jim165 wrote:
... but did see a clone...the Winnebago ERA 70C. While I think the finish and materials are probably a few steps below the Free Spirit, there were some elements that were better: 3 burner stove vs 2 burner in FS, clothes rod in shower, access to storage thru shower, awning over the slideout, and centered toilet vs the toilet jammed in a corner in the FS. Also, the manual bed might be one less thing to break. It was "only" $96K at the show, so significant savings. What is your take on the Winnie? It would seem that the Free Spirit's design is proprietary and Winnie has made a blatant copy? Maybe there is a collaboration? Your thoughts?
I think I'll probably still look for a Free Spirit used in the future to save some $$. Love this vehicle.
I agree, the fit and finish of the Winnie just wasn't up to what I've seen on the Leisure Travel in my opinion. My current RV only has 2 burners and I've never used more than one so that isn't a big deal for me. Personally I didn't like the storage access thru the shower on the Winnie. Just more chance for leaks and squeeks and more to clean too. As for pricing, I've found that VogtRV who handles Leisure Travel in the area typically offers the same level of discounts you can get at the RV shows, even on special orders.
I really liked the Free Spirit SS but the one thing that concerned me was the insulation, especially on the slide out. Plus I could never find any specific info on how the unit was insulated compared to what they say about the Unity. And all the water lines on the Unity are inside, not sure if that's the case on the Free Spirit. I've had outside water lines freeze while winter camping at Big Bend so that's a concern to me.
For those looking at the Leisure Travel Unity, Winnebago does make a diesel Class A of the same length, the Reyo. The interior seemed very roomy compared to the Unity.
