Few things epitomize the motorhome experience like a tailgating party. Good food, great friends and family, and the convenience of owning a home on wheels all blend seamlessly at the RV park, stadium parking lot, lakeside or wherever you decide to take in the game.
Nostalgia tells us there’s nothing like a cold brew, a few hot dogs and huddling around a small TV with your closest buddies. But technology today has considerably upped the ante. Big-screen TVs, surround sound and chef-worthy grills have turned tailgating into an experience that nearly surpasses the feeling of being at the stadium – though the lav inside your motorhome means you can skip the long lines, wet floors and portable potties.
To help you in your shopping experience – or just to offer a little eye candy – we’ve selected some of the top tailgate-friendly coaches just in time for the big games. So, are you ready for some football … or hockey … or basketball … or baseball? Then check out these 10 beauties.
Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS
Not wanting to leave anybody on the bench, Coachmen offers 23 Class C models with exterior entertainment centers. Root for your team outdoors with an entertainment center ($1,080) featuring a 32-inch flat-screen TV, stereo system, DVD player and exterior game ports, all under a 21-foot power awning. The 319DS Leprechaun shown here ramps things up with an exterior kitchen ($1,298) located in a heavy-duty drawer. The kitchen unit includes a portable gas grill, hot and cold water and ample working space for food prep and serving. An exterior refrigerator at the rear complements the kitchen. If your tailgate party experiences a rain delay, head inside and enjoy the game on the optional 40-inch HDTV on an electric lift.
CHASSIS: FORD E-450
ENGINE: 6.8-L V-10
FUEL CAP: 55 GAL
GVWR: 14,500 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 32′ 6″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 4″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 10′ 10″
WHEELBASE: 223″
FRESHWATER CAP: 50 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 29 GAL/29 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 16 GAL
BASE MSRP: $83,300
COACHMEN RV, 800-353-7383, www.coachmenrv.com
Fleetwood Providence 42P
Name recognition is a sure way to fill seats in professional sports. LeBron James, Tom Brady, David Beckham – the names need no introduction before fans gobble up tickets to see their favorites lace ‘em up. Founded nearly three quarters of a century ago by John Crean, Fleetwood RV gives potential buyers the comfort of a long-lasting brand that nearly everybody knows. Fleetwood’s Providence 42P offers so much more than a familiar name. The manufacturer has done its best to ensure armchair quarterbacks can take in the game in luxurious surroundings. A large 42-inch HDTV sits across the L-shaped lounge, while a dual recliner sofa and freestanding dinette afford ample elbowroom to nibble on some wings while watching the game. The crown molding, padded vinyl ceiling and double-roller shades keep the inside looking great, while a 32-inch TV in the bedroom will handle the overflow. And, when the real tailgate party begins, the optional ($2,268) pullout grill and kitchenette outside is a perfect place to prepare game day meals, from beer and brats to wine and pork loin and everything in between.
CHASSIS: POWER BRIDGE II
ENGINE: 450-HP CUMMINS 8.9-L ISL
FUEL CAP: 150 GAL
GVWR: 44,700 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 43′ 6″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 6″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 10″
WHEELBASE: 302″
FRESHWATER CAP: 100 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 40 GAL/60 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 28.2 GAL
BASE MSRP: $328,328
FLEETWOOD RV, 800-322-8216, www.fleetwoodrv.com
FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE 360QL
In the running for the rookie of the year, Forest River’s new Berkshire 360QL diesel brings a touch of luxury to your tailgate. Interior amenities include polished porcelain tile with inserts, solid surface countertops in the galley and a solid surface backsplash with tile accents, residential-style cabinetry, and Ultraleather furniture. An optional residential-style refrigerator with 2,000-watt inverter ($3,381) and 32-inch TV in the overhead cockpit ($985) combine with the standard 40-inch TV in the living area to keep you in the game when the weather drives you indoors. But it’s the optional exterior entertainment center ($2,021) that tailgaters will admire most.
