Home > Features | Subscription | Contact Us

2004 RV Spotlights (33-2) Each December the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association hosts an enormous trade show in Louisville, Kentucky. Although it is not open to the public, Louisville is by far the largest RV show in the world. It’s where RV dealers go see the newest offerings from virtually every manufacturer, distributor and parts supplier in the business. We made the trip too, in order to bring you this special report on what’s new for 2004.

Alpenlite Saratoga 930 Alpenlite’s brand-new Saratoga is designed specifically for heavy duty, full-size shortbox pickups. Full featured with a basement storage area, oversized bath and a Flexsteel roll-over lounge, it offers a full size 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed, rear entry, and an expansive wardrobe in the sleeping area. The impressive kitchen features a dual stainless steel sink on a Karadon solid surface countertop with integrated backsplash. Measuring 17 feet, 11 inches overall, the Saratoga handles 35 gallons of fresh water and 25 gallons each of grey and black water. A six gallon water heater and 10 gallon LP capacity are standard. For more info: www.wrv.com. Chinook Baja 2100 With its 4x4 conversion and suspension lift kit, the Chinook Baja Off Road Edition is built for people who want to really do want to get away from it all. Standard features include a Banks high performance exhaust, Warn 12,000 pound winch, roof rack with grated floor, luggage bars, a front heavy duty custom bumper, four off road driving lights, rear facing off road driving lights, a tubular steel heavy duty ladder, high lift jack, air compressor and heavy duty skid plates to protect the fuel, grey and black tanks. Power comes from a 6.8 L Ford Triton V10 gas engine mated to a four speed automatic transmission. Equally impressive on the inside, the Baja comes in a choice of three floor plans. Find out more at www.chinookrv.com. Coachmen Freelander Available on a choice of a Chevy or Ford chassis, Coachmen’s new Freelander Class C motorhome comes in a choice of five floor plans up to 31 feet in length. Standard features include a double-door refrigerator, angled glass shower door, , ducted roof air conditioning, and massive amounts of storage space. Three floor plans include the cavernous Stow-n-Go rear garage storage area, accessed through a gas strut-assisted door. Optional entertainment packages include a flat screen TV (20 to 27 inches), DVD/VCR combo, a deluxe CD player with weatherband, and an Omni directional satellite antenna. Glendale 33E38Ts Triple Slide Titanium Fifth Wheel With an overall length of 39 feet, one inch, Glendale’s new triple-slide Titanium weighs 10,273 pounds and has a GVWR or 12,875 pounds. Standard features include fiberglass front and back end caps, sofa bed, roof rack and ladder, oak edge counter tops, exterior rinse shower, Venetian blinds, 2 x 30 lb propane bottles with auto changeover regulator, systems monitor panel, color coordinated ABS lower sidewall skirting, large under bed storage compartment, 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed, chairs with ottoman, smoke detector, and gorgeous French doors leading into the bedroom. Glendale’s optional Bug Room feature provides a screened-in porch area that’s perfect for outdoor dining. For more info: www.glendalerv.com/. (Page Top) Jayco Jayfeather Hybrids Designed for families on a budget or for campers who still like to feel like they are sleeping under the stars, the 2004 Jay Feather hybrid trailers from Jayco offer more convenience, space and features, including maple cabinetry and two new décor packages. Other touches include a wallpaper border in the galley and dinette areas, plus beveled T-molding on countertops and dinette tables. In sleeping areas, deep-quilted bunk cushions have been added for 2004. New options include a six-gallon gas/electric DSI water heater and an ABS tub surround. The series includes six models from 18 to 25 feet in length, all eight feet wide for maximum space and flexibility. For more info, visit www.jayco.com. Gulf Stream Endura Built on a Chevy Kodiak chassis, Gulf Stream’s big Endura Class C comes either single or twin slide floor plans, each offering a seven foot interior ceiling height. The Endura features a one-piece textured fiberglass Filon Flexroof, bus-style basement storage doors, a pre-molded one-piece front cap, cab-over entertainment center with a 25-inch TV, designer interior window treatments, a three-burner range with oven, over-the-range microwave, 13,500 BTU ducted roof air conditioning plus separate 11,000 BTU ducted roof air in the bedroom, a two-way double-door and a skylight in the shower. An outside entertainment center, back-up camera, heated holding tanks, a cab-over bed with a slide-over 19-inch TV and a 5.5 kW Onan diesel generator are available optionally. Holiday Rambler Savoy Available in six different configurations stretching from 28 to 30 feet, Holiday Rambler’s all-new Savoy fifth-wheel is light enough you can tow it with a regular half-ton truck. A long list of standard features include Holiday Rambler’s Alumaframe superstructure, fiberglass front cap, two-way