Author Archives: pcampbell@gulfstreamcoach.com

Gulf Stream Coach bath ceiling

A Gulf Stream Coach Bath – Looking Up!

Here’s a picture recently taken in the bath of one of our new Cabin Cruiser travel trailers (the Model 25BHS which you can find here).  There’s a lot to see when you look up in one of our baths, so here’s a little tour of that small but critically important space!

Ventilation is Essential!

You’ll see a Power Vent Fan in the picture.  Ventilating the space is essential to reduce moisture and … um… odors.  There’s a world of fresh air just outside the bath, and our power vent fan is key to the “out with the bad air, in with the good air” process.

You can also see a round vent in the ceiling.  That’s an air conditioning vent that pumps cool air directly into the bath.  We install a vent in the bath whenever possible, using the ‘attic space’ in the ceiling for an H-shaped system of foil-backed, insulated ductwork.  The foil and insulation help keep the chilled air as cool as possible as it travels from the roof-mounted air conditioner to the vent in the bath.  (Heat ducts, by the way, generally follow a similar path under the floor.)

Let There Be Light

The ceiling light is an LED lighting fixtures.  We use LED lights wherever possible because they save weight, run cool, last indefinitely, and use far less power than old style incandescent bulbs.  Though you can’t see it, there’s a handy light switch for this fixture mounted on the bath wall just inside the door.

There’s another source of light in the shower, too – it’s a dome-shaped skylight.  Besides flooding the space with up-and-at-’em morning light, that skylight provides just a little bit more head- and elbow-room in the shower.

This bath – and many of our others – includes a one-piece molded surround that includes handy spaces for soap, shampoo, and other necessities.  The surround also helps separate the wet environment of the shower from the rest of the space, like your tiled bath at home.

But Wait!  There’s More!

Cabin Cruiser 25BHS bath

Bath in the new Cabin Cruiser 25BHS

Of course we install a foot-flush toilet, a washstand, with hot and cold running water, counter space with GFI-protected outlets, a mirrored Medicine Cabinet, and, wherever possible, storage space or shelves for towels and other things in our bath.  It probably goes without saying, but just to be complete – This is a DRY bath.  Unlike other builders, Gulf Stream Coach doesn’t mount the toilet in the shower – That’s a trick that doesn’t make much sense to us.

Well, that ends this quick tour of a Gulf Stream Coach bath.  We hope you’ll think of the features we put into our baths, next time you’re shopping for a new travel trailer or motor home.  And remember – Start by looking up!

 

Love to get the latest news? Follow ‘gulfstreamcoach’ on Instagram!

A recent Instagram post on ‘gulfstreamcoach’ showed the Flooring Department using a hoist to flip a travel trailer chassis to install the polypropylene underlayment.

If you’re the type of RV’er who wants to know what’s going in in the Gulf Stream Coach world, you can see the latest and greatest news by following us on Instagram!  Just search and follow ‘gulfstreamcoach’ on the Instagram app.  You’ll get a look behind the scenes, and a glimpse ahead of the curve!

On our Instagram feed you’ll see new products, features, and options, before they show up at your Gulf Stream Coach Dealer.  You’ll see what it takes to produce our photo galleries, videos, and brochures.  You’ll go with us to RV Shows across the country, and you’ll get a look inside the Gulf Stream Coach production facilities.

The great thing about Instagram is that It’s easy, it’s interesting, and it’s free – AND, when you follow us (gulfstreamcoach), you’ll be a Gulf Stream Coach insider.

Conquest Class C Model 6220 Picture Window

Conquest Class C: Huge Picture Windows for Gorgeous Views

Conquest Class C Model 6220 picture window

Huge picture windows are a key feature of Conquest Class C Motor Homes

Take a look at these images, from the recent photo shoot of our newest Conquest Class C, the Model 6220 (See the entire 18-image gallery here).  The Dinette wall includes one of our huge picture windows. it grabs and frames a stunning view of the outside world. And, after all, aren’t those incredible views one one the key reasons we go camping?

But how is it possible that the Gulf Stream Conquest C consistently gives you larger windows and better views than competing Class C’s? The secret is the way we build our Conquest Class laminated walls, using technology, materials, processes, and equipment that we pioneered and perfected in our own facilities.

We build all our own walls in our own shop

That’s right – we don’t buy our laminated walls from outside suppliers, like many manufacturers do.  We create them entirely in-house, on our own equipment, using our own engineering, methods, and technicians.  We know exactly what is in every square foot of the walls we use, and we take responsibility for the work we do.

At the heart of our laminated walls is a skeleton frame of square-tube aluminum, cut, formed, and welded in our own metal shop.  That aluminum frame is strong, resilient, and light.  Filling the spaces in the skeleton are panels of rigid polystyrene insulation.  The polystyrene is a ‘closed-cell’ foam that won’t absorb water.  Once glued in position, it provides insulation for temperature variances and sound.

