Press Releases
Coachmen Lightens Up With Spirit of America Line
By Russ DeMaris

As fuel prices rise, RVers are looking to 'lighten up' the load on their gas company credit cards by going lighter behind the tow vehicle. One way RV manufacturers can build a lighter rig is to "get the wood out," that is, move from conventional wood framing with metal siding to aluminum framing with laminated sidewalls. The problem in getting away from "wood and tin" construction is that the "new" comes with a higher price tag.

Enter Coachmen's Spirit of America travel trailer line. While not a "new" line altogether, the Spirit of America rigs rolling of the factory lines are produced with aluminum framing and fiberglass laminated 'slick' walls. But the company crows, "The price is competitive!"

In a company produced news release, Coachmen says there are great advantages to the new proces:

Alumicage™ construction, which utilizes aircraft-grade tubular aluminum framing, instead of wood framing in the walls. Aluminum framing is stronger, lighter and won't retain moisture like wood.
The fiberglass exterior skin is more appealing than traditional ribbed aluminum siding, and the smooth surface is easier to clean. Just hose it down and wipe it off.
The fiberglass exterior skin is not vulnerable to dents like ribbed aluminum skin.

Does the line really 'scale in' lighter? Coachmen says their lightest of these brightest floats across the scales at 3,145 pounds (base weight). With the lineup starting at a little over 19 feet long and the largest at nearly 38', you may find something here you can tow, live in, and still get by a bit easier come fuel-up time.

So much for the exterior. What about the inside? Each of the "Spirits" sleep Mom and Dad on a queen bed, and five floorplans have room for the kiddies in bunk beds. Options include pillow topping on the master bed or a hide-a-bed sofa--not with the typical "bag of rocks" mattress, but an air mattress instead. Some rigs will sleep as many as ten--that' a lot of family.

Since you're saving all that money at the fuel pump, what about the initial purchase? Coachmen says the MSRP of the line starts at $14,680. Check out the line at

Spirit of America shouts out high-end looks with its smooth laminated walls and tastefully decorated interior. But, it's a luxurious look that comes with a very affordable price tag. The MSRP for this trailer ranges from $14,680 to $19,450. Get more information at www.easyrving.com.