What's New in Truck Campers

Read article : What's New in Truck Campers

It’s also an economical approach, with campers starting at under $15,000 and extending upward to $40,000 or more. At the low end, you’ll find basic sleeping accommodations. Spend more and you can get many of the luxury features that would be found in a small motorhome, with good kitchens, full bathrooms, queen-size beds and entertainment centers.

The size of the camper is necessarily limited by the size of the pickup hauling it, but there are lots of options to choose from. And with new materials enabling manufacturers to reduce the weight of their campers, it’s possible to pack more amenities inside a camper without overloading the truck.

Here is a sampling of new campers offered by leading manufacturers:

Adventurer
The Adventurer 93FDS, a 2007 floor plan available in June, will add to a wide array of camper models designed to fit everything from small imports to big one-ton trucks.

The new 93FDS has a full-wall slideout that extends the dinette and refrigerator area. The dinette converts into a bed, enabling the camper to sleep four. The bathroom is given extra spaciousness with a huge skylight.

The suggested base retail price of about $24,000 includes numerous standard features, such as solar reflective windows, a Dometic two-door refrigerator-freezer, a fiberglass shower inside, an outside shower, a slide awning, an exterior yard light, and Happijac electric remote jacks to simplify loading and unloading. The holding tanks are heated and enclosed.

Adventurer campers are lighter in weight than many competitors because of their design and construction, including an aluminum frame and fully laminated walls. The Model 93FDS has a box length of 9 feet, two inches, and an estimated dry weight of 2,850 pounds.

For information, contact Adventurer Manufacturing Ltd, 33541 Maclure Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 7W1. Phone (604) 852-5731 or visit www.amlrv.com

Alpenlite
Alpenlite made its reputation in the truck camper field by pioneering aluminum frame construction and vacuum bonded walls. That emphasis on technology continues today with features such as block foam insulation, a laminated, vacuum-bonded crowned roof and a gelcoated exterior surface.

Now in its 34th year of building truck campers, Alpenlite offers eight floor plans in a range of sizes. One of its best sellers is the top-of-the-line Santa Fe 1150, which is Alpenlite’s biggest and roomiest model.

The Santa Fe 1150 includes a full queen-size bed, a center dry bath with a tub and shower seat area, Karadon solid surface countertops, and a basement storage area. The fresh water and other fluid tanks are all large-capacity, enclosed, and insulated so that the camper can be used in all seasons. Among the options is a dinette skylight with a retractable shade.

The dinette area slides out for extra room and can be converted to a bed for an additional sleeping area. The suggested retail price on the Santa Fe 1150 is $26,592. If you don’t want a slideout, you can choose the Santa Fe 1100, which offers much the same floor plan as the 1150, and also offers the option of a dinette with a fold-away table and two Flexsteel swivel chairs.

For information on Alpenlite Limited truck campers, contact Western Recreational Vehicles, P. O. Box 9547 Yakima, WA 98909. Phone (800) 777-4133 or visit www.wrv.com.

Arctic Fox
Arctic Fox truck campers, such as the new model 990 Silver Fox edition, are durable and rugged enough to endure cross-country and off-road travel because of innovations in camper engineering.

The Silver Fox edition features an aircraft-style superstructure, transverse floor, and a full-wall slide room that is 26 inches deep. The transverse floor design increases the width of the floor inside, creating a feeling of spaciousness. By using a dual rack and pinion slide mechanism and a strong aluminum superstructure, Northwood Manufacturing builds its Arctic Fox campers so that the slideout can be extended even while people are sitting in the slideout area. Heavy-duty rollers move the slideout smoothly and quietly, while five separate seals guard against water intrusion during wet weather.

With the extra depth of its slideouts, Arctic Fox is able to offer several options. For example, in the overhead bunk option, a hinged interior panel folds down from the upper wall and ceiling of the slideout and converts into an additional bunk bed over the dinette. Another option is a lounge instead of a dinette, with an optional “roll-over” lounge that converts into an extra sleeping area. All standard dinettes also convert to beds.

The bedroom suite in the Arctic Fox features a deluxe queen-size mattress with coordinated bedspread and window valence accents. A folding wall between the main cabin and sleeping area provides privacy.

Arctic Fox campers come in three interior color schemes. The interiors include solid oak hardwood features, textured wallboards on the interior walls and Ozite finished ceilings. Vinyl floor coverings are commercial grade, and there is also a carpeting option. The company offers campers in a range of floor plans, all with full-wall slideouts. The wet bath version of the Silver Fox Model 990 carries a suggested base retail price of $23,929.

For information on Arctic Fox campers, contact Northwood Manufacturing, 59948 Downs Road, La Grande, OR 97850. Phone (541) 962-6274 or visit www.northwoodmfg.com.

Bigfoot
New for 2006 from Bigfoot Industries in British Columbia is a long box version of the short box 25C9.4 camper that was introduced last year. These models are part of the Bigfoot 2500 camper series.

The model offers a spacious layout, with an aft galley with a three-burner cooktop, stainless steel double sink, 6-cubic-foot refrigerator and dinette with face-to-face seating.

All of the models in the 2500 series are constructed from two molded fiberglass shells and insulated with 1 1/2-inch high-density polystyrene block foam insulation. The fresh and wastewater holding tanks are enclosed, insulated and heated by a 30,000 BTU high-output furnace. There is an abundance of interior storage as well a large exterior basement storage compartment. The suggested base retail price is $21,870.

Bigfoot Industries, which also builds trailers and motorhomes, is in its 28th year as an RV company. For information about Bigfoot campers and to order a brochure, contact Bigfoot Industries, 4114 Crozier Road, Armstrong, British Columbia V0E lB6. Phone (250) 546-2177 or visit www.bigfootrv.com.

Citation Supreme
Built in British Columbia by General Coach, Citation Supreme truck campers are designed for all-season comfort. The company’s Polar Pak includes such standard features as high-density foam insulation, two-inch thick vacuum bonded walls with 3/4-inch thermal break, and a fully insulated basement with tanks and valves heated directly by the furnace.

New for 2006 is the Model 1050 slideout for long box trucks. The 1050 is a 100-inch wide body design that includes a queen-size bed, a bathroom with a separate sit/stand shower, and an expansive dinette area that slides out. The bedroom has more headroom than most other campers. Options include dual pane skylights with condensation control and Stormtite thermopane windows that eliminate condensation and filter out UV rays, reducing summer heat buildup.

New on the 1050 and other models is a redesigned optional bumper with three steps, making it easy to enter and exit the camper. A ladder provides access to the roof, and an optional awning over the entrance door extends eight feet. Suggested retail price on the base model 1050 is $25,380.

General Coach, which is part of Thor Industries, backs the Citation with a six-year limited structural and two-year component warranty.

