Have you ever given any thought to making your second, or third, family vehicle a compact RV? It definitely is something to consider. RVing while in town really is not such a crazy idea if you think about it. With today’s active lifestyles and our ever-growing families, many have traded in their cars for SUVs in order to more comfortably tend to their social and recreational commitments around town. There is no question that today is a far different time than what many of us remember from our childhood of years gone by. The generational difference has spawned a much different social calendar, one that always seems to be filled with multiple commitments to activities that take place outside the home.

The RVs I speak of, known as Class B and Class C motor homes, range in length from 22 to 33 feet and provide all of the amenities of home, allowing you to take them with you wherever your calendar leads you. With the technological advancements and creature comforts offered by these smaller motor homes, your family will be comfortable whether your travels take you several states away or just around town. Additionally, these RVs are easy to drive and many of them provide equivalent or better gas mileage than today’s SUVs. All of this, with a price tag that is within shouting distance of an SUV.

Unlike SUVs and their confined seating area, Class B and Class C motor homes offer several different seating configurations which provide for convenient discussion while traveling to and from an event, as well as, a comfortable gathering area while at the event. You will be surprised to learn how easy these smaller RVs are to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Add to that the ability to put on a fresh pot of coffee and bake a batch of warm muffins while at the soccer field on a chilly fall morning and you will be the envy of the ball field. Friday night football games will take on a whole new experience when you show up with not just a barbecue grill but a complete kitchen and bathroom. On your way to the game you can stop at the local grocery market for your shopping needs and have plenty of room for everything, including the kids!

The new Class C motor homes carrying the Winnebago View and Itasca Navion nameplates are some of the most practical RVs to come along in years. Don’t let their compact designation fool you; these RVs provide all the features one would expect in a much larger, traditional Class C motor home including abundant interior living and storage space. In these product lines, new for 2008 is the 24B floor plan which features bunk beds across the rear of the motor home. The smaller children can take a nap if the game happens to go into overtime or is delayed due to a sudden spring shower. If it’s a real soaker of a storm, you need only hop inside the RV for a quick change of clothes so you can go about your day. The 24H floor plan includes a couch and dinette up front with a large bathroom behind the kitchen. This highly versatile motor home is perfect for entertaining.

Touring vehicles have become very popular these last few years as manufacturers respond to the growing demand of today’s active families. The new Holiday Rambler Augusta and Safari Damara touring models (categorized as B-Plus RVs) offer a great compromise between an SUV and a larger motor home. These models are slightly larger than the conversion van, which is falling out of favor with consumers because it does not provide the features and functionality of the newer breed of compact RV. The Augusta and Damara are available with various configurations ranging from 21 to 29 feet. Perfect for your new “in town” RVing experience is the 252DS floor plan, which offers two slides up front, one with a sleeper sofa and the other with a dinette, a convenient kitchen and bathroom to the rear.  What’s really amazing is that you get all of this convenience in a vehicle that is just 25 feet long and with your choice of a Ford of Chevrolet chassis. The 235S floor plan offers the same amenities with a slightly smaller footprint and, depending on the chassis you select, the length will be in the 22 to 23 foot range. At this size, it is actually shorter than some of the new full-size luxury SUVs you see on the road these days.

Tiffin Motorhomes
In addition to their in-town maneuverability, the smaller RVs make weekend get-a-ways more convenient by providing you with your own living quarters when visiting nearby relatives or partaking in out-of-town vacations. No more hotel reservations, luggage nightmares, or fast food joints!
Now, how does the thought of having an RV versus an SUV sound? Especially after experiencing sticker shock at your local SUV dealership. Now you can purchase a vehicle that will better accommodate the active lifestyle of your family and offer so much more.

Room With A View

The 2008 Winnebago View and Itasca Navion are compact RVs that allow you to take your entire home with you while on your local adventure. There are some exciting new technological advantages associated with their new Dodge® Sprinter chassis this year. With these vehicles you can duplicate or exceed the power and economy offered by an SUV with your choice of a Mercedes Benz® 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or Mercedez-Benz 3.5L V6 gas engine. Both engines work seamlessly with a 5-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel ABS and independent front suspension for a driving experience like no other.

Additionally, the Navion and View are the first motor homes to offer the Adapative ESP® technology that is usually only found in expensive luxury performance cars. This exciting technology actually senses the load and performance parameters in order to maximize the handling, control and driving stability of the vehicle. You will maneuver around town in pure luxury while going from one event to another and be fully prepared for whatever the occasion calls for.

The new, longer, 170-inch wheelbase allows for the innovative floor plans that will further solidify your decision to drive right past your local SUV dealers and visit rv-showcase.com/lazydays to see the wide selection of compact motor homes to choose from.