Storage bays are known to be utilitarian, spaces for anything and everything needed for a cross-country adventure. To want anything more seemed an aesthetic fantasy. Until now.
“We wanted to make the underbelly more representative and closer to the look and feel of the inside of the coach,” said Marathon Engineering Manager Jay Graham. “Customers leave their bay doors open often, so having them look nice is important.”
Whether selecting the H3-45 for its contemporary lines and full body paint, or the classic styling of the X3-45 with its polished stainless steel sides and high interior headroom, all Marathon coach owners know they’ll have abundant basement storage. However, the engineering team has once again raised the bar, ensuring that every coach now comes standard with the upgraded and stunning bay area that’s even more functional than the previously designed storage areas.
Bottom photo One pass through bay is completely free of electrical boxes which provides maximum storage Electrical panels located in a single bay are covered in a faux carbon fiber material
Because the materials in the previous design were more difficult to keep clean, therefore more apt to appear tired and old, and not reflecting the tailored finish of components used in coach interiors, Marathon’s engineering team decided to use designer vinyl for the walls and ceilings, and designer, commercial-grade interior flooring for the bay floors. The changes not only simplified the cleaning process, but also provide ample design options because of the numerous colors and textures that are available in these durable materials.
In their unrelenting quest for perfection, the team continued to seek an innovative material palette that was simple, practical and beautiful. After 30 years of using durable and functional brushed aluminum on the plumbing bay panels and more traditional laminate on the cabinets, Marathon was looking to have underbelly cabinets more closely resemble sophisticated interior cabinets and furniture.
“We opted for wood grain finishes on the underbelly cabinets to enhance the overall look,” said Jay. “We also took the opportunity to redesign some of the underbelly components to optimize storage. Plus, exposed wiring and electrical components contributed to the bays utilitarian look. Covering all those items has
really cleaned and improved the look.”
Hand-crafted details, streamlined storage: It’s simple to see how these newly designed bays immediately resonated with customers. There’s no shortage of interesting uses when it comes to bay storage. Whether you’re planning to become the MVP of your tailgating circle, stocking up for an extended trip or toting decorations for favorite holidays, your bay area should be as elegant and functional as the rest of your luxury motorcoach. ⎣
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