A View of my new View - Winnie II

I thought I would follow tradition and show the insides of Winnie II just as I did in 2014 with the original Winnie. For those I'll never see in person, I captured the following photos from the dealer produced video. I watched it over and over again and it greatly influenced my decision as to which model to purchase. I hope you enjoy the "tour." P.S. When I asked why the color of the coach was not continued onto the white Mercedes cab as pictured above, I was told and observed that the entire line of Winnebago Views were the same. It detracts but, it is what it is.



This is the original, 2014 Model 24G. Note the rear slide out that gave a full queen and the linen cabinet in the bathroom.
The 2018 Model 24V has no rear slide out and the linen cabinet gives way to a larger shower area. The twin bed layout is much more suited to my life style.

The beige/gray design is very pleasing to the eye. Note the small access door and the roof ladder. The ladder will be good for repair technicians to access components on roof but not for me.

Note two solar panels that power the refrigerator even when I'm not hooked up to shore power. The black strip of protective UV/waterproof  material at the base of the 16' powered awning with LED lighting does away with the metal wrap-around cap.

The basement storage area seems ample but the narrow access doors prevents large items like lounge chairs from being placed within.

The plank-style flooring is a nice addition that contrasts nicely with the Aosta cherry cabinetry.
 
The 2018 model now has a more expansive view out the galley window. It has the required cooking area Venetian blind system that also minimizes odor retention.


The layout, as many of you remember, is the same.
 
Storage area above the sink and behind the 28" LED TV.

Microwave/Convection oven


Dual  propane burner stainless steel stove top with protective glass/backsplash cover.

Dual stainless steel sinks with a satin-nickel hi-rise gooseneck pull down sink sprayer.


Control panel at entrance stairwell

Another control panel located above refrigerator shows tank levels, propane switch, inverter 
control and current operation of solar panels. Red switch controls the heated tank pads beneath
the black and gray water tanks to prevent freezing when dumping.

7 cubic foot compressor driven refrigerator...

...allows for tall containers.

One of the three pull out pantry storage drawers.

The sleeping area is the big difference for me as you look back toward the rear of the coach. Two twin beds

Besides the spacious storage drawers beneath each bed, there's a pull-out wooden platform...


...that allows for a full 74" x 80" sleeping surface. The adjustable bed head rests are just what the doctor ordered...if you're a sleep apnea person. I will most likely leave one or both of  the extra cushions at home.

Plenty of cabinet storage space...

...surrounding the beds. There are also reading/night lights and outlets with USB connections within easy reach on both sides. There's a 24" LED TV in the rear sleeping area as well.

The Froli Star bed foundation system independently allows adjustable firmness with springs that conform to the body. The bed platform is also ventilated and allows air flow between the mattress and the bed board reducing condensation and dampness.

Halo racetrack style LED lighting throughout provides a bright appearance and has hi/low dimmer switches.

Hallway ceiling showing LED lighting, galley vent and antenna for local TV stations...that I may use someday.


15,000 BTU air conditioning system with heat pump

Spacious bathroom has an added medicine cabinet and metal shelving below and to the left of sink.

Shower stall has been increased but at the expense of the linen cabinet which was more useful to me.

As I make use of the campground showers (spic and span at every KOA campground I've stayed at), the stall was usually my "wine cellar."

Having two mirrors greet you each morning is not what I call an amenity. Each can be interchanged, however. I'll search for a portrait insert more to my liking.

In this model, the hot water heater is located beneath the bathroom area vs the galley area in the 2014. This allows hot water to reach the faucet quicker, especially on those mornings.

After removing the pedestal table, the only slide-out (on the driver's side) is a True Comfort sofa sleeper that converts easily into...

... a 48" x 74" sleeping surface; another feature I've yet to use.

The 180° swivel and lock cockpit seats are now equipped with removable Primera leather cushions that raise the sitting height while facing the living area of the coach.



The 2018 Sprinter class dash/steering wheel has many upgraded and convenient features; the DEF and fuel level indicators alone are huge enhancements for me. The 9" higher resolution touch screen color monitor for the Rand McNally RV GPS will compete with my new Garmin RV 770 to get me where I'm going.


Needless to say the improved rear-view camera's ability to view straight down is awesome.

And finally, for the more technically minded, some stats for the new Winnie II:

2018 24V Specifications
Odometer
18
Sleeps
4
Slides
1
Length
25 ft 8 in
Ext Width
7 ft 6 in
Ext Height
11 ft 1 in
Int Height
6 ft 8 in
Interior Color
Neutral Zinc with Aosta Cherry Cabinetry
Exterior Color
Carbon Red Deluxe Paint Package
Hitch Weight
5000 lbs
Gross Weight
11030 lbs
Cargo Weight
1522 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity
37 gals
Grey Water Capacity
36 gals
Black Water Capacity
36 gals
Tire Size
16
Furnace BTU
20000 btu
Generator
CumminsOnan 3,600 watt LP
Fuel Type
Diesel
Engine
Mercedes Benz 3.0L
Chassis
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Horsepower
188 hp
Fuel Capacity
26.4 gals
Wheelbase
170 in
Torque
325 ft-lb
Axle Weight Front
4410 lbs
Axle Weight Rear
7720 lbs
LP Tank Capacity
13 lbs.
Water Heater Capacity
6 gal.
AC BTU
15000 btu
Gross Combined Weight
15250 lbs

If you've gotten this far, thank so much for taking the time and having the interest. Next blog from the Catskill Adventure RV Resort in Wurtsboro, NY in June.

