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While Type Bs are the smallest production motorhomes available, many of the same conveniences and amenities found in larger coaches are packed into a vehicle that’s half the size. Type B Motorhomes — a print-ready PDF version of this article with photographs
January 2012
In the past three issues of Family Motor Coaching we’ve featured Type A and Type C motorhomes. This month we conclude our “Showroom Sensations” series with the Type B motorhomes that currently are being produced by manufacturers.
Type B motorhomes typically are built using an automotive manufactured van or panel-type truck in which the roof oftentimes is raised or the floor dropped to provide extra headroom. From the basic van shell, the manufacturer outfits the vehicle with all of the necessities of a modern-day motorhome, including galley appliances, a sleeping area, a lavatory and shower, holding tanks, and heating and air-conditioning. Just like their bigger brothers in the motorhome family, Type Bs can incorporate all the cutting-edge electronics available today, including satellite TV, Internet access, systems monitoring devices, and more.
The biggest advantage of traveling in a Type B is its size. Owners rarely have to concern themselves with height restrictions, maneuvering in heavily congested areas, or finding extra room to park in a crowded lot. When touring in places where most motorhomers would require the use of a towed vehicle, Type B owners usually can take their motorhome anywhere an automobile can travel. Also, keeping the vehicle under cover during the winter or when not being used is more convenient, as many of these motorhomes can fit in a residential garage. Finally, Type Bs are fuel-efficient, making it possible for owners to stretch their travel dollars further.
What follows is a compilation of companies that manufacture Type B motorhomes; a list of models that each company produces; and information about a particular motorhome the company wishes to highlight. For more information about the models listed but not featured, visit the individual company’s Web site or give them a call. AIRSTREAM INC.
419 W. Pike St. | Jackson Center, OH 45334
(937) 596-6111 | www.airstream.com Models: Diesel — Interstate | Gasoline — Avenue
Highlighted model: The Airstream Avenue is a well-equipped touring coach that includes numerous premium features. The Avenue is available in three floor plans and includes high-quality appliances, materials, technologies, safety, and systems. The Avenue exterior is available in silver or white and includes a power entry step, a power awning, heated mirrors, and Alcoa aluminum wheels. The Avenue interior includes Ultraleather seating, Corian countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and handcrafted high-gloss laminated cabinetry.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 21 feet 1 inch
Exterior width: 79.4 inches | Interior height: 6 feet
Wheelbase: 155 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 9,600 pounds | GCWR: 16,000 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 31 gallons | Fresh water: 33 gallons
Gray water: 21 gallons | Black water: 10 gallons
LPG: 9.9 gallons
Chassis: Chevy 3500 Express
Engine: Chevy Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 (horsepower: 324 @ 4,700 rpm, torque: 373 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $97,494
Options: Solar panel, silver exterior. GREAT WEST VAN CONVERSIONS INC.
329 Parkdale Road | St. Andrews, MB, Canada R1A 3N9
(888) 498-8267, (204) 338-9303 ext. 303 | www.greatwestvans.com Models: Diesel — Sprinter Legend, Sprinter Legend ex | Gasoline — Ford Classic, Chevrolet Titan
Highlighted model: The 2012 Sprinter Legend ex is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and offers a wide array of high-tech options that include Alpine audiovisual systems and Internet signal boosters. Increased space offers flexibility in cargo carrying capacity or interior room. The Legend ex also features high-quality finish and appliances, such as a 9.0-cubic-foot refrigerator.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 25 feet
Exterior width: 8 feet | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 35 gallons | Fresh water: 29 gallons
Gray water: 20 gallons | Black water: 10 gallons
LPG: 9.9 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $103,685
Options: Generator, 85-watt solar panels, Alpine audio/visual/navigation, rear parking sensors, WiFi booster, cell signal booster, AGM batteries, twin bed or powered tri-fold sofa floor plans. LEISURE TRAVEL VANS
Division of Triple E Recreational Vehicles
301 Roblin Blvd. | Winkler, MB, Canada R6W 4c4
(204) 325-4361 | www.leisurevans.com Models: Diesel — Free Spirit
Highlighted model: The 2012 Free Spirit is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 dual-wheel chassis. Features include a ducted rooftop air conditioner, a self-contained bathroom, an optional power sofa, and impressive interior space. Company officials cite quality and craftsmanship as being foremost in the Free Spirit, and note that the diesel engine provides quality and noteworthy fuel economy.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 22 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 86 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26.4 gallons | Fresh water: 24 gallons
Gray water: 21 gallons | Black water: 9.8 gallons
LPG: 8.3 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $110,396 (Canadian funds) PLEASURE-WAY INDUSTRIES
302 Portage Ave. | Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7J 4C6
(800) 364-0189 | www.pleasureway.com Models: Diesel — Plateau | Gasoline — Excel, Lexor, Traverse
Highlighted model: The Plateau is built on the Mercedes-Benz 3500 chassis with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged diesel engine that gets an estimated 20 mpg on the highway. It features a 6.0-cubic-foot refrigerator, LED lighting, Ultraleather fabric, solid maple cabinetry, Corian countertops, front swivel seats, and pass-through storage.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 22 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 94 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 25 gallons | Fresh water: 30 gallons
Gray water: 35 gallons | Black water: 12 gallons
LPG: 12 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $105,170 ROADTREK MOTORHOMES INC.