For information, contact General Coach, P. O. Box 700, Oliver, British Columbia VOH 1T0. Phone (250) 498-3471 or visit www.generalcoach.bc.ca

Eagle Cap
The Eagle Cap 1050 offers a new design that includes a forward bath and a large rear kitchen/dining area, with a dinette slideout for extra room. Despite its many amenities, the 1050 has a comparatively low dry weight of 2,950 pounds.

Eagle Cap builds its campers with a welded aluminum superstructure, 100 percent vacuum laminated components and marine-grade fiberglass exterior. The materials and design keep the weight low, giving buyers flexibility in choosing a truck to carry the camper.

The manufacturer’s suggested base price on the Eagle Cap 1050 is $23,275, but popular options can push it above $30,000.

Eagle Cap is now owned by West Coast Leisure Homes, the Canadian builder of Okanagan campers. Intermountain RV, which built Eagle Cap campers, ceased operations in October of 2005, and its assets were purchased by West Coast Leisure Homes.

With new management and a staff of 42 at its plant in La Grande, Oregon, Eagle Cap has resumed production of its most popular models, with a dinette slideout available on most floor plans. Brian Tolley, Eagle Cap sales manager, said Eagle Cap is making improvements to what was already “a sound and innovative product line” by increasing the sidewall gelcoat thickness, for example, and adding other steps to add to the fit and finish quality.

For information, contact Eagle Cap Campers, 59999 Smith Loop, La Grande, OR 97850. Phone (541) 663-1607 or visit www.eaglecapcampers.com.

Host
If one truck camper slideout is good, Host Industries figured two should be even better, and so it has pioneered double slideouts, building campers that are known for their spacious interiors.
With two slideouts extended, the new Host Tahoe 10’6” has 10 feet, six inches of interior width, with the dinette area sliding out on one side and the kitchen on the other. The result is a wide, unobstructed floor area that offers room to maneuver. When one person is cooking at the stove, for example, another person can walk by easily, instead of having to squeeze by.

Host Co-owner Dave Hogue said slideouts on both sides of the camper also add to the balance of the unit. Other design measures, such as putting holding tanks forward in the unit, also enable Host to build a truck camper that handles very well on the road. Host campers are built light, using a vacuum lamination process, an aluminum frame, a fiberglass exterior and a one-piece roof of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)

The Tahoe has a powerful 34,000 BTU forced-air furnace and large holding tanks: 60 gallons for fresh water, 45 gallons for gray water and 35 gallons for black water.

Double slideouts are available on three of Host’s models; single slideouts are either standard or an option on all models. The Tahoe carries a suggested base retail price of $27,370 with the standard single slideout; a second slideout adds $1,400.

Host Industries was started by Hogue and Mark Storch, whose fathers created Beaver campers and motorhomes. For information about Host campers, contact Host Industries, 300 SE Scott St., Bend, OR 97702. Phone (541) 330-2328 or visit www.hostcampers.com

Lance
By adding four new floor plans for 2006, Lance gives buyers a choice of 15 models—one to fit just about any size or need. As the nation’s largest truck camper manufacturer, Lance groups its models into four product lines: Lance Lite, Lance Sports Camper, Lance and Lance Max.

The low-priced Lance Lite series has six models tailored to people’s budgets. The new Sports Camper series was developed for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The “value-added” Lance series is for RVers seeking more features and comes with increased cabover headroom, more floor space and larger tank capacities.

All Lance Max models come with full-wall slideouts, greatly increasing the interior room and adding to the overall comfort. That feeling of spaciousness is carried through in the Lance Max 981 with a huge skylight above the bed in the cabover area and another large skylight in the bathroom.

Even larger and more luxurious is the Lance Max 1191, which has the advantage of a side entry, an extra convenience for anyone who wants to tow a boat or trailer. The 1191 includes a large bathroom with separate shower, additional storage space and very large holding tanks (42 gallons fresh, 35 gray and 38 black).

New this year in all Lance and Lance Max models is a full-size mirrored wardrobe in the cabover. The wardrobe is deep enough to handle storage bins. Another new design this year is a wraparound sofa/bed in Ultra Leather. It has a removable table, and a center section that pulls out for lounging or sleeping.

Lance builds its campers with welded aluminum and bonded lamination technologies, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofs and solid high-density, rigid block foam insulation for year-round use. Suggested retail prices of Lance Max models range from $29,848 to $35,987. Other models start as low as $13,454.

For information, contact Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp., 43120 Venture Street, Lancaster, CA 93535-4510. Phone (661) 949-3322 or visit www.lancecamper.com.

Northern Lite
New for 2006 from Northern Lite is the 9’6” Queen Classic SE, which offers lots of extra features and still maintains a surprisingly low weight—2,150 pounds with standard equipment and under 2,400 pounds even with a number of options.

Northern Lite builds its campers with a process that uses two pieces of molded fiberglass and is similar to construction of a fiberglass boat. Owner Mac Donkin said the weight is kept low by the use of materials such as Nidacore flooring, which is half the weight of plywood, and Dometic acrylic thermal pane windows, which are half the weight of conventional thermal pane windows.

The 9’6”Queen Classic SE includes a face-to-face dinette, a full queen-size mattress, heated and insulated tanks, an extra-large dual battery box, stainless steel sink, and a 6.3-cubic-foot refrigerator. The model carries a suggested retail price of $24,070.

Northern Lite uses oak veneer paneling, builds drawers with Russian birch and metal guides, and never uses particle board. Careful attention to quality has earned the company a five-star rating from the RV Consumer Group for eight straight years.

For information, contact Northern Lite Manufacturing, 322 Totom Court, Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 5W6. Phone (800) 887-5342 or visit www.northern-lite.com.

Okanagan
You can warm yourself by the electric fireplace while you are watching a DVD on a flat-screen TV in the new 116ULT camper, part of the Ultimate Suite Series from Okanagan.

The 116ULT is a double-slideout model with a U-shaped dinette extending outward on one side and an entire kitchen extending outward on the other to create a roomy interior. In addition to an electric fireplace, this model also offers many other options, such as an 8- or 10-cubic-foot refrigerator in place of the standard 6-cubic-foot version, a Step-N-Stow storage bumper with a fold-down step, and a large rear awning.

The 116ULT is designed for extended camping with large heated and enclosed holding tanks, including a 63-gallon fresh water tank. Okanagan says its bathroom is the largest seen in a truck camper, with a full-height fiberglass neo-angle shower with a skylight, a large linen closet and a spacious vanity. The camper has 40 cubic feet of exterior storage to handle camping gear and other items.

Construction features include welded steel framing that is laminated into the floor and attached around the perimeter of the slideout openings for superior structural integrity. The peaked laminated roof is 3 1/2 inches thick at the center, creating a ducted roof air conditioner option. Suggested retail price of the Okanagan 116 ULT ranges from $36,000 to $42,000, depending on how it is equipped.

Okanagan campers are built by West Coast Leisure Homes, which also produces fifth wheels, travel trailers and van conversions. For information, contact West Coast Leisure Homes, 316 Dawson Avenue, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 3N6. Phone (250) 493-1535 or visit www.okanaganrv.com.

