Winnebago Class A Crash Safety Questions

[TrailerFool]

Greetings! I am considering the purchase of a 2003 Winnebago Sightseer 30' Class A motorhome. After researching the worrisome crash-worthiness of Class A motorhomes in general, I had decided to pursue a Class C (front airbags, cab structure, etc.), but a dealer convinced me that Winnebago's steel cab-area superstructure makes them safer than any other Class A (in its price range). Is this true? Can anyone provide any sources of statistics or information that will support the safety aspects of the Class A versus the Class C? Thank you!

[TrailerFool]

Greetings! I am considering the purchase of a 2003 Winnebago Sightseer 30' Class A motorhome. After researching the worrisome crash-worthiness of Class A motorhomes in general, I had decided to pursue a Class C (front airbags, cab structure, etc.), but a dealer convinced me that Winnebago's steel cab-area superstructure makes them safer than any other Class A (in its price range). Is this true? Can anyone provide any sources of statistics or information that will support the safety aspects of the Class A versus the Class C? Thank you!

[AFChap]

Safety of Class A vs Class C
- in terms of cab integrity, the C is going to win every time due to the steel skin in addition to steel framework.
-- BUT --
- in terms of ride height and weight, the A is going to win.

AND ... Winnebago Class A vs SOB Class A, the steel cab area framework will make the Winnebago safer DEPENDING on what the other brand has.

Winnebago used to do an occasional "drop test" of a class A -- turning it over with a crane and dropping it on it's roof -- to test/demonstrate structural integrity. Don't know if they still do that or not.

Every accident is unique, but as an example of what the difference in weight and height can do, I have some photos of a Tiffin Phaeton (apx 2005-2006 model) that had a headon full-highway-speed crash with an SUV. The Tiffin was totaled but stayed upright and the driver and passenger had only minor injuries. The Tiffin went off the highway into a field. The SUV stayed upright on the highway. Five died in the SUV.

[Jerry J]

TrailerFool, I have also wondered about this because we are also thinking about a Class A. We now have a class C with airbags, more in front of us besides fiberglass, smaller window. As long as the class A motorhome stays on its wheels and the occupants are belted in I would or hope they would be okay since they are higher up and have the weight advantage usually. Lots of different types of accidents though. Seems like Class A's could have bumper under the front cap and a crush zone to help in case of an accident. I have seen pictures of a Class A from a friend where the motorhome went off the road just before he got there and ended up on its left side by the bank and ditch. The driver fell asleep. What about then, what protection is provided when only the glass is between you and whatever is coming at you? Only door on left side? Interesting question you have raised.

Jerry J
2006 Winnebago Outlook 25F

[porscheracer]

When using the "only door" logic - remember, escape windows are mandatory.

Unless you hit a semi or a fixed wall, you're going to be above the impact zone in most A's. The engine or generator (depending on what configuration you have) below you is a formidable battering ram - and the subframe crush structure is very hefty.

The only place I would feel "better" in a B or C is in a rollover accident. Even then, I figure your enemy is flying debris (taken out by a crock pot at 50MPH??) more than structural collapse. Stock vans don't look good after a rollover - considering that most C's are built from a cab and chassis, I suspect they would fare even worse. The photos I have seen bear that out.

[Rocket Heart]

Tank. That's right I said tank. safest thing on the road. After that I'll settle for my class A