If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered what kind of RV the Griswold family used for their disastrous family vacation. The RV in the movie is a 1983 Ford Tioga Arrow, which was a popular model in the early 1980s.
The 1983 Ford Tioga Arrow
The Tioga Arrow was a Class C motorhome that was built on a Ford E-350 chassis. It had a fiberglass body and a distinctive aerodynamic shape that made it stand out on the road. The Tioga Arrow was one of the most popular motorhomes of its time, and it’s easy to see why.
Features
The Tioga Arrow had many features that made it ideal for family vacations. It had sleeping space for up to six people, with a double bed over the cab and two bunk beds in the rear. The dinette also converted into an additional sleeping area if needed.
The kitchen was equipped with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and microwave oven. There was also plenty of storage space for food and supplies.
In addition to the sleeping and kitchen areas, the Tioga Arrow had a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. This made it possible for families to take extended trips without having to rely on campsite facilities.
Driving Experience
Although the Tioga Arrow was spacious and comfortable inside, driving it could be challenging. The RV was over 24 feet long and almost 10 feet tall, which made it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or on narrow roads.
The Ford E-350 chassis provided plenty of power for highway driving, but fuel economy could be an issue. With its large size and weight, the Tioga Arrow got about 8-10 miles per gallon on average.
The RV in “Christmas Vacation”
In “Christmas Vacation,” the Tioga Arrow is shown in all its glory as the Griswold family makes their way across the country to visit relatives for the holidays. Of course, things don’t go according to plan, and the RV ends up being damaged in a number of ways.
Despite its mishaps, the Tioga Arrow remains an iconic symbol of family vacations and road trips from a bygone era. If you’re a fan of “Christmas Vacation,” or just appreciate classic RVs, the Tioga Arrow is definitely worth checking out.