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vjstangelo's avatar
vjstangelo
Explorer
Jul 18, 2014

2002 Itasca Sunrise

Hi all, we have been on again off again shopping for a Class A to replace our TT.

Looking a reasonably priced 2002 Itasca. I know it will need some work, not afraid of that. It has the 8.1 with the 4L80E tranny.

Anyone with the same vintage model, or it's sister Winnebago clone, that can give some advice on performance, what to look out for etc.?

Thanks in advance.
  • I have a 2005 33V W-20 that we have been very happy with 8.1 w/allison trans good luck in your search
  • I have a follow on question.

    The unit is equipped with a 30amp shore power service. Will I be able to run both AC units with the power management system?
  • Our 2003 Itasca Sunova has a 30 amp system with EMS. We can run both AC units at the same time, they just won't both start up at the same time. Re: the 8.1, it has plenty of power to pull our 4000# toad in the mountains out west.
  • We have the 2002 Itasca Sunrise 32V with the Ford V-10. Bought it used 2 years ago, it had 9400 miles on it. We've resealed the roof, replaced the headlights, had the dealer re-do the decals. We replaced both toppers on the slide-outs, replaced the tires (came with the originals). We've also put over 9000 miles on the "camper" with two long trips and numerous short grandkid trips. We tow a 2009 Jeep Wrangler with no problems. The V-10 gets us up and over any of the passes we've encountered so far with no problems. We get 6.7 miles per gallon. In our opinion, it's a good rig with lots of life left.
  • Our rig has the 30 amp service and yes we can run both air conditioners at the same time. Just cant run the microwave or a hair dryer while both air conditioners are on.
  • Best of luck in your search. We were seeking a used Super C (most LOA to long), so went with new 2014 Minnie Winnie (wife’s choice). Towing our Jeep we get 9-12 mpg based on wind and speed. It’s rated 30amp (which means 25amp continuous) and no problem with TV-1amp, fridge-3amp, water heater-4amp, AC-16amp all running.
    We turn off AC-16amp to run Microwave-12amp.

    IMO, know your ‘amp draw’ for everything in your RV.
    We keep amp info on a 3x5 card for reference.
    We NTE 25amp on our 30amp converter.
    Easy to figure: Amps = watts divided by volts (120v). Watts = amps X volts (120v).
  • You state that it has the 4L80E transmission. That means it's a Workhorse P32 chassis, not a W series. Not that that is bad, just something to be aware of.

    You can see what chassis went with which model in the brochure, if you haven't found it already.
  • I was not aware that it was the P32 chassis. How would one know? It isn't shown clearly in the brochure you linked?

    I am a little disappointed that it is not equipped with the Allison, but the price seems right ($26,000, 40K miles) from a private owner. I was willing to settle on it not being the Allison since it did have the desirable 8.1.

    I am trying to do my homework before we venture over to see the unit. It is about 2hrs from where I live.
  • Workhorse introduced the W16 and W18 in 2006. Before that, the P32 was used for the 16K and 18K chassis.