New Head Coach for 2023

Holiday Rambler’s Eclipse class A has comfort and function in all of the right spaces.

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Words by Steve Fennell

When Holiday Rambler announced its new Eclipse Class A in late summer, some of the concepts we liked were the choice of three different floorplans, three different lengths and the number of standards that are often only options on other units in this class of RVs.

What this means is the Eclipse floorplans offer many of the same appointments and features, thus eliminating many compromises in quality and function whether you’re upgrading or downsizing to a luxury coach for the 2023 season.

A gas-powered class A that tips the scales at 10,000 kg (22,000 lb), the Eclipse touts a Ford 7.3 L V8 engine that generates 350 hp at 468 pound-feet of torque. This can deliver ample power while driving through regions like Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains on the U.S. I-75 or the rolling hills of Northwestern Ontario. What’s more, it has a hitch rating of 4,000 kg (8,000 lb), allowing you to haul a compact car or a boat and trailer.

The Eclipse Exterior

Holiday Rambler always has that exterior ‘wow’ factor. The Eclipse continues this trait with modern chrome accents and what the company calls an ‘aggressive front grill.’ Contemporary graphics are also available. Trick yours out with one of the full-body colour combos including red/gray, silver/blue and gray/green colour schemes.

Overhead are dual A/C units (that are ducted, insulated and rated at 13,500 BTUs) that’ll keep you cool during the height of summer or at a winter snowbird destination. Following its streamlined profile, you’ll notice heavy-duty chrome slam-latch luggage doors for the basement storage, a concealed entertainment centre with an LED TV, power awnings, and a one-piece rear fibreglass cap with lighting appointments - all standard and all very practical.

A quiet-running 5500 W Cummins Onan genny is also part of the package. If you prefer the added convenience of natural power, the Eclipse is pre-wired for a variety of solar systems.

More Space; Interior Comfort

Holiday Rambler is part of REV Recreation Group’s family of class A motorhomes and in traditional company fashion, the Eclipse’s interior is designed to impress at a first glance. The steps leading up and into this coach incorporate moulded rubber treading and a metal grab handle for easy access. Once inside, it’s apparent a lot of effort has been made to provide function and versatile living.

The three floorplans include the 32S, 34J, and 35R, ranging in length from 9 m (32 ft) and 10 m (34 ft) to 11 m (35 ft). They also share sought-after features and designs. One highlight is the popular Hide-A-Loft electric drop-down bed. It lowers down forward in the coach - just above the driver’s and passenger console - and offers an added living and sleeping area for extra guests. It then raises when it’s not in use, thus conserving living space.

Other interesting features include a standard WiFiRanger, a digital MultiPlex system with an 18 cm (7 in) digital display, and a dash stereo that has a 25 cm (10.1 in) tilt screen and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android smart devices. What are the main differences in the floorplans? The length, number of slides and layouts.

For instance, the 32S is a two-slide coach with dual full baths - one is just off the rear master bedroom and the other is opposite the galley - as well as a Dream Dinette and a jack-knife sofa.  Both convert to sleeping areas. The 34J, however, has one slide, a single bath and is equipped with a set of bunks with rolling barn doors for privacy.

While the galley has a double sink and microwave, the exterior entertainment centre also houses a refrigerator, microwave, and second sink. It’s also covered by the exterior awning in the event of inclement weather.

If more space is required, the 35R has ample room and is ideal for entertaining and socializing. Like the 32S and 34J, this twin-slide coach has a Serenity king bed in the master bedroom, a large pantry, a Dream Dinette, and jack-knife sofa with the addition of theatre seating.

Rounding out the Eclipse is Tarkett flooring throughout, attractive solid surface countertops in the galley, and a choice of two stained or two painted wood cabinetry options and three interior décor packages.

Although Canadian pricing and availability weren’t available at press time, be sure to inquire about the Eclipse at an upcoming RV show or at your local dealer.

HolidayRambler.com

American Coach Rolls Out New Diesel Class B

American Coach is also part of REV Recreation Group’s RV division and the American Patriot class B diesel is another new model for 2023. Although much attention has been given to its flagship 45 American Eagle luxury class A this year, expect the same level of quality appointments and function but in a more compact design.

The 170EXTMD2 is just one of the four Patriot floorplans that ride smoothly on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. It’s powered by a 3.0 L V6 diesel engine to produce 188 hp at 3,500 rpm and 325 ft-lbs of torque at 1,400 rpm. If you prefer gas, a Ford 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine on a Transit chassis is available with the MD2 floorplan.

It has an exterior length of 7 m (24 ft), width of 2 m (8 ft), height of 3 m (10 ft) and an interior headroom of 1.8 m (6 ft), providing enough space for several luxury appointments. Comfort starts forward for the driver and passenger with Deluxe swivel leather pedestal seats and the living area is impressive with leather upholstery on the seating arrangement, which easily combines and converts to a large bed.

A series of cabinets overhead on either side at the rear offer ample storage space and just forward, the galley features a stacked stainless microwave and fridge, a pantry and plenty of drawer storage. The lavatory is also nicely appointed. It comes complete with a porcelain toilet and dual entry shower doors. Other appointments in the Patriot include a wardrobe and a convenient flip-up table to accommodate a laptop or other electronics.

While the Patriot is nicely designed, some options include the Legacy Edition Package, which adds woven textile flooring, a rain glass shower door in the lavatory, and power window shades. Heated driver and passenger seats and a Surround View camera system are also available.

For more information on pricing, features and options, be sure to visit www.americancoach.com