FOREST CITY, IA (June 15, 2009) — Winnebago Industries, Inc., will showcase the industry’s first hybrid RV, a 2009 Winnebago Adventurer motorhome, during the upcoming summer tour of Brad and Amy Herzog. The Herzogs are spokespersons for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
The concept Winnebago Adventurer hybrid rides on a Freightliner Custom Chassis’ ecoFRED chassis, the motorhome industry’s first hybrid-electric chassis featuring Eaton hybrid power components. It’s a full hybrid system that uses two independent power sources (a diesel engine and an electric motor) working in conjunction to optimally power the vehicle. The Adventurer hybrid also features regenerative braking for less brake wear. With regenerative braking, the hybrid electric motor uses electricity to create torque, while also reversing the process to use torque to create electricity. By reversing its electric engine to become a generator, electricity is fed back into the battery resulting in energy savings.
“This hybrid concept can bring many benefits including improved fuel efficiency in select driving environments, reduced noise and emissions, improved acceleration and reduced maintenance,” said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin.
Introduced this year, the Herzog’s triple slide model 35Z features three slideout rooms. One of the highlights of this model is the rear wardrobe that can be easily turned into bunk beds. Doors open fully to reveal beds that fold down when not in use. The living area features two slideout rooms. A fully equipped galley, including a four door refrigerator/freezer, is also featured, as well as a 32-inch LCD TV and home theater sound system.
Brad Herzog is a best selling author of such travelogues as “States of Mind” and “Small World.” He has also authored more than a dozen children’s books including the most recent “S is for Save the Planet: A How-to-be Green Alphabet.” He, his wife Amy and their two young children have already completed nine media tours for the RVIA.
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This entry was posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 10:16 am and is filed under Winnebago, motorhomes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.