Thoughts on Winnebago View?

[Manitou]

I know we're all bias to our nooks, and if the new version were like ours.. I'd be looking at those. Since it's confirmed that they are not, I find myself considering a view (or similar). I wonder what real world parking is like. I love that I can squeeze into a parking spot by just hanging a couple feet over some grass. The view seems to be about 4' longer (maybe 3').
They have a yahoo forum that I signed up to.. But I don't care for yahoo forums (obvs).
Not sure if anyone here has been in one? Driven one? Owned one!?

[SMan]

My cousin and her husband have an Itasca Navion (similar to the View and also made by Winnebago). Only been in it one time but its very nice. Its on the Sprinter Chassis. It's certainly taller but the width is comparable. I suspect that "tallness" would make it a bit top heavy when driving but does allow for a lot more outside storage in the bottom stow bins. The design of the roof would certainly be more prone to leaks long term than the Chinook. They are very happy with it.

[Blue~Go]

I considered one, but no actual experience. For me the need (want) to be able to tow 5,000# cut them out (at least the older, T1N based ones; the newer NCV3 were out of my desired price range - even more so since this was a few years ago). I liked that the decor was less "mauve/oak/fugly" (to me) than most "American styled" RV's.

From reading, some of the models end up pretty close on carrying capacity (specifically I know of the T1N chassis with the corner bed in back - maybe that's a "J" model?). Folks have gone with the lightweight solar panels (~4# each) vs. the framed ones (16# each) to save weight, if that gives you an idea how close things are. Again, the newer ones might have more capacity.

The skinny part is appealing. Even though I've driven wide trucks and like to drive big stuff - narrower is always more relaxing and plus I like how they can squeeze into small places.

I bet the seats and cab are much more like the European cars I'm used to (than a Ford Econoline). But then the new Ford Transit is more like that too. I have seen where people can have issues because the chassis (Mercedes) dealer network is a bit sparse. Ford transit appeals to me more than Sprinter because of that.

Will be reading with interest.

[Manitou]

Thanks for the feedback so far.
I'd be looking at a newer model. I did step inside a freshly delivered "Gemini" based on the ford transit. I liked it a lot, but since 2016 is the first year offered.. It's out of my desired price range. Maybe 2 years from now would be different (they do start s little less than the Mercedes to begin with).
I'm thinking 2010-13 view "M" model.
Airport parking is a concern for me. I get the funny look as it is, but then again.. I'm full timing too (when I'm not gone for work). When will the transformers become real and in RV form?! Autobots!

[SMan]

While at the RV show a few weeks back my wife and I toured a number of different class B motorhomes. Many were quite nice with lots of different options. We really liked the Thor. I climbed the rear ladder and looked at the roof and was shocked at the poor design which would allow water to pond before running off. The joints where the rubberized roof met the edges were poorly sealed with loose screws embedded in the seam seal. The Chinook has a number of shortcomings in terms of storage and sleeping for us but are built with a lot more quality than anything we looked at. That and the fact that most of the models we looked at were from $80-$110K will keep us in the Chinook for now.

[Blue~Go]

The Chinook has a number of shortcomings in terms of storage and sleeping for us but are built with a lot more quality than anything we looked at. That and the fact that most of the models we looked at were from $80-$110K will keep us in the Chinook for now.

That's what swayed me too. I knew that if I spent $50k plus, the inevitable flaws would irritate me no end (poor seam design, etc. etc.). In the Chinook I don't have to worry when I hear rain pattering on the roof, and any design flaws (which of course do exist) I can take in stride, because it was "old and cheap" (as compared to newer/other rigs).

On the other hand, there are plusses for other choices too, so it all depends on situation, personality type, etc. I'm always interested in potential options. Fun to "try them on" mentally if nothing else.

[kdarling]

After touring the insides of various B models (Roadtrek, Airstream, PleasureWay, etc) today, I'm glad I have the Chinook. The Bs seem so tall, thin and narrow. Almost claustrophobic in comparison.

As for short Class Cs, I've read that that Phoenix Cruisers are pretty good. Anybody have any experience with them?

Their slightly older 21' model with slide, looks a lot like a Chinook from the front. The couch slide makes the inside super roomy, and it has a dry bath with shower.

(If I ever get really crazy, I'm going to chop out half the Chinook's kitchen sink area - or move it to the other side with a smaller range and fridge -- and use the old sink space to add a small shower stall to the bathroom.)