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RV makers striving for efficiency, economy

By Jeff Johnston MOTOR MATTERS | Friday, November 14, 2008

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RV manufacturers continue their efforts to design and build products better suited for today -- and tomorrow's -- economic climates.

The new Freelander 2100 CB Class C motorhome from Coachmen RV and the Lance 1880 travel trailer are the newest examples of this genre of RVs.

Dodge Sprinter-based motor homes are all the rage today and the Freelander is a good example of the kind of small, efficient coach that can be built upon the Sprinter cab and chassis.

According to the company, the Freelander can achieve an estimated 17 to 19 miles per gallon due to its fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine.

These mpg figures seem pretty optimistic, but in the real world this rig should hit pretty close to, but not exactly, those numbers.

The Freelander measures about 25 feet long and features a typical Class C floor plan with a cab over bed an integral part of the rig. It includes one modest-size slideout curbside, which contains the unusual U-shaped dinette/lounge with removable pedestal table.

The galley is aft of the driver seat, streetside, and there's a master bed in the aft curbside corner and a compact dry bath in the opposite corner.

Functionality is key to the Freelander 2100's success. Features such as 78 cubic feet of exterior storage, sleeping for six, plus 50/37/22-gallon fresh/gray/black water capacities, respectively, enhance its camping practicality.

Its body is the standard 8 feet wide and a 7-foot ceiling height adds to the roomy interior ambiance. The usual array of self-containment features is standard or optionally available.

Given its 11,030-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the 2100 CB is built to lightweight standards in order to avoid overloading the Sprinter chassis. The lightweight theme also contributes towards the vehicle's potential fuel efficiency.