East to West RV
Bright, spacious, and comfortable - the interior of the Tandara mid-level fifth wheel.
Words by Steve Fennell
With the increasing popularity of RVing among young families, urban couples, and outdoor enthusiasts, manufacturers are currently experiencing a growing wave of first-time buyers. Naturally, this comes with a lot of questions about what model to buy, what features are needed, what size of the unit should be considered – the list goes on – before making a purchase.
As there are countless models and many floorplans to choose from, the choices and a final decision can be daunting. So, it’s best to now consider the smaller details and the practicality of a unit, which will make a big difference in comfort and convenience. It can also simplify the buying process.
“The mindset among first-time buyers and RVers is different now than it was two years ago,” says Lisa Liegl-Rees, the General Manager of East To West RV, a division of Forest River, and manufacturer of fifth wheels, travel trailers, and Class C’s. “Given the current environment, it’s important to consider how the features and design of an RV will be beneficial and practical on the road”
East to West RV
Working remotely is common nowadays and another aspect to consider when determining size and function.
For example, initially consider where you will use the RV. Remember, many campgrounds are expected to once again be fully booked for the season (with minimal overflow sites), which may lead you to boondocking on government Crown land. While a great option with its peacefulness, it does require some planning to live off-grid comfortably. So, choosing OEM features like solar power or a generator to run appliances/electronics, a model with larger capacity freshwater and waste tanks, and plush living spaces will all be added benefits should you need to unexpectedly camp in a remote area.
What you also may not realize is the importance of buying from a local dealer. Unlike a car or SUV, an RV is not commonly serviced or upgraded with a new installation and ready for the following day - buying locally just may offer some time savings right at the point of purchase.
“It’s exciting to go off the beaten path,” says Liegl-Rees. “Solar power systems are currently very popular right now in addition to interiors with lighter colours, functional galleys with large sinks (for easier clean-ups), and plenty of dedicated storage space. Interiors that can accommodate home offices to work remotely and areas where kids can do their online schooling are other common requests we see.”
1 of 2
East to West RV
Lighting and other appointments always lend some ambiance to the interior.
2 of 2
East to West RV
Lighting and other appointments always lend some ambiance to the interior.
An RV is a large investment that easily costs well into five digits for a new model – not to mention the price of a tow vehicle should you consider a travel trailer or fifth wheel. To minimize costs, sometimes it might be best to consider a competitively priced, entry-level model, especially if you’re new to RVing. Many of these models are easy to tow with an existing SUV or light truck, plus they may be easier to sell in the event you lose interest down the road.
In fact, models across the East to West RV brands are based on limited floorplans with high-quality standards, and limited options. This can result in a more simplified purchasing process, thus eliminating the chance of getting overwhelmed with too many choices.
More specifically, its travel trailer brands include the Alta and the Della Terra, which range in lengths from approximately 9 to 12 m (28 to 38 ft), as well as the Tandara, a mid-level fifth wheel available in lengths from 10 to 13 m (33 to 41 ft). All brands also offer no more than 10 floorplans. A new full-profile fifth wheel and a new Class C, which are currently in the prototype stage, are expected to be launched September this year.
East to West RV
The space and function of an RV kitchen are important no matter where your travels take you.
“East To West RV offers competitive pricing with high-quality features, which we feel is really important as an RV is a second investment for many families,” says Liegl-Rees. “All of our models come standard with eight cubic-foot (or larger) refrigerators, 35,000 BTU furnaces and 25,000 BTU A/C, stainless steel kitchen sinks and we only have one interior and one exterior décor. This minimizes the confusion for the buyer. Sometimes if there are too many options, people can’t make up their mind on what to buy.”
Additionally, construction is another important aspect to consider. While construction processes and materials used varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, East to West offers 5 cm (2 in) interior walls, automotive deposition coated frames, enclosed/heated underbellies, flush floor slideouts, and an impressive 206 cm (81 in) ceiling height.
But East To West RV is just one example of the variety of competitively–priced models available for first-time buyers to consider. With the current restrictions of consumer RV shows, online research and visiting your local RV dealer to view floorplans and learn about what is available are two viable starting points.
East to West RV
The spacious shower with dedicated storage in the East to West Alta travel trailer.
“RVing offers so many opportunities when it comes to travelling and it’s very liberating to be able to get in a trailer and make your own charted path,” says Liegl-Rees. “While the size of a unit and staying within budget are important, so are the smaller details you wouldn’t normally consider, which can make all the difference during the buying process – and with your family on the road.”
For more details about East To West RV visit www.easttowestrv.com
East to West RV