The Leisure Travel Vans Unity is offered in five different configurations on the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.
When preparing to make a major purchase, setting a budget ahead of time is a must. It helps keep impulse upgrades at bay, and also ensures a brighter future in terms of being able to afford the monthly payments. When setting that budget, however, it’s important to remain realistic – if you want to play, you’ll have to pay. Apart from a residential home, a motorhome is likely the largest investment you’ll make, so doing your homework ahead of time to determine exactly what you want – and what you’re willing to pay for – may seem like an overwhelming task. But we’re here to help. We’ve selected a handful of new motorhomes that are equipped with all the comforts of home, at various price points, without eclipsing the $200,000 mark. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what that will get you, without completely draining your bank account.
For those of us who prefer the journey as well as the destination, Airstream’s Interstate Grand Tour EXT is fun to drive, and is outfitted with all the comforts of home, and more. Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Interstate Grand Tour EXT is powered by a 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel capable of pumping out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and rider comfort is enhanced by the optional air-ride suspension. Standard safety features include lane-keeping, blind-spot and collision-prevention assist systems. Inside, the Grand Tour has been designed for enjoyable trips for two, with either a power lounge or dual-twin-bed option for additional flexibility. The surprisingly large galley features Corian countertops and backsplashes, while residential-style cabinetry is thoughtfully placed throughout. Additional appointments include dual LED TVs and a Blu-ray player, on-demand water heater, side- and rear screen doors, solar panels and a power awning.
Built on the Ford Transit T350 chassis, the Coachmen Orion T21TB has been designed with maneuverability in mind. The Orion is one of the few fully equipped Class C motorhomes less than 24 feet long on the market, which helps make the transition to driving a motorhome much less intimidating. But don’t let its compact size fool you; the Orion can easily sleep a family of five with room to spare. The T21TB features dual 32-by-74-inch opposing sofa beds that can be used separately or combined for a single RV king-sized sleeper, while the cabover bunk area and dinette are just the right size for the kiddos. Perhaps most impressive on the T21TB floorplan is the bathroom, which runs the entire width of the rear, offering a surprising amount of space in a motorhome that doesn’t have any slideouts. Also appreciated is the flip-up extension in the galley to help increase meal-prep space. Outside, the front and rear fiberglass caps help with aesthetics, and the optional exterior entertainment center means you can watch the big game under the stars.
When designing the National Traveller, Dolphin Motor Coach (formerly Grand Coach) took cues from Euro-style Class B motorhomes. The 7-foot 4-inch interior ceiling height adds a spacious feel, and the ultraleather soft-touch ceiling and walls are all luxury. The aircraft-style upper storage compartments feature hidden hinges, and the cabinets are constructed with full high-gloss hardwood. The well-equipped kitchen features solid-surface counters, an induction cooktop, a water-filtration system and a remote-controlled power fan. A porcelain toilet and tempered glass shower door highlight the lav. The rear of the Traveller houses a removable dinette table and sofa bed, while the cab is equipped with custom dash and door wood trim, and ultraleather swivel seats. Tech appointments include a multiplex wiring system, in-dash GPS with DVD player, backup cameras and a wireless router. Outside, the power awning with LED lighting and outside entertainment area add to the enjoyment of the outdoors.
The all-new Entegra Coach Esteem is available in three floorplans, and combines quality construction with luxurious appointments. The Esteem 31L features a one-piece seamless front cap with a 30-by-82-inch automotive-bonded window in the bunk over the cab, plus a one-piece fiberglass roof and optional full-body paint. Inside, the 84-inch-high padded vinyl ceiling helps open up the interior. The galley features a recessed stainless-steel three-burner range; an oven; an 8-cubic foot, flush-mount, double-door refrigerator with stainless-steel finish; and a solid-surface countertop with matching sink covers. The bedroom is outfitted with a spacious, illuminated wardrobe, a queen-size bed, an overhead fan and a 24-inch LED TV. The amidships lav features a recessed stainless-steel sink, shower with a decorative surround and a skylight, and is situated across the aisle from the bunk-bed area for the little ones. Buyers can opt for the E-Z Drive Elite package, which includes a computer-balanced driveshaft, standard front and rear stabilizer bars, Hellwig helper springs, Bilstein shock absorbers and rubber isolation mounts.
Sometimes, one product rollout a year isn’t enough. Fleetwood’s Bounder 36F is actually a 2018.5 model, and the manufacturer apparently used the extra time to add even more amenities into an already impressive list of standards. The 36F utilizes a driver’s-side full-wall slideout to open up the free-flowing interior, which is highlighted by the Euro-top king bed in the bedroom and the amidships bunk beds that can convert into a wardrobe and seating area. Oh, and there are two full bathrooms: one in the rear (en suite to the bedroom), running the full width of the interior; and one across from the bunk area, which will no doubt be primarily commandeered by the little ones. A drop-down bed over the cab offers additional sleeping space. To help feed the crew, the galley features a residential-sized refrigerator, a three-burner cooktop with oven and plenty of solid-surface counter prep space. The 36F is equipped with the Technology Package ($3,100), which includes a Bluetooth speaker and porch LED, upgraded Kenwood stereo, cellphone booster and Wi-Fi extender, solar panel and collision avoidance camera system.
