The field of type A coaches costing less than $100,000 was even larger than we realized.
By Jim Brightly, Technical Editor
May 2003
Since the “Type A Roundup” appeared in the March 2003 issue, additional models that are available for under $100,000 have come to light. So, we are adding “Chapter Two” this month.
In addition, we have a change to report to the initial roundup. After the March issue had gone to press, Jayco Inc. announced that it ceased production of its type A motorhomes, including the Firenza, which was covered in part one of this roundup. Jayco will instead concentrate its efforts on its type C motorhome lineup.
In this roundup we’ve included 12 points of comparison: floor plans; floor plans with slideouts; dimensions; wheelbase; weight ratings; tank capacities; water heater capacity; furnace rating; chassis/engines available; base suggested retail price; options; and highlights. The information provided has been verified by each company and is accurate as of press time. Keep in mind, however, that prices, specifications, options, and floor plans can change at any time.
As you compare entry-level type A coaches, remember that standard and optional features will vary from coach to coach and from manufacturer to manufacturer. These changes also will affect the suggested retail price. The final cost of any motorhome will be affected by the option list, transportation charges, dealer preparation fees, state taxes and licensing fees, and any dealer and/or manufacturer discounts (if applicable).
We hope that chapters 1 and 2 of our under-$100,000 type A motorhome roundup will help acquaint would-be buyers with the myriad array of models and options available in this price category.
AIRSTREAM INC.
419 W. Pike St.
Jackson Center, OH 45334
(937) 596-6111
www.airstream.com
Land Yacht (gasoline models only)
Floor plans: 3
Floor plans with slideouts: 0
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 26 feet/33 feet 5 inches; exterior width, 96 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 10 feet 2 inches; interior height, 6 feet 7 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 158.5 inches/208 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 15,000 pounds/18,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 19,000 pounds/22,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel (min/max), 60 gallons/75 gallons; fresh water (min/max), 44 gallons/60 gallons; gray water (min/max), 23 gallons/36 gallons; black water (min/max), 24 gallons/34 gallons; LPG (min/max), 19.5 gallons/82 pounds; 25 gallons/105 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating (min/max): 30,000 Btus/34,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Workhorse P30 Series/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $94,885
Options: Dual-pane windows; VCR or DVD player with video control center; 10-cubic-foot refrigerator with ice maker; three-burner cooktop with oven; 130-watt inverter; Fan-Tastic Vent fan in bedroom.
Highlights: Patio awning; driver’s door with power window; convection-microwave oven; 13,500-Btu air conditioner with heat strip; 5-watt solar panel; Fan-Tastic Vent fan with rain sensor; 5.5-kw gasoline generator; heated holding tanks.
GULF STREAM COACH INC.
P.O. Box 1005
Nappanee, IN 46550
(800) 289-8787
www.gulfstreamrv.com
Independence
Floor plans: 3
Floor plans with slideouts: 2
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 32 feet/33 feet 4 inches; exterior width, 101 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 11 feet 11 inches; interior height, 6 feet 11.5 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 190 inches/208 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 15,700 pounds/18,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 19,200 pounds/21,500 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 40 gallons; gray water, 36 gallons; black water, 36 gallons; LPG, 11.4 gallons/48 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating: 30,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10
Base suggested retail price: $70,999
Options: 4-kw or 5.5-kw generator; Jensen fold-down tray; convection-microwave oven; rear ladder; slideout topper; rear-vision camera; Arctic package; 15,000-Btu ducted roof air conditioner; rear 11,000-Btu ducted air conditioner.
Highlights: Smooth fiberglass exterior; seamless rubber roof; nearly a 7-foot interior ceiling.
