RV News: Storyteller Overland Shifts Into Gear Mode, New Rigs at Open House, and More
In other news, the Roamer X starts shipping, Forest River gets connected, and Thor has new Class A floor plans.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland
With the RV industry’s annual Open House event taking place in Elkhart, IN this week, there has been a lot of announcements over the past few days. That means we have a lot of ground to cover in our weekly RV news roundup, so let’s jump right in.
Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland
- Storyteller Overland Gets Into Gear Mode: Storyteller Overland has had a busy year, introducing several new vehicles while continuing to update its existing models. This week, the company revealed an all-new model dubbed the Gear Mode. This rig takes a very modular approach to its build-out, letting buyers customize to their hearts’ content. The van comes with a queen-size bed that effortlessly moves out of the way to create a massive gear garage for carrying all of your important equipment. An optional versatile table transforms from a workspace to a dining table, while a bench offers seating with multiple options for how it is used. Owners can add a range of accessories, too, truly creating the exact off-road rig they need. Pricing starts at just $149,498. Learn more here.
Photo Credit: Coachmen
- Coachmen Shares More Details on Origin Motorhome: Earlier in the week, we shared our picks for the standout new RVs that were revealed at the Hershey RV Show a few weeks back. Among them was a new model from Coachmen called the Origin, which offered an eye-catching, European-styled design that stood out from the crowd. This week at Open House, the company revealed more info about this model that it calls a “hybrid” that includes features from both Class A and Class C coaches. The new rig rides on a modified Ford E-450 chassis and comes with custom-designed driver and passenger seats that resemble those found in a luxury automobile. Back in the living space, you’ll find two recliners that fold flat, an overhead bunk, composite cabinetry, and room to sleep up to six people. A custom cockpit with a 14″ display and a rear fold-out patio are other highlights. As of now, Coachmen hasn’t updated its website to include the Origin, but expect more information soon.
Photo Credit: Dream Haven
- Dream Haven Brings Gladiator Familia Travel Trailer to the US Market: Another Australian-built towable is coming stateside. This week, Dream Haven RV announced the arrival of the Gladiator Familia, a travel trailer designed specifically with families in mind. The rig is already a hit Down Under, in part because of its rugged design and off-road capabilities. This model comes with 6′ bunk beds suitable for kids and adults. It also features an interior wet bath, a portable induction stove, copious amounts of storage, a full HVAC system, and an outdoor entertainment center and foldout table. Learn more here.
Photo Credit: ROA
- ROA Off-Road Starts Shipping Roamer X Travel Trailer: The highly anticipated Roamer X towable from ROA Off-Road is nearly here. This week, the brand announced that the first production models have rolled off the assembly line and will ship to customers in October. The rig is built in the US by Pause and rides on a chassis that includes a MORryde aluminum frame with an air suspension, 12″ of suspension travel, and an 11,000 lbs GVWR. The trailer also comes with an AquaHot Combi furnace/water heater, an 18k BTU A/C unit, and 3160W of solar paired with a 2160Ah lithium battery. Inside, you’ll find a private bedroom with a king bed (or split twins), a full kitchen, leather recliners, a video projector, and a bathroom. For full specs and details, click here.
Photo Credit: Thor
- Thor Shows Off Class A Models at Open House: Last week, ahead of the start of the Open House festivities, we noted that Thor had Class B and C rigs to share at the event. But it turns out the RV manufacturer has new Class A coaches on display, too, including the new Vegas 28.1 and Palazzo 37.5 floor plans. The Vegas keeps the maneuverability and size that model is known for and comes with theater seating, a Dream Dinette, massive pass-through storage, and a well-appointed kitchen. Meanwhile, the latest Palazzo model features two bathrooms, a queen bed, vinyl flooring, an electric fireplace, and a Dream Dinette of its own. For more information on both rigs, visit the Thor website.
Photo Credit: Palomino
- Forest River Sub-Brands Adopt RoadTech Connect: Future buyers of Forest River’s Columbus, River Ranch, and Puma RVs will gain access to the RoadTech Connect platform as part of their ownership experience. This onboard system uses connected tools to monitor a vehicle, providing system alerts and location services. Owners can also opt into sharing information with dealers and manufacturers to help spot, diagnose, and troubleshoot potential issues, often before they become a major problem. Find out more here.
Photo Credit:Forest River
- Forest River Launches New Line of Financial Products: While we’re on the subject of Forest River, this week the company also announced a new line of financial products designed to help buyers get into their dream RV faster and easier. The flagship service of this new offering is the industry’s first co-branded HELOC with Aven that combines home and equity financing into a credit card that can be used in a more timely fashion when negotiating at a dealership. The company is also introducing a new credit card that offers rewards for RV purchases, new accessories, service, and more. Read all about it here.
Photo Credit: (c) Sean Board/Getty
- Virginia Appoints Full-Time Director of Outdoor Recreation: This week, Virginia joined the growing ranks of US states that now have a dedicated Director of Outdoor Recreation. Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed Heather Barrar to the position, which reports to the Secretariat of Virginia Natural and Historic Resources. The Director is charged with increasing access to the outdoors with accessible trails, parks, waterways, and other features, as well as promoting Virginia as a destination for outdoor recreation. Naturally, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a nonprofit made up of states that have similar departments, hailed the move.
Image Courtesy of Feverpitched/Getty
- Season 8 of The RVers Premieres on October 4: We have good news for fans of the Discovery Channel’s docuseries The RVers. The network has announced that Season 8 of the show will debut this Sunday, October 4, at 7:30 AM ET/PT. The show follows a group of dedicated RVers as they travel the country visiting iconic destinations and events and sharing their experiences with the audience. It has obviously struck a chord with both veteran RVers and non-RVers alike, inspiring more people to hit the road in a camper for their own travel adventure. Watch for it this weekend.
And that’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for our another recap of the biggest news from the RV industry.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