100 Shirley Ave. | Kitchener, ON, Canada N2B 2E1
(888) 762-3873, (519) 745-1169 | www.roadtrek.com Models: Diesel — RS-Adventurous, SS-Agile, SS-Ideal | Gasoline — 170-Versatile, 190-Popular, 190-Simplicity, 190-Versatile, 210-Popular, 210-Simplicity, 210-Versatile
Highlighted model: The RS-Adventurous combines Mercedes-Benz engineering with innovations from Roadtrek designers. The second row consists of a lounge or captain’s seats, which allow for dining for four or additional sleeping for two. Standard items include dual coach batteries, awning, flat-screen TV with home theater system, leather seating, TomTom GPS with touch-screen, satellite radio, backup camera, and more.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 22 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 80 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26 gallons | Fresh water: 27 gallons
Gray water: 21 gallons | Black water: 10 gallons
LPG: 12 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $108,680
Options: Removable armoire, second-row captain’s seats, folding mattresses, propane generator, five exterior colors, screen package, power rear sofa, leather power rear sofa, aluminum wheels, removable wardrobe. SPORTSMOBILE
9805 Gray Blvd. | Austin, TX 78758
(512) 835-4409 | www.sportsmobile.com Models: Diesel — Sprinter EB/RB | Gasoline — Chevrolet EB/RB, Ford EB/RB
Highlighted model: The Sprinter EB110 features a combination bath, a rear dinette that folds out to make two beds or one large bed, a refrigerator, a flush-mount stove, dual auxiliary batteries, and a 2,000-watt inverter. The motorhome, which can get up to 20 mpg, is specially designed for two people with an open interior and excellent visibility.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 22 feet 9 inches
Exterior width: 81 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 144 inches
Weight ratings: GCWR: 9,900 pounds | GCWR: 14,990 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26.4 gallons | Fresh water: 20 gallons
Gray water: 12 gallons | Black water: 20 gallons
LPG: 8 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $80,000
Options: Leather upholstery, air-conditioning, furnace, awning, solar panels, generator, TV, premium sound system. WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES
605 W. Crystal Lake Road | Forest City, IA 50436
(641) 585-3535 | www.winnebagoind.com Models: Diesel — Era
Highlighted model: The 2012 Era 70X features Ultraleather cab and companion seats, creating seating for four when parked. A removable table also is featured. The powered 70-inch sofa in the rear features three belted seating positions and converts into a 70-inch-by-80-inch bed when incorporated with the cushioned bench seats. The Era has a full-featured galley, as well as a bathroom. A sliding door is featured on the passenger side, with the large rear doors opening fully to provide access to the motorhome.
Dimensions:
Exterior length: 24 feet 1 inch
Exterior width: 76 inches | Interior height: 6 feet 3 inches
Wheelbase: 170 inches
Weight ratings: GVWR: 11,030 pounds | GCWR: 15,250 pounds
Tank capacities: Fuel: 26.4 gallons | Fresh water: 24 gallons
Gray water: 22 gallons | Black water: 10 gallons
LPG: 16 gallons
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged (horsepower: 188 @ 3,800 rpm, torque: 325 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm)
Base suggested retail price: $94,093
Options: Infotainment center/GPS, removable storage cabinet, water filtration system, exterior accessory package, patio awning, 2,500-watt Cummins Onan Microquiet LP generator, air conditioner with heat pump, stylized aluminum wheels. |