We make a sandwich!

The insulated skeleton is the middle of a sandwich of layers, that includes internal vinyl-clad paneling, Azdel synthetic substrate, metal and wood backers and stiffeners, and high-gloss fiberglass.  Extra aluminum structure and other backers frame our huge picture windows and other openings.

We bind the layers together – ‘laminate them’ – with sophisticated adhesives, pressure, and carefully controlled temperatures in a vacuum chamber, creating an amazingly stiff, light, and durable wall.

The bottom line:  We build our walls with the structural integrity needed to allow us to include those huge picture windows.  The strength is designed right in.  Enjoy the view!

 

Motor Homes Now Offer Swivel Seats

Motor Home Buyers:  Swivel Seats – You asked for ’em, you got ’em!

The design and engineering team for Gulf Stream Coach motor homes have responded to requests from RV’ers who have asked us to offer front seats that can swivel to face the living area.  As a result of their work, several Conquest Class C and BT Cruiser floor plans now offer swivel seats as an option.

Using the seats is easy – You simply pull a release on the side of the seat base.  The release allows the seat to move back and away from the door, so there is enough room for the seat to turn around.  As the seat moves, it disengages a locking pin, and when that pin is disengaged, the seat can swivel to face the main living area.

The additional seating is great for yourself and friends, especially when the front seats are so comfortable and stylish.  And when it’s time to hit the road, the release lever allows the seat to return to its forward position, held securely and safely in place by the locking pin that automatically snaps back into place.  It’s good to know that all of the hardware, seat bases, seats, and seat-belt systems are safety-certified too.

Availability of swiveling seats depends upon the floor plan and clearance, of course, so we’ve listed the possibilities below.

BT Cruiser Models:

  • Swivel Seat for Driver:  5230
  • Swivel Seat for Driver and Passenger:  5245, 5291, 5316

Conquest Class C Models:

  • Swivel Seat for Driver:  6314
  • Swivel Seat for Passenger:  6220,6237, 6237LE,
  • Swivel Seat for Driver and Passenger:  6238, 6245, 6316, 6317, 6320

As you can see, there are PLENTY of choices.  Make sure you include a Swivel Seat option when you order your BT Cruiser or Conquest Class C!

Go Cruising In Our New Cabin Cruiser

The design experts at Gulf Stream Coach have done it again – They’ve tapped into our sense of nostalgia and tradition to create a completely new travel trailer, and it’s called the Cabin Cruiser.  One look inside and you’ll be captivated by the warmth and charm of the knotty pine paneling that captures the look and feel of a classic yacht.

The yachting connection holds up well in many ways.  After all, our Cabin Cruiser is a rugged, comfortable, self-contained vessel that lets you cruise wherever your heart desires, and gives you a secure, and comfortable way escape, relax, share time with family, and entertain friends.  It’s the “yachting lifestyle” without the waves – and without the huge price tag.

The ‘hull’ of the Cabin Cruiser uses light yet rigid walls of welded square tube aluminum, with laminated layers of fiberglass, closed-cell poly foam insulation, and vinyl-clad paneling, to create a secure, climate-controlled living space.  Of course there’s a complete kitchen, although in the Cabin Cruiser, you may want to call it a Galley.  Either way, you’ll be able to create everything from snacks to full meals for the crew, with a double-bowl sink, range, oven, microwave, power vent, and double-door refrigerator/freezer.

There’s a full bath too (sailors would call it the ‘head’) – with a washstand, wood medicine cabinet, tub/shower, skylight, power vent fan, and foot-flush toilet.  All the electronics you need to stay in touch with the world you’ve left behind are available, too, from HDTV to Blue-Tooth-enabled Home Theater sound, along with convenient 110 volt outlets, USB ports, connections for solar panel power, and hookups for a color backup camera. 

Two Cabin Cruiser floor plans include bunks for younger members of the crew, and all three have a master suite – or “stateroom” for the Captain and First Mate.  (We’ll leave it up to you to decide who is who!)

Our Cabin Cruiser is the “yacht” that lets you cruise the highways and byways in comfort, and dock wherever you find adventure and relaxation.  Anchors aweigh!

 

 

 

 

 

Discover The One-Of-A-Kind Ameri-Lite 199RK

The Ameri-Lite 199RK – There’s simply NOTHING else like it!

The people of Gulf Stream Coach are experts at building lightweight, economical, and incredibly functional small travel trailers, having introduced the industry-standard Ameri-Lite line over 15 years ago.  It’s quite possible that more people have discovered the joy of travel trailer camping in an Ameri-Lite than in any other RV brand.