S&S
S&S has introduced a new truck camper, the Ponderosa 8.5 FBSC, billed as the only non-slideout camper with a full-booth dinette and a sliding step. The camper has a set of steps that can be hidden away under a booth seat and then pulled out to provide easy access to the queen-size bed over the cab.

S&S Owner Doug Sieler said many camper buyers are older people who find it awkward and difficult to climb into a high bed. The innovative step system solves that problem, and when not in use, the steps can be stored away to create more floor space.

The new model is a self-contained unit that is 8.5 feet long and 8 feet wide. It comes with an insulated and heated basement, a double stainless steel sink with cutting board, a three-burner range with oven, double-door refrigerator, a 20,000 BTU forced-air furnace, and a one-piece TP0 (thermoplastic polyolefin) roof. Other standard amenities include a mirrored headboard, AM/FM/CD stereo system, and a Montana gun drawer.

Another unique advantage for a camper of this size for both long and short box trucks is that it has room to add an optional Onan generator. Suggested retail price is about $18,000.

For information, contact S&S Campers, 2740 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone (800) 735-6909 or visit www.s-scampers.com

11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Read article : 11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

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Driving cross-country in a multi-million dollar RV is an experience few Americans will ever get to enjoy. While many may fawn over massive machines like the unstoppable Zetros 6×6, few of us have the means to obtain a purpose-built doomsday machine. Sure, there’s the obvious financial obligation, as luxury RV setups can run north of $3 million, but concerns about parking, maintenance, winterizing, insurance, and who’s going to drive the damn thing are also factors to consider.

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

Fortunately, many of the world’s elite moneymakers have the means to hire a trained driver, and with some of these land yachts running well over 40 feet long, merging and parking can be a real pain for the untrained. But RV enthusiasts aren’t just into slate tile floors and crystal chandeliers, and hardcore 4×4 vehicles are still a hot commodity as they crush terrain by day and then raise their rooflines at night for spacious living.

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Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

We recently took the time to peruse the web in search of some of the most over-the-top RV options money can buy, and came up with a surplus of unique options. There really is something out there for everyone, and if your pocketbook is up to the challenge, you can have an entire penthouse suite on wheels built to your personal taste.

1. IKON by Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade takes semi-truck styling and combines it with luxury amenities and industry leading self-sufficiency. From handcrafted solid hardwood cabinetry and plush Villa Ultraleather furniture to quartz countertops and heated porcelain tile floors, the good life comes standard in this RV. Tech-wise, it also features things like Samsung 4K LED TVs, Bose Home Theater Sound, and a set of high-tech stainless steel appliances that deliver the goods when it’s time to eat.

It also features VegaTouch control systems, which have dual 10-inch touchscreen controllers with iPad, smartphone, and tablet compatibility. This means you can integrate interior lighting, systems monitoring, HVAC controls, window coverings, awning and slide-out controls, and a whole lot more into an all-in-one touchpad that doubles as a monitor for the perimeter observation camera system.

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

Buyers will love finding features like hand crafted hardwoods, and a Theater Mode that automatically lowers the shades, dims lights, and raises the 50-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV so it can automatically tie into the Bose home theater system. While a porcelain tile shower and adjustable LED vanity lighting systems are also nice, it’s the Renegade’s attention to towing capacities and ability to be lived out of for weeks on end thanks to its oversized water, septic, and fuel tanks that make it a preferred RV for motorsport enthusiasts.

2. Winnebago Brave

Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a restomod RV | Winnebago" width="757" height="424" />

The Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a resto-mod RV | Winnebago

Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, there was no mistaking a Winnebago motorhome for another RV thanks to its bold “Flying W” badging, iconic “eyebrow” designs, clever interior, and boxy body lines. But over time the iconic styling of yesteryear began to morph into a mish-mash of ho-hum engineering and bland RV styling.

But now it’s time to fall in love with classic RV styling all over again, because Winnebago has followed in Dodge’s Challenger footsteps and has rolled out a resto-mod version of the machine that got America hooked on RV life in the first place.

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

The all-new Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling cues and blends them with modern practicality, efficiency, safety, and useful amenities in order to give the next generation of motorhome enthusiast an RV that is both retro and reliable. While you won’t be able to pick one up for the $4,000 price tag associated with the original, these classic and quirky motorhomes are priced to fit a more modest budget, and can be customized in a wide array of colors and interior design layouts.

3. Global X Vehicles Pangea “Perky Mog”

Pangea roof lifter" width="757" height="504" />

Global X Vehicles takes safety orange and gives it a new purpose on this Pangea roof lifter | Global X Vehicles

Global Expedition Vehicles’ Pangea Lifting Roof version of the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz UniMog can be built on either a medium or heavy duty chassis, and can be tailored around various cab configurations. Referred to as the “Perky Mog,” this clever 4×4 RV has a unique lowered position that allows the windows to be covered with the hard side top section, while maintaining full walking height within. Once in the raised position, a huge loft area becomes exposed, which can be reconfigured to the buyer’s preferred sleeping layout, and can hold up to two queen size beds.

Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles" width="757" height="504" />

Inside the Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles

Since each vehicle is tailor-made to the buyer’s specifications, there is no cut-and-dry approach to purchasing one of these machines, so be prepared for a lengthy build list and turnaround time. A few of our favorite touches include the G-KAS mounting body isolating mount system, having cab-to-cabin access, exterior tool/utility boxes, how the seating area converts into an additional sleeping space, and how the stair treads are hinged and lift to reveal hidden storage. Add on a duo of high efficiency 200-watt PV solar panels, a 140 gallon fresh water tank, amazing off-road capabilities, and the ability to buy one in 16- to 18-foot lengths, and you’ve got one hell of a capable 4×4 RV on your hands.

4. Newmar King Aire

Engineered to embody “the pinnacle of luxury travel,” the Newmar King Aire takes style, comfort, and technology to a whole new level, with the 2017 model sporting a restyled exterior, and a Spartan K3 tag axle chassis that has been attached to a steel superstructure. Inside, contrast cross stitching highlights the dash, which features a wireless non-slip charging pad, full LCD driver display, and two 12.1-inch touchscreens for system controls and 360-degree outward visibility. Meanwhile, a one-off 11-speaker JBL cockpit audio system and exclusive fabrics from Ralph Lauren add additional flare to the front of the cabin.

