Hybrid Technology Has Come To RV'S

It's nearly impossible to step outside and not see some form of hybrid vehicle these days. Whether it is a Toyota Prius or the newly redesigned Honda Insight, these futuristic cars are everywhere. American automakers have also been eager to break into this market, seeing some success with hybrid versions of their standard models.

As oil supplies steadily decline and concerns about the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels climb, combined gas and electric technologies have risen to the forefront of automobile design. Hybrid vehicles can achieve much greater fuel efficiencies and drastically reduce gasoline consumption.  These innovations aren't anything new. The first production vehicle to harness these technologies was released to the public well over a decade ago.

After years of waiting, I was excited to see that hybrid technology is finally making its way into the recreational vehicle industry. One of the major drawbacks of vacationing in an RV is the high cost of travel. With fuel prices fluctuating and continuing to rise, especially in the summer travel season, driving around in an RV is taking a serious toll on owners' pocketbooks. Many RV enthusiasts have been staying parked for much longer periods of time in order to cut down on travel. 

Here comes Winnebago Industries to the rescue! Their 2009 Winnebago Adventurer Hybrid concept vehicle is currently on tour throughout the United States. This vehicle is based on the 35Z floorplan and has all of the amenities you'd expect to find in every Class A motor home and much, much more.

Built upon the ecoFRED chassis introduced by Freightliner Custom Chassis, the Adventurer Hybrid utilizes a few of the most basic hybrid technologies. It uses a diesel fuel engine working in unison with an electric motor. The electric motor assists in the most fuel-costly scenarios, such as acceleration. Regenerative braking technologies harness the energy created from slowing the vehicle.   This process generates electricity that can be fed into batteries that power the electric motor. Brake wear is also dramatically reduced through this technology.

Brad and Amy Herzog, the spokespersons for Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), have been traveling throughout the United States in the Winnebago Adventurer Hybrid. According to Winnebago Industries' press release, Brad Herzog has said, "I've always reduced the RV vacation advantage to four Fs -- fun, family, flexibility and financial savings. But now I can add a fifth -- facing the future." Hopefully this future brings economical and environmentally responsible RV travel to families worldwide.

E. B. Chuong writes articles about recreational vehicles, and outdoor activities. Are you intrigued by the edgy look of Icon helmets? Get ready to embrace Icon's helmet trendy look. Check out our hot selection of Icon Airframe today.

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