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12-03-2012, 07:25 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 437
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Why Winnebago;;
Over the past Years I have Been reading of problems Winnebago owners are/had with there coaches . I would like to hear from owners and there good experiances, With their coach.. . As we bought our coach because of the Basement air,as our door is a bit to low for the top mounted air. and the Winnebago Co. Has a dealer/repair network that is everywhere. (I would also Like to make it Perfectly clear Other then being a loyal Winnebago Customer I have no affileation with Winnebago). Lets keep the posts short and NO personal Or competiors attacks. OK> Thanks Have a good year. Life is good
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12-03-2012, 07:35 AM
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#2
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
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There are a lot of Winnebagos out there and people are more likely to complain on a forum than they are to give praise. It's that simple.
I've never owned one but I would buy one if I found a good deal and it had what I wanted. I believe they are one of the better made RVs.
__________________
Steve, Mary & Buddy our 2-year-old Chihuahua mix
1995 36' HR Endeavor, 460 w/Banks, 2005 PT Cruiser
Fulltimers originally from Michigan, hanging out in Oregon for a spell.
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12-03-2012, 07:43 AM
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#3
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ON THE ROAD...SOMEWHERE
Posts: 135
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I am not as enthused about the basement air BUT...I don't hate it either. I don't think we will go back to Winnebago/Itasca for that reason because I can't afford the newer models without it. That being said...
We have had a GREAT experience with our Adventurer. One of the best floor plans we could have found. Moving to a DP will most likely not give us this nice of a floor plan with a mid-entry door...at least not in the 40-43' range.
No major problems as a whole with the MH related to it's construction. Needed to replace the Norcold cooling unit with the Amish version and also replace the converter but those are par for the course. Slides, levelers, water system, holding tank system have all performed without flaw.
A admit I am a little afraid to inspect the windshield window seals.
Body rust is a NON-issue and the roof is in great shape too.
For our first MH...it was an eye opener and a great learning platform. If we had understood it wasn't quite the full time MH for us that we wanted, it wouldn't be for sale.
__________________
Don, Sandee & GSD Zeus. Gardian for GSDs Gunny (7/11/15) & Thor (5/5/15)
2006 DSDP 4320, Spartan MM IFS, 2013 CR-V, Blue Ox Avail, SMI AF1, Samsung 197R Refer.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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12-03-2012, 07:44 AM
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#4
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Winnebago Watcher
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 4
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Like RedWing said, on the internet you're much more likely to read complaints about anything than praise. It's just human nature. Praise rarely goes beyond the "thank you" we say at the time, but if we have something negative to say, we have to tell everyone.
We bought our 99 Itasca 3 years ago and haven't had any problem. Knock on wood.
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12-03-2012, 07:46 AM
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#5
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,666
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They are like any other manufactured RV, they have their problems and they have their good points. One of those good points for you is the basement air, or modify the storage door - most likely not.
I don't think there is an RV manufacturer that has not had problems. Consider that we are driving an earthquake down the highway.
Many on here have had no problems, and I'm sure they will jump in.
So far, I love the basement air and heat pump.
It sounds like you just "have" to have the basement air, but if things change and you could go with roof air, don't rule out the other models just because of "service" locations. Many, many dealers are authorized for several manufactures and not just one specific brand. Ask around.
Good luck.
__________________
Wayne MSGT USMC (Ret) & Earlene (CinCHouse)
2015 Winnebago Tour 42QD - 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve (TOAD)
(RVM-14) It is what it is, and then it is what you make of it.
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12-03-2012, 07:48 AM
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#6
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Litchfield Park, Arizona
Posts: 656
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We've been really happy with ours since buying our new Itasca DP in 2007.
__________________
Rick, Nancy, Peanut & Lola our Westie Dogs & Bailey the Sheltie.
2007 Itasca Ellipse 40FD
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12-03-2012, 07:50 AM
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#7
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 63
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My first couple of outings I really questioned my purchase. Now after 20,000 miles we are happy with it. The last 2 1,800 miles trips were completed without any issues.
__________________
2011 Itasca Suncruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
MSgt retired USAF 1988, AA retired 2005
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12-03-2012, 08:10 AM
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#8
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 115
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Bought new in 2001 now 11 years and 65k miles later the 34 bd Horizion 330 cat has served me well. Looking for another 65k trouble free miles. AC/heat pump has worked with no problem. Have had the normal vehical problems do to miles driven. Overall will do it again.
__________________
2001 Horizon 2004 jeep GC
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12-03-2012, 08:17 AM
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#9
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
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We researched extensively before buying a Winnebago. We inspected every new and used coach of any brand that we could get our hands on, frequented owner forums and consumer complaint sites, and for sale sites. After getting a good sense of market share per brand, we could see noticeably fewer late model Winnie for sale vs other brands, and fewer Winnie complaints on the formal consumer complaint sites. We began to sense Winnie owner satisfaction was higher than average, along with Winnie customer service. From our personal inspections, we began to believe Winnie build quality was better than most. We narrowed our search and concentrated on Winnie and a couple of other brands, eventually working on just two brands. We had a slight preference for Winnie by that time so looked at more Winnies than other. When we found a dealer show coach being sold near the start of the next model year, we bought above the level we were focusing on, and have yet to see another coach that we truly like better. After 9 years and over 60k miles, we are still quite happy with our Winnebago.
