The RVIA National Trade Show was held the week of December 2-4, 2008,
and packed a punch of surprising new unveilings. We’ve noted the most
progressive and interesting of the reveals below – for a complete
write-up of the annual Louisville show, see the upcoming March issue of MotorHome magazine.
Freightliner Launches First Class-A Hybrid Chassis
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) has introduced
ecoFRED, the first hybrid-electric Class A motorhome chassis in the
industry. Equipped with the Eaton hybrid-electric system, ecoFRED
promises increased fuel economy, less pollution, less brake wear, better
acceleration and added towing capacity.
The ecoFRED chassis will be available next summer, with full production expected in the third quarter of 2009.
Workhorse Chassis Exhibits New Front Engine Diesel Chassis
Workhorse Custom Chassis introduced its W20D and W22D
front-engine diesel chassis. Rated at 20,500 and 22,000 lb. GVWR
respectively, they are powered by Navistar’s MaxxForce 7 diesel engine
rated at 230 hp and 620 lb.-ft of torque. A six-speed Allison automatic
transmission is standard on both new chassis models.
Also at the Workhorse booth, Navistar has the DuraStar Super C
motorhome chassis. Powered by a MaxxForce DT engine rated 300 horsepower
and 660 lb.-ft. of torque, it offers a 25,500 pound GVWR and a 33,000
pound GCWR.
Fleetwood Rolls Out Roomy, High-Value Motorhomes
Fleetwood Enterprises’ RV Group has announced the launch of
several new motorhome models. These new models come after a busy summer
that included the launch of the brand new Power Bridge Chassis and a
lifecycle change on the high-value Southwind Class A gas motorhome. The
following new models highlight Fleetwood’s ability to develop spacious
and innovative floor plans.
- A 42-foot full-wall-slide floor plan with rear master bathroom on the luxurious
American Allegiance Class A diesel brand (42T) - A 43-foot full-wall-slide floor plan with bath-and-a-half flexibility on the
contemporary Revolution LE Class A diesel brand (42W) - A 41-foot full-wall-slide, mid-ship TV floor plan with side-aisle bathroom on the
stunning Excursion and Providence Class A brands (40Q) - A 34-foot full-wall-slide, mid-ship TV floor plan on the popular Bounder Class A
gas motorhome (33 U)
