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Category: Buying

  • Winnebago: New Uses For An Old Favorite

    Winnebago: New Uses For An Old Favorite

    For many years, the Winnebago Adventurer was not only the flagship gas-powered model for the brand, it was one of the most-recognized nameplates in RVing.

    Then, for a brief period, the model took a hiatus from the Winnebago lineup. “Over the years, the product moved further upmarket, and we felt like we needed to hit ‘pause’ for a bit,” noted Niles Whitehouse, Product Manager for Winnebago’s Class A gas lineup.

    The Adventurer Returns

    Now the Adventurer is back at a lower price point, with five floorplans ranging from 29 to 37 feet and a pair of available options that distinguish it from most other RVs on the road today.

    The first is the All-Weather Upgrade Package, which adds a second high-efficiency air conditioner with heat pump as well as a 5,500-watt Cummins Onan® Marquis Gold™ gas generator, 50-amp. power cord and automatic changeover switch.

    “The Adventurer uses our trademark Thermo-Panel construction, so it’s already very well-insulated. The All-Weather Package adds some extra oomph to the cooling, so folks will be comfortable just about anywhere you can take an RV,” said Whitehouse. “And of course, when it’s cool out, the electric fireplace (in the 35F and 36Z floorplans) will take the chill out of the air.”

    Wheelchair Accessible

     

    The second option is actually a series of modifications that turn the Adventurer into a fully accessible home on wheels for wheelchair users.

    Part of Winnebago’s Accessibility Enhanced model lineup, the Adventurer 30T AE includes a platform wheelchair lift on the passenger side, plus a powered roll-up lift door to make independent entry and exit simple and easy. Inside, the hallway and bath areas have been expanded to accommodate wheelchairs, there’s a roll-in shower with assist bar — even the appliances and switches have been relocated to make RV travel and living easier.

    Winnebago has been modifying their motorhomes to make them wheelchair-accessible for more than three decades. But according to Jamie Sorenson, the company’s Director of Specialty Vehicles, the new Accessibility Enhanced Adventurer is part of a whole new approach.

    “In the past, we would start by taking a fully built coach just off the line, and extensively modifying and customizing it afterward. Now, we are building three models — the Adventurer 30T, the Intent 30R, and the Forza 34T — as Accessibility Enhanced models right from the start. That saves time and materials, and allows us to price them pretty attractively.

    “We’re doing this both for long-time RVers who may be facing some new mobility issues, as well as for wheelchair users who may not be RVers currently, but who want to maximize their comfort and flexibility as they travel.”

    The three Accessibility Enhanced models will make their debut at the Tampa RV show, after which they will be available through select Winnebago dealers.

  • Why Choose a Class C Motorhome? (And What to Look for When You Do)

    Why Choose a Class C Motorhome? (And What to Look for When You Do)

    Mention that you’re looking at a motorhome and most non-RVers think of a Class A — the bus-style coach built on a specially designed commercial chassis.

    Yet the reality is that the majority of motorhomes sold every year are Class C’s, which are built on an automotive van or truck frame, with the motorhome body appended to the original cab.

    According to Niles Whitehouse, Product Manager at Winnebago, there are some very good reasons these motorhomes are so popular.

    Class C Advantages

    “For one thing, many people are more comfortable driving a Class C coach, because the experience is similar to driving a large pickup. In addition, Class C coaches are typically more economical to buy and to operate, as they tend to be more fuel-efficient.

    “And because they’re smaller than a Class A, they’re easier to maneuver in campgrounds and can go some places you might not want to tackle in a Class A motorhome,” Whitehouse noted.

    When it comes to floorplans, modern Class C’s make the most of available space. Most have a sleeping space over the cab; that bed, coupled with a bed in the rear, plus a sofa or dinette that converts to another bed, means that a Class C coach will often have more sleeping capacity than a typical Class A, so it’s no wonder Class C’s are popular with families.

