By Chuck Woodbury
I wonder why this 42-foot fifth wheel trailer was ever built. It’s the poster child for the absurdity of much of the RV industry these days, where RV Industry Association (RVIA) manufacturer-members seem to be more concerned about one-upping the competition for the sake of Elkhart pubs’ bragging rights than serving the needs of RVers.
In my opinion, this Axiom Imperium I3800 RV is a 42-foot waste of time, money and energy. It offers nothing new to consumers to justify the MSRP of just less than $200,000, except perhaps a new air conditioning system.
Watch the video at the bottom this post for a tour.
Imagine towing this monster around from campsite to campsite like the word “recreation” implies. No, you say, this is not meant for recreation. It’s meant for living. Yes, you are right! But in case you are not aware, not a single RV manufactured today with the coveted RVIA seal is approved for full-time living. Hard to believe? Believe it! The screenshot below is from the RV Industry Association’s website.
Watch the video below for a tour
The YouTuber who leads you through this beast admits he had never been inside it before turning on his camera. He had already done 12 other RV reviews that day, so excuse him if he’s a little rummy. The only thing he can find fault with is one drawer which he says seems a little flimsy. It is.
Oh, the RV’s interior is attractive with its sofa that seats eight, 65-inch TV, boom-box stereo and 60-inch electric fireplace. It’s as attractive as most upscale condos. But it’s not a condo. It’s a recreational vehicle.
Alas, a nice appearance is nice, but hundreds of other fifth wheels look just as nice but have more sensible designs. This Axiom does, however, feature an innovative air conditioning system that eliminates roof units. There are also automated controls for everything, some even voice-activated. How many are really necessary? I wonder.
The YouTuber who guides you quickly through this RV is impressed with the floor space of the bathroom (the main one: there are two). He finds the 36-inch shower “adequate,” although for a 42-foot RV it’s about the size of what you’d find in a compact motorhome. Compared to other fifth wheels of its size, the shower is puny and unimpressive. Why go to the trouble of building an “RV with the mostest” and then skimping on the shower? Hey, it’s got a 65-inch TV. What do you want… everything?
This RV has two balconies, one off the bedroom and the other at its rear, so it’s possible to get some fresh air without dirtying your feet, which can happen when enjoying the great outdoors. The company boasts the bedroom’s “Romeo and Juliet” balcony is the first bedroom balcony in industry. So? But if you’ve been waiting for such a thing, your wait is over. Still, for most RVers who don’t mind stepping outside their RVs onto terra firma, the value of this is pretty close to zero.
Outside lighting
To me, the single most useless “scratch your head” feature of this behemoth is the outside lighting — strings of colored ribbon lights that stretch up and down and all around the RV. Use a control wheel to change the color! The lights blink off and on, off and on, off and on… providing that wonderful, nostalgic feel of staying at a sleazy 1950’s motel. Pity the RVers who holes up next door to this mobile light show.
As someone who always loved RVing for the ability to get away from city lights to view dark skies and the stunning Milky Way, this gaudy lighting offends me. Any RV manufacturer that would go to the trouble of installing such lights on its products suggests to me that it’s clueless about what a beautiful thing it can be to camp in the great outdoors, away from the lights of the city.
Oh, and check out the road clearance. What is it, about 10 inches? Who thinks that is okay? Do you?
Did you notice this whale of an RV only has two axles? We couldn’t get a straight answer about how much weight the trailer could support, but it couldn’t be nearly enough to safely fill the huge storage space. We hear that a third axle is coming, which is probably wise to keep this rig within safe towing limits.
I’ve been a smart aleck here, I admit. But I am so baffled by the inefficient design and lack of unique purpose of this RV that it got me riled up. I wonder if the RV will sell. Heck, maybe it will be a hot item and everybody will love it. If so, good for the manufacturer, which, by the way, is now just taking its baby steps in the industry.
This RV reminds me of the days when “The Big Three” automakers would design and build one-off concept cars that showcased the latest and greatest tech or what was possible in the future. These cars didn’t make it to production but were meant to stir up enthusiasm.
Some things are attractive & interesting about this RV, but, at best, I think it is for a very limited market. I find more things about it to be just plain dumb than attractive.
I’ve noticed that some folks (especially old guys) rant. (Rant: To disseminate one’s own opinions in a – typically – one-sided, strong manner.)
I’m thinking of forming a group called Ranters Anonymous.
We meet once a week, and whoever wants to rant that week says “Hi, my name is _____ and I am a ranter.”
Then he gets to do his rant (some nominal time limit) and no one can interrupt or criticize.
He is also required to seek out the innocents he has cornered and apologize to them.
We will give out success awards for length of time non-ranting outside the meeting.
I may have some cards printed up that I can give to folks who are publicly ranting so they know they can get help.
I’m of the age that I’m part of the “I don’t care/give a flip/shrugs” club.
Is there a “Ranters Forever” group? That would fit me better in my quest to become an old curmudgeon.
I totally agree with you, Chuck. This “RV” is absolutely atrocious. And I wish those bright LED “decorative” lights could be banned. I like to see the stars and Milky Way when we are out of the big city.
Chuck, the Axiom Vendetta is the forty seven foot, three axle toy hauler brother of this creation. I think you’ll find it makes even less sense than the Imperium.
I can’t tell if the design intent is to promote decadence or ignorance but time will tell if I see any boondocking.
I realize mini-split is the current rage (and I like the thought of getting A/C off the roof) but I’m really curious how those long Freon lines will hold up before they fracture at the fitting ends or bends from vibration.
The biggest problem is only 10” road clearance. Obviously they have not seen some entrances and exits to fuel or shopping areas. And boondocks won’t happen unless it’s level, we all know that’s not happening.
I was waiting for Darth Vader to step out the door!
Having been behind the scenes at the Florida Sate Fair Grounds many times for events: State Fair, Car Shows, Horse/Livestock Shows, Craft shows, etc., there are many types of mobile living quarters for those that travel the circuits. This may be for the President of such events as they live and entertain on the road. One furniture craftsman, had a toy hauler of sorts with his entire wood shop in it as he lived and worked on the road fulltime going from event to event across the nation. Go behind the scene at such events and see how those full-timers live and work – talk to them, it is interesting. My wife used to work many of those events at the fair grounds. A whole different world.
Great comment Kelly! This unit obviously, like all Rv’s, is not built for one who likes to “camp” in the woods or just park in museum parking lots. It is for a niche group as you noted. It certainly is innovative and I applaud that. Looks comfortable and functional for the right person – be it executive, full-time or event traveler as you so aptly noted.
If that is the future of RVing, we are in deeeep daaaark trouble. I do believe that I will stay with my little old Class B. I’m just winterizing it and wondering what it would take to winterize this monstority! I retired so that I did not have to work that hard!
The interesting thing to me is that these are the guys who did such a lousy job that even Thor took away their toys and asked them to leave the sandbox and now they’re asking us to trust them on their own and an example of that decision making is putting the entry door in a slide room.