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Unlike most RVs you see on the road or in campsites, the LaMarr Stiletto is one of the rarest in the industry.
Unfortunately, despite having incredible features and qualities, the LaMarr Stiletto brand lived a short life. As a result, don’t hold your breath that you’ll spot one any time soon.
However, you should consider yourself lucky if you can step inside one. What’s so great about them?
Let’s look and see!
Pro Tip: Check out this Breakdown of the NASA Astrovan for more on unique RV’s and vans!
About LaMarr Stiletto
The LaMarr Stiletto was the vision of Stuart Lamarr. It debuted at a trade show in Louisville, Kentucky, in November 2000. However, one glance at this rig, and you’ll quickly see that it’s unlike anything else on the market.
The vision was to include features like a walk-around queen-size bed. It also had an entertainment center with a 36-inch television, VCR, and DVD player. However, one of the best features was the 175 PSI air compressor that ran the air suspension system, powered tools, and inflated gear.
Unlike many other campers at the time, the LaMarr Stiletto made it easier to camp in any type of weather. It had a 13,000 BTU air conditioner, a 30,000 BTU furnace, and a propane generator. However, one of the biggest hurdles for consumers was the $78,000 price tag that came with it. While this may be a common price these days, it wasn’t the case nearly a quarter century ago.
Only One Stiletto RV Was Built
One of the biggest reasons you’ve never heard of the LaMarr Stiletto is that only one was built. The hope was to offer consumers various lengths and features. However, plans to mass-produce the Stiletto never came to fruition.
Unfortunately, the demand for the Stiletto wasn’t there from consumers. The prototype ended up being the only Stiletto produced. As a result, it’s a rare opportunity if you happen to spot it in the wild.
What Happened to the LaMarr Stiletto?
Despite having the look and feel of a luxury jet, the LaMarr Stiletto died quick and painful death. Like thousands of other RV manufacturers, the LaMarr Stiletto never gained traction. This resulted in the company throwing in the towel.
While the internet contains information on many RV brands, you won’t find much about the LaMarr Stiletto. It quickly peaked in 2000 and then disappeared without a trace. Unfortunately, this is far too common in the RV industry as many smaller manufacturers struggle to compete with the larger brands.
What Made the LaMarr Stiletto Unique
The LaMarr Stiletto was one of the most unique RVs you’ll see anywhere. It had several features that were unlike any other you’ll ever see.
Combines Aerospace and Marine Construction
The LaMarr Stiletto was created by an engineer from Boeing. You can feel this when you look at the smooth, aerodynamic design. Not only does it make a futuristic look and feel, but it also can help with fuel efficiency.
In addition to aerospace, the Stiletto also borrows from the marine industry. It uses a two-piece fiberglass construction. This creates a more solid structure that’s less likely to experience leaks and other common issues.
No Plywood
One of the best features we love about the LaMarr Stiletto is that it doesn’t use any plywood in its construction. If you’ve ever had to battle rotting wood, mold, or other issues, you know that plywood can make it challenging.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for RVers to experience weak flooring after a few years of using their rig. If you put too much weight on it, you can develop soft spots. Luckily, this isn’t something you have to worry about with the LaMarr Stiletto.
In the single model produced, there’s not a piece of plywood. Stuart LaMarr didn’t want to use any plywood. While it may increase the overall weight, it was worth the extra poundage for him.
Independent Air Suspension
As mentioned, the LaMarr Stiletto has an independent air suspension. Not only does this create an incredibly smooth ride, but it also helps with leveling. The rig can use the system to raise and lower the entire trailer.
For those with mobility issues, the camper can be lowered to the point that it’s practically sitting on the ground. You’ll love this feature if you’re tired of struggling to climb into your trailer.
In addition to the air suspension system, the entryway is a massive 36 inches wide, making it easier for those in wheelchairs. Now, even those with mobility issues can enjoy camping.
Slideouts
Like many Airstream models, the original LaMarr Stiletto design featured no slideouts. While some people enjoy having slideouts, they can be a pain. The moving mechanisms can break and cause problems when you need them most.
Additionally, slideouts can make some areas or features of your RV unavailable when retracted. However, since the Stiletto doesn’t have any, this isn’t something you’d have to worry about.
The ultimate plan was to offer up to three slideouts on their largest units. They were actively working with the large manufacturer HWH to include them in future designs. However, as we’ve said, it didn’t get off the ground.
Massive Water Storage Tanks
The LaMarr Stiletto had some of the largest water storage tanks you’ll ever see on an RV this size. It could store 200 gallons of freshwater and then 100 gallons of black and gray water. Most modern RVs aren’t able to carry half as much water.
With this much water, you could easily spend a week or more before finding a water source or dump station. This means you can enjoy camping or spending time in remote areas and outside of campgrounds.
Ahead of Its Time and Gone Too Soon
As you can see, the LaMarr Stiletto was decades ahead of its time. The available features and the manufacturer’s vision were what many consumers wanted in a camper. However, they weren’t able to look past the hefty price tag. Luckily, some modern companies are pushing the limits and creating futuristic rigs.