    Many C’s have slideouts that add to the living space. For example, Winnebago’s Outlook 27D floorplan has two slideouts, allowing Winnebago to put both a walkaround queen bed and a roomy bathroom in a 28’8″ long coach.

     

    A New Approach
     
    Outlook Exterior

    The Outlook, introduced last year and debuting dynamic new exterior graphics this year, represents a new approach for Winnebago. “Our ‘voice of the customer’ research told us what most people wanted in a C, and we pretty much took everything on that wish list and made it standard. That really simplified production for us, and allowed us to bring the Outlook in at a lower price point,” Whitehouse explained.

    Outlook Interior

    Each of the five Outlook floorplans (which range in length from 24’2″ to 31’10”) features a full galley, overhead bed, convertible dinette, and a long list of standard amenities

    “They’re fully equipped, right out the door,” said Whitehouse.

    Finding the Right “C”

    When it comes to choosing the right Class C for your family, choosing the floorplan is important — but so is the build quality.

    Looking at things like fit and finish can tell you a lot. Do the drawers glide smoothly? Do the doors close solidly? Is that bead of caulk being used to hide sloppy workmanship?

    Also, consider the quality of the ‘support systems’ — things like the plumbing and electrical systems. Is the generator the right size for the coach? How about the holding tanks? Does it include or is it pre-wired for solar power?

    Finally, consider the things you can’t see: how solid is the framework around the coach? How solid is the warranty? And how solid is the company that’s standing behind the warranty?

    The answers to those questions will help you find the perfect Class C motorhome. Happy hunting!

    Learn more about the Winnebago Outlook here.
  • Do You Have the Updated RV Trader App?

    Do You Have the Updated RV Trader App?

    We have some exciting news – our app has been updated! If you haven’t downloaded the RV Trader app, what are you waiting for? The newly updated app features a completely redesigned home screen, allowing you to browse through hundreds of thousands of RV listings with ease. The modern design is faster than ever before and our app gives you the ability to access our content wherever you go.

    We’ve also added a new recommendations tab on the home screen of the app, which shows you similar models based on your previous searches. You can easily filter your listing searches based on type, location, year, make, price, mileage, and so much more – which makes finding your new RV a breeze. While in the app, you also have the option to search for your nearest dealer (including their current inventory), so you can pay them a visit to take a full tour and test drive of the unit you’re interested in.

    While you are navigating the app, you also have the opportunity to create your own personalized My Trader account. When you sign up for a My Trader account, you are able to quickly save the listings and dealers that you’re interested in – keeping them all in one place for future reference. The RV Trader app syncs with your desktop accounts once logged in, so you can easily access your saved listings on any device.

    We’re all about saving you money and getting you the best deal on your next RV. With price drop alerts from the RV Trader app, you’ll be notified via a push notification and email when a unit’s price has dropped.

    In the coming months, we’ll give you the opportunity to easily sell and take photos of your RV directly through our mobile app. This means you won’t have to access our website when you’re ready to put your RV on the market. We will also be adding a feature to pay directly through the app – stay tuned!

    The updated app is currently only available for iOS users, but will also be available for Android users coming soon. To download the updated RV Trader app, visit the iTunes App Store today.

     

  • Winnebago: Still Innovating at 60 Years Young

    Winnebago: Still Innovating at 60 Years Young

    The year 1958 brought some high-tech firsts: the first microchip, the first passenger jet to Europe, and the first satellite. It’s fitting that the RV brand known for engineering was born that year too. Called Modernistic Industries for its first three years, the company in Forest City, Iowa soon took a new name: Winnebago. Since producing its first $895 Aljo travel trailer in 1958, Winnebago has shaped America’s RV industry one game-changing model at a time. Here are some highlights:

