2018 Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE 36F Review
The 2018 Vacationer XE takes Holiday Rambler’s Vacationer coach and gives it a boost with some luxury touches to make extended family vacations. The Vacationer XE 36F, one of four floorplans available, has two full bathrooms, sleeping space for eight people, a bunk area with a separate television, and an outdoor entertainment center.
This Class A motorhome has a gross combined weight rating of 26,000 lbs and a hitch rating weight of 5000 lbs. It measures 38’ 8” long, 12’ high, and 102” wide. The fresh water tank has a capacity of 60 gallons, the grey water tank can hold 80 gallons, and the black water tank can hold 37 gallons. The water heater tank holds 10 gallons.
Built on a Ford chassis, it has a 6.8L Triton V10 engine. It has front and rear power leveling jacks, basement storage with lighting and pass-through storage, premium full body paint and tinted frameless windows for a cleaner look.
The Vacationer XE 36F exterior amenities raise the bar on outdoor living: an 18’ power awning, outdoor entertainment center with 32” LED television and AM/FM radio with CD/DVD player, and outdoor shower.
Heading inside, you’ll notice the high-end touches like soft-touch vinyl ceiling, the hardwood crown moulding and raised panel cabinetry. Year-round comfort is ensured thanks to the fresh water winterization system, a 30,000 BTU/H Furnace, and a 13,500 BTU/H air conditioner with full-length ducting.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Thor A.C.E. 30.3
In the cabin area, the heat and air conditioning are high output. Both driver and passenger seats have recline and swivel functions, cup holders, reading lights and a magazine rack. Driving is simplified thanks to the power heated mirrors with built-in rearview cameras and tilt steering wheel, and you’ll be able to keep yourself entertained on the road thanks to the in-dash radio with a 6” touch screen and sound system with AM/FM/DVD, USB/Bluetooth, and AUX inputs. There are also power outlets and USB accessory ports.
In the coach’s main living space, solid surface countertops throughout and a glass tile backsplash give the kitchen a residential feel. Appliances include a three-burner range with cooktop cover (you can opt for an oven as well), stainless steel microwave oven, deep undermount double stainless steel sink with cover/cutting board and pull-out faucet with sprayer, and a full-size 18-cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator.
There’s no shortage of storage in the kitchen area: under the range top (if you don’t opt for the oven) there’s ample room for larger pots and pans, plenty of cupboard space both above and underneath the counter, as well as a set of deep, full-extension drawers. A full-height pantry has adjustable shelves as well as three pull-out sections. The dream dinette also has a solid surface tabletop and drops down to become additional sleeping space.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Winnebago Vista 29VE
Directly across from the kitchen prep area, the jackknife sofa has two built-in recliners so you can kick back and watch the 40” television or enjoy the fireplace underneath.
The bunk area is hidden behind bi-fold hardwood doors to blend in with the cabinetry. Along the top bunk, there is a hanging rail so that the area can be used as additional wardrobe space. Four deep full-extension drawers along the bottom offer plenty of space to store clothing, too. Directly across from the bunks, there’s a 24” television with remote DVD, game system, and satellite receiver connections so the kids can do their own thing while the grown-ups watch the main TV.
The Vacationer XE 36F, as mentioned above, has two full bathrooms, which is great if you have a full coach. The first bathroom is mid-coach and has fibreglass shower with a glass door, a porcelain toilet, and mirrored medicine cabinet.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Tiffin Allegro 32 SA
The master bedroom closes off from the main living area with a full sliding door. Some of the nice features in this room include the full set of big dresser drawers, mirrored wardrobe doors and cedar lined closets, the king-size bed with windows and solid surface shelves on each side, and storage underneath the lift-up bed and overhead as well. There’s a 24” television if you feel like catching a show before bed. The master bathroom has a really generous amount of counter space, another fiberglass shower with rain glass shower door and a skylight/vent, porcelain foot flush toilet, and a hardwood mirrored medicine cabinet.