CHASSIS: FREIGHTLINER XC-R RAISED RAIL
ENGINE: 340-HP CUMMINS
FUEL CAP: 100 GAL
GVWR: 27,910 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 37′ 9″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 4″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 2″
WHEELBASE: 228″
FRESHWATER CAP: 86 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 44 GAL/60 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 24.5 GAL
BASE MSRP: $232,432
FOREST RIVER, 574-389-4600, www.forestriverinc.com
FOREST RIVER GEORGETOWN XL 378TS
The name Georgetown is synonymous with college basketball. The Hoyas are a perennial powerhouse, and though Forest River’s Georgetown XL 378TS isn’t associated with the university, it’s still a fitting designation for this motorhome. Fans will notice quality touches such as the one-piece laminated fiberglass roof, 5.5 kW AC generator, optional full-body paint, raised pass-through basement storage and outside shower. Tailgaters will really appreciate the optional exterior entertainment center ($1,878) that features a 32-inch LED TV, AM/FM/CD/DVD unit and four speakers, which are perfect for bringing in the roar from the stadium. There’s also a 40-inch LCD TV inside should you need a retreat from warring fan bases.
CHASSIS: FORD
ENGINE: 362-HP V-10
FUEL CAP: 80 GAL
GVWR: 22,000 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 37′ 4″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 5″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 7″
WHEELBASE: 242″
FRESHWATER CAP: 65 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 41 GAL/41 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 24 GAL
BASE MSRP: $130,712
FOREST RIVER, 574-389-4600, www.forestriverinc.com
FORETRAVEL IH45
Who needs a luxury suite at the stadium when you can watch the game in a luxury coach? The Foretravel IH45 features power everything, and the handcrafted cabinetry and natural quartz countertops are enough to make Jerry Jones jealous. But perhaps the true star of the IH45 is its handling on the way to the RV park; the coach is built on Foretravel’s TravelRide II chassis and is equipped with HWH active air suspension. All Foretravel models are powered by a Cummins diesel and Allison MHR six-speed transmission with retarder. Each coach’s interior and exterior is uniquely designed, but if buyers want to put their own stamp on their coach, Foretravel will lead them through the customization process. The optional EVO Outdoor Grilling Center with sink, refrigerator and grill ($25,500) and Patio Entertainment with TV in Slide Room ($7,890) should be your first priorities.
CHASSIS: FORETRAVEL TRAVELRIDE II
ENGINE: 650-HP CUMMINS ISX
FUEL CAP: 200 GAL
GVWR: 54,000 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 45′
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 6″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 13′ 2″
WHEELBASE: 304″
FRESHWATER CAP: 135 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 145 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: N/A (ALL ELECTRIC)
BASE MSRP: QUAD SLIDE $1,175,000
FORETRAVEL, 800-955-6226, www.foretravel.com
JAYCO SENECA 37TS
Who says you can’t tailgate inside the motorhome? With a sleeping capacity of up to eight, Jayco’s Seneca 37TS Class C allows tailgaters plenty of room to extend their stay even after the final whistle has sounded. The 37TS features many of the comforts of home, including a recessed three-burner range with bifold cover, a large 1.4-cubic-foot microwave oven for appetizers, solid hardwood raised-panel cabinet doors throughout and a one-piece, solid-surface, high-gloss countertop with integrated deep bowls and backsplash. There’s even a king-size bed and space for a washer/dryer in the master bedroom. The optional rear entertainment center with a 32-inch LCD TV only adds $213 to the purchase price, and the open floorplan means you can easily pack in all your friends and family.
CHASSIS: FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 106
ENGINE: 340-HP CUMMINS ISB 6.7-L DIESEL
FUEL CAP: 74 GAL
GVWR: 26,000 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 39′ 1″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 6″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 9″
WHEELBASE: 275″
FRESHWATER CAP: 81.5 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 51.5 GAL/41 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 14 GAL
BASE MSRP: $214,559
JAYCO, 574-825-5861, www.jayco.com
NEWELL COACH 1460
As the only model in our roundup to reach double digits in TVs (10 – enough for an entire baseball team, plus the designated hitter!), the custom Newell 1460 ensures you won’t miss a single pitch, wherever you are in the coach. And yes, that includes the bathroom; there’s an LCD TV behind the vanity mirror. Luxurious appointments such as the Gulfstream-style aircraft seating with game tables, under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator with icemaker and granite tile flooring in both bathrooms (you read that right) are befitting of an entire team of all stars, and the powered patio awnings and patio lights help you get into the game outside while viewing the exterior 42-inch LCD TV. There’s also a fridge and 100-pound capacity freezer outside to keep your drinks ice cold.
