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It was bound to happen, ever since we were introduced to the slide out, and the option continued to grow in popularity … they kept making more of them. Carriage introduced an industry first at Louisville this year with their new XTRM5. It is the first fifth wheel to have 5 slide outs, with opposing slides in the bedroom. Before the critics could question them, the company was quick to point out that the XTRM5 meets all RVIA standards and measures out at 397.7 square feet of living space.

To help out at the unveiling of the unit on Tuesday, the company had NASCAR Winston Cup driver, Kenny Wallace, in their booth to sign autographs. Carriage sponsors Kenny and the Bill Davis Racing team for the upcoming 2003 season.

Freightliner introduced its new Powerliner II top-of-the-line diesel pusher chassis with tag axle at the show. Jack Conlan, Freightliner president, said, "The Powerliner II
with tag axle provides customers the optimum combination of carrying strength with superior ride and handling." "Everything from the new independent front suspension to the next generation electrical system and driver control center

was developed to address every aspect of the luxury motorhome owner’s need for comfort, exceptional performance and driving ease," he added.

The unit will be powered by a Caterpillar C- 12 505 HP engine with 1,550 ft.lbs. of torque and its gross vehicle rating is 44,600 lbs. It will be an ideal foundation for premium motorhomes with body lengths of 40 feet or longer. The Powerliner II is available with wheelbase lengths of 240, 282, and 302 inches from the front axle to the drive axle. The engine will be paired with the Allison 4000MH six-speed automatic transmission with push button control.

Today's discriminating RV buyer wants more, and they want it now. KZ is helping to make the purchasing decision easy if the customer is looking for true comfort and all the features of home, including the Jacuzzi tub when they want to relax at the end of the day.

The Sportsmen 3350PX3 Lodge, the company’s 30th Anniversary Limited Model, comes equipped with the Jacuzzi standard. The unit also includes an upgraded stereo with mobile surround sound and a fireplace in the living room.

The unit got a lot of attention when visitors walked in and heard the pulsating water sound coming from the bathroom area. The first response would be to look for the water leak, only to find out that an inviting bath, complete pulsating water jets, was just a few feet away from the great outdoors.

Thor introduced the new Adirondack ultra-lightweight towable line, featuring European styling. The product line features full color fiberglass exterior and an aerodynamic design. The unit is manufactured with an aluminum superstructure and laminated aluminum framed roof, walls and floor … and it rides on aluminum wheels.

Inside it features stainless steel appliances, a stainless steel sink and white raised panel cabinet doors with a cathedral arch.


January 2003		Volume 28 - Number 6

RV News Feature "Continued"