Power Side Mirrors
4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS
Aluminum Wheels w/Steel Spare
Driver and Passenger Air Bags
AM/FM Radio and CD Player
LT245/75R/16E BSW All Season Tires
Fuel Tank Capacity 35 US Gallon /132 L
Auxiliary 12V Outlet
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Rear Wheel Spacers
6.8 L Triton SEFI V10 Engine (optional) c/w Torqshift
5 Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission w/Tow Haul
• RSC-Roll Stability Control
• 305 HP @ 4250 RPM
• 420 FT/LB @ 3250 RPM
• 3:73 Rear Axel Ratio
• 5000 Lbs Towing Capacity*
• 5.4 L Triton SEFI V8 Engine-FFV (Flex Fuel Capable)
C/W 4 Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission
• RSC-Roll Stability Control
• 255 HP @ 4500 RPM
• 350 FT/LB @ 2500 RPM
• 3:73 Rear Axel Ratio
• 3500 Lbs Towing Capacity*
* Towing capacity varies depending on loaded vehicle weight

FRD

FTD

FTS

FORD EXCEL COACH SPECIFICATIONS

OPTIONS

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• 11,000 BTU Roof Air Conditioner
with Optional Heat Strip
• Onan 2.8 KW Microlite Gas Generator
• 11’ Awning
• 19” LCD Flat Screen TV with DVD/MP3/CD Player
• Firestone Rear Air Spring Compressor Kit
• Electric Sofa with Seat Belts
• Convection Microwave
• Silver or Pueblo Gold body Paint
• Coffee Maker
• Hitch and Wiring

Dometic 3-Way Refrigerator 3 Cu.Ft.
2 Burner LP Flush Mount Stove
Microwave Oven
Corian® Kitchen Counter Top w/Stainless Steel Sink
Flip Up Countertop Extension
16,000 BTU Auto Ignite Furnace
Freshwater Tank 24 US Gal/91 L
Greywater Tank 26 US Gal/97 L
Blackwater Tank 12 US Gal/45 L
Propane Tank 8 US Gal/30 L/34 Lbs
Shurflo Demand Water System
6 Gal Suburban Auto Ignite Water Heater
Water Heater By-pass Valves
LP, CO & Smoke Detectors
5 Lb Fire Extinguisher
Monitor Panel: Holding Tanks & Battery
Onan Gen Prep c/w Remote Start
Low Profile Fan-tastic Fan Vent
110V/12V/45 Amp Converter c/w Charge Wizard
Coach Battery Disconnect Switch
Deep Cycle RV Coach Battery
Slide Out Coach Battery Tray
Memory Foam Rear Cushions
Private Bathroom with Shower and Sink
Thetford China Bowl Flush Toilet
Front and Rear Dinette
Medicine Cabinet with Mirror
Corian® Bathroom countertop c/w Stainless Steel Sink & Storage
Swivel Driver & Passenger Front Ultra Leather® Seats
Choice of Natural, Cherry or Sugar Maple Cabinetry
Choice of Sand, Taupe or Grey Ultra Leather® Fabric
Interior Height 74”
King Size Bed 73” x 81”
Drivers Single Bed 74” x 29”
Passenger Single Bed 72” x 29”
3 Year 36,000 Miles/60,000 Kms Limited Coach Warranty

EXTERIOR FEATURES
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Exterior Shower
Convenient Utility Hook-Up Center
Frameless Awning Style Windows
Winegard Directional TV Antenna with Booster
Porch Light
External Locking Fresh Water Fill
Sewer Hose Storage
Exterior Storage
Exterior Park Cable TV Hook-Up
Exterior City Water Hook-Up
Exterior Shore Power Hook-Up
Fibreglass Running Boards
110V Receptacles
Firestone Rear Air Helper Springs
External Length 20’-4”
External Height with Roof Air Conditioner 9’
External Width 7’-10” with Side Mirrors

ON THE ROAD by Charles Renny
The Ford powered Pleasure-Way Motorhome comes with a customer’s choice of 5.4 litre Triton
V8 or 6.8 litre SOHC Triton V10 engine. Both engines do a good job but the V10 has the edge
with its considerably higher torque output. The transmission is a heavy-duty four-speed electronically
controlled automatic with tow/haul mode for heavy work such as steep mountain passes.
Frame construction is a traditional ladder style and utilizes a new suspension system for improved
handling. Among the changes are larger sway bars and improvements to suspension geometry.
Both brake-rotor and calipers were increased in size to provide better braking. The net effect is a very
comfortable ride while giving the confidence that drivers like to have.
Standard chassis items include such items as a tire pressure monitoring system to let you know
if a tire is leaking and may cause a problem. RSC Roll Stability Control is dedicated to keeping
you upright in the event of emergency evasive moves.

