First coach: 2011 Tour or 2013 Journey

clink182 wrote:
Hello all and thanks so much for the replies! I really appreciate your help!

I think you have all been spot on. One big difference I did find was that the tour has the Powerglide slides whereas the Journey has the Lippert slides which have had a bunch of issues.

I really like the Tag on the Journey but the Tour might win out.

Does anyone know any more info on the rumor that the 40CD might be nearly overloaded right out of the factory? That would be a big deal for us.

I know that 2011 was the last Tour that Winnie that wasn't a tag axel - possibly for that reason.

We have been looking at the Tour/Ellipse in-depth, and you are right, the slides were hydraulic until 2014, when they went to Schwintek electric and the trouble began. The 2016 is now a modified version of the Schwintek and the rail is separate from the side of the slide so water doesn't run over it and freeze to it, causing retract problems. Jury still out on that.

Hadn't heard about the overweight on the CD, but did hear the 42AD (front kitchen) was easily overloaded on the front axle until 2012 when they went to Independant front suspension (IFS). Also 2012, the sides of the slides got painted to match the rest of the graphics, and the bedroom TV and window became smaller and fixed instead of an electric retracting type, to allow for slightly larger wardrobes.

The Tour/Ellipse had the Aquahot 450DE or 450D which also used the Engine cooling system to heat the aquahot going down the road - an awesome feature in my opinion which isn't always campured in comparable brands. The 40CD should have that as well. We found others that only had the 400D (no engine heat), or even the 400P propane. Nothing wrong with the twin LP furnaces either for low maintenance and quick heat either. The Aquahot is better served for those living in them in my opinion, and not necessarily a big benefit for a part-timer.

Happy hunting!