    The 1960s
    During a decade of unrest, a young Winnebago forged ahead to make quality, affordable RVs. Owner John K. Hanson adopted an efficient assembly line modeled after Detroit automakers. Company engineers developed a strong, lightweight material called Thermo-Panel, and paired it with a safer SuperStructure® framework, featuring interlocking cab and body.
    Winnebago got into motorhomes—including the popular F-19, built on a Ford chassis, the famous D22, built on a Dodge chassis, the classic Brave, and the top-of-the-line Chieftain. The Chieftain made “luxuries” standard, including engine-connected hot water and padded interior walls.
    The 1970s
    Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water” was an ironic theme for Watergate and an oil embargo. In the economic downturn, Winnebago’s optimistic Hanson said, “You can’t take weekends away from the American public.”
    The company produced models that delivered more for the money: Winnie Wagon, an RV that could fit into a garage (like today’s Class B and C vans); the Minnie Winnie, Indian and the Chieftain, a luxury Class A diesel. By the end of the ‘90s, Winnebago served the American traveler with 23 motorhomes.
    The 1980s
    In a weak economy, voters turned to Reaganomics. But gas prices continued to be top-of-mind with consumers. Winnebago launched fuel-efficient new RVs one after another: In 1982, the Winnebago Warrior and Itasca Spectrum, which doubled the fuel economy of conventional RVs. Then the even-smaller Trekker, a 4X4 SUV on a Toyota chassis that led to the Toyota 4Runner.

    In 1983, Winnebago rolled out three maneuverable models with fuel-efficient Renault diesel engines that delivered 22+ miles per gallon: LeSharo and Phasar motorhomes, and Centauri vans. The trio attracted many first-timers to RV ownership.

     

    The 1990s
    An end to the Cold War. The World Wide Web. The 1990s dawned with optimism. Micro-mini motorhomes were popular, led by the Winnebago Warrior and Itasca Spirit Micro Mini—both built on Toyota chassis.
    On the other end of the spectrum, Winnebago introduced the bus-size Vectra for extended travel, followed by the wide-body Winnebago Minnie Winnie and Itasca Sundancer. In 1995 came two cult classics for opposite market segments: the 21-foot Rialta, a front-wheel drive Class B on a Volkswagen chassis; and the Luxor, an elegant diesel pusher.
    In 1996, Winnebago mourned the death of its founder and Chairman of the Board, John K. Hanson, whose legacy of innovation lives on at Winnebago today.

     

     

    The 2000s
    The nation was stunned by 9/11, but business slowly recovered. By 2004, Winnebago was the top-seller in both Class As and Class Cs, and the “most admired RV manufacturer,” according to RVBusiness magazine. The company went on to expand every category with new models:
    • The Ultimate Freedom and Ultimate Advantage, two top-of-the-line diesel pushers;
    • The Vista and Sunstar, two affordable Class As that remain category leaders.
    • The View and Navion, two Class Cs, and the first North American motorhomes built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis; and
    • The Era, a fuel-efficient Class B van also built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

    Today, Winnebago is still the world’s largest builder of RVs on a Sprinter chassis. Closing out the decade, a market crash tested every industry.

    2010 to Now

    Winnebago emerged from the Great Recession determined to thrive. In the last eight years, it’s expanded Class A diesel production, and acquired two companies (Sunnybrook RV and Grand Design) to make a big return to towables.
    In 2014, the Winnebago Travato rolled out, based on a Dodge Ram ProMaster chassis. Together, the Era and Travato have catapulted Winnebago to the top of the B-van market.
    Winnebago enters its seventh decade with the introduction of four revolutionary models for a growing customer base — the rugged 4×4 Class B Revel, the contemporary Horizon diesel pusher, the user-friendly Class A Intent, and the lightweight Minnie Plus fifth wheel.

    As the next chapter dawns, RVs are certain to evolve, and based on its track record of 60 years, Winnebago will lead the way with new options for work, travel, live, and play.

  • RV of the Year: Affordable Coach with “Million-Dollar Vibe”

    RV of the Year: Affordable Coach with “Million-Dollar Vibe”

    Article By:

    If you think Class A motorhomes all look alike, you owe yourself a look at the surprising new Horizon. The ultra-contemporary 2018 diesel coach won this year’s “RV of the Year” award from RV Business magazine. Along with the small 4×4 capable Class B Winnebago Revel, the Horizon also won RV PRO magazine’s “Best of Show” award at the RV industry’s national trade show in Louisville.

