2008/09 Winnebago / Itasca 35J (bunkhouse) questions

Duane wrote:
I downloaded all of the information for my coach and burned it to a CD. I keep a copy in the MH in case I need while on the road. We all know that when something breaks it's not gonna happen in the driveway or within site of the selling dealer.

This type of information that is open and freely available is why I bought the Winnie.

Now that is a fantastic idea. You're right stuff happens on the road, not at home...

I'll be downloading the files soon for the coaches I'm considering. Might as well have them handy...

I downloaded all of the information for my coach and burned it to a CD. I keep a copy in the MH in case I need while on the road. We all know that when something breaks it's not gonna happen in the driveway or within site of the selling dealer.

This type of information that is open and freely available is why I bought the Winnie.

Duane wrote:
Hey Triumph,

Since you are a DIY guy, Winnie publishes all of their wiring, plumbing, and electrical diagram right on their website for all of their models... It may be worth a visit to to check out the drawings.

Winnie Drawings

Thanks Duane - that information has been a significant factor in considering Winnebago. I have grown tired of owning coaches where I can't track down part numbers or diagrams. More than a few times I've had to call Forest River or Thor about xyz part and the answer I get is "we can't be sure what's on the coach, can you go out there and pull it and see if you can get some info off of it - dimension etc." I remember I had a slide motor go "bad" on my current 5er. I called to find out what a replacement would cost. They said it depends on the chassis and there was no way to know which one it came off of. Told me to pull it and call back when I had it.

I finally figured out after getting it off of the trailer and through 2 weeks of calls to them and Lippert what I needed to order. (and then when I found out they wanted $700 for it I rebuilt the thing myself and it's been strong ever since).

So next time around I'd sure like to have more information than "we don't know" :) I may never need those diagrams but it sure makes me more comfortable with buying one of those that I know where the plumbing / electrical etc goes...

Hey Triumph,

Since you are a DIY guy, Winnie publishes all of their wiring, plumbing, and electrical diagram right on their website for all of their models... It may be worth a visit to to check out the drawings.

Winnie Drawings

Jim Norman wrote:
1 - I've read about something called "coach heat" in these units... is this where the engine heat is directed throughout the whole coach and not just from the dash?
Coach Heat is a grat think in winter, you can keep the whole rig warm while driving. You also get hot water when you arrive.
2 - Any clue what size the fridge is? Some pictures make me think it's 8 cu ft but I can't tell and the brochures don't indicate it. We are used to 8, came from 6 which is way too small for us. I guess if it's 6 we could add another cooler and keep it next to the barrel chair for example
Don't know the size, but it is large enough for a week.
3 - No black flush that I can tell. True?
true, but I've never needed it. I usually dump a 2 gal bucket of water in to start and then dump a couple buckets when emptying the tank.
4 - It seems to me that dual pane windows were an option ... any way to tell that they are from online pictures? From the brochures they seem to be part of an option package
Dual panes are an option. they do help a bit.
5 - Are tinted windows standard? Hard to tell from the pics
The tint is minor. I keep planning to add tint to the upper side widows.

A few other things: the bunks are ok if you aren't over about5-9. The shower is large enough, it is not a hotel, it is an RV and you probably won't spend hours in the shower. We did not get a standard oven. Had one in the previous rig, never used it. We have a convection unit. I have traveled with 4full size adults for a week and not been cramped.

Thank you Jim - I think I saw that something called motoraid was an option in 2009, I assume this is what allows you to have hot water when you arrive.

And the point about the bunks is noted - our kids are only 5 and 8 yrs right now but they are going to be tall when older. The Winnebago bunks are the shortest of all the ones I've looked at, but with the frequency that we switch out RVs, I expect we'll be on another one when they've gotten almost too big for the bunks and be looking at a different floorplan anyway.