Sun Voyager
Floor plans: 4
Floor plans with slideouts: 4
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 33 feet 4 inches/36 feet 8 inches; exterior width, 101 inches; exterior height with roof A/C (min/max), 11 feet 10 inches/12 feet; interior height, 6 feet 11 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 208 inches/242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 20,500 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR, 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 55 gallons; gray water, 50 gallons; black water, 50 gallons; LPG, 20.2 gallons/85 pounds
Water heater capacity (min/max): 6 gallons/10 gallons
Furnace rating: 40,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $96,000
Options: Sony home theater with surround sound; 7-kw generator; full body paint; Freedom 20 inverter; four-door Norcold refrigerator; driver’s door; exterior radio/cassette compartment; rear-vision camera; garden tub; 10-gallon water heater.
Highlights: Two-Zone Living Trio with bedroom suite; fiberglass roof; crown molding; Corian countertops; Flexsteel furniture; flush-floor slideouts; nearly a 7-foot interior ceiling.
Ultra Supreme
Floor plans: 5
Floor plans with slideouts: 5
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 30 feet 8 inches/36 feet 8 inches; exterior width, 100 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 11 feet 10 inches; interior height, 6 feet 11 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 208 inches/242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 20,500 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR, 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 55 gallons; gray water, 50 gallons; black water, 50 gallons; LPG, 20.2 gallons/85 pounds
Water heater capacity (min/max): 6 gallons/10 gallons
Furnace rating: 40,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $84,896
Options: Additional 11,000-Btu bedroom air conditioner with thermostat; computer desk; heated remote-controlled mirrors; rear-vision camera; bedroom TV; 50-amp shore power; generator; washer/dryer; driver’s door; roof ladder; 10-gallon water heater.
Highlights: Thermal-pane windows; fiberglass roof; Corian kitchen countertops; satellite dish; water filtration system; fluorescent lighting; Koala painted graphics; Fan-Tastic Vent fan with rain sensor; solid hardwood styles and cabinetry; flush-floor slideouts; solar panel; leveling jacks.
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
Division of Monaco Coach Corporation
P.O. Box 465
Wakarusa, IN 46573
(800) 245-4778
www.holidayrambler.com
Admiral SE
Floor plans: 13
Floor plans with slideouts: 12
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 29 feet 10 inches/36 feet 11 inches; exterior width, 100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C (min/max), 11 feet 8 inches/12 feet; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 190 inches/242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 18,000 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 23,000 pounds/26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel (min/max), 60 gallons/75 gallons; fresh water (min/max), 55 gallons/70 gallons; gray water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; black water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; LPG, 24 gallons/100.8 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating: 35,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W20 and W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $72,642
Options: Manual hydraulic leveling system; rear-vision camera; double-door or four-door refrigerator with ice maker; three-burner range with oven; convection-microwave oven; 13-inch TV with remote in bedroom; VCR; DVD player; exterior entertainment center; combination washer-dryer prep with 10-gallon water heater; freestanding table with four chairs; 5.5-kw generator; 50-amp service; 12-volt wet bay heater; second 13,500-Btu air conditioner; two ducted roof air conditioners with thermostat; dual-pane windows; automatic patio awning.
Highlights: Easy-Stor slideout storage; Alumaframe construction; systems control center; Roadmaster SmartStructure steel truss system; reclining driver and passenger seats; bath-and-a-half floor plan.
Traveler
Floor plans: 7
Floor plans with slideouts: 2
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 26 feet 7 inches/30 feet 9 inches; exterior width, 100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 11 feet 8 inches; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 158.5 inches/178 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 17,000 pounds/20,700 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 21,000 pounds/25,700 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel (min/max), 60 gallons/75 gallons; fresh water, 62 gallons; gray water, 39 gallons; black water, 39 gallons; LPG, 24 gallons/100.8 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating: 31,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W20 and W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $85,610
Options: Hydraulic leveling system; four-door refrigerator with ice maker; three-burner range with oven; convection-microwave oven; fully automatic digital satellite system; VCR; DVD player; six-disc CD changer; washer-dryer prep with 10-gallon water heater; 5.5-kw generator; solar panel; 12-volt wet bay heater; dual-pane windows; automatic patio awning.
