Classy Cruising

No matter what one’s lifestyle, interests or pocketbook, there’s a recreational vehicle out there waiting.

If you are new to RVing or just plain curious, tune into HGTV’s “RV 2006” on Sunday, for a look at the latest styles and models.

During this hourlong special, host Mark Totty introduces the viewer to almost every type of RV – from the jaw-dropping luxury motor coaches to tiny economical towables.

The show kicks off with a walk through a 2006 Intrigue 530 motor coach, manufactured by Country Coach of Junction City, Ore.

Last year Country Coach produced 816 rigs ranging in price from $265,000 to $1.6 million. The midrange 45-foot Intrigue 530 retails around $516,000.

“We make up nearly 10 percent of the high-end market,” said Matt Howard Country Coach’s director of marketing and public relations during a telephone conversation earlier this week.

“We actively pursue the avid motor coacher,” he said. Country Coach’s target populations generally fall into two categories – existing customers, about 64 years old, who continue to upgrade; and younger semiretired baby boomers between 57 and 60 years old.”

The luxury coach market specializes in high quality furnishings, performance and finish.

The Intrigue’s interior height of 82-inches includes features such as residential-size appliances, plasma televisions, designer furniture, radiant floor heating, plush carpeting and full-size baths.

The smallest diesel engine is a 400 horse-power Cummins ISL. “That’s a lot of engine,” said Howard.

The tank capacities include 135-gallon fuel, 95-gallon fresh water, 65-gallon gray water and 45-gallon black water.

The exterior of the 45-foot Intrigue tops out at 12-feet 8-inches including roof air. The skin-to-skin width spans 101-inches, mirrors not included. Quad slide-outs almost double the living space when parked.

Shift in RV industry

Over the past couple of years there has been a change in the RV industry, according to Howard.

“The entire category of luxury motor coaches chased features for so long that it came to a point where the luxury coach has became a portable version of an existing lifestyle,” he said.

RVing “is no longer an escape from daily life,” said Howard. “Now people can essentially turn a key and take their luxury homes on the road.”

With high speed Internet connection and satellite television, continued Howard, “people can be anywhere – on the beach in Baja, Mexico – and manage their stock portfolio. They can do any business they need to do from wherever they are.”

The other 95 percent

While the production and sale of high-end motor coaches have dramatically increased over the past decade, they are still less than five percent of all RVs sold.

“RV 2006” gives viewers a look into a variety of other recreational vehicles that will appeal to the other 95 percent of buyers.

During the segment on travel trailers viewers get a glimpse into the Airstream Quiksilver Edition with its breezy blue, white and silver surf-inspired interior.

“Only 100 of the Quiksilver special-edition trailers were manufactured,” said Karyn Dietz, who, with her husband, Nick, owns Airstream of Spokane.

“Everything inside was done in a beach theme designed with Quiksilver out of California,” says Karyn. “There are Tiki knobs on the cabinets and a world map imprinted on the dinette table.”

The Quiksilver Edition retails around $39,500, not including air conditioning and awning.

While Airstream trailers can be 34-feet in length and up to $89,000 suggested retail, it is the smaller 16- and 19-foot Bambi models that are the hottest sellers.

“The Bambi is popular because it can be pulled with a smaller SUV,” said Karyn. “One doesn’t need to buy a larger truck.”

The 16-foot Bambi has a gross weight of 3,500 pounds and the 19-foot has a gross weight of 4,500 pounds. “That is attractive to a lot of people,” said Karyn.

Airstream of Spokane carries new Bambi, Classic, International CCD and Safari trailers. Prices range from $36,850 for the entry level 19-foot Bambi to $42,500 for the International CCD.

RV ownership up

“RV ownership is at an all-time high,” said RV industry spokesperson Rachel Parsons in an email.

A 2005 University of Michigan study commissioned by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, states nearly 8 million households have an RV – a 15 percent increase since 2001 and a 58-percent gain since 1980.

Even with the higher fuel prices, it is reported that overall 2005 RV shipments were up 3.9 percent over 2004, according to industry statistics.

“One-in-12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own at least one RV,” said Parsons, public relations manager for RVIA.

For more information

“ Reach Country Coach online at www.countrycoach.com, call toll-free (800) 654-0223 or write to P.O. Box 400, Junction City, OR 97448.

“ Airstream of Spokane, which can be seen from Interstate 90, is at 1104 N. Park St. in Spokane Valley. It can be accessed at it’s Web site, www.airstreamofspokane.com,or by calling (509) 534-8599. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

“ Home and Garden Television’s Web site, www.hgtv.com, is a resource with instructions for thousands of do-it-yourself projects, video tips and message boards. Topics include decorating, remodeling, gardening and crafts.

“ The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association can be accessed online at www.rvia.com.

“ For a peek at Quiksilver’s outdoor California look go to www.quiksilver.com.