Additional Info & Pricing

Special Interest Vehicles currently has several of these motorhomes available, some under 10,000 miles, others under 20,000 miles.



What you are about to read is a description of the most highly advanced gasoline powered motorhome that has ever been designed and manufactured. The final result of this design is a rear engine, wide track, low center of gravity, tandem axle motorhome with a very low drag coefficient. Some of the more outstanding features are central air conditioning, direct drive, ZF differential (West German), wide track front end (79.8 inches), and a front mounted cross-flow radiator for more efficient cooling.

For specific information, scroll down or select a topic from the list below.

Air Conditioning Drivetrain Holding Tanks
Appliances/Safety Features Electrical System Interior Features
Automotive Features Exterior Features Living Area
Bathroom Area Fresh Water Tank LP System
Bedroom Front Suspension Rear Suspension
Braking System Furnace Water Heater
Chassis & Body Design Galley Water Systems
Driver/Passenger General Decor


Air Conditioning

An especially unique feature of this motorhome is its coach central air conditioning system, developed specially for this application in conjunction with one of the leading manufacturers of vehicle air conditioning systems. It features twin compressor/condenser assemblies which are mounted in the left front corner of the motorhome.

Each compressor/condenser assembly utilizes the same condenser fan, and each compressor is rated at 10,300 BTU's. The evaporator/blower assembly is mounted in the cab headliner and draws air from the upper cab area. Because of its central air system, no air conditioner pods are mounted on the roof. Air conditioning is distributed through a ceiling mounted duct work system. A central thermostat controls the coach air conditioning and furnace systems and has high/low switching capability. The high setting, when air conditioning is being used, is for the two compressor/condenser running situation, with low running one compressor/condenser. Extensive testing of this system, including Death Valley testing, has shown that the system performs better than two roof-mounted pod systems.

There are no localized cold spots because there is more even distribution of cool air. The noise from the air conditioning system is in the front of the coach for better sleeping conditions at night. The air conditioning system can also be switched to utilize its fans to blow furnace heated air present in the coach downward through the ducting system.

Appliances/Safety Features

Features include: 10 gallon electric water heater, large/small sink with single control faucet and sprayer, fluorescent galley light, butcher block sink cover, flush-mounted double door 3-way refrigerator/freezer with electronic controls, integrated overhead central air conditioning, two deep cycle marine/RV batteries, 5,000 watt generator, 30,000 BTU forced air furnace with electronic ignition, 4 burner range with large oven and top cover, galley water purification system, power range hood (with deluxe monitor panel and digital clock), screened roof vents, circuit breaker box, convertor/charger with power cord, TV antenna with 3 jacks, 12-volt receptacle, coaxial cable and splitter, bedroom stereo system, fold-down TV stand, LP leak detectors and alarms, smoke detector, ground fault interrupter, and fire extinguisher.

Automotive Features

Features include: rear gas Ford V10 engine, 4 speed automatic transmission with column mounted shifter, oil/air and oil/water transmission cooler, 130 amp alternator, 225/70 R 19.5 Michelin radial tires, aluminum wheels, air/oil engine cooler, driver's and passenger's cab doors (with interior steps, deadbolt locks and courtesy lights), deluxe vinyl floor mats, power-assisted steering with tilt custom steering wheel, multi-function signal lever (intermittent windshield wipers, washers, high/low beam, turn signal, cruise control), 12-volt fuse panel, emergency start solenoid, rearview TV monitor system, generator condition light (oil pressure), generator start/stop switch, automotive air conditioning, auxilary battery disconnect switch, AM/FM stereo (with cassette, electronic tuner, digital clock and four speakers), ashtray oak beverage tray, cigarette lighter, electronic instrument panel, battery condition and fuel economy gauges, front wraparound privacy curtain, inside hood release, ICC blink switch, map light, couresty light, rearview mirror, reclining seats (with armrests, adjustable lumbar support, remote control seat adjustments, swivel/slide pedestal), molded side panels with air vents and fabric trim panels, seat belts (some units equipped with 3-point seat belts with retractors), sunvisors with multi-adjustable arms, and driver and passenger-side rearview mirrors with fairings and integrated convex mirrors.

