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Model Year 2027: Chinook RV & Encore RV

Chinook RV

Listening closely to customer feedback, Chinook RV has refined its 2027 offerings with new floorplans, upgraded features and design enhancements that make life on the road even more enjoyable.

One of the biggest additions is the all-new Destiny Mid-Twin AWD 4S, which pairs Chinook’s popular mid-twin bed floorplan with the Ford Transit AWD chassis for the first time. The layout includes a dedicated wardrobe and pantry for additional storage and is available with premium full-body automotive paint options, making it well-suited for extended travel.

Chinook RV Maverick Front Twin Bed
Chinook RV Maverick Front Twin Bed. Photos courtesy of Chinook

The Destiny joins several other new offerings for 2027, including the Concourse Mid-Twin AWD 4S, which continues the mid-twin layout on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD chassis, along with the Maverick Front Twin Bed AWD 4S and Summit Front Twin Bed AWD 4S. Both front twin-bed models feature sleeping arrangements that convert from two individual twin beds into a 60-inch queen bed, providing flexibility for travelers.

According to Jeff Butler, general manager of Chinook RV, customer demand for adaptable interiors has been one of the company’s biggest success stories over the past year. “One of our biggest successes this year has been the strong demand for our twin bed floorplans,” Butler says. “Customers have embraced the versatility of a layout that functions as two sofas during the day, converts into two separate twin beds or transforms into a 60-inch queen bed when desired. This adaptable design has resonated with a wide range of buyers, reinforcing the growing demand for multifunctional floorplans that maximize comfort, flexibility and livability.”

That emphasis on versatility continues throughout the 2027 lineup. Butler expects the new Destiny Mid-Twin AWD 4S to attract significant attention from both dealers and consumers by combining one of Chinook’s most popular floorplans with the capability of the Ford Transit all-wheel-drive platform.

Chinook RV Maverick Front Twin Bed in Madera Cream
Chinook Maverick Front Twin Bed in Madera Cream

“Our most exciting debut for MY2027 is the launch of an additional model to our fleet,” Butler says. “The new Destiny Mid-Twin B+ is the perfect combination of highly desirable features: the Ford Transit AWD chassis and our popular mid-twin bed floorplan. This gives customers even more choice within our premium Class B+ lineup.”

Chinook is also introducing several equipment upgrades across its lineup. For 2027, the company’s popular Black Out Package becomes standard on both the Summit AWD 4S and Concourse AWD 4S models. The package includes black wheels, all-terrain tires and matching black exterior hardware.

Technology also receives a boost with the addition of an optional 360-degree camera system available on the Concourse AWD 4S, Destiny AWD 4S, Maverick AWD 4S and Summit AWD 4S. Using four exterior cameras, the system creates a bird’s-eye view to simplify parking and maneuvering while also providing integrated security and incident recording capabilities.

While new features and technology remain important, Butler believes buyers are placing increasing emphasis on the overall ownership experience. “One of the biggest takeaways from our dealers and owners has been the importance of the overall ownership experience,” he says. “Customers value premium quality and craftsmanship, but they also want thoughtful features that genuinely make traveling easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable.”

That customer feedback has guided every aspect of the 2027 model year, from floorplan development to technology enhancements and practical innovations designed to improve everyday usability.

Underlying every Chinook motorhome is the company’s signature construction philosophy, Butler says. Its fully welded 2-by-4-inch steel substructure cradle foundation, aluminum-framed sidewalls and roof, and bonded aluminum siding panels are designed to provide long-term durability. Many models are also available with all-wheel drive and four-season certification, allowing owners to travel comfortably in a wider range of climates and road conditions.

Looking ahead, Butler expects buyers to continue placing greater importance on quality and lasting value rather than simply comparing price tags. “As we look toward the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, today’s RV buyers are becoming more selective and intentional with their purchasing decisions,” he says. “They’re looking beyond price alone to evaluate quality, craftsmanship, long-term value and the overall ownership experience.”

Those changing priorities, he adds, reinforce Chinook’s strategy of listening closely to dealers and owners while introducing meaningful innovations that reflect how customers actually use their motorhomes.

The resulting 2027 lineup offers a combination of new floorplans, upgraded styling, enhanced driver-assistance technology and premium construction that positions Chinook to meet the evolving expectations of today’s RV enthusiasts. From the debut of the Destiny Mid-Twin AWD 4S to thoughtful refinements across its Class B and Class B+ models, the company continues to focus on delivering motorhomes that blend craftsmanship, versatility and all-season capability.

