AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Winnebago Leisure Seeker 2104 - Review continued . . . .

Electrics

If you intend to spend every night in a caravan park then the Electrics aren't a high priority. If you intend free camping, please read on! The Mercedes alternator has a very useful 90 amps output. The 2104 unit also has an industry leading "smart" charger made by Mastervolt in Holland - IVO Smart 12/25-2. Efficiency is 88%. You can even download the manual in PDF format for this clever gadget (1.2 meg so have a coffee!) This charger seems to cover all the bases and has "jumpers" to adjust for diode compensation etc. (battery isolation) and can be rigged to charge the starter battery as well. Impressive! We don't normally go all super technical in reviews at this level, but the following info is important as other motorhomes (apart from some Swagman) still don't have this technology - adopted from the marine industry by the way!

Phase 1: Main charge, “BULK”
The first step “BULK” starts after switching on the IVO charger. In this phase, the charger supplies the maximum current until the battery reaches 14.40V. When the battery reaches this limitation area the charge current will decrease. Bulk duration is a maximum 6 hours, depending on the battery’s condition and charge rate. The yellow “bulk” LED on the front panel will light up during this phase.

Phase 2: “ABSORPTION”
The second step “ABSORPTION” starts automatically after the battery has reached a voltage of 14.25V. The
battery is in this case charged approx. 80% or more. The charger remains in this “absorption” phase until the charge current drops for a period of 15 min. below 2.5A. If the charge current will not drop below 2.5A, a clock will switch the “absorption” mode off after 6 hours, while the battery is charged with a constant voltage up to 100% in “trickle charge”. The current consumption in the absorption mode is depending on the capacity of the batteries and will decrease slowly.

Phase 3: Trickle charge, “FLOAT”
The third stage, “FLOAT”, starts when the “absorption” phase has been completed. In the “float” mode, the charger automatically switches back to a lower output voltage of 13,25V. This voltage is sufficient to maintain the battery at a 100% charge. During this phase, the charge voltage can be entirely used for the supply of the users connected to the battery. If necessary the charger automatically switches back to the “absorption” mode. During this mode the yellow “float” LED will light up.

The table below shows the three charge stages graphically as a ratio of amps to voltage. So far as we can see it seems to cover all the bases including short circuit and temperature compensation.

Winnebago, as well as most other RV manufacturers possibly don't realise how many buyers are interested in the technical specification of a potential purchase, as we could find no reference to this in any of their literature, and once again nothing at all on the website. Other motorhome makers have yet to discover why their battery capacity disappoints most purchasers. The bigger the motorhome the worse it seems to get. Anyone who attended the very detailed presentations by Collyn Rivers at the CMCA Barcaldine and Northam workshops will know what we are on about here. Lots of info on smart chargers in his book Caravan and Motorhome Electrics.

The charger is located in the front bin. The power point to drive it is also located in the same bin - handy source of 240 volt if you don't have an outside power point. Another very strong point in the Leisure Seeker range is the excellent electrical distribution panel. In the 2104 it is mounted in a top cabinet above the fridge - easy to see all the time if you so wish, or you can shut the door and forget it! However nothing is perfect and this same door actually hides the main breaker. It is highly advisable but not compulsory in any RV to have the RCD highly visible and accessible. Oddly the much cheaper Freeway system is perfection in this regard.

2104 distribution panel - note twin sets of gauges

Mastervolt charger mounted in an outside bin

The left side of the panel has a double pole Hager circuit breaker/earth leakage detector (RCD) and a voltage and amp metre. This is very handy if you ever use a generator. It is doubtful if you would have enough carrying capacity to permanently instal a generator in a 2104, however it's there! On the right is the all important section so critical for all of us "free campers". It monitors what is happening 12 volt wise and is just about perfection! It could be markedly improved if the voltmeter was digital. This would add about $60.00 to the cost. The 12 volt DC isolation switch is also on this panel. There is a ton of space behind this panel absolutely ideal for an inverter etc.! If you are a perfectionist there is enough room to install a row of DC circuit breakers if you so wish. The photo immediately below shows a 2104 set up with a switch for the built in inverter (extra). If you fit a generator you can get another switch mounted in the same area as the cut outs for the switches are already there hidden behind the cover.

The control for the optional inverter has been mounted in the centre panel

Power points are well dispersed throughout the unit. The funny oversight of fitting the rear ones behind the cushion backs on earlier model 2104 has been fixed thank goodness! We liked the provision of a power point in the bed area - great for anyone needing a Ventillin machine or CPAC etc. Most thoughtful! We also like the reading lights at both ends of the bed. This "solves" the problem of being able to sleep on the same side of the bed as at home.

Would you believe we came across a 2104 at Barcaldine with the power points behind the cushions!

Storage

Cavernous best describes it! For two people you would be very hard pressed to fill up every nook and cranny. The external storage is excellent with good attention being given to dust and water sealing. Inside there are ample drawers - all beautifully made from plywood. We particularly like the corner reinforcing having owned an RV that "lost" the back from every MDF drawer as they were made of plastic coated MDF.

Cabinet just inside the door - ideal for TV

Just about all RV manufacturers are using the dreadful screw up wardrobe "rail". The truth of the matter is that this gadget just does not work. So if you get a Leisure Seeker we suggest you simply fit a conventional wardrobe rail for under $5.00! We suspect that the motorhome industry has simply followed the lead of the caravan industry. The rail was developed to stop coat hangers "jumping off" the rail. This simply doesn't happen in motorhomes unless of course you have a 4WD and drive tooooooo fast! We would opt for the extra space every time. A piece of sponge glued to the roof of the wardrobe stops the problem anyway.

