Today’s outdoor kitchens and entertainment centers and, far left, toy-hauler garages top the RV trends.
wheel weighing in at a little more than 6,000 pounds. How can this be? While different companies have their own methods, typical practices include the extensive use of aluminum and com- posites, as well as lighter weight woods on flooring and countertops. When shopping for lightweight units, you might be tempted to go bigger, considering you can get more trailer for a given weight. But try to exercise some restraint here, as a lon- ger rig offers more “sail” area that can really affect the way the trailer tows in high winds. While a smaller truck or SUV may be capable of pulling the weight, the leverage placed upon it by a trailer that’s too long can still make for some unstable towing. Be sure to research the construction methods and materials, and feel free to ask where and how some of the weight is saved. LUXURY AND UTILITY Most luxury trailers have all the com- forts of home, except for one thing: A garage. Toy haulers, with their giant rear ramp, solve this problem by allow- ing users to park anything from a cou- ple of motorcycles to ATVs and more. Early models, targeted at the work- hard/play-hard crowd, offered aggres- sive styling outside and interiors that reflected the typical owner’s winner- take-all attitude. Over time, however, manufacturers have wisely recognized that not all users want to live in a man cave, so checkered flag patterns, dark colors and colored accent lighting are
giving way to fireplaces, Ultraleather furniture and high-end appliances. And, there’s more. Where the garage used to be just that, many companies are finding clever ways to increase the livability of the space when the vehicles are outside. Obviously, toy haulers are designed to carry cargo, so the gear you intend to carry becomes an important con- sideration when shopping. Pay close attention not just to the trailer’s dry weight but also its gross vehicle weight rating, as this will give you some idea as to how much weight you can carry. And don’t forget to factor in the weight of the fresh water and LP-gas, as well as the gasoline if the trailer is equipped with a fueling station AMENITIES AND AFFORDABILITY Some buyers may think that, if the RV is affordable, it must be a no-frills unit, but that’s not the case. Manufacturers must appeal not just to experienced RVers looking to step up, but they also recognize first-time buyers who want the biggest bang for the buck. The best value is usually found in the floor plan, where companies are getting creative when it comes to amenities and fea- tures on units of all sizes. Many products use less expensive but very durable laminate countertops that are textured and colored to look like high-end solid surface or stone products. Clever interior designs offer richer colors and patterns on both the furniture and flooring. And with the
cost of flat-screen TVs and other appli- ances dropping significantly in price, there’s no reason to sacrifice family entertainment. With so many floor plan options, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Kitchen space and sleeping accom- modations are two areas buyers should focus on when looking for a new unit because they’re key components to the RV lifestyle. Clearly, every family has different needs, so RV buyers should think about how often they take trips, how much they want to take with them, whether or not they’ll be travel- ing with friends or family and, in the case of a motorhome, whether or not they’ll be towing another vehicle. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned RVer, it’s always wise to keep a budget in mind, look at plenty of floor plans and ask questions about entertainment, sleeping, functionality and storage, depending on your fam- ily’s needs.— chris hemer
In the Market for a New RV? Whether you’re shopping for a new recreational
vehicle or just dreaming about
buying one, you’ll want to check out the RV listings
in the 2014 edition of the RV Buyers Guide on the shelves at Camping World SuperCenters or at campingworld.com.
spring 2014 COAST TO COAST 21
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