2012 Winnebago Vista 35F

[Suburban52]

Hi all, looking for some advice on buying 2012 Winnebago Vista 35F with 30k miles in good condition,asking price is 68k has 22.5 tires on the Ford 22k chassis. The tires are expensive, what other things should I be looking at? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thank in advance.

[Yankee_Clipper]

For the 2012 model year, take a look at the upholstery, because they used bonded leather on the furniture. It has a tendency to peel. If you see covers on the sofa and chairs in pictures, be very skeptical. HTH

[Mile_High]

If original tires, they are probably dated out by now, or close (2011 probably). Could replace the Michelins with Toyos to reduce that cost and still a good tire.

For Winnebago products always check the side roof sealant at the cove. Check it yourself or have someone competent check it. Many Dealers don't have a clue. The risk of failed sealant is the roof can peal back in a high wind and ruin your roof. Easy to avoid with the right inspection and the right caulk (not Dicor), but expensive if neglected. These guys explain it best.

Winnebago Roof Cove Maintenance

[scbwr]

I've read quite a few posts indicating that the ride quality tends to be better with 22' tires.

Based upon a brief search, I think the 2012 Vista has the Schwintek slide out mechanism on the larger slide. That would make me very nervous as there were many problems with the system when used with larger slide outs. We had a Winnebago travel trailer with a Schwintek slide out mechanism on a smaller slide out. I never had any problems with it, but from what I've read, I would avoid them on larger or full wall slide outs.

I would also suggest looking at other brands, in particular Tiffin or Newmar. During our search for a used gas motorhome, we looked at quite a few units and found that Newmar, Tiffin and Winnebago were our preferred manufacturers. We're very happy with our Newmar Bay Star and find the quality to really be top drawer, especially the insulation of the unit. Newmar actually provides the R ratings for the roof, walls and roof whereas I could not find that information for the Winnebago Vista. But, I will say that the wood cabinetry of the Tiffin gas motorhomes is better than Nemar's.

[dodge_guy]

Look it over real good! Especially for water leaks. Check the roof for signs of damage. Are the tires original or have they been recently replaced?

We bought a 2012 Forest River Georgetown 350TS a year ago. It's on the 24klb chassis and has the 22.5" tires. We paid $64k. It has 40k miles on it, had 1 1/2 year old tires, sumo springs front and rear, hellwig sway bars front and rear and blue ox steering stabilizer. The unit isn't like new and still had he new RV smell. It was exceptionally maintained. So we jumped on it.

If the Winnebago your looking at has new tires and is in the same condition I would try for $65k. If not then I would try for $58k.

Also on an RV of that size you don't want a smaller chassis or 19.5" tires. It's not going to handle very good. Yes 22.5's aren't cheap, but no part of RV'ing is. I actually bypassed many decent MH's with 19.5''s! That's my opinion.

Good luck!

[way2roll]

Suburban52 wrote:
Yes I agree, kinda of on the high end. Concerned about the 22k chassis maintenance cost vs 20k chassis, 22.5 tires are double the cost of 19.5.

While bigger tires may cost more, shouldn't be any difference in the chassis. One can simply carry more weight, no other difference.

[Suburban52]

Yes I agree, kinda of on the high end. Concerned about the 22k chassis maintenance cost vs 20k chassis, 22.5 tires are double the cost of 19.5.

[way2roll]

Compare that same year make and model to others for sale across the country and you can get a decent idea if it's a good price.

Quick google tells me the price is high by about $10k.

[Lwiddis]

Takes about 30 seconds to examine tires for tread and cuts but the tire manufacture date is just as important.

[ScottG]

I would look for any signs of leaks, past or present.

[Lwiddis]

Maintenance records. With a strong flashlight and eye protection an underneath inspection.