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Originally Posted by DMA
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The Trend at least has us considering Nav/Views and I think if we go that route for our needs the V layout would be preferable.
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The first RV I considered was a long time ago, it was the Winnebago Rialta which was built on a VW chassis and could get 20 mpg. A couple of years back I started looking at the View/Navion due to the size and Diesel engine. For quite a while I was leaning toward the V which came out recently. One day at an RV dealer where I could see them side by side, I realized that the G was much larger inside when the slide was out (in the back for the queen bed) and that changed my mind. My wife was more perceptive on this and preferred the G from the start.
We had seen the Trend when it was first shown at Hershey, and thought that it was too small. In addition, I am not thrilled with the prospect of having to deal with Chrysler for service. I'd much rather deal with the Mercedes-Benz truck people.
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I was thinking an pre owned 2011 or 12 in late 2015 would be our price range avoid the new rig initial depreciation...
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I considered that also until I realized that there was virtually no (very little) difference in price between a new and old unit based on the Sprinter and from Winnebago. Add to this the inability to FIND any used ones made the decision easy.
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Then I saw some upgrades that seemingly came in the 2013s that we would like, so I would spend more maybe to get those.
Ok, now for some questions.
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I wanted the Rand/McNally RV GPS and all LED lighting as well as the standard 1KW inverter, new fridge and a few other changes, not to mention the most important of all, a new warranty package.
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Anything in the newer models you really wished you had that weren't available at the time you bought yours?
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I would rather have had the Diesel generator, but it's really hard to say this since my wife might be sensitive to the Diesel exhaust. MB also just came out with a Turbo 4 cylinder 2.2 Liter Diesel engine with 7 speed transmission that can get up to 32 MPG in Vans. I was hoping this would be offered and that it might give us better MPG. On the other hand, a larger less high tech engine which is not brand new is likely to be more reliable.
There are a long list of MB Sprinter options that I would have liked to have seen in the RV, like better LED information, multi-function steering wheel, collision prevention, lane keeping and driving assist, FOG LAMPS, light and rain sensor (all in a $1500 package which I would buy). I would like to have a better way of checking tire pressure. The Dual Rears are a real pain to check.
If you encounter slanted speed bumps, these need to be taken at a crawl. They really disrupt the ride. I went over a couple in Hagerstown MD two week ago that really shook things up. I would like to see this ability improved.
As far as the RV part, I'd like to see a small washing machine/dryer as an option. I do not like the exterior color schemes very much. I like the Navion because it's front cap is white (not black or dark). On the other hand I would have liked a more dignified predominantly silver/grey color similar to the Leisure Travel RV. My switch from View to Navion was based on color in large part.
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Looks like some of the tank plumbing layout was improved in 13 or maybe 12? Inverter apparently is popular enough it was added as an option recently, comments?
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This can really bite you if you don't realize how fast it can drain the house batteries. Low draw devices are fine, but there will undoubtedly be people who drain their batteries who don't realize how much the draw is going to be.
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Can the LP gen set be supplied by an external tank with factory supplied fittings?
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Yes, there are kits for this
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Thoughts on the "new" large vent being offered?
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I have it and think it's a worthwhile addition. I don't particularly like opening windows
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Anyone added solar panels?
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I don't plan to stay somewhere off the grid long enough that this would be of any benefit. A large part of the rationale of purchasing this 25' class C is that it can be driven many places, so you don't need a tow vehicle (I might still get one though). It takes two parking spaces even then.
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Any recommendations? I don't see it offered by Winnebago.
I was looking at a 2011 that had powered leveling jacks. Is this an option?
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Not from Winnebago. I purchased my Navion from Lichtsinn. There is an HGH dealer close by who can apparently put in the levelers without voiding the MB warranty. Considering what this cost, and weighs, I did not see a need for it.
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I don't see it listed as such? Waste of money? Not really necessary?
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Depends on the point of view. I've used one with the levelers; just seems unnecessary to me. I'm sure it's nice to cut setup time by a few minutes. Cost about $7000 I believe.
My purchase process took over 2 years. I obtained the "price list" with all the option codes to make sure that nothing was left out that I might want. When I used to sell automobiles, I learned that a model with all the popular options was far easier to sell when the time came, so I purchased virtually everything worthwhile except the $6K paint and expensive wheels.
Winnebago has started to STREAM in product changes at a more rapid rate, so the model year is NOT the only consideration when comparing features. I looked at 6 different View Profile/Navion IQ models within 250 miles of here. Several lacked current production features. Even then a body color change took place just as I purchased mine, which would have been (possibly) preferable to the Iron/Taupe that I purchased (Iron/Champagne).
There is a video from a dealer meeting showing the "NEW" more European look that will show up in the View. At first I was considering cancelling my purchase because of that. Then looking more closely I decided I did not care for the new look.
During the quote process, I found several models that lacked features I wanted even though they were the same model year. So there is now a bit of work to do for the discerning buyer to make sure you get exactly what you want, when it's available. There is always the risk that some feature you really want might appear suddenly, right after you purchase your unit.
Considering their current resale value, I don't see this as a problem.