Unlike auto shows, which happen several times a year, there's just one annual recreation industry party--and it's not open to the public. An arena displays components like 16-gallon water heaters the size of 10-gallon units, smart water pumps, power monitors, and everything else you can put in, on, under, or around an RV.
The rest of the floorspace is set aside for vehicles, with plenty of new toy boxes on display, both motorhome and trailer. Workhorse's new Class C chassis, Spartan's second mid-engine chassis, and a 600-horsepower Cummins ISX-powered bus that may find its way to a racetrack infield are just a few of the notable models.
A lightweight multipurpose unit, the Jumping Jack will carry ATVs behind a camper or motorhome and can be towed down a smaller trail by an ATV for overnight fishing or hunting. It quickly transforms into a large marine-canvas tent with dual bunks. Accessories to carry almost anything are offered a la carte.
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Jumping Jack Trailers866/461-7001www.jumpingjacktrailers.com
This value-priced Class C has a rear garage for your quad or snowmobile with doors on both sides, so lack of a reverse gear is no problem. Additionally, the "garage" is fully finished and has an electric drop-down bed, converting it into a separate queen-size bedroom when the ATV's out on site.
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Coachmen574/825-5821www.coachmenrv.com
This distinctive modern teardrop comes from Aliner, a company well-versed in compact trailers. This trailer is small and light enough to be pulled by a quad, never mind any compact 'ute, and, with the top tilted up and equipment unpacked, can provide a cooking area and a full-size bed.
Aliner724/423-7440www.aliner.com
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The first Class C built on the Sprinter cutaway comes from Winnebago, with two clean utilitarian layouts, full standing headroom, and all the features and amenities you'd expect, packed into 24 feet. With a Mercedes turbodiesel, look for mileage in the high teens, 3500-pound tow capacity, and a price around $70,000.
Winnebago641/585-3535www.winnebagoind.com
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Okanagan campers hail from Canada, which may explain the optional electric fireplace in its Ultimate model. At 183/4 feet and sporting twin opposing slideouts, the Ultimate has a queen bed, full-side bath, U-shaped lounge, and kitchen. A one-ton will be required, unless it's permanently parked as your guest house.
Okanagan250/493-1535www.okanaganrv.com
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Like many of Thor's trailers, all RVs in the Wanderer lineup are 102 inches wide and feature modular designs with a rear lounge or rear-wall entertainment center, each with an electrically lowered queen-size bed above. A 21-foot model (which can be pulled by many midsize 'utes) offers beds for four, 50 gallons of water (50 more optional), and a shower a 6-foot, 7-inch body can stand up in.
Thor California951/697-4190www.thorca.com
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The largest rear-door Lance is the new Max 1181, an aluminum-framed unit with the full-wall slide that made its debut last year. What sets it apart is a floorplan that puts the fridge and closet opposite a full bath in the middle of the camper, separating the sleeping area and leaving the dinette and galley handy to the door. You'll need a dualie for this one.
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Lance Camper661/949-3322www.lancecamper.com
Coach House builds high-end Ford chassis Class C coaches. The 261XL provides a comfortable floorplan and large galley and has fine features, materials, and extensive standard equipment. If you want the maneuverability of a small coach with the first-class interior of a big Class A, this is a great way to travel.
Coach House800/235-0984www.coachhouserv.com
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Megabuilder Fleetwood teamed up with BMW's Designworks to rethink the basic box and added Tecnoform of Italy's furniture to bring new style and function to Class C motorhomes. No BMW powertrain though, since these 27- to 31-foot units come on Ford's E-450 chassis.
Fleetwood800/322-8216www.fleetwoodrv.com
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For campground herds, this popup hard-sided trailer offers a full kitchen and room for eight to eat and sleep, with a bit less space if you opt for the bath. Even better, it's easy to pull with a midsize vehicle, and, since the top and tongue are collapsible, it takes up just 17 feet in your garage.
TrailManor800/707-7061www.trailmanor.com
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The single-slide on the 2005 Pace Arrow 36D is 23 feet long, yielding 340 square feet of living area--in other words, it's huge in there and has everything from home including double kitchen sinks. At that size, you'd be wise to consider the optional Workhorse W24 chassis with the 8.1-liter V-8 and the Allison 2100 transmission.
Fleetwood800/322-8216www.fleetwoodrv.com
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The Scorpion is essentially a toy hauler deck with a folding camping trailer set sideways at the front; the minimalist design keeps the weight down for easier towing or for more toys and fuel. Note that when opened it will have a large "patio" and will be wider than most big motorhomes, so pick your campground spot carefully.
Fleetwood800/322-8216www.fleetwoodrv.com
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