MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Forest River Marine, a division of Forest River Inc. and one of the nation’s leading pontoon manufacturers, announced in a press release a vibrant collaboration with Margaritaville. Together, the companies are introducing the Chill Series – a line of pontoon boats designed to bring the easygoing spirit of Margaritaville to the water.
Blending Forest River Marine’s trusted craftsmanship with Margaritaville’s signature vibe, the Chill Series will offer boaters a one-of-a-kind escape – whether it’s a slow cruise at sunset or a weekend of good times with friends. Each model in the series will feature custom Margaritaville-inspired design elements, premium sound systems, and comfort-first layouts made for maximum relaxation.
“We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to life,” said Philip Podgorny, General Manager of Forest River Marine. “Our teams share a love for the water, good times, and memorable experiences. The Chill Series was created to deliver those moments effortlessly, with comfort and fun at the forefront.”
“Margaritaville has always been deeply connected to the water, so the Chill Series pontoons are a natural addition to our lifestyle portfolio,” added Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, Chief Marketing Officer of Margaritaville. “The Chill Series pontoons’ thoughtful design perfectly captures Margaritaville’s signature fun and escapism, making every offshore trip feel like a vacation.”
The Chill Series is expected to make waves nationwide, appealing to everyone from first-time boaters to lifelong Margaritaville fans. These pontoons are available to order now through Forest River Marine’s network of authorized dealers and trusted brands – Berkshire, South Bay, and Trifecta – with a starting MSRP of $45,169. To learn more or locate a dealer near you, visit www.berkshirepontoon.com,www.southbaypontoon.com, or www.trifectapontoon.com.
Margaritaville, a state of mind since 1977, is a global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation.
Margaritaville features over 40 lodging locations and over 20 additional projects in the pipeline positioned across a variety of full- service and boutique hotel and resort brands, branded real estate, and gaming properties, all complemented by an extensive suite of food and beverage concepts, including Margaritaville Restaurant, award-winning JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, and LandShark Bar & Grill.
Hotel brands include Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, Compass by Margaritaville, Margaritaville Beach House, and the all-inclusive product, Margaritaville Island Reserve®. Further elevating experiences, Margaritaville’s branded real estate includes Latitude Margaritaville, “55 and better” active adult brand; Margaritaville Cottages, Villas and Residences; One Particular Harbour Margaritaville; and Margaritaville Vacation Club.
The newest brand additions to Margaritaville properties include the rapidly-growing Camp Margaritaville Resorts and Margaritaville at Sea. Additionally, consumers can escape every day through a collection of lifestyle products, including apparel, footwear, frozen concoction makers, home décor, a SiriusXM radio station, License to Chill: The Margaritaville Podcast, and more.
More than 20 million travelers and consumers every year change their latitude and attitude with Margaritaville. For more information, visit www.margaritaville.com and follow Margaritaville on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information, visit www.forestriverinc.com
From Aqua-Hot: Meet the Aqua-Hot Edge Tankless On-Demand Water Heater — designed for RV owners who value comfort, efficiency, and convenience on the road. Enjoy instant, unlimited hot water at a consistent temperature, with no more unnecessary water waste while waiting for heat. This energy-saving design activates the burners only when hot water is needed and fits existing 6-gallon water heater sidewall cutouts, with both door and doorless models.
Watch now to discover the comprehensive safety and protection features of the Aqua-Hot Wave Edge, including:
From Aqua-Hot: Meet the Aqua-Hot Edge Tankless On-Demand Water Heater — designed for RV owners who value comfort, efficiency, and convenience on the road. Enjoy instant, unlimited hot water at a consistent temperature, with no more unnecessary water waste while waiting for heat. This energy-saving design activates the burners only when hot water is needed and fits existing 6-gallon water heater sidewall cutouts, with both door and doorless models.
Watch now to discover the comprehensive safety and protection features of the Aqua-Hot Wave Edge, including:
BANGKOK — Chinese factory activity improved somewhat in June after President Donald Trump agreed to delay imposing higher tariffs on imports from China for 90 days, but overall activity was still contracting, according to a survey released Monday, June 30, according to an Associated Press report.
The purchasing managers index, which reflects new orders and other measures, rose to 49.7 from 49.5 in May, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. That’s on a scale of 0 to 100 where 50 and above shows expansion.
Other reports showed similar trends in Japan and Korea.
