wpblogtesting

Tag: winnebago

  • Newmar Enters Class C Segment With 2026 Freedom Aire

    Newmar Enters Class C Segment With 2026 Freedom Aire

    Winnebago’s Newmar division announced a new foray for the brand, which has traditionally built large diesel pushers. Dubbed the Freedom Aire, this new RV will be a Class C based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500-series chassis.

    “We’ve spent the last couple years connecting with Newmar owners as well as new and long-time RVers and the messages are clear: consumers are hungry for smaller footprints that enable more freedom and maneuverability,” said Newmar President Casey Tubman in a press release about the 2026 model lineup. 

    One of the issues we’ve found with many Class C offerings on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is that the weight of the RV often leaves only a minimal amount for contents, but the heavier-duty 4500 chassis should help alleviate that. The first company we’ve seen use this chassis is another Winnebago division, Grand Design, who introduced their Lineage Class C last year based on this chassis.

    Among the innovations the brand plans to bring to the Class C market are a king-sized Murphy bed that reveals a two-person dinette when not deployed. There will also be an option for an 920-amp-hour lithium battery system in the rig. Also available is a solar option that includes roof-mounted panels as well as Newmar’s first-ever external and movable solar panel option, increasing solar capacity by up to three times.

    The company also announced significant upgrades to the Summit Aire, the company’s Super C line. The Summit Aire is now based on the Freightliner Cascadia commercial chassis. One of the reasons people choose an RV like this is towing capacity, with the Summit Aire boasting 30,000 lb. Both offerings in the Summit Aire line are 45 feet in length.

    We previously reported that while RV shipments in general are up, the sales of motorized RVs are down. How far? Up to almost 24 percent in a survey by the RV Industry Association. We have also shared that RV buyers are trending younger and favoring towable RVs by a significant margin. It remains to be seen if Newmar can spur interest in the brand with a new demographic by entering this segment of the market.

  • Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    New Winnebago owners will now have all the capabilities of their connected home in their RV, no matter where their adventures take them. The legacy RV manufacturer has launched Winnebago Connect, offering full control integration from the palm of travelers’ hands.

    Proactive Automations Improve Energy Usage, Comfort, Safety

    The system goes beyond monitoring the RV by integrating smart technologies into one smartphone application. One of the key advantages of Winnebago Connect is the ability to manage energy usage and optimize off-grid power when boondocking. The system can adjust power usage and systems to maximize consumption while keeping everyone in the RV comfortable.

    But it’s not just power usage that can be controlled through Winnebago Connect. When RV temperatures go above a certain range, the system can automatically open vents to allow fresh air in before turning to the air conditioning system. If wind gusts get to a hazardous level, the system will automatically retract awnings to prevent damage to the RV. And for those who travel with pets, Connect will provide push notifications to let them know when conditions get too hot or cold for their four-legged friends, allowing users to adjust from their phone.

    Detailed Telemetry Simplifies Remote Troubleshooting

    Should something go wrong with the RV while on the road, Winnebago Connect can also help with troubleshooting and diagnosis. Customer care agents can connect remotely to review the RV’s current status to determine what issues owners could be facing.

    “Winnebago Connect is game-changing technology for the RV industry because it transforms how customers can engage with their motorhome, and how Winnebago can respond to user needs through intelligent software,” Kim Weckert, vice president of digital transformation for Winnebago, said in its press release. “Winnebago Connect is sure to create more opportunities for new and long-time RVers alike to experience the outdoors exactly as they wish.”

    Availability and Cost

    Winnebago Connect is available on the 2025 Winnebago View and Navion 24T floorplans, expanding to other models in the years to come. The system comes with three subscription tiers, based on the level of control RV owners want. The basic option comes with pre-trip checklists and power management systems. The Premium plan at $10 per month allows monitoring and control anywhere campers have a cellphone signal. For $99 per month, owners can add 10G wireless connectivity, turning their RV into a mobile hotspot perfect for e-mail, internet browsing, and social media.