Quote:
Originally Posted by Rexvaughn
We are considering a minnie 2500FL to be pulled with a Ram Rebel 1500. What is everyone’s opinions of this layout and build quality. We have never owned a Winnebago but have had many other trailers and motor homes. If you own this model or another Winnie are you happy with your purchase? Thank you for your help and expertise.
|
RexV
We have a 2019 2500FL; we tow it with an F250. We typically have a tongue weight of about 760 # (about 13.3% of the as-loaded condition). Check to see if your 1500 (look for the yellow sticker on the driver's side) has sufficient payload capacity to handle your normal load in the TV as well as the TT.
We love the floorplan. As for build quality, in general I would consider it good. I installed an EMS in an under-closet area; in other trailers I've worked on I've noted lots of sawdust in these hidden areas, but there wasn't any there. However, there was lots of sawdust in the area surrounding the roof vent covers. I had not previously seen caulking in the seams between panels, yet our 2500FL has this almost everywhere. They used clear in places and white in others; a very neat job.
When we did the PDI we noted a few issues:
- the bedroom screen street side was bent and would not seat against the frame
- there were no screws holding down the vent cover in the bathroom floor
- the black and gray actuators worked a little hard; this eventually became a problem and we had the actual valves replaced under warranty (Winnebago was more than accommodating in regards to this)
- an A/C ceiling vent would not rotate
The dealer took care of these items (a new screen was ordered and I installed it). After we took the trailer on an extensive trip from Florida to Minnesota to South Dakota to Maine and back to Florida, we noted a few other issues:
- the CD player would randomly stop working
- the seal around the rear window separated and needed replacing
- the light on the shore power cover burned out
- the switch on the power hitch worked intermittently
- the front and rear door latches needed adjusting (they were difficult to get to seal if closing from the inside)
- the ceiling A/C vent popped out of its holder (again)
- the black and gray valve actuators became extremely sticky and were nearly impossible to work
Winnebago took care of everything under warranty (work done by the selling dealer). A new CD/DVD player was installed, a new window seal was installed, a new shore power cover was installed, a new power jack was installed, I'm not exactly sure what was done with the A/C vent - it worked for a while and has popped out again, and new valves were installed. This all was done by August of 2020, with no further issues (other than that one temperamental A/C vent).
The dealer did good work on some things and was (IMHO) relatively slipshod on others, which took time to get straightened out - but this is not anything due to Winnebago.
One other issue: the drain pipe for the kitchen sink sits in the middle of the under-sink storage area. It is easy to get knocked by things stored in that area, and one time it got knocked enough to cause a leak. I built a little barrier wall around that area and now it is not an issue.
Our year's model has plenty of storage; it appears the 2022 has a little more storage (behind the TV) and some extra counter space with the fold-down leaf. We have the model with the couch/jack knife bed versus the two recliners; there's extra storage underneath the couch. The air conditioner and heater are much quieter than we had in our previous trailer. Both units have done a good job of climate control in the various temperature conditions we have experienced. My wife likes the closets next to the bed; they are deep and long dresses/shirts don't bunch up at the bottom.
One thing I was puzzled about is the pass-through in our model year is framed out in wood on the 2500FL whereas it was aluminum structure on the 2500RL that was also on the lot when we were looking (the RL does not appear to be made for 2022). This is just an observation - there must be some reason for that - I just don't know why it isn't the same on both models.
So, yes, we are happy with our purchase. The fit and finish of the TT is good (based on my comparison to our previous unit and what we saw while we were shopping for this unit). The issues we had seem to be relatively common, unfortunately, considering how fast these units are slapped together. Winnebago was very accommodating in getting everything resolved; any issues I have are with the dealer.
If you have any other questions, just PM me.