Navion or View what's the Difference?

Winnebago wanted to add to its dealer count, so they created Itasca. Same coaches, probably differences in colors.

Essentially the same vehicle, just different colours. 2 years ago it would have been the Winnebago View and Itasca Navion, but now they are listed at the Winnebago View and Winnebago Navion, (same as other models throughout their lineup)
Winnebago have dropped the Itasca name in their lineup, but kept the different model names, View/Navion, Tour/Ellipse etc... Probably because of dealer territories.
Our local dealer (Winnebago originally) has two identical vehicles side by side, Winnebago Tour and Winnebago Ellipse (formerly Itasca).

As our signature says, we have a c-class Winnebago Outlook 2006 and with regular maintenance it has only a few minor issues in 10yrs. Ours is very well constructed, still rattle free.

Ken

Winnebago is slowly phasing out Itasca. The first step is to bundle both brands (Navion and View) under the Winnebago umbrella. Next will be to drop the Navion name.

Same thing is going on with our rig. We have the Aspect, but the Cambria is still out there as well. Soon Cambria will go away.

Remember when Datsun became Nissan? For a while they had both names on the vehicles, then Datsun disappeared.

It's a transition thing.

Both are fantastic. We looked at them and loved them. They were just a little light on the CCC and we wanted a bit more room without a ton of additional length.

Ford Pinto/Mercury Bobcat
Ford Maverick/Mercury Comet


If you are going to have competition it might as well be 'from yourself'

There is currently no difference other than exterior trim, interior trim and color options.

Historically, Winnebago had an exclusive relationship with Chrysler Corporation as chassis supplier, and created the Itasca brand to use newly available chassis from General Motors. When Chrysler left the RV chassis business, both brands were too well established.

Winnebago never really used the two brands to create overlapping "exclusive" geographic dealer areas, the way Fleetwood, Forest River, and Coachmen did. Most dealers sold both brands, going back to the "different chassis" era. Thor's Fourwinds division actually tripled up on brands in C motorhomes for a while, using Dutchmen, Chateau, and FourWinds as brand names.

When we were shopping my wife chose the Itasca Spirit over Winnebago Minnie because the Itasca had lighter interior colors.

Thank you all for clarifying this for me. We really like
the Winnebago View and probably better choice given the
Itasca phase out. Only concern is the MB chassis, prefer the
Ford as on some of the larger models. Easier to work on
and less $$ for repairs. I've read its a more powerful
setup for the smaller rig. Any comments with regards to
this difference. Great group, appreciate your help and
sharing. Alehar

In 2010, we moved out of a RoadTrek 200 Popular into a Itasca Navion iQ CL. Our choice was partly because the floor plans were so similar. The dinette in the rear has a great view of the outside world. I call it the "Million Dollar View" because few of us can afford to build a house with a vista that we can back into.

At the time, there were a few differences in how the View and the Navion was packaged, but now essentially the only difference that I can see is the name. I have seen both names on the same dealer lot.

The RoadTrek was built on a Chevrolet chassis. The cab was comfortable and easy to maneuver in an out of. I find the Sprinter even better. If it were not for the awkward right front seat in the Ford E series chassis, we might have explored those Class C rigs. I first saw RVs built on the Ford Transit a few years ago in New Zealand and I was impressed. Presently, I still prefer the Sprinter. You don't have to be a contortionist to get up out of the cab to go back to find out what the dog is up to.

I have driven our Sprinter 56,000 miles that includes four coast to coast trips during all four seasons. I like how it drives. We are in the process of ordering a 2018 Navion 24G.

Flarpswitch, great feedback of MB vs. Ford chassis. Interesting as our pick
for a RT is also the 200 Popular with the wide body. I've come to learn RT's are
very well made and ease to maneuver in parking spaces etc. But I now view it as a touring vehicle rather than room to live in and enjoy once at destination.
I googled your rig, very nice. Do you break down the table for a bed or use the
cab over area? Just the extra sf for true shower/toilet and floor space appealing. Also sits higher off the ground than RT. Thinking the upside to MB is the diesel will out last gas. alehar

I have no skin in this decision, but permit me to offer two thoughts. If you are thinking about spending weeks at a time in your rig, make sure your choice has the chassis you need to carry weight. Remember with an RV, it is not how much space you have, but how much weight you can carry without overloading the chassis. Secondly, if you will be taking longer trips from home, consider there are many more places around that can service a gas engine vs. a diesel. And, lastly, from the posts on the forums, diesels can be more expensive to maintain over time.

Good luck with your search and selection.

PghBob, thanks also for contributing. Yes the $$$ to
maintain a diesel plus fuel sources vs. gas are reasons
we leaned toward the Ford or Chevy chassis. (We can repair
American made easier) Also clear on the GCWR & GVWR considerations.
Its always a compromise :-) thanks. alehar