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Slapchop · 12-18-2012, 03:47 PM

I just bought a new 2012 ERA. My rig has the two companion seats behind the driver and co-pilot seats. I want to remove the seat behind the drivers seat and install the factory cabinet which is an option offered by Winnebago. My question is 'what is the best way to order this cabinet?' I am prepared to install it myself. Do I go through the dealer or go directly to Winnebago? Any help will be appreciated.

Chris

Oscar Mike · 12-18-2012, 04:08 PM

Congratulations on your new rig, I hope you get a lot of good, fun, and enjoyable miles. I would go to the dealer, I'm not sure if the manufacturer would have a retail outlet.

ERAtraveler · 12-18-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slapchop

I just bought a new 2012 ERA. My rig has the two companion seats behind the driver and co-pilot seats. I want to remove the seat behind the drivers seat and install the factory cabinet which is an option offered by Winnebago. My question is 'what is the best way to order this cabinet?' I am prepared to install it myself. Do I go through the dealer or go directly to Winnebago? Any help will be appreciated.

Chris

Good question...I purchased a new ERA 2 months ago & have been thinking about the cabinet as well. Looking forward to hearing the answer to your question. Congrats on your purchase !!

Becky

NeilMace · 12-18-2012, 06:09 PM

Congratulations. I am in the market also, please let us know about changing lane visibilty with the cabinet in place.

TdogKing · 12-19-2012, 08:51 AM

I always try to cut out the middle man by making the call myself to the Manufacter and they will tell you if you can buy direct or not.

RSchleder · 12-20-2012, 04:07 PM

We have the behind the driver cabinet and really like the additional storage space. I'd give Winnebago a call but I'm guessing they will not sell it directly to you so your dealer may be the best approach.
We've owned our ERA for almost a year now and luv it. You might take a hard look at it and, as we did, remove some of the side decals as it is a bit overdone if you ask me. Here's what we did with ours:

2012 ERA Photos by RSchleder | Photobucket

Slapchop · 12-20-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSchleder

We have the behind the driver cabinet and really like the additional storage space. I'd give Winnebago a call but I'm guessing they will not sell it directly to you so your dealer may be the best approach.
We've owned our ERA for almost a year now and luv it. You might take a hard look at it and, as we did, remove some of the side decals as it is a bit overdone if you ask me. Here's what we did with ours:

2012 ERA Photos by RSchleder | Photobucket

I called Winnebago today and you're right, they don't sell them directly to the consumer. We have to go through the authorized dealer. Oh we'll just means it will cost more.--

Funny but I had the same decals removed. I think it looks much better.

Chris

Bris · 12-21-2012, 11:16 AM

[QUOTE=Slapchop;1405755]I called Winnebago today and you're right, they don't sell them directly to the consumer. We have to go through the authorized dealer. Oh we'll just means it will cost more.--

Funny but I had the same decals removed. I think it looks much better.

Chris[/

[QUOTE=Slapchop;1405755]I called Winnebago today and you're right, they don't sell them directly to the consumer. We have to go through the authorized dealer. Oh we'll just means it will cost more.--

Funny but I had the same decals removed. I think it looks much better.

Chris[/
You could have a cabinet company make one to
Your spec rather then Winnebago spec.

Slapchop · 12-21-2012, 11:30 AM

I cant imagine that the cabinet would block any views as it is roughly the same height as the galley cabinet. It is not a floor to ceiling cabinet.

Slapchop · 12-21-2012, 11:46 AM

I am considering building my own cabinet as I am somewhat knowledgeable around the wood shop but I want to get a quote from Winnebago just the same. First, any cabinet that I could build would probably be slightly different in terms of joinery, color and materials and second, there would be a cost for my home-built as well In addition, I believe the OEM Cabinet has a prefabricated steel plate that lays in the bottom of the cabinet and is used as a structural attachment point for the seat floor bolts.

Its a custom cabinet and the last thing I want to do is put something in my coach that isn't right.

RSchleder · 12-22-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slapchop

I am considering building my own cabinet as I am somewhat knowledgeable around the wood shop but I want to get a quote from Winnebago just the same. First, any cabinet that I could build would probably be slightly different in terms of joinery, color and materials and second, there would be a cost for my home-built as well In addition, I believe the OEM Cabinet has a prefabricated steel plate that lays in the bottom of the cabinet and is used as a structural attachment point for the seat floor bolts.

Its a custom cabinet and the last thing I want to do is put something in my coach that isn't right.

You are correct, this cabinet uses the same mounting system that is used to secure the seat ( that will be removed) to the floor. This unit is about 1" taller than the kitchen counter top, don't know why but it is. Also it is the darker counter top so if you chose the lighter counter top in your ERA it doesn't match. We have the lighter counter top so the 'new" unit is not a match. It does blend ok though so to us, it's not a big deal. There is also a tall unit available for the space behind the passenger seat (with the secondary seat removed of course) that makes for great additional storage but it seems to me that it would close up the sliding door entry area too much so we choose not to get it.

RSchleder · 12-22-2012, 07:26 AM

I just re-looked at the 2012 ERA brochure and it appears that the counter top of the extra cabinet does not match either the 2012 ERA light or the dark galley counter tops. It appears to me that it's somewhere in between ( one color fits all I guess) so if a exact color match is important for your ERA, you might want to check it out before you buy/order one.

marineguy · 04-02-2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSchleder

I just re-looked at the 2012 ERA brochure and it appears that the counter top of the extra