Bathroom Area

The bathroom is one of the most unique features. The side shower/toilet area door and wall can be swung into place to section off the bath area from the front living area and the rear bedroom. The molded shower features an adjustable shower head with skylight above, and sliding accordian shower door. The toilet is a porcelain marine toilet. Opposite the shower and toilet is a vanity area with mirror, medicine cabinet, and make-up lights, with storage underneath. Next tot he vanity is the cedar-lined wardrobe, which is accessible while the bathroom is being used. All cabinetry in the bath area is covered with an attractive tambour design laminate. Abundant towell racks and rings along with built-in tissue holders are included.

Bedroom

The bedroom features a Sealy Posturepedic island queen bed with attractive wall coverings, mini blinds, bedspread, and pillow shams. The bed platform can be lifted with the assistance of gas cylinders to gain access to the engine compartment below and features an integrated storage compartment in the forward section. The engine compartment under the bed platform is covered with a fire retardant insulated fiberglass cover. Additional storage is included overhead, including a length-wise compartment above the bed, which dramatically increases bedroom storage capacity.

The bedroom is dominated by a panoramic rear window, one of the largest available in a motorhome bedroom. The side and rear windows are attractively finished with blinds and valance panels. Twin shirt closets with drawers beneath are mounted on each side of the bed. An AM/FM cassette stereo with two speakers is standard in the bedroom area, as is a pull down TV stand with integrated connection outlets for electricity and cable/antenna video.

Braking System

Supplied by Bendix, these motorhomes feature power assisted disc front and drum rear systems. Many tag axle motorhomes do not include braking systems on the tag axle. This braking system goes one step further, utilizing all six wheels. The braking system is fully tested and meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards. The park brake system is a spring-applied/ air release system for maximum efficiency.

Chassis & Body Design

The monocoque chassis is constructed entirely of steel. Its center floor section is 40 inches wide with raised outer floor areas, which create large lateral storage and systems compartments. The fuel tank, water tank, and one holding tank are mounted between the frame rails below the floor for maximum space utilization.

The engine is mounted in the rear which improves weight distribution and allows the under-hood area to house other systems. This eliminates the motor cover in the cab area and dramatically reduces engine noise while underway. These motorhomes are amazingly quiet when going down the road. The generator is mounted up front under the hood, minimizing noise in the bedroom area.

The chassis design was developed using computer aided design (C.A.D.). The dramatic look of these motorhomes is in part a result of its very low interior floor, which means the roof line is also lower than conventionally designed RV's. The center floor section is 22 inches from the ground. A standard non-basement motorhome's floor built on a Chevrolet chassis is approximately 31 inches from the ground. The entrance door is extra wide at 30 inches and features only two steps up. Because the floor is so low, there is no need for a pull-out or electric step. The heavy-duty entrance door includes a deadbolt lock for extra security, and a separate screen door for increased ventilation when parked.

Driver/Passenger

Driver and passenger doors feature integrated step wells for easy entrance. The driver's seat features lumbar support and optional 6-way electric adjustment. Both the driver and passenger seats include armrests and swivel/slide mechanisms. The instrument panel features a digital read-out system for the ultimate in information and driving ease.

A rearview TV monitor system by Sony is standard equipment. This rearview system is new, developed especially for automotive use. It features a smaller camera, greater resolution, better low-light sensitivity, 1-way voice communication from assistant in the rear to the driver, and built-in capability to add two additional cameras to the system.

Drivetrain

The differential is one of the keys to the striking overall design of these motorhomes. It is mounted to the underside of the chassis on rubber isolators, and therefore requires less ground clearance to do its job. This allows the floor to be 9 inches lower than a standard non-basement Chevrolet chassis motorhome. The differential, which transmits the engine's power to the rear drive wheels, was developed in conjunction with the ZF Company of West Germany, which produces transmission and drivetrain parts for BMW, Ford, G.M., and other automobile and truck applications.