King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

For tailgating purposes, two Girard Nova side awnings extend over a specially designed sidewall housing a 43-inch Sony 4K UHD TV and a Bluetooth-compatible Bose soundbar, which rests atop one of the tallest basements in the Class A segment. Buyers can choose Maple, Cherry, or Rift Oak hardwood cabinetry, while polished porcelain plank tile, heated and cooled Pompeii leather front seats, and a 49-inch Sony 4K UHD TV come standard, with a Blu-ray/DVD player and Bose CineMate home theater system. The King Aire’s master bath is available with an industry-leading 50-by-34-inch shower, complete with full tile and a Fresca panel with massage sprayers and a foot washer, and even comes finished with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

5. Earthroamer XV HD

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" width="757" height="409" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

EarthRoamer has just expanded its product line in order to offer the highly anticipated F-750-based XV-HD. Designed to accommodate up to eight people comfortably and sleep six, this off-road RV features enough ingenuity to make living off-grid for a few days a breeze, as the HD offers anyone looking for wilderness adventures both driving prowess and fantastic amenities.

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer’s XV HD | Earthroamer

The XV-HD takes luxury off-grid ingenuity and infuses it with solar panels, a monolithic battery bank, 46-inch military tires, 200 gallons of fresh water, a compact washer/dryer, and a whole lot more. At just over 35-feet long this is no mini RV either, giving all the more reason for Earthroamer to utilize Ford’s 6.7-liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and all 725 pound-feet of torque.

6. Bespoke Coach Sprinter Van

typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach" width="757" height="466" />

A typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach

This next road trip specialist is a bit of a hybrid, because while it isn’t a massive RV, it isn’t really a van either. Bespoke Coachworks has been customizing vehicles in Southern California since 1985, and over the past 30 years has created countless custom audio, video, interior, and exterior solutions for celebrities and the elite. So when the Sprinter van finally began getting imported and badged by Dodge and Freightliner back in 2007, requests for customized versions flooded their ears.

After decades of working with companies like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, the thought of pimping out vans seemed a bit strange, but after one luxury van conversion spawned the next, Bespoke Coachworks knew it was on to something. From opulent mobile offices, to family coaches with built-in beds and entertainment suites, this unique chassis offers an endless array of options for anyone wanting a small and swanky RV, all without the headaches associated with piloting a land barge.

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach’s Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

Bespoke Coach’s luxury mobile office incorporates the best technology, design, and materials into a first-class experience, tasking top engineers, designers, and fabricators to make coaches that are both user friendly and innovative. A few of our favorite options include the driver wall partition with motorized privacy window, custom upholstered walls and ceilings, the marine-grade circuit breaker panel, and those Maybach inspired captains chairs. There are also standard iPads, Samsung TV screens, power inverters, customizable lighting, Focal audio upgrades, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout, with a laundry list of unique upgrade options waiting on the wing for the right price.

7. Marathon Show Coach

Marathon Coach, Inc. is widely revered as the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer, and specializes in taking commercial buses supplied by Prevost and customizing them into the most opulent RVs imaginable. Built around a Prevost H3-45 chassis, these custom buses feature engineer-driven technologies and a unique “California design viewpoint” that leans toward shades of warm taupe and rich chocolate brown, with deep indigo blue accents inside and out.

Inside, buyers will find things like a marble, limestone, and travertine “basket weave” floor inlay that has been surrounded by Italian porcelain tile, as well as a custom fireplace enclosure designed for both ambiance and warmth. There are soft touches like velvet tufted sofas finished with chrome nail heads, and a stitched leather recliner at the large work desk for when duty calls on the open road.

Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world's elite | Marathon Coach Inc." width="757" height="504" />

The Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world’s elite | Marathon Coach Inc.

In the back you will find features like an oversized glass and limestone mosaic shower with a telescopic, glass pocket door that goes opaque at the touch of a button, an integrated, 8-inch rain shower head, as well as a hand-held shower wand. There also are Hans Grohe faucets and fixtures, custom-made hammered stainless steel sinks, a walk-in closet, a TechLink electrical system, and Crestron controls.

8. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4×4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

The Sportsmobile Classic is one of the most recent creations in a long line of heavy duty 4×4 “Adventure Vans” coming out of Sportsmobile. After a successful prototype testing phase, the Classic 4×4 can now be had in a Ford Cutaway body that molds it with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell and an integrated penthouse top that drops flush into the shell for streamlining purposes.

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is designed to appeal to the most discerning off-road enthusiast, and in order to do so only the best heavy-duty components are installed for a balance between maximum off-road performance and on-road comfort. Over five decades of experience in the designing and manufacturing of van campers has led to this point, and while these machines can only be had on 2008–2014 Ford E-350 models equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 and barn doors, sourcing a gently used donor shouldn’t be an issue.

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Full production of the Classic started in late 2016, and the 4WD Conversion model includes a lot of hardcore 4×4 upgrades. A few key features include an Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks, a high knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance, and an extra heavy duty steering arm.

We could go on about the military wrap springs that were specifically designed for this van, or how the front sway bar comes with a quick disconnect system and custom shocks, but it would take forever to go over this list of performance upgrades. Finished with a practical and rugged, adventure-ready interior, this RV is a pop-top for the most discerning 4×4 enthusiast.

9. ShowHauler Motorhomes

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ShowHauler specializes in melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler

ShowHauler Motorhomes are heralded as “the safest motor coach on the road,” and their coach frames utilize a unique tubular steel structure consisting of super strong floors, sidewalls, and ceilings. The underbelly is completely undercoated, block foam is placed between steel side-wall supports prior to bonding aluminum exterior walls to the frame, no rivets are used, interior walls are reinforced to create a structural cage, and adhesive bonding is used to apply a bubble type insulation.

Being built on a standard truck chassis with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) than a typical motorhome allows for greater carrying capacities, so weight is never a concern and neither are highway crosswinds nor oncoming traffic. Internally, buyers get to choose the hardwood they want for cabinets and fabric patterns and colors, all window framing is finished with hand-formed hardwood, counter-tops are genuine Corian, and buyers can choose either polished ceramic tile floors or carpet.

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

We personally dig the cab pass-thru, having 7-feet of interior headroom, the cab-over bunk and vent, the 12 gallon gas/electric water heater, 30,000 BTU ducted gas furnace, and the ability to tow damn near anything. ShowHauler Motorhomes are part luxury living quarters, part big-rig, and all cross-country cruiser.

10. Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is one hell of an intimidating RV | Daimler

We eluded to it in our intro, and here it is up close. The all-wheel drive behemoth commonly referred to as the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is based off a semi with a cab-behind-engine layout, and offers sensational traction and versatility, plus customizable living arrangements.

This triple-axled truck typically weighs in between 25 and 27 tons, and while its powertrain and chassis configuration either come out of the Actros and Axor series of full-size work trucks, it also utilizes a unique Unimog/G-Class 6×6 approach. Powered by a 7.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, this lumbering beast only puts down around 326 horsepower, but generates around 1,000 foot-pounds of torque in the 1,200–1,600 RPM range.

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild | Daimler

Buyers can opt for either a hydraulically/pneumatic nine-speed manual transmission (eight forward gears plus crawler), which has a direct-ratio top gear, or they can get the six-speed Allison 3000 SP/PR automatic. The permanent all-wheel drive VG 1700 transfer case has an off-road ratio that is about 20% lower than its all-wheel drive cousins, so crawl control is a strong suit here. Towing capacity has also been increased by about 70% when compared to the on-road gears, and torque distribution between the front and rear axle(s) is 1:3.21 thanks to the splitter box, which becomes 1:1 if the differential lock is engaged.