The wardrobe is very good and has a triple lock. We liked the way that the hot water heater was mounted underneath the wardrobe instead of in an underseat locker as is the norm. The chest of drawers near the door are just made for mounting a TV - ideal for watching from the front or rear of the motorhome with a suitable swivel bracket - not provided. Winnebago are dragging the chain a bit in this area, as several close competitors such as Suncamper and Sunliner supply this accessory as standard, as in fact do most major caravan manufacturers on products costing 1/3rd of the price. The photo below shows the huge area available for storing tables, chairs and other roadside items which need to be readily accessible. Rather oddly they cant seem to be able to make up their minds as to which side to put this, as we have photographed 2104's with it on either side. We prefer it on the annex side for easier access from the door and in wet weather. This raises an issue that needs to be addressed by ALL RV manufacturers. Consumers need brochures and websites to photograph all sides of a motorhome, similar to what we do on this site. Note the extensive use of strong metal tubing for all framing. We liked the large number of attachment points.

External access to under seat storage lockers

Huge overhead cupboards have zero shelves

Shoe Locker

This is a really great idea and certainly helps to stop your floor getting super dirty. The photo below shows how close to the steps it is. In practice you sit on the steps, remove your shoes and simply pop them in the cabinet. The protruding water filling pipe is not there on all models. However a big moan here! Winnebago are using a black tread material on all their steps at present. It is good quality and durable BUT we suggest that their designer has a little go at trying to sweep sand off it. You simply can't! The easy fix is to cut it 50 mm narrower so you can easily sweep away the sand and dirt. Another option is to use a material with grooves at 45 degrees - similar to the steps on a Sprinter.

Water Works, Hot Water & Sullage

Always a strong point with Winnebago as it always works flawlessly! All pipe work is colour coded and uses the top class JG 3 piece fittings. The sink has a standard two tap affair. In our view this is preferable to a fancier mixer type as it allows you to have only the slightest dribble when you are trying to save water when free camping. Most single lever mixer valves aren't recommended for use with low pressure supplies yet we come across them all the time? The hot water service is the ever reliable USA made Suburban - an absolutely excellent unit. You just set and forget it. If you are not too sure how to light it just take a peek at the Freeway review on this site, as we have included some pictures. The instructions printed on the unit are far too vague. Everyone has troubles lighting hot water services until they become "experts"! We always opt for manual start on the hot water and save enough for another solar panel! Auto internal start adds around $450.00 to the heater. What you get for your money is the switch and the gadget shown at right below. You can't get this retrofitted by the way.

This is the excellent choice of location for the 2104

This is what you get when you pay for automatic start

The photo above shows the really good choice of location for the hot water service. You simply open a door to access it if ever needed. The pump is sensibly located just to the right of the HWS. In our view Winnebago plumbing is absolutely tops and we have never had problems. They even fit a water pressure reduction valve for when you use mains pressure water. Rather oddly they rarely mention these excellent features in pamphlet's or on their website. The photo below shows the fantastic job the sacrificial anode does. This is exactly why you need to get your Winnebago serviced by a dealer, as this is one of the many things checked. Don't forget to get the correct type if you ever replace it yourself - you need the one suitable for drinking quality water and NOT the marine version. Get it wrong and you could end up with very foul tasting water. The safest way is to buy from an RV specialist like Coast to Coast RV as they don't stock the wrong ones! The photo on the right is a cutaway showing the ceramic lined interior. This is incidentally tested to 300 PSI during manufacture. We love these heaters! If you feel most of your time will be spent in caravan parks Electrolux have a combination gas/electric model. Having this fitted at time of manufacture would allow hot showers in your own shower whilst on site with no extra costs. Well worthwhile thinking about. Don't forget - just like your HWS at home you do need to occasionally bleed out the air by opening the valve. When emptying your tanks after use it is a good move to turn the hot water tap on as well to clear the system. We always do this and feel it prolongs the life of the sacrificial anode. We come across lots of motorhomers who leave their hot water on the Pilot setting whilst travelling as they are totally convinced it keeps the water hot at low cost. Sorry folks this is a fairy tale and in fact could be down right dangerous if you refuel!

Another move forward by Winnebago is the fantastically easy access to the sullage (grey water) drainage connection point. You no longer have to bend down folks! There is an easy to reach cock operated by an easy to turn handle - great for arthritic hands. Hose size has been reduced and you no longer get the fantastic sloshing flush when you dump the contents, however we totally favour the new system simply because of NO BACK OR KNEE PAIN!

Sink outlets are now a massive 40 mm and gone are those dreadful tiny plugs found in about 99% of RV's. Ever tried to buy one in the country? Now you really shouldn't be less vigilant with what goes down there though otherwise you could end up with smelly tanks!

TIP:- An old timer told us a neat trick. If you have dentures, don't use Steradent etc. but instead use No Name bleach around $1.20 for 2 litres and soak your teeth in this. Even seems to be OK with metal ones too. After soaking just pop the bleach down the sink. Sort of killing two birds with the one stone. We liked the strong construction in the tank area. The base has a solid plywood base and rests on angle iron and should last forever.

We liked the plywood reinforcing under all plastic tanks

The attention to detail in the area of sink drainage is very good and the pipes are very sensibly kept to the rear. Many RV manufacturers fail abysmally in this area, but Winnebago are 100% on the ball. The two cupboards shown below are absolutely ideal for fitting slide out wire baskets.

Wonderful sensible placement of the "S" bend!