Tioga Arrow: it's not flashy, but it gets the job done

A review of the 29V class c motorhome

By Brent Peterson

It’s been said that thirty feet is the magic number for many RVers. Recreational vehicles of 30 feet or more in length usually are said to make for suitable full-timing mobiles; anything less creates a battle for storage space, creature comforts, and tension with a co-pilot who is starting to get on your nerves. There are also those who draw the line here at what they can and cannot comfortably maneuver. A 31’ vehicle, no way. Twenty-nine feet? Sure, no problem. Where did the 30’ dividing line come from, you ask? Perhaps it’s our preference for round numbers, or maybe there is something to the belief that a 30-footer is indeed the point of no return for many of us.

I kept all this in mind on a recent test drive of Fleetwood’s Tioga Arrow. At just shy of 30 feet (29’3" to be precise), this Class C would certainly put some of these beliefs to the test. But wherever I went, the motorhome was a source of debate with those I encountered. "I could never drive a vehicle of that length," said one. Another believed it was the perfect size to get around in for him and the Mrs. I got some nervous looks as I parked it on the street throughout many of the small times I visited. Others, could have cared less, the Arrow seemingly fitting in with the scenery like so many other vehicles on the road today.

There is nothing about the Tioga’s handling that leads me to believe it would cause problems for anyone. A low profile, decent turning radius, and slender fit makes it drive much smaller than it actually is. A good field of vision keeps the driver in check with whatever is going on around him or her, and a powerful V-10 engine leaves any thoughts of sluggish acceleration in the dusts. Considering I spent 75% of this trip either lost or engaged in a U-turn, I give the Arrow high marks for its ability to bail me out of trouble. Although the ride felt a little rough, commutes through crowded lots, moseying up to gas pumps, and backing into the campsites were all painless procedures. Give me a couple open parking spaces, and most could squeeze the motorhome in without breaking into a cold sweat.

The cockpit doesn’t overload the senses, which is probably a good thing for a short-attention span generation. The dash is streamlined and efficient; no dizzying array of gadgetry to distract or annoy. My pregnant wife had trouble accessing the co-pilot seat, but just between us, I think that’s more due to her third tri-mester condition than an inherent design flaw. However, the cockpit was a little tight, due to the presence of a nice center console complete with cuphodlers, ashtray, change compartments, a small storage area/trash. The seats are comfortable and everything is within easy reach. I still contend that power side mirrors are a must for any motorhome, so I was sorry they weren’t included.

For those planning on serious traveling – whether as a couple or with a decent-size family in tow - the Arrow should yield few deal-breaking complaints. I put sleeping capacity at a strong six, but seven is very doable. The over-the-cab sleeping area lacks the tomb-like feel of other C’s, although it’s still no picnic for adults to access and descend every night. The mattress is plenty wide enough for two grown-ups, should they decide to go this route. A good night’s sleep is made easier thanks to good ventilation (three sizable windows and a roof vent) and a privacy curtain.

The dinette and bench seats are a bit snug and not overly comfortable. The furnishings transform into a small bed best left to children, as does the adjacent pull-out coach. An abundance of storage space is the best thing about the room, and one of the most compelling features of the coach. Compartments are deep and plentiful, although a liner of some sort would keep contents from sailing around inside while in transit. This is easily fixed, however. A giant pass-thru storage and several small compartments opened up lots of usable space for gear on the outside as well. I was a bit disappointed not to see a television listed as a standard, but to each his or her own.

One thing cooks won’t be without in the galley is counterspace. There’s a lot here, with a fold-up countertop attached if you should need more. Sink covers further add to the dimensions. Again, storage is good, although the area is lacking a good shelved compartment to serve as a pantry. The microwave and sink are of average size, but well-placed. The refrigerator boasts a nice separate freezer, with enough room for chow for a gang of travelers.

Fleetwood is taking a chance with the design of the stand-alone shower, conspicuously installed without a door. This open space is a bit of a curiosity, hanging out for all to see and visible from thought the coach. A less than water-tight condition allows water to spill into the hallway, so expect frequent mop ups. The shower itself is also very tight.

Across the hall is the bathroom, which is perfectly nice. Two large mirrors make the room seem larger, that is assuming you want to see yourself from numerous angles. Storage is limited to one compartment, shared with the sink’s pipes.

The bed is just long enough and just comfortable enough to avoid a nasty case of insomnia. Again, good storage throughout the room saves the day, with matching wardrobe closets doing yeoman’s work. Larger items are easily tucked underneath the bed, which lifts easily for blankets, winter coats, or other must-have’s. For reasons unknown, designers opted against the day/night shades so wonderfully utilized throughout the rest of the coach in lieu of clanky blinds. When the winds kicked up, it made for a somewhat noisy night. A curtain separates the bedroom from the rest of the interior.

The fine line between nimble coach and albatross on wheels isn’t easily defined. In any event, the Tioga Arrow doesn’t come close to crossing it, in either the driving or living categories. The 29V rests somewhere comfortably in the middle, a highly drivable motorhome with enough room, storage, and passenger capacity to contend in a crowded Class C marketplace. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. This come-one, come-all position is no accident; Fleetwood’s universal appeal is what has made the company the top-selling RV manufacturer for what seems like forever. The Tigoa Arrow should help continue that trend.


Fleetwood Tioga Arrow 29V
Engine: 6.8 Liter/V-10
Chassis: Ford
Storage tanks (gallons):
Fuel: 55
Fresh water: 30
Black water: 37
Gray water: 37
Water heater: 6
Length: 29’3"
Exterior height: 10’9"
Interior height: 6’6"
Exterior width: 8’
UVW: 9,600 lbs.
GVWR: 14,050 lbs.
GCWR: 17,550 lbs.
Wheelbase: 190"
Standard features: 25,000-Btu auto ignition furnace, spare tire and carrier, fabric ceiling, bedspread, AM/FM/cassette stereo, cruise control, power locks and windows, emergency starter, driver/passenger air bags, pre-wired for 4.0kW generator and Cable TV
MSRP: $56,598 (as tested)

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