Trump has said he’s not planning to extend the 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9. The delay for imposing much higher tariffs on China, agreed to in early May, expires about a month later.
The hiatus for tariffs brought a revival of manufacturing activity as companies and individuals rushed to take advantage of lower import duties. But that mainly helped large manufacturers, with small and mid-size companies’ output still contracting. Hiring also fell.
WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS — The United States will make several trade announcements in the next 48 hours, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, July 7, adding that his inbox was full of last-ditch offers from countries to clinch a tariff deal before a July 9 deadline, according to a Reuters report.
The clock is ticking down for countries around the world to conclude deals with the U.S. after President Donald Trump unleashed a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies.
Bessent did not say which countries could get deals and what they might contain. Trump has kept much of the world guessing on the outcome of months of talks with countries hoping to avoid the hefty tariff hikes he has threatened.
“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “So it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) announced that tickets are now available for its annual Education Symposium, happening Oct. 15-16 in Chicago. This year’s theme — Unleashed Potential: Power Up Your Productivity — focuses on practical strategies and fresh inspiration for people in the RV industry.
Returning presenters Christine Cashen and Amanda Gore headline the event, joined by productivity expert Sarah Ohanesian. Sessions include:
How to Dominate Your Day: Productivity hacks and Sarah Ohanesian’s simple system for getting more done without burning out.
Brain Hurricane: Christine Cashen’s energizing workshop on creativity, problem-solving, and building innovative teams.
Burn Bright/Not Out: Amanda Gore’s real-talk on work-life balance, building resilience, and boosting energy.
In addition to top-notch education, the Symposium offers unique opportunities to network with fellow industry professionals, broaden your connections, and open new doors for career growth and collaboration.
Early bird tickets are available now; click HERE to register. Join us for two powerful days of professional growth, networking, and motivation!
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) is dedicated to fostering education, elevating roles, and promoting opportunities for women within the recreational vehicle industry. Through initiatives like the newly established RVWA Charitable Foundation, the alliance is committed to meaningful growth and the lasting impact of the RV community.
Left to right: Paul Rex, VP, Bill Rex, President & CEO, Matthew Koverman, Executive Director of Operations (Image courtesy of Truck Camper Magazine)
In an exclusive interview, Truck Camper Magazine talks with William J. “Bill” Rex about his acquisition of Lance Camper, and his vision for the company. Goal number one: Make Lance, Lance again.
If you’ve followed the RV industry over the past few decades, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered the legacy of Bill Rex, even if his name doesn’t immediately ring a bell.
Bill’s roots in the RV world stretch back to 1969 when, fresh out of San Fernando High School, he and his brother first started a tree-trimming business. By age 19, he was drawn into the booming RV industry, landing a job on the production floor at Dolphin Camper Company.
He started on the production line puttying the staple holes at minimum wage $1.20 per hour, but it didn’t take him long to make an impression. Over 13 years at Dolphin, Bill worked his way up every rung of the production ladder, becoming Plant Manager by 1983. In that role, he was responsible not just for keeping production on schedule but also for spearheading research and development.
In 1983, Bill was hired by the Establishment Industries, a struggling RV manufacturer on the brink of collapse. Bill’s leadership ignited dramatic growth. Over two years, he grew Establishment’s annual sales from about $5.5 million to $28 million, restored profitability, and positioned the company for its 1985 sale to Thor Industries. Bill stayed on as President for a year after the acquisition but, true to his entrepreneurial spirit, he soon set his sights on starting something of his own.
In 1986, Bill co-founded Rexhall Industries. Within two years of producing the first Airex motorhomes in 1987, Rexhall’s revenue skyrocketed from $17.4 million in 1988 to over $36 million in 1989, with profits quadrupling in just one year. That success led Bill to buy out his partner and take Rexhall public in June 1989, raising over $6 million to fuel expansion. By this point, the company was building and selling around eighty motorhomes per month through a network of more than fifty dealers across twenty-two states.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Bill oversaw Rexhall’s growth with an eye on innovation and cost-effective manufacturing. He added a chassis-building plant at Rexhall’s Lancaster, California campus, and introduced features like unibody steel cage frames and the first ever “Trex” full-body slide-outs. He went on to be awarded a design patent on dual full-body side rooms. By 2003, Rexhall had earned accolades as one of the hottest public companies under $150 million in sales.
