AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Winnebago Freeway Review

This is a review of the 2001 model specially for non-technical potential purchasers. The Minnie Winnie, as it is affectionately known, is industry leader Winnebago's attempt at entering the low end of a fairly crowded market. In our view it does this extremely well and looks good into the bargain. It is probably aimed at the older caravanner, who for one reason or another is ready to step up to the ease and convenience of a motorhome without having to sell off assets. There are two versions at present. The 1753 is a 3 berth available on either a petrol E2000 Mazda 2 Litre petrol cab/chassis or a diesel E2500 Mazda 2 1/2 litre cab/chassis. The 1754 is a 4 berth available only on the E2500 Mazda cab/chassis. The differences are more than just engine and berth sizes, as the layouts clearly demonstrate in the floorplans shown below. The actual inside cabin length is the same for both models if you neglect the cabover bed. The 3 berth has a much longer dinette/bed area and converts to a large Queen size bed. The over cab bed is in fact a 3/4 job and can just be used by two adults - we know this for a fact as we do it all the time! The 4 berth has a longer Luton Peak containing a full double bed. You then lose on the dinette bed as it comes down to a double and can no longer be used as two singles.

Free camping with a Freeway with the Brisbane Sunshine Wanderers

The size of the Freeway makes it an ideal entry model

The brochures put out by Winnebago don't do the product justice! We actually first got really interested in the Freeway because of a wonderful double page photo in the May 2001 issue of Caravan and Motorhome magazine. It had a fantastic internal shot looking out the back and sides of the motorhome onto a beautiful lake. Most motorhomes we had hired in the past were dark inside with very few windows. We will never forget this photo - it is why we started the Best Smoko Spots in Australia section on Around Oz. Notice how the lead shot is always out the back of the Freeway? You can only get this sort of shot with motorhomes with the dinette/club lounge right down the back.

Layout

The layout is a very popular one and has been around for many years in hire fleets by many manufacturers. The four berth has a slightly airier feel however the designs are very similar. Comparing the four and three berth the main differences are a full size double bed over the cab and two options for a TV. You gain on the three berth with more versatile sleeping arrangements as you can easily use it as two singles in the dinette area. There is around a $7K price difference.

Storage is Excellent

A motorhome just wont work for you if there is insufficient storage. The Freeway uses every possible nook and cranny. For instance, neglecting the kitchen there is a total of 14 feet of overhead cupboards 14" high and 11" deep. These are wonderful for storing clothes, towels, hobby bits and bobs, reading materials, maps and cameras etc. The siting of these is excellent and there is no way you can bang your head. There is cavernous storage under all dinette seats accessible by lifting a plywood lid. One side is accessed as well via an outside locker door. This is a good spot to store chairs, table, axes, saws, tent pegs, awning winder, buckets, pets equipment, leveling ramps and ground sheet etc. The hydraulic jack and tools for tyre changing are also neatly stowed in this compartment. In a nutshell everything you need externally easily fits in ready for instant access as soon as you park. An added bonus is you can also access this locker from inside the van in inclement weather.

Drawer Construction

This is really excellent. All corners and fronts are metal bracket reinforced, and it's safe to say will easily last the life of the motorhome without failing. Many RVs use those dreadful MDF pre-made drawers which always fail at the rear. Winnebago use good quality metal runners and plywood is used on all sides. Absolutely top dollar construction!