It wasn't like Home & Park desperately needed a hit. The Ontario, Canada-based company had been the continent’s top-selling Class B manufacturer for nearly two decades. But really, who would pass up the opportunity to add the famed Mercedes-Benz name to their lineup, if given the chance?

Powering their brand new Roadtrek RS-Adventurous van camper for 2007, the beefy Benz diesel engine (2.7L CDI turbo) adds its legendary performance to the nimble Sprinter chassis, long a favorite in Europe and just now making its way into the U.S. The Adventurous' terrific fuel economy (for an RV, at least) is another benefit of the pairing, with reports estimating up to 22mpg. This could very well be the most fuel-efficient motorhome ever made, not a bad claim at a time when gas prices flirt with $3 per gallon.

"Add Mercedes' German automotive excellence to Roadtrek's RV ingenuity and you've got an unbeatable combination," said Home & Park Chairman Jeff Hanemaayer last fall during the vehicle's coming out party. Clearly, the company believes it's got a hit on its hands–and a new flagship product to boot.

Numerous other automotive perks come along with the Adventurous package, including traction control, rack and pinion steering, five-speed automatic transmission, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), utilizing sensors to control traction and braking systems. Even better, 10-way adjustable seats (lumbar support and head rest, too) provide drivers with an enviable spot to control all the action.

With the Mercedes-Benz name sending quivers down the backs of prospective buyers, the rest of coach is all Roadtrek. In typical fashion, all four upfront seats swivel to create an impromptu living room with table, as ideal for a game of Hearts as it feasting on Aunt Edna's meatballs. Be sure to keep swiveling to view the rear-mounted TV. A pair of stow-away mattresses work with the seats to create an optional pair of sleeping nooks come nighttime. Meanwhile, those bunking in the rear twins can leave their beds as is (unmade) or establish more seating after their conversion to sofas. (A spacious coach-wide electric power sofa is an option for those looking for a mighty kind-size bed).

The news is even better for those van owners tired of showering in a plastic bag every morning. The unit's hard-sided bathroom, complete with sit-down/stand-up shower, toilet, vanity, sink, drawer, and mirror, features specially-made doors to keep aisles open and showers sequestered inside. Innovative? Sure. After all, the RS-Adventurous is part Mercedes.

Exterior Length: 21'11"
Exterior height: 9'5" (w/ AC)
Wheelbase: 158"
GVWR: 8550 lbs.
Storage tanks (gallons)
Fresh water: 30
Gray water: 24
Black water: 10
LP gas: 50 lbs.
Water heater: 6
MSRP: $77,935
Contact: Home & Park, 100 Shirley Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada_N2B 2E1; 888/ROADTREK (www.roadtrek.com).