Run Run Away

Question:

For every 1000 owners of anything, they’ll be at least one that gets a lemon.  This applies to cars, washers/dryers, computers, motorhomes, etc.  U.S. manufacturers just can’t produce a perfect product, all the time.  See, with the unions in control of the labor force, employers just can’t get rid of the poor employees that contribute to sloppy construction.  I have a 1989 Itasca (Winnebago) Suncruiser.  It’s had its little problems, but it is an excellently designed motorhome that meets all my needs, and is still in great condition after 6 years.  Before I purchased it, I did the research to see if it could handle the weight I would need.  Some people just look at the exterior of a product and fall in love, only to find after purchase that it’s not really what they wanted or needed.  A motor home is a home, and like our houses need constant care to stay in top shape.  If you take care of yours, it’ll last a long time.  Speaking of long time, Winnabago has been making MH’s for a few decades.  Don’t you think if they made poor products, the market would have forced them out of businees by now?  i.e. the "Yugo".  I’m sorry those people have had problems with their WBGO, but there are a lot of us out here that would purchase another WB in a heartbeat! Bob — MZ

Response:

Hi Mark, how are things going with you.  iI read your response to the Winnebago buyers and learned that you and Pat are RVers.  Charn and I just bought a Born Free 24ft. class C and are picking it up this month in Iowa.  We plan to do a lot of traveling during the nine months I don’t teach.   Its kind of scary thinking of maintaining the motorhome and all the systems when one has never had any experience with this kind of endeavor.  So we are looking forward to the experience with a mixture of eagerness and anxiety. Keep in touch. Larry and Charn Konrath

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I must disagree with your recommendation to buy a Winnebago. We are in the middle of a law suit over our 1989 40′SUperchief DXL. It was unsafe, leaks, overweight empty and the company does not care one ioda about their customers. I have heard from several folks with the same feelings. Reconsider recommending Winnebago Industries to anyone. LSDRINGWe know you ran out of gas (fuel startvation) and considered it a life threathening situation, obviously the RV lifestyle is not for you. We have been satisfied winnebago owners for the last 10 years. When you buy just about any new motorhome there are a few things (snags) that are not quite 100 percent. In our case it was mostly loose screws. I know this should not be and I hope the quality control will improve. Over the years we also developped a leak in the roof. The next day my husband went up and applied ten cents worth of caulking and we forgot about it. You are creating a lot of stress for yourself. I hope it does not make you ill. Please leave us out of it. CKing My wife and I must agree!  We have a 1993 22′ Warrior (Class A) and after 22,000 miles could not be happier with our purchase. We have had no problems with the chassis or engine and all the RV systems have operated flawlessly.  Based on the experience we have had with our unit, we would buy another Winnebago product without hesitation.

We have a 1994 25′ Warrior (Class A) , and after first winter, the 2 sides walls krack. After long talk, the wall was replace. I get another problem, with air conditionner, take long time to repair. i think the company does not care about their customers. For people have the same trouble, good luck Serge martin, —

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I must disagree with your recommendation to buy a Winnebago. We are in the middle of a law suit over our 1989 40′SUperchief DXL. It was unsafe, leaks, overweight empty and the company does not care one ioda about their customers. I have heard from several folks with the same feelings. Reconsider recommending Winnebago Industries to anyone. LSDRINGWe know you ran out of gas (fuel startvation) and considered it a life threathening situation, obviously the RV lifestyle is not for you. We have been satisfied winnebago owners for the last 10 years. When you buy just about any new motorhome there are a few things (snags) that are not quite 100 percent. In our case it was mostly loose screws. I know this should not be and I hope the quality control will improve. Over the years we also developped a leak in the roof. The next day my husband went up and applied ten cents worth of caulking and we forgot about it. You are creating a lot of stress for yourself. I hope it does not make you ill. Please leave us out of it. CKing

My wife and I must agree!  We have a 1993 22′ Warrior (Class A) and after 22,000 miles could not be happier with our purchase. We have had no problems with the chassis or engine and all the RV systems have operated flawlessly.  Based on the experience we have had with our unit, we would buy another Winnebago product without hesitation. –Ron McCollum

