5 New RVs That Take Entry-Level to a New Level
Five fully equipped motorhomes that will change the way you think about the phrase “entry-level.”
When you hear somebody use the term “entry-level,” chances are you’re thinking it’s just a fancy way of saying “affordable.” And while that may be true, entry-level in terms of an RV should be taken at face value: It’s the starting point of a particular model line—not a cheaply made barebones facsimile of something better. And as you’ll see, most RV manufacturers haven’t left anything out in terms of comfort and quality. After all, they not only want you to enjoy their so-called entry-level coach for a very long time, or perhaps trade up to one of their more refined models. That’s a great situation for all involved. In fact, entry-level can be a great thing … and here are five motorized reasons why.
Class A Gas
Holiday Rambler Admiral
Many Class A gassers can suffer from the feeling of the walls closing in. A slideout here and there certainly helps matters, but the feeling of confinement outside the slide rooms remains. The solution? A full-wall slide.
The Admiral 32S utilizes a massive driver’s side slide to dramatically open up the interior while in camp. And you’ll surely need that extra space because the family-friendly 32S can comfortably sleep up to six people, an impressive feat for a coach that’s less than 34 feet long.
Perhaps even more impressive in this particular floorplan are the two full bathrooms, highlighted by the spacious en-suite master bath at the rear, which runs the full width of the motorhome. A stainless-steel residential fridge, double-basin sink, and microwave are the stars of the galley, while entertainment duties are handled by LED TVs in the living area and bedroom, ceiling speakers, and an exterior entertainment center to watch movies under the stars.
Base MSRP: $170,000.
Class A Diesel
Winnebago Forza
Looking for a diesel coach that’s built for the long haul without sacrificing luxury? Featuring a Freightliner XCS chassis that integrates Winnebago’s Superstructure, the Cummins ISB 6.7-liter powered Forza excels on the road (700 lb-ft torque for hill climbs) and in camp (up to 228 cubic feet of exterior storage).
But it’s what’s inside that counts, right? The Forza delivers on that front with exclusive new interiors from the Winnebago Design Studio that listens to the customers to deliver a motorhome that’s decorated more like a home. That includes Ultrafabrics Primera furniture and luxury plank flooring throughout, plus a variety of hues, textures, and styles.
What’s more, Winnebago includes Multi-plex wall switches, Corian countertops, residential appliances, a porcelain toilet, a 6,00-watt Cummins Onan generator, whole-coach water filtration, and LED lights housed in the supple soft vinyl ceiling. Sizes range from just over 36 feet long to just shy of 40 feet, with the latter sporting a second full bathroom amidships and a bunkhouse.
Base MSRP: $313,388.
Class B Motorhome
THOR Scope
The adventure-friendly Class B motorhome market continues to become more competitive, and we’re loving every minute of it. Each manufacturer is striving to one-up the competition, and we’re all reaping the benefits.
The new THOR Scope is built on the RAM ProMaster1500 XT chassis with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine, resulting in a well-equipped compact camper van at less than 18 feet long. The Scope is offered in two floorplans: one without a Sky Bunk (18M) and one with an option for the familiar pop-top (18T) that just screams fun. Opting to pop the top will cost buyers the wet bath in the 18M, though the 18T more than makes up for that with a rear bug screen to bring the outside in.
Residential vinyl flooring means easy cleanup, and the Scope comes standard with a 190-watt solar array and a 1,000-watt inverter for off-grid adventure. Both Scopes include a single-door 12-volt fridge, two-burner gas cooktop, and single-bowl stainless sink in the kitchen, plus a 30-amp shorepower cord and Cummins Onan gas Genset for auxiliary power.
MSRP starts at $76,000.
Class C Motorhome
Coachmen Freelander
Coachmen RVs have been on the road for nearly 60 years, and the popular Freelander Class C is proof that the manufacturer isn’t slowing down any time soon. The family-friendly Class C checks off all the boxes in terms of livability without breaking the bank, and without emptying your bank account.
Large windows brighten up the interior on the slideout-free 27QB, which boasts a free-flowing floorplan built on the Chevrolet 3500 chassis. The Freelander is “Certified Green” thanks to its use of Azdel SuperLite substrate; the sidewalls are 2 inches thick and the framing welded aluminum. Inside, your eye is drawn to the large cabover area, which measures 95-by-57 inches, plenty of room for a couple of kiddos to bed down, or additional storage. The queen mattress in the bedroom is of the walkaround variety, while three windows (notice the theme) provide for great cross-ventilation.
The L-shape kitchen improves the flow of foot traffic by keeping the chef out of the walkway, and the 10-cubic-foot 12-volt fridge is just the right size. Seasoned RVers will appreciate the full-length patio awning, propane quick-connect line, solar connection port on the roof and sidewall, plus ample exterior storage.
MSRP starts at $104,430.
Jayco Redhawk
Jayco touts the Redhawk SE as “a great option for families or couples looking to give RVing a try,” so it’s a natural fit here. But the list of standard features on the Redhawk SE reads more like a “must-have” options sheet: solar prep, 4.0 kW Cummins Onan generator, hardwood cabinet doors, LED lighting, and stainless-steel sinks.
The 27N floorplan adds in a backup camera and monitor, cabover “bunk” TV with extendable bracket, large wardrobe, upgraded refrigerator panel, whole-coach water filter, electric patio awning, and heated holding tanks. The 27N employs a flow-through footprint with an amidships split bath and walkaround queen bed in the rear bedroom.
Residential comfort is provided with touches like a convection microwave, decorative backsplash, ball-bearing drawer glides, easy-operation legless dinette table, and an interior command center for lighting/systems/etc. Plenty of overhead cabinetry makes it a great choice for extended trips, while options like hydraulic leveling jacks and a 190-watt solar panel with dual controller and a second house battery will make that stay even more comfortable than ever.
MSRP starts at $108,668.