With a new year comes new hope and a renewal of energy for all of us. Frankly, this statement along with promises to diet, exercise and quit smoking, are perennial fixtures for each of us at every New Year’s. So, in other words, what’s old is annually new again.
This year though, we truly have something new to hope for — an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a universal hope for sure. But, while we wait for the end, we should also acknowledge that during this past year, we still lived, we worked, and managed as best we could. COVID was top-of-mind, but curiously, we also started to return to those personal and family pursuits that many of us had forgotten or left behind before COVID-19.
RVing is one of these.
In the spring, when none of us really knew what this new reality would look like, (even before we were shut down), people were already looking for escape. What could be a safe, open-air, family experience? Well, camping has always been that — and people started to come back to it in droves.
RV dealers I spoke to were overwhelmed by the demand for units.
New RVers, old RVers — and, in this era of urban condo living, folks completely new to camping came and discovered the joys of the great Canadian outdoors.
So, with this new year, we hope that this is the beginning of the end of COVID-19 — but it’s not likely to be the end of the joy of camping that’s come out of this past dark year.
Please enjoy this overview of RV units for 2021. This is just a sample cross-section of the market. Something to whet your appetite as we wait for winter to reveal the spring camping season.
CLASS A MOTORHOMES
2021 American Coach American Eagle 45K – americancoach.com
Built on the Freightliner XCM chassis, this diesel pusher has an all-new exterior, front cap and décor choices inside for 2021. For instance, you’ll find streamlined European-style cabinetry, residential Samsung appliances throughout and custom-designed seating. The spacious living area has opposing seating, a chef-friendly galley and a Family Hub refrigerator. A large master suite gives way to a master bath with dual sinks and a large shower.
2021 Holiday Rambler Nautica 35MS – holidayrambler.com
Class A’s from Holiday Rambler are turning heads for all the right reasons. The Nautica 35MS is built on the all-new Delta Foundation chassis. The quad-slide 35MS features a large master suite (the largest in its class, according to the company) at the rear of the coach with spacious wardrobe storage across the rear of the coach. The 35MS has a patio-side dinette, full-featured residential galley and a great amidships entertainment center.
CLASS B MOTORHOMES
2021 Leisure Travel Wonder – leisurevans.com
For those who like to bring their bikes along, the nimble 2021 Wonder rear twin bed features a pass-through storage garage large enough to fit two full-size bicycles. Inside are separate areas to live, eat and sleep with a three-piece dry bathroom, a large galley and a table that can be mounted in the front living space as well as the rear bedroom. New standard features for 2021 include a pull-out pantry, flip-down towel bar in the shower, new baggage compartment latches, magnetic accessory rail in the galley, a rear storage power receptacle, dual 6V AGM batteries with 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter, soft-close drawers, surge protector and a touchscreen control system with smartphone connectivity. New options for 2021 include dual 12V lithium coach batteries, a cashmere cabinetry colour, and a 4-KW generator with auto start and auto changeover.
2021 Winnebago Revel – winnebago.com
Built on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD chassis, it just might go anywhere. This function-fuelled design is powered by the reliability of a 3L turbo diesel engine and has the freedom of on-demand 4WD.
The 2021 4WD Revel features liveability enhancements designed to make adventure more luxurious than ever. Inside, cabinet and dinette improvements enhance the optics. The redesigned galley features improved storage, a flip-up counter extension and a relocated, 20% larger fridge than before. Also new is a hydronic heating system and Bluetooth-controlled awning, plus an exterior table has been added.
2021 Roadtrek Play – roadtrek.com
Roadtrek has introduced three new Class B’s for 2021. Of these, the Play is an entry-level coach offering a practical, reliable and easy-to-service design. The Play is built on the 3500 Ram ProMaster chassis and has all the comforts and conveniences you need after a day of travelling. Features include: retractable power awning, outdoor shower, easily accessible hookups, heavy-duty magnetic bug screens for rear and passenger-side sliding door, 11,000 BTU air conditioner, solar ready and a step bar for easy of entry into the coach.
