Winnebago Freeway Review - continued . . .

Warranty

The cab/chassis is guaranteed for 3 years or 100,000 with no special exclusions because it's a motorhome. You obtain service from any Mazda dealer in Australia. The motorhome frame and structure is guaranteed by Winnebago for 24 months or 40,000 kms. The warranty is not straight forward, and we suggest that purchasers familiarise themselves with the requirements and exclusions, particularly if reselling or buying a unit supposedly still under warranty, as it is rather limiting. You can also check it out on their webpage.

Manuals

Like so many RV's it is the generic type of one size fits all! On the plus side however Winnebago supply a neatly labeled PVC expanding file. This is all catergorised into compartments containing the information for each area - Awning, TV, Stove, Fridge etc. These contain all the manufacturers instructions and warranty details. In our view this is an excellent system and so much nicer than finding all the info in a kitchen draw as seems to be the norm in Australia! Good one Winnebago.

Suggested Extras

Even though you do pay a slight premium for anything extra fitted at the factory we have always found it to be a good move and money well spent. This is simply because it is just easier to fit anything during manufacture. All the correct sealants are at hand and in the case of Winnebago the completed motorhome goes through a monsoon water tester to ensure that nothing leaks. It also ensures that in the unlikely event of a warranty dispute one supplier can't blame the other.

	Outside light grab handle - approx. $140.00
	Extra Fiamma roof vent - approx. $200.00
	Jensen vents above bed in Luton Peak - approx. $140.00 each
	Winegard Wind Up TV aerial - approx. $600.00
	Wind out awning - from $1200.00 (essential extra!)
	Solar operated mushroom vent in toilet - from $250.00
	Outside power point - $125.00

Suggestions for Improvement

	Access to fuel tank requires you to kneel down and is hard to fill
	Shower recess needs stiffening to stop booming whilst travelling
	Tie backs for Luton Peak curtains on side windows - wont stay open
	Move power point to table area
	Provision for 12 volt auto switch off to fridge when motor off
	Fit a shelf to at least one overhead cupboard
	Shelf on wardrobe wall for TV
	Old fashioned rail in wardrobe would be better

We Really Liked......

	Absolutely fantastic price and unbeatable resale value
	Excellent build quality for the price
	Galvanised floor - overall floor construction - insulation marvelous for pets
	Wonderful feeling of airiness - you are at one with the outdoors
	Top class glass windows and plenty of them
	Versatility of the layout - use as singles or doubles
	Camec triple lock security door - not found on more expensive models
	Huge seating area for working or playing cards etc.
	Easy access and good head room
	Parking is a breeze - fits in a normal car space
	Most acceptable fuel economy - 12 litres/100 kms
	Top quality appliances
	Zero MDF - all plywood
	Minimal use of staples - zero in cupboard frames

Summing Up

Most dealers will hire you a Winnebago and deduct the rental cost from the price of your new Winnebago. The chances of hiring the exact same model is pretty remote but it will at least give you a feel for motorhoming. Simply contact your nearest dealer. Despite a few minor problems and the major diesel filling one, we are very happy with our purchase. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences please email us and we will add your comments to this or other relevant pages. Dealers are also invited to contribute if they so wish. We absolutely recommend the Freeway to potential motorhomers.

Bob Eustace