Response:

Not all problems with WINNE are obvious. My 1994 27′ Brave is designed so that if I put in full fuel and water it leaves me with 160 on the rear axle before I’m over GAWR. It is’t obvious but it’s unsafe. I can’t put anything in the rear, where all the cabinets and bed are, without being overloaded and that doesn’t even account bringing my wife with me. When you buy these tyhings they tell you to watch your loading, but if anyone actually did they’d see the unit was unusable for it’s intended purpose. Sure the generator, microvawe, radio etc work but I bought the unit to travel with and carry some food and my wife along with water and fuel. Winne may not be the only one with the problem, but so far they haven’t acknowleged it. I think when DOT realizes that anyone using this unit will be illegal, they’ll do something. Ron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

My wife and I must agree!  We have a 1993 22′ Warrior (Class A) and after 22,000 miles could not be happier with our purchase. We have had no problems with the chassis or engine and all the RV systems have operated flawlessly.  Based on the experience we have had with our unit, we would buy another Winnebago product without hesitation. –Ron McCollum

Ron, I am falling in love with the Warrior 23′ class A. I think I am going to purchase it before the summer. I was going to go for a Sunrise, but the Warrior is more affordable.  The Itasta Passage is about the same (in price and style) as the Warrior. My research also points to the Winnebago as the best for the price. Jose

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I must agree!  We have a 1993 22′ Warrior (Class A) and after 22,000 miles could not be happier with our purchase. We have had no problems with the chassis or engine and all the RV systems have operated flawlessly.  Based on the experience we have had with our unit, we would buy another Winnebago product without hesitation. –Ron McCollum Ron, I am falling in love with the Warrior 23′ class A. I think I am going to purchase it before the summer. I was going to go for a Sunrise, but the Warrior is more affordable.  The Itasta Passage is about the same (in price and style) as the Warrior. My research also points to the Winnebago as the best for the price. Jose

Just to add my 2 cents worth.  We have owned a Chieftan 22 for 10 years (bought new in 85) without any real problems.  The new Warrior 23′ is really the same unit with a newer running gear (same Chev though) and a little different interior in terms of materials used.  RVs have been in the family for over 30 yrs (a VW conversions, a slide-in, several trailers, several 5th wheels, several Class Cs and several Class As) and Winnebago is as good as many and better than a lot.  In spite of what some folks write, you can get a lemon in any line and a lot depends on your dealer for taking care of problems–particularly if you are not in the high line units (Newell, Bluebird, etc.).  Have fun. Department of Accounting and MIS                                  419-372-8351 Bowling Green State University                                FAX 419-372-2875

Response:

Instead of purchasing outright, you might want to consider doing a Leaseback if you use your motorhome 45 days per year or less. The 34′ Winnebago Adventurer is a great vehicle to get; very well made. For leaseback info, send e-mail or call (800) 234-CLUB.

Response:

I must disagree with your recommendation to buy a Winnebago. We are in the middle of a law suit over our 1989 40′SUperchief DXL. It was unsafe, leaks, overweight empty and the company does not care one ioda about their customers. I have heard from several folks with the same feelings. Reconsider recommending Winnebago Industries to anyone. LSDRING

Response:

I have to agree, that sometimes you get a lemon, sometimes you don’t. I have a 1993 Itasca (Made by Winnebago). It is great little motorhome. Its not a lumbering monster like a 40′, its a 23′. But its great, love it to death. So I think it depends on what you get.. you got take it as it comes, every company makes good and bad stuff.. you like Mustangs? like T-brids.. the same company made the pinto I must disagree with your recommendation to buy a Winnebago. We are in the middle of a law suit over our 1989 40′SUperchief DXL. It was unsafe, leaks, overweight empty and the company does not care one ioda about their customers. I have heard from several folks with the same feelings. Reconsider recommending Winnebago Industries to anyone. LSDRING

— Tony Reeves AB6GA Environmental Laser – Quality Laser/Copier Toner Cartridge re-manufacture Homepage: http://www.toners.com/welcome.html

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