Glendale Titanium 34E39RE (36-3)
Sleek and aerodynamic, this flagship of the Glendale line
leads one of Canada's
foremost manufacturers into the 21st Century. By Wally
Callaghan
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Six
years ago, Glendale International, one of Canada's oldest RV
manufacturers, introduced a totally new approach to RV design,
the Titanium line of premium fifth wheels, featuring a new aerodynamic
exterior concept. That streamlined cab-over front cap has become
the signature element for Glendale's Titanium brand.
Recently, I had the opportunity to take an in-depth look at
one of the newest side-aisle Titaniums for 2007, the four slide-out
34E 39RE model, at the Glendale plant in Strathroy, Ontario.
Glendale sales representative Morrie Baylor gave me the scoop
on the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that lie beneath
the smooth exterior of this outstanding unit. Believe me, the
quality of workmanship that you see on the exterior and interior
finishes of the vehicle are a reflection of the engineering
and craftsmanship that exists throughout this RV.
The unique configuration of this patented design has the front
section of this model farther forward than the hitch pin, giving
the unit up to 5 more feet of living space enabling the consumer
to live long and tow short Also the Titanium's curved lower
cap allows an increased turning radius for shorter bed trucks,
and improves towability, stability, and gas mileage. The Titanium
has been one of Glendale's most successful units in its 57-year
history.
Construction
The overall length of the Titanium 34E is just over 40 feet,
and the unit measures 34 feet 10 inches, pin to bumper. The
pin weight is 2,200 pounds, the dry weight is 12,114 pounds,
and the GVWR is 14,976 pounds, which puts it into the category
that can be towed comfortably by a 3/4 ton pickup.
Morrie pointed out that the chassis is an innovative Z-channel/box
tubular design that gives 11 inches of beam strength by combining
2x5-inch steel tube with 2x6-inch steel Z frame. The company
says that this is superior to I-beam and other types of chassis
construction. Structural strength is further enhanced by the
composite laminated floor, which consists of an underbelly of
one-piece Dacro moisture barrier with three-inch high density
foam insulation, bonded between plywood panels (not composition
board).
The unit's "never-lube" tandem-axle running gear includes
16-inch tires and Dexter hydraulic disc brakes, allowing approximately
30 percent shorter stopping distances and improved resistance
to brake fade. Self-adjusting calipers eliminate manual brake
adjustments, and brake pads can be replaced without removing
calipers, thus lowering maintenance costs.
Every Titanium fifth wheel is equipped with the Mor/Ryde RE
(rubber equalizer) suspension system, which enables smoother,
controlled towing. The Mor/Ryde system also provides improved
protection for both the unit and cargo by isolating and absorbing
road shocks.
When setting up the fifth wheel dual electric motors raise,
lower and independently level the front jacks, thus eliminating
the need (as would otherwise be the case) for blocking.
The sides of Titanium slide-outs are slightly tapered, so the
top meets the sidewalls first, ensuring a completely tight seal
before the bottom comes in - a great idea. Each slide-out is
equipped with its own individual electric, rack and pinion motor.
This is an improvement over the hydraulic system, where if one
motor failed, all of the slides would fail. All of the slides
are fully insulated, and feature aluminum covered underbellies,
rather than vinyl or composition board.
Titanium's crowned roof design, with its 4 1/2-inch metal trusses,
3/8-inch plywood decking, and 3 1/2-inch fibreglass batt insulation,
is covered with a seamless one-piece rubber roof. The front
cap has R24 insulation which keeps the bedroom quiet and well
insulated. For extra protection against leaks, the rubber roof
is rolled three-inches over and down the sidewall, another indication
of Glendale's attention to detail.
Sidewalls are two-inch-thick Lama-beam construction, with extra
strength being provided by the vacuum-bonded lamination of the
1 1/2-inch aluminum perimeter framing, 1 1/2-inch rigid insulation,
and gel-coat fibreglass exterior.
Interior Elegance
The first thing we noticed about the interior of this Fifth
Wheel is the Euro-styling, which has been introduced in the
2007 lineup. The raised-panel European beech doors combined
with the classic taupe decor is particularly elegant. The breakfast
bar and kitchen counter's curved lines add nicely to the overall
ambience, not to mention the rounded corners found on the divider
wall leading to the bath and bedroom areas. These features as
well as other subtle details create a refreshing change from
the usual "squared-off" look common to many models.
 Solid
surface kitchen counters have a "Corian look", and
incorporate a deep molded-in double sink, centered by a single-lever
faucet with telescoping spout. Optional appliances include the
choice of a double-door, nine or ten cubic-foot refrigerator,
and a 30-inch, 1.7 cubic-foot microwave oven. The refrigerator
is thermostatically controlled and has five temperature settings,
and the microwave has a built-in exhaust fan. A convection microwave
is also available.
Completing the attractive, all-black appliance package is a
standard 21-inch, high-output, three-burner Wedgewood range
with piezo igniter.
