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Two new ultra light lines, two new entry-level towable series, a new midsize fifth-wheel and a new highline fifth-wheel series were introduced for the model year 2002 at Coachmen Industries'

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national dealer meeting July 25 in Las Vegas.

The new ultra lights are the Coachmen Captiva Ultra Lite and the Shasta Ultra Lite lines of travel trailers and fifth-wheels. The new entry-level priced series of travel trailers and fifth-wheels are the Coachmen Cascade and the Shasta Oasis and the new midsize fifth-wheel series is the Coachmen Chaparral.

The new highline fifth-wheel line is the Somerset.

The Captive Ultra Lite travel trailer comes in 22- to 31-foot floorplans with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) ranging from 5,180 to 6,545 pounds. Five of the six available floorplans include dinette, sofa or kitchen slideouts.

The Captiva Ultra Lite fifth-wheel comes in 24- or 25-foot floorplans all with a sofa or dinette slide. GVWRs range from 6,340 to 6,473 pounds.

Both the Captiva and Shasta ultra lights use the Norco lightweight section frame, which includes higher gauge steel only where strength is required, in order to reduce weight. Both also come in 93 or 94-inch exterior widths, compared to 85- to 87-inches widths for competing ultra light weights.

The Shasta Ultra Lite travel trailer also comes in 22- to 31-foot floorplans with GVWRs also ranging from 5,180 to 6,545 pounds. Four of the six available floorplans include slideouts.

Suggested retail prices were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the Cascade and Oasis travel trailer series come in 26- to 38-foot lengths with single slides available on four of the seven floorplans. GVWRs range from 7,000 to 10,000 pounds.

The Cascade and Oasis fifth-wheel series come in 28- or 29-foot floorplans with either a dinette or a sofa/dinette slide. GVWRs range from 9,280 to 10,000 pounds.
Suggested retail prices were not immediately available.

The Chaparral line of fifth-wheels uses I-beam construction, instead of tubular frame construction, to lower the weight.

More detailed Chaparral specifications were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the Somerset comes in 31- to 38-foot lengths and one triple slide floorplan is available. It features aluminum cage construction and Dexter EZ Lube Axles to make routine maintenance simple.

SOURCE: RV BUSINESS

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