Forum Discussion

swb7's avatar
swb7
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013

Winnebago quality

Getting rid of our class B & getting a short C. Salesman tell me Winnebagos are worth more (better build?).
Looking at a 1996 24' with 52000 miles for $16,900. This is about $3000 more than a comparable unit by Thor or Four Winds. Is the difference worth it>
Thanks for your thoughts.
Steve
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Clearly the leader of the pack in volume, production, RVs. Compared to the production, price-point stuff, their quality, features, and assembly are above average. Then their support system sets them apart from all the rest. That aspect of Winnebago is probably better than higher-priced, lower-volume outfits.
  • here's another very happy Winnebago owner. we've had zero problems. it's well thought out, quality is evident; holding up under our gkids/dogs issues. we'd do it again in a NY minute.
  • We did the same as triple602. The first was a Weekend Warrior 19' toyhauller. Quality was fine excecpt for a short somewhere that drained the batteries. We sold it for a Cross Roads fiver. The quality on that unit was horrible. It looked great, but within a year it was falling apart.

    We had fuel problems (starving the gen), grey tank leaked and was inaccessible, wheel fell off (good thing there were 6), 30 gallon fuel tank would only hold 12, one of the 60 gallon water tanks could not be filled past about 20 gallons, and on and on. It sat on the dealer's lot for over a year after we traded it in.

    Our next was a Winnibago Aspect. We have had it for over 5 years / 30k miles. Zero problems so far. The quality of Winnibago is way beyond some of the others. I suspect you could say the same for Fleetwood. There is a reason these guys have stayed in business for so many years.
  • I've had 2 Winnebago, a National, a Jayco and just yesterday bought another Wiinnebago. I think the Winnebago is the best value for my money.
  • I'd second Winnies, too. I've had a Jayco, Pace Arrow, Thor, Lance...all are ok but I like the workmanship and backup from Winn. Every drawer and door has a part number for replacement, lots of details like that. I'll replace this one with another Winn when the time comes.
  • We're on the Goldilocks program.

    1st class C was a 24ft Bigfoot. Great quality but with daughter bringing her friends and 2 bigs dogs, was too small.

    2nd was a 36ft Jayco Seneca Super C. Loved the size and amazing amount of storage but was very disappointed with quality. Wires run loose on floor under couch, crappy blinds, low quality furniture, etc...

    3rd is a 2011 Winne Aspect Premier 31J. The quality is night and day compared with the Jayco. 0 warranty issues. :C

    X2 on Lichtsinn. I got a fairly good deal out of So Cal but if was buying new again would go thru them.
  • Disclaimer: I own a Winnebago.

    While Winnebago is one of the better quality rigs, most of the added value over the other premium rigs is the name. If/When you decide to sell it, the name will bring a premium. It is, however, far better than the entry level rigs.

    Don't get me wrong, my Winnebago is a wonderful rig. I have never regretted a single time choosing Winnebago. Winnebago is the only company I know that puts the schematics online for you to download so you can work on it intelligently. Winnebago has a product catalog that lists everything you may possibly want to add or replace, but doesn't sell directly to the public. However, Lichtsinn Motors is an RV dealer within a mile of the Winnebago factory and is happy to sell to you. I have bought from them many times. If they don't have it in stock, they drive down the street to get it.

    So, if you are into working on your own rig, the schematics, catalog and Lichtsinn Motors make that a breeze. When you go to sell it, you will recover at least a part of the premium you are paying. And, you will have a fine MH.

    Bobbo