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ROAD TEST

ROAD TEST

At this point most people would slow down and get back into
their comfort range, but if you do keep pushing, don’t get too
concerned yet. I found that the Plateau has an excellent safety
margin. I pushed the van to the point where the tires were
howling and there was enough body lean to make me feel like
I was going to fall out of the seat and I still made it around.
I don’t think I would do it again willingly, but it does show
that the Plateau’s limits are much higher than the
average driver’s.
Power for all these shenanigans comes from a 3.0 litre
Mercedes-Benz diesel engine. This compact power plant puts
out 154 horsepower. Many people get concerned with the
horsepower numbers when what they should be looking at the

Plateau a go go
By Charles Renny

If you want the best, you have to start with the best ingredients. Chefs have known
this for years and now the crew at Pleasure-Way has done the automotive equivalent.

torque figures. Torque is what provides the engine’s power and

nature of the Plateau’s interior. When everything is custom-

280 lb.ft. of torque is enough to get the Plateau up to road

built and custom fit, the opportunity for some part to come

speed in good time. Better yet, you can travel at freeway speeds

loose and vibrate, buzz or rattle is minimal. Add to that feature,

pretty much effortlessly. Getting up to these speeds is assisted

insulation that does two jobs (temperature retention and

by a heavy-duty five-speed electronically controlled transmission.

exterior noise elimination) and the vehicle is reasonably quiet

This transmission does have part throttle kick-down and load

inside, on the road and at the campsite. One feature that is

activated gear selection in that if you are going up a steep

gaining in importance is fuel economy and this particular one

grade, the transmission will select a gear that will get you up

will get about 30% better fuel economy than the average gas

that grade with a minimum of loss in speed. Going down the

engine, just because it is a diesel. In this case, Plateau owners

other side, you can manually select a lower gear to help

are on record as obtaining 20 mpg on a regular basis and in

control descent speed, if you choose to.

some cases even higher.

Another important aspect of any European vehicle is that the

Contrary to popular myth, diesel engines are not smelly and the

brakes need to be top notch and Mercedes has engineered the

fuel has greatly improved so that unless you are a slob at heart,

Plateau to use large vented discs on the front and solid discs on

there is no reason for you to wind up smelly every time you

the rear and made four wheel anti-lock brakes standard. Add to

fuel up. If you are that concerned, buy a pair of gloves and a

that the latest software to control the possibility of a roll over

big resealable freezer bag. Use the gloves, keep them in the

and you get a series of driver aids that really do help to keep

bag and the smell will never get to you. If you are looking for

you on the road and pointed in the right direction. Going down

a Class B Motorhome, go straight to your Pleasure-Way dealer and

the road with the stereo on is easier in the Plateau than in

take the Plateau for a drive, you owe it to yourself to try the

some other Class “B” motorhomes simply due to the hand built

best.

Their Plateau Class B Motorhome conversion starts with what

Such control of the suspension turns up in unsuspected places.

