For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New W16 and W18 will replace existing P Series models in July
UNION CITY, Ind. -- The "P's" are leaving and the "W's" will now reign across the Workhorse gas chassis landscape.
Workhorse Custom Chassis will soon begin producing two entirely new chassis for the entry level and smaller Class A motor home buyer. The new chassis will extend customer-driven features from Workhorse's successful W Series platforms into all-new 16,000 and 18,000 lb. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) models.
Starting in mid July, the two new W Series models, the W16 and W18, will replace the current P Series models that have GVWRs of 15,000, 17,000 and 18,000 lbs.
"This is a watershed moment," said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of sales, marketing and product planning. "Our last link to the old GM chassis is gone. We have nothing but W Series gas chassis now all designed from the ground up specifically for the needs of today's motor home buyers."
The W16 and W18 models will have wider and more robust frames, 50,000 psi steel vs. the competition's 36,000 psi steel, to better accommodate smaller motor homes with slideouts. The engine will be lower to the ground in the same fashion as the heavier-duty W20, W22 and W24 chassis in order to minimize the engine doghouse which has proved to be a popular aid to cockpit access. The lower engine also aids stability and reduces noise.
Both models will feature the big block GM Vortec 8100 8.1L gasoline engine used with all W Series models. However, an optional GM Vortec 6000 6.0L engine will also be available. Both engines are mated to GM Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic transmissions.
The new W Series models will feature an industry-best 50-degree wheel cut for better maneuverability and will sport high performance Brembo brakes with four-wheel anti-lock capability.
The chassis will also have an I-Beam front suspension rather than the independent front suspension used by the P Series. "Many RV'ers like the stability of the I-Beam," said Wert. "By adding the Stabil-Ride suspension, Bilstein shocks and other improvements our W Series is noted for, we think we've hit an excellent balance of ride and control that the motor home driver will appreciate."
"Workhorse has built its RV name on maximizing power, performance, ride and handling," Wert continued. "We're sure these new models measure up in all those respects. We're bringing the Workhorse W Series experience to every gas motor home buyer, including those buying their first Class A."
"The reaction from manufacturers has been very positive so far," added Wert, "A number of them have prototype units and are already designing new motor home models. We think RV'ers are going to be really excited with what they see on these platforms. We're looking at a potential wave of new models that will really entice people into the Class A lifestyle."
"For gasoline motor homes, we now cover GVWRs from 16,000 to 24,000 lbs with a wealth of high-performance features," concluded Wert. "Add our R Series diesel platform and our collaboration with General Motors on the new Chevy Workhorse Class C chassis, and you can see we've brought many new choices to motor home buyers. And there's more on the way."
Specializing in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses, as well as integrated walk-in trucks, Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and considered a leader in the motor home and walk-in truck industries. For more information call toll-free 877-294-6773 or visit
Workhorse.com