The free-standing dinette includes an extension flip-up table
and four high-back chairs, each with under seat storage. Vinyl
floor covering is standard in the kitchen area but the unit
I inspected had upgraded attractive oak laminate. Obviously
the Glendale engineers had listened to the ladies and run the
flooring right over to the dinette so one is not walking on
any carpet in the kitchen or walk through areas.
Two slide-outs, (one on each side), which are higher and deeper
than usual, open up the living room area, allowing larger windows
and overhead cabinets to be included. You may also appreciate
the flush-floor, which is preferable to common recessed floors
that can potentially lead to footing accidents. And if you decide
to relax with a good book, you'll appreciate strategically placed
adjustable reading lights, which are found recessed under the
overhead cabinets in the slide-outs.
Of particular appeal is the entertainment centre across the
back wall of the rear end living room. Standard equipment is
a 32" flat panel LCD TV and DVD/ CD player with a 5.1 surround
sound entertainment system (wired to a 400 watt inverter. This
inverter provides enough power to operate both the TV and DVD
player without shore power. Under the TV there is space for
an optional 5,000 BTU electric fireplace if so desired. To the
left of the entertainment center is a computer desk, window
and locker.
In the luxuriously carpeted living room the deluxe sofa bed,
which has a queen size pull out, is complemented by two large
rocker recliner chairs two bar stools and a handy magazine rack.
The decor is tasteful, with accents that add a touch of class
to your RV lifestyle.
By the entry door is a full length closet that conceals the
four switches for the four individually controlled slide-outs,
as well as the monitor panel for the water tanks and other utilities.
Windows throughout this unit are oversized, thermo pane, radius
cornered and deep tinted. The privacy protecting day/night shades
and nicely co-coordinated valances and drapes are standard in
all Titaniums.
The front end layout of this model is very functional. I was
impressed with the fully enclosed ensuite bathroom which is
accessible even when the bedroom slide-out is closed in. The
curved lines of the large king size shower revealed, when the
shower doors were opened, an integrated molded seat in an easily
maintainable one piece shower surround. A china (not plastic)
toilet with hand spray for easy cleaning and mirrored medicine
cabinet over a "Corian style" sink complete the ensemble.
The bath exhaust fan and large skylight above the shower are
both standard equipment. As one exits the bathroom through the
ensuite sliding door there is a handy linen closet for the usual
bathroom necessities.
The side aisle bath floor plan allows one to enter the bedroom
through glass French doors without walking through the bathroom.
This gives total privacy for the bedroom with an ensuite access.
At the foot of the bed is a well positioned LCD TV for comfortable
viewing. Ample drawer space is provided by drawers under the
wardrobe as well as four 4 large drawers under the deluxe 60
x80 inch inner spring bed. On either side of the bed are night
stands with lights and overhead cabinets providing more storage
space. The Fantastic Vent fan is another excellent feature in
the bedroom.
Two large windows provide cross ventilation and added comfort
in this attractive, front bedroom layout.
In the living room, the air conditioner is a 15,000 BTU unit
that has a quick cool down diverter for faster temperature adjustments.
Both the air conditioner and the dual stage 40,000 BTU furnace
are on the same digitally controlled thermostat- another nice
feature. Two roof vents are standard equipment with the unit
being pre-wired for another optional air conditioner.
Another noteworthy feature of this Titanium 5th wheel is the
10 gallon Atwood X7 advanced water heater, which blends super
heated hot and fresh water to provide the equivalent of 16 gallons
of hot water.
The fresh water tank is 63 gallons and black and grey tanks
are 49 gallons each. Terminal valves and holding tanks are enclosed,
heated and insulated to provide added protection in cooler climates.
There are many other features to add the finishing touches to
your campsite home away from home - among which are the handy
exterior barbeque, with direct LP quick connect, satellite dish
hook-up, 12 V power boosted TV antenna, rear stabilizer jacks,
phone jacks and park cable hookup, all conveniently placed,
because the Glendale engineers actually camp in their productsĄ
the basic items are included as well, like the roof ladder and
the spare tire and rim. There's even a 12 V rechargeable flashlight
provided to assist your view of the steps when entering the
unit, and the wide track easy fold triple entry steps are a
pleasure. To keep all of your gear in order, there are spacious
storage areas accessible from both inside and outside the unit.
On the Road
For our test drive, Morrie and I drove southwest towards Lake
Erie where blustery offshore winds are common. Our test vehicle,
a 2007 34-39RE, pulled like a dream behind the tow vehicle,
a 3/4 ton GMC pickup.
Despite the inclement weather the Titanium rode beautifully
behind us, due in no small part to its aerodynamic styling.
In fact, it was sometimes hard to realize that we were towing
almost 40 feet of highly developed recreational vehicle weighing
approximately 12,000 lbs. behind us. The braking was superb
with hydraulic disc brakes.
This aerodynamic design, coupled with the claim by some professional
haulers that savings of up to 2 miles per gallon may be achieved
when pulling Titaniums, should encourage prospective purchasers
to seriously consider this attractive Canadian product. (Page
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