As a result of the housing crisis of 2008 to 2013, the motorized RV industry all but collapsed west of the Mississippi. During that time, Fleetwood, Monaco, Weekend Warrior, Alpha Leisure, National RV, and Western Rec all stopped production. Rexhall also took a beating when BYD America offered to put Rexhall’s laid off employees back to work. Bill sold the manufacturing facility to BYD Bus & Coach becoming their President and General Manager. He eventually put over 500 employees back to work.
After retiring from BYD, Bill had a short stint in 2020 as President of the EV Bus & Motor-Home Division at Imperium Motor Company, a division of DSG Global. This led to Bill and a friend, along with his son, starting Vision Kore Inc.
In late June, Bill Rex acquired Lance Camper Manufacturing and became president and CEO of the company. In the following exclusive interview, we talked to Bill about his decision to acquire Lance and his vision for one of the RV world’s most iconic brands.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father and founder, James “Jimbo” Hansen, on July 1, 2025.
Jimbo established Jimbo and Company Transport on July 1, 2010, guided by a vision that continues to inspire us every day. Through his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, he nurtured the growth of our company and shaped our path forward. His legacy is one of integrity, hard work, and community spirit and qualities we strive to uphold as we move ahead.
We recognize that we have some very big shoes to fill, and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our community. Your encouragement and kindness mean more to us than words can express.
In the coming days, we will share further details regarding arrangements. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.
PALO ALTO, Calif. — L’attesa è finite! The wait it over! The much-anticipated Oasi 540.1 Class B motorhome from Italian RV manufacturer Wingamm is now available for U.S. customers, with the most recent batch of 10 produced on spec expected to clear customs shortly (most have been sold). The next batch of made-to-order 17-foot, 10-inch Oasi 540.1s will be available in November this year (the summer batch is sold out).
Family-owned and -operated Wingamm was established in 1977 and the company takes credit for being “the first camper manufacturer in the world to create a living cell made with fiberglass monocoque.”
Wingamm’s original U.S. rollout for the Oasi 540 was supposed to happen in 2022 but a series of unfortunate events, including supply shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, halted the company’s plans. The newest iteration is the 540.1. So, without further adieu, Wingamm Italy brings the United States its luxurious, distinct-looking and innovative mini motorhome.
RVBusiness was given access to the Oasi 540.1 during a recent West Coast Roadshow, which included stops in San Diego, Malibu and Palo Alto, Calif., as well as Scottsdale Ariz., and Redmond, Ore.
Oasi 690 Absolute Edition
More to Come
Also headed to the United States soon are the 20-foot Oasi 610 M (drop-down bed, plus rear bed) and Oasi 610 GL (drop-down bed, plus rear bed and a garage that can fit a Vespa, or a drop-down bed and bunk-bed configuration). The 22-foot Oasi 690 Twins and Oasi 690 GC will also be available in the U.S. One Oasi 690 and one Oasi 610 will be arriving in Q3 and Q4 respectively for customers to see and test drive. Once these units arrive in the U.S., Wingamm plans to start taking orders, and delivery is expected in early 2026.
“You won’t find a Wingamm on a regular RV dealership lot,” said Tony Diamond, exclusive North American distributor for Wingamm. “It’s the Ferrari of Class B’s. It’s a beautiful, one-of-a kind, stylish motorhome. I describe it as a studio apartment because when you enter a Wingamm, you enter through a formal door, unlike a regular Class B with the utilitarian sliding door. And when you’re inside you have a kitchen that’s the size of one in a studio apartment. And then our dining room seats five.”
Wingamm USA acts as a “customer service concierge for the American dealerships, providing direct support and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the ownership period,” explained Diamond. Wingamm USA developed a franchise dealership model where product specialists immerse customers in the Wingamm experience. Current locations are in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nashville, Tennessee, and there are 10 authorized service centers.
First Impression
After elbowing my way through an enthusiastic throng of people, I got a chance to check out an Oasi 540 in person. First off, it’s nothing like a Class B you’ve seen in the U.S. Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the motorhome’s sleek fiberglass monocoque body is built in-house as one seamless piece. Not only does that make the 540.1 wider on the inside than a typical Class B—adding about 14 inches width—but the external and internal fiberglass layers wrap an insulating layer of 1-inch-thick polyurethane, creating a thermal barrier. Since fiberglass is known for its excellent insulating properties and doesn’t conduct heat, the 540.1’s internal temperature will stay more consistent, according to Diamond. An added benefit is that there’s less power consumption for heating and cooling, and sound-dampening for a quieter space.
