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Topic: OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View
Yahoo Message Number: 49020
In his excellent diesel FAQ, Eudoro wrote:
 "Ford, GM and Daimler-Chrysler all use big, excessively heavy diesels in their...RV chassis...The exception is the DaimlerChrysler Sprinter..."

The Sprinter van was developed by Mercedes about 10 years ago, and it's sold around the world.  It has been used as the foundation for Class B and Class C RVs in Europe and Australia for several years.
In North America, the Sprinter is sold by Freightliner and Dodge dealers.  (Yes, a kit is available on eBay to replace the grill and badges with Mercedes emblems.)

Winnebago is planning to use the Sprinter cab-chassis as the foundation of a new RV called the "View."  It's supposed to be available this Spring.  The RV will be 24 feet long.  There will be two floorplans, including one that looks a lot like LD's old "Multiplan" layout.  For an advance look, see
www.lichtsinn.com/motorhomes/05/view/exterior.htm

"View" is apropos since the design includes a huge sunroof in the ceiling behind the cab-over bed.  The floorplans illustrated have a slide-out, as well.

GVWR of the Sprinter cab-chassis is 10,200 lbs.  The cab-chassis weighs about 4,000 lbs before the RV conversion, so there is lots of carrying capacity.

--oryoki
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49035
Quote
The sprinter van is also used by sportsmobile.
You can check it out at http://www.sportsmobile.com

John

Winnebago is planning to use the Sprinter cab-chassis as the foundation of a new RV called the "View."  It's supposed to be available this Spring.  The RV will be 24 feet long.  There will be two floorplans, including one that looks a lot like LD's old "Multiplan" layout.  For an advance look, see
www.lichtsinn.com/motorhomes/05/view/exterior.htm
The Winnebago version, though, will be the only one built on a cut- away chassis.  The Sprinter-based Class Bs from several other manufacturers, including Sportsmobile, are not allowed to cut out portions of the body, as I understand it.

The Sportsmobile version has a 5,000 lb. max. tow rating, while the Winnebago version will have a 10,000 lb. max. tow rating.

Sharon N.
Re: Sprinter conversions
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49036
"Dr. Tracfone"wrote:

Quote
The sprinter van is also used by sportsmobile.
www.sportsmobile.com
Yes, the Sprinter is used by at least 12 conversion firms in USA and Canada to create a nimble and economical Class B camper van.  Prices range from $50K to well over $100K for a custom design.  Airstream has two designs based on the Sprinter.
 Winnebago is the first company in USA to use the Sprinter cab-chassis for a Class C rig.  Their Australian subsidiary has offered a Sprinter-based Class C for a couple of years.
 My favorite Sprinter product is not available in this country.  It's the "Nova L" by the German firm La Strada.  See URL http://www.la-strada.de/en/default.asp and click on the "Products" button. And check out the photos of a trip from Germany to China and back.

--oryoki
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49040
Regarding the following comment - Winnebago version will have a 10,000 lb. max. tow rating.
 I do not believe this is an accurate number - you might want to verify it.

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 06:46:51 -0000, Sharon N. >
Re: OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49119
Quote
  Regarding the following comment - Winnebago version will have a 10,000 lb. max. tow rating.

I do not believe this is an accurate number - you might want to verify it.
I think I found out where I went wrong...First, I shouldn't post messages this late at night.  Second, I was wandering around the Sportsmobile web site, looking at Sprinter information.  They mentioned that the Sprinter-based Class B's have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.  I then went to the Ford/Chevy-based Sportsmobiles, saw a figure saying they could tow up to 10,000 lbs., and my tired brain read that as "Sprinter", not "Sportsmobile".  If you go to the Sportsmobile home page:
 http://www.sportsmobile.com/

and scroll down to a photo of a van towing an Airstream trailer, you'll see the 10,000 lb. figure.  I have NO idea what the towing capacity of the new Winnebago View will be.  Furthermore, if I wanted that size RV, I'd be looking at a LD anyway.  It would be a (really) cold day in south TX before I'd buy a Winnebago.  The better milage of a diesel would be nice, but I really am not a fan of diesel engines.

Sharon N.
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: OT: diesel-powered Winnebago View
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49131
Sharon -
 I really like diesels but I will be picking up a gas powered 23.5 FD LD in May/June.

My wife and I both drive diesel VW Jettas and love them and we get between 40 and 42 mpg from them. They are turbo charged and have amazing torque.
 The way I rationalize my RV purchase with the gas engine is as follows:
 For every mile I drive in the 10 mpg 23.5 Lazy Daze, I need to drive 1 mile in each of the Jetta TDIs and I will average 30 mpg across the three vehicles.
Do the math- 1 gallon in LD = 10 miles 1 gallon in Jetta TDI 1 = 40 miles minimum 1 gallon in Jetta TDI 2 = 40 miles minimum 90 miles divided by 3 = 30 mpg

How is that to rationalize buying an RV?

John
 P.S. I know I might not get 10 in the LD but I usually get 42 in the Jettas so 8 + 42 + 42 / 3 = > 30 mpg
Re: diesel-powered Sprinter Van also used by Airstream
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49170
Quote
The sprinter van is also used by sportsmobile.
You can check it out at http://www.sportsmobile.com
The Sprinter van is also used by Airstream for a Class B.
 http://www.airstream.com/product_line/touring_coaches/westfalia_ext.h tml

It was reviewed a couple month or so ago in Trailer Life.
It get 22 mpg.  It costs $85,000.

I don't know how they can sell any at that price.
 Most of you will probably agree that the LD has much more functional floor plans, looks a lot better and costs less.

We also saw Sprinter vans (not converted to RVs) at the San Diego auto show and at a Dodge dealer.

Ken of Ken, Patty, and daughter Stephanie
 
Rationalizing LD Purchase
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 49214
Quote
Sharon -

I really like diesels but I will be picking up a gas powered 23.5 FD LD in May/June.

My wife and I both drive diesel VW Jettas and love them and we get between 40 and 42 mpg from them. They are turbo charged and have amazing torque.

The way I rationalize my RV purchase with the gas engine is as
follows:

Quote
For every mile I drive in the 10 mpg 23.5 Lazy Daze, I need to
drive 1
 
Quote
mile in each of the Jetta TDIs and I will average 30 mpg across the three vehicles.
Do the math- 1 gallon in LD = 10 miles 1 gallon in Jetta TDI 1 = 40 miles minimum 1 gallon in Jetta TDI 2 = 40 miles minimum 90 miles divided by 3 = 30 mpg

How is that to rationalize buying an RV?

John

P.S. I know I might not get 10 in the LD but I usually get 42 in the Jettas so 8 + 42 + 42 / 3 = > 30 mpg
Who said you need to rationalize your LD purchase?! ;^)

Sharon N.