Winnebago (Tour) vs. Itasca (Ellipse)?

DrDemento · 10-23-2011, 01:44 PM

I've spoken to a few sales people and have gotten surprisingly different responses. So what is the difference? They come from the same factory, the floor plan offerings appear the same. Is it just the dealer network similar to say Ford and Mercury? Just subtle color differences?

rv rick · 10-23-2011, 06:35 PM

We have had one Itasca and two Tours. From what we can see, there are very minimal differences, primarily in color. The chassis, floorplans, features, etc. seem to be the same.

Interestingly, when we were at the factory in Forest City and took the plant tour, I asked this same question to our guide, who had over 30 years experience in the factory before retiring. He said Winnebago originally (back in the 60's) used only the Dodge chassis and when Chevy approached them to offer a new chassis, Winnebago could not use the Chevy due to contract requirements with Dodge. So, Itasca was formed, with a different dealer network, to use the Chevy. Of course, today, this is all moot, yet the different dealer networks remain.

I would shop each line equally and try to get the best deal for you. I can say we have been delighted with our 2010 42AD Tour.

puttin · 10-23-2011, 07:07 PM

they are both wonderful- take your choice in colors.....

rgvtexan · 10-23-2011, 08:03 PM

In the past I found the Itasca had a few more bells and whistles as standard and slightly higher price. check the option and standard equipt list carefully.

Wayne M · 10-23-2011, 08:08 PM

Itasca, as it was told to me, has a few more aesthetically pleasing amenities.

Cousin Ed · 10-23-2011, 08:29 PM

We had both our third is a Journey. I would buy from the best dealer with the best price. If you get equal dealers then choose the one with the colors you like best. That would be the biggest difference.

kjburns · 10-23-2011, 11:18 PM

Your Ford and Mercury analogy is correct. The Winnebago and Itasca motorhomes are the same. Some have a different front cap, but that's about it.

wlf00 · 10-24-2011, 10:02 PM

DrDemento,

You can find another post on this topic here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/winn...ca-104656.html

mikenmo · 10-28-2011, 04:09 PM

We have the Tour TD and we looked at both the Winne and Itasco. What we found was the Itasco was a bit more glitzy with the lights, mirrors etc. and a little more price wise. None of which we wanted or needed. we were looking for a 'home' feel not a show feel. We shopped for 6 months and found the right Tour TD at the right price and drove 500 miles to buy it. The Tour is now our home and we have only had compliments on it from every visitor who has been inside. Nothing wrong with the Itasco, just not our cup of tea.
Make your decision on what you want, either coach will be, IMHO, the best on the road!

DrDemento · 10-28-2011, 11:26 PM

Many thanks for your insight. After reading your post its obvious to us we need to get INSIDE of the Tours and Ellipses to see first hand what you mean about "glitzty". What we are finding are coaches that are advertised as being on the lot, only to find out that they are 1000 miles away "with the dealership owner". And these are supposedly Winnie-Itasca Dealers!