The new diesel Melbourne Prestige 24KP Class C is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and features a one-piece seamless front cap with 30-by-82-inch automotive-bonded panoramic window. Available in two full-body paint schemes, the Melbourne Prestige also features a 14-foot awning, plenty of pass-through storage, aluminum skirt-hung baggage doors, an electric entrance step and exterior quick-connect grill. Inside, the curved cabinetry and marine-inspired interior work with the soft-touch vinyl ceiling for a feeling of elegance. The Melbourne Prestige 24KP features a queen bed in its own separate bedroom space, which also includes a wardrobe and nightstand. The rest of the family can enjoy the overhead bunk and convertible dinette to get a good view of the 32-inch LED TV in the living area. The Melbourne Prestige is also outfitted with a whole-coach water-filtration system, and the 6-cubic-foot refrigerator is a good fit for this size motorhome.
The Leisure Travel Vans Unity is available in five unique floorplans to suit your lifestyle. The Unity U24MB shown here is the Unity’s flagship floorplan. The star, of course, is the RV queen-size Murphy bed, which flips up for daylight hours, resulting in an impressive amount of floor space for a 25-foot motorhome. The Unity Murphy Bed can also be outfitted with the all-new Leisure Lounge Plus, which allows for six completely different seating and dining configurations to further utilize the interior space. Another impressive usage of space is the pop-up 39-inch LED TV, which rises from its cabinet at the push of a button. The Unity is outfitted with handcrafted curved European cabinetry and French-seamed upholstery throughout, plus the seats in the cockpit swivel for additional seating options. The 27-square-foot corner dry bathroom features a large stand-up shower and separate washbasin. The Unity comes standard with a Truma AquaGo water-heating system and Becker Map Pilot GPS navigation system.
Renegade RV motorhomes are known for their rugged construction, and the new Villagio 25FWS is no different. The side walls, roof and floor construction feature Azdel composite panels, while the roof is covered with one-piece fiberglass. Aluminum exterior compartments are lightweight and strong, and feature insulated compartment doors with positive locking latches. What is different about the Villagio is its elegant interior appointments, such as the solid hardwood cabinetry throughout, including upper cabinet doors with a stylish radius design. The countertops are solid-surface, plus the galley features a large stonecast kitchen sink and a residential-quality satin nickel high-rise faucet with pull-out sprayer. The cabinets feature soft-closing drawer hardware, and satin nickel contemporary door and drawer pulls. The 25FWS floorplan is a spacious full-wall slide floorplan featuring a large U-shaped dinette lounge, pull-out pantry, queen bed and an innovative sliding wardrobe cassette that offers storage and flexibility. There is an option for a large sofa bed with a pedestal dining table in lieu of the standard dinette/lounge. Three exterior paint options are available, and the power lateral arm awning outside features integrated LED lighting in the lead rail.
The Miramar 35.2 Class A features an open floorplan with plenty of seating, perfect for entertaining friends and family. The living area boasts no less than three separate areas for lounging: two 68-inch theater seats, a 68-inch sofa bed and a 78-inch Dream Dinette, all of which provide great spots for viewing the retractable 50-inch LED TV. Galley appointments include solid-surface counter­tops and sink covers, a residential refrigerator, pantry and dual-burner electric induction cooktop. The rear king bed is equipped with an inclining bed mechanism, ensuring a great view of the 32-inch LED TV in the bedroom. Other electronic gadgetry includes a 10-inch touch-screen dash radio with GPS, multiplex wiring control, solar-power prewiring and a power patio awning with integrated LED lighting. The Miramar 35.2 is also prepped for a washer/dryer combo, and a power-charging center for electronics ensures everybody’s phones will always be powered up.
Longevity is often a sign of success, and considering the Tiffin Allegro has been in production for 45 years, it’s clear the motorhome’s respected reputation is well earned. And it begins in the construction process: the Allegro has a one-piece molded fiberglass roof, tubular aluminum skeleton, fiberglass front and rear caps and a tinted one-piece windshield. The 36 LA employs a free-flowing floorplan with a large rear bathroom and half bath amidships. The living area comes standard with a large sofa bed and booth dinette; options include an L-shaped sofa and dinette with workstation. An optional electric fireplace is a nice touch below the living-area TV, and the half bath is in the ideal location for kids and guests. The large rear bath is located off the master bedroom, and includes space for an optional washer/dryer combo. The bedroom area is equipped with dual nightstands, a TV and cabinet, and a wardrobe with drawers below. Appreciated add-ons include a whole-coach water-filtration system, LED patio and door light, lighted basement storage and a black-tank flush system.
As I understand it, most of these new luxury purchases are made with relatively small down payments, regular monthly payments, and huge immediate drops in value right out the door.
An underground trend is rapidly developing within the Class B segment that keeps at least half to 2/3rds, or more, of the money you would invest in one of these RVs with “good prices,” in your pocket and that is the Do-It-Yourself home converters. Just like the Rv mfgs and specialty converters, much of what they put in a van can be sourced by yourself…you just need to put some thinking, research, elbow grease, and patience into it.
My way is too always buy gently used. Way easier and less costly in both time and money. Plus you won’t feel too bad when it gets its first scratch.