Brand quality. Winnebago a clear winner for class C and A?

We're first time Winnebago owners and I'm impressed with the quality and thought put in their product. A lot of little stuff like full extension drawers with nice slides and latches. A slide out pantry, light in the closet, double pane glass and power locks on all the doors. Thoughtful placement of switches- the battery cut out is near the coach door, the porch light has a small interior lamp to remind you that the porch light is on.

The fact that manuals and schematics are online has been helpful.

It's not perfect, but a big step up from our old TT's.

Norm

At my local rv dealer, they sell winnebago and thor... .... I was looking at both, and we are talking brand new units... Lets just say i will be buying either a Winnebago, or a Jayco. I just have to say one thing, One more than one thor class c (chateau unit). While i was on the rear ladder looking at the end cap, i noticed that the end cap where it meets the roof was actually "wavy" and had big gaps where the factory had literally filled with dicor to stop water from getting in. Im talking about a good 2 inch gap from flat to the top of the "wave". And like i said this was on more than one unit. How could a manufacturer let a unit leave the factory like this? I showed a salesman, who said he was shocked....

I wouldn't Winnebago at the top. As stated, manufacturers make many different levels of coaches. And each coach is different. One person could buy a coach from the crapiest manufacturer and not have an issue, while another could spend a butt load of money on a coach that is high on the charts, but it could be a lemon. We bought a Thor Chateau (pic in my signature) last year. We have been over all pleased with it. No major issues. Slide motors and water pump replaced under warranty. The braking on one slide motor was not holding very well. Slide would release maybe a quarter inch, but gasket would still be secure enough. Thor replaced both motors for good measure. We didn't realize it but our low point drain had a very slow leak. The water pump would burp about once on hour or two. Looked for leaks, but couldn't find any. Dealership found it at the low point drain on the outside. Replaced it and Thor had them replace the pump with a new one. Again for good measure. And when they replaced it, the tech secured it better to where it was quiter.

Now a coworker bought a Winnie Class C earlier this year. He said his generator is loud like its loose (maybe missing bolt, I don't know). He also complained that he didn't have hardly any electrical outlets in the living area and was going to see about getting more added. A couple years ago he had na Itasca Class A and seemed to be happy with it.

well, we bought an Itasca after looking at many brands. Most had thinner wood, cheap hinges etc. The Winnebago/Itasca has really ruined us. We're had her going on 3 years now and have had NO problems with the rig. Just routine maintenance.

Dave

So Winnebagos would also source furnaces and microwaves from atwood and advent? I read that they install LEDs instead of bulbs and sonar fluid levels instead of whatever I have that gunked up immediately.

In my case the microwave was in a totally enclosed wood box without exhaust, standing on a non-screwed plank of wood that moves around and rubs on some wires(probably 12v from the size). Right now the microwave sits in my pickup as I can't find any skyline dealer that can repair/replace within a few days. I have brought an oven toaster from home that now sits in its place. Toaster oven is safer for wiring(smaller, lots of space to breathe) and more useful but it looks like******inside the space meant for the microwave.

Trackrig wrote:
MHs are like tennis shoes - most mfgs sell a variety from cheap to expensive as they try to cover all of the market. I'm not a fan of the "you get what you pay for" statement (look at the Michelin tires that people are having problems with), but it's good general statement.

Bill

A little thread drift here but you started it... :B

IMHO: Michelin is an excellent example of you get what you pay for. When they encountered problems with the 20 year old design found in their M/S LT tires what did they do? They recalled 1.6 million tires replacing everyone of them for free with the new LTX M/S 2's. I got 6 brand new tires, mounted and balanced for free (that's $1,500 worth of tires). Michelin has not only produced quality tires for decades they stand behind them.

As far as you get what you pay for in a MH I cannot think of a truer statement. Look at the so called "entry level" units and then take a look at Lazy Day's, Winnebago/Itasca, Phoenix Cruiser, Coach House and yes Nexus. The differences are huge and very obvious. From quality construction/materials to top of the line appliances and internal systems time and time again you really do get what you pay for.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

We had a Minnie Winnie DL class C and our decision was based on overall construction after looking at the competitors on the market. For the price point (and a few $$$ more) Winnebago was the clear winner.

But things like microwaves, furnaces, etc are manufactured by others and installed by the RV manufacturer. So any appliance can break, but some times the failure can be attributed to a poor installation which makes it the RV manufacturers fault.

Black and gray tank level monitors are a real problem. If the manufacturer spends a bit more and uses the See-Level system, they will work better than the typical entry level monitor.

Plumbing leaks are not that uncommon. Moving down the road shakes things and fittings can loosen. At least once a year, you need to check tightness of all plumbing fittings and electrical connections.

Cabinets and drawers opening are nothing unusual, especially on rough roads. We have added some HD magnetic catches on a few cabinets and use Velcro ties on cabinets to make sure they stay closed.

Ken

MHs are like tennis shoes - most mfgs sell a variety from cheap to expensive as they try to cover all of the market. I'm not a fan of the "you get what you pay for" statement (look at the Michelin tires that people are having problems with), but it's good general statement.

Bill