This month we resume our presentation of Type C motorhomes, providing readers with information about the latest family-friendly, easy-to-maneuver RVs available from manufacturers.
Type C Motorhomes, Part 2 “” a print-ready PDF version of this article with photographs
Part 2
December 2011
The November issue of Family Motor Coaching included our first look at Type C motorhomes currently available from manufacturers (Type C Motorhomes, Part 1). This month we continue our focus on Type C motorhomes with additional models for 2012.
The traditional Type C motorhome is built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab section. But in recent years the definition has expanded to include motorhomes that are built on larger semi-truck cutaway chassis, giving these super-size Type Cs the same power and towing ability as their Type A cousins.
Type C motorhomes appeal to RV enthusiasts for a variety of reasons. Some motorhomers may wish to downsize from a Type A motorhome, trading in a little living area and storage space for maneuverability. Others may be first-time motorhome owners who find Type Cs a good place to start, enabling them to experience the joys of RVing along with many of the amenities of Type As at a lower price point. And families with children who enjoy camping find the extra sleeping areas common to Type C motorhomes are a must-have.
What follows is a compilation of some of the companies that manufacture Type C motorhomes; a list of 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. Next month we will turn our attention to Type B motorhomes.
FOREST RIVER INC.
914 County Road 1 | Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 262-2212 | www.forestriverinc.com
Models: Diesel “” Solera | Gasoline “” Forester, Lexington, Sunseeker
Highlighted model: The newly released 3011DS Forester (specs below) has quickly become one of the company’s top-selling floor plans. This motorhome features abundant kitchen counter space, a large family-style dinette, two slideouts, and a large TV that’s viewable from anywhere inside the motorhome. All Forester models come equipped with heated and enclosed holding tanks, a fiberglass roof and cap, Serta mattresses, and much more.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 32 feet 3 inches
Exterior width: 101 inches
Interior height: 7 feet
Wheelbase: 220 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 14,500 pounds | GCWR: 22,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 55 gallons | Fresh water: 44 gallons
Gray water: 30 gallons | Black water: 30 gallons
LPG: 10 gallons
Chassis: Ford E-450
Engine: Ford Triton 6.8-liter V-10 (horsepower: 305 @ 4,250 rpm, torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $89,000
Options: Two full-body paint schemes, two interior wood options, three interior fabric colors, a backup monitor, heated/remote mirrors, satellite system, 15,000-Btu air conditioner with heat pump, and hydraulic leveling jacks.
PHOENIX USA
53217 Marina Drive | Elkhart, IN 46514
(877) 754-8535, (574) 266-2020 | www.phoenixusarv.com
Models: Diesel “” 2350 Sprinter, 2400 Sprinter | Gasoline “” 2100, 2350, 2400, 2551, 2552, 2700, 2900, 2910, 2950, 3100
Highlighted model: The 2551 (specs below) is built on a Ford E-450 chassis. It features a larger rear bath, rear twin beds, a convertible sofa bed, and plenty of closet space, making it the company’s most popular model.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 26 feet 5 inches
Exterior width: 93 inches
Interior height: 6 feet 4 inches
Wheelbase: 194 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 14,500 pounds | GCWR: 20,450 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 55 gallons | Fresh water: 45 gallons
Gray water: 33 gallons | Black water: 23 gallons
LPG: 10 gallons
Chassis: Ford E-450
Engine: Ford Triton 6.8-liter V-10 (horsepower: 305 @ 4,250 rpm, torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $72,780
Options: The company builds to customers’ specifications whenever possible.
PROVAN INDUSTRIES
4837 Edmund Highway | West Columbia, SC 29170
(800) 531-9383, (803) 955-3001 | www.tigermotorhomes.com
Models: Diesel “” Bengal, Tiger CX | Gasoline “” Bengal, Tiger CX
Highlighted model: The Bengal (specs below), built on a Chevrolet extended cab chassis with a diesel engine, provides the ride and comfort of a pickup truck with the convenience of a fully open walk-through motorhome interior. The vehicle features large holding tank capacities, two double beds, and a fully enclosed bath.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 22 feet 6 inches
Exterior width: 87 inches
Interior height: 6 feet 4 inches
Wheelbase: 157.5 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,600 pounds | GCWR: 24,500 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 34 or 37 gallons | Fresh water: 33 gallons
Gray water: 17 gallons | Black water: 20 gallons
LPG: 14.4 gallons
Chassis: Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Engine: Chevrolet Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 397 @ 3,000 rpm; torque: 765 lb.-ft. @ 1,600 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $104,530
Options: Winterization package, Fan-Tastic Vent power vent with remote, MaxxAir fan cover, three-burner range with oven, microwave-convection oven, Winegard TV antenna, Winegard satellite TV antenna system, 123-watt solar panel, outside shower, Super Springs suspension enhancement system, Voyager backup camera, Kwikee electric step, Yakima roof rack system, maintenance-free batteries, drinking water filtration system, and stowaway cargo carrier.
