RV News: The Coachmen Concord Returns, Winnebago’s Compact Class C, and More
Other stories include new rigs from Aliner, high-tech new RV accessories, and a challenger to Starlink emerges.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Coachmen
It was another very busy week for the RV industry, with several new rigs announced and other important news. Here’s everything you need to know before we head off for the holiday weekend here in the US:
Photo Credit: Coachmen
- Coachmen Resurrects the Concord Class C Motorhome: If you need further proof that Class C coaches are a popular option right now, then look no further than the latest announcement from Coachmen. This week, the RV manufacturer announced the return of its Concord motorhome, which promises to be a refined and modern take on the retired brand. The new version of the Concord is built on the Ford E-450 chassis and includes amenities like an air-ride suspension, dual 15k BTU A/C units, a power reclining king-size bed, Azdel composite panels, and more. The rig is available in two floor plans and will start shipping to dealers soon. Learn more here.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Winnebago Launches Compact Class C Elora/Resa Coach: It was a big week for Class C motorhomes, as Winnebago announced the launch of its new Elora/Resa compact model. The new rig measures a mere 20′ 4″ in length, but has a versatile and modern interior that sleeps four and accommodates six. The rig has a great starting price of $153,772, which should appeal to budget-conscious buyers looking for a motorized coach. Check out our full coverage of the launch, including an in-depth video tour, here.
Photo Credit: Aliner
- Aliner Debuts New Scout 15 Towable and American Anniversary Edition Models: Aliner, the brand best known for its A-frame style travel trailers, revealed a couple of new options this week. First, the company unveiled the Scout 15, which is a 15′ version of its popular Scout line of towables. Like its siblings, the new model is lightweight and versatile, while offering extra space for a comfortable camping experience. Aliner also showed off its new limited edition American Anniversary models, which are built to celebrate the 250th birthday of the country. The special livery is available only on the new Scout 15, the Ranger 12, and the Classic trailers, and features artwork and colors to celebrate the red, white, and blue. Check it all out at aliner.com.
Photo Credit: Waldoch Crafts
- Waldoch Crafts Returns to RV Space with New Camper Van: Waldoch Crafts, a company that’s been around in the automotive industry for more than 50 years, and previously operated in the RV market, announced that it was re-entering that space with a new Class B camper van. The new coach is dubbed the Starlux and it includes a host of luxury features, like a bathroom with a full shower, power shades on the windows, and a galley kitchen with an induction cooktop. The van rides on the Ford Transit chassis and is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. It comes with a 180W solar panel, 200aH Renogy battery pack, and a 2000W inverter straight from the factory. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: cookelma/Getty
- Patrick Industries and Lippert are Merging: We typically stay away from reporting too much on the business side of the RV industry here at RV.com, but this week there was a story that’s too big to ignore. A few days back, Patrick Industries and LCI Industries announced that they are merging and effectively combining their operations to streamline production. The two companies were in talks to complete a merger back in May, but those discussions ended without creating a deal. Now, the merger is set to go through, creating a large RV components manufacturer with revenues topping $8 billion on $1 billion in revenue. The deal will be finalized in the first half of 2027. Learn more here.
Photo Credit: Amazon
- Amazon is Ready to Light Up Starlink Competitor: It has been a long, slow road for Amazon Leo, the satellite internet service that promises to offer compelling competition for Starlink. But yesterday, an early-morning Atlas V rocket launch carried 29 new Leo satellites into orbit, which the company now says will be enough to bring the service online at long last. Before that happens, the satellites will need to be moved into orbit 392 miles above the Earth and go through an initial test phase before allowing customers to begin using the system. That will likely take a few more months, but Amazon should be able to light up the satellite constellation this fall as expected. Coverage will be somewhat limited until the sat network expands further and consumer access probably won’t happen until sometime in 2027, but Leo offers faster speeds and lower latency than Starlink, which could make it more attractive to RVers. Either way, competition is good for everyone, so we’ll continue to monitor Amazon’s progress. Engadget has more on this story here.
Photo Credit: Dometic
- Dometic Launches Fully Electric RV Water Heater: With onboard RV electrical systems getting more efficient, powerful, and prevalent, it seems like it is only a matter of time before legacy components convert to full-electric models. Case in point, this week Dometic took the wraps off its new Electric Water Heater Essential, which moves away from the use of propane in favor of electricity. Ultimately, this means less maintenance and potential points of failure. It also gives manufacturers more flexibility in their builds, without compromising performance. RV Business has the full scoop here.
Photo Credit: 4 Mavericks
- 4 Mavericks Intros Bluetooth RV Leveling System: Leveling an RV often requires time, patience, and a bit of experience, but now, one company is hoping to take the guesswork out of that process. This week, 4 Mavericks revealed Level Out, a Bluetooth leveling system designed with RVs in mind. The device can reportedly be installed in just one minute, offers long battery life, and is compatible with most travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and motorhomes. It also provides real-time feedback to a user’s smartphone, making it easier than ever to find the level spot. Check it out here.
That’s it for this Friday’s RV news roundup. See you next week for another rundown of everything happening in this fast-moving and exciting industry. Have a great weekend.
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.
