If you’re shopping for a new motorhome, discover some of the new and exciting Type A models being offered by manufacturers.
Type A Motorhomes “” a print-ready PDF version of this article with photographs
October 2011
As many readers know, the downturn in the economy several years ago was especially harsh to motorhome manufacturers. While some companies succumbed to the financial pressures and ceased operations, others were forced to consolidate with other manufacturers or lay off workers and reduce models to maintain their viability.
While the industry has not returned to early 2000 levels, it seems that business has stabilized to the point where manufacturers are bringing new models to showrooms with exciting features and floor plans to accommodate the needs and wishes of today’s motorhome owners.
Beginning this month and running through the January 2012 issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine, we will reintroduce readers to the current motorhome models available from manufacturers. This month’s installment will feature Type A motorhomes.
According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association definition, Type A motorhomes are entirely constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis. That is, a chassis is made or purchased by the manufacturer, and then the entire house portion, from front to rear, is built on that chassis. These motorhomes can be equipped with either gasoline or diesel engines, with engine locations in the front or the rear.
Inside, Type A motorhomes can include just about all the creature comforts available in a stationary home. From tile flooring and hardwood cabinetry to the latest home theater equipment and electronics, you don’t have to sacrifice any of the finer things in life when you travel in a Type A motorhome.
While Type A motorhomes can measure up to 45 feet long, several companies have introduced vehicles that register 30 feet or less to accommodate those who like the openness and luxurious appointments common to Type As, but prefer a smaller, more economical home on wheels.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of Type A motorhomes is the roominess, particularly on coaches that have multiple slideouts. With the slideouts extended, the living and bedroom areas provide ample space for occupants to live in comfort. Add to that expansive storage areas, and you can see why folks who take extended trips or live in the motorhome full-time would make a Type A their vehicle of choice.
What follows is a compilation of companies that manufacture Type A motorhomes; a list of motorhome models that each company produces; and information about a particular motorhome that the company wishes to highlight. For more information about the models listed but not featured, visit the individual company’s Web site or give them a call.
AMERICAN COACH
A division of Fleetwood RV Inc.
1031 U.S. 224 E. | Decatur, IN 46733
(800) 322-8216 | www.americancoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Eagle, Heritage, Revolution, Tradition
Highlighted model: Top features of the American Tradition 42P include Quiet air-conditioning system with decorative plenum, dual dash monitors, Sony Blu-ray surround-sound system, Villa Ultraleather furniture, frameless windows, slideout-mounted Girard awning, Aqua-Hot heating system, residential refrigerator, porcelain tile floors throughout, and power driver’s-side window.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 42 feet 11.5 inches
Exterior width: 102 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 302 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 46,600 pounds | GCWR: 61,600 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 150 gallons | Fresh water: 100 gallons
Gray water: 60 gallons | Black water: 40 gallons
LPG: 28.2 gallons
Chassis: Spartan Liberty
Engine: Cummins ISL9 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 450 @ 2,100 rpm, torque: 1,250 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $472,615
Options: Washer-dryer combination or washer-dryer ready, king-size bed, king-size bed with memory foam, queen-size bed, queen-size bed with memory foam, face-to-face Ultraleather dinette ensemble package, desk with recliner, dishwasher, electric cooktop, electric cooktop/dishwasher combination, dual freestanding recliners, 65-inch and 71-inch Villa Ultraleather sofas with air mattresses, and more.
COACHMEN RV
Division of Forest River Inc.
423 N. Main St. | Middlebury, IN 46540
(800) 353-7383 | www.coachmenrv.com
Models: Diesel “” Sportscoach Cross Country, Sportscoach Pathfinder Elite | Gasoline “” Encounter, Mirada
Highlighted model: The all-new Coachmen Encounter 36KS gas motorhome provides smart, versatile, and functional floor plans. The triple-slideout floor plan includes a long list of standard features, such as full body paint, an electric patio awning, aluminum side-hinged baggage doors, 50-amp electrical service, two 13,500-Btu air conditioners, a 10-gallon gas/electric water heater, 22.5-inch tires, and aluminum rims.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 37 feet 4 inches
Exterior width: 100 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 8 inches
Wheelbase: 242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 22,000 pounds | GCWR: 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 80 gallons | Fresh water: 70 gallons
Gray water: 45 gallons | Black water: 45 gallons
LPG: 20 gallons
Chassis: Ford F-53
Engine: Triton 6.8-liter V-10 (horsepower: 362 @ 4,750 rpm, torque: 457 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $130,863
Options: The Chalet package includes a brightly polished ceramic floor, an upgraded Corian kitchen countertop, a ceramic tile kitchen backsplash, stainless-steel appliances, and hardwood cabinets with hardwood raised-panel cabinet doors.
