Encore RV had numerous 2025 model plans in store. The plans dramatically shifted when a fire struck its facility in November and temporarily displaced production.
Nine months later, Encore is creating a new travel trailer named Revue in addition to building 2025 Venu floorplans. The manufacturer expects to bring the new model to Elkhart Extravaganza in Elkhart, Indiana, Sept. 23-26.
Encore founder Rich Schnippel said the company had long-term plans to move into a new shop before the fire. While Schnippel was waiting for the economy to improve before moving, the event forced the manufacturer to transition into a new building quicker than anticipated.
Schnippel said, “Once we found the building and we could identify costs, it became a lot easier.”
Encore moved from a 15,000-square-foot facility to a 60,000-square-foot building.
He said, “It took us a little longer to ramp up than I thought it would, but we did get there.”
Schnippel said Encore RVs were not built for nearly two-and-a-half months. Three months after the fire, Encore returned to full production at its new facility.
The new space enhanced the manufacturer’s material handling. Production operations are more spread out compared with the previous facility.
Originally, Schnippel said he planned to bring around 30 RVs to Elkhart. Now, he expects to bring between 24 and 26 to the show, comparable with the 25 models Encore brought last year.
According to Schnippel, the company received positive dealer feedback on its new models. After holding a meeting to gather dealer input on the Revue designs, Schnippel said many dealers were interested in stocking the models.
Schnippel will bring three out of four new Revues and two out of three new Venus to Elkhart.
Encore’s Revue 16RB, 16BH and 20BH floorplans are expected to be at the show. The 16RB is a couple’s coach with a dry bath and a dinette. The 16BH has a full bed with an additional upper, a dry bath and a dinette. The 20BH includes a full bed, a bunkhouse, a dinette and a wet bath. Similar to all Encore RVs, the Revues are built without wood. The Revues will include composite floors, roofs and sidewalls in addition to aluminum frames and chassis.
Schnippel said the Revue’s construction makes it a stronger and cost-effective trailer.
New Venu models include the 10RK, 17QB and 17TB floorplans.
Venu 10RK
The floorplan includes a dinette that converts into a full bed. The L-shaped kitchen features a sink, a two-burner stove and a Dometic pullout drawer-style refrigerator/freezer. An exterior 26-inch griddle is included. The 10RK includes a cassette toilet and a 21-gallon freshwater tank.
Venu 17QB
The 17QB includes a 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed that can convert into an office desk. The trailer includes a wet bath with a cassette toilet. The kitchen features a two-burner stove; a microwave oven; a 12-volt, 8-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer; and a raised bar top with two stools. A closet, pantry and beverage center provide storage. The model includes a 26-inch exterior griddle.
Venu 17TB
The 17TB has a similar layout to the 17QB. The 17TB varies in its front bed layout. A twin bed set-up can be pushed together to form a 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed. Inserts transform the bed into a king. The floorplan does not include the raised bar with two stools in the 17QB.
