Coachmen Intros Catalina 283 EPIC with Panoramic Views – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
Coachmen RV has introduced a new model for its Catalina travel trailer brand that looks to take full advantage of idyllic campsite settings.
At a little over 35 feet long and 7,000 pounds (UVW), the 283 EPIC offers a lot of living in its trailer footprint. But the highlight is the rear living area, which features floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, with the rear wall a sliding glass door that opens onto a patio.
“Forest River Cherokee had rolled out this new patio unit and it took the internet by storm and, when we were looking at it, it was pretty cool concept for what we could do in a travel trailer,” said Coachmen General Manager Mike Gaeddert, who oversees the Catalina and Forest River-branded Aurora lines.
The whole idea, he explained, is to take full advantage of the views.
“We know our customers want to have a good view of their campsite, or if they’re parked in a beautiful area, so this turned out to be a really neat unit that we’re really excited to release into the marketplace,” Gaeddert said.
That’s not to say the 283 EPIC doesn’t have more going for it. A Samsung smart projector broadcasts in high-resolution onto a drop-down 60-inch screen directly across from theater-style sofa. Blackout shades and high-end sound system complete the scene. Also, the Samsung projector is portable, so it could be taken outside for movie night under the stars.
“And when the screen and shades are up, they have an outstanding view of wherever they’re camping that is unrivaled to anything I’ve seen in this industry,” Gaeddert said. “So, if you’re parked up against the lake, you are going to have the coolest unit out there, no questions asked, and absolutely the best views.”
The 283 EPIC and a second floorplan, the 26-foot 221 EPIC in the Catalina Summit 8 line, will be showcased at America’s Largest RV Show, which is Sept. 11-15 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. Additional EPIC models will be displayed at the Dealer Expo, which is Sept. 23-26. Coachmen will again join its sister divisions at Forest River’s display located at East to West Plant #508 facility, 29861 Old Hwy 33 Elkhart IN, 46516.
Gaeddert is looking forward to the reaction from consumers and dealers at both shows.
“As tough as it’s been over the last two years, it’s also such a time for opportunity to innovate and come up with new ideas,” he said. “Fortunately, it’s been paying off, and I think customers, not just our brand … You can point to several other brands that are doing some very innovative things.
“So, it’s really exciting to see the RV industry evolve right now as things got tougher,” he continued. “You see a lot of creative genius come out of different brands across the industry. A lot of people are trying unconventional things, and I’m excited what the industry will develop and where we as an industry will go in the next year or two.”
