2011 Itasca Ellipse diesel class A motorhome review

Terry Kelley

Our Sprinter has been from PEI to Vegas and Alaska.Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise and the Alaska Hwy. We took it up the Dalton Highway, Dempster Highway (Yukon) and the Top of the World Highway (Yukon to Alaska). Never felt cramped or had a problem. We dry camped in the Yukon and Alaska ( Copper River ). Trip was so awesome we are going to do it again this summer.

Kathy McDonald

I agree, I would prefer two twin beds. I do not want to have climb out of bed.

Gentsu Gen

We love our 08 view. NOTE on MPG. Yes, it only gets 15mpg + fully loaded at 65, but if you are willing to cruise at 55 it will return a true 17-18mpg. One day running rural montana roads at about 50 we got 18.5.

Re: Winnebago Journey class A motorhome

PRC

I HAVE A 2009 VIEW 24H WITH ABOUT 5000 MILES AND ONLY 1 PROBLEM SO FAR A SPIT IN THE TURBO HOSE AT 3,500 MILES. HAD TO LIMP HOME BELOW 40 MPH BECAUSE THE ENGINE GOES INTO THAT MODE WHEN THERE IS AN AIR LEAK. HAS BEEN A GREAT RV SO FAR WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS, AND WINNEBAGO MAKES A GOOD PRODUCT. STILL TOO MUCH RV FOR ME THOUGH AND WILL BE DOWNSIZING TO THE 2012 WINNEBAGO ERA VAN.IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW MUCH BETTER THE POWER IS BECAUSE OF THE UPGADE THEY MADE LAST YEAR TO 188 HP 325 TORQUE OVER THE 156 HP AND 280 TORQUE.PLUS THE VAN IS ABOUT 2000 LBS LIGHTER, SO SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH POWER ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY WITH THAT PACKAGE.

Steve Bowers

We have a 2009 Journey 34Y and the floor plan is in my opinion one of the best ever. This coach on a 208 inch wheelbase with great mobility offers usable space matching or exceeding many of the 37-39 ft coaches we looked at. Unfortunately, the quality control seems to have been lacking and this coach has spent 25% of its life in the shop. Great when we have it, unfortunately that's far less than you would expect for the price you pay.

StephanieK

The Via/Reyo come with a single door as standard. An optional drivers door is available, but the option costs a little over $1000. We debated quite a bit over this but decided to save the money and ordered ours without it.

Hastings Lamb

I recently purchased a 2012 Winnebago Via 25Q and had a serious engine problem causing my vehicl to suddenly and rapidly decelerate. Come to find out it was a defective EGR valve and mercedes benze repair facility told me he had seen several Via's recently with the same problem. It caused considerable financial problems involving vacation interruption and neither Winnebago nor MB is willing to help. Any like or similar situations as it almost caused a highway accident between my Via and several fast moving semi trucks!

Chinook RV'er

Hi Rich, Checkout Chinook Class C. Your not going to get great MPG, ( 10-12) however the Ford V10 has plenty of power And Chinook is a wonderful RV. Also the Chinook owners club is great, with plenty of help from the owners.

RichMandrake

Im a newbie but looking for a reliable class C and really like the View...a Buddy of mine who is somewhat knowledgeable said he has heard directly from an owner/owners that the view has poor power and that carrying any load up a hill you have to shift down to first gear...He suggests a Class C with a more powerful engine....Any feedback on your Experience with the View's power when going uphill or towing?..thanks...Rich

Roger S

This model is designed for couples who do not set up long-term camp in an RV park. Great for road trips and stops of a few days in state and national parks. Agile, great mileage (18-20mpg), comfortable (for 2 adults).

Re: Winnebago Vectra Class A

Nangagutza

We've had a '07 View J since Sept, '06, 52K miles on it. We love it BUT. We've had three turbo resonators before this aluminum one, an intake temp sensor, the engine-house solenoid, new set of steps, the entire power center, three sets of batteries, new rear brakes and rotors and the engine air conditioning is now out. It handles well, but low speed sway is something to behold. Get seasick driving out of a parking lot. We've had it across the country a couple of times and up to the Arctic Circle. Capacities are good for boondocking for a week with care. A little short on storage and weight capacity, and it seems there is always something wrong, but otherwise an almost perfect little tripper. Wish Winnebago would spend a little more on making it more reliable.

Don Humphreys

We have checked out many different brands of RV's and for now been basically happy with the Winnebago/Itasca models. We did own a gas model - a 2008 Itasca Sunrise- but deep down, I knew a diesel was what I wanted and so we traded for 2002 Winnebago Journey. I also like the Vectra and may trade in a few years for a slightly newer Vectra model. From what I can tell, all RV's regardless of the manufacturer have issues. IF you are not a fixer-upper person, what's important is to go with a brand that offers a warranty and it will be helpful to find a dealer who will be there for you. The good thing about Winnebago is that they are still in business and do have a dealer network across the US for service. If you are new to RV-ing, it will be helpful to keep in mind that all RV's will need maintenance from time-to-time. I would say that that I would consider Winnebago to be the the minimum quality coach I would consider and it might be good to avoid some of the other 'discount' brands.