That’s why the introduction of the 199RK should be no surprise.  Over the years, we’ve perfected the art and science of designing economical, useful trailers, and the Ameri-Lite 199RK is the result of that design experience.

The 199RK gives first-timers, casual campers, down-sizers, and other travel trailer campers the things everyone wants – but NO ONE else in the RV industry offers.  It’s a lightweight single-axle trailer less than 22 feet long, that provides:

  • A Convertible Sofa
  • A Booth-Style Dinette
  • A Full Dry Bath
  • A Truly Functional L-Shaped Rear Kitchen
  • A Queen Master Bed
  • Tons of Storage throughout

AND – It’s the only one of its kind!

The single-axle design means the Ameri-Lite 199RK tows easily and maneuvers predictably.  The light-weight formula keeps the overall base weight of the 199RK under 3,500 lbs., with over 1,400 lbs. of carrying capacity.

The kitchen is a true miracle of design, with two-burner cooktop, microwave oven, sink, and oversized refrigerator/freezer.  The bath includes a tub/shower with skylight and power vent, a washstand, medicine cabinet, and foot-flush toilet.

Storage is everywhere – including overhead cabinets above the Dinette and Sofa, a large pantry across from the fridge, a storage shelf and closet in the master bed area.  There’s under-seat and under-bed storage, and a handy basement with an exterior door.

If you’re in the market for a small, lightweight travel trailer, what is on your list of “needs and wants”?  It likely includes all of the items listed above – and if it does, the Ameri-Lite 199RK is PERFECT for you.  AND there’s no reason to look further, because there’s simply nothing else like it!

Gulf Stream Honored With RV Dealers Association “Quality Circle” Award

Quality Circle Awards for Conquest Class C and BT Cruiser; Vintage/Vista Cruiser

In a ceremony conducted during the National RVIA Show in Louisville the last week of November, the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) recognized Gulf Stream Coach as the winner of two of the organization’s coveted DSI Quality Circle Awards, for our Vintage/Vista Cruiser lightweight travel trailers, and our Conquest Class C and BT Cruiser motor homes.

RVDA member dealers submit secret ballots rating their RV suppliers on a scale from 1 to 5  in four key categories:  Product Quality/Reliability, Parts, Warranty Service, and Sales.  Manufacturers have to earn an overall average score of 4.75 or higher to qualify for the Quality Circle Award.  It’s the highest recognition offered by RV dealers to RV manufacturers.

That’s why we’re so proud to have earned TWO Quality Circle Awards this year, for our wildly popular Vintage/Vista Cruiser ultra-lightweight travel trailers, and our industry-leading Conquest Class C and BT Cruiser motor homes.

It’s the second winning year in a row for the Vintage/Vista Cruisers.  Also notable – The Gulf Stream Conquest was the only standard Class C motor home in the industry to earn the honor this year.

The Quality Circle Award helps RV Dealers find products that will meet their standards for quality and reliability, before and after the sale.  The Award also gives savvy consumers a way to find best-in-class RV’s, like winners from Gulf Stream Coach, the Vintage/Vista Cruiser travel trailers and Conquest Class C and BT Cruiser motor homes.

 

 

Conquest Class C: What’s NEW for 2018?

The Conquest Class C Motor Home continues to set itself apart from the competition and earn rave reviews for its innovative floor plans, rock-solid construction, and long list of standard features.  But Designers and Engineers at Gulf Stream Coach aren’t resting on their laurels.  The company has shown key dealers a list of brand-new product enhancements that add more luxury, style, convenience, and value to the Conquest brand.  Here’s a quick run-down of what “New for 2018” features RV shoppers will see in models now being shipped to Gulf Stream Coach dealers:

New for 2018 - Side by side recliners

 

NEW!  Side-by-side Reclining Theater-Style Seating. Available on the Conquest 6320.  It’s a blessing to be able to enjoy your most comfortable chair anywhere you go!

New for 2018 - Parking spot for Bunk Ladder

 

 

NEW!  Bunk Ladder “Parking Spot.”  Two tough straps hold the bunk ladder securely against the padded bulkhead, keeping it quiet and safely out of the way.

New for 2018 - Tile Backsplash for kitchen

NEW!  Tile Backsplash in Kitchen.  Tiles protect the wall behind the sink and range where spatters and spills are likely to occur.

 

 

 

New for 2018 - Stylish Maple Cabinetry

NEW!  Maple Option for Cabinetry.  A step up to a refined, yet relaxed and casual look, our new fine-grained maple is set off smartly with new dark-tone cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

New for 2018 - Lighter laminated and solid surface countertops

 

 

 

NEW! Lighter Kitchen Countertops.  Our standard laminate and optional solid surface countertops have new colors, styles, and patterns for an overall brighter interior.