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
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12-03-2012, 08:55 AM
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#10
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 352
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I have to comment on this thread. I am on my third Itasca. I have owned three other brands also, as I used to buy/sell motorhomes as a hobby. I used to own them for about a year, use them to vacation in, and then sell them. After owning the other brands and seeing the problems that they offered, I was actually thrilled to get back into a Winnebago product with my current coach, a 36' Meridian by Itasca. The quality is better, the support is better, and they are still in business! I won't buy another brand again.
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12-03-2012, 09:32 AM
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#11
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 110
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We love our 2010 35P............can't say enough about the fit and finish, have owned Holiday Rambler, Coachman, and this is the nicest of them all.
The basement air was a buying decision....plus the great floor plan and a king size bed sealed the deal.
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12-03-2012, 11:52 AM
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#12
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Draper, UT
Posts: 309
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Hi Ho: We replaced our 2000 Itasca Suncruiser (gas) which we bought new with a 2006 tiffin Phaeton (diesel) this last spring. Our experience with motorhomes goes back a lot further. I really believe that WI is a good company with good products. Tiffin is also. People that complain are usually not into maintaining their coach themselves.
The real issues come mostly because of poor (or no) maintenance. When we sold our 2000 Suncruiser it was honestly in better condition that when we bought it. There are always infant mortality and manufacturing problems that have to be solved. For example, WI forgot to tighten the gas lines from the propane tank. It took about 30 minutes to take them apart and tighten them properly--less time than to take the coach in. It has taken us about 6 months to get through these types of issues with our used Phaeton.
So, the reason for this post is to suggest that you know your coach inside and out and personally proactively check and maintain all systems. This sounds llike a tall order, but if you have time, some skills, and interest it is actually fun and results in a happy experience traveling in your motorhome.
Let me give you an example: While traveling through Alaska a couple of years ago I noticed that the coach batteries were not being charged while we were driving. In about 2 minutes I had the problem isolated to the charging solenoid (a common failure) and we picked one up on our way to do some gold panning. It took me about 20 minutes to install the new one. Total cost $20. Time spent was essentially zero because I put it in while my wife was getting lunch ready and we didn't even have to make a special trip to get the part.
Anyway, I don't understand those that try to get everything serviced. Just too much hassle for me.
Dirk
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12-03-2012, 12:17 PM
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#13
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 19
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We have been happy with our 04 Journey, basement air has been fine. Our next will probably be the Tour or another Journey.
__________________
Randy, Cindy and Mickey (Our Rat Terrier)
2009 American Tradition 42C
Cadillac SRX/Blue Ox/Air Force One
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12-03-2012, 12:32 PM
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 437
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what a relief To read good things. Posative posts;; Nice, nice , Keep it up
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12-03-2012, 04:28 PM
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#15
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 249
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We have a 2001 Winnie and love it. It is a DP 32' with over 100K miles. Normal stuff to repair with age. I think Winnie has a great product, great support, easy to get parts and the company has been around for years. If we get another MoHo it will be a Winnie.
Nick
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12-03-2012, 04:47 PM
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#16
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Great Smoky Mountains, TN
Posts: 56
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IMHO Winnebago is tied with Tiffin as being the best coach manufacturer there is. Look at the impressive roster of Quality Awards they have accumulated. We are very happy with our Adventurer, wouldn't own any other make.
__________________
Chillbilly - Maryville, TN - Forest River Rockwood 5th Wheel - Ford F250 - Semper-Fi
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12-04-2012, 06:37 AM
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#17
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 10
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We purchased a 2004 Winnebago Journey 36g new. It was almost flawless!
We recently traded for a 2012 Tiffin Breeze 32BR, and have had nothing but problems and trouble!
We would take Winnebago back in a flash!
__________________
Dennis & Vanessa Edwards
2019 Winnebago Navion 27v
Benton, Arkansas
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12-04-2012, 08:58 AM
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#18
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 352
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis Edwards
We purchased a 2004 Winnebago Journey 36g new. It was almost flawless!
We recently traded for a 2012 Tiffin Breeze 32BR, and have had nothing but problems and trouble!
We would take Winnebago back in a flash!
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That's exactly what happened to me...we found out that the grass ISN'T always greener on the other side...!
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12-04-2012, 05:22 PM
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#19
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Weyauwega, WI US
Posts: 1,486
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My first Winnebago was a 97 Adventure, 2nd was a 2003 Chieftain, and my current is a 2005 Itasca Horizon. All 3 had basement A/Cs and I never had any problems with any of them. I am sold on Winnebago quality and I likely will never own another brand. I have had great service from Winnebago Customer Service and I don't have a bad word to say about any of my Winnebago products.
Don
__________________
Don & Bev Morgan Weyauwega WI, 05 Itasca Horizon 40KD, 400 HP Cummins, Delorme GPS LT 40, Toad 07 Saturn Vue AWD, Air Force One, TST 510 TPMS, Mayor of Weyauwega 2007 - 2013, Waupaca Co Board Supervisor 2010 - 2014
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12-04-2012, 05:24 PM
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#20
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 245
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Bachler,
We have an '08 Sightseer 35-J. Very few problems when we took delivery 5 years ago, and none since then. It has served us faithfully and I will remain a good ambassador to Winnebago products.
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