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Deserthorse's avatar
Deserthorse
Explorer
Jun 12, 2014

SUNOVA OR SIGHTSEER 35J ANY DIFFERENCES?

I'm considering one of these two models. I've found both in 2008's. Unfortunately there both out of my area so I can't check them out. There both Winnebago's. Is everything else the same? Looks like the Itasca version may have nicer cabinetry.

10 Replies

  • Up&DownDeCoast wrote:
    Both versions have the same standard features as well as options. You can find the 2008 brochures on the Winnebago website. The only difference is the color scheme.
    X-2, IMHO, you made an excellent choice going with Winnebago. I would go with the floor plan between the two coaches that better suits your needs.
  • If you want the information from the horses mouth so to speak you can call the Winnebago Customer Service line and ask. We had the same questions concerning the Winnebago Adventurer and the Itasca Suncruiser when we ordered our latest motorhome. At the time there was a list of 15 items that were different. They all consisted of different badging and available interior and exterior color schemes. They both had the same standard equipment and available options. The only Class A gas chassis available is the Ford F53.
  • Had a 2001 35U Itasca and now have a 2008 35J Sightseer. Essentially the same coach with with bunk beds. The Itasca had more bells and whistles, e.g., auto transfer switch, generator start/stop button at the driver's console, and stiff I'm forgetting now. The inside had real wood instead of vinyl/plastic covering. If I had a choice I'd stay with the upgrades in the Itasca. JMHO.

    PS: the 35J is a fantastic layout. We bought it that way for when Grandson travels. When he's not here, the bunks are a great storage place.
  • Both versions have the same standard features as well as options. You can find the 2008 brochures on the Winnebago website. The only difference is the color scheme.
  • We have a 2009 35J. Not sure what is 'standard' and what is 'optional'. Ours has vinyl floor in main cabin as opposed to half carpet,of sofa is a queen size airbed, there is double glass except up front, we have a convection/microwave and no conventional oven. we also have a as yet unused satellite dish.
  • We ordered our 2011 sightseer new and wife picked out the inside and I the out side we looked at the Sunova and another dealer called us with the same coach for 500 dollars less but we had all read place the order . To me it was the different colors and that was about it. Years ago it might have been different but now It is about the same.
  • Ask the owners if they have the original window stickers for the respective coaches. That will tell you everything that's on them.

    However, there may be more. My recent purchase came with a couple of "options" that weren't listed on the sticker.
  • Unless they were bought with different options, the difference is basically exterior and exterior decor: colors, patterns. In the years I was shopping, the Winnebago brand tended toward darker woods, fabrics, wall coverings.

    I followed my wife's choice on this, she preferred the lighter decor, though I thought the gloomier Winnebago colors might better hide dirt.

    But because of the size of the options list, there could be significant differences between any two 35J models of either brand, and in prior years when both Ford and Workhorse were available, that might have included two or three chassis options, two brands, two or three different GVWRs. This could also change by model year.

    I do not have a 2008 brochure. I think maybe Winnebago still has PDF images of past model year advertising materials online.
  • historically Itasca seemed to have a more upgraded appearance for additional $$. you could option out the winnie to the same level however. I assume the chassis is the same? that would be important to me.
    bumpy