Inquiry about the FRED

[mycoolbeans]

Presently, we are mulling over a possible purchase of a 2010 Winnebago Adventurer or Itasca Suncruiser 32 or 35 foot motorhome with the FRED engine. For those of you that have a FRED, what has been your experience with it? Do you recommend it? What are typical issues with a FRED? How much can I expect that a FRED would cost as compared to a gas model? I think that the diesel engine in the Winnebago line is a Cummins. Also, one last question, I read somewhere that with the 2010 diesel engines, one will be required to add some type of additive every third fill up or so. Thanks for any and all relevant info. I have a Cat 330 engine in my present diesel pusher.

[tderonne]

Winnebago will fax or email you the retail price list for any model. That will tell you exactly how much the FRED option is.

I happen to have the 2010 Sightseer list. It doesn't have a FRED option, but does have a diesel Workhorse option. It ranges from $16,358 to $17,408 depending on the model. Not cheap.

[John Mo]

One of the beefs I've seen about the Workhorse diesel chassis is that the fuel tank is very small for a motorhome. Be sure to check the specification. Even with very good mileage, the cruising range is going to be pretty low.

[MuckSavage]

I'll speak for a FRED on a Tiffin. I've been very happy with my FRED. First people might tell you it's loud, and it is somewhat loud around town, but when you get it on the highway, it's very, very quiet. I think every FRED comes with a Cummins ISB engine. My best fuel mileage has been 12.8, worst 11.1 towing our Jeep Cherokee. Also, with the Tiffin on a FRED, you get a flat floor between the driver & pass. seats. A new (2010) model will have a UREA tank (the fluid you have to add every 3rd fill-up) and yes, there is a large price increase associated with that. Another good point is that the FRED has an exhaust brake. While my coach is an '08, the additional cost of the FRED over the Workhorse back then, was easy for me to justify. With the added cost of the '10 emmisions, I'm not so sure I'd be able to afford/justify the deisel/FRED option. If it works for you, I highly recommend a FRED. Oh yeah, I have a 75 gallon fuel tank.

Drive 'em both, crunch the numbers & good luck. If you live close, heck, I'd let you take my rig for a spin!