All told, the Zetros has three mechanical differential locks, all of which can be easily selected via a rotary control that shows the logical sequence in which they need to be engaged. Drivers must start with the center-axle before engaging the rear, with the front remaining the final option, reserved for when terrain is at its most extreme.

11. Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 Expedition Truck

Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="505" />

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8×6 behemoth for instance | Expedition Truck Brokers

Our final contender today comes from Expedition Truck Brokers, a company that has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers of expedition trucks for over 20 years thanks to a crew that tackles every aspect of the purchasing and customization process. Everything from buying and building, to long distance overland travel and selling transactions get attended to by this highly trained team of 4×4 specialists, and getting things right requires “first hand experience with vehicle based travel in rough conditions through remote regions.”

Simply put, Expedition Truck Brokers sources hardcore off-road “wheel estate” for private individuals and professionals in order to provide the ideal vehicle for overland journeys, expedition support, promotional events, and film. While most people would never need something as insane as an 8×6 diesel behemoth, there is a very particular kind of clientele out there that has the bankroll and need for something like what you see here.

Iveco Astra HD8 8x6 also features 8 wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="504" />

It may take eight hours to parallel park, but this Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 also features eight wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers

While plenty of other heavy-duty RV options are available on the Expedition Truck Brokers’ website, it’s this Iveco Astra HD8 that has our vote for most badass of the bunch. Professionally manufactured in Germany, this chassis has been widely revered internationally as a construction and mining industry staple, but never a weekend getaway machine … until now.

A few of our favorite highlights and features outside of the Astra’s massive cabin and practical living quarters are the highly autonomous multi-climate design that handles both tropical and frigid environments, and the 600 horsepower EURO-5 Cursor 13 diesel engine. There’s also that dedicated motorcycle platform, all those external storage units, and a slew of locking differentials designed to tackle any terrain.

(cheatsheet.com, https://goo.gl/I0gYaI)

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Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Read article : Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest – Part 2 http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/dream-camper-floor-plan-contest-part-2/"> Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest – Part 2&BODY=I found this article interesting and thought of sharing it with you. Check it out: http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/dream-camper-floor-plan-contest-part-2/"> 12 more reader submitted dream floor plans including raw concepts, wild ideas, and subtle refinements.  And the winner of the first ever dream truck camper floor plan contest is… Just last week we visited a prominent truck camper manufacturer and the subject of our dream camper floor plan contest came up.  We talked with great excitement about the variety of ideas our readers were presenting, and encouraged them to study the plans when they debuted.  No, we didn’t give them a sneak peak.  It’s more fun to tease. None of the submitted designs, including mine, are anywhere near production ready.  That was never the intention or spirit of this contest, nor is it possible without delving into details like plumbing, electrical, and code compliance.

The true potential of this contest is to give truck camper users from around the United States, Canada, and the world the opportunity to directly inspire professional truck camper design teams.  You know, the folks responsible for the truck campers you see debut here on Truck Camper Magazine, at RV shows, and dealer lots?  This was your shot to show them your big idea, and possibly change the course of truck camper design history.

I know, crazy talk.  Then again, crazier things have happened.  I’m going to lobby the industry to take your designs and ideas seriously, as I do with our bi-annual truck camper survey coming up this fall.  Together, we will change the course of campers.

Far be it for us to determine who should win the best dream camper floor plan, except that’s exactly what we had to do.  This is, after all, a contest, and we are the big cheese, cheesette, and cheese-cat for this electron-only magazine.  After considerable review, and a tail gesture we interpreted as positive, we have a winner.

The winner of the first ever dream truck camper floor plan contest is…

Karl Pettitt, Elmhurst, Illinois – Winner

Above: Click to enlarge this floor plan and the others below to see them bigger.

Although I don’t currently own a truck camper, I would like to in the future.  I often think of what an ideal floor plan would be so this was a fun exercise.  I first did the layout in a program that was to scale.  The dimensions should be pretty accurate.

The floor length is 11-feet.  The total length is 19-feet, 9-inches.  The width is 8-feet.  It’s a single-slide, dry bath, flatbed model.

Although there are a few flatbed model campers on the market, I think there is a great deal of room for more.  Specifically, I think there is room for a larger model that takes full advantage of the ability to place the door anywhere.

To this end, I created a floor plan layout that places the door towards the front of the curb side of the camper.  This allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the bathroom, which I put across the entire rear of the camper.

The slide allows space for both a dinette and a small couch that can turn into a bed.  Placement of the kitchen towards the front, along with the heaviest components such as the fresh water tank, battery bank, and propane tanks, will help in keeping the center of gravity as close to the front as possible.

The placement of the entertainment center allows for viewing either on the main floor or the cabover.  There is overhead storage above the kitchen and couch that makes up for the lack of floor cabinets.  There is also ample windows allowing light in from either side of the camper as well as views.  I think this would make an ideal camper for a family with the potential to sleep up to six people without the use of a bunk.

#16 – David Miller, Branson, Missouri – Honorable Mention

My camper is designed with the premise that the most important things about a truck camper use are (1) the nice, soft, queen bed for sleeping, and (2) the nice bathroom for showering; not a wet bath.

The dining aspect needs less emphasis because, typically, the meals are simple and small.  In most cases, weather dependent, we eat outside at the picnic table.  Thus there is no need for a large dining table.

There is also no need to accommodate guests for sleeping.  If the grandkids are camping with us, they will sleep in a tent outside.  The concept of having the table convert to a bed is unnecessary, and a waste of space for us.

The attached drawing is for a non-slide design to fit a full-size short bed pickup.  I figure this camper will hang over the back of a 6’6” truck bed by approximately 27-inches.

Here are the wonderful features of my perfect truck camper:

It has a dry bath and shower.  This is extremely important.

The dining area has been reduced in size to only seat two adults.  The table is curved and the back of the seat cushion is curved to give the feeling and seating of a corner booth in a restaurant.  The only slight difficulty is that the person who sits down first will have to slide in and cannot get back out until the other person stands up, but, that is just like a corner booth in a restaurant and won’t be too much of a hassle.

There is a closet on both sides of the bed in addition to the foot lockers.  The television is mounted above the table, on the wall of the dry shower.

As you can see, the bed and the dry shower get the most emphasis, and the dining facilities are minimized.  It’s the perfect camper for two adults who want to shower every day after a good nights sleep.

#17 – Jake Schultz, Washington – Honorable Mention

A Folding Camper for the Ford Ranger

This camper is designed to be less than 780 pounds to work within the payload limit of a Ford Ranger.  It’s also designed to be 64-inches wide, with a maximum travel height of 82-inches.  These dimensions allow the camper to fit into a standard 84-inch garage in the folded configuration.

