Vectra

[LRuiz]

I am about to look at a 2008 Vectra that has about 9300 miles. What do you Vectra owners enjoy about your coaches and, of course, what are the things that you are not so happy about. All info appreciated.

Currently have a 34' 2007 Holiday Rambler Neptune diesel so there will be a huge length difference. Do you feel the 40' MH has a better/smoother ride than a shorter one?

Thanks,
Linda

[ChiefJohn]

Welcome again Linda -- you'll definitely notice a more comfortable ride due to the length, weight, and chassis suspension features of the Vectra. We've only had ours for a few months and have no regrets. My wife fell in love with the TD floor plan, with the front kitchen and mid-coach lounge. As i mentioned in the previous thread, slide-out lock and electronic door locks are our only concerns and I'm sure the factory will correct these problems next month.

[MrTransistor]

Hello Linda,

We have an earlier model of the Vectra’s twin and absolutely love it… Of course one of the items I like the best is the CAT C7 engine, which you will not have. But the Cummins should work fine for you. With only 9300 miles, the bugs are hardly out of the coach so be prepared for several minor repairs and possible a major one or two.

Since you already own the Holiday Rambler, you know of what I speak. I believe the 08 model year was built pretty well; perhaps someone with the 08 model can chime in here on the quality of that particular model year. I’m sure that some of the design and manufacturing problems that we experienced on ours have been addressed on the 08 models.

The bulk of the problems that we have seen so far are not necessarily Winnebago’s fault. In particular are the problems that we have had with the Norcold 841 installed in our coach. This is the second time it has gone out on us and now we are going to replace it with one Danby DUF408WE Freezer installed in the area where the washer/dryer would normally be, one Danby DAR440BL Refrigerator installed in place of the Norcold, and one Danby DIM1524W Ice Maker in the basement. A lot more freezer space, about the same refrigerator space, lots more ice, and shelves above the frig for storage in the kitchen. What more could you ask for. Maybe now we can have Ice Cream.

Other issues are the SureFlo pump but that has been redesigned and should work fine in the 08 models. The factory should have addressed other items like digital TV and hopefully you will not have a big old heavy tube type TV.

Anyway, you should be happy with this coach, and you will definitely like the extra room. Don’t worry about the extra length especially if the coach has the IFS front suspension. When you turn hard with the IFS, it feels like your going sideways from the drivers seat. That 50 degree wheel cut makes maneuvering a joy. We have an extra 6 feet off the back of our coach, what with the motorcycle racks hanging off the back and we aren’t even aware of them when we are driving. But maneuvering isn’t a problem since the backup camera clearly shows what’s on the back.

If the price is right, go for it.

[jimjr]

Hi Linda,

The Vectra is an awesome coach. We love ours and have only had the usual new coach problems. As mentioned above, the keypad entry isn't reliable and isn't worth the aggravation it causes. I haven't had any leak problems. All the major appliances and systems work great. The dishwasher is a pleasant surprise (works great). Love the IFS and huge storage the chassis provides. You already know Winnebago stands behind their stuff. I'd do it again, if I had to start over. Good Luck.

[Jeeperrmartin]

email me. I am tired of trying to get my post to go. we have a 2008 td40. It took we 3 tries to get this in.

[MrTransistor]

Hi All,

This is the finished Refrigerator and Freezer installation. Instead of the Norcold N842IM, we now have separate Refrigerator and Freezer as well as a Danby DIM1524W Ice Maker. Total storage is 11 cubic feet for the Frig and 4.2 cubic feet for the Freezer and both are Energy Star so they stay cold on very little power. Close to double the capacity and a lot more convenient than the Norcold. Each unit pulls only 1.3 Amps. when running so very little load on our ProSine or when plugged in at a park. The Ice Maker uses a little more electricity (2.2 Amps. I think) but cranks out over 1.5 gallons of ice in less than 10 hours so I only use it less than one day a week. All this for less than the repair price of the Norcold (plus a little labor).

The top trim is held in place by springs as the last picture shows. I made the spring bracket from scrap steel and the odd paint in the garage. Trim is solid Maple with clear MinWax and I routed the top and bottom pieces to fit, as well as look like, the routing on the cabinet doors. The bottom piece is held in place by a snug fit over the bottom frig retainer brackets I made. One of the top retainer brackets is visible.

Dony just love being able to keep Ice Cream in the –5 degrees Fahrenheit Freezer.