Long-time Pacific Northwest builder Country Coach has a reputation for
injecting a high level of luxury into motorhomes. Along with this
notoriety as proprietors of higher-end coaches comes sticker prices that
are shunned — because of economic necessity — by many potential
owners. To make the Country Coach moniker more accessible to a larger
buying contingent, the company has introduced the Tribute 260. While its
price tag is certainly more affordable, it still comes with a pedigree
that’s highly enviable in the RV industry.
Although accurately classified as a lower-end model in the Country Coach
lineup, the coach mimics its higher-end brethren in construction
quality and overall features. The 40-foot Tribute 260 (Sequoia model)
has a base msrp of $273,140, while the MSRP as tested was $300,445.
Country Coach builds its own chassis in its DynoMax division,
giving the company greater flexibility in designing floorplans and
additional features. The chassis isn’t built until the coach is ordered.
Each chassis spends time on a computerized laser-alignment station to
ensure the best drivability.
Our road-test Tribute 260 included a popular four-slideout
floorplan. It’s hard to imagine an RV with a more wide-open feeling than
the Tribute 260. There’s nothing cramped about the huge living
room/kitchen suite. As for entertainment, the optional 32-inch forward
LCD TV ($555) in conjunction with the home theater system with Dolby 5.1
surround sound brings a theater-like experience to any campsite. And
users won’t lack for a great view while dining at the extra-large
table-side window. One advantage of a 40-foot coach is the extra
elbowroom a good floorplan provides.
Although the optional king-size bed is great for stretch-out
space and the mattress felt very good, it eliminates the bedside
nightstands that would be standard with a queen-size bed. The bedroom TV
is well-placed and easily viewed while reclining. If the outside view
is good, or cross-ventilation is desired, the slideout is adorned with a
large window.
Jumping behind the wheel of the Tribute 260 is a road-trip
treat. It has a comfortable seat that faces a clean, functional dash
trimmed with burlwood, while easy-to-use controls and readily visible
gauges help provide the kind of travel experience a discriminating buyer
can appreciate.
Great drivability, fine living quarters and quality features
combined in a classy package from a manufacturer of fine repute add up
to one nice motorhome. The Country Coach Tribute 260, although the low
man on the company’s totem pole, stands tall in its model lineup.
For complete details and full test impressions of Country
Coach’s Tribute 260, pick up the May 2007 issue of MotorHome magazine on
the newsstand — then subscribe to MotorHome
so you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests, previews,
technical information, products, travel destinations and more.
