Coachmen RVs: 9 Facts Owners & Buyers Should Know

One of the biggest motorhome brand names in the RV industry is Coachmen.

This motorhome company has been manufacturing quality motorhomes for many years and has sold more than 750,000 units.

With a reputable reputation in the RV industry, many people know much about this motorhome company, but there is always more to learn, as is the case with most things.

Most can agree that Coachmen RVs is a company worth considering when looking to purchase a new motorhome.

That’s why we have found eight facts that we think you should know before you make your decision.

Can You Buy Coachmen RVs Directly From The Factory?

Coachmen do not sell their RVs directly from the factory. The company sells its products through dealerships and recommends customers buy a Coachmen RV from their local dealership. This is because they firmly believe a dealership will give potential Coachmen RV owner the best possible experience.

1.Where Are Coachmen RVs Made?

The Coachmen motorhome company has come a long way since its inception.

In the early years when it first began production, the factory was only 5,000 square feet and was located in downtown Middlebury, Indiana in the United States.

During Coachmen’s first year of production, they manufactured an impressive 12 trailers, about 80 truck caps, and one truck camper.

As the years passed and the company continued to grow and thrive, it became apparent that they would need a bigger factory. Their products’ quality and durability created a demand that the company knew they needed to meet to keep contending with the competition.

Thus the Coachmen opened up a modern manufacturing facility that acts as its primary factory in Middlebury, Indiana.

Impressively this primary manufacturing facility occupies more than 220 acres, with 23 acres encompassing dedicated to underproof facilities.

It is, however, important to note that Coachmen has a separate facility of 90 acres in Centerville, Michigan, that is dedicated to the manufacturing of camping trailers.

2.Who Owns the Coachmen Company?

As many of us know, the Coachmen motorhome company has been a well-respected RV manufacturer for many years.

However, some might not know just how long the company has been in business.

The Coachmen company was founded in 1964 in North America by three brothers named Keith, Claude, and Tom Corson.

They wanted a company that would provide potential customers with superior service, dependable floorplan designs, comfortable furnishings, and modern features that would adapt as technological advances occurred.

With many successful years behind them, the Coachmen motorhome company was acquired by Forest River Inc, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc subsidiary, in 2008.

Despite the acquisition, the company has continued to flourish, grow and produce exceptional motorhome products.

3.What Types and Sizes of RVs Does Coachmen Produce?

The Coachmen company manufactures many different motorhome types.

They offer one of the broadest categoric ranges in the industry and are known for producing reliable motorhomes.

We know exactly how hard it can be to uncover the various types and sizes of RVs that a motorhome company produces.

That’s why we have listed the various types available and the size ranges applicable to each type.

• Class A: 28 feet and 9 inches to 41 feet and 1 inch.
• Class B: 20 feet and 11 inches to 24 feet and 3 inches.
• Class C: 24 feet to 34 feet and 10 inches.
• Toy Hauler: 20 feet and 3 inches to 36 feet and 4 inches.
• Travel Trailer: 18 feet and 6 inches to 36 feet and 11 inches.
• Fifth Wheel: 29 feet and 3 inches to 42 feet and 7 inches.
• Destination Trailer: 40 feet and 11 inches.
• Camping Trailer: 13 feet to 23 feet and 5 inches.

Check these great Class A RVs that fit a 12 feet tall garage.

4. What Are The Most Common Problems?

Here you can read about the most common problems and issues with Coachmen RVs.

5. Does Coachmen Make a Toy Hauler?

Toy haulers are convenient motorhomes for those who enjoy undertaking frequent outdoor adventures.

It can be almost impossible to find a quality toy hauler that can handle years of outdoor trips that occur in many environments.

Fortunately, the Coachmen motorhome company manufactures a few toy haulers that are durable and manufactured with quality materials. Pictured above is the Freedom Express Select 17BLSE, which measures 20 feet and 3 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 5,900 pounds.

For example, the companies toy hauler model, the Catalina Trail Blazer, won the 2021 RV Pro award for the best new toy hauler model.

6. What Are the Smallest RVs from Coachmen?

Many people prefer owning a smaller motorhome.

Not only are smaller motorhomes usually cozy and convenient, but they also offer easier maneuverability and are more affordable.

Smaller RVs are excellent choices for those who want to undertake a solo adventure or smaller families that want to take frequent camping trips.

If you have found yourself considering a smaller motorhome but are unsure which company you should consider, it might be time to look at Coachmen RVs.

The Coachmen motorhome company is popular amongst not only veteran RV owners but also first-time buyers.

The company has a huge selection of smaller models available, and there is undoubtedly going to be one that you like that suits your budget and requirements.

