Chinook RV
Chinook RV will head to the 2025 Elkhart Open House with two all-new floorplans: the Summit MT 360 and the Bayside RT 360, two layouts designed for customers who value high-end finishes, practical use of space and all-weather capability.
The Summit MT 360 is part of Chinook’s side-entry B+ lineup. Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD chassis, this nearly 25-foot motorhome features a side-entry design and a layout that includes mid-twin beds, a dry rear bath and a front kitchen.
The Summit MT 360 is constructed on Chinook’s B+ Superstructure and has metal sidewalls and high-end interior appointments like premium padded walls, Ultraleather furniture, solid-surface countertops and a solid-surface shower. It’s powered by a Victron Energy system with Expion360 lithium batteries and, for 2026, comes standard with a 900Ah lithium battery capacity.
Chinook General Manager Jeff Butler says the model will stand out for RVers looking to transition out of larger diesel pushers or Super C motorhomes.
Factory Representative Seth Buchheit agrees, saying, “Right now, customers who are following the trend of downsizing from high-quality diesel pusher and Super C motorhomes don’t have a lot of options with the same level of quality found in those type of coaches within the B+/small C category. Our new layout not only makes sense to those potential buyers but also features [the amenities] found in those high-end diesels.”
Also new for 2026 is the Bayside RT 360, a versatile Class B built on the Ford Transit AWD chassis. It features rear twin beds — including an extra-long passenger-side bed that can convert to a queen — a mid-kitchen and a front wet bath.
This model includes pullout heavy-duty storage drawers under the twin beds that are accessible through the rear doors, as well as interior storage throughout the coach. Like the Summit, it’s equipped with a Victron/Expion360 lithium energy system and an above-floor water tank and batteries.
With the RT 360, Chinook is responding to the growing popularity of flexible twin-bed layouts in the Class B segment. “Versatility is key,” Buchheit says. “The RT 360 provides another option for customers who love the TB 360 floorplan but want a different configuration with more kitchen space and a compact, space-saving bath.”
Chinook is also transitioning the Summit line to the AWD Mercedes chassis as standard, with added
blind-spot detection across the Summit and Maverick B+ lines. While optional packages are still being finalized, features like Starlink prep and a blackout package (including AT tires, black wheels and trim) are on the radar.
Despite current market challenges, both Butler and Buchheit are optimistic about the year ahead. “The market feels like a roller coaster,” Buchheit notes. “We’ll see interest and retail purchases one week, then nothing the next. Once the tariff situation is figured out, I believe it will get better.”
And while the product is front and center, Chinook is inviting dealers and customers to go deeper. “I invite everybody who wants to see what we are doing to our factory in Peru, Indiana, and see firsthand the value we put into our motorhomes. We are building them to be heirlooms, not five-year pieces,” Buchheit says.
The Chinook RV Open House showcase will be in the same location as last year — across the road from the RV/MH Hall of Fame entrance, next to Casey’s gas station off county Road 17 in Elkhart.
Encore RV
Encore RV will shake things up at Open House, starting with a change of venue. The company is moving its Open House display from the RV/MH Hall of Fame to its own facility, along county Road 6 on 2702 Ada Dr. in Elkhart. Dealers are invited to explore the latest in innovation, comfort and versatility, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with after-hours appointments available upon request.
The new location sets the stage for a series of updates and first looks, including a much-anticipated bathroom addition to Encore’s compact RŎG 12RK and 12BH models. Known for their small footprint and garage-friendly design, these models will soon offer an innovative bathroom solution without sacrificing towability.
“We’re keeping this one under wraps until the Open House,” says Encore RV founder Rich Schnippel. “There’s nothing like it on the market. We love developing real solutions to the challenges our customers face.”
Schnippel hints there’s another surprise in the works, though he’s not sure if it will debut at Open House. “Whether or not it makes the show, our top priorities remain quality and innovation,” he says.
Encore will also showcase an expanded VENŪ Adventure Trailer lineup, with three new floorplans
aimed at enhancing comfort, usability and function.
Among the innovations is the VENŪ 17TB, a sister model to the popular 17QB introduced at the 2024 Open House. Customers can choose between twin and queen sizes with the 17TB’s convertible bed system, which allows a quick conversion to a 60-by-80-inch queen bed. The rest of the layout mirrors the 17QB, which features a front east-west queen bed configuration.
Inside, both the 17TB and 17QB models offer a premium feel throughout and feature Encore RV’s exclusive “Forever Cabinets,” crafted from laser-cut, formed and powder-coated aluminum for high durability and a beautiful finish. The spacious wet bath includes a Thetford cassette toilet and aluminum shower pan topped with a comfortable EVA foam mat.
The galley features solid-surface countertops; an 8-cubic-foot, 12-volt fridge/freezer; a two-burner cooktop; microwave; a 35-gallon fresh water tank and an on-demand water heater. A convertible dinette provides additional sleeping space, while a large panoramic window brings the outdoors in.
Ample storage makes it easy for RVers to bring all their essentials along. The 17TB offers a large, unobstructed pass-through compartment to hold bulky gear. The interior boasts a roomy pantry, a sizable closet, a three-drawer bank and a built-in beverage center for a coffee maker.
Encore is also debuting two compact versions of the 17 Series, the VENŪ a4QB and the a4TB. These smaller models retain the wet bath, galley setup, expansive storage and full-size pass-through of their larger 17-foot counterparts, while delivering a lighter, SUV-towable profile.
All 2025 VENŪ models will feature the Timbren Axle-Less Suspensions for superior on- and off-road handling, and the TST tire pressure monitoring system for all tires, including the spare, the company says.
Every VENŪ is ultradurable, starting with Encore’s exclusive Tri-Bond 360 Construction, where all-aluminum tube framing is fully welded 360 degrees; and the walls, roof and chassis are bonded with industrial adhesives, mechanical fasteners and welded integration. Leak protection and durability are enhanced by the fiberglass roof, which runs from the rear to the front stone guard.
Encore RV products are also 100% wood-free, with composite floors, aluminum cabinetry and high-gloss fiberglass-over-Azdel wall panels. In addition, every trailer is backed by a transferable two-year bumper-to-hitch warranty and five-year structural warranty.
