Sprinter RV

It is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis that is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 turbo engine with BlueTEC diesel technology. This chassis provides fantastic fuel economy from one of the cleanest diesel engines on the market. You’ll also be impressed by its power as you’re driving your fully loaded RV up mountainous roads.

Fleetwood RV introduced the 2011 Jamboree DSL and 2011 Tioga DSL as their premium offering in the Class C diesel market, and the 2011 Jamboree Sport DSL and 2011 Tioga Ranger DSL as a value-priced option.

Exterior of Jamboree DSL Shown in Tungsten

2011 Fleetwood Jamboree DSL

This is a classy looking rig that has taken some cues from the Class A’s:

• pass-through storage
• aluminum luggage doors
• full-body paint
• 3 color schemes: Concord, Sandrift, and Tungsten

The cab-over area lines are smooth, and yet the shape is less of a bubble than many of the other Sprinter RVs. There were no windows in the cab-over of the unit pictured above, but the floorplan shows them on each side. Conversely, the same unit clearly has a large window at above the bed on the curbside, however the floorplan does not show one. Regardless, it seems like there are less windows overall than other Sprinter models and floorplans on the market. Be sure to check it out for yourself.

Interior

The only floorplan is the 24D:

2011 Fleetwood Jamboree DSL 24D Floorplan

Some notables inside include:

• full-time rear corner bed
• ‘ultraleather’ sofa booth dinette
• china bowl toilet
• whole coach water filtration system
• duel pane windows (talk to your dealer about how appropriate these are in your area)
• ceiling halogen lights (may want to determine if switching to LED is reasonable)
• curved shower rod gives more room in shower
• solid surface counter top
• slide-out long enough to include dinette, pantry, and refrigerator to open up isle space

(Click on images to enlarge)

Overall the fit and finish provide a quality feel to this small motorhome. There are three interior decors to choose from: Linen Oasis, Lustrous Gold, and Mystic Midnight. First though, I’d select the wood finish, either Satin Chestnut or Satin Spice, because wood is a predominate feature inside.

Things to Consider

Check out the 2011 Jamboree DSL at your dealer or RV Show and be sure to spend time as much time in it as possible to determine whether this model fits your travel style. Pay particular attention to whether the dinette booth is adequate for both dining and lounging around in the evenings. Look at whether the windows provide the views and openness that you’ll want while camping or exploring. Also remember to discuss the duel pane windows and if they’re a good idea in your area. Florida for example is so humid that many avoid duel panes because moisture historically gets trapped between panes and need to be replaced to fix them.

Four Winds Class C RV Model 19G

The Four Winds motorhome, model 19G, is the ideal weekend warrior’s vehicle. Camping World sported this small Class C RV at the Tampa RV Show early this year, and has been on my mind ever since. The show price was right at $50,000 making this attractive as a camper and a second vehicle rolled into one. At 19.1 feet in length you can park just about anywhere – in fact it’s only a foot and a half longer than my Ford SportTrac, which is a cross between a truck and an SUV.

Bright, Roomy Comfort in a Small RV

The 19G is surprisingly bright and roomy due to it’s well thought out floorplan. The entrance is set back just enough that allows for a small, and comfortable, chair inside right – just behind the cab area. With the window above that chair, and one included in the door itself, the dinette offers fantastic views in all directions.

Four Winds Class C Model 19G Floorplan

Four Winds 19G Front Area

The overhead bed makes use of the cut away by only folding up a small portion of the bed. Now it’s easy to get into the cab from the coach, while the bedding is tucked up. The 19” flatscreen TV is well positioned in the overhead cab area for easy viewing from bed, or the dinette. The bed itself seems lower than similar models, so getting in and out of bed is easier and safer.

The dinette is comfortable and therefore a more useful space than most dinettes. Like almost every other dinette, the table drops down for an extra bed, or day bed if you prefer. Above the seats and table are storage cabinets that are spacious and easy to access. With the chair facing the dinette, a comfortable living area is created that offers plenty of views out any of the many windows.