The differential attaches directly to the transmission and eliminates the need for a drive shaft and U-joints between the differential and transmission. The drive ratio of 4.5:1 was chosen as the best power/mileage trade-off.

Electrical System

A central electrical system well is located below the floor between the driver and passenger seats. It is accessible from above and contains two coach deep cycle batteries, the 12-volt/110-volt converter, the 110-volt breakers, and a computerized load management system.

The computerized electrical load management system is a unique feature. It monitors power consumed by the air conditioning system, water heater, appliances and other electrical devices.

The two air conditioning compressors and the electric water heater are controlled by the computer and can be turned off as necessary, to prevent circuit overload and allow continuous use of other appliances. The system constantly monitors the AC current required and if amperage demand exceeds 30 amps, one air conditioning compressor is shut off. It also detects when the electric water heater requires power to heat water. When the water heater "request" is detected, the water heater is alternated on and off with one of the air conditioning compressors.

The purpose of this unique management system is convenience and owner peace of mind, as it automatically supervises the electrical system and minimizes circuit breaker switching.

Exterior Features

Features include: flexible formed plastic bumpers (front and rear), stylized mirrors with aerodynamic shroud and integrated convex on both sides, front and rear mud flaps, deadbolt locks, wide entrance door, screen door, large entrance stepwell, porch light with interior switch, carpeted exterior storage compartments with keylock, storage compartment lights, holding tank dump light, tinted windows with screens, water faucet, water fill door, water hose and reel, direct drive demand water pump, sewer hose and compartment, power cord, 110-volt exterior outlet, engine access light, lockable gas fill door with service light, spare tire, tire tools, wheel covers, and a trailer towing package (class 1 trailer hitch with removable tongue, trailer wiring, and connector).

Fresh Water Tank

These motorhomes have a single centrally located 45 gallon water tank.

Front Suspension

The suspension is fully independent and features coil springs with double transverse link design. It is rated at a 5,400 pound load capacity. A unique feature of the front suspension is its track width of 79.8 inches, which is about 13 inches wider than a standard Chevrolet motorhome chassis. This contributes greatly to improved handling, stability, and driver feel.

Furnace

These motorhomes have a 30,000 BTU Suburban forced air furnace of standard motorhome design. Air distribution vents are located around the coach and are controlled by the central air conditioning/ furnace thermostat. The furnace is powered by LP gas.

Galley

The galley features a 4 burner range with oven below as standard, with an optional convection/ microwave oven avaiable. When the convection/microwave is chosen, the lower standard oven is deleted and a large slide-out storage drawer is mounted below the range top. The galley countertop is an attractive, highly durable surface made of Avonite. The extra deep, stainless steel double sink is topped by a single control faucet and butcher block sink cover. An under-counter water purification system is standard. The flush mounted Norcold 3-way refrigerator/freezer features a smoked glass front. The galley also includes an abundance of storage and cabinet space.

General Decor

The interior is fully carpeted with a separate pad throughout, except in the galley area, which features solid wood parquet flooring. Two beautiful interior color schemes are available: charcoal/mauve or gray/blue.

The smoked safety glass windows feature screened tip-out lower sections for the ultimate in ventilation and bug proofing. These tip-out windows can also be used to allow ventilation during light rain, as they are designed to open, yet shed water downward without allowing it into the unit. An attractive padded vinyl headliner is used overhead for sound absorption and ease of maintenance. The beautiful cabinetry is almost entirely solid oak.

Holding Tanks

These motorhomes feature 3 holding tanks. The first is a 30 gallon tank used for the toilet and kitchen sinks. The second is a 14 gallon tank used for the bathroom sink. The third is a 26 gallon tank used for the shower.

