J. Dawg’s RV – Living Large in a Small Motorhome

I’m guilty of some RV adulation here, but I wanted to write an entry about my 2014 Winnebago View small motorhome.  I bought it new in January 2014, when I traded up from my Class B Roadtrek.  I wanted something a little bigger than a camper van that would be more comfortable for stay put camping, but still had the nimbleness of a small vehicle.  And, after 35,000 miles and over 300 days of traveling, it continues to meet all my expectations.

I have the Winnebago View Profile model 24V.  It’s 25 1/2 ft long and 7 1/2 ft wide and technically a Class C motor home.  It’s built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 chassis which has a GVWR of 11,030 lbs.  It’s considered a small motor home.

All the specs and features for the Winnebago View are listed on the Winnebago web site and here’s a link to the specifications Winnebago View Specs.  Below are some opinions on how things work and how it’s worked for me.  I also highlight some of the features and aspects that I find appealing or are noteworthy.

Drivability

• It drives like a van, not like a bus.  I’ve been able to go everywhere I wanted.  I’ve driven down side streets, parked in small retail store lots, parked on the street, driven thru cities, and gotten into gas stations.  It fits width-wise in one parking space but because of its length, it takes up two unless you can over hang on the edge of a lot.
• Because of what I said above, I don’t tow a car and doubt that I ever will.  It takes less than 5 minutes to unhook and you’re on your way to run errands or go sight-seeing.
• It’s a high-profile vehicle and is affected by wind.  It can get pushed around in cross winds.  Also, at 11 ft 3 in in height, I have to keep awareness of low tree limbs and low telephone lines.  So, far I’ve had no problems.

Chassis

• This is my first diesel.  It has its own nuances like waiting a couple of seconds on a cold start for the glow plugs to heat up and adding DEF (diesel exhaust fluid).  Adding DEF every few 100 miles is an added procedure with all new diesels, but it’s simple and straight forward.  Here’s a link to – Lessons Learned from Owing a Diesel.
• Most maintenance and service can only be done at an MB dealer.  The diagnostics are unique to MB and the dealers are the only ones with the diagnostic systems to work on them.  And, unfortunately, the MB dealers are not as prevalent as Ford of Chevy.
• The 3.0l V6 turbo diesel engine is surprisingly quiet but has plenty of power.  I’ve gone up 12,000 ft mountain passes without a problem.  It has slowed down to around 45 mph on 12% grades.  It also has a long maintenance schedule (oil & filter every 15,000 miles).
• After 35,000 miles my fuel mileage is averaging right around 16.5 mpg.  On some trips its close to 17 mpg and on windy days it can go down to 14 mpg
• The cruise control will hold the speed you set even on most downgrades.  This is a real handy feature to help minimize braking and downshifting on descents

Features

• All windows have sunshade and light-blocking MCD shades.  The windows slide open (vs crank) and let in plenty of air.  All the lights are LED and there’s plenty of them.
• The One Place monitoring panel accurately shows all tanks levels (propane, water, grey, black) and battery levels
• The AC unit is ducted in the ceiling and very quiet.  It evenly cools the motor home and also functions as a Heat Pump even when the outside temps get down to the high 30’s.
• The holding tanks are huge at 36 gals each and they are heated.  I can go 4-5 days or longer before I dump and camp in cool weather without worry.
• The frig is a 5.3 cu/ft that can run off DC, AC, and propane.  It is a 2 two door with a separate freezer.  It can easily hold a weeks worth of food.
• There’s a replaceable fresh water filter plumbed into the main sink faucet.
• The 3,600 kw on board generator is autostart (press the button and it starts itself).
• It has a fully enclosed bath with a porcelain toilet, sink, and a shower.
• There’s an outside water station with a handheld shower nozzle for rinsing off.
• My model has twin beds that can be made into a king.
• My unit has one slide with a sofa.  When it’s out the front space becomes a nice living room. Both front seat swivel to face backward.
• The 16 ft power awning is huge, very sturdy, and comes with built-in LED accent lighting.  When its open, I’ve got a nice large outside living area.

I really like my motor home and feel I made the right choice for my needs.  It’s nice and nimble for road tripping and sight-seeing.  It’s also very comfortable for staying by a lake for a couple of weeks or for spending a few months in Florida in the winter.  For me, it’s the perfect second home.

If you have a question about my RV, please leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to respond.  You can read more about my experience with the View here – A Two Year Summary.  Thanks.