CHASSIS: NEWELL
ENGINE: 600-HP CUMMINS ISX
FUEL CAP: 190 GAL
GVWR: 63,600 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 45′
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 6″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT: 13′ 3″
WHEELBASE: 308″
FRESHWATER CAP: 143 GAL
HOLDING TANK CAP: 143 GAL
BASE MSRP: $1,461,500
NEWELL COACH, 888-363-9355, www.newellcoach.com
RENEGADE RV
Renegade RV allows potential buyers to call an audible and completely customize their motorhome. Solid-surface countertops, decorative tiles, leather furniture, alternate floorplans, an exterior paint job – you name it, and Renegade will follow your playbook. The motorhome shown here was specially designed by Renegade to follow the PGA tour. The coach, combined with the custom trailer, offers several different viewing areas for watching the tournament on TV … or you and a couple dozen friends can catch the action live from the roofs of the vehicles, or even from the balcony that extends right from the coach! It’s also easy to imagine this combo parked in the infield at a NASCAR race. The interior is all luxury, so you may just want to stay indoors, though there’s nothing quite like the roar of the engine as your favorite driver darts by your own fully stocked fridge and tailgating pit crew!
CHASSIS: FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA
ENGINE: 600-HP CUMMINS
FUEL CAP: 120 GAL
GVWR: 56,000 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 45′
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 6″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C, FOLD DOWN SEATS AND TABLES ON ROOF: 13′ 5″
WHEELBASE: 346″
FRESHWATER CAP: 150 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 75 GAL/75 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: N/A (ALL ELECTRIC)
MODEL SHOWN MSRP: DEPENDS ON OPTIONS, INCLUDES TRAILER $869,995
RENEGADE RV, 578-848-1126, www.renegaderv.com
TIFFIN ZEPHYR
So-called “super teams” are gaining in popularity in pro sports. That’s when the owners use their vast resources to gather three or four top-shelf talents in a drive to be the best. And that’s essentially what Tiffin has done with its flagship Zephyr motorhome – the company has loaded it with amenities. From the stainless-steel refrigerator with icemaker to the multiple TV locations to the giant L-shaped Ultraleather seating area, not to mention the standard in-motion satellite system, it’s apparent this coach is meant for championship-caliber tailgating. Add to that its sturdy steel structure, two-stage compression engine brake, and up to six air bags, and it’s clear that the Zephyr will be on the all-pro team for years to come. An exterior TV is standard on all Zephyrs and an optional basement freezer is available.
CHASSIS: SPARTAN K2
ENGINE: 500-HP CUMMINS ISX 11.9-L
FUEL CAP: 150 GAL
GVWR: 48,600 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 44′ 11″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 5″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 10″
WHEELBASE: 316″
FRESHWATER CAP: 90 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 50 GAL/70 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: N/A
BASE MSRP: $546,000
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, 256-356-8661, www.tiffinmotorhomes.com
WINNEBAGO TOUR
The new quad-slide Winnebago Tour 42GD with front kitchen goes deep in terms of satisfying your tailgating needs. There’s an overhead 40-inch LCD TV in the front and a 55-inch LED HDTV mid-coach, which also has backlights that provide an upscale touch. In addition, there’s a 32-inch LCD HDTV in the bedroom, should you need some privacy while watching your team blow the point spread. There’s also a Blu-ray home theater system with CD/DVD player, iPhone/iPod dock with video, receiver amplifier, five speakers and a subwoofer. Watch the game outside with the optional exterior entertainment center ($1,540) that features a 32-inch LED TV, stereo with remote, HDMI connection, audio out jack, TV jack and power outlets (perfect for crock pots with game-day snacks). A portable refrigerator/freezer ($973) is ideal for drinks, or to keep the meat cool until it’s grilling time.
CHASSIS: MAXUM FREIGHTLINER
ENGINE: 450-HP CUMMINS ISL 8.9-L TURBODIESEL
FUEL CAP: 150 GAL
GVWR: 44,600 LBS
EXTERIOR LENGTH: 42′ 10″
EXTERIOR WIDTH: 8′ 5.5″
EXTERIOR HEIGHT WITH A/C: 12′ 11″
WHEELBASE: 279″ PLUS TAG
FRESHWATER CAP: 85 GAL
BLACK/GRAY-WATER CAP: 51 GAL/116 GAL
LP-GAS CAP: 28 GAL
BASE MSRP: $364,279
WINNEBAGO, 641-585-3535, www.winnebagoind.com