The camper features a full stand-up heigh interior of 76-inches, as shown.  A sun-dome could be added for an additional three-inches of interior height.

The camper has a double-pivot folding hard wall roof and sides with an open and panoramic cabin.

The camper can be used in one of four configurations:

1. Wide open with magnificent panoramic views to the aft sides and back.

2. Open to the aft sides and back, with screen netting in place.

3. Polycarbonate window panels in place (inboard of netting) for inclement weather.

4. Window panels in place and privacy curtains on the interior.

There would be comfortable seating for two at the dinette with the cushions angled slightly inward to account for the wheel well.

The camper would feature a modified full-size bed available at all times.  There would be a 24-inch cabinet for hanging clothes under the foot of the bed.

To save weight, the roof would be built for structure and snow loads only, not to stand on. The floor would be to stand on only if the camper is on the ground or in the bed of the truck, again to save weight.

There would be no jack stands.  The camper is suspended from the owner’s home garage root trusses to remove and store.

There would be an ice chest under one seat and Porta-Potti under the other.  There would be no refrigeration systems or black water tank.

All systems are in one four-foot module along the right side for minimum weight and system run lengths.  The module contains the propane tank, propane heater, two-burner stove, sink, fresh water tank, grey water tank, battery, converter, inverter, and small item storage.

#18 – Mark Larson, Phoenix, Arizona – Honorable Mention

This is my drawing for one of my dream campers.  Please excuse the poor scale on the toilet, lavatory, and kitchen sink.

I know this would be better as a flatbed model because of the side aisle going to the cabover and the location of the shower.  It could also be an above the bed rail model.  I’m with you wanting a camper with no slide outs.  You had a great design of your own.

#19 – Kari Miller, Branson, Missouri – Honorable Mention

My truck camper is the best design ever.  Here are the great features:

1. There is actually a solid wall between the over cab bedroom and the rest of the camper.  This creates total privacy, similar to a fifth wheel with an isolated separate bedroom.

2. The step to the bedroom is offset so there is not direct line of sight into the private bedroom.

3. There is room at the foot of the queen-size bed to access the closet and a real two-drawer dresser, which is what is needed for storing clothes in a camper.

4. A narrow, but deep and tall closet is behind the refrigerator is accessed from the step.

5. Instead of wasting room on a full table top and a table that converts to an unnecessary bed, this camper has a bar top for dining.  The seating consists of two bar stools which can be clamped down for traveling.  People spend many hours sitting on a bar stool so, obviously, these would be comfortable.  Plus, for most eating situations, people will either sit outside at the picnic table, or go out to eat at a restaurant.  There is a big window over the bar top so it would be pleasant sitting.

6. There is a slide-out pantry between the bar top and the range

7. The bathroom has a dry shower, which is important.

8. This camper should fit in a full-size short-bed pickup.  There are no slides, and it is
hard-sided.

#20 – Mike Cianci, Loveland, Colorado

Here’s my plan.  It’s fairly basic.  I chose a wet bath because it’s easier to clean.  Put it in the forward section near the wardrobe with a privacy curtain so nobody has to see your business.  And it’s easier to keep the bed/bath/dressing area cleaner.

I chose wardrobes with shelves or drawers which is more practical than hanging closets.  Who is bringing their tux and ball gown while truck camping?  There are overhead bins throughout where practical.

There would be LED lights, two batteries on a movable tray, and a small solar setup.  Only simple shades are necessary; no cornice, or valance boxes around the windows.

There would be 12-volt and 110 AC throughout, two Fantastic fans – one in the bedroom and kitchen – and an air conditioner   There would be a full-size skylight/dome in the bath with a side wall exhaust vent.

The sofa could be a jack knife-style, or have storage underneath.  And it would have two pull-out tray tables mounted in or adjacent to the armrest.  Plus it would pivot for easy egress from the sofa while eating or using computer, similar to tray tables on airliners in first class.

The television would be on standard pivot for bedroom and living room viewing, and would recess in a cabinet above the slide out pantry.  The rear exit door would have a platform deck for easy entry/egress.

#21 – Kevin Pinassi, New York, New York

#22 – John Wells, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

My design is a modification of the Chalet Ascent S100F, a limited production model (six total!) that Chalet discontinued to pursue production of their more profitable double and triple-slide models.  We love ours because it is completely usable with the slide in or out.

It has huge floorspace when the slide is out for entertaining friends and for ladies to dress in Civil War hoops (don’t ask).  The front bath allows a full height pleated curtain immediately behind the dinette to be drawn across to create a dressing room with access to bath, bed, and wardrobe.

There are no appliances in the slide, minimizing slide-out weight, and wear and tear on electrical and gas connections while maximizing efficiency of the refrigerator.  While we love our camper, please allow me to debut … drum roll… The Wellspring S110F.

My modifications to Chalet’s original design are as follows:

There would be 10-inches of increased length in the main cabin.  On the slide-out side, this extra wall space at the junction of the overcab and cabin strengthens the exterior at the crucial front corner tie-down.  We have already noticed flexing at this point and have taken steps to greatly reinforce this important structural location.  On the kitchen side, this extra 10-inches allows an increase in much-needed counter space, as well as under and over cabinetry.

I would also add about four to five inches to the side-to-side width of the wet bath.  The wardrobe doors and bathroom door would still function even with the slide in.

Additionally, I’d add half-penguin cabinets to the night stands at either side of the bed in the nose of the overcab.  These units would be open-shelved on the sides, half-depth and about 3/4 height, with a small rail or lip on the shelves and top edge to keep books, phones, clock, etc from falling out during travel.

I’d also add a three drawer cabinet with open top shelf and top rail at the foot of the bed on the bathroom side.  I’ve avoided the side hampers as I feel they add significantly to the difficulty of changing the bedclothes, though they could be added quite easily as an option.

#23 – Bob Dold, Monson, Massachusetts

Attached is my submission for the dream floor plan contest.  It is based off an EarthRoamer layout modified with a fore/aft dinette and an undercover slide-out compressor refrigerator chest.  I chose the slide-out compressor fridge since they are more efficient than a three-way refrigerator, and it allows for additional counter space.

One of my favorite features of the EarthRoamer plan is how the closet and bathroom doors can be opened and secured to provide a changing area outside the wet bath with access to the closet.  The wet bath has a wooded floor grate to provide a cleaner surface for the bath when the shower isn’t being used.

Access to the toilet cassette is through the rear storage door which drops down and can be used as a counter when cooking outside.  Another door above the horizontal door to the left of the spare tire can be used to store chairs and other lighter items out of the weather.

I prefer the side entry design as it allows the entire back wall to be used for storage and it allows access to the camper from the curbside when parked without having to remove bikes/trailers from the back of the camper.

The pantry to the left of the closet would be a bank of drawers with a window air conditioner unit above to provide for cool air without the expense and height of a roof mounted unit.  The dinette would be a little under three feet wide and can convert to a single bed if needed.