The minute I stepped up inside the doorway via the electric step—with two people on my heels—the larger-than-expected interior was a surprise. Magnifico! The bright furnishings and cabinets are accentuated by large windows that open outward on each side of the motorhome, and a spacious walk path leads to the cab area. An L-shaped dinette on the Wingamm’s driver’s side faces the kitchen with its—get this!—almost 6½-foot-long countertop! Granted, a generously sized single-basin sink and two-burner cooktop are housed in the counter space closest to the entry door, but that much countertop space is unheard of in an under-18-foot motorhome. Additionally, the sliding and swiveling 4-foot-long (20-inch-wide) table can be rotated for use as an extension of the kitchen counter, creating a huge L-shaped workspace. This configuration also serves as a table for folks sitting in the cab’s swiveling captain’s chairs.
There’s plenty of storage with upper and lower cabinets that have chrome push-lock handles so they stay closed during travel. A 3-cubic-foot 12-volt DC fridge is incorporated into the cabinetry below the cooktop. A trash bin is attached to the interior of the entry door, which could be used for other purposes, such as stowing muddy shoes. The door has a screen, and there’s a privacy shade in the door’s window.
Living, Lounging & Sleeping
The comfy L-shaped sofa can easily seat four average-sized adults with elbow room for each. And a nice touch is that the sofa’s throw pillows have zippered covers, meaning that the covers can be washed; no need to replace the pillows after they get grungy from use. The portion of the sofa that faces forward has 33-inch-high back cushions and incorporates two seat belts.
When it’s time to catch some z’s, the telescoping table can be lowered by simply pushing down on it and placing the included mattress on top of the table to convert the dinette into a full-sized bed. But wait, there’s more: A 53-by-77-inch drop-down bed with a 4-inch-thick memory-foam mattress is recessed in the ceiling and positioned over the dinette. Simply pull down or push up to use the bed or to stash it away. A provided ladder makes the 46-inch climb into the bed easy, or the sofa can be used as a step.
As a side note, when the upper bed is lowered for use, that leaves about 46 inches of height to move between the front and back of the motorhome, if for some reason you need to make the trip to the cab when the bed is down. This also allows 27 inches between the lower and upper beds so the kiddos below can sit up in bed.
The upper bed feels sturdy and is bookended by cabinets for easy access should you need to reach for an extra blanket or a snack. There’s open space above the cabinets to tuck away items like a book or water bottle that you may want to stow for the night. Each side of the bed has a reading light with an incorporated USB charging outlet, plus a control panel for operating the interior lights.
A 22-by-24-inch skylight with a privacy shade/bug screen are positioned over where you would generally lie your head, so you can fall asleep looking at the stars. Because of the roof’s slope, there’s about 17 inches of headroom at the lowest point under the skylight, which should be plenty for most sleepers, but if not, you can always spin around and sleep with your head at the other end. Another skylight amidships opens as well and has the privacy shade/bug screen. The 540.1 certainly provides ample opportunity for fresh airflow, natural light and views of the outdoors!
A large wardrobe takes up residence between the entry door and wet bath. Interior height is 6 feet, 2 inches under the drop-down bed, with extra headroom near the entry door.
Il Bagno, aka the Bathroom
The 540.1’s rear wet bath stands out as well…it doesn’t just feel larger because of the big window (not openable because of U.S. regulations), it is larger than any Class B’s powder room I’ve seen, and the design elements give it an extravagant feel. This waterproof space offers more than 6 feet of headroom, a mirrored double-door medicine cabinet (with inside railings to keep stuff from falling out when you open the doors), plus a cabinet below the above-counter sink, a vent fan, an incorporated cupholder, a hand-towel rack, towel hooks, a shower with adjustable bar and a 4.7-gallon cassette toilet.
The space is wide enough so that when showering, you can actually lift your arms to wash your hair and not bump your elbows into the side walls (unless you’re really tall). The toilet is placed at an angle to face the door so that most people will have lots of legroom when sitting on the commode. There’s even a toilet brush!
Staying Comfortable
The Wingamm’s 12-volt air conditioner runs off the battery, and a Truma Combi furnace and water heater are standard. Radiant heat warms the 2-inch-thick floor. One of the 540.1’s exterior storage bays holds two 5-gallon propane cylinders. For those who want to do away with propane, the Truma Combi G gasoline heater that pulls gas from the Ram’s engine is optional, and the two-burner cooktop is replaced with an induction cooktop.