New for 2018 - Diamond-embossed seat cushionsNEW! Diamond-Embossed Upholstery.  Seat cushions now feature tone-on-tone diamond-embossed inserts; so do the front captain’s chairs with our upholstery upgrade option.

 

New for 2018 - Blue Halo LED Atmosphere Lights

 

 

NEW! ‘Blue Halo’ LED Lights.  Great as soft, non-intrusive nightlights, also soothing, subdued atmosphere lighting for evening conversations and meals.

 

New for 2018 - Lighter, brighter Vinyl FlooringNEW!  Lighter, brighter Vinyl Flooring.  So easy to care for, resists streaking and cracking, with a new lighter look that brightens up the whole interior.

 

New for 2018 - Outdoor Entertainment Center

 

 

NEW! Outside Entertainment Center.  The bracket, wiring, and speakers you need to have an optional HDTV outside under the curb-side awning.

 

Of course all of these “New for 2018” features are icing on the cake for the only Class C motor home built with our exclusive “Cradle of Strength” and other standard features that have made the Conquest the Class C leader.  Click here to explore all the Conquest floor plans and features.

See the Rollin On TV Review of the Vintage Cruiser

Rollin’ On TV Reviews the Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser

Rollin’ On TV, the popular syndicated TV series that explores the RV lifestyle, has released a real-world review of the Vintage Cruiser conducted by noted RV expert, Jeff Johnston.  Jeff and his wife size up RV’s the way RV owners do – By taking them on the road, putting them through their paces, and camping in them!

In his review of the Vintage Cruiser, Jeff raves about the trailer’s on-road handling and maneuvering, noting that its modest overall length, good weight balance, aerodynamic shape, and light weight make the Vintage Cruiser a cinch to tow, park, and back up.  Jeff points out that the size also means the Vintage Cruiser can access smaller campsites that often offer the best views and most attractive surroundings.

Inside, Jeff makes it clear that the Vintage Cruiser does a great job of combining the appeal of the ‘retro’ look with the convenience of technically advanced features and construction methods, including the use of laminated walls and Azdel substrate.  He tours the living space, noting that his 6-foot-3 frame fits easily and feels comfortable inside the Vintage, with its 83″ high ceilings.

Why not get the whole story direct from Jeff by clicking the link below and watching the 6-minute video.  You’ll hear how much an RV expert and enthusiast like Jeff loves the Vintage Cruiser!

Current Program

A note about Rollin’ On TV:  This multi-faceted 1/2 hour program covers a wide range of RV topics, from construction, to product reviews, to campsite cooking, and destinations.  It is offered to over 40,000,000 households through cable and satellite systems throughout the US and Canada.  Rollin’ On TV also posts all current and past episodes on their site, at www.rollinontv.com.

Need more Vintage Cruiser information?  Visit the Vintage Cruiser online here.  Curious about the cost of a new Vintage Cruiser?  Try this link for a no-cost, no-obligation price.

GEO 235RB Exterior

Get To Know GEO!

GEO – A Unique Combination of Experience and Innovation

GEO 235RBS InteriorOur new GEO line of lightweight travel trailers started with a simple but profound idea:  Combine our thirty-five years of experience building travel trailers with the latest innovations in residential technology and style.  The result is a durable yet nimble line of 20- to 32-ft travel trailers with lightweight laminated walls, luxury features, and state-of-the-art technology.

Said another way, GEO brings together everything we’ve learned, and things you’ve never seen in travel trailers before.  People say that GEO styling suggests ‘country club,’ not ‘campground,’ and ‘upscale,’ not ‘down-home.’  That’s perfect for the millions of people across the U.S. and Canada, who are adding trailer camping to their list of recreational activities.

Free time choices continue to grow, driven by the ease of travel, the destinations we can explore, and the comfort provided by modern technology.  GEO gives people the power to take advantage of all of these developments.  It bridges the gap between our daily lives and the wild, beautiful world of the great outdoors.

A Haven of Stylish Luxury in the Great Outdoors

Colors are fresh and new.  Fabrics and flooring, too.  Cabinetry has a modern, sophisticated design, and throughout you’ll find technology that makes camping a pleasure.   Like a built-in multi-speaker home theater system that supports AM/FM/CD/DVD, Blue Tooth and SD card input.  Like optional solid-surface counters with under-mount sinks and stainless-steel faucets.  Like multiple USB charging ports, HDTV connections, and a pencil-tile backsplash in the kitchen.  Even soft-pleated shades, and cool, efficient LED lighting.  GEO gives you a luxury suite in the midst of the wilderness.

If you have an urge to explore and enjoy the natural world, and want to do it all in stylish luxury, make sure you get to know GEO.  You’ll love the way GEO can transform any corner of the outdoors into a place of luxury and comfort.