Reyo owner

I don't see a site for the Reyo, which is similar to the Via. It looks nice, gets about 15 mpg but it has a plethra of problems. We have ours in for engine repair once in AL, LA, NC, twice in FL and over seven times in CT. We had the EGR replaced X3, turbo resonator X2. We have been towed, spent overnights in hotels awaiting service, had to rent cars while we waited for parts as the engine kept going into limp mode. We still have a problem with the antipollution system and have been waiting almost a month for a delivery of parts. One part was not available in the USA or Germany. We also had repairs or replacement to the coach in AL, RI, FL, and CT., including a new window shade, motor for Kwikee stairs, new refrigerator after losing medication and food, range hood fan, closet door, water valve that fell apart, entrance door handle, door shade, kitchen drawers, noisy windshield, inverted tv/radio switch, crackling exterior paint, insulation falling on dash, slideout rewired. Winnebago will not take the 7 month old unit back. We can't use it until the engine is repaired. We are waiting for a new closet door, and exterior paint repair. We have yet to travel without needing repair work.

Sharon

Do any of the View Profile owners pull a tow-car? If so, what kind, and what has your experience been?

Robert Ryan

This is very similar to the Australian Esperance Supreme. Except it is built on a Isuzu Gaily chassis.

Re:Winnebago Outlook

2007 winnebago outlook 29B

The two radios do not turn off. One in the cab and the one on the outside. I am going to add a toggle switch so I can cut the power. Also, the light on the one in the cab is bright, so it will be good to cut the one off when not in use.

Caroline T

Beautiful. I really like the extra bed over the cab, just like a class C. I think I'd much rather have this than a C and I like the fact that it's diesel.

Gentsu Gen

We are now 4,000 miles into a View 24H. Here is the straight scoop on mileage: if you are not loaded to the max (we run about 700 lbs below GVWR) and go 60 mph on a flat road, this thing gets an honest 19 mpg! Run at max weight at 72 mph (my car speed on CA freeways) and you drop to 14. My advice: slow down and enjoy both the scenery and enjoy 30% better mpg!

WILLIAM BURNS

NEEDS TWIN BEDS

Keith J

I saw the videos of the View and the View profile. I think the View is nice but it would be difficult not to spend the extra and go for the Profile.

Re: Winnebago ERA Class B

Lottie

Why doesn't ERA offer twin beds?

Darlene

Five thousand miles later I'm still finding new touches and loving it. Handles like a race car, though its high CoG means it doesn't corner at speed, but it will do a u-turn on a cow path! Plus, I enjoy standing around gas stations graciously accepting compliments on what a beauty she is. Still, I'd like at least foot of closet hanging space and a couple of wide, shallow drawers for clothes (but don't take the rod out of the bathroom). Like the border agent said, now I really am living the dream - 1/5/2011

Re: Winnebago Itasca Ellipse class A motorhome

ljs

Twin beds a must

Brian K

High quality and really beautiful. I drove a 2010 model and loved it, it almost drove itself. Love the dash arrangement.

Re: Winnebago Vista class A motorhome

ken cooper

Love the one and a half bathroom arrangement. Great idea. I have a 2010 Vista 30W. Really like it but if this arrangement had been available I'd have gone for it. One day maybe.

Re: Winnebago Outlook class C motorhome

Lisa

My husband and I are looking to buy a 2008 Destination, Gas rear-pusher (workhorse chassis) and would like feedback from other owners. Any regrets buying the gas and not the diesel? Any problems with the gas model? Any advice and opinions welcomed!

Wachhobago

Hubby and I just saw this floor plan in person for the first time last weekend and our jaws nearly hit the floor! Since we don't plan to "camp" much, but rather do a lot of tailgaiting, the plan works for us. We LOVE it!

Boyd

Just purchased 2009 Latitude 37 340 hp Cummins drove from Red Deer Alberta to Palm Springs averaged 10.4 on way down power and engine brake is great. Basement air is working hard to keep up in 110 degree heat. We were expecting air ride to be much better than our old gas Southwind , it is better but we still experience alot of body roll. Unit is new and we are going to put on higher end shocks.Overall we love the unit it seems to have better construction than the others we looked at in same price range.

Bea PA

The man who got 10 mpg NC to FL is probably right. We get close to 10 mpg PA to FL every year. Down hill almost all the way then around 7 coming home. We have a deisel now but our Ford Adventurer gas was the same.

Re: Winnebago Tour class A motorhome

PQB

You can pay a lot more money for a fancier version of this on the 2500 or particularly the 3500 chassis. But the 2500 chassis ERA is good value and good enough - everything about this ERA RT works well for 2 adults and 2 little kids on roadtrips so long as we don't want to live in it or try to pile too much weight in it. Even with the storage cabinet, it's a little light on luggage space, so don't forget the Thule hitch mounted trunk which will fit without an extender. We think the Sprinter may be the most competent vehicle ever produced even in the "industrial" version. You have to drive it to believe it.

Rhonda M

I love the 42' model. We bought the 2009 40' model, I don't think there was a 42' model available at the time. This is a really beautiful motorhome.

