Winnebago Trend, Travato are first ProMaster-based RVs

Wed, 02 Oct 2013

While Ford has been the dominant supplier of chassis, engines and platforms for the recreational vehicle industry in modern times, its market share has been eroded by the increased availability of new commercial vehicles on the market. In the days of Daimler-Chrysler, the Sprinter was Chrysler's alternative to the Ford E-Series as a basis for Class B and C motor homes. But then Daimler split and the Sprinter went back to being a Mercedes product in the US, though it still continued currying favor in the RV world by offering diesel power with a smaller footprint. With the marriage of Chrysler and Fiat, though, the Pentastar brand once again has a foreign-sourced commercial van alternative – the Ram ProMaster – and Winnebago is the first RV manufacture to make it into a motor home.

Actually, Winnebago has unveiled a pair of ProMaster-based RVs: the Trend and Travato. The Trend is a Class C motor home, which generally means it's based on the chassis cab version of a van and features a bed over the cab and larger body for living space behind the B-pillars. Available in a tidy 24-foot length, the Trend can be had with two floor plans, both of which include large sleeping areas, a bathroom, kitchen and a dinette. The Trend also has some unique touches, including seats in the cab that swivel around to face the rear and three-point seat belts for the dinette.

The second ProMaster-based Winnie is the Travato, a Class B motor home, which is basically the full van model with as many amenities for living crammed into its quarters as will fit. The Travato measures in at just under 21 feet in length, but packs the full RV experience into the ProMaster's tall body, including a double bed, full bath, kitchen and dinette. The rear bed can even flip up and out of the way, allowing stowage of larger things likes bikes through the van's rear double doors.

The only disappointment we see in Winnebago's two new models is that they won't be offered with a diesel engine from Fiat, at least not yet. The inherent pulling power and fuel efficiency of diesel engines makes them ideal for RVs big and small, but for now Chrysler is leaving that edge in the marketplace to the Sprinter. Instead, the Trend and Travato will both be powered by Chrysler's 280-hosrepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Feel free to check out the complete press release below.

Winnebago Industries Launches Exciting New Products at Hershey RV Show

FOREST CITY, Iowa, Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, is debuting several new and exciting products at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA.

Winnebago Industries is the first to build a Class C motorhome on the new Ram ProMaster chassis with the world renown V6 Pentastar gas engine and 9,350 lb. GVWR, six air bags in the cab for added safety, and best in class cab ergonomics and visibility. The nicely affordable new Winnebago Trend delivers peppy, fuel-efficiency and comfortable living space for up to six people. Both 24' floorplans feature a powered StudioLoft™ bed that lifts tight to the ceiling to conserve space during the day. Other features include energy-saving LED lighting and available soft, easy-to-clean Ultraleather™ furniture. The Trend features industry-leading three-point seat belts in the dinette. The 23B offers front swivel cab seats, a sofa/bed and dinette, a large, full-featured mid-coach galley and rear bath. Two large sleeping spaces provide comfortable sleeping for four adults with the Queen size front loft bed and a King size Flex Bed System. The 23L also features swivel cab seats expanding the living area of the motor home, as well as a forward-facing dinette on the driver's side and a side-facing dinette bench seat on the curb side of the unit. Together these comfortable seating spaces convert into one convenient sleeping space. Additional sleeping space is available with the rear corner bed and front Studio Loft bed. A mid-coach L-shaped galley is full featured and has a forward facing sink.

The all-new Travato is the latest Class B motorhome to join the Winnebago Touring Coach lineup. The Travato is also built on the Ram ProMaster chassis. At just under 21' long, the Travato is unbelievably agile while still offering a full-feature RV experience that is perfect for the adventurous explorer. Travato also provides value-conscious enthusiasts amazing fuel efficiency. With swivel cab seats, LED ceiling lights, standard touch-screen navigation, a split dinette, and an abundance of features, the Travato delivers a whole lot of fun. The Travato is the only product in its industry segment to provide a 3-point seat belt harness for passengers in the dinette. The innovative 59G floorplan features a rear double bed that is designed to flip up out of the way to allow for large items like bicycles to be stored securely inside and making them easily accessible through the large double doors at the rear of the coach. The Flex Bed system allows for additional sleeping in the front of the unit as well.

The new Winnebago Forza 38R floorplan will also be on display for the first time. Providing a luxury Class A diesel at an affordable price, the Forza is built on the Freightliner® XCS straight-rail chassis which provides a solid foundation with a Cummins 340-hp diesel engine and Allison six-speed transmission delivering the power. Diesel pushers are known for storage and the Forza ups the ante with its Smart Storage™ design that pushes capacity even further. Inside, you will appreciate fine amenities such as polished Corian galley countertops, coffee-glazed cabinetry, upscale entertainment features, and LED lighting. The 38R features two slideout rooms with an exceptional bath-and-a-half floorplan. A rear master suite provides a private rear bathroom and a queen-size bed with large wardrobe and a 28" HDTV that flips down from the ceiling for easy viewing. The 38R also includes a Flex Bed system that provides bunk beds, storage, or converts into a dinette, whichever you choose. Also standard in the 38R is a half bath, Comfort Sofa Sleeper, BenchMark dinette with Dream Dinette™ table, full-featured galley with pantry and residential refrigerator, and large 50" LED HDTV above the optional fireplace.

Winnebago Industries will also have the full complement of 2014 Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach and SunnyBrook products on display.

About Winnebago Industries, Inc. - "The Most Recognized Name In Motor Homes®", is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company and its subsidiary build quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach, SunnyBrook and Metro brand names. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since the award's inception in 1996.

By John Neff