Substantial Inside Storage Storage

Speaking of storage, to the right of the refrigerator is a good sized closet with a hanger rod inside, and a large mirror on the outside. Some people might use it as a pantry, but most will want to make use of this space for clothes and possibly spare shoes or linens. The refrigerator is not large, but is ample given the size of this rig and above it is the microwave. The back of the unit really shines with a stunning amount of storage for food and utensils, plenty of counter space, and a surprisingly large window as well.

Four Winds 19G Rear View

A Little Downside

The bath is very functional and admittedly cramped. It is an all-in-one enclosure of a shower, toilet, sink and mirror. It’s really the expected trade-off for a mini motorhome and is quite practical considering that most people will shower in the campground facilities. This way, you have it with you if needed.

Four Winds International is a division of Thor Industries, Inc., and they built the 19G on the Ford Triton engine and chassis so it has plenty of power. The downside is that it is gas rather than diesel, though for some gas is an upside. The dealer said that mileage is in the 8-10 mpg range. The various tank sizes look adequate for weekends and getaways.

The Four Winds Class C Motorhome 19G is ideal for a wide spectrum of people. For those who have a large Class A, and are used to bringing their amenities with them on short site-seeing tours, the 19G will make a great choice. Motorcycle riders can pull their Harley’s to the Keys or Daytona to camp out and enjoy rides during the day. Even soccer mom’s will like how this parks and keeps grocery’s cold while running endless errands.

See for Yourself

Click here to view the embedded video.

Get out to your local RV dealership, RV show, or Camping World to check out this small Class C motorhome. While you’re looking, don’t forget other models, like the Winnebago View Profile when deciding on price, size, and fuel types

As a Medical Manufacturer’s Sales Representative in Central Florida, my territory covers the west coast of Florida through Orlando to Daytona Beach, along the Interstate 4 corridor. I am given a car allowance, but many of the perks have been cut out of the budget. Just like everyone else, I needed to find ways to cut expenses to make ends meet. After doing some online research for a small RV that gets good gas mileage, I went to several RV dealerships that carry the diesel Sprinter camper vans (a Class B RV) and the Class C RVs.

Class A RV

I determined early on that the Class A RVs were much too big to park at many of the hospitals and doctors’ offices I visit. Besides it is overkill for my “mobile office” needs, and the fuel economy is poor. One promising Class A though is the upcoming Sprinter based 2010 Via by Winnebago. It is a 25-foot motorhome that looks interesting, but might still be a bit too big for work travel. The available floor plans look less promising though as a set up for a “mobile office”.

Class B RV

The class B RV was too small and I think I would get cabin fever after a few days. The floor plan was not comfortable for a mobile office setting, and the shower was virtually unusable. The fuel economy was attractive, but not worth the sacrifice on space. Once filled with my products and equipment, this set up clearly would not work.

Class C RV

The Class C RVs were just right. Although the fuel economy is not as good as the Class B, they have the best floor plans, with adequate storage and a comfortable “mobile office” workspace. Several months ago I purchased the Winnebago View 24H that has a dinette, which works well as a desk, and a couch so it doesn’t have a bedroom feel. It is one of the best small RVs, in my opinion, and is the perfect “mobile office” for me.

I use my travel coffee maker and head to my first meeting of the day. By the time I arrive, I am able to go in the back of the RV to use the restroom. I check my e-mails on the computer, grab something from the refrigerator and heat it up in the microwave. Then when I meet my clients I’m refreshed and at my best.

When I need to stay overnight, just like any other of the small RVs that are self contained, I can watch a little TV, sleep, shower and shave, and I am ready for the next day. I have even stayed for free in the parking lots of some of the hospitals with the permission of the administrators.

My wife likes to go to a beach campground and then go to the local seafood restaurants on the weekends. She grew up with a small RV, visiting the Florida RV parks. I guess I need to give her all the credit for telling me to forget the Lexus, and get one of the Class C RVs. With the Sprinter model RV, I now have a fuel efficient ‘motoroffice’ during the week, and a fun ‘motorhome’ for the weekend. It’s the best of both worlds, 7 days a week!