ENTEGRA COACH
Division of Jayco Inc.
903 S. Main St. | Middlebury, IN 46540
(800) 945-4787 | www.entegracoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Anthem, Aspire, Cornerstone
Highlighted model: The Aspire 42DLQ combines luxury and value. The Spartan 450-horsepower chassis and Entegra Coach’s X-Bridge Frame and reinforced design combine to produce exceptional ride and handling.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 43 feet 1 inch
Exterior width: 101 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 296 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 45,860 pounds | GCWR: 60,860 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 100 gallons | Fresh water: 81 gallons
Gray water: 60 gallons | Black water: 60 gallons
LPG: 50 gallons
Chassis: Spartan Mountain Master Tag Axle
Engine: Cummins ISL9 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 450 @ 2,100 rpm, torque: 1,250 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $341,679
Options: Fireplace, freestanding table/chairs and sofa, washer-dryer, TV in front overhead cabinet.
FLEETWOOD RV INC.
1031 U.S. 224 E. | Decatur, IN 46733
(800) 854-1344 | www.fleetwoodrv.com
Models: Diesel “” Discovery, Expedition, Providence | Gasoline “” Bounder, Bounder Classic, Southwind, Storm, Terra
Highlighted model: The 2012 Discovery features six floor plans, including two new plans: the 42D “” a quad-slideout with a luxurious master suite; and the 42M (specs below) “” a full-wall-slideout with a Sony 40-inch midcoach LCD TV. The Discovery features full-body paint, Sony electronics, a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter with remote, an 8.0-kilowatt Onan Quiet Diesel generator, porcelain tile flooring with decorative inserts, hardwood cabinet doors and drawers, double roller shades, side-swinging exterior storage compartment doors, and a dinette credenza that also functions as a laptop desk.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 43 feet 4 inches
Exterior width: 102 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 302 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 44,600 pounds | GCWR: 54,600 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 150 gallons | Fresh water: 100 gallons
Gray water: 60 gallons | Black water: 40 gallons
LPG: 28.2 gallons
Chassis: Spartan Liberty
Engine: Cummins ISC8.3 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 380 @ 2,000 rpm, torque: 1,050 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $256,200
Options: A few options include exterior grill and galley, chrome luggage door handles, and several furniture choices.
FOREST RIVER INC.
55470 County Road 1 | Elkhart, IN 46515-3030
(574) 389-4600 | www.forestriverinc.com
Models: Diesel “” Berkshire, Charleston | Gasoline “” Georgetown
Highlighted model: The Berkshire 390 FL is a 39-foot, quad-slideout, raised-rail diesel pusher with a front lounge, fireplace, expandable sofa, and a kitchen large enough to satisfy any full-time RVer.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 39 feet 3 inches
Exterior width: 100 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 252 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 28,000 pounds | GCWR: 38,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 100 | Fresh water: 86
Gray water: 60 | Black water: 44
LPG: 24.5 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner XC
Engine: Cummins ISB6.7 turbocharged diesel (340 horsepower @ 1,600 rpm, torque: 660 lb.-ft. @ 1,600 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $223,233
Options: Exterior entertainment center built into the sidewall, electric fireplace, 32-inch LCD TV in the cockpit overhead, Serta mattress, freestanding dinette with hutch and four chairs, power step-well cover, new raised-panel cabinets with antique finish.
FORETRAVEL MOTORCOACH
1221 N.W. Stallings Drive | Nacogdoches, TX 75964
(800) 955-6226 | www.foretravel.com
Models: Diesel “” IH, Nimbus, Phenix
Highlighted model: The IH-45 for 2012 is the culmination of 45 years of experience building high-line Type A motor coaches. The first all-new design in 25 years, the all-custom IH Series is built on Foretravel’s redesigned Travelride II chassis. The IH has new coachwork, a redesigned entry and dash, a new roof and floor, and is said to be the largest, quietest, best-maneuvering, most luxurious coach Foretravel has ever produced.