So far the 35J is a strong front runner for me. I'm watching this one ... would go see it if it weren't a day's drive away:
http://www.campingworld.com/rvsales/class-a-gas-motorhomes/2009/winnebago-sightseer/458157/

1 - I've read about something called "coach heat" in these units... is this where the engine heat is directed throughout the whole coach and not just from the dash?
Coach Heat is a grat think in winter, you can keep the whole rig warm while driving. You also get hot water when you arrive.
2 - Any clue what size the fridge is? Some pictures make me think it's 8 cu ft but I can't tell and the brochures don't indicate it. We are used to 8, came from 6 which is way too small for us. I guess if it's 6 we could add another cooler and keep it next to the barrel chair for example
Don't know the size, but it is large enough for a week.
3 - No black flush that I can tell. True?
true, but I've never needed it. I usually dump a 2 gal bucket of water in to start and then dump a couple buckets when emptying the tank.
4 - It seems to me that dual pane windows were an option ... any way to tell that they are from online pictures? From the brochures they seem to be part of an option package
Dual panes are an option. they do help a bit.
5 - Are tinted windows standard? Hard to tell from the pics
The tint is minor. I keep planning to add tint to the upper side widows.

A few other things: the bunks are ok if you aren't over about5-9. The shower is large enough, it is not a hotel, it is an RV and you probably won't spend hours in the shower. We did not get a standard oven. Had one in the previous rig, never used it. We have a convection unit. I have traveled with 4full size adults for a week and not been cramped.

Back on subject - when I compare pictures from the interior of 2009 vs 2008 it seems like the 2009 has a taller fridge. So I'm wondering if it was a 6 cu ft in 07/08. Will have to check into that one.

time_to_go_now wrote:
Curious, what prices are you seeing for the Tiffin 35QBA?

It has been all over the place. I'm trying to find a decent and reasonably priced rig from 08 or 09.

Two examples:
2010 for $80k:
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2010-Tiffin-Motorhomes-Allegro-35QBA-114095911
First of all for this one, it looks like a 2009. Unless some of the 2010 models were late in incorporating the pass through storage. This has been for sale for months at the same price. Well above avg retail and far above low... and even more if it's really a 2009

2009 FRED for $80k:
http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/2009/Allegro/M-35QBA-Freightliner/3050853/Values
I know being the diesel it should carry a premium, so I can understand for listing right at avg retail ... Listed recently, maybe they'll drop as time goes on.

Now, if I really had $80k, I would call these people on their 2011, advertised for $78k:
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2011-Tiffin-Motorhomes-Allegro-Open-Road-35QBA-115496325
This one is priced very reasonably and it seems they are open to offers, if I interpret the listing right.

However I don't have that kind of money. For my budget I thought an 08 and maybe someone who had to sell a gas 09 would work.

In two cases I watched a 2008 FRED 35QBA sit for months in the low $60s and hoped it would last long enough for me to get into a buying position and make an offer but it sold. I also watched a 2009 gasser sit for months at $69k and same story.

Those two seemed reasonable, but were the minority of listings I'd seen. Most were priced much higher than average retail (like a 2008 for $80k? not sure about that). Dealers and private party alike. I think sellers should realize that people do their research and if you're way out of line with the book then I just won't call.

It's not only with the Tiffin. I just ran across a 2008 35J at Lazy Days where they are listing at $75k. For a coach that typically sold for $85k new. I kid you not. Maybe it seems more magnified to me with Tiffin as there are more Winnie's on the market to choose from.

In a month or so I'll be just about ready to make an offer if the right one comes along so I hadn't totally given up on the 4 slide Tiffin, but I'm happy to have found a strong second choice. And considering some of the prices I've seen on 08 35Js in just a few days of looking it may be my first choice as there's more bang for the buck to me.

EDIT: Jim I didn't notice the first time that you have a 35QBA and you're in CA. If you were thinking about selling I'd start at the high side. I've seen a number of coaches out there start high and only stay on the market for weeks, not months - IIRC.

Curious, what prices are you seeing for the Tiffin 35QBA?

dalerussel wrote:
We have a 2009 Winnebago Chalet 35JR which is a downgraded Sightseer with most things the same as a Sightseer. Ours uses the Ford chassis.
...
5. I am 6'3" and can take a shower in the RV standing straight up. It is a little narrow, but acceptable
Some things to check
...

Thank you Dale - I'm 6'3" also and I was concerned about this one. I'm not a "wide" guy but not a stick man either and hope the shower is workable. With everything else about the coach looking good to me I think I can live with going away from my nice corner shower :)

And thanks for the tips as well. With the years we're looking at, the coaches could still be on original tires which will be a negative point.

I'll also consider the Chalet as it could be an opportunity to save some $$$

Appreciate the comments!