CLASS C MOTORHOME
2021 Coachmen Concord – coachmenrv.com
For 2021 the Concord has been completely redesigned to feel more like a diesel pusher while retaining its nimble driving profile. It features rear Air Ride suspension, while the zero-overhang fibreglass moulded front cap now has a panoramic auto-glass window. Built on the Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 gas-powered chassis, there are several floorplans. Most feature full-body paint and chrome wheels and mirrors add to the feeling of a much higher-priced coach. Inside, you’ll find solid-surface countertops, a freestanding dinette and a galley that includes a two-burner induction cooktop, over-the-range convection microwave and 10-cu.ft. refrigerator. Other new features include wireless phone charging station, instant water heater, 50-amp shore power with energy management station and dual low-profile A/Cs.
TRAVEL TRAILERS
2021 Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE – granddesignrv.com
The Imagine line of trailers offer a variety of floorplans, however, the new 17MKE maxes out its space by offering a fold-up Murphy bed. At 21-feet in length, it has a GVWR of 6,395 lb making it towable by half-tons and SUVs alike. Standard features and available packages make it well appointed. The kitchen has stainless steel sink, sink cover, residential countertop, 3-burner range with oven, microwave and double-door refrigerator. This trailer can also be outfitted with a 4-season package that includes: heated and enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks, heat ducts through subfloor, roof insulation with attic vent, floor moisture barrier, double insulated roof and front cap and heated dump valves.
2021 Cross Roads Hampton HP364MBL (*Destination Trailer) – crossroadsrv.com
If you plan on an extended stay at a park, consider the Hampton series of trailers. With an eye to creature comforts, Hampton has been designed and engineered to feel like home. Rich stainless steel residential style appliances, 8-foot ceilings, hardwood raised panel cabinetry, and abundant storage are found in every Hampton floorplan. The HP36MBL has a unique bunkhouse loft and overall will sleep eight. At 40’7” long, it boasts a GVWR of 13,710 lb. Standard features in each Hampton include: 15,000 BTU A/C & 13,500 BTU A/C, awning, custom tub surround, LP detector, microwave, power vent in bathroom, quilted bedspread, smoke detector, TV antenna and water heater bypass.
2021 Lance 2285 – lancecamper.com
This 27-foot trailer has two entries. At a lean 4,930 lb, this is a lot of trailer for its size! The aft door opens to a great room, while the large corner galley has two windows. The “Super Slide” dinette is opposite a full-size sofa bed. The trailer sleeps 4. The entire space is conveniently situated for viewing the centralized entertainment center. Forward is a private bedroom with bath, vanity, walk-around queen-sized bed and a second entry door. Lance construction includes: aluminum framed sidewalls/floor/ceiling, Azdel interior panel walls, block foam insulation throughout and a tapered exterior roof design.
2021 Forest River R Pod RP-171 Ultra Lite – forestriverinc.com
Small and lightweight, the RP171 is perfect for weekend getaways. At just over 18’ and 2,500 lb with all your essential camping needs. It sleeps 3 or 4, has a TV, 2-burner cooktop, refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, convection microwave and wet bath, which make this a great floorplan for those looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors but want the conveniences of home.
For 2021, these new features have been added to the R Pod lineup:
- Azdel composite panels
- one-piece fibreglass roof
- largest refrigerator in class
- black glass entrance door
- Tufflex PVC roofing
- Soho seamless countertops
- central vacuum system
- solar panel prepped/back up camera
- torsion axle (independent suspension)
- enclosed tanks
2021 Rockwood Geo Pro 19FBS – forestriverinc.com
The Rockwood Geo Pro lineup of trailers tows well with today’s smaller, fuel-efficient SUV’s. For example, the 19FBS is a rear-entry couples’ coach with a small slide that offers so much great space. The large bathroom is one of the best features of this small couple’s coach. The 72” pull-out sofa also makes for a great guest bed. At 20’ and 3,075lb, it tows small but lives big.
New to the lineup for 2021:
- Dexter TORFLEX suspension axels W/ standard off-road package
- 6-sided aluminum framed construction
- fully laminated Azdel side and back walls, roof and slide outs
- 5/8” residential tongue and groove plywood floor
- 190W roof-mounted expandable solar panel and 1000W inverter
- tire pressure monitoring system
- Shower Miser water-saving system
- Keyed Alike system
- frameless windows
FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS
2021 Heartland Big Country 3460 GK – heartlandrvs.com
This is a new floorplan, added to the Big Country lineup. At 38’10” it has a GVWR of 16,500 lb. Definitely a long-stay, snowbird fifth wheel trailer. As such, Heartland has packed the Big Country with residential conveniences.