we call the Dodge Sprinter. The Sprinter is made for Dodge by

If you go out on windy days, as I did, you will notice that the

Mercedes-Benz and you don’t get a much better starting place

motorhome doesn’t react like many others in its class. I went by

than that. One item to take to the bank is that the Plateau

semis, roadside bush and other wind breaks on my test. I found

Charles Renny Credits

does not ride or drive like a typical van. European based vans,

that the Plateau did move about, but not nearly as much as the

such as the Sprinter, put a different emphasis on ride. North

conversions based on North American vans. In addition, the

American manufacturers seem to prefer the pillowy soft or

Plateau was easier to control when it did react. Getting on and

floating-in-space type ride. Europeans, and the Mercedes based

off the highway or around a cloverleaf interchange in the Plateau

Mr. Renny is a twenty-year member of the Automobile Journalists’
Association of Canada. Before becoming an automotive journalist,
Mr. Renny held several jobs within the auto industry as well as away
from it. Within the industry, Mr. Renny has been a Parts and Service
Manager for a BMW/Mercedes-Benz Franchise and a small engines
mechanic for motorcycles, snowmobiles and outboard engines. In
an average year Mr. Renny will perform 60 road tests of different
vehicles from electric concepts to Class 8 semi-trailers. His road tests
can now be found on auto123.com and in many print outlets.

Plateau is no exception, prefer a much more controlled ride. You

was quite comfortable. The first couple of times, I was at or

don’t need to drive far to notice the difference. The Plateau still

slightly below the posted limits for the corners and had absolutely

absorbs all minor road shocks and will bounce over the larger

no trouble. When I tried again at slightly higher speeds, the

ones. After that, instead of going for another couple of bounces,

Plateau did start to lean and feel uncomfortable.

the Plateau levels you out right away.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

Putting the craft in

craftwork
by Charles Renny

Moving away from the strict
assembly line mentality that
permeates the manufacturing
industry did not just happen
without careful research and
development. Pleasure-Way
looked at the quality of work
that came off of assembly lines
and found that quality suffered
as a result. Casting farther out
and using in-house data, the
assembly line concept was
re-defined as “construction in a
logical order by teams of skilled
craftspeople”. As a result of these
techniques, quality is improved
dramatically over straight assembly
line products. Incidentally,
Pleasure-Way’s assembly techniques

Pleasure-Way’s cornerstone of success is an unwavering commitment
to the highest quality by world craftsmanship; all the interiors of
its coaches are hand-crafted piece by piece.

are similar to the ones used by
Rolls Royce and Bentley.

All products are tracked internally so that Pleasure-Way can quickly
determine whether a problem is internal or external. One internal issue
that was uncovered was the inadvertent twisting of fiberglass parts when
they came out of the mold. The solution turned out to be a simple idea:
to place the bracing for the component on while it was still in the mold
and to modify assembly to suit this change. This would not have been
possible on a traditional assembly line. External issues revolved around
creating perfect interior fittings of items such as cabinets and upholstery.
Again, the solution was a simple idea that took a lot of work to integrate.
All the manufacturing, assembly and installation work for Pleasure-Way’s

Pleasure-Way Industries never takes the easy way out; the company

Class B van motorhomes, from cabinet-making to cushion upholstery, was

prefers to do things the right way the first time! Starting when the

brought in house and accomplished on a piece by piece, hand-fitted

chassis rolls in from the manufacturer (Pleasure-Way builds their Class B

process. Pleasure-Way runs its own fibreglass, paint and body shop as

motorhomes on Ford, GM and Dodge chassis). Pleasure-Way uses “work

well. The fibreglass department is responsible for all of the fibreglass body

stations” where the chassis move through a series of stalls and teams

components. The fibreglass team sprays and hand-rolls all the fibreglass

of skilled craftspeople constructing them in a logical manner. At some of

to ensure that there are no air pockets and to ensure that the fibreglass

the stations, such as installing the wiring or installing a raised roof, a

maintains its strength and integrity.

team of workers is involved in the process. At other stations, like building
the interior, one person does all the work.

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S PECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Ford Excel requires the most extensive work to convert because it necessitates a width increase of about
8 inches (20 cm). Once the body work is done, the next step is to seal the metal with primer and paint. After
that, it is time to start fitting internal components.
A true old-fashioned work ethic permeates throughout Pleasure-Way’s manufacturing philosophy and it’s not
more apparent than during the cabinet installation. Each individual cabinet component is created for each
individual van. This requires the cabinet components to be labeled by the serial number of the chassis so that
every cabinet installer knows which pieces are for their specific van. From there, the installer creates a series
of templates for each piece so that he can precisely trim the wall partition, for example, to ensure a perfect fit.
This template procedure is done for each van and no two templates are ever the same as no two chassis are
exactly identical. This style of construction is not found in other recreation vehicles. Most manufacturers
prefabricate cabinets; it’s definitely more cost effective, but the quality is just not the same.

