Winnebago introduce the first hybrid RV  -  Roaming Times
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Hybrid RVs - the story begins...
Industry-First Winnebago Adventurer Concept Hybrid RV Hits the Road for Summer Media Tour
See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page
Winnebago Adventurer hybrid RV - side view
The concept Adventurer on the ecoFred chassis

Winnebago Adventurer class A motorhome exterior 
The 2009 Winnebago Adventurer class A motorhome
 (This is not the hybrid version however) See RoTi review
 See RoTi class A section   Search RoTi RV reviews

FOREST CITY, IA, June 2009 - Winnebago, the nation's top selling motor home manufacturer, continues to lead the way in innovation by providing the industry's first hybrid RV, a 2009 Winnebago Adventurer, to Brad and Amy Herzog for their summer travel tour. The Herzogs, spokespersons for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), will be traveling in this concept hybrid RV this summer as they promote the benefits of RV travel.

Winnebago Industries is on the cutting edge of RV hybrid technology with this concept vehicle that explores the viability of advanced hybrid systems in motor home applications. The Winnebago Adventurer hybrid rides on a Freightliner Custom Chassis' ecoFRED(TM) chassis (see RoTi article), the motor home industry's first hybrid-electric chassis featuring Eaton hybrid power components. This is a full hybrid system in that it utilizes two independent power sources (a diesel engine and an electric motor) that work in conjunction to optimally power the vehicle. The Adventurer hybrid also features regenerative braking for less brake wear. With regenerative braking, the hybrid electric motor uses electricity to create torque, while also being able to reverse the process to use torque to create electricity. By reversing its electric engine to become a generator, electricity is fed back into the battery resulting in energy savings.

"We are excited to be the first RV manufacturer to begin active testing of this hybrid technology," said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. "This hybrid concept can bring many benefits including improved fuel efficiency in select driving environments, reduced noise and emissions, improved acceleration and reduced maintenance. We are proud to provide this hybrid concept vehicle to the Herzogs this summer for their tour as we continue to test the viability of hybrid technology in the RV industry."

The Herzogs will be enjoying the new 35Z floorplan as they travel the US this summer. Introduced in 2009, the triple slide 35Z is perfect for all ages with three slideout rooms for added spaciousness when parked. One of the highlights of this model is the rear wardrobe that can be easily turned into bunk beds. Attractive doors open fully to reveal the beds that fold down when not in use. When the beds aren't in use, the space is perfect for clothing, bedding or your latest souvenirs. Kids love bunk beds and this area is even more appealing with 8.5-inch flip down video screens with integrated DVD players and headphones providing the perfect escape. Kids don't have all the fun in this floorplan! In the rear, there is a king bed nestled in the slideout room for a relaxing area at night. The living area features two slideout rooms that create social space for the entire family. A fully equipped galley, including a four door refrigerator/freezer, is also featured, as well as a 32-inch LCD TV and home theater sound system.

Brad Herzog is a best selling author of such travelogues as "States of Mind" and "Small World." He has also authored over a dozen children's books, including the most recent "S is for Save the Planet: A How-to-be Green Alphabet."

"I'm thrilled to be driving this concept hybrid RV from Winnebago Industries," said Herzog. "There are many ways in which RVing teaches Earth-friendly lessons -- just by doing things like visiting natural wonders, shopping at farmers' markets and reducing consumption and home energy use. But the Adventurer hybrid is an exciting step forward in the industry's green initiatives. I've always reduced the RV vacation advantage to four Fs -- fun, family, flexibility and financial savings. But now I can add a fifth -- facing the future." :
 

Hybrid RVs? ...Just the beginning?

What do you think?  Read RoTi readers' comments below and add your own opinion ...
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READERS' COMMENTS
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authorcomments
CaseyTo madbeachdogs: This is a concept RV, I don't think it's in full production and on sale yet so there isn't a price decided yet. The ordinary Adventurer starts at $127k but this is not at all the same. I'm sure details will be on Roaming Times once the production model is available.
Jason HughesWe really NEED to do things. I'm not sure this is enough but it sure is a start. Until someone figures out a real alternative to the internal combustion engine this is good. If the price of fuel rises more (and I think it will big time) this is going to look better and better. Go Winnebago.
HomerI see no claims for this hybrid. I am sure they have tested it and pretty much know what it will do. This is an endurance trip it is on now. If you use the big diesel, and add electric motors and batteries. You have priced most people out of the market. I think it is a step in the right direction but lets find something that is really affordable.
CliffPAFor the rest of us. I hope someone is considering a minimal, think the classic VW camper, using diesel or hybrid, so travel would be possible at low cost and low carbon footprint. $30000 and 35 mpg should be possible! It could be based on any of the diesel powered minivans or vans currently sold in Europe or other markets outside of the U.S and Canada.
KevinThis is not on the gas chassis even though it's called an Adventurer, it's on the ecoFRED chassis. There's a link to an article about the chassis at the top of the page under the picture. It's a Freightliner chassis.
Jack PetersI am confused as to why Winnebago would chose what is normally a gas chassis to test a Hybrid Diesel configuration. I assume this is a front engine and would like to know what kind of mileage is expected from the coach. I have owned only one Winnebago, an Elanden, but I was impressed how advanced it technology was compared with others. I am now the owner of a Foretravel U270.
Ben 47I've had 2 Winnebagos and both were good. Glad to hear they were the first with the hybrid. Like to try one. It says this is just a concept vehicle so I'm thinking they're not available yet.
H. WebbIT'S A START. Now do more stuff before the Japanese and Chinese start sending us fuel efficient RVs.
HeatherI like the concept and hope other manufacturers do the same. I wonder how much this improves the fuel consumption? Still think all manufacturers need to do much much more. Fuel prices are going to be a big problem.
DanaMitePlease cater to us green people (and the little purple people too). Cater to the planet, the environment as a whole, and the quality of air we breath. Cater to long term, educated choices, that simply make sense. Or at least are headed in the right direction!
Josh MI don't really think this makes sense for a big RV. It's main advantage is for city driving when you're constantly stopping and starting. That's not what people do with motorcoaches and it's really just catering for the green people.
Lori RVI am thrilled that the RV industry is getting with the need to economize, allowing those of us who want to live on the road the opportunity to do so without being tied to high fuel prices and guilt over the destruction of the planet.
JpGreat concept, can't wait to hear mileage and performance stats!
Richard AGreater fuel efficiency on a truck diesel/electric chassis has been running around our cities for some time..in the form of diesel electric buses....thank you for FINALLY doing something with RV's
Montana MikeOn a recent trip through Colorado, I noticed the city of Vail is operatiing at least one Hybrid Bus. Railroads have been using Diesel Electric power for years, and ship builders for even longer. I believe this technology could produce far more economical trucks buses and RV's. I just don't know why it is not being used more. It seems a smaller diesel engine operating a generator to recharge batteries or directly drive electric motors could operate these vehicles. I currently operate a 40 ft pusher, and room is not a problem.
Bob DifleyHybrid and electric school buses already exist. Manufacturers have the knowledge and ability to manufacture greener vehicles. So why is it taking so long to make motorhomes greener? Look at it from the manufacturers standpoint. They have to manufacture what they can sell. When we as consumers start requesting greener vehicle manufacturing and electric and hybrid power, the manufacturers will start producing more of them.

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