Highlights: Electro-Majic bed; three décor choices; Alumaframe construction; systems control center; Roadmaster SmartStructure steel truss system; reclining six-way power driver’s seat; rear-vision camera.
Vacationer
Floor plans: 12
Floor plans with slideouts: 12
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 30 feet 9 inches/36 feet 11 inches; exterior width (min/max), 94.5 inches/100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C (min/max), 11 feet 8 inches/12 feet; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 190 inches/242 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 20,500 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 25,500 pounds/26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 60 gallons; gray water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; black water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; LPG, 24 gallons/100.8 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating: 35,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W20 and W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $94,098
Options: Rear-vision system; driver’s door; double-door or four-door refrigerator with ice maker; convection-microwave oven; three-burner range with oven; VCR; home theater system with DVD player; exterior entertainment center; combination washer-dryer; freestanding dinette with four chairs; Onan 5.5-kw generator; 50-amp service; 130-watt inverter; 1,500-watt inverter with two additional batteries; 10-gallon water heater; second 13,500-Btu air conditioner; one 13,500-Btu and one 11,000-Btu air conditioner with ducted air and wall thermostat; patio awning with metal cover; automatic patio awning.
Highlights: Easy-Stor slideout storage, one-and-a-half bath floor plan; six-way power seats; Alumaframe construction; Roadmaster SmartStructure steel truss system.
MONACO COACH CORPORATION
91320 Coburg Industrial Way
Coburg, OR 97408
(800) 634-0855
www.monacocoach.com
LaPalma
Floor plans: 12
Floor plans with slideouts: 12
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 30 feet 11 inches/36 feet 11 inches; exterior width, 100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C (min/max), 11 feet 8 inches/12 feet; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 190 inches/238 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 20,500 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 25,500 pounds/26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water (min/max), 55 gallons/60 gallons; gray water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; black water (min/max), 39 gallons/42 gallons; LPG, 33 gallons/138.6 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating: 35,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $96,000
Options: Rear-vision system; driver’s door; double-door or four-door refrigerator with ice maker; convection-microwave oven; three-burner range with oven; VCR; home theater system with DVD player; exterior entertainment center; combination washer-dryer; 5.5-kw generator; 50-amp shore power; bedroom desk; manual hydraulic leveling system; automatic patio awning.
Highlights: Alumaframe construction; Systems Control Center, Roadmaster SmartStructure; 27-inch stereo color TV; large double-door refrigerator; bath-and-a-half floor plan; EasyStor slideout storage.
Monarch SE
Floor plans: 13
Floor plans with slideouts: 12
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 29 feet 10 inches/36 feet 11 inches; exterior width, 100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C (min/max), 11 feet 8 inches/12 feet; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 190 inches/238 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 18,000 pounds/22,000 pounds; GCWR (min/max), 23,000 pounds/26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel (min/max), 60 gallons/75 gallons; fresh water (min/max), 55 gallons/70 gallons; gray water (min/max), 40 gallons/42 gallons; black water, 39 gallons/42 gallons; LPG, 24 gallons/100.8 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating (min/max): 31,000 Btus/35,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1 liter-Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $73,500
Options: Rear-vision system; double-door refrigerator with ice maker; convection-microwave oven; three-burner range with oven; VCR; DVD player; exterior entertainment center; combination washer-dryer; 5.5-kw generator; 50-amp shore power; automatic patio awning; manual hydraulic leveling system; fireplace; bedroom desk.
Highlights: Alumaframe construction; three-burner cook top; double-door refrigerator; EasyStor slideout storage; Systems Control Center; bedroom office-style floor plan; Roadmaster Smartstructure steel truss system.
