New Via or Reyo?

[Saber77]

We are considering downsizing from our current 40' DP to a 2012 Via or Reyo 25T. We have been very frustrated with the poor quality of campgrounds around the country, with many containing permanent residents and little more than dusty parking lots. That's the price we've paid for requiring drive-thru full hookups and not being able to fit our DP into most state and federal campgrounds (Forest Service and National Parks, etc.) The requirement to fit a rig into the nicer and more rustic campgrounds, together with the better fuel economy of the Sprinter chassis, is why we are interested in the Via/Reyo. We have found very few reviews of these small Class-A motorhomes, so we would like to ask the forum to provide any experiences users have had with these rigs or any recommendations. Thanks.

[wildtoad]

Have you actually been in one of these? the fuel numbers are impressive but what do you give up (beside a lot of cash) to get it? It will be (an you already know this) a very significant change from a 40 footer. I have looked at them and while just 5 ft shorter than my 30 ft gasser it's a big difference. Limited storage in and out, a single kitchen sink, and not a not of carrying capacity.

I fully understand the campground issue as we mostly stay at state parks. I don't "get" the wall to wall rv type campgrounds. For us 30' is a great size as it gets us in just about anywhere.

Any how good luck with your decision.

[Saber77]

Thanks for the help. Yes, we have been inside them and driven them--they drive and handle real nice. We know it would be a big step down, but we also believe we can get by without a TOAD. The 25T has a huge basement storage area--76 sq ft--and would probably hold most of our outside stuff. I would like to hear from any users who actually have one of these rigs to see what they have to say.

[MutinyGuy]

I don't think you'll get the info you are looking for on this forum...go here instead:

Reyo-Via : Reyo-Via

[Saber77]

Thanks -- I found what I needed at that forum.

[reyo owner]

I bought a 2011 Reyo Oct. 2010. Since then I have had to be towed once, and have travelled in limp mode several times over 100 miles to 254 miles due to engine problems caused by water getting onto the EGR and flooding the air filter. I had repairs in AL,LA,NC,CT. and FL all because of the check engine light coming on. I had 3 new EGRs, 2 new turbo resonators, O rings replaced. I had extra urea added and made several trips to four mechanics before having the last problem diagnosed as a malfunction in the anti-pollution system. One part was unavailable in the USA and Germany. It took over 3 weeks to get the parts and I have to wait for the mechanic to get to it, end of this week. I have had coach repairs done in AL,CT,RI, and FL. They include a stuck captains chair...had to drive sideways for 50 miles till fixed at the dealer, replace window shade due to broken handle, replace broken window hinges, exterior water valve fell out, repair door window shade, have kitchen drawers realigned due to wide gaps, repair front door handle three times and still difficult to open, replace missing grommetes on range where lid comes down, tighten up over head cabinet doors, replace seal in back of cabinet where refrigerator installed as air and sunlight coming through, replace refrigerator as it kept frosting over lowering inside temperature necessitating the removal of spoiled food and medication, replace motor in Kwikee steps, repair fan in hood range and have two extra screws put in to hold it in place, rewire slideout so it did not drain engine battery. I am waiting on a new closet door as the laminate is peeling off. The gel coat is cracking in the rear. Awaiting Winnebago on this.

Please look at your CCC as it is a little over 1000 lbs and includes water, passenger weight. There is a lot of storage space, you simply cannot use it all.

Everything is under warranty. After complaining to Winn. and Mercedes I was reimbursed for car rental and hotel lodging while waiting for parts and repair in LA, AL, and NC.. Please be advised that authorized Mercedes dealers are few and far between, and most have never worked on a Reyo. Freightliner will do warranty work. Most mechanics complain that the engine is cramped and difficult to work in.

It is easy to drive. Sways a lot with passing 18 wheelers or strong wind. Gets 15 1/2 to 16 MPG. Convenient to park due to 25 foot length and under 11 feet in height. We put a cover over the b.rm. vent so we can leave it open while we drive. Kitchen area very small to work in. Can't open refrig. all the way with slider in in our model. I don't like the refrig. at all. No separate freezer door on the outside. Easy to set up at site. Has cameras in back and on the sides.

We have about 7000 miles on it and have yet to travel without something going wrong. At present I would be very hesitant to drive through Death Valley, or down a switchback road in Utah. I am told that the first few years of owning a Class A you have to work out the bugs. Falling from 65 mph to 23 mph on I-10 in New Orleans, on a bridge on a steep incline with an angry truck driver behind you is more then working out the bugs. Multiply that times three and you get aggravated.

Once we get the antipollution system fixed we hope to drive to WI without any engine problems, with a functioning refrigerator. If not, we have Mercedes and Winn. numbers and will dial then up quickly. Customer Service is very helpful and pleasant, I just don't want to have to call them. Winnebago refuses to take it back.