refrigerator, microwave, high output three-burner stove, vintage oak cabinetry with raised panel doors, laminate table and countertop, 30,000 BTU furnace within-floor, ducted heating, tinted bathroom skylight, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a six gallon water heater, 40 gallon fresh water, grey water and black water tanks and twin 30-pound propane tanks. The list of options includes rear stabilizer jacks, front electric jacks, a 20-inch TV in the living room, Hide-a-Bed sofa, day/night shades, awnings and more. For more info, visit www.holidayrambler.com. (Page Top) K-Z Durango 285RL The 2004 Durango by K-Z RV comes in three spacious floor plans, each offering distinctive decors and all those little things that make the difference. The 285RL, with its rear living room, center kitchen and front bedroom layout features radius windows, solid oak raised panel cabinet doors, a street-side slideout containing the sofa and dinette, an eight cubic foot refrigerator, over-the-range microwave and a 60-inch walk-around queen bed. With a generous interior height of 82 inches, the Durango offers a 25-inch TV, CD player, fiberglass front cap, power jacks and heated holding tanks (55 gal. fresh water, 50 gal. each for grey and black) in its enclosed underbelly. Options include a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, RVQ grill and Hide-a-Bed. Leisure Travel Vans Free Spirit The spacious Free Spirit 210 is built on Daimler Chrysler’s new 2.7 L, Mercedes Benz-powered diesel Sprinter van chassis. Stretching 21 feet, six inches in length and boasting an interior height of six feet, one inch, the new chassis features a 159-inch wheelbase, a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and a rated fuel economy of 26 mpg. It features a three-section layout with rear bedroom, center dinette and to the front, a large wet bath. Convenience features include a large side entry, running boards w/drop step, comfort control air and a 16,000 BTU furnace. The well-equipped galley includes a three cubic foot three-way Norcold refrigerator, microwave, twin-burner stove and a handy spice rack. For more info, visit www.leisurevans.com. Newmar Northern Star Newmar’s brand-new diesel pusher has been designed to provide a more open living environment. Newmar raised the roof 11 inches for more headroom and enlarged the windows for a more airy feel. Standard features include Ultra-Leather furniture, a DVD surround sound system with VCR, hardwood cabinets, a Dometic 14 cubic foot refrigerator with icemaker, a rearview monitor system, Corian countertops in the kitchen and bath, aluminum wheels, a 10,000 pound towing capacity and a 7.5 kW diesel generator. Stretching 39 feet, six inches in length, the Northern Star is built on a Freightliner XC chassis and powered by a Caterpillar C7 350 hp diesel with a six-speed transmission. Three triple-slideout floor plan options are available. For more, surf over to www.newmarcorp.com. Pace Arrow 37C Stretching 37 feet, eight inches in length, Fleetwood’s Pace Arrow 37C is powered by a GM 8.1 L gas engine on a Workhorse transmission. The 2004 model features an additional five inches of ceiling height and a completely redesigned exterior featuring two large bay windows, new front and rear fiberglass caps, new luggage doors and an automatic leveling system. Inside, you’ll find such amenities as a redesigned dash with rear-view camera, passenger-side computer work station, Panasonic 27 inch TV with five-disc DVD home theatre system, washer-dryer combo and a choice of four striking décor palettes. Pleasure-Way Plateau Built on the spacious Dodge Sprinter chassis with its 2.7 L Mercedes Benz turbo-diesel, the new-for-2004 Pleasure-Way Plateau delivers an impressive 22 miles per gallon. Stretching 21 feet, 11 inches in length, the Plateau features a Dometic three-way refrigerator and microwave, twin-burner stove, 16,000 BTU furnace, shower, vanity with sink, frameless awning-style windows, five speed automatic transmission, AM/FM/CD stereo and much more. Tank capacities are 23 gallons of fresh water, 24 gallons of grey water, 12 gallons of black water and a 28 pound LP tank. Select from a range of popular options including an Onan 2.5 kW propane generator, 11,000 BTU roof air with heat strip, 15-inch Samsung LCD TV / DVD/CD theatre package and coffee maker. For more on the Plateau, visit www.pleasureway.com. (Page Top) Potomac 29 RLS The newly-formed Potomac RV company offers an impressive lineup of 10 travel trailers and fifth wheels, but perhaps none is more noteworthy than its 29 RLS. This 31-foot, nine-inch long travel trailer uses a highly practical front bedroom, rear living room floor plan with a walk-through, three-piece bath complete with porcelain toilet and sink. Standard features include a full-size queen bed, dinette with four chairs and sofa in a large street-side slideout, double kitchen sink with residential-style faucet, designer barrel chairs in the living area, crowned roof with thermal plastic overlay, front and rear fiberglass caps, extra wide entrance door, and surround sound DVD system with five speakers and subwoofer. Check it out at www.potomacrv.com. Roadtrek 210 Popular With a length of 