Winnebago Journey versus Ultimate Advantage

SMLRANGER covered it well. UA is a mugh nicer unit but it's personal preference as to how nice you need. I'm sure I'd be just as happy minus a lot of options.

Old brochures can be found here - this should tell you the differences

http://winnebagoind.com/product-resources/product-information

My 2003 journey DL had solid cabinet doors but the frames WERE picture wood .. It sure looked real but it wasn't. Some of the large side panels were real oak. I don't know about the ultimate advantage but I've always assumed they used real wood frames etc. the DL was nicer than entry level but certainly not upscale as the ultimate was billed.

Check the front brakes too.

Forgot, the UA with the Spartan also has IFS instead of the Freightliner solid front axle. IFS will generally give you a better ride. No question the Ultimate is a higher level coach than a Journey but certainly up to the buyer to determine if the differences are worth any difference in price.

My buddy had a UA. Look closer. I think the UA has a slide out genset, Corian sinks, reclining couch, raised frame which gives you a
big pass thru storage bay.

And the side radiator is a big plus.

His had a Cummins ISC.

obgraham wrote:
I don't agree with smlranger.

I just sold my 2003 Journey DL after 7 years. And my neighbor across the street just bought a 2002 UA. Both were Freightliners with CATs, both had full oak cabinet doors/frames. The UA is a bit longer, has an additional slide, and a better rear bedroom layout. HVAC and electric systems are the same.

You have to look at the specific rig involved, not judge by model label. Then decide which you think is the best value.

I would agree that the individual coaches need to be compared. However, unless Winnebago made a change in 2003, the cabinet face plates and much of the wood work in my Journey DL was not the same oak hardwood as the doors. They were vinyl wrapped. Only the doors and the drawer fronts were solid oak.

I don't agree with smlranger.

I just sold my 2003 Journey DL after 7 years. And my neighbor across the street just bought a 2002 UA. Both were Freightliners with CATs, both had full oak cabinet doors/frames. The UA is a bit longer, has an additional slide, and a better rear bedroom layout. HVAC and electric systems are the same.

You have to look at the specific rig involved, not judge by model label. Then decide which you think is the best value.

The UA and the Ultimate Freedom were Winnebago's entry into more of a luxury coach market. Most of the UA's were built on a Spartan chassis. The Journey is an entry level DP built on a Freightliner chassis. The side radiator is a real advantage in terms of access to the engine and ease of service. Plus the side radiator is not as susceptible to getting grimy and dirty from oil vapors and road crud.

The cabinets in the UA were all hardwood with the cabinet faces on the Journey being some sort of wood with vinyl wood grain paper on the front. Overall, you should see a difference in the quality of the interior, furnishings, etc. between the two. Most of the Ultimates I have seen were much more upscale than the Journey's of that same era.

I had a 2002 Journey DL for 8 years and it was a good coach. I have a friend with a 2002 Ultimate Advantage and I can tell you it is a much nicer coach overall.