New Beginnings


1,209 miles - 18 hours 15 minutes
Greetings. Today is an incredibly beautiful day and one that prompts me to get back into writing my blogs. It's mostly sunny, a slight breeze and the temperature at a most comfortable 73°. The magnificent assault on the senses provide colors I'm lucky enough to see along with perfumed aromas that fill the air. The trees are the fresh, clean looking, soft green hue we so readily identify with spring. And to top it all off, a cardinal is chirping its heart out in a nearby tree. It's one of those "it just doesn't get any better than this" scenarios. I chuckle as I write this, however. In my mind, I'm hearing folks with teary eyes, running noses and raspy throats sneezing again and again as they go through boxes of tissues cursing it all. Sorry 'bout that.  

My last blog was started April 24, 2018, when I expected to finish describing my terrific winter adventure down through the south where I enjoyed the wonderful friendship of relatives and friends. As you know, it was rudely interrupted in Georgia with an engine fire that totaled the RV and cost me plenty in terms of time, money and angst, some of which continues through today; What remains is the "origin and cause" of the fire which is still being investigated. What can/will Mercedes do for me to ease my financial burdens? Only time will tell. My philosophy on such things is to expect nothing. If you get it, you've lost nothing for trying and aren't disappointed. If, indeed, something comes of it, then it's icing on the cake. "A positive anything is better than a negative nothing" 

The two-page blog I decided not to continue and post went on about the Friday the 13th saga that began with renting cars, driving white-knuckled through an Iowa blizzard in a Japanese made vehicle that competed with the Smart Car (you know them...coffins on wheels?), being snowed in at South T motel in Spencer, IA, having my laptop rendered useless because of a crashed hard drive, being snowed in again at The Lodge in Forest City, IA with another 8" snow storm, and finally, to add insult to injury, scraping one of the basement doors of a brand new RV on a concrete stanchion after a fuel filling in Indiana. I'm told my cursing was heard as far south as Buenos Aires.

So? Who needs to rehash all that? Big deal. So Friday the 13th bit me in the ass this year; it's a first. Change mind set: "It's Water under the bridge." "Let bygones be bygones." "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again." "Don't look back just keep moving forward"  LOL. I bet you'd have a bunch to add; do so in the comments below. So much for the power of positive thinking.  

I took possession of Winnie II with only one mile driven, the distance from where it was manufactured at Winnebago Industries to the dealership. It's now in "storage" until my next outing June 8th with 1,375 miles under its (fan)belt. The return trip allowed me to acclimate myself to and appreciate the new features of the 2018 model. From the improved dashboard/steering wheel controls to the improved on-board Rand McNally RVND 7720 GPS driving became more 'satisfying.' Yes, I'm aware that it's a Mercedes engine. Hey, what are the chances? (Shh, that was just a joke). The coach itself is basically the same (floor plan) but with greatly reduced storage in the galley area. Drawer space for all my junk is basically gone forcing me to 'improvise' what and where things are to call home. Otherwise, as I hope you will one day see, the living area is beautiful and most comfortable. I'll bore only those who ask about the new features if and when I'm able to give you a personal tour. As a courtesy, below I've listed my 2018 Summer Itinerary when I'll "be appearing at a campground near you." So far, it's a 58-day season. I hope I can fill in some of the gaps by meeting up with camping friends when time permits. So, stop by. Tickets are free, beer is cold, food and snacks are unhealthy and get to know what a Happy Camper looks like.


06/08/18
to
06/12/18
Fri
Leave
Tue
Catskill Adventure Resort
538 Mount Vernon Road
Wurtsboro, NY 12790
From Cross River, NY
85 miles - 1¼ hrs.
3



06/30/18
to
07/7/18
Sat
Leave
Sat
1000 Islands Campground
42099 State Route 12
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
From Croton Point Park, NY
325 miles - 5 hrs 8 min
7



07/07/18
to
07/14/18
Sat
Leave
Sat
Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY 14427
From Alexandria Bay, NY
215 miles - 3½ hrs.
7



08/04/18
to
08/18/18
Sat
Leave
Sat
Croton Point Park
1 Croton Point Ave
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

14



08/18/18
to
08/25/18
Sat
Leave
Sat
Normandy Farms Campground
72 West Street
Foxboro, MA 02035
From Croton-on-Hudson
190 miles - 3¼ hrs.
7



09/08/18
to
09/09/18
Sat
Leave
Sun
Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA
814 Portland Road
Saco, ME 04072
From Peekskill
263 miles – 4½ hrs
1



09/09/18
to
09/15/18
Sun
Leave
Sat
Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort
191 Searsport Avenue
Belfast, ME 04915
From Saco, ME
121 miles – 2+ hrs
6



09/15/18
to
09/17/18
Sat
Leave
Mon
Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA
814 Portland Road
Saco, ME 04072
From Belfast, ME
122 miles - 2+ hrs.
2



09/17/18
to
09/21/18
Mon
Leave
Fri
Fishermans Memorial State Park
1011 Point Judith Rd
Narragansett, RI 02882
From Saco, ME
185 miles - 3 hrs.
4



09/21/18
to
09/27/18
Fri
Leave
Thu
Croton Point RV Park
1 Croton Point Ave
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
From Narragansett, RI
161 miles - 2¾ hrs.
7