This Tiny Motorhome Drives Like a Car, Is Shorter Than a Pickup, and Is Coming to America Soon
The RV world is changing. While massive Class A motorcoaches still dominate the scene, many RV enthusiasts are looking for something different – something smaller, more maneuverable, and easier on the wallet. Enter the Wingamm Oasi 540.1, a compact Italian motorhome poised to make a splash in the U.S. market.
After years of anticipation, the Wingamm Oasi 540.1 is finally slated to arrive in the United States. This motorhome, originally designed in Italy, promises to bridge the gap between a Class B van and a larger Class C, offering a driving experience more akin to a car. I have been following RV shows for a couple of years now, and what I’ve seen has given me insight into what the camping world looks like right now. Quality has dropped on many rigs while others are asking for unbelievable amounts of money. The small RV market is growing.
“They still want the luxuries of a big motorhome, but they want it to handle like their family car,” is what many prospective RV buyers are saying, according to reports from the RV show circuit.
A Long Time Coming
Wingamm isn’t a new company. The Italian firm has been crafting RVs in Europe for decades. Founded in 1977 by the Turri brothers, the company initially produced furniture. Their combined experience in manufacturing led them to produce their own RVs, and they drew inspiration from the peregrine falcon for the Wingamm campers, seeing them as nimble vehicles. The company started small, converting customer-supplied vans. By 1982, Wingamm had evolved its campers into the design that is still used today, including the long-running Oasi line.
Wingamm’s success is based on their ability to maximize space in a compact footprint. A key feature is a drop-down bed system. This allows for spacious living areas during the day and comfortable sleeping quarters at night. Wingamm has decided to move itself into the luxury RV space, but still keeps things small. The version coming to the US, originally began production in 2010.
In the US, the Wingamm Oasi 540.1 will be based on the Ram ProMaster platform. “This little guy is based on the [Italian] market Fiat Ducato and comes equipped as it would in Italy,” the manufacturer notes. While the European model uses diesel engines, the U.S. version will feature a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower.
Compact Design, Spacious Interior
The Wingamm Oasi 540.1 stands out because of its size. At just 17 feet, 6 inches long, it is shorter than many of the available Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversions and even a regular cab, long-bed pickup truck. The company builds its campers using a single, thick piece of molded fiberglass, which enhances the vehicle’s style and longevity.
Initially planned for a fall 2021 launch, the motorhome’s U.S. arrival has been delayed. Production was pushed several times, with supply chain issues, particularly those related to the pandemic, significantly affecting the process. It was a long road to get this motorhome into America, but the company has good news to share.
“The initial delays were a result of Covid related supply chain issues and then there were some challenges sourcing materials and parts from Wingamm’s US suppliers,” a Wingamm representative explained. “We are thrilled to let our customers know those challenges are now behind us and we expect our long awaited US Oasi 540.1 debut to begin soon.”
What to Expect
The exterior of the Wingamm Oasi 540.1 offers the appearance of a Class C motorhome but is constructed from a smooth, rounded piece of fiberglass. Despite its compact size – just 17 feet, 6 inches long – the interior feels surprisingly spacious.
Inside, the motorhome offers a well-appointed, if compact, living space. One of the highlights is the drop-down bed, which maximizes daytime living area. The build quality appears to be high, with quality materials used throughout.
The design includes a galley kitchen and a wet bath. Insulation comes from expanded polyurethane (PU), and heating is handled by a traditional system combined with a radiant floor heater. The U.S. version will feature a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 276 horsepower, driving the front wheels through an automatic transmission.
House power will come from two AGM batteries, totaling 95 Ah each, along with a BOS LE300 322 Wh lithium battery to create a hybrid system. Options include two lithium batteries and 210W of roof solar.
Buyers can choose between two exterior styles: the Fashion Edition (white with graphics) or the Black Edition (white with black graphics). Options will include a tow hitch, bike rack, microwave, television, and various interior upholstery choices.
Wingamm also plans to introduce other variations of the Oasi to America, including models like the Brownie, City Pro, and the larger Oasi 690 Twins, which include a variety of interior layouts, all based on the Ram ProMaster.
Wingamm is also investigating a rental program. Additionally, the company has stated that the Ram ProMaster portion will be repairable at any Ram service center. As for the coach portion, the company plans on relying on mobile RV mechanics.
Although a firm launch date and final price have not been announced, the 2023 target price was $145,000. An update from Wingamm announced the final price of $188,500. At that price, and considering the quality and features, the Wingamm Oasi 540.1 could be a compelling option for those seeking a compact but luxurious RV experience, especially given that many larger and less-equipped vans from other manufacturers can cost more. “Some real progress is being made here and hopefully, those who put money into this will be seeing a return,” says one source.