J and J

Our new 2010 View, J model,seems to be working out great. We let go of our 38' diesel pusher, and "downsizing" is interesting. We made our first voyage to Seattle and navigation the freeways was so much less stressful. We found we didn't lack for anything.. in other words, even though the pusher had storage for a life time, we had all the equipment and space necessary with the View that we needed. It was great to pull into filling stations, grocery stores, etc. and not worry about getting blocked in. Our mileage was around 15mpg with this new unit. No rattles, no leaks, just a great first experience. We found, to experience a simplier way to RV was so much less stressful. Yes, the big ones are gorgeous, but with every added foot and feature, comes more worries... been there, done that. Taking the "kitchen" sink, is definitly, passe'.

Rod P

I really don't know why anyone buys a class A. We've had 2 but a class C is better. I don't know why anyone buys anything other than Winnebago. We've had 5 Rvs and the 2 that were not Winnebago we regretted. The View is a great RV. We have a 2008 and I wouldn't think of anything else but I like the look of the View Profile and that might tempt me.

Sharon

I'm just starting to research Class B motorhomes, but I'd get one with twin beds. I'm a widow but frequently travel with a grandchild.

Chuck

We are picking up our Destination 39 Gas on Monday. Our first trip will be through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coastand back thru Shelton WA to Quincy WA and then back up thru Vernon BC and back to Alberta. Our previous Class A was a 2000 Dolphin and are looking forward to the new experiance, as we have heard only positive feed back on the Destination. Will update after our trip.

samiam

I love the Winnebago ERA but without the option of twin beds, we won't buy one. They would be much more convenient especially for older people.

Traveraler

The sofa is very nice but for two elder people twin beds would be much easier to get in and out of. For one person the sofa is ideal.

Curtis

I just got the new Via and I love it. The swivel seat, the room, outside storage and ofcourse the gas milage is top notch

Re: Winnebago Vectra Class A

Bob

Winnie Destination getting 10.0 MPG. I think the owner of that coach needs a math lesson on MPG computations. Towing is closer to 6 than 10. Otherwise a good coach but the mileage sucks.

Bruce McDonald

I have a new Vectra that has never been titled for $219,000.00. Interested? Bruce.mcdonald@poulsborv.com

Ronnie Blackworth

The Destination gas pusher is a great coach. The interior is a basic bargain type decor. I bought mine new and upgraded the flooring, added coran tops, upraded the house battieies and built a small work staion where the extra chair goes. I also added automatic draers underneath, upgraded the awning also replaced the cheap carpet with wood vinyl.Best improvement was a $500 mattress ultra foam from Costco and I am in a $300K plus rig. It ia amazing and my total expense was under $15,000.I did this because the gas pusher is so great and the ride is a dream.I have had 7 coaches and this will be my last. Go Winnebago Go. By the way I am not a Mr. Fixit. All my work was done by a top notch RV remodeler in San Diego.

Stef

Is it true that the Via & Reyo only have ONE door? No driver or passenger door?? Has anyone seen this in person? All I've seen are the photos & videos on Winnebago's web site. Seems to me like it would be a safety issue.Otherwise I love the configurations. Prefer maple cabinetry but that's just me. :>)

Re:Winnebago Outlook

Pat Specht

I am suspecting that we may have the battery drain problem in 2007 Outlook Winni. When it is unplugged for a day or so the engine battery gets very weak even after making sure that everything is turned off. House batteries seem to maintain the charge. We suspect a switch that is not functioning properly?

aussie

I really cant get over this `obsession' that Americans have that a `dodge' isnt supported anymore dodge hasnt been available anywhere apart from America for the last 3 decades It's a Merc sprinter parts available worldwide (far more so than any Chrysler bits) and turbo diesels rule the roads v8 (v10's in america???- say whhhaaa) I see all the camper owners in america complaining about 8-10 mpg well you should be I get about 28 mpg in a bigger 4 tonner ( thats about 8800 pounds according to wiki) makes me wonder what I am doing right or you guys are doing really wrong... ?????

harold

I like the idea but the price is height. the bed over the drivers seat is an old idea used in a german mh years ago.

UP Retirees

We bought our ERA this summer at a substantial discount. We have driven it to California and back and love the manuverability and diesel mileage. My wife has mobility problems which makes this small unit ideal. We travel with Jake our 90 pound goldendoodle.

Pia Piaquinto

It sounds like an electric golf cart. Need to gun the gas to see if it is running. In 8,000 miles we were never passed by a diesel pusher on any degree of hill.AND we tow a small Honda. The interior cabinets are well designed aesthetically and well constructed. The exterior and interior are all 1st class. We exchanged the outside mirrors for chrome and now we look like a 300K rig.Inside we upgraded the carpet and put in corian on the counters. The bathroom sink is el cheapo so we exchanged plastic for stainless. This is a dazzling unit for just over 100K.Tough competition in todays tight economy. Winnebago has a winner.

Gordon

Like the ERA we've had ours for 2 years. The 2010 looks good, same 2 floorplans I think.

SkipJ

Where will owners of Sprint based RV's get service now that Dodge will no longer be selling them, after Jan 1st? Can Mercedes dealers handle motor homes?