They say challenges bring opportunities. The smaller, more efficient motor homes that have been introduced recently certainly prove this theory. The challenge of fuel efficiency that has kept some RVers from transitioning into a larger home has been met head on by the “New As.” In fact, the fuel efficiency and elegant architecture may prompt those with an interest in the RV lifestyle to join sooner than later.

The first of the these new As to be introduced was the 31’ Damon Avanti, which was unveiled in September at the Hershey PRVCA Show in Pennsylvania. A smooth ride is assured with its front-mounted International MaxxForce™ 4.5L 200HP diesel engine and Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. A high gloss fiberglass
2009 Damon Avanti
exterior speaks volumes with simple yet elegant graphics. The front cap, with one-piece windshield and radius corner domed TPO roof, is both sleek and aerodynamic. For better maneuverability in tight spaces, Damon built the Avanti’s narrow-body frame atop a low profile Workhorse chassis with a 50° wheel cut.

Along with these innovative features comes the most talked about aspect of the Avanti...its 70% improvement on the listed MPGs. Add a rich European inspired interior design featuring curved contemporary cabinetry and yacht-like seating and you have an amazing RV. In the galley, its international flair continues with a well thought-out, compact kitchen featuring cherry cabinetry and sleek appliances. There is a full bedroom to the rear of the coach, and above the cockpit is a Damon Advantage Sleeper, which is a unique drop-down bed system that provides extra sleeping capacity when needed. A split bath is conveniently located just forward of the rear bedroom while a full basement storage area and large outside rear compartment under the raised bedroom provide ample storage capacity.

2009 Damon Avanti
2009 Damon Avanti
The Avanti is currently available in a single floorplan, the 3106, which has one slideout that contains a 80” U-shaped dinette and a mid-coach kitchen with cooktop range and microwave/convection oven. Two televisions, a 26” LCD above the mid-ship cabinet and a wall-mounted 17” LCD in the bedroom, provide entertainment throughout the motor home. While the Avanti is satellite radio and GPS navigation ready, it is also equipped with a digital touch-screen multimedia system with home theater, color back-up monitoring system, AM/FM/CD, MP3, iPod, SD card reader, USB and Bluetooth. This coach is a technological dream!

If you’ve been waiting for a Class A motor home to be built on the fuel-efficient Sprinter chassis your wait will soon be over! At the November RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Winnebago Industries showcased their newest model, which is scheduled to be available this summer. The 2010 Winnebago Via, a 25’ Class A motor home, features industry-leading 15+ MPG, creative space utilization and contemporary European design. It too, is a work of art. Powered by a 3.0L Mercedes Benz turbo diesel, and built on the 11,030 lb. Sprinter F50 chassis (a first for the RV industry) the Via provides incredible design options.

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With its street-side slideout, the Via is impressively roomy. Its unique sleeping accommodations consist of two twin size flex beds in the rear of the coach that can be easily converted into a queen-size bed for a larger continuous sleeping space. Additionally, sleeping capacity can be expanded in the front of the coach by way of a studio loft, which contains a spare bed that conveniently pulls down creating a second bedroom area. When not in use the system cleverly tucks into the ceiling of the coach. 

Checking levels and other functions on the coach is easy with an Intellisense monitor panel which incorporates an LCD panel readout with touch screen technology. Another all-new feature is the Threshold RV Door, the “quiet RV door”. With its unique design, the latch and hinge connection points are prevented from breaking the seal plane, therefore creating a quieter and more secure door. It also features a unique residential-style window with a built-in screen, eliminating the need for a separate screen door. Lastly, new lightweight acrylic windows resist breaking and scratching and come with built-in pull down shades.

Clearly, the Damon Avanti and Winnebago Via are in a class all their own. Perhaps they will be the first of many smaller, more efficient motor homes introduced in years to come.

Fuel type Diesel
Chassis Workhorse
Engine 4.5L In. Max Force Diesel
Gross vehicle weight rating 16,000
Gross combined weight rating 20,000
Exterior length 32'
Exterior height 10'11"
Fuel tank 40 gallons
Furnace 34,000 BTU
Fresh water tank 50 gallons
Black water 40 gallons
Grey water 40 gallons
Water heater 6 gallons
Base price $144,060
Price as tested $146,052