Forum Discussion

DarrellQ2001's avatar
DarrellQ2001
Explorer
Jul 14, 2020

2009 WINNEBAGO Tour

I'm looking to buy my first DP and a friend offered to sell me this one in excellent condition. I have heard bad things about Winnebago quality issues in later models. Was the quality of Winnebago still decent in 2009? Thank you for your input.
  • We had a Winnebago Via & the fit & finish was good. Few minor problems that were corrected while under warranty, but this is common in all rvs. Things I would look our for are age or tires and condition, does it have basement air, does it have Schwintek slides. Basement air and Schwintek slides have been a problem for Winnebago and they have stopped using basement air & have worked with Schwintek to improve slide mechanism. Make sure all appliances & systems are working. Get all service records from your friend, and it would be a good investment to pay a mobile rv tech to spend a few hours checking it our for you. Check for water leaks everywhere.
  • DarrellQ2001 wrote:
    I'm looking to buy my first DP and a friend offered to sell me this one in excellent condition. I have heard bad things about Winnebago quality issues in later models. Was the quality of Winnebago still decent in 2009? Thank you for your input.

    Depends, but by 09 we were in the great recession.
    Unless we were to be buying new, which we never do, we cut off off our search with 07 with an 06 chassis and engine.
    Not only for quality of construction, but for emission control standards and for wanting some tried and proven old school. Things like Aqua hot and DEF didn't have my interest.
    We did convert the fridge to a residential type compressor model, however. That we like better and since we do have the battery power and inverter for it.
    I'm thinking that you could drop back a couple of more years and for getting better quality, by first looking for a side radiator chassis and then for making a floor plan choice.
    Just don't buy an 07 Cat engine for one thing.

    Having said all this, it's always about the money, when it comes down to it and you haven't said what you can steal this coach for, so.......
    By the way, I'm thinking that the Tour probably has a side radiator, so don't make the mistake of getting another with a rear model chassis.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    What part of the RV are you referring to? Drivetrain, made by someone other than Winnebago? Or the body? Or the interior? Interiors are subject to the road condition and proper care. The body of the RV is also subject to the road conditions and maintenance. An RV purchased from California may not see the harsh winter conditions of one purchased from Wyoming. But, then again the summer heat in Arizona can ravish an RV. So., taken care of, any RV can be good or bad. You know your neighbor better than we do.
  • We had a '10 -'11 Journey 40 L which we loved. 75,000 miles in about 6 years with very little trouble and the Magnum chassis has unbelievable storage.