THOR MOTOR COACH
Division of Thor Industries
701 County Road 15 | Elkhart, IN 46516
(800) 860-5658 | www.thormotorcoach.com
Models: Diesel “” Citation Sprinter, Siesta Sprinter | Gasoline “” Chateau, Citation, Four Winds, Siesta
Highlighted model: The 2012 Siesta Sprinter 24SA (specs below) is a fuel-efficient, easy-to-drive Type C motorhome. The floor plan includes a rear corner bath and bed that maximizes living space. The galley is available with an array of seating options including a leather sofa, standard dinette, or U-shaped dinette. Thor Motor Coach’s entire Type C lineup includes the company’s Shield of Protection, a family of premium owner benefits.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 24 feet 6 inches
Exterior width: 90 inches
Interior height: 6 feet 8 inches
Wheelbase: 170.3 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26.4 gallons | Fresh water: 40 gallons
Gray water: 34 gallons | Black water: 38 gallons
LPG: 16.2 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $72,000
Options: Satin Cream or Silver Storm exterior paint packages, 19-inch or 26-inch LED TVs, Infiniss leather U-shaped dinette, Infiniss Leather hide-a-bed sofa with air mattress and pedestal table.
TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
301 Robin Blvd. | Winkler, Manitoba, Canada R6W 4C4
(204) 325-4361 | www.tripleerv.com
Models: Gasoline “” Regency
Highlighted model: An innovative motorhome in the B-plus category is the Regency GT 24 MB (specs below), which includes a Murphy bed design that allows for incredibly efficient use of space. The living area easily converts to a sleeping space by lowering the queen-size bed into the base created by folding down the dinette. It also includes a spacious bathroom, 30 cubic feet of exterior storage space, and an impressive amount of interior storage.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 24 feet 6 inches
Exterior width: 95 inches
Interior height: 6 feet 5 inches
Wheelbase: 167 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 14,500 pounds | GCWR: 20,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 40 gallons | Fresh water: 36 gallons
Gray water: 38 gallons | Black water: 32 gallons
LPG: 17.5 gallons
Chassis: Ford E-450
Engine: Ford Triton 6.8-liter V-10 (horsepower: 305 @ 4,250 rpm, torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $111,993 (Canadian funds)
WINNEBAGO
605 W. Crystal Lake Road | Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-3535 | www.winnebagoind.com
Models: Diesel “” View, View Profile | Gasoline “” Access, Access Premier, Aspect
Highlighted model: The new Winnebago View 24M (specs below) features the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and a surprisingly spacious interior with a full-wall slideout extending the Comfort Sofa Sleeper and BenchMark dinette. Along the back of the motorhome is a roomy bathroom, with a fully equipped galley opposite the dinette. A 26-inch LCD TV is mounted on a swivel/telescoping bracket for viewing throughout the motorhome, and the cab seats rotate to become an integral part of the living area.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 24 feet 6 inches
Exterior width: 90 inches
Interior height: 6 feet 8 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26.4 gallons | Fresh water: 32 gallons
Gray water: 36 gallons | Black water: 32 gallons
LPG: 13 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged diesel (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $98,696
Options: Full-body paint, RV radio/rearview monitor system, Sirius Satellite Radio, exterior speaker system, awning, stylized aluminum wheels, 3,600-watt Cummins Onan MicroQuiet LP generator, interior upgrade package, dash appliqué package, water filtration system, air conditioner with heat pump, 300-watt inverter, Ultraleather cab seats, front overhead storage cabinet, heated drainage system, and pleated cab window blinds.