    Handing Winnebago the trophy last November, RV Business editors praised the Horizon’s “authentically different modernistic interiors”—and predicted the Horizon would attract a new breed of first-time buyers into the RV lifestyle. In other words, the Horizon is not your grandparents’ coach.

    “We had this dream to create a million-dollar look in something much more affordable,” says Mike Happe, CEO of Winnebago. “It looks and feels more like a Manhattan condo than a traditional diesel RV.”

    Starting at $385,214, the Horizon is no small investment. But it sets a new bar for the high-end luxury category with a significantly lower price than other offerings.

    After you’re struck by the elegant, clean lines of the 41’ to 43’ exterior (without the traditional “swoops”), the Horizon’s light interior greets you with a sophisticated vibe. A lot of design touches create this impression of soft vibrancy:

    • High-gloss laminate built-ins with LED backlit translucent panels
    • Open floor plan with roomy meal prep, kitchen, and a dining area you can rearrange to fit the occasion
    • Plenty of stainless steel, porcelain tile, and luxurious Villa furnishings
    • Grooved countertop for self-drying dishes
    • 50” HD TV that pops up directly across from the couch for easier viewing
    • Full galley with residential French-door refrigerator and Induction cooktop
    • Double-sink master bath and roomy shower
    • 50” HDTV, satellite system ready, with soundbar and Blu-ray™ Home Theater System
    • Ample, creative storage areas that “disappear” into the walls
  • Vintage RVs We Love

    Vintage RVs We Love

    New RVs are great – they come with fabulous new technology, and I swear – some of them look like luxury mansions! But, you can’t deny that vintage RVs have a certain allure to them too – and when they’ve been remodeled to bring together their vintage style with a modern design – well, to be honest, we’re in love. We’ve found five vintage RVs (ok – ones from 2006, so maybe not super vintage) that combine the best of both worlds.
    Starting with the pop of green in the awning that carries through to the counters inside – the minimalist design in this unit feels like the design meant for the all-chrome Airstream. We are also impressed that they managed to get two twin beds in here – as well as a work space. Sleek and streamlined.
    The outside of this unit definitely leaves something to the imagination – but once you open that front door, the white walls and light blue accents give this unit a wonderfully light and airy feel. We love the full sized shower and ample seating space.
    The combination of black, red, and metallics in this unit make it feel like a luxury apartment. By using the same tiles in the kitchen and the bathroom – there’s a nice continuity throughout – and for those who might want to work on the road, this unit also has a great work area, complete with huge windows perfect for bringing the outside indoors.
    Full of warm colors and interesting fabrics – this unit has a fun and eclectic vibe to it. We love the shape of the kitchen – and can completely imagine having friends or family pull up a stool while we cook or enjoy a late afternoon cocktail. We don’t get to see the bedroom or bathroom in this one, but we have high hopes that they are just as nice as the main space.
    The back half of this RV is completely updated – with beautiful grey cabinets, light countertops, and funky accent colors – but the front half still needs a little work. But this could be the perfect first unit to try your hand at flipping – all you have to do is finish the great work that’s already been started.

     

     

    If you are looking to flip a vintage RV of your own from start to finish – we think this one would be perfect! The outside looks like it’s in great condition – and you could even paint the cabinets to keep costs down! Add in some nice new fabric and you’ll be well on your way.

    Some things, actually, most things, get better with age – and we certainly think these RVs did. We didn’t get to see them in their heyday – but we love where they’ve ended up.

    –>

  • The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    By

    When it comes to choosing a campsite, most RVers think of a public or private campground: full hookups, maybe a picnic table and a fire ring. Or in a pinch, boondocking at a Walmart.