Standard are 300Ah of lithium battery storage, a 2,000-watt Victron MultiPlus inverter powering three AC outlets and a 130-watt solar panel. To increase off-grid capacity, an optional upgraded power package includes an additional 300Ah of lithium power storage, a 3,000-watt inverter and a secondary alternator (Balmar 170-amp). Shorepower is 30-amp.
The insulated freshwater tank holds 26 gallons and gray-water capacity is 18 gallons. A Firefly touchscreen panel over the entry door controls and monitors all of the Oasi’s systems and functions.
Take It Outside
The 540.1’s exterior storage takes the prize, with storage on the driver’s side, and as mentioned previously, the compartment on the passenger’s side that accommodates the propane cylinders. At the rear of the motorhome is a 5½-foot-long storage bay with a portion of it that’s deep enough to slide in a full-size spare tire, specifically an LT225/75R16 that keeps the 540.1 rolling along.
The Oasi has a central locking system and the exterior storage doors are unlocked via the vehicle’s key fob. A manual armless awning extends 6 feet, offering shade over the entry door and kitchen window.
On the Road
While our test drive was kept short because of the many people who wanted to experience the 540.1, what stood out was how quiet it was on the road. We cruised along California’s Pacific Coast Highway at about 50 mph with road noise barely perceptible. It was so quiet inside that we could carry on muted conversations between those seated in the cab and those at the dinette. There wasn’t a single squeak or rattle from the cabinets, and according to Diamond, the custom cabinets are glued in as well as attached via screws.
At under 18 feet, the 540.1 fits into a regular parking spot and the large display for the backup camera provides an excellent rear view. Driving the Oasi was like driving an SUV with a short front-end, rather than a 10-foot-tall motorhome.
Maneuverability is impressive and the turning radius is incredible. U-turns in tight spaces are no problem for the 540.1; turning radius is 37.4 feet. The Ram ProMaster has a nine-speed automatic transmission and features adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and other features. Four exterior wrap choices are available: Standard (white), Black Edition, Fashion (white with green Wingamm logo pattern) and Absolute (white with black and yellow accents). Interior choices are Cala Luna (standard, available in cotton fabric or eco-leather ivory), and the Capsule Collection, which are the upgraded Costiera, Dolomiti and Metropoli interiors that include Rubelli textiles.
All this luxury does come at a price: base MSRP is $188,500.
Boasting a compact footprint, the Oasi 540.1 is big on interior space and amenities. We’re impressed that an RV that’s about the length of a minivan can provide spacious seating, sleeping and living for a family of four on the move. Wingamm has crammed a lot of creature comforts into a mini home away from home, without the people inside feeling crammed. Arrivederci!
PALO ALTO, Calif. — L’attesa è finite! The wait it over! The much-anticipated Oasi 540.1 Class B motorhome from Italian RV manufacturer Wingamm is now available for U.S. customers, with the most recent batch of 10 produced on spec expected to clear customs shortly (most have been sold). The next batch of made-to-order 17-foot, 10-inch Oasi 540.1s will be available in November this year (the summer batch is sold out).
Family-owned and -operated Wingamm was established in 1977 and the company takes credit for being “the first camper manufacturer in the world to create a living cell made with fiberglass monocoque.”
Wingamm’s original U.S. rollout for the Oasi 540 was supposed to happen in 2022 but a series of unfortunate events, including supply shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, halted the company’s plans. The newest iteration is the 540.1. So, without further adieu, Wingamm Italy brings the United States its luxurious, distinct-looking and innovative mini motorhome.
RVBusiness was given access to the Oasi 540.1 during a recent West Coast Roadshow, which included stops in San Diego, Malibu and Palo Alto, Calif., as well as Scottsdale Ariz., and Redmond, Ore.
Oasi 690 Absolute Edition
More to Come
Also headed to the United States soon are the 20-foot Oasi 610 M (drop-down bed, plus rear bed) and Oasi 610 GL (drop-down bed, plus rear bed and a garage that can fit a Vespa, or a drop-down bed and bunk-bed configuration). The 22-foot Oasi 690 Twins and Oasi 690 GC will also be available in the U.S. One Oasi 690 and one Oasi 610 will be arriving in Q3 and Q4 respectively for customers to see and test drive. Once these units arrive in the U.S., Wingamm plans to start taking orders, and delivery is expected in early 2026.
