of space (and helps with getting ready for the day), while the wraparound booth dinette and sofa bed with footrests offer comfortable seating as well as additional sleeping areas for friends and family. Outside, the gray gelcoat side walls, one-piece fiberglass front cap, LED turn signals and “Super Storage” rear pass-through compartment all make life in the motorhome easy; the in-dash Bluetooth-enabled backup monitor with AM/FM/CD and vinyl-wrapped low-profile doghouse in the cockpit continue that trend.
Forest River Inc. | 866-837-6044 | www.forestriverinc.com
Thor A.C.E. 30.1
Thor’s A.C.E. motorhomes are built using vacuum-bonded laminating on the side walls, floor and roof, helping with durability and longevity. The 30.1 shown here is a dual-slide model offering owners plenty of seating in the living area, in addition to a removable coffee table in the cockpit area, which comes in quite handy while having a get-together for family and friends. Both the jackknife sofa and the booth dinette also up the sleeping positions and, along with the drop-down overhead bunk, mean the 30.1 should have no problems accommodating a family of five or six. Thoughtful touches like a broom closet at the entry door, a Pet-Link multipurpose tie-down, pullout Kibble Station and rubber tread steps make the A.C.E. a great choice for pet owners, and the vinyl flooring and leatherette furniture inside are easy to clean. The split-bath configuration features a spacious 30-by-36-inch shower, giving owners plenty of room to bathe themselves or the family dog.
Thor Motor Coach | 800-860-5658 | www.thormotorcoach.com
Newmar Bay Star Sport
The triple-slide Bay Star Sport 3004 features a full-wall slide and an open floorplan to make the coach live larger than it already does. The living area is highlighted by a 74-inch jackknife sofa with a removable table that doubles as a dining area. In addition, there is a convertible table top/console between the driver and passenger seats over the engine cover, offering plenty of surface area for large meals and gatherings. The galley is roomy and well laid out, with a flip-up counter extension in the forward portion of the kitchen, while the main TV is located along the bath wall just rear of the galley area, providing a good viewing angle for the entertainment settings. For overnight visitors, the slide houses two 27-by-72-inch bunks, which are situated directly across from the split-bath area for minimal nighttime interruptions. A 36-inch radiused shower makes bathing a breeze. Occupants of the master bedroom can enjoy a 60-by-80-inch queen bed and LED TV when the sun goes down.
Newmar | 800-731-8300 | www.newmarcorp.com
Jayco Precept
Jayco’s Precept combines top-notch amenities and a smooth ride for an enjoyable RVing experience. The company achieves the latter by employing its JRide Plus system on the Precept, which greatly improves handling and on-the-road comfort by employing a computer-balanced driveshaft, Bilstein shocks, jounce bumpers, front and rear sway bars and an additional heavy-duty rear sway bar. Outside, the high-gloss fiberglass side walls, one-piece front and rear caps and seamless rubber roof all belie a motorhome that’s generally a little harder on the wallet. Inside, raised-panel cabinet doors, recessed LED lighting, a water-filtration system and porcelain toilet are all appointments you might not expect to find in this price range. Nor would you likely expect the bunk beds, bedroom TV and exterior entertainment center on the 29UR, making the Precept a great choice for RVers who like to entertain. There’s also an included (as part of the mandatory Customer Value Package option) Onan 5.5-kW generator for taking the party off the grid.
Jayco | 574-825-5861 | www.jayco.com