• Class A: Pursuit 27 DS – (pictured above) 28 feet and 9 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 16,000 pounds.
• Class B: Nova 20RB – 20 feet and 11 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 9,350 pounds.
• Class C: Leprechaun 210QB – 24 feet with a gross vehicle weight of 12,500 pounds.
• Toy Hauler: Freedom Express Select 17BLSE – 20 feet and 3 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 5,900 pounds.
• Travel Trailer: Clipper Ultra-Lite 16CFB – 18 feet and 6 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 3,863 pounds.
• Fifth Wheel: Chaparral Lite 25MKS – 29 feet and 3 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 9,800 pounds.
• Camping Trailer: Clipper Express 9.0TD – 13 feet with a gross vehicle weight of 2,194 pounds.

7. What Are the Biggest RVs from Coachmen?

Often a larger RV is perfect for large families or groups of friends who would like to travel together frequently.

Larger RVs are also ideal for those considering full-time RV living. Bigger motorhomes offer more space and usually provide more features.

In addition to this, they often handle temperature changes better as many larger motorhomes are built to handed winter travel.

Should you be considering purchasing a new motorhome, you might want to consider the Coachmen company as they have a wide variety of bigger motorhomes from which you can choose.

• Class A: Sportscoach RD – 41 feet and 1 inch with a gross vehicle weight of 32,000 pounds.
• Class B: Galleria 24Q – 24 feet and 3 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 11,030 pounds.
• Class C: CrossTrek XL 33XG – (pictured above) 34 feet and 10 inches with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 pounds.
• Toy Hauler: Adrenaline 29SS – 36 feet and 4 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 12,500 pounds.
• Travel Trailer: Freedom Express Liberty Edition 323BHDSLE – 36 feet and 11 inches with a gross vehicle weight that still needs to be determined.
• Fifth Wheel: Chaparral X Edition 355FBX– 42 feet and 7 inches.
• Camping Trailer: Viking V Trek V3 – 23 feet and 5 inches with a gross vehicle weight of 4,427 pounds.

8. What Are The Most Popular RVs by Coachmen?

When you’re looking to purchase a new motorhome, it’s usually a concern whether or not you are wasting money on a particular RV.

The Coachmen motorhome company has been in business for more than 60 years and, as such, has gained a trustworthy reputation for manufacturing some of the best motorhome models in the industry.

Many motorhome companies have failed to reach the success of the Coachmen company. While some motorhome companies have faltered, Coachmen has remained relevant and at the forefront of people’s minds when considering which RV to invest in.

As the company has been around for a while, they have manufactured a few motorhome models that are incredibly popular in the RV market.

For example, their Leprechaun class C model has been a bestseller since 1973.

If you would like to know a few of the currently popular models that the brand manufactures, you can see below.

• Sportscoach SRS 354QS
• Prism 24DS
• Catalina Trail Blazer 30THS
• Chaparral X Edition 393MBX
• Freedom Express Ultra-Lite 259FKDS

9. Are Coachmen RVs For All Four Seasons?

Amongst the many motorhome manufacturers, the Coachmen company is one of the most well respected in the industry because of their quality service and durable motorhome structures.

Not only are Coachmen RVs manufactured with quality materials, but many of their models are capable of all-season travel.

Many of the Coachmen models have superior insulation ratings and come with adequate heating and cooling systems to ensure your comfort while out traveling or practicing full-time RV living.

There are certain factors you need to know to determine if an RV is four seasonal. The below heading will point out a few of the crucial factors.

Additionally, we have also given an example of one of the Coachmen models that are all-season capable and have listed the specs, so you know what to expect.

Factors That Determine A Four Season Motorhome:

To help you identify the important factors that determine whether a motorhome is truly four seasonal or not, we have, as previously mentioned, listed a few of them.

If you look out for these factors when considering your next motorhome purchase, you will likely be able to determine if the motorhome you are interested in is actually capable of all-season travel or living:

1. The motorhome has better insulation materials and insulation ratings. As a general rule, the higher the insulation rating, the more capable the motorhome handles cold weather during winter.
   • A proper four-season motorhome will have a wall insulation rating of at least R-11.
2. Additionally, slide-outs should have a rating of R-15 or higher, and flooring should have a rating of a minimum of R-21.
3. Superior heating features in the motorhome. Many RVs will have 15000 BTU furnaces, but if you want a genuine four-season motorhome, it would be best to get one with a 30000 BTU furnace.
   • Additionally, you will want an RV that has a heated and enclosed underbelly.
4. Sealed gaps throughout the RV. Many motorhomes have gaps in windows, doors, and vents.
   • A four-season capable motorhome will have any holes sealed with insulation to ensure your RV doesn’t use excessive amounts of energy.

Chaparral 334FL All Season Specs

• Weather shield R-11 sidewalls and R-30 flooring with an impressive R38 roof.
• Aluminum framed sidewalls that are vacuum-bonded and with Azdel composite sidewall panels.
• Enclosed and heated gate valves.
• An insulated pass-through storage area.
• Enclosed, ducted, insulated, and heated underbelly.
• Weather Shield feature that ensures the motorhome can withstand 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit weather.
• 15000 BTU airconditioning system.
• Electric fireplace.

Citations:

4 Season RVs Mean Protection from Cold and Heat

The History of Coachmen RVs

The Various Coachmen RV Models Available