Vixen (RV)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vixen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Vixen Motor Company |
| Production | 1986-1989 |
| Designer | Bill Collins |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | A |
| Body style | Recreational Vehicle |
| Chassis | Welded steel frame w/ fiberglass body |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4L 115hp BMW I6 M21 Turbodiesel;[1] 3.8L 165hp GM V6 3800 series (Limo only) |
| Transmission | The initial Vixens used the UN 1 manual transmission from ZF. It is the same rear wheel drive manual transmission used in the Delorean. Renault 5-speed manual w/ overdrive; GM 4-speed automatic w/ overdrive (Limo only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 148 in (3,759 mm) |
| Length | 250.2 in (6,355 mm) |
| Width | 85 in (2,159 mm)[2] |
| Curb weight | 5,100 lb (2,313 kg) |
The Vixen is a recreational vehicle designed by William "Bill" Collins Jr. and built from 1986 until 1989. A total of 587 Vixen motorhomes of three different types were built: the Vixen 21 TD (1986–1987), Vixen 21 SE (1988–1989), and Vixen 21 XC (1986–1987).
Often noted as the "Driver's RV",[3] it has an exceptionally low center of gravity and wide stance for an RV. It had a top speed of 100 MPH, and claimed an average of 30 MPG using a BMW M21 turbo-diesel engine. Wind tunnel testing was used to create a completely smooth fiberglass exterior top and bottom, resulting in a drag coefficient of less than .30 for early TD models.
The Vixen was designed as an answer to the GMC motorhome. The Vixen was designed to be stored in a typical garage as it was only 6 feet high and 21 feet long. Despite its small size by motorhome standards, the Vixen was marketed as having all of the features of larger competitors. Such features included a generator and water heater. Two house batteries and one of the first electric inverters in an RV allowed the owner to run the microwave, air-conditioning, and anything else which could be plugged into 120-volt outlets, off the batteries that were charged by the 120-amp alternator. The Vixen could also be plugged in at a typical campsite outlet. Water came from the fresh water tank or services at a campsite and was heated by a heat exchanger. The same engine heat was used to warm the passenger compartment. Since diesels do not develop waste heat quickly, there was also an auxiliary diesel heater that could raise the temperature of the engine coolant. This helped with winter starting, keeping the RV warm, and the water hot. The heater was fuel-efficient and didn't need to stop for propane to fuel it. Unfortunately, it was notorious for needing service.
Upon arriving at the destination the fiberglass roof hinged up on one side and fold-out windows filled the gap, allowing a 6'2" individual to stand fully and walk around. A curtain in the bath attached to the raised roof to keep water in the shower and for privacy, with a sump to move water from the shower floor up to the holding tank. The front seats flipped backwards to join the dinette to seat four at meal time. Both seats folded flat to provide the front bed, while in the back above the engine was a full-time, full-sized bed that used a standard mattress. The kitchen included a microwave, an electric refrigerator, a sink above the hot water heat exchanger, and an alcohol fired stove. Those who do a lot of cooking sometimes replace the stove with a modern marine diesel powered cook top.