Winnebago Industries is unveiling a smaller, more fuel efficient recreational vehicle this week at the annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Kelli Harms, a spokesperson for the Forest City-based company, says the 2009 ERA resembles a large van.
Harms says the Class B vehicle still has many of the same features of a Class A full-size motor home, including a bathroom and sleeping space. However, the ERA gets around 17 miles per gallon on the highway. Larger, bus size motor homes typically get 8 to 10 miles per gallon.
The 2009 ERAs could be on the market in late February or early March. Harms says ERA’s price will range from $90,000 to $100,000, depending on options. Winnebago is introducing the ERA at a time when industry sales of larger RVs are declining. Harms says, “I think you are seeing a softening in the RV market because people are looking for something more fuel efficient and cost effective.” Winnebago has not offered a Class B vehicle since 2003.