2012 Fleetwood Southwind 35J Review
When it comes to travelling, it’s the simple pleasures that make all the difference. And the 2012 Fleetwood Southwind Class A Motorhome comes packed with plenty of them. Ensuring that you’ll be covered while you’re on your way to discovering new and exciting locales across the country, the Southwind adds oomph to your sense of adventure.
Available in four family-friendly floorplans, the 2012 Southwind sleeps six comfortably. We’ll be taking a closer look at the 35J, one of the mid-range models in the series. The 35J measures in with an overall length of 36’11”, an overall height of 12’10”, an overall width of 102”, an interior height of 84” and interior width of 96”. In terms of weight, it has a GVWR of 22,000 lbs and a hitch rating weight of 5,000 lbs. As well, it comes with an 85-gallon fresh water tank, a 58-gallon gray water tank, a 42-gallon black water tank and a 10-gallon water heater.
Built on a Ford chassis, the Southwind is powered by a 6.8L Triton V10 engine that gives it 362HP, as well as a Ford 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Using quality construction techniques, this Class A motorhome will keep you moving for years to come. Standing up to the test of time, the Southwind uses aluminum interlocking floor, wall and ceiling framing, basement floor configuration and Power Platform construction. On top of all that, this RV also comes equipped with a radius roof, Vacu-Bond upper and lower floors, and Vacu-Bond walls with smooth, high-gloss exterior fibreglass.
Safety is key, especially when you’re on the road. The Southwind comes equipped with features added to keep you and your family safe and secure, whether you’re on the road or making a pit stop. Automotive safety glass keeps rocks and other road debris from making a dent in your line of sight, while a color LCD rear-vision camera makes sure nothing is in your way while you’re backing up. Daytime running lights ensure other drivers see you coming, and hydraulic 4-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes bring you safely to a stop.
Got lots of stuff to bring along? No problem – this Fleetwood Class A motorhome offers innovative storage solutions so nothing gets left behind. Its pass-through storage and rotomolded polyethylene luggage compartments are easily accessible, thanks to side swinging luggage doors. This storage area also comes with a continuous one-piece compartment bulb seal, gas lift strut supports and lighted luggage compartments.
Other important exterior features include a three-way water pump switch, a 5.5 kW Onan MicroQuiet generator, a one-piece panoramic windshield, an electric patio awning, four-point automatic levellers, a trailer hitch with seven-pin electrical hook-up, large, heated remote rear-view mirrors with side-view cameras, a power entry step and a roof ladder.
From the driver’s seat all the way to the bedroom, Fleetwood has taken care of every interior detail in the Southwind. With a choice of Chestnut Raven and Chocolate Bisque decors, as well as Brown Sugar and Warm Honey cabinetry, this Class A motorhome will truly feel like your home away from home. Keeping the environment at optimal temperatures, the Southwind comes equipped with dual roof high-efficiency air conditioners with solar panels, a heat pump and chill grills, and a 20,000 BTU furnace.
Up front in the cab, the driver has one of the best seats in the house, with plush seating, plenty of lighting and technology at their disposal. The driver and front passenger are treated to faux leather captain’s chairs that come equipped with three-point seat belts to keep you safe. Your co-pilot can get some work done, thanks to the in-dash computer workstation, while you listen to the AM/FM radio with CD player that’s satellite radio-ready. Other cab amenities include power front windshield shade, cruise control, dash fans, auto air conditioning/heater combo and an auxiliary start circuit.
A great place to unwind, the living area is packed with features that make relaxing easy. Boasting residential seat styling, the comfy sofa turns into a bed with an air mattress, and there’s also a free-standing Euro chair with an ottoman. If you’re in the mood to be entertained, there’s a dual 32″ LCD HDTV and a DVD home theater with a sound system.
The 35J’s fully equipped, modern kitchen comes with everything you’ll need to whip up a meal. It features a 12 cu.ft. four-door refrigerator (with icemaker), three-burner, high-output cooktop and a convection microwave oven, which keeps you well fed on the road. It’s not only about substance – this kitchen has style to spare, with brushed-nickel finish cabinet hardware, radius corner cabinetry, slide-out dinette bins, and solid-surface backsplash and countertops. For prep and clean up, there is a double-bowl stainless steel sink, a single lever Moen faucet with sprayer, a sink cover/cutting board and a wastebasket.
Head to the master bedroom for a little R and R. You’ll sleep soundly on the Restonic deluxe pillow-top innerspring mattress that’s outfitted with a bedspread, decor pillows and a headboard. You can watch your favorite late night shows on the 22″ LCD HDTV while you drift off to sleep. The bedroom also comes with a wardrobe, dresser and pleated shades.
In the bathroom, residential-style touches and handy features offer added convenience. Amenities such as a molded tub/shower enclosure, a porcelain lavy sink and a porcelain toilet make camping life that much sweeter. Other bathroom features include Fan-Tastic power roof vent, make-up lights, a Moen lavy faucet, tile flooring and a toilet tank San-T-Flush system.
The 2012 Fleetwood Southwind 35J Class A motorhome starts in price from $145,040. For more information, visit http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/.
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