A subtle renaissance in motorhome design
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Preston Gratiot
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MotorHome, June 2008
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If you could design and build the motorhome of your dreams, what would you include on your list of must-have features? Would you choose gas or diesel? Full-body paint or graphics? One, two, three or more slides? The thought of a 35-foot-plus canvas, awaiting a creative and innovative touch, was the start of the CT Coachworks Siena you see pictured on the right.
The Siena is the result of three minds well known to the RV manufacturing community: the late John Crean, founder of Fleetwood Enterprises, his son-in-law Steve Thomas, and Steve's wife, Susan. While Crean has passed on, Steve and Susan have continued to evolve the dream under their CT (Crean-Thomas) Coachworks name, and have grown their keep-it-simple philosophy into this present-day coach.
What makes this coach so unique are the appliances. The kitchen is equipped with full residential-style appliances that stand out remarkably, especially when you consider the Siena is a gas-powered motorhome. It also includes a washer and dryer as standard equipment. The Siena has 7 feet of headroom in the main cabin and 6-1/2 feet in the slideouts.
We found the 42-inch LCD high-definition TV up front was easy to view from the 76-inch faux leather sleeper sofa and the dinette, and the TV also functions as a computer monitor. Imagine a GPS measuring 42 inches ... no squinting to read those road maps.
The Siena rolls on the Workhorse W22 chassis with a front-mounted GM Vortec 8.1-l V-8. With 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, the Siena took us up the California coast toward Hearst Castle climbing the occasional 6-percent grade at a respectable 55-60 mph.
One of the features that is sure to catch a prospective buyer's pocketbook is the fully equipped price of the Siena, $127,732, ready to roll with the goodies described above and more; there are virtually no options except for a king bed. Our trip up the California coast was easy and comfortable, thanks to the compliant Workhorse chassis. We'd like to see the fuel-economy improve, which would be icing on the cake for a coach that feels and lives like a lavishly equipped diesel-pusher without the price tag.
For more details about the CT Coachworks Siena 35V, pick up the July 2008 issue of MotorHome on the newsstand -- then subscribe to MotorHome so you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests, previews, technical information, products, travel destinations and more. MotorHome also is available as a digital issue.
CT Coachworks, (951) 343-8787, www.sienamotorhome.com
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Photos: Rich Cox Photography
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Driver controls are easy to reach and visibility is excellent through the deep, one-piece windshield.
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(click on images to enlarge)
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Two slides provide ample space and the residential-style appliances make food prep a breeze.
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