21 feet, 11 inches, Roadtrek’s 210 Popular is based on the Chevrolet 3500 series extended van. It retains the Chevy side entry and rear doors for easier loading, better air circulation, power locks and the need for only a single door key. The 210 boasts a number of standard features including a full 74 inches of headroom, a four cubic foot refrigerator, 30-inch wide twin beds, a six-foot, six inch wide king bed, microwave convection oven, and a drawer-mounted storage compartment between the axles. A macerator sewage pump chops up any solids and tissue in the black water tank and ejects the entire contents through a convenient 1-1/4-inch hose. For more, visit www.roadtrek.com. Starcraft Ambient Starcraft RV has introduced an all-new line of Class-C motorhomes called Ambient. Available in five floor plans ranging from 25 to 31 feet in length, the Ambient series sleep up to six people. A long list of standard features includes sleek automotive-style exterior styling with fiberglass running boards, AM/FM/CD player, air conditioning, brushed chrome hardware and stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry, a double-door refrigerator, water purification system, maple-edged countertops, a three-burner range with oven and carousel microwave, a lighted skylight in the bath and ample storage. Ambient’s option list includes remote control mirrors, a glass shower door, backup camera and monitor, and a front entertainment center with a 24-inch TV. For more on the Ambient, visit www.starcraftrv.com. Sunline Solaris Lite T-2199 The new Solaris Lite T-2199 from Sunline is the only 21-foot rear living room trailer with two chairs on the market. Easy to tow at just 3,960 pounds, this roomy travel trailer features a six cubic foot, double-door Dometic refrigerator, 32-inch tub/shower with skylight dome and European shower door, and a 60-inch by 75-inch queen innerspring bed with storage underneath. You’ll also find pass-through storage, an 11,000 BTU Dometic air conditioner, microwave, a SeaLand china bowl toilet, range cover, sink cover, AM/FM/CD stereo, outside shower, a 14-foot awning and twin 20-pound propane bottles as standard equipment. For more info, visit www.sunlinerv.com. (Page Top) Sunnybrook Titan 36BWKS New from Sunnybrook is an exciting addition to its Titan fifth wheel lineup, the twin-slide, triple-axle 36-foot BWKS featuring a stunning island kitchen design. With the refrigerator, kitchen counter and entertainment center in one slide and the dinette in a second slide directly opposite, the kitchen and main living area are simply enormous. Luxurious seating, tasteful lighting and décor, solid oak face frames on cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware, Corian countertops in the kitchen and bedroom, and a one-piece fiberglass shower with glass surround provide touches of elegance throughout. Opt for the custom painted graphics package and optional 40 pound LP tank. Travel Supreme 41ME The most impressive feature of Travel Supreme’s new 41-foot Class A isn’t its luxurious interior appointments or innovative mid-engine diesel layout, but its enormous rear garage capable of ingesting ATVs, golf carts, or even motorcycles. Built on a Spartan Mountainmas-ter chassis and powered by a Cummins 400 ISL engine mated to a six-speed Alison transmission, the twin-slide 41ME offers all of the features and lavish comfort one would expect from Travel Supreme, including twin 13,500 BTU air conditioners, oak hardwood cabinetry, ceramic flooring in the kitchen and bath, 30-inch Spacesaver microwave, 24-inch JVC flat screen TV and AM/FM/CD stereo. And, it’s got a garage! Triple E Empress Triple Slide Triple E’s top-of-the-line Empress Class A comes in a choice of five exciting floor plans, including the spacious A-3903 model with three slideouts. Powered by a 350 hp Caterpillar diesel, this 38-foot, 10-inch motorhome offers a number of standard features including powered driver’s and passenger’s sunvisors, a padded headliner, solid oak cabinetry, a Sunguard flexroof, twin Dometic roof air conditioners, an electronic ignition furnace, thermal-barrier windows with Low E glass and a spacious 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed. Options include a 400 hp Cummins diesel, independent front suspension, full body paint, a washer/dryer, heated ceramic floor, satellite dish and a special Presidential décor package. For more info, visit www.tripleerv.com. Winnebago Vectra 40 AD Winnebago’s Vectra Class A uses the company’s new Evolution chassis, which provides increased mid-section clearance height, better weight distribution and improved floor plan flexibility. Powered by a 330-hp Caterpillar 7.2L turbo-diesel with an Allison 3000 MH six-speed electronic transmission, the Vectra 40 AD stretches 39 feet, eight inches in length with a GVWR or 32,000 pounds. It is the largest of five distinct Vectra models, each offering a long list of standard features full-body paint, electric awning, powered sun visors, front and rear bedroom slideouts, solid-surface countertops, ceramic tile floor coverings in the bath and galley areas, RV Radio, and TrueAir residential central air conditioning. For more info, visit www.winnebago.com. (Page Top)