Chinook RV

I wish the new version chinook would take off like our legacy ones did. I think (and this is just my opinion) it's just another sprinter based, luxury class B though. The people that bought the name, I thought, also bought the fiberglass molds. I'm sure I don't understand the complexity, but wouldn't a ford transit based fiberglass modern chinook be awesome? Oh to dream..

Didn't they make one a few years ago, but an one-of, not a production model? I think their intend is to make one using the molds, but it will be after they make some money on the Sprinters first.

Apparently when Phil Rizzio bought the rights to the Chinook name, Gary Lukehart insisted that along with the new Sprinter based models, the classic ones also had to be brought back.

The new Chinook company plans to begin building an updated Glacier first, then do the same with the Concourse. They hope to build 300 total a year.

They've invested in an Elkhart Indiana factory, where the original molds now sit.

Last I heard summer of 2017 was that they were waiting on some city and state tax abatements and funds before hiring. But come to think of it, I haven't heard anything since.

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Edit: aha. Found this Elkhart news item from January 2018...

"In a separate vote, the council passed a confirmatory resolution to approve 7-year real estate and equipment tax abatements on plans by Chinook RV to build a new plant in Elkhart County.

Council members also approved the final version of a commitment agreement with the Las Vegas-based Chinook — plans that have been in the works since last June, according to Buche.

The agreement includes about $1.46 million worth of investments at the company’s site on old U.S. 33. And about 120 new jobs would be created, though the figure is down from initial plans for 157 jobs, Buche said."

Here's the Concourse mold in the Indiana factory. I believe the Glacier mold is behind it.


And this is what their prototype new Glacier looked like back in 2014:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39406571@ ... 539374515/

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Hey Kevin - thanks for the link to that prototype Glacier. It would be amazing if they brought back all the Chinooks, if only in terms of utilizing any updated components that would fit in our older models. I rented a Ford Expedition earlier this year and really liked the power, torque and gas mileage of the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost that would be in a Transit chassis, but I've read a several articles and posts on other sites about carbon build-up on the valves and subsequent repairs that continue after the warranty runs out. Meanwhile, I'll continue to do my part for the petroleum industry with my V-10.

I think it would be great but (sadly) I could never afford it if it is ever built.

SMan wrote: April 18th, 2018, 5:16 pm I think it would be great but (sadly) I could never afford it if it is ever built.

All you have to do is wait 15-20 years like most of us already did, to be able to buy a used one

If I was in the market for a new RV akin to the Chinook I'd want a Coach House (if I could justify, and afford, the price).

From their FAQ:

Coach House is a family-run business started in 1985. We have built our reputation on building exceptional products and providing great customer service. In the many years of producing motor homes, we have seen repeat customers choosing Coach House for the third, fourth and fifth time.

The Platinum is not a typical assembly-line built motor home. Each Platinum is constructed using staged-progression assembly, which translates to better quality, safer designs, excellent fit and finish, and perhaps the most outstanding vehicle found in the RV Industry.

Why is Coach House more expensive than some other motor homes?

Unlike larger motor homes, Coach House was engineered using a one-piece, hand laid, fiberglass exterior body. The body does not have seams or joints that can eventually leak, squeak, or crack. This engineering challenge took 18 months to perfect. Larger motor homes are screwed together in as many as 9+ separate panels. Where each joint is attached, there can be a potential failure. In addition to the exterior engineering, assembly inside was also a challenge. By installing the body to the chassis before construction, only one to two assemblers can be inside the coach at one time. This is labor-intensive, but assures a tighter fit of all cabinets and components.

All materials, appliances, and components are name-brand and RV-related. There is no particleboard used in the cabinets. All wood is a half inch or three-quarters inch paint grade lite-ply plywood. Hinges are recessed European adjustable, so the cabinet doors can stay symmetrical for the life of the unit. Every detail, from materials to appliances, is scrutinized before installation. Our goal, to produce the very best motor homes available in our Industry.