Fleetwood's 2025 Altitude Is Their Cheapest and No-Frills Class C RV: Ready for Families

Folks, if you ever make it across Fleetwood RV's website, you'll find that they craft an array of motorhomes and RVs designed to give Americans the ability to live on the road for as long as they want. That said, some of their units are priced starting at as much as $673K. But, on the opposite spectrum, you'll find the Altitude, this crew's least-expensive layout.

How inexpensive? Well, for a gas-fed Class C motorhome from one of America's oldest RV manufacturers, active since 1950, it starts at no more than $151,232 (€141K at current exchange rates). So, to give you an idea of what's in store for the new year, let's go on a short introduction to what an Altitude can do for you.

For starters, take note of the fact that Fleetwood offers the Altitude with a slide-out wall, no matter which of the two floorplans you choose. But, my favorite option is the 27U, mainly because it comes equipped with a Murphy bed. This is a big deal if you're looking to access extra space during daily activities. Oh, it's also a growing trend, so Fleetwood is clearly paying attention to what's happening in the industry.

That said, picture yourself pulling into some park or private property you've reserved just for this adventure and extending the 27U's port wall. After you do, you'll find yourself in the middle of a living space that places absolutely everything within arm's and step's reach.

On that slide-out, you and your family will be able to access a U-shaped modular dinette and the Murphy bed I mentioned. What I found rather neat is how Fleetwood separated the two sleeping areas with a wardrobe and storage drawers; it's simple, and it works. A hidden sleeping space is found in the shape of an overhead bunk sitting atop the cab.

Along the opposite side of the Altitude, Fleetwood places feature the likes of a residential-sized kitchen, ready with the appliances we know and love, but toward the rear, in front of the Murphy bed, there's an electric fireplace and entertainment center. The very rear of the layout features the bathroom, all of it with separate elements.

Another layout, the 29F, the one spotted in the image gallery, is a bit different in that it shifts the bathroom to the right wall and reserves over a third of the rear for nothing other than an elevated queen bed with a walk-around. This is the unit you want if you're looking for privacy.

One area where both layouts are exactly the same is in the electrical and utilities sector. Here, Fleetwood starts us off with an Onan generator, water filtration system, dual batteries, and even 330 W of solar power. Fifty gallons (189 liters) of freshwater also accompany the mix, along with the necessary pumps and heaters. Some of these systems are upgradeable, so be sure to check out the four pages of features and options the manufacturer provides on their website.

As for my favorite side of the Altitude's story, it's all about the outdoor living options it offers to would-be owners. I'm talking about things like a massive awning sitting over an exterior galley and entertainment center, not to mention patio lights to let the magic flow well into the night. If you pack the storage bays along the sides of the Altitude with an outdoor dining set, you can picture what to do next. Why not bring along a tent annex and even sleep outside for a night or two?

At the head of all this action sits none other than Ford, the chosen manufacturer for the chassis. An E-450 makes its appearance with a 7.3-liter V8 engine that can access 325 hp and produce a sizeable 450 lb-ft of torque. A multi-leaf suspension is the basis for the softness, but don't forget all the features Ford is known for. Throw a Vacu-Bond and aluminum-framed construction on top, and you have yourself a 2025 Altitude.

Since it's Saturday (at the time of writing), why not take a moment out of your relaxing day and picture yourself in the middle of all the action you saw and read about. Feel a cool mountain or ocean breeze sweep across your face and humanoid tendrils and listening to the sounds of the fauna around, some of which are from your very own progenies. If that's not the definition of a good life, I don't know what is. Better yet, find a dealership in your area with one of these in stock and get up close and personal with the beast itself.