The Mirada’s galley features stainless-steel appliances, including a three-burner range, and solid-surface LG Hi-Macs countertops.
This feature-filled, conservatively priced Type A motorhome fills families’ needs on the road and at the campsite.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
The Coachmen name likely is familiar to many current and would-be RVers, and for good reason. The company has produced recreation vehicles for more than five decades. Today a division of Forest River Inc., Coachmen RV manufactures a hefty array of conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheels, toy haulers, and camping trailers — plus a dozen motorhome models all across the Type A, B, and C spectrum.
The Mirada falls in the gasoline-powered Type A category. Its numerous residential features are available in five roomy floor plans, with lengths ranging from 30 to 36 feet. Families may appreciate the additional sleeping capacity supplied by an optional drop-down bunk bed, which is available on most floor plans. Construction and chassis enhancements increase strength and stability, both on the road and when parked. What’s more, these units retail for less than $150,000.
The 34-foot-10-inch 32SS floor plan described in this article is new for the 2018 model year.
As with all Mirada floor plans, the 32SS starts with a Ford chassis powered by a 6.8-liter Ford V-10 engine coupled with a six-speed transmission. Its 228-inch wheelbase is longer than commonly used on this size motorhome. (Mirada wheelbases range from 190 to 242 inches, depending on coach length.) The elongated wheelbase is said to improve weight distribution, and to deliver smoother ride and handling. Front and rear track bars, Bilstein shock absorbers, and variable jounce bumpers further add to the coach’s smooth sailing.
Coachmen RV utilizes Azdel composite sidewalls in its recreation vehicles, which replace the more traditional lauan-backed panels. Azdel is a blend of polypropylene and fiberglass that reduces overall weight. It will not expand, rot, or grow mold if exposed to water; is odorless and formaldehyde-free; and absorbs sound and energy. The Mirada’s walls and roof are vacuum-bonded and pinch-rolled.
The motorhome exterior is finished with high-gloss gel coat; “champagne”-tinted fiberglass with partial paint comes standard, and two full-body paint options are available.
The Mirada includes a crowned, laminated fiberglass roof; fiberglass front and rear caps; full basement pass-through storage; automatic leveling jacks; stainless-steel wheel liners; and 19.5-inch radial tires. A power awning comes standard. An 8,000-pound-rated towing hitch with a seven-way plug is new for 2018.
All Mirada floor plans are available with an optional exterior LED TV. The 32SS comes with a standard outdoor kitchen.
The 32SS has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 20,500 pounds and a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,000 pounds.
Stepping into the coach via the radius entry door feels secure, thanks to an oversized grab handle and double Tread Lite aluminum power steps. One noticeable feature is the use of easy-to-maintain Beauflor vinyl flooring throughout the RV, including the cockpit. Buyers can select from three wood choices and three interior décor packages.
Day-night shades are standard throughout the motorhome, including a power shade in the cockpit. The shades cover frameless, tinted windows, which are standard; dual-pane windows are offered as an option.
In the cockpit, Coachmen’s patented Sight Rite dash is angled 20 degrees forward to provide an improved line of sight and visibility for the driver. Its rounded design also facilitates access to the controls. A computer workstation with 12-volt, 120-volt, and USB outlets is built into the passenger side. Both the pilot and the copilot seats recline and swivel; when occupants are relaxing, a round pedestal table can be set in place between the seats.
The 32SS includes a full-wall slideout on the driver’s side, which offers expansive room to move around when parked. An interesting addition in this floor plan is a chaise lounge, which connects to straight seating along the street-side wall. The chaise portion of the sofa can be retracted for travel; when pulled out, it becomes a comfortable resting spot. The sofa and chaise sections combine to convert to a sizable bed in seconds. A 40-inch TV with DVD is angled across the aisle. Below it, an electric fireplace adds warmth and ambience.
If additional sleeping space is needed, an optional power drop-down bunk bed can be added to the cockpit area. When not needed, the bed hugs the ceiling. With the push of a button, the bed glides downward. Cabinets attached to the underside of the bed ride up and down with it; their contents can be accessed at any height.