Large awning windows on either side provide lots of light and views with storage cabinets above them (not shown).  The overcab queen bed runs north/south to allow for getting out of bed without having to climb over your significant other, and has windows on both sides along with a skylight/Fantastic fan for good ventilation while sleeping.

Another feature I don’t see included on many campers any more is a pass through.  I would like the ability to stealth camp and having the pass through allows one to enter and exit the camper without having to go outside.

#24 – Floyd Schotel, Williams Lake, British Columbia

I’ve been dreaming up my ideal truck camper for a little while now, so you’re design contest is a great opportunity to share my napkin sketches!

For fuel efficiency, handling, and stealthiness, my ideal truck camper would be a low profile pop-up design to fit a 6.5-foot bed, full-size pickup.

The camper body extends past the bumper, dropping down for a low step-in side door.  Inside steps lead to the floor height.  This way the back of the camper is open to mount bikes, fuel, spares etc.  Also, the side door is a natural access to the curb or side picnic area.

Most of the windows are in the soft sides of the pop-up.  That way the camper will be more secure when in the locked down position.  In fact, the camper may look more like a service truck than a camper when in travel mode.

I’d keep the camper as small and tight to the truck as possible.  To keep things simple, I can do without a toilet/black tank, but a collapsable shower would be nice.

This camper is designed for boondocking and overland excursions as well as urban stealth camping.  I love the idea of taking my bed and a hot shower with me in a compact camper for a road trip.  No need to stress about finding a hotel, and a meal can be fixed anywhere, pronto!

#25 – Glenn Yauney, Milwaukie, Oregon

Here is an idea of a dream truck camper floor plan.   We started with the floor plan of a 1140 Arctic Fox.   We added a rear slide-out and side entry.

We would prefer a camper with both a rear and a side slide-out.  When towing a trailer, a rear door entry is awkward, thus we prefer a side entry into the camper rather than a rear entry design.   We added a large closet in the rear slide-out opposite the entry door for boots, outdoor clothes, etc.

Storage space is also at a premium, so I propose one that has both ample wardrobe closets and storage space equipped with larger drawers.  You can’t have too much storage space.

Exterior storage isn’t shown, but basement and exterior storage are also a must.

#26 – TJ and Kelly Kretschmar, Kansas City, Kansas

I am a mechanical engineer and have the ability to convert .pdf’s to CAD.  The Unimog part of the drawing can be found in the technical manual from Mercedes Benz website.  I printed the drawing to .pdf, then converted it to CAD.  I then printed the drawing for the Pangea concept and converted the drawing to CAD.

The reason I choose to draw this concept in CAD was to see if it was physically possible to put a garage bay in an expedition vehicle, and to incorporate my own ideas into the same space that would fit on a Unimog chassis with a single rear axle.

I deleted the interior of the lower living area so I could insert my own concept.  The items that I used from the original GXV drawing are the exterior walls, entry door, cassette toilet, and spare tires.  The loft area and access stairway is also GXV’s design, only with one bed instead of the two indicated in their drawing.

I used the Unimog drawing to make sure the entry door, center of gravity, and departure angle were going to work with the design.

We like the Pangea Lifting roof on a Unimog concept, but wanted it to double as a toy hauler.  We put one bed in the loft area to give the dinette area a sense of a vaulted ceiling.  The unit can be used in the down position for extreme cold weather.  The garage door folds down allowing access to spare tires.  The ATV slide out is similar to a Tommy Lift gate.

The camper would be able to detach with its own hydraulic jacks and allow for the installation of a dump bed.

This, of course, is just a dream.  For now our 1994 Hallmark Ute and 2006 Nissan Titan will have to suffice.

Related Items:

Testing out the new Salina 48 Evolution

Read article : Testing out the new Salina 48 Evolution

Caroline Strainig checks out the new Salina 48 Evolution, a slightly tweaked version of the Salina 48.

Charles Darwin’s famous theory of natural selection and evolution was based on the premise that a species either adapts to the demands of the environment or dies out. Mother Nature makes this possible by ensuring different traits crop up from time to time. Those traits - such as skin colour - can increase a particular animal’s chance of survival so it has a higher chance of living to breeding age and passing those traits on.

French manufacturer Fountaine Pajot is applying that theory to its boats in a slightly more business-like way, tweaking models in response to feedback and releasing a new version a couple of years down the track. The new versions have the same name but with the addition of the word “Evolution”.

The Salina 48 Evolution is the tweaked version of the 48 Roger Priest reviewed in CH in October 28. There are only a few changes, and these are largely aesthetic rather than major structural ones. However, they do improve the boat.

Mark Elkington of Australian distributor Multihull Solutions said they include a new interior design by an Italian company called Costa renowned for making the most of small spaces (they also did the Airbuses), an improved helm station, upgraded galley and roomier hulls.

Sail-plan-wise, the Evolution has a new square-topped mainsail — designed to give more sail area in lighter winds but spill air in strong
winds — and a soft-topped dodger-cum bimini with clears to give the helmsman protection from the elements.

Other tweaks include:
• Additional storage in saloon and galley.
• Huge owner’s bathroom for’ard in owner’s hull, which is to starboard. (The original was central and a lot smaller.)
• Larger portholes to afford even more natural light and even better views.
• New cherrywood interior with more timber fit-out.
• New vynilester resin-infused hull.
• Leather bedheads,
• 240L additional storage in starboard hull.
• Even higher-quality fittings and fixtures throughout.
• New galley benchtops.
• Saloon table also converts to a coffee table.
• LED lighting.
• View panel in cockpit hardtop bimini to see the sails when lazing around the cockpit.

Okay, enough of that. Let’s take a look at what you get for your $955,000 plus.

The general look

Any boat is a balancing act between a number of factors, the main ones being space, seaworthiness and speed. It is important that you get the right balance for you, and it is something Mark and his sales team are all too aware of. “It’s no good sacrificing space for speed if you plan to spend 80 percent of your cruising time at anchor,” Mark said.

“The same obviously goes the other way around. I have seen far too many people make that mistake.”

To me, the Evolution looked a cross between the Lagoon catamarans built by a French competitor and some of the more streamlined cats we have in Australia like the Lightwaves built on the Gold Coast. That should mean it should have reasonable space but still perform well under sail.

I won’t go into too much detail because we have already run a full-length story on the earlier version, but the Evolution has fairly plumb bows, huge trampolines with twin single pulpit seats for’ard in both hulls, wide side decks with shrouds well outboard (no running into things in the dark!) and a flat cabin top with good access to the boombag and boom. Access to the cabin top is via a fold-down step on the base of the mast and easy even for someone vertically challenged like me. The huge anchor locker is just for’ard of the mast, with the anchor (45lb plough standard) stored well aft, as are the water and fuel tanks, helping keep weight central, and thus reduce pitching and hobby-horsing. The only exception to this are the engines, which are just aft of the aft berths instead of under them, but the trade-off is no smell and less noise below.