Interior Features

Features include: 60 ounce Action-Back carpeting with foam pad, soft vinyl ceiling headliner, interior assist handrail, magazine rack, metal mini blinds, couch/continental bed with removable armrests and wood trim, decorator lamps, 110/12-volt remote controlled color TV with VCR and switching system, TV cabinet, reclining right front swivel chairs with slide pedestals and stationary table (chairs have remote control in arms for seat adjustments), entrance area mirror, single and double ceiling lights, floor courtesy lights, solid wood parquet galley flooring, galley end table, swinging divider door and bath wall/door, porcelain shortly marine toilet with spray cleaning attachment, powered lavatory vent, wall mirror with chrome frame, shower/tub with folding door and skylight, shower light, chrome soap dish, chrome facial tissue holder, chrome tissue holder, chrome towel bars and rings, sink with chrome faucet, medicine cabinet with mirror and make-up lights, wardrobe closet (with carpeted shelves, cedar panels, wood drawers, inside mirror, wood clothes rod with covering and lights), queen bed with posturepedic mattress, bedspread and pillow shams, rear corner shirt closets with drawers, under bed storage, and two bedroom reading lights.

Living Area

The convertible couch can be made into a comfortable double sleeper and features integral removable armrests. Across from the couch, twin swivel chairs with arm mounted controls for the sliding mechanism and seatback adjustment are standard. Mounted between them is a stationary wood lounge table for entertainment use, with magazine rack below.

LP System

These motorhomes have twin tanks mounted on either side behind the driver's compartment and are for use by the furnace and refrigerator.

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension features drive axle and tag axle systems. The tag axle is mounted ahead of the drive axle system. Both feature Velvet Ride torsional rubber independent suspension, supplied by B.F. Goodrich. The entire rear suspension system was designed in conjunction with B.F. Goodrich and is the product of their experience developing suspensions for large vehicles, such as high-line over the road buses.

The tag axle is a trailing arm type, rather than airbag or leaf spring designs. It has a combined total of 8 inches travel and is rated at 3,500 pound load capacity. The tag axle arms and wheel ends are supplied by ZF. Each tag axle features a Koni shock absorber for superior handling and ride. The drive axle features Velvet Ride suspension with a total of 8 inches of travel for extra control and comfort over bumpy roads. The drive axle drive shafts and wheel ends are also supplied by ZF of West Germany. It has a 7,000 pound load carrying load capacity. Each rear drive axle is also supplied with a Koni shock absorber. Handsome aluminum wheels for the ultimate in looks and durability are standard.

Water Heater

The water heating system is also very unique. Developed in conjunction with Atwood, the 10 gallon tank is bigger than those on most motorhomes and utilizes extra insulation for long heat retention.

Water in the tank can be heated in two different ways. The first, called a motoraid, is an aluminum coil inside the tank that uses hot engine coolant to heat the water while the engine is running, either while driving or parked. Second, an electrical element, powered by 110-volt from shoreline or the generator can also quickly heat water. Both systems can be operated at the same time.

The motoraid system can usually heat the tank contents after an engine running period of only 20 to 30 minutes. A thermostatically controlled valve on the motoraid line prevents overheating of the water tank contents. The 1,500 watt electric element can reheat the contents of the tank from 105 degrees (showering temperature) to 140 degrees in less than 30 minutes. A unique baffling system has been designed into the water heater to minimize cold/hot water mixing and as a result up to 95% of the storage capacity of the tank will be delivered at showering temperature or above.

The system can input BTU's up to three times greater than a conventional LP gas heater and requires less service, as fewer parts are necessary. It is UL rated and its incalloy heating element can tolerate energization even on an emtpy tank.

Water Systems

This compartment is contained inside the forward storage compartment on the driver's side. In this compartment are the demand water pump and drainage pipes from the water system with handy valves for conveniently and centrally draining the water system when storing the motorhome. Two water fill inlet locations, one for hose filling of the tank and the other for city water/campground connection, and a drain spigot to which a garden hose can be attached for access to water in the central water tank, are also contained in the compartment. The water compartment is heated by a vent from the furnace duct system.