TOP 10 selling features listed by Heartland
- The Country Kitchen: Upgraded appliance package – Residential size range, 30” microwave, residential French-door style refrigerator, full-size pantry, and recessed stainless steel farm style sink.
- Climate Control – Dual whisper quiet A/C system providing 30,000 BTUs of cooling power.
- Modern Woven Flooring –Easy to maintain and clean
- Master Suite – King bed standard with under the bed storage, washer and dryer prep and built-in fascia nightstands
- Fit and Finish – LG solid surface countertops, Amish hardwood valances, window treatments, cabinets and residential Congoleum flooring.
- Azdel sidewalls with lightweight non-wood substrate, sound barrier and insulation
- Stor-Mor three-sided access to basement with 30% more capacity
- Road Suspension – Double 7,000lb Dexter EZ Lube Axles, Nev-R-Adjust Brake System, MORryde3000 Suspension System
- Tough Construction – 2˝ sidewalls with high-density block foam and aluminum structure, 12˝ powder-coated steel I-beam frame and fully walkable TPO roof system
- Welcome Home Entrance – Zero gravity entrance step and over-sized grab handle
2021 Jayco Eagle HT24RE – jayco.com
This is Jayco’s shortest ½-ton towable fifth wheel, designed to fit all American State and National park sites. This small couple’s coach has a large pantry, lots of natural light, large windows and a “Whisper” quite A/C system. Auto-levelling system is standard as is a rotational pin box. Some popular options are the 10-cu.ft. 12V refrigerator, LED fireplace and the theatre seating. These are in addition to a long list of standard interior equipment such as:
- Solid hardwood fascia
- Handcrafted doors, drawers and trim
- 5/8” tongue-and-grove plywood floor decking
- Vinyl flooring in slide outs
- LED interior lighting throughout
- Central command center with built-in tank monitoring
- Tri-fold hide-a-bed sofa
- Residential carpet and vinyl flooring
- Stainless steel kitchen sink
- Porcelain foot flush toilet
- Bathroom tile backsplash
- LED backlit medicine cabinet with mirror
- Extra 120V outlets in kitchen and slide out
- USB charging ports in kitchen and bedroom
- Inverter pre-wire setup
- Carbon monoxide and LP detector
2021 Highland Ridge Silverstar Limited 292BH – highlandridgerv.com
This Silverstar Limited features the RidgeLINK Bluetooth system, ample storage space and plenty of seating for the entire family. Each unique floorplan offers flush floor slides, a PVC roofing membrane, solid swing-down steps, solid surface countertops and more. This lineup offers durability, style and decent content. The unit shown here is the 292BH. This trailer has a length of 34’9” and a GVWR of 9,995 lb. Here is an example of the standard features found in the bedroom and bathroom of the Silverstar.
- Two hanging shirt closets
- Two nightstands with drawers
- Double -over-double bunks with 600 lb capacity in the BH model
- Glass shower doors
- Laundry chute in bedroom
- Pressed membrane countertops in bathroom
2021 CrossRoads Redwood RW4001LK – crossroadsrv.com
The Redwood is a luxury fifth wheel. This is the market niche it’s aimed at – and it hits the mark. The RW4001LK has a length of 42’10” and a GVWR of 17,616 lb. With unique rear kitchen design, one-and-a-half baths, four slideouts and beautiful décor, the Redwood is special. It comes standard with an aerodynamic profile, solid hardwood cabinets, solid surface countertops, and many best-in-class features. Because these are luxury products, you will have a feeling of comfort only found at home. For instance, here is the list of standard features found just in the kitchen:
- 22 cu.ft. residential refrigerator w/ 1,200W inverter
- 30″ convection microwave w/ exhaust fan
- EGS steel backed cabinet anchors
- Hardwood stiles pre-drilled & screwed together
- High rise faucet w/ pull-out sprayer
- High rise island w/ dedicated garbage cabinet
- Max Air Fan w/ rain sensor
- Oversized farmhouse sink
- Over-island lighting
- Pots & pans storage
- Residential soft-close hidden hinges
- Residential-sized storage drawers
- Solid surface countertops
- True residential 4-burner gas range w/ 3.7 cu.ft. oven
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