Featherlite Coaches: A Legacy of Luxury Travel on the Open Road

Join us as we delve into the captivating story of Featherlite Coaches, a brand synonymous with high-end RV travel. In this in-depth look, we explore the history of Featherlite, their commitment to quality and innovation, and what sets them apart in the luxury RV market. From their origins in high-performance trailers to their current status as a premier converter of Prevost motorhome shells, Featherlite embodies the spirit of American adventure with a touch of refined elegance, enabling owners to explore in comfort and with family and friends.

The Featherlite Heritage: From Race Tracks to Luxurious Highways

Featherlite's journey began in the world of high-performance trailers, where they built a reputation for crafting durable, lightweight haulers for the racing industry. Their all-aluminum construction quickly gained popularity among NASCAR and IndyCar teams who were seeking unparalleled quality. This success led their customers to request the same level of craftsmanship in a motorhome, recognizing a gap in the market for truly exceptional RVs. Featherlight then acquired Venturi, a coach builder already known for yacht-quality construction, marking their official entry into the luxury motorhome arena.

Jimmy Adams recounts, "Featherlight got in the motorhome business by buying an existing converter named Venturi." This strategic move allowed Featherlite to seamlessly transition their expertise in high-performance trailers to the realm of luxury RVs. Venturi, already established in bringing yacht-quality construction and technologies to motorhomes, shared Featherlite's commitment to superior materials and engineering. The synergies between the two companies proved vital to Featherlite's successful expansion into the motorhome industry.

The Prevost Platform: A Foundation of Unrivaled Quality

Featherlite builds exclusively on the Prevost chassis, widely regarded as the gold standard in the luxury motorhome industry. Jimmy Adams emphasizes the structural integrity of the Prevost shell, stating, "Prevost is what I consider to be the best, you know, monocoque integrated structure bus shell." This monocoque design offers superior strength and safety, ensuring a smooth and stable ride.

The Prevost chassis's robust construction is a key factor in Featherlite's commitment to safety and durability. The chassis is built with stainless steel structures in zero tolerance jigs, ensuring unparalleled precision and strength. Featherlite's dedication to using the finest materials extends throughout their builds, from the chassis to the interior finishes, creating a motorhome that stands the test of time. The commitment to quality is evident in every detail, and Featherlite owners appreciate knowing they are investing in a vehicle built to last.

Design and Innovation: Where Luxury Meets Functionality

Featherlite's design philosophy centers on creating a luxurious yet functional space that enhances the travel experience. They partner with talented designers like Jules from Jules and Peabody, who bring a unique vision to each coach. Jimmy Adams notes, "She came up with this mixture of textures. It's a little bit casual as far as the finishes, but it has, you know, some kind of sharp contemporary lines to it." This blend of casual elegance and modern design creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for long journeys.

Innovative features, such as the NextG intuitive control system, further elevate the Featherlite experience. This wired panel system allows owners to easily manage all aspects of the coach, from lighting and climate control to entertainment and tank levels. With panels located throughout the coach, accessing and controlling these features is convenient and intuitive. The automatic drawer-locking systems provide a residential feel while parked, and ensure items are secured while driving.

The Featherlite Lifestyle: More Than Just a Motorhome

Owning a Featherlite coach is more than just owning a motorhome; it's embracing a luxury travel lifestyle. Jimmy Adams explains that their mission is "basically to enable people to enjoy a luxury travel lifestyle on the open road with family and friends." Featherlite coaches are designed to be a home away from home, with spacious living areas, gourmet kitchens, and lavish bedrooms.

The attention to detail extends to the smallest elements, from the laser-etched Featherlite logos on the pull-out drawers to the cedar-lined closets and wall safe. These thoughtful touches create an atmosphere of refined elegance and elevate the travel experience. Owners can relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that every aspect of their comfort and convenience has been carefully considered. The community that comes along with purchasing is also worth mentioning with lasting relationships and friendships created.

Current Model Showcase: The Double Slide 9660

The coach highlighted in the video is a double-slide model built on a Prevost 9660 shell. Adams explains that this particular layout has been popular with custom builds. It features a 30-inch deep front slide, a super slide, and an aft slide, providing a spacious and livable interior. The double slide configuration offers a balance between open living space when parked and maneuverability while driving, a critical consideration for discerning travelers.

Notable features of this coach include the waterfall countertop in the galley, a high-low table in the dinette, and a king-size bed in the master suite. The master suite is further enhanced by a television on a double extension lift so that it may be viewed comfortably while laying in bed. The large main bath boasts heated tile floors, a spacious shower with a built-in bench, and a Toto bidet toilet. The design cues throughout the coach reflect the Palisade resort on Lake Tahoe, blending mountain aesthetics with contemporary lines. The exterior paint scheme is a sport graphic by Sin Sport motorsport.

Key Takeaways

Unwavering Commitment to Quality: Featherlite uses only the finest materials and employs skilled craftsmen to ensure that every coach meets the highest standards.
Prevost Chassis: Building on the Prevost chassis provides unmatched structural integrity, safety, and ride quality.
Innovative Design: Featherlite coaches are designed to be both luxurious and functional, with features like the NextG intuitive control system and automatic drawer-locking systems.
Customization Options: Featherlite offers extensive customization options, allowing owners to create a coach that perfectly reflects their personal style and needs.
Luxury Travel Lifestyle: Owning a Featherlite coach is more than just owning a motorhome; it's embracing a lifestyle of luxury and adventure.
Legacy Brand: Featherlite is a long standing company with years of experience and countless happy customers.

Conclusion

Featherlite Coaches represents the pinnacle of luxury RV travel, blending a rich heritage with innovative design and unwavering quality. From their origins in high-performance trailers to their current status as a premier converter of Prevost motorhome shells, Featherlite continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry. If you're seeking a motorhome that embodies the spirit of American adventure with a touch of refined elegance, Featherlite is worth exploring. Be sure to watch the full video with Jimmy Adams from "RVing with Andrew Steele" to gain even more insights into the world of Featherlite Coaches.