At Pleasure-Way the standard is not only on paper, it is evident in each vehicle that rolls out the door.
The company ensures that the structural integrity of each Class B motorhome exceeds the original manufacturer’s
standard. They know that each piece of maple veneer will not peel and that the solid maple components
will fit because they were all made by Pleasure-Way. They know that the toilet will work and that the
lights will not short out. They know that the bed will be comfortable and that the flat screen TV is
mounted solidly. The list goes on but the highest accolade is when the supplier of the chassis recognizes
the manufacturer’s craftsmanship. Mercedes-Benz, supplier of the Dodge Sprinter chassis, does not change
its chassis warranty as it does with some other coachbuilders, but offers their regular warranty, which is
the same as the one Pleasure-Way provides.

Until a van rolls out the door, each team down the line checks all previous
steps and processes until assembly is complete. Then the motorhome
undergoes a final complete inspection to examine all mechanical systems,
fit and finish, internal and external paint and so on.
Many people are impressed by companies that have products that advertise
they meet ISO (i.e.: ISO 2001) standards. Consumers often do not realize that
these standards are “paperwork” standards. All an ISO standard really means is
that there is a paper trail that shows the product meets the manufacturing
standard that the company has set for it.

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VEHICLE PROFILE

VEHICLE PROFILE

Dodge

Plateau

By

Luxury Beyond Compare
Look and feel like a star in your new 2009 Plateau – the pinnacle of beauty and excellence. With its
streamlined exterior and rich, curved wood interior, punctuated with recessed halogen lighting, this
van motorhome quenches your desire for luxury and style.

Sophisticated Style

Comfort and Joy

The sophisticated interior design and stunning décor of
the Plateau reinforces your own impeccable sense of style.
Whether you choose the rich Cherry wood cabinetry with
Daytona Sand interior, or the Natural Maple cabinetry with
Tuscany Taupe interior, your taste is beyond reproach.

The driver and passenger seats are covered in sumptuous Ultra
Leather® fabric, which is as durable and easy to care for, as it
is comfortable. By cleverly notching the bathroom wall behind
the driver’s seat, you gain the ability to recline the seat further
without compromising bathroom space. The rear seating areas
are also covered in Ultra Leather® fabric and provide a cozy
area to recline and relax or entertain friends. The sofa effortlessly extends into a 70” x 76” bed with the touch of a button.
The inch and a half memory foam topper practically guarantee
sweet dreams. After a good night’s sleep, simply press the button and your bed conforms itself into a rear seating area once
again.

The Plateau is the only Class B Motorhome to boast a six cubic
foot double door fridge with a stainless steel finish. The rich,
seamless Corian® countertop is accentuated by the flushmounted stove and stainless steel sink. The six foot long
kitchen cabinet has multiple drawers and shelves for all the
necessities plus more. A full bank of windows along the
passenger’s side creates an open and airy concept that highlights
the quality and design of this van motorhome. Dim the lights
and view your favourite movies on the 22” LCD, flat-screen TV
rear entertainment centre.
Private Bathroom
The private bathroom with a radius door offers extra elbow
room. The residential-sized china bowl toilet, shower, vanity
with mirror and storage, flush-mounted sink and seamless
Corian® countertop, complete this van motorhome that has
it all!

Smooth Ride and Ample Storage
The 2009 Plateau is built on the 3500 Dodge Sprinter
produced by Mercedes Benz. This chassis, with dual rear
wheels, has an increased carrying capacity of approximately
2500 pounds over the 2500 chassis. The dual rear wheels offer
more stability on the highway and still average approximately
18-20 mpg.

Stylish Curves
The unique curved cabinetry is custom-fit and installed,
piece by piece, and provides the Plateau with a one-of-a-kind,
refined appearance. This radius-style cabinetry is the first in
the Class B van motorhome industry. We are proud to be on the
cutting edge of style and sophistication.

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VEHICLE PROFILE

Technical Specifications

Model Floor Plans

2009 DODGE PLATEAU CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS
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