“You won’t find a Wingamm on a regular RV dealership lot,” said Tony Diamond, exclusive North American distributor for Wingamm. “It’s the Ferrari of Class B’s. It’s a beautiful, one-of-a kind, stylish motorhome. I describe it as a studio apartment because when you enter a Wingamm, you enter through a formal door, unlike a regular Class B with the utilitarian sliding door. And when you’re inside you have a kitchen that’s the size of one in a studio apartment. And then our dining room seats five.”
Wingamm USA acts as a “customer service concierge for the American dealerships, providing direct support and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the ownership period,” explained Diamond. Wingamm USA developed a franchise dealership model where product specialists immerse customers in the Wingamm experience. Current locations are in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nashville, Tennessee, and there are 10 authorized service centers.
First Impression
After elbowing my way through an enthusiastic throng of people, I got a chance to check out an Oasi 540 in person. First off, it’s nothing like a Class B you’ve seen in the U.S. Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the motorhome’s sleek fiberglass monocoque body is built in-house as one seamless piece. Not only does that make the 540.1 wider on the inside than a typical Class B—adding about 14 inches width—but the external and internal fiberglass layers wrap an insulating layer of 1-inch-thick polyurethane, creating a thermal barrier. Since fiberglass is known for its excellent insulating properties and doesn’t conduct heat, the 540.1’s internal temperature will stay more consistent, according to Diamond. An added benefit is that there’s less power consumption for heating and cooling, and sound-dampening for a quieter space.
The minute I stepped up inside the doorway via the electric step—with two people on my heels—the larger-than-expected interior was a surprise. Magnifico! The bright furnishings and cabinets are accentuated by large windows that open outward on each side of the motorhome, and a spacious walk path leads to the cab area. An L-shaped dinette on the Wingamm’s driver’s side faces the kitchen with its—get this!—almost 6½-foot-long countertop! Granted, a generously sized single-basin sink and two-burner cooktop are housed in the counter space closest to the entry door, but that much countertop space is unheard of in an under-18-foot motorhome. Additionally, the sliding and swiveling 4-foot-long (20-inch-wide) table can be rotated for use as an extension of the kitchen counter, creating a huge L-shaped workspace. This configuration also serves as a table for folks sitting in the cab’s swiveling captain’s chairs.
There’s plenty of storage with upper and lower cabinets that have chrome push-lock handles so they stay closed during travel. A 3-cubic-foot 12-volt DC fridge is incorporated into the cabinetry below the cooktop. A trash bin is attached to the interior of the entry door, which could be used for other purposes, such as stowing muddy shoes. The door has a screen, and there’s a privacy shade in the door’s window.
Living, Lounging & Sleeping
The comfy L-shaped sofa can easily seat four average-sized adults with elbow room for each. And a nice touch is that the sofa’s throw pillows have zippered covers, meaning that the covers can be washed; no need to replace the pillows after they get grungy from use. The portion of the sofa that faces forward has 33-inch-high back cushions and incorporates two seat belts.
When it’s time to catch some z’s, the telescoping table can be lowered by simply pushing down on it and placing the included mattress on top of the table to convert the dinette into a full-sized bed. But wait, there’s more: A 53-by-77-inch drop-down bed with a 4-inch-thick memory-foam mattress is recessed in the ceiling and positioned over the dinette. Simply pull down or push up to use the bed or to stash it away. A provided ladder makes the 46-inch climb into the bed easy, or the sofa can be used as a step.
As a side note, when the upper bed is lowered for use, that leaves about 46 inches of height to move between the front and back of the motorhome, if for some reason you need to make the trip to the cab when the bed is down. This also allows 27 inches between the lower and upper beds so the kiddos below can sit up in bed.
The upper bed feels sturdy and is bookended by cabinets for easy access should you need to reach for an extra blanket or a snack. There’s open space above the cabinets to tuck away items like a book or water bottle that you may want to stow for the night. Each side of the bed has a reading light with an incorporated USB charging outlet, plus a control panel for operating the interior lights.
