Lots of questions about older View

[Housedriver]

Hi,
I’m asking some questions about the 2012 View. We have had big MH’s in the past and now after a year without an RV, we have the urge.
We want to choose a path where smaller is better and the Winnebago View with the rear sliding bed looks great.
Questions:
How stable is a view as far as cross wind, oncoming trucks? Do many people get aftermarket products to help?
If I need to tow a 4500 LB car occasionally I know it is near the limit, but will it drive OK and will it have enough power?
The 2012’s have a 13500 BTU AC ( I think). Can you tell me if it will do the job? If not, can it be easily replaced by a 15000? Can the same wiring be used?
I like the accordion type window shades in the cab. Why did they stop using them in the new models?
And last question, what am I missing not buying a newer model. What is there you couldn’t get along without that isn’t on a 2012
Thank you in advance for the help.

[Elkman]

You can tow the car and may be OK but I would be looking for a used motorhome that uses the Ford E-450 chassis which has a 50% greater tow rating and an increase in overall load capacity of many thousands of pounds.

I would prefer the two burner LP cooktop and having a 3-way fridge. There are some safety features provided with the 2020 and later models using the 2019 and newer Mercedes chassis but overall that is trivial.

Newer models are set up for solar but the factory Zamp kit is inferior in every respect to what you can get done yourself.

[crah]

Originally Posted by Housedriver

Hi,
I’m asking some questions about the 2012 View. We have had big MH’s in the past and now after a year without an RV, we have the urge.
We want to choose a path where smaller is better and the Winnebago View with the rear sliding bed looks great.
Questions:
How stable is a view as far as cross wind, oncoming trucks? Do many people get aftermarket products to help?
If I need to tow a 4500 LB car occasionally I know it is near the limit, but will it drive OK and will it have enough power?
The 2012’s have a 13500 BTU AC ( I think). Can you tell me if it will do the job? If not, can it be easily replaced by a 15000? Can the same wiring be used?
I like the accordion type window shades in the cab. Why did they stop using them in the new models?
And last question, what am I missing not buying a newer model. What is there you couldn’t get along without that isn’t on a 2012
Thank you in advance for the help.

Not sure what type of big RV you came from, but I found the View to be easier to drive overall compared to a large class A (but handles poorly in the wind) compared to the diesel pusher and Class Be I had/have. Most people say the power is fine even when towing. I find the power is a dog and much slower than I was used on grade. I have a 15k coleman AC and it can't keep up, but I live in the Southwest. The 13.5k to 15k will be a direct swap with no wiring change required. The new models can't do the accordian shades due to the windshield side airbags that have been added to the new sprinter chassis. Aside from technology and some safety features added on the new sprinter chassis, I don't think you will gain much from a 2012.

Overall it is easier to zip around in the 25 ft length footprint. The main negative is the low carrying capacity.