    But there’s growing number of RVers who rarely set foot (or tire) in a traditional campground. They prefer the wide-open spaces and night skies of the back country — national forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, national monuments and other far-off-the-beaten-path destinations.

    These adventurers are driven partly by youth: According to KOA’s 2017 North American Camping Report, millennials make up 38 percent of active campers, and account for half of all new campers since 2016.

    “Not only are these younger campers highly social, but they’re also more physically active,” the KOA report says. “More physically active types of recreation are increasing in popularity, with mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, and canoeing/kayaking all gaining since 2014.”

    And because they favor remote places often accessible only with four-wheel drive vehicles, a mini-industry has grown up around converting suitable vans and trucks into campers. Depending on the design, specs, and who is doing the conversion, this “upfitting,” can run $50,000 or more—over and above the cost of the vehicle—with a wait time of up to six months, a year, or more.

    Now there’s another option, as one major RV manufacturer has taken notice of the growing movement. Winnebago has just announced the Revel, a new, full-function compact RV built on the Mercedes-Benz 4WD Sprinter chassis.

    With its high ground clearance, beefy stance and no-nonsense interior, it’s clear the Revel is not trying to appeal to the traditional RVer. For example, there’s no bed in the conventional sense. Rather, a platform bed lowers into the gear storage space once the rig is parked. And while it does have a shower, the Revel’s cassette-style toilet eliminates the need for a blackwater holding tank, allowing a larger freshwater tank. Solar panels further hint at the Revel’s off-the-grid capabilities.

    “Americans are hardwired to explore,” noted Russ Garfin, the Winnebago product manager responsible for the Revel. “And there’s so much of America waiting to be explored.

    “But to really get out there, you’ve got to change your priorities somewhat. Living space and, to some degree, comfort and convenience, have to take a bit of a back seat to capabilities. If something is not essential, it’s certainly going to be looked at very carefully. We even made the coach air conditioning system an option — some people don’t feel they need it, and would just as soon have a little more hauling capacity.”

    While Winnebago hasn’t divulged sales goals, it’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into the rugged little Revel. According to Product Manager Garfin, “It’s the most off-road-capable RV we’ve ever built. We’re excited to see where it can go.”

    –>

  • The Camper’s Guide to Buying a New Home on Wheels: 5 Tips to Find the RV of Your Dreams on RV Trader

    The Camper’s Guide to Buying a New Home on Wheels: 5 Tips to Find the RV of Your Dreams on RV Trader

     

     

    Finding the RV of your dreams shouldn’t have to be difficult.

     

    Traveling in the 21st century can be described as rewarding, adventurous and fulfilling — but when it comes down to it, traveling can also be expensive, exhausting, and chaotic. Packing, airport hopping and moving between various hotels can be a hassle that takes away from your travel experience and lessens your ability to enjoy yourself on your trip.

    That’s why we, as RVers, are able to take back the travel experience.

    Whether you are planning to be a weekend warrior, a full-timer or just use your RV to check out the best tailgating events across the country — RVing in your own unit can redefine your travel experience, giving you the freedom to roam with your own personal hospitality suite right behind the wheel.

    But the idea of purchasing an RV can be overwhelming in and of itself — so RV Trader has put together the resources and tools you need to research, plan for, select and purchase the RV best fitted for your budget and lifestyle. No more running from dealership to dealership to figure out what will work — we’ve got you covered. And with all the extra time you’ll save, you can start dreaming about and planning your next big travel adventure.

     

    Step 1: Determine your budget.

    We can’t stress the importance of determining a budget before you begin browsing units. Just like when you plan for purchasing a home, you don’t want to tour a house, fall completely head over heels for it — only to find out it’s $75,000 over your budget.

    Whether you’re making the purchase on your own or need to discuss what you’re willing to spend with a partner or family member, take some time to sit down, research, and develop a plan for your target price range. That way, you’re as prepared as possible to compare features, amenities, and prices when the time comes.