A 22-by-24-inch skylight with a privacy shade/bug screen are positioned over where you would generally lie your head, so you can fall asleep looking at the stars. Because of the roof’s slope, there’s about 17 inches of headroom at the lowest point under the skylight, which should be plenty for most sleepers, but if not, you can always spin around and sleep with your head at the other end. Another skylight amidships opens as well and has the privacy shade/bug screen. The 540.1 certainly provides ample opportunity for fresh airflow, natural light and views of the outdoors!
A large wardrobe takes up residence between the entry door and wet bath. Interior height is 6 feet, 2 inches under the drop-down bed, with extra headroom near the entry door.
Il Bagno, aka the Bathroom
The 540.1’s rear wet bath stands out as well…it doesn’t just feel larger because of the big window (not openable because of U.S. regulations), it is larger than any Class B’s powder room I’ve seen, and the design elements give it an extravagant feel. This waterproof space offers more than 6 feet of headroom, a mirrored double-door medicine cabinet (with inside railings to keep stuff from falling out when you open the doors), plus a cabinet below the above-counter sink, a vent fan, an incorporated cupholder, a hand-towel rack, towel hooks, a shower with adjustable bar and a 4.7-gallon cassette toilet.
The space is wide enough so that when showering, you can actually lift your arms to wash your hair and not bump your elbows into the side walls (unless you’re really tall). The toilet is placed at an angle to face the door so that most people will have lots of legroom when sitting on the commode. There’s even a toilet brush!
Staying Comfortable
The Wingamm’s 12-volt air conditioner runs off the battery, and a Truma Combi furnace and water heater are standard. Radiant heat warms the 2-inch-thick floor. One of the 540.1’s exterior storage bays holds two 5-gallon propane cylinders. For those who want to do away with propane, the Truma Combi G gasoline heater that pulls gas from the Ram’s engine is optional, and the two-burner cooktop is replaced with an induction cooktop.
Standard are 300Ah of lithium battery storage, a 2,000-watt Victron MultiPlus inverter powering three AC outlets and a 130-watt solar panel. To increase off-grid capacity, an optional upgraded power package includes an additional 300Ah of lithium power storage, a 3,000-watt inverter and a secondary alternator (Balmar 170-amp). Shorepower is 30-amp.
The insulated freshwater tank holds 26 gallons and gray-water capacity is 18 gallons. A Firefly touchscreen panel over the entry door controls and monitors all of the Oasi’s systems and functions.
Take It Outside
The 540.1’s exterior storage takes the prize, with storage on the driver’s side, and as mentioned previously, the compartment on the passenger’s side that accommodates the propane cylinders. At the rear of the motorhome is a 5½-foot-long storage bay with a portion of it that’s deep enough to slide in a full-size spare tire, specifically an LT225/75R16 that keeps the 540.1 rolling along.
The Oasi has a central locking system and the exterior storage doors are unlocked via the vehicle’s key fob. A manual armless awning extends 6 feet, offering shade over the entry door and kitchen window.
On the Road
While our test drive was kept short because of the many people who wanted to experience the 540.1, what stood out was how quiet it was on the road. We cruised along California’s Pacific Coast Highway at about 50 mph with road noise barely perceptible. It was so quiet inside that we could carry on muted conversations between those seated in the cab and those at the dinette. There wasn’t a single squeak or rattle from the cabinets, and according to Diamond, the custom cabinets are glued in as well as attached via screws.
At under 18 feet, the 540.1 fits into a regular parking spot and the large display for the backup camera provides an excellent rear view. Driving the Oasi was like driving an SUV with a short front-end, rather than a 10-foot-tall motorhome.
Maneuverability is impressive and the turning radius is incredible. U-turns in tight spaces are no problem for the 540.1; turning radius is 37.4 feet. The Ram ProMaster has a nine-speed automatic transmission and features adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and other features. Four exterior wrap choices are available: Standard (white), Black Edition, Fashion (white with green Wingamm logo pattern) and Absolute (white with black and yellow accents). Interior choices are Cala Luna (standard, available in cotton fabric or eco-leather ivory), and the Capsule Collection, which are the upgraded Costiera, Dolomiti and Metropoli interiors that include Rubelli textiles.
All this luxury does come at a price: base MSRP is $188,500.
Boasting a compact footprint, the Oasi 540.1 is big on interior space and amenities. We’re impressed that an RV that’s about the length of a minivan can provide spacious seating, sleeping and living for a family of four on the move. Wingamm has crammed a lot of creature comforts into a mini home away from home, without the people inside feeling crammed. Arrivederci!
