2014 minnie winnie

j-d wrote:
Kristin, is your 2008 Winnebago built on a 2007 Ford? If so, the biggest change in the actual chassis was the Front Axle Assembly. I call it "Assembly" because as they changed the axle forgings to use a different Sway Bar arrangement, different Ball Joints and changed the Radius Arms, they also upgraded the Brakes. Several companies take all that off of new vehicles to make 4x4's out of them and sell these new parts as an upgrade kit. I bought one from Quigley in PA and it was an easy, one-man (me) install on our 2002 chassis. So if that better axle is what you covet in the new chassis, you can get that, and for not much cost or effort. Oh, cheaper than rebuilding your front end if it needs Ball Joints, Bushings, Major Brake Work...
I like Chalets. Built as rentals, they offer less style but more substance than the consumer versions. I'll take that any day.

Yep, exactly, J-D - 2007 E450 chassis. Thanks for the detailed info!

And yep, we're happy with the previous rental. I wonder if that factor is what makes ours feel beefier than the new ones we looked at? Although I doubt they'd put a higher grade cabinetry and hardware in the rental line. I think it is just cutting corners. We are not gentle folks with a 10 year old and two labs, so we figured if they can idiot-proof it enough for rental clientele, it should be able to stand up to us ;)