Emerald unveils first Prevost H3-45 coach conversions
Emerald Luxury Coaches, the Texas-based luxury motorcoach convertor whose X3-45-based coaches have been marketed, sold and serviced by Liberty Coach since 2015, has added Prevost H3-45 conversions to the mix for the 2020 model year.
It’s a move that transforms Emerald’s position within the luxury motorcoach field. The H3-45 is Prevost’s “touring bus” platform, one that with its higher profile, panoramic windows and larger storage capacity has long been the standard for the industry’s elite coach convertors, including Liberty. That, combined with Emerald’s reputation for offering high quality Prevost conversions at exceptionally competitive prices, is raising eyebrows throughout the industry.
As well it should. A quick look at the 2020 Emerald #3203, one of the company’s first completed H3-45 models, reveals a coach that more than holds its own against the industry’s top dogs. “We surveyed customers about what they want in a coach, and we listened,” says John Walker, Emerald’s owner and president. “We started by redesigning all of our bays, to increase storage, reduce maintenance costs, and just make them easier to work with. On the inside, we worked to open things up and use every inch of the floorplan, to give the design a chance to shine.”
The #3203 also reflects Emerald’s commitment to incorporating cutting edge technology and premium quality components. Of particular note is the 58-volt house electrical system featuring Volta Power System’s automotive-grade lithium ion batteries, the most advanced energy system available and one that cuts hundreds of pounds of total weight from the coach. Other noteworthy features include oversized HD LED TVs throughout – 49-inch displays in the living room and bedroom and an enormous 65-inch unit in the lower bay Entertainment Center – as well as a Creston-based control system that may be the simplest, easiest to operate ever designed.
“Simplified operations have always been a priority for us, and a characteristic of the Emerald brand,” Walker says. “We program the Crestron ourselves with our own interface, and combine everything into one central control panel. You can also run it through your phone, tablet, or smart TV. Again, the idea is to keep it simple.”
But the most amazing thing about the #3203 is the price. Even with the pricier platform (the H3-45 runs about $100,000 more than the X3) and technology and equipment upgrades, Emerald has once again managed to keep the asking price well below the average Prevost conversion, and competitive with many high-end Class A motorhomes.
“In terms of value, the Emerald H3-45 is like no other vehicle in its price range,” says Liberty managing partner Frank Konigseder Jr. “The quality of the workmanship is obvious. The same goes for the technology and design work. And there’s no comparing any Class A chassis to a Prevost.”
Walker agrees, pointing out that Emerald will continue to build coaches on both Prevost platforms. “H3-45 or X3-45, you’re talking about a million-mile coach. And we want to give everyone in the market the chance to experience it.”
Coach #3203 is currently listed for sale at LibertyCoach.com and available for showings and test drives at Liberty Coach of Florida in Stuart.
