This gasoline-powered motorhome comes in six floor plans for 2012, two with an upscale exterior kitchen.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
September 2011
RVers who enjoy gathering for food and drink at campgrounds or tailgate sites may be intrigued by the Daybreak 34SS from Thor Motor Coach. This 34-foot-7-inch Type A motorhome is available with a nicely equipped optional exterior kitchen for comfortable entertaining. A new floor plan, the 34KD, also offers the outdoor galley option. Together with four other floor plans, they compose the Daybreak line for 2012.
The Daybreak holds appeal for the RVer who appreciates a host of residential conveniences in a motorhome but wants to steer away from high price tags. This gasoline-powered model comes with one or two slideouts, depending on floor plan, and boasts a manufacturer’s suggested retail price that starts in the mid-$90,000s.
The fully functional curbside kitchen in the Daybreak 34SS incorporates an 11,000-Btu, stainless-steel LP-gas grill; a 4.6-cubic-foot mini refrigerator; and a 19-inch wide-screen HDTV. The exterior kitchen includes what company literature states is an industry first for a motorhome: an integrated single-bowl sink. Just like the Daybreak’s interior sinks, this basin drains into the gray water holding tank (exterior sinks on many towable RVs simply drain onto the ground).
RVers who like the 34SS floor plan with its mid-coach entry and single street-side living room slideout but who may prefer additional storage in lieu of the outside galley can opt for the standard oversized exterior compartment, which features the VersaTrac modular storage system. This customizable feature comes with optional attachments such as hooks, bins, loops, etc. to make stowing items quick and easy.
As mentioned above, the new 34KD joins the Daybreak line for 2012. Like the single-slideout 34SS, it also is 34 feet 7 inches in length and is offered with the optional exterior kitchen; however, it features two slideouts. In addition, the ceiling height of all Daybreak floor plans has been increased from 6 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 10 inches — another change for 2012.
The Daybreak is built on a Ford chassis with a 6.8-liter Triton V-10 gasoline engine. The 2012 floor plans range from 28 feet 11 inches in length to 36 feet 5 inches, with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of 18,000 or 22,000 pounds, depending on floor plan. All Daybreak motorhomes are 101 inches wide and incorporate double slideouts, except for the 34SS and the 30FS; the latter features a single streetside full-wall slide.
The Daybreak’s list of standard features includes a tinted, wraparound one-piece windshield with privacy curtain; a white fiberglass exterior with deluxe vinyl graphics (optional paint packages are available); fiberglass front and rear caps; a power patio awning; full basement pass-through storage; enclosed heated holding tanks; electric exterior entry steps; and a 5,000-pound-rated trailer hitch.
RVers can feel at home with Soft-Touch leather upholstery; optional solid-wood raised-panel interior cabinet doors (cherry or maple); a 30,000-Btu floor-ducted electronic-ignition furnace; and a 15,000-Btu ducted front air conditioner. The galley includes a flush-mount double-door refrigerator, a conventional oven, a three-burner range with cover, a microwave oven, and a lighted power range hood. Most floor plans include a 32-inch LCD TV and a shower with a skylight and a glass door.
Daybreak motorhomes go the distance with an 80-gallon fuel tank and a 65-gallon fresh water tank. Gray water and black water tanks each accommodate 47 gallons (most models). LP-gas capacity is 81 pounds.
Customers can choose the Freedom Package to enjoy upgraded features such as an Onan Marquis Gold 5.5-kw generator, dual 6-volt auxiliary batteries, 50-amp/120-volt service, and a gas-electric water heater. The Preferred Package includes side-mount power mirrors with heat, an 8-cubic-foot double-door refrigerator, an iPod docking station, and dash fans.
The Daybreak’s base manufacturer’s suggested retail price begins at $95,963 for the 27PD. The 34SS has a base MSRP of $108,113; the 34KD, $111,000.
Thor Motor Coach, 701 County Road 15, Elkhart, IN 46516; (800) 860-5658; www.daybreakrv.com, www.thormotorcoach.com.