The 41-inch-by-78-inch Dream Dinette, in the front end of the 32SS’s street-side slideout, provides a quick table-to-bed conversion. Its bench seats are covered with fabric and leatherette materials and are filled with upgraded foam for added comfort. Under-seat storage is provided.
The Mirada’s galley should please RV chefs who like to do more than just warm up food. A flush-mounted three-burner range with oven is situated on the curb side, with a 30-inch microwave oven overhead. Solid-surface countertops in this area are made of eco-friendly, nonporous LG HI-MACS-brand material; solid-surface covers are provided for the stainless-steel double-bowl sink and the range — an uncommon feature for motorhomes in this price point, company officials say. An 8-cubic-foot double-door refrigerator stands alongside these appliances.
Additional storage in the 32SS can be eked out in the optional Pantry Plus, which has been called “a pantry in a pantry.” Drawers in the galley and elsewhere can be secured shut with self-closing ball-bearing guides — another not-so-common feature in similarly priced motorhomes.
The bathroom includes a stainless-steel sink set in a vanity; a porcelain toilet with foot flush; and a one-piece ABS shower surround paired with a glass shower door. Domestic hot water for the bath and rest of the motorhome is supplied by a 6-gallon propane-electric DSI water heater.
The Mirada’s rear bedroom houses a queen-size or king-size bed, depending on floor plan. The 32SS contains a 70-inch-by 74-inch king-size bed with ample space to maneuver around it. Electrical outlets and night tables are located on both sides of the bed. A designer headboard and wainscoting add a residential feel.
The Mirada connects to 50-amp shore power via a 30-foot cord. A 55-amp converter is standard, as is a 5.5-kw Onan generator. Heating needs are provided by a 30,000-Btu electric-ignition furnace, while coach cooling is handled by two 13,500-Btu roof air conditioners, one of which is ducted.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the 2018 Mirada ranges from $129,000 to $141,000. The base price of the 32SS is $138,000.
For RVers looking at economical options in the Type A gas motorhome market, the feature-filled Mirada should be added to their list.
MANUFACTURER
Coachmen RV
423 N. Main St., P.O. Box 30, Middlebury, IN 46540
(800) 353-7383, (574) 825-5821
www.coachmenrv.com
MODEL
2018 Mirada
FLOOR PLAN
32SS
CHASSIS
Ford F-53
ENGINE
Ford 6.8-liter V-10
320 horsepower
460 pound-feet torque
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
AUXILIARY GENERATOR
Onan 5.5 kw
WHEELBASE
228 inches
BRAKES
antilock disc
SUSPENSION
Ford leaf spring, rear
ALTERNATOR
120 amps
BATTERIES
house — (2) 6-volt deep-cycle
chassis — (1) standard Ford
INVERTER
1,000 watts
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
50 amps
EXTERIOR LENGTH
34 feet 10 inches
EXTERIOR WIDTH
102 inches
EXTERIOR HEIGHT
12 feet 5 inches
INTERIOR HEIGHT
7 feet
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)
20,500 pounds
GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)
26,000 pounds
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
front — 7,500 pounds
rear — 13,500 pounds
OCCUPANT & CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (OCCC)
2,200 pounds
FRESH WATER CAPACITY
70 gallons
HOLDING TANK CAPACITIES
gray water — 45 gallons
black water — 45 gallons
FUEL CAPACITY
80 gallons
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
gasoline
PROPANE CAPACITY
20 gallons
WATER HEATER
6 gallons
HEATING SYSTEM
30,000 Btu, electric ignition
AIR-CONDITIONING
(2) 13,500 Btu, ducted, standard; 15,000 Btu, optional
REFRIGERATOR
8 cubic feet gas absorption, standard; residential, optional
TOILET
porcelain with foot flush
WARRANTY
coach — 1 year;
chassis — 36 months/36,000 miles
drivetrain — 60 months/60,000 miles
MANUFACTURER’S BASE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$129,000 – $141,000
32SS — $138,000