Dimensions: Exterior Length: 44 feet 8 1/2 inches
Exterior width: 102 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 304 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 54,000 pounds | GCWR: 60,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 200 gallons | Fresh water: 135 gallons
Combined gray and black water: 145 gallons
LPG: None
Chassis: Foretravel Travelride II
Engine: Cummins ISX15 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 650 @ 1,900 rpm, torque: 1,950 lb.-ft. @ 1,300 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $1,175,000
Options: Girard electric door and window awnings, cargo bay freezer, XM/Sirius Radio, patio entertainment center, dishwasher drawer, washer-dryer, exotic wood cabinetry, flat-floor slideout rooms, Slumber Ease mattress system.
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
A Monaco RV brand
91320 Coburg Industrial Way | Coburg, OR 97408
(800) 634-0855 | www.holidayrambler.com
Models: Diesel “” Ambassador, Endeavor, Trip | Gasoline “” Aluma-Lite A, Vacationer
Highlighted model: The Vacationer, one of Holiday Rambler’s most popular models, returns in 2012. The Vacationer is available in four floor plans ranging from 30 feet to 36 feet in length, including the 30SFS full-wall slideout plan, which dramatically increases the interior space of the motorhome. Raised-panel cherry cabinetry, solid-surface countertops, and Leatherette recliner cockpit seats complement three different décor choices.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 30 feet 11 inches to 36 feet 10 inches
Exterior width: 100.5 inches | Interior height: 8 feet
Wheelbase: 190 inches to 242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 18,000 to 20,500 pounds | GCWR: 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 75-80 gallons | Fresh water: 60 gallons
Gray water: 40 gallons | Black water: 40-48 gallons
LPG: 16 gallons
Chassis: Ford F-53
Engine: 6.8-liter Triton V-10 (horsepower: 362 @ 4,750 rpm, torque: 457 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $109,350
Options: Rear-vision camera system, washer-dryer, home theater surround sound with DVD player, fireplace, exterior entertainment center, exterior shower, Leatherette sofa, hallway bunk beds, 50-amp service, second auxiliary battery, large two- or four-door refrigerator, dual-pane windows, 12-volt power roof vent in kitchen, partial and full body paint, deluxe exterior mirrors with powered head and heat.
ITASCA
Division of Winnebago Industries
605 W. Crystal Lake Road | Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-3535 | www.winnebagoind.com
Models: Diesel “” Ellipse, Meridian, Reyo | Gasoline: Suncruiser, Sunova, Sunstar
Highlighted model: The 2012 Itasca Meridian 36M is a triple-slideout floor plan with a full-wall slideout on the passenger side of the motorhome offering opposing sofas in the front living area, a buffet with an extendable table and chairs and available sectional dinette, a spacious bathroom with a second sink in the bedroom, a full-feature galley with a pull-out island, and a spacious bedroom with a large wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 36 feet 8 inches
Exterior width: 101.5 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 228 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 32,350 pounds | GCWR: 42,350 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 100 gallons | Fresh water: 92 gallons with heater
Gray water: 60 gallons | Black water: 46 gallons
LPG: 28 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner Maxum chassis
Engine: Cummins ISB6.7 XT turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 360 @ 2,600 rpm; torque: 800 lb.-ft. @ 1,800 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $247,215
Options: Infotainment center with GPS; Sirius Satellite Radio; stacked washer-dryer; 32-inch LCD TV (front overhead); Blu-ray home theater system; King-Dome HD-ready in-motion satellite dish; exterior entertainment center with 32-inch LCD TV, DVD player, and AM-FM radio; slide-out storage compartment; rear stereo system with AM-FM radio, DVD/CD player, alarm clock, and iPod/MP3 input; residential stainless-steel Maytag French-door refrigerator with ice and water dispenser and bottom freezer door.
