For many, the idea that bigger is better is not a sound or prudent attitude. Not only that, it seems we all have less money to spend. That's a concern Born Free has addressed with its all-new motorhome. Introduced earlier this year at the Tampa RV Super Show, the all-new Born Free 20-foot Mini resonates with those who want to begin enjoying the RV lifestyle but are mindful of the aforementioned concerns.
However, the beauty of the new Born Free Mini 20 is really threefold. One, it yields huge amounts of utility and functionality. Two, the purchase price and operating costs represent a real step forward. Three, the 20-foot Mini embodies the luxury, comfort, aesthetics, and quality of motorhomes costing a good deal more and therefore yields all the joys associated with the luxury RV lifestyle.
UTILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY
As its moniker implies, the overall length of the 20-foot Mini is a stingy 20 feet, 11 inches bumper to bumper. The exterior width measures 95.5 inches and, even when crowned with the optional roof air-conditioner, the exterior height can be considered low profile in today's world of motorhomes. Its dry weight is 9100 pounds and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 11,500 pounds, meaning this motorhome is fully capable of accommodating another 2400 pounds of cargo. With a towing capability of 5000 pounds, based on standard chassis equipment that includes a stout Ford V-8 and an E-Series chassis (the coach comes standard with hitch and seven-pin electrical plug), this unit can trailer a boat, pull a utility trailer full of adult toys like ATVs or motorcycles, or anything else that falls within this tow rating.
With its downsized length, the Mini 20 is as easy to navigate through an urban setting as any full-size large sedan. This full-service luxury motorhome is one you can easily park in any residential driveway and use to run about town and is immediately ready for enjoying a weekend or an extended vacation. Drivers who have virtually no experience driving a motorhome instantly feel comfortable because of the cab's totally familiar automotive dash and controls presentation. If you can drive a full-size pickup, you've already completed the learning curve associated with operating and driving the 20-foot Mini by Born Free.
ECONOMICAL
Fully appointed (only three options can be added to the standard equipped RV), the base MSRP is a hair under $65,000. The only options: a 13,500-BTU roof air-conditioner (with a heat strip that efficiently takes the edge off a cool morning), a 3.6-kilowatt auxiliary generator, and an LCD flatscreen television. All three together add less than $5000 to the base suggested retail price. Today, when buying luxury Class C motorhomes may require putting up the deed to the ranch, opting for the Mini is a reasonable choice for the average American family.
That you can park it in the driveway (local codes permitting) is another cost-efficient element of this motorhome: You don't have to store it when you aren't using it. Storage away from home can easily cost $150-plus a month, depending upon where you live. Also, because this is a small, downsized vehicle, you can easily maneuver it through typical urban settings, so you aren't stuck buying a second vehicle just to use around town.
Designing this coach from a blank sheet of paper, Born Free was able to factor actual cost savings into the design equation. It's built using the Ford E-350 as its platform (a Chevrolet chassis also is available). Because the Mini is smaller, a larger typical Class C chassis is not required, nor is a larger V-8. Instead, it's powered by the Ford 5.4-liter V-8. With the smaller engine and lighter GVWR, Born Free has achieved 13 mpg under steady-state operating conditions during road tests. Keep in mind this calculation is based on using a new engine, which means that following the break-in period, the fuel economy on the Mini 20 should be even better. Many luxury full-service Class C home manufacturers would give their eyeteeth to be able to get such a number for themselves. The engine is married to a five-speed automatic transmission with tow mode.