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.

Exterior Features

Full body paints and exterior graphics are optional and may vary from dealer to dealer on what they order. The exterior storage compartments are reminiscent of a Class A motorhome with the door-like opening and solid mechanisms. These baggage doors are insulated aluminum with a single paddle latch for easy opening. The pictured 24SB also sports a TV on the outside, which is optional and also unusual to find on exterior of the the smaller RVs.

2011 Chateau Citation Sprinter Exterior

Two Floorplans

Both the Chateau Citation and the Four Winds Siesta come in two floorplans, the 24SA and the 24SB. Some highlights of both floorplans include:

• Glass shower door
• China bowl toilet
• Cab-over bed, or optional front entertainment center with 26″ LCD television
• Cinnamon maple cabinets, or optional cherry

Model 24SA

The main feature that the 24SA offers is a queen size bed in the rear curb-side corner. The advantage is that the bed is always ready and no need set it up at night when you may be tired from your daytime activities. The downside is that takes up valuable space, and with it being in the corner it is not as accessible to get in or out or to make the bed. Some people have a strong preference for a walk-around bed after they’ve experienced the lack of accessibility of a corner bed. It comes standard with a booth dinette, or optionally a hide-a-bed sofa or u-shaped dinette instead of the booth.

Model 24SB

The advantage of the 24SB is more open living space. By sacrificing the full-time corner bed, the bathroom relocates to the back wall and includes a larger closet. This frees up the driver’s sidewall to fit the booth dinette and the sofa, side-by-side into one large slide out. Of course a larger slide opens up even more space both visually and physically. On the curb-side of the coach, the kitchen expands down the wall and add a pantry.

One Disappointment

In both models, the kitchen makes up the a major portion of the view while sitting at the sofa and is fairly prevalent in the dinette too. Some won’t be bothered by this because experience tells them that they’re only sitting there when there’s nothing to see outside. However, if you like to hang out inside sometimes, or find yourself boxed in due to weather this might feel a little claustrophobic to you.

Overall

Click here to view the embedded video.

Overall, this is a solid offering from Thor built on the fuel efficient Sprinter chassis. Head out to your local dealer, or nearby RV show, to spend a little time getting to know this little RV and if it is the right fit for your life.

Fleetwood had several 2010 Quest models at closeout prices at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. The Quest is a “value” model class C built on the diesel Sprinter 3500 chassis. MSRP looks to be between $84,000 and $93,000, and you would normally expect to offer 25% off that, or $63,000 to $69,750. At the show the closeout price is shown at $60,000 on the window.

I doubt these models will last at that price, but if you’ve been in the market for this, then head over to the 2010 Florida RV SuperShow. The 2010 Quest is a limited run of only 150 vehicles, and there are reports that they’ve been selling fast. It’s an appealing entry into the 2010 small diesel chassis market and has a lot to offer.

I’m not Fleetwood’s biggest fan, but many people I’ve met have had several Fleetwood models over the years and wouldn’t buy anything else. The Quest comes in two floorplans, the 24L and the 24E. Both floorplans include the cabover bed, but one option instead is a low profile cab with a 26” TV.

The 24L features a front entry that opens into the kitchen/living area. The sofa overlooks the sink, stove and door with small windows. The rear has an interesting corner dinette/sofa/sleeper area that they call Gaucho Dinette. The bath is located in the other rear corner.

The 24E has the entry in the rear, which allows for separate zones a bit better. The rear is an ample sized bath with wardrobe closet. Middle is the kitchen. The front area is the living area with two sofas facing one another. Above each sofa is a nice sized window that provides great views and lighting from either one. In this model, the slideout is longer and so provides more space inside when parked.

Overall these models offer a great entry point into a Class C Mercedes Diesel. The tradeoff is that the “fit and finish” doesn’t feel as polished or substantial as some of the other more expensive models on the market. Take a look for yourself to see if it fits your needs.

2010 Quest 24L Floorplan

2010 Quest 24E Floorplan