MONACO RV
91320 Coburg Industrial Way | Coburg, OR 97408
(800) 634-0855 | www.monacocoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Cayman, Diplomat, Dynasty, Knight, Vesta | Gasoline “” LaPalma, Monarch, Riptide
Highlighted model: The Vesta is a sleek, midsized, front-engine coach with a low center of gravity built by Monaco using Navistar technology. Vertically integrated, the chassis, house, and engine are all built by the same company, giving customers a one-stop shop for support and services. Powered by a MaxxForce 7 engine with Advanced EGR, the engine meets 2010 emissions standards. No extra equipment, gauges, or liquid urea additive is needed.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 33 feet 9 inches and 36 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 96 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 8 inches
Wheelbase: 220 inches and 265.5 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 29,000 pounds | GCWR: 33,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 51 gallons | Fresh water: 50 gallons
Gray water: 61 gallons | Black water: 46 gallons
LPG: 16.2 gallons
Chassis: Monaco RV Roadmaster
Engine: MaxxForce 7 6.4-liter turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 260 @ 2,600 rpm, torque: 660 Ib.-ft. @ 1,600 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $203,850
Options: Solar screens with blackout shades, Ultraleather booth and hide-a-bed, 10-gallon LP-gas/electric water heater, dual 13,500-Btu air conditioners with heat pumps, multi-satellite HD KU/KA dish, home theater system, R6 In-Motion Satellite Stationary Dish Star.
NEWELL COACH CORPORATION
P.O. Box 511 | Miami, OK 74354
(888) 363-9355 | www.newellcoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Custom luxury coach
Dimensions: Exterior length: 39 feet to 45 feet
Exterior width: 102 inches | Interior height: 7 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase: 308 inches (45-foot)
Weight ratings: GVWR: 63,300 pounds | GCWR: 93,300 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 225 gallons | Fresh water: 143 gallons
Combined gray and black water: 143 gallons
LPG: None (all-electric)
Chassis: Newell proprietary structure
Engine: Cummins ISX15 (horsepower: 600 @ 1,800 rpm, torque: 1,950 lb.-ft. @ 1,200 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $1,411,500
Options: Custom design and features.
NEWMAR CORPORATION
355 N. Delaware St. | Nappanee, IN 46550
(574) 773-7791 | www.newmarcorp.com
Models: Diesel “” Dutch Star, Essex, King Aire, Mountain Aire, Ventana, Ventana LE | Gasoline “” Bay Star, Canyon Star
Highlighted model: The 2012 Dutch Star 4346 floor plan includes a walk-in closet at the rear of the motorhome. Vibrant new fabrics, oiled-bronze light fixtures, porcelain tile flooring, Corian backsplashes with glass inserts in both the kitchen and bathroom, and Comfort Drive steering are several features.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 42 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 101.5 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 276 inches plus tag
Weight ratings: GVWR: 47,000 pounds | GCWR: 57,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 150 gallons | Fresh water: 105 gallons
Gray water: 65 gallons | Black water: 45 gallons
LPG: 32 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: Cummins ISL9 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 450 @ 2,100 rpm, torque: 1,250 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $325,192
Options: All-electric option, new wood choices, new mechanical slideout locking system, comfort chair recliners in lieu of a sofa, new desk/dinette table with a solid-surface rollaway top.
REXHALL INDUSTRIES INC.
