New Travato model, 59K

[mlts22]

Looks like Winnebago introduced a new Travato model, the 59K. It has the kitchen up front, two fold-down couches for twin beds, and the bathroom is in the back... where if ventilation is a problem, one can open the two rear doors while using the commode or shower. The fridge is on the small side, but usable. The floor plan is quite open, especially with the bathroom in the back, although wardrobe space might be at a premium, since there were no full height cabinets.

(Edited -- forgot YouTube link)
(Edited again -- more info)

Here is one cool thing: Truma is selling more than their propane gauge in the US now. This Travato model has a Combi model water heater and furnace, which works on both gas or electric.

[gerrym51]

Jimmy Dickens wrote:
I wonder if the 59K still has the 110 only water heater.

59 k is a truma-combi

[Jimmy_Dickens]

I wonder if the 59K still has the 110 only water heater.

I answered my own question when I saw this announcement from Winnebago:

[RobertRyan]

gerrym51 wrote:
new 59 k video

59k



this is a new video of the 59k. much more thorough then the first one

Notice this AVIDA Escape, released about two years ago. Notice the Skif boat on the roof, the space for a motorbike to be loaded. Guess Winnebago got some ideas from the local manufacturer
AVIDA Escape released two years ago, compare to new Travato model

[mumkin]

gerrym51 wrote:
new 59 k video

59k



this is a new video of the 59k. much more thorough then the first one

Don't care for the drop down sink in the bathroom... never liked it on the GWV when they had it.

What is that odd cabinet in the doorway?

[Fastpaddler]

mlts22 wrote:
The jumpy feeling is because the computer can only "drive" a manual as well as a driver can, with the throttle, clutch in/out, and moving the gearbox to a new position. Hydraulic automatics that use brake bands and torque converters are a lot smoother... but there is a definite torque/HP cost to that. It has gotten a lot better with better automatic transmission design, but an AMT will always get better fuel economy and power since the power isn't having to be transmitted and received through a container of auto transmission fluid.

Can't be any worse that the RSN(rumble strip noise) of the 5 spd auto on the Sprinter diesels. THey are aggressively locking up at low revs and is still a problem as far as I know with that txn.

[AsheGuy]

bobojay5 wrote:
Remember the Promaster diesel comes with the automated manual transmission only. That will be a turn off to some people I bet because they don't understand how it works.

I had a VW Golf TDI for a couple of years with an AMT. VW calls it a DSG (direct-shift gearbox).

The average person would be hard pressed to detect they were not driving a normal automatic, at least with VW's version. Of course the Golf is a much lighter vehicle then the Travato. It was one of my favorite all time cars to drive, more because of the snappy performance and great mileage then the AMT. The only time I noticed the difference was when going down hill and it automatically downshifted and hence slowed the car down. When accelerating it was unnoticeable.

[stan909]

From Promaster forums "A diesel showed up in Connecticut! 3500 cargo, 159" wheelbase. Test drove it today, as I've been waiting to do so since ordering a 2500 diesel window van in Nov.

There is noticeable lag when starting in 1st and it shifts to 2nd; the rest of the shifts were much smoother. Being empty and on a flat grade, it started off best in 2nd, which you have to do manually, but it's very easy, and then you can put it back into auto mode. Once you learn the shift points, you can ease up on the throttle at each one and then the shifts are very smooth, about the same as an automatic. That also made the 1st to 2nd shift much better, although I think the gearing for 1st is for heavier loads and towing, or starting on hills.

I only drove it for couple miles, but I liked it a lot, and am happy that I ordered one"

[mlts22]

The jumpy feeling is because the computer can only "drive" a manual as well as a driver can, with the throttle, clutch in/out, and moving the gearbox to a new position. Hydraulic automatics that use brake bands and torque converters are a lot smoother... but there is a definite torque/HP cost to that. It has gotten a lot better with better automatic transmission design, but an AMT will always get better fuel economy and power since the power isn't having to be transmitted and received through a container of auto transmission fluid.

[gerrym51]

new 59 k video

59k



this is a new video of the 59k. much more thorough then the first one

[SkiMore]

bobojay5 wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

bobojay5 wrote:
Remember the Promaster diesel comes with the automated manual transmission only. That will be a turn off to some people I bet because they don't understand how it works.

AMT's are par for the course here, best aspect is they do save fuel,compared to an Automatic, downside can be " nervous" in lower gears

Yes, the first folks that are taking delivery of the PM diesels are reporting this very "nervousness". It seems to be just in low & reverse while trying to creep. Otherwise they are saying it's just like an automatic that you can feel the shifts with

I've never driven an AMT. Can the jumpy feeling be solved if you stick to first(lowest) gear and reverse and don't use D when creeping?

[bobojay5]

RobertRyan wrote:

bobojay5 wrote:
Remember the Promaster diesel comes with the automated manual transmission only. That will be a turn off to some people I bet because they don't understand how it works.

AMT's are par for the course here, best aspect is they do save fuel,compared to an Automatic, downside can be " nervous" in lower gears

Yes, the first folks that are taking delivery of the PM diesels are reporting this very "nervousness". It seems to be just in low & reverse while trying to creep. Otherwise they are saying it's just like an automatic that you can feel the shifts with

[RobertRyan]

bobojay5 wrote:
Remember the Promaster diesel comes with the automated manual transmission only. That will be a turn off to some people I bet because they don't understand how it works.

AMT's are par for the course here, best aspect is they do save fuel,compared to an Automatic, downside can be " nervous" in lower gears

[wincrasher65]

If they are smart, that's a snap in rug.

I'd like to see some pics of that bathroom. Surprised that more hasn't hit the youtube by now.

[NCWriter]

mlts22 wrote:
...and the bathroom is in the back... where if ventilation is a problem, one can open the two rear doors while using the commode or shower.

Hey kids, everybody gather round at site 33!

On a serious note... Great to see them offering new floor plans...a minor nitpick point: it looked like there was carpeting as you enter, which wouldn't be too practical.

[bobojay5]

Remember the Promaster diesel comes with the automated manual transmission only. That will be a turn off to some people I bet because they don't understand how it works.