NEWMAR CORPORATION
355 N. Delaware St.
Nappanee, IN 46550
(574) 773-7791
www.newmarcorp.com
Kountry Star (gasoline model only)
Floor plans: 1
Floor plans with slideouts: 1
Dimensions: exterior length, 33 feet 9 inches; exterior width, 100 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 12 feet 1 inch; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 208 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR, 22,000 pounds; GCWR, 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 75 gallons; gray water, 50 gallons; black water, 50 gallons; LPG, 32 gallons/134.4 pounds
Water heater capacity: 10 gallons
Furnace rating: 42,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $97,483
Options: Four-door 10-cubic-foot refrigerator with ice maker; 30-inch convection-microwave oven; rear air conditioner; rear-view monitor system; combination washer-dryer; exterior entertainment center; XM Radio programming capability; 6.5-kw generator; hydraulic leveling jacks; dual-pane windows; electric patio awning.
Highlights: 15,000-Btu central air conditioner; three-burner stove with oven; 8-cubic-foot refrigerator; flat-screen TV in living area and second TV in bedroom; Fan-Tastic Vent fan with rain sensor in galley; microwave oven; freestanding dinette table; 50-amp service; Corian countertops, 55-amp converter; 5.5-kw generator; 10-gallon water heater.
Scottsdale
Floor plans: 5
Floor plans with slideouts: 5
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 33 feet 9 inches/37 feet 9 inches; exterior width, 100 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 11 feet 11 inches; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 200 inches/228 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR, 22,000 pounds; GCWR, 26,000 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel, 75 gallons; fresh water, 75 gallons; gray water, 50 gallons; black water, 40 gallons; LPG, 25 gallons/105 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating (min/max): 35,000 Btus/42,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $89,943
Options: Four-door 10-cubic-foot refrigerator with ice maker; 10-gallon water heater; six-way power driver’s seat; leather front seats; additional air conditioner; exterior shower; XM Radio programming capability; hydraulic leveling jacks; dual-pane windows; 50-amp service.
Highlights: Three-burner stove with oven; Fan-Tastic Vent fan with rain sensor in kitchen; 8-cubic-foot refrigerator; flat-screen TV in living room; microwave oven; Corian countertops; 4.8-kw generator.
SAFARI MOTOR COACHES INC.
Division of Monaco Coach Corporation
91320 Coburg Industrial Way
Coburg, OR 97408
(800) 634-0855
www.safarimotorcoaches.com
Trek
Floor plans: 7
Floor plans with slideouts: 2
Dimensions: exterior length (min/max), 26 feet 7 inches/30 feet 9 inches; exterior width, 100.5 inches; exterior height with roof A/C, 11 feet 8 inches; interior height, 6 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase (min/max): 158.5 inches/178 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR (min/max), 17,000 pounds/20,700 pounds; GCWR, 21,000 pounds/25,700 pounds
Tank capacities: fuel (min/max), 60 gallons/75 gallons; fresh water (min/max), 60 gallons/62 gallons; gray water, 38 gallons; black water, 38 gallons; LPG, 24 gallons/100.8 pounds
Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
Furnace rating (min/max): 35,000 Btus/40,000 Btus
Chassis/engines available: Ford F-53/6.8-liter Triton V-10; Workhorse W22/Chevrolet 8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Base suggested retail price: $90,000
Options: Full body paint; personalized mural; four-door refrigerator with ice maker; convection-microwave oven; dual-pane windows; digital satellite system; DVD player; six-disc CD changer; VCR; combination washer-dryer; 10-gallon LP-gas/electric water heater; solar charging system with 60-watt panel; 5.5-kw generator; 12-volt wet bay heater; patio and window awnings; manual hydraulic leveling system.
Highlights: Patented Electromajic overhead bed with Sleep Sac; 25-inch stereo TV; double-door refrigerator with ice maker; three-burner stove; microwave oven; freestanding dinette table; front and rear molded fiberglass caps with integrated bumpers; heated, remote-controlled side mirrors; one-piece polyethylene pass-through storage compartments.