46147 Seventh St. | W. Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 726-0565 | www.rexhall.com
Models: Diesel “” Aerbus, RexAir | Gasoline “” Aerbus, RexAir
Highlighted model: The Aerbus GT 375 SS features a large bathroom and bedroom with a queen-size bed and 37-inch LCD TV. The living area includes two sofas and a large booth dinette. The galley features a four-door refrigerator, a convection oven, a dishwasher, and an oversized countertop with a double sink and a stove. Cockpit seats swivel so viewers can watch a 42-inch flush-mount TV. The dual full-wall slideout rooms provide more than 350 square feet of living space.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 37 feet 3 inches
Exterior width: 102 inches | Interior height: 7 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 228 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 26,000 pounds (gas), 32,000 pounds (diesel) | GCWR: 32,000 pounds (gas), 40,000 pounds (diesel)
Tank capacities: Fuel: 100 gallons | Fresh water: 90 gallons
Gray water: 65 gallons | Black water: 65 gallons
LPG: 29 gallons
Chassis: Workhorse UFO (gas), Freightliner XCR (diesel)
Engine: GM Vortec 8100 V8 (horsepower: 340 @ 4,200 rpm, torque: 455 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm). Cummins ISC8.3 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 380 @ 2,000 rpm, torque: 1,050 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $189,000
THOR MOTOR COACH
Division of Thor Industries
701 County Road 15 | Elkhart, IN 46516
(800) 860-5658 | www.thormotorcoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Astoria, Avanti, Serrano, Tuscany | Gasoline “” A.C.E., Challenger, Daybreak, Hurricane, Outlaw, Windsport
Highlighted model: The 2012 EVO29.2 A.C.E. (Type A and Type C Evolution) blends the features of a Type A motorhome with the family friendliness and price of a Type C motorhome. The open floor plan makes use of every inch of space, packing the A.C.E. with smart and innovative features, including a drop-down Type C cockpit bunk, an extra-wide entry, a Motorhome Mudroom, a copilot workstation with storage, the Mega Storage rear exterior storage compartment, a 5,000-pound hitch, and Pet-Link, to name just a few.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 29 feet 7 inches
Exterior width: 99 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 190 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 16,000 pounds | GCWR: 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 80 gallons | Fresh water: 50 gallons
Gray water: 44 gallons | Black water: 24.5 gallons
LPG: 20.9 gallons
Chassis: Ford F-53
Engine: Triton 6.8-liter V-10 (horsepower: 362 @ 4,750 rpm, torque: 457 lb.-ft @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $89,900
Options: Full body paint, backup monitoring system, side-view camera, leveling jacks.
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES
105 Second St. N.W. | Red Bay, AL 35582
(256) 356-8661 | www.tiffinmotorhomes.com
Models: Diesel “” Allegro Breeze, Allegro Bus, Allegro RED, Phaeton, Zephyr | Gasoline “” Allegro
Highlighted model: The Phaeton has consistently been Tiffin’s best-selling model, and it has been the industry’s top-selling rear-engine diesel motorhome for the past three years, delivering luxury, practicality, and value. Tiffin, a privately owned company celebrating its 40th anniversary, builds most of the components on its coaches and offers what many consider to be the best warranty in the industry. The standard features on the Phaeton make it comparable to many higher-end coaches.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 40 feet 5 inches
Exterior width: 101 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 266 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 36,000 pounds | GCWR: 46,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 100 gallons | Fresh water: 90 gallons
Gray water: 70 gallons | Black water: 50 gallons
LPG: 35.7 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: Cummins ISC8.3 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 380 @ 2,000 rpm, torque: 1,050 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $256,480
Options: Stacked washer-dryer, 37-inch front overhead TV, in-motion satellite dish, dinette with computer workstation, two leather lift recliners, dual-control king-size bed system, 32-inch exterior TV, and much more.
WINNEBAGO
Division of Winnebago Industries Inc.
605 W. Crystal Lake Road | Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-3535 | www.winnebagoind.com
Models: Diesel “” Journey, Tour, Via | Gasoline “” Adventurer, Sightseer, Vista
Highlighted model: The 2012 Tour 42JD features a bath-and-a-half design, opposing sofas in the living area, and two TVs. The galley offers the new extendable dining table and chairs and a redesigned pantry with swing-out storage. The large master bath includes his-and-her sinks, a large curved shower, and dual wardrobes. The guest bath is positioned midcoach. The bedroom features the Ideal Rest powered king-size bed, dual wardrobes, and a 26-inch LCD HDTV.
Dimensions: Exterior length: 42 feet 10 inches
Exterior width: 101.5 inches | Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 279 inches plus tag
Weight ratings: GVWR: 44,600 pounds | GCWR: 59,600 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 150 gallons | Fresh water: 90 gallons
Gray water: 105 gallons | Black water: 53 gallons
LPG: 30 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner Maxum
Engine: Cummins ISL9 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 450 @ 2,100 rpm, torque: 1,250 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $351,098
Options: Infotainment center with GPS; Sirius Satellite Radio; +Lounger passenger seat with flip-up work station; Blu-ray home theater sound system; Dirt Devil central vacuum; stackable washer-dryer, stainless-steel dishwasher; exterior entertainment center with 32-inch LCD TV, DVD/CD player with AM-FM radio, exterior portable refrigerator/freezer; stainless-steel Maytag refrigerator with French doors, freezer drawer, and water and ice dispenser; King-Dome in-motion satellite dish; and stainless-steel microwave/speedcook oven.