Chinook RV will be exhibiting across from the RV/MH Hall of Fame on County Road 17.


Encore RV

For 2027, Encore RV will be introducing several new floorplans, with its new VENŪ 22RB being the most notable as the largest travel trailer they’ve built to date, says Rich Schnippel, Encore RV founder and partner. This floorplan features a north-south front queen bed, a large bathroom at the rear and a kitchen equipped with a farmhouse-style sink, solid-surface countertops, all-aluminum Shaker-style Forever cabinets, a three-burner stove and more. The bathroom also offers solid-surface countertops, a 31-by-48-inch shower and ample cabinet storage. For additional sleeping space, a large two-person dinette converts into a bunk.

VIEW 1reflection webp ROG Page
Photos courtesy of Encore RV

Despite being its largest travel trailer, Schnippel says the VENŪ 22RB remains off-road capable. Standard equipment includes Dexter torsion axles, an MPPT solar controller, DC-to-DC charger, 70-amp converter, inverter prep, and both side and roof solar prep. Several available power packages offer up to 400Ah of lithium battery capacity, 400 watts of solar, a 3,000-watt inverter and a second 50-amp DC-to-DC charger. As with all Encore models, the 22RB is 100% wood-free and built on an all-aluminum, all-tube chassis, with the frame built using the company’s proprietary Tri-Bond Construction.

Encore is also introducing two new RŎG models for the upcoming model year, the 12RK-FD and 12BH-FD — extended versions of two of its most popular floorplans. The new FD models feature a 35-inch extended front deck designed to safely transport gear, bicycles, motorcycles or an ATV. Open House attendees can also check out Encore’s new 12RK-FB and 12BH-FB — floorplans with a front bath module that started shipping in July.

“This front bath module has done extremely well in the short time it’s been available,” Schnippel says. It addresses a major objection to small trailer camping: no bathroom.

For new standard features, Schnippel says the VENŪ lineup has seen the most significant changes for 2027. VENŪ models will include the residential Shaker-style Forever cabinets, frameless square glass exterior windows, aluminum box valances with built-in pull-down screens and night shades, and new residential-style recessed LED lighting. Sinks have been added to wet bath models, and porcelain RV toilets with black holding tanks have replaced cassette toilets. Holding tank capacities have also increased on several VENŪ and RŎG models. Other additions include Starlink prep, backup camera prep and built-in weight distribution hitch prep.

12RK FB 8 webp
RŎG 12RK-FB bathroom

Optional features for MY27 will include a Girard electric side awning with a built-in wind sensor for the entire VENŪ line and a manual Kammok rear awning for the rear-entry VENŪ 14QB/14TB and 17QB/17TB models. In the VENŪ 22RB, an optional Overland Package includes Timbren Axle-Less suspension and a Lock-N-Roll articulating hitch.

Schnippel says the VENŪ 17TB was particularly successful this year. Its rear-entry design provides easy access to the center hallway, creating a convenient space to transport mountain bikes and e-bikes, for example, inside the trailer. It also only weighs 3,700 pounds, making it easy to tow while still offering ample space inside.

The VENŪ 17QB, with an east-west queen bed in place of the convertible twin-bed layout, and the 14-foot versions (VENŪ 14TB/QB) were also popular this year.

Looking ahead, Schnippel says he believes the RV market is continuing to stabilize, and he’s cautiously optimistic for the second half of 2026 and 2027.

VENU 22RB GRAPHICS
VENU 22RB

“Consumers are still interested in camping, travel and the RV lifestyle, but they are more deliberate in their purchasing decisions and are demanding greater value for their money,” he says. “I think manufacturers and dealers who listen to the customer, control costs and continue to innovate will find opportunities for growth. The market may not return to the extraordinary levels we experienced a few years ago, but I believe we are moving toward a healthier, more sustainable RV industry.

“We believe the future of our company — and our dealer partners — has never been more exciting.”

At Open House this year, Encore RV will showcase its products at its new facility located at 201 Crossfire Drive in Topeka, Indiana.

To see all of RV PRO’s Model Year 2027 preview, click here.

RV PRO Staff

The go-to business-to-business publication for RV industry professionals, RV PRO features a team of experienced writers and editors with a collective 54 years of editorial experience and 11 years of RV industry experience. For more about our team, visit rv-pro.com/about

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