RV Trade Digest Product Guide

UFO chassis

This year will see significant changes in motorhome floorplans and the way RVers think about front- and rear-engine Class A motorhomes. The flat floor enabled by the Workhorse UFO chassis (universal floorplan option) eliminates the usual protruding rear engine and cooling system that manufacturers must build around (usually with a rear bedroom floorplan) with a rear diesel pusher. A completely flat floor provides a new degree of floorplan flexibility.
By allowing the choice of either a rear gas or diesel engine in the same footprint, identical coaches can be built on either a diesel or gas engine, enabling buyers to focus on choosing the floorplan they want first, then "checking the box" as to whether they want a gas or diesel engine.
"This is something RVers told us they want," said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of sales and marketing, who cited Workhorse research indicating more than 70 percent of current motorhome owners prefer a rear engine motorhome, while more than 50 percent of them prefer a gas engine. Sixty-six percent of all current motorhome owners said they would consider buying a rear engine gas motorhome.
The advantages of a rear engine include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back drive shaft, less vibration and the opportunity to build in pass-through basement storage. The front rather than mid-entry door is also a plus for floorplan variety, and the lack of a "doghouse" engine cover in the cab makes it easier to move in the cockpit.
 
----Product advantages ----

At 26,000 lb. GVWR, the gas powered Workhorse UFO is 2,000 pounds lighter than existing 28,000 lb. GVWR diesel chassis, giving the Workhorse UFO the same carrying capacity as the latter at a significantly lower price tag. What's more, gas engines provide savings in maintenance costs versus diesels. With less mass to move, the 8.1L GM Vortec gas powerplant can also outperform equivalent diesel engines. The diesel Workhorse UFO will also have more carrying capacity than existing 26,000 lb. GVWR diesel platforms.
At the same time, the lowered engine and the new, proprietary front and back suspension contributes to the Workhorse UFO's exceptional ride and handling.
"We've eliminated the choice RVers often have to make between a better riding versus a better handling coach," said Wert.
A 55-degree wheel cut makes the motorhome more maneuverable in tight spots than any gas chassis, and is comparable to the best diesel chassis available today. The drivetrain uses an Allison Series 2000 six-speed automatic transmission that includes Transmission Grade Braking, ultra protective synthetic transmission fluid, standard push-button shifter and a 5-year, 200,000-mile transmission warranty.
The Workhorse UFO also boasts a new cool pack configuration developed by Workhorse. Cooling was a concern with the previous rear gas chassis, but the Workhorse UFO has been severely tested in 116 degree Fahrenheit conditions in Death Valley and successfully met all testing standards. Compared to existing diesels, the gas Workhorse UFO is much more affordable. This will be especially true in 2007 when all diesel platforms will experience upward cost pressure as they incorporate changes to meet new, more stringent emissions standards.
"The whole concept of a universal fuel option that enables a flat floor is a game-changing breakthrough. It creates an entirely new category of motorhome," said Wert.

(877) 294-6773 ♦ www.workhorse.com