AS A MOTORHOME MANUFACTURER, R-VISION TOOK THE CHALLENGE TO BE recognized as having a product that is different, something that strays from the traditional flat-front Class A.
The result is the new Stratus, a sleek-looking low-profile coach that harkens back to the
popular GMC motorhome of the 1970s. Billed as the company’s “first lightweight product that is aimed directly at the baby-boomer generation,” the Stratus comes in four floorplans, ranging in length from 24 to 29 feet. (Pictured is the 29-foot SM-291.) All models have living-area slideouts and are built on the popular Workhorse chassis with a 14,800-pound gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), powered by GM’s 8.1-liter V-8 gas engine.
The only exception is the 24-foot SM-241, which is built on a 12,300-pound-rated Workhorse chassis and is powered by a GM 5.7-liter gas V-8. Alcoa polished wheels and four-point leveling jacks are available options. R-Vision acknowledges that the Stratus pays homage to the original GMC, but says it is a “modernized and updated version.” As such, the Stratus features the latest construction techniques, including Vacubonded welded-aluminum framing, a fiberglass exterior with curved side walls, full fiberglass front and rear caps, and a crowned rubber roof carrying a 12-year warranty. The driver’s area houses leather-trimmed driver/passenger seats (with power driver’s seat), an AM/FM CD/cassette player, a leather-and-carbon-fiber custom steering wheel, a rear-vision display and a 19-inch in-dash color television. Living-area details include radiused cabinet doors, overhead cabinets, miniblinds, Congoleum vinyl flooring and Staintech carpeting. The galley comes standard with a three-burner range with conventional oven, a two-door Dometic refrigerator, a microwave oven and a stainless-steel sink. Out back, the bathroom has an ABS tub/shower with a folding shower door, an acrylic lavatory top and a power roof vent with fan.
The larger SM-271 and SM-291 models feature a 60×74-inch bed in the rear bedroom, and the smaller models have 54×74-inch beds. Optional equipment includes day/night shades and a 13-inch television in the bedroom. Not as visible, but still important, are a standard Onan gas AC generator and a 45-amp converter. A 30,000-BTU furnace keeps occupants toasty at night, while a 13,500-BTU ducted air conditioner keeps things cool on hot afternoons.
All floorplans hold 40 gallons of fuel (except the SM-291, which holds 60 gallons), 55 gallons of fresh water, 6 gallons in the DSI water heater and 30 gallons each of black and gray water. Heated holding tanks are optional. The Stratus is priced between $72,000 and
$78,500, depending on the model and options selected. Article by: Chris Hemer R-Vision
Inc., (219) 268-2111, www.trail-lite.com