    A few budgeting and planning tips we like to give our users:

    • Use our nifty Price Checker to determine an estimated price for the model you like — so you can be wary of whether dealers are overcharging for a model, or undercharging — in which case, there may be damage or production flaws in the unit.
    • Understand your payment options. One big advantage of buying a unit through a dealership, rather than a private seller, is access to financing. To understand what your payments would be, take advantage of our useful loan calculator to get a full understand of how this unit will fit into your budget.
    • Think about insurance early and often. When you come up with your budget, there’s nothing worse than finding out insurance costs put your dream vehicle out of reach.
    • Estimate shipping rates with our convenient shipping calculator. If you do decide to ship a unit from across the country, you don’t want to be caught off-guard with a $5k shipping fee.
    • Make sure you understand what warranties are available. Again, this is a reason to check out your local dealership for your next unit. Dealerships offer warranties that will protect you as you head out on your next adventure.

     

    Step 2: Decide which model is right for you.

    After you’ve decided on a budget, it’s time to choose what type of RV will best fit into your life considering how you plan to use your RV. We’ve outline the 11 primary types of RVs to help narrow down which models are best for you to consider.

    • Class A – Large living space with luxurious amenities
      • Sleeps: Up to 6
      • Average New Unit Cost: $58,000 – $400,000
    • Class B – Also known as “van campers” since they are driven like large vans
      • Sleeps: Up to 4
      • Average New Unit Cost: $41,000 – $74,000
    • Class C – Luxurious amenities with useful sleeping space over the cab
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $48,000 – $140,000
    • Pop Up – Conveniently foldable for lightweight towing; comfy ‘outdoor camping’ feel
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $4,000 – $13,000
    • Travel Trailer – Offers a healthy variety of size and floor plan options
      • Sleeps: Up to 10
      • Average New Unit Cost: $8,000 – $65,000
    • Fifth Wheel – A two-level floor plan that comes with plenty of room and is towed behind a pickup truck
      • Sleeps: Up to 6
      • Average New Unit Cost: $13,000 – $100,000
    • Toy Hauler – Incredibly useful and affordable considering the amount of extra space they provided for motorcycles, ATVs or other powersports vehicles
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $21,000 – $58,000

    As you are searching RV Trader, check NADA Guides to see what their estimation tool says for the value of a used unit.

     Step 3: Save your Favorite Listings.

     

     

     

     

    With RV Trader’s handy star and save feature, you can easily bookmark your favorite listings for comparison later. No more opening 10 tabs at a time to compare campers!

    Once you save a listing, we can also send you a notification when the price drops on it and share other units that might work for your budget and lifestyle.

     

    Step 4: Decide on a Dealership. 

     

     

    Sometimes, multiple dealerships in your area may be offering the same models for similar prices. All of the dealers on RV Trader dealers provide a great buying experience — but check for the special ‘Trusted Partner’ badge next to their name. These dealers have been working with RV Trader for 5, 10 or even longer and have become known to us as trusted partners.

     

    Happy RVing, folks!
    Be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #rvtradernation when you are on the road. We can’t wait to see where your adventure takes you.

     

  • Towable RVs make big gains with buyers

    Airstream BasecampTowable RVs are the leading sellers in the RV market according to a story on FloridaToday.com. Many towable RV buyers never thought they would own an RV, but the affordability and features of towables motivated them to buy.

    While motorcoach RV sales have fallen 21 percent, RV sales have increased overall thanks to lightweight towable models.

    Another factor in the rising popularity of towable RVs are falling SUV sales. As consumers buy smaller vehicles, they need smaller RVs to match.

    Airstream is a popular choice among towable RVs brands, with models like the Basecamp.

    The Basecamp appeals to buyers who bring mountain bikes and other outdoor gear along for the trip. Baby-boomer RV buyers are not slowing down in their golden years, and RVs that appeal to their go-getter attitudes are big sellers.

    Looking for your own Airstream Basecamp? Find a Basecamp on RV Trader Online.

    Also check RV Trader Online’s wide variety of towable RVs.