A large hardtop shelters the cockpit aft, which is a great place to entertain with a good-sized table, plenty of seating and lots of stowage. One locker near the door to the saloon is ideal to be converted to a fridge.

A few steps on the side of the cockpit to starboard lead to the large helm station, which easily seats three, and is protected from the elements by a soft-top dodger-cum-bimini. Sail controls come back to a Harken electric winch and two manual Harken winches on the cabin top near the helm. As Roger noted in the previous story, unlike many cats, the traveller in the Salina 48 is atop the cockpit hard cover, so its control lines go to the helm – where you can use power if feeling lazy.

The halyards can be led back here too, but on the test boat they were still adjusted on the mast. The owners of the test boat were a novice couple and Mark Elkington suggests learning reefing at the mast before moving it aft.

Apart from depth, speed and wind and a compass, instruments are owner’s choice so I won’t go into them here.

As are many distributors, Multihull Solutions encourages buyers to tick the box just for basics at initial purchase stage and then add as they work through what they really need at their leisure. Sails are a dacron composite and a screecher and bowsprit are available as optional extras. A Facnor headsail furler and a 1200W Lofrans anchor windlass are included in the standard package price.

Engines are in each hull (40hp standard, 55 optional, choice of Yanmar or Volvo), with lots of space to access those sometimes-hard-to-get-at spots although the owner of the test boat had added a generator in the port hull, which did make that a little squeezier.

Davits aft have been disguised under a large platform that doubles as a sunbed. Within reason the latter can be customised — you can even axe the platform altogether in favour of heavy-duty davits with an electric winch. A swimming ladder and hot-and-cold shower complete the list of features here.

Inside/below

Sliding doors lead into a spacious saloon with an L-shaped settee and adjustable dining-cum-coffee table to port and U-shaped galley to starboard.

Features include twin opening ports for’ard to enable plenty of through breeze. The galley has a high-set gas oven with separate bench-top burner range, front-opening fridge and a second lift-top fridge/freezer.

I agree with Roger that the views are fantastic and the Salina 48 has one of the biggest saloons I have seen on a catamaran.

Below

The Evolution is available in two versions; the accommodation-maximising Quatuor version and the owner’s Maestro version. The port hull is the same in both, with twin berths with head and shower for’ard and aft and a single berth central (in many boats the owners turn this single berth into stowage). However in the Maestro version the starboard hull is given over to a luxurious owner’s hull with a large semi-island berth aft, office and more stowage midships and a large head for’ard.

Escape hatches in both hulls double as wonderful places to watch the fish go by in normal circumstances. Ventilation is excellent courtesy of a myriad of opening ports and ducted air-circulation system. Lighting is LED, so no need to worry about draining the batteries if you cannot sleep and want to read late at night.

Construction

French builder Fountaine-Pajot is one of the world’s most forward-thinking companies, and I wasn’t surprised to learn the Salina 48 Evolution is manufactured with modern technology, which includes an infused sandwich composite hull plus a deckhouse moulded with new RTM eco-technology.

How she sailed

On the day of our outing we had hardly any wind, so it is probably fairer to refer to Roger Priest’s outing in stronger winds back in 2008, although I will note that even in the light winds, she was responsive and I had no issues tacking. In fact, I had to be reminded by Mark Elkington that the other parties on board had things to do later in the day because I was enjoying myself so much I had forgotten time constraints and was heading down SE Queensland’s Moreton Bay as if I didn’t have a care in the world!

On Roger’s outing in 13-16 knots true he recorded 6.1 knots at 40 degrees apparent and 7.3 knots at 45 degrees. Then a broad reach at 100-110 degrees apparent produced speeds of 9-11 knots.

On our outing under motor with the optional 55hp Volvos we achieved 6.5 knots at a mere 1700 rpm and 8.4 knots at 2400 rpm.

Because the motors are just aft of each interior cabin instead of under the berths as they are in some catamarans – plus have water- and smell-tight bulkheads between them and the accommodation, this means that motoring does not create noise or smell issues, which is a plus, although in many instances you will use just one motor anyway to conserve fuel. I went and lay on a bunk aft while we were motoring and the sound was such a low hum I could easily have fallen asleep. The downside is that the engines are a little further aft weight-wise, but  Mark assured me they were still central enough not to exacerbate pitching and the 48 was extremely comfortable offshore.

Summary

Roger Priest liked the original version in 2008, and from what I saw, the Mark II has only improved on an already-winning recipe. Oh, and if you’d like something a little cheaper or different, Multihull Solutions also sells the Mahé 36 Evolution ($395,000), Lipari 41 ($525,000) and Orana 44 ($725,000). Those with spare cash to burn can go for the Sanya 57 ($1,650,000) or Galathea 65 (POA).

SPECIFICATIONS
Length 14.3m
Beam 7.7m
Draught 1.10m
Displacement unloaded 10.5T
Mainsail area 80sqm
Genoa area 56sqm
Motors two x 40 CV diesel or 2 x 50hp optional (choice of Yanmars or Volvo)
Bridgedeck clearance 0.8m lightship
Fuel 480L
Water 750L
Standard version four double cabins
Owner’s version three double cabins with workshop/single bed fwd
Quatuor version four doubles
Distributor:
Multihull Solutions Australia, 33-45 Parkyn Parade, PO Box 15, Mooloolaba, Queensland 4557,ph 1300 855 338, (07) 5452 5164 mobile 427 88 99 10 www.multihullsolutions.com.au

What about those Mark 1 queries?
Roger Priest had a few suggestions for minor tweaks in his October 2008 story, which I put to Mark Elkington.
Roger:“No standard shelter from sun, rain or spray at the helm. Others (especially Australian cats) do this better. The dealer is working on an Australian-designed add-on because the factory option is only a sun shelter.”
Mark: “No, an option and fitted to almost every order; we do customisation as well for specific clients.”
Roger: “Stern berthing cleats need re-locating. You have to stand on one to enter the boat from an alongside berth. EC Marine is shifting this cleat, pending a factory change.”
Mark:“Option for relocation, but most of our clients like this position.”
Roger: “Lack of a dedicated start battery for the starboard engine, allowing current and voltage surges through electronics.”
Mark: “Separate start batteries now standard.”
Roger: “Two of the three heads in the standard boat are manual, thus having no maceration for legal discharge in some Australian waters.”
Mark: “Again, most our orders are bluewater sailors who like a few manual heads. Electric are options and fitting to most owner versions.”
Roger: “Small standard sewage-holding tanks. With three couples on board, the standard boat will only last between 1 and 1.5 days before needing to discharge or pumpout the three 45L tanks.”
Mark: “150L now standard.”
Roger:“Lifelines are not standard across the bow (they are an option).”
Mark: “Most production cats and one-off’s have no lifelines across the bows. Yes, they are an option, but only ever requested for charter.”