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Writer's picturePaul and Teresa Lowe

An RUV is a great way to see the USA! Joshua Tree National Park -Thor Motor Coach Gemini 23TB


Chassis angles and laminate exterior designs suggesting fluid motion as you drive along the highway are on display with the new Gemini 23TB model RUV (https://thormotorcoach.com/gemini/).

It's indeed smart looking upon first sight. The folks at Thor Motorcoach Company in Indiana seem to have designed this coach with couples and small families in mind. The size makes it this Recreational Utility Vehicle easy to maneuver and there's a lot of interior space.

This 23 feet long rolling mini hotel room sits atop a Ford transit chassis 350, 3.2 liter power stroke diesel engine and offers a lot of pep on hilly roads. This Class C Gemini model rolls along with pretty good fuel mileage. During one test run mileage averaged about 16 miles per gallon. Electronic cameras assisting with lane changes and parking in tight spaces are great features for novice and experienced RV drivers.

A challenge for many motorcoach makers is how to pack the comforts of home into a small and mobile configuration without crowding 'move around space' for families. This Gemini model seems to overcome most challenges.

Amenities

Amenities include a two burner stove top, a convection/microwave oven, a sink with chopping board, a mid size refrigerator, cabinet storage space (pots, dishes and trash), a pair of 32-inch televisions (satellite capable) with a powerful sound system. In addition to a swivel passenger cab chair there is a portable dinning table, a full size coach (with seat belts) that pulls out into a bed that complements the cozy family friendly galley. This coach sleeps 3 people. In the rear of the Gemini is a slide out panel for the sleeping quarter that comes with a comfortable queen size memory foam bed with lots of electronic and computer plug ins plus a wardrobe closet. The bed folds away offering additional seating. Curtains are pulled down to provide privacy.

After a long day of hiking or exploring or fishing it can be refreshing to wash away the day in a bathroom that has an adult size shower. The model comes with a tank-less water heater. If you stand under 7 feet you'll be comfortable to walk about this coach. There is also modest sink and toilet. An added plus discovered about this model RUV is that is has a powerful air venting system as well as overhead heating and air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable.

Exterior

The outside of this RUV offers a wind resistant retractable side awning as an added comfort on sunny warm days. The canopy also offers perimeter lighting for the evenings. It comes with an outdoor 32 inch TV and out door shower.

Hooking up to camp ground facilities (water, electricity, sewage) is a snap evening for newbie campers.

If you're an inexperienced camper most park or campsites are filled with folks willing to give you a hand to show you the ropes of RV living. (http://www.twentyninepalmsresort.com/)

Behind The Panels

This model Gemini RUV is small enough to park at your local grocery store. This smart size home on wheels comes with towing capacity of 5-thousand pounds. That's enough to toe a small car. Fresh water capacity is 31 gallons with a gray water storage tank (showers, dishes, toilets) that's loaded with 20 gallons. Should you prefer 'dry camping' (no water or electricity hook ups) the motor coach offers a battery generator and propane power source to keep your refrigerator and other indoor amenities operating for a few days.

John Krider Director of Marketing and Product Development for Thor Motorcoach

On The Road

A southern California drive in this refined Class C RUV in Joshua Tree National Park (https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm) is kinda cool. Sitting behind the wheel taking in sights through the panoramic front windows of the rugged massive rock formations and oddly shaped desert trees seems almost other worldly. Why not let your imagination have fun and sense of adventure run free.

Adjectives perhaps suitable for this motor home are steady, smooth and easy, tight turning, light weight and accurate to control. Gemini motor homes are priced to fit a variety of budgets. ($79,000.00-$100,000.00)

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