2016 Vista or Sunstar 31BE

[dezrtracr]

Video of the new 2016 Vista or Sunstar 31BE by TXWallyWinnebago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72t5_tG6p8

[austx]

And your question is? Please give us information on what you want help with.

[wildtoad]

Originally Posted by austx

And your question is? Please give us information on what you want help with.

I believe the OP is simply posting a video of a new mh that others may not have seen yet. No question required.

[dezrtracr]

Originally Posted by wildtoad

I believe the OP is simply posting a video of a new mh that others may not have seen yet. No question required.

Thank you "wildtoad" for stating the obvious. I just wanted to show those, who might be interested, the new 31BE.

[austx]

Originally Posted by austx

And your question is? Please give us information on what you want help with.

Sorry.

[jharrell]

I really like this floorplan, it's nearly an exact copy of the Thor ACE 30.2, which is currently at the top of my list. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, obviously this is a popular floorplan with young family buyers like me. I am glad there is another choice. Only one in stock at Lichtsinn and I think it's the one in the video, all others on order none in stock yet.

Some advantages vs the ACE:

1. More basement storage. 147 cu. ft. vs 95.
2. Larger holding tanks 70F/43B/59G vs 50F/28B/40G
3. Flat floor in drivers area with lower doghouse. Since the floor is a few inches higher, which gives it the lager basement this also brings the floor up level in that area. Slight down side is interior height is the same amount lower 6' 8" vs 7'
4. Fiberglass roof vs TPO
5. 208" wheelbase vs 190"

Disadvantages:

1. No side cameras, standard on ACE.
2. No Auto-transfer switch, standard on ACE.
3. 5,000lbs vs 8,000 hitch. Both are 18k chassis with 23k GCVW, The ACE is right at 16k loaded so it could tow a full size 6k truck with the 8k hitch.
4. Water heater only gas. ACE is gas/electric.

Not sure why Winnebago skimps out on the cameras and ATS, seems odd to save a couple hundred bucks on something like that. Honestly not sure why Winnebago has Vista and Vista LX, they should just do Vista and offer some options like full paint and second A/C 50 amp service, but things like side cameras and ATS standard across the board.

Will be looking at them both closely and probably deciding between them.

Others in the same range lower down the list as I don't like the floorplans as much:

Fleetwood Storm 32H
Jayco Precept 29UR
Newmar Baystar Sport 3004

[Profleetone]

A few other advantages of the Winnebago Vista 31BE
1. Much bigger dinette
2. Much bigger sofa
3. Full size pantry
4. 40" TV vs. 32" on ACE
5. More drawer space in the galley
6. Paddle latches on exterior compartment doors vs. twist locks on ACE
7. 3" thick floor, including cab floor for quieter driving
8. Bottom of Vista floor is protected by seamless aluminum underbelly, not plastic cloth like ACE does.
9. Windshield is bonded to steel structure not fiberglass like ACE does.
10. The steel undercarriage is all E-Coated for long term corrosion protection. ACE is not protected and will rust very quickly.
Winnebago Vista=Long term quality and satisfaction
Thor Ace=Short term happiness, long term misery

[jharrell]

Thanks for pointing out the other advantages. Some of the construction details I had no idea. Winnebago doesn't go into any detail in their literature simply mentioning "SuperStructure" with very little information. I even watched some of their factory videos trying to get a better grip on how they are made.

On all the coaches of this size I am concerned about the single A/C unit. Only the Jayco, Coachmen 33bh and maybe the Newmar offer 50 amp service with dual A/C's.

Really would like to see Winnebago offer the Vista LX upgrades and options on this floorplan, 50 amp dual A/C, side cameras, propane hookup, etc.

Will be interesting to see the real world price difference between the ACE and Vista. Looks like the ACE can be had for around 80k, I would imagine the Winnie will be more.

[Profleetone]

The Winnebago could likely be purchased for about $5000 more, mainly due to higher quality materials and better workmanship costs. I always tell potential buyers to not be too dazzled by the stuff on the price sheet. Open all the doors and get under the coach and really observe how the coach is built. Look for tell tale signs of poor quality construction such as exposed wiring and excessive use of expanding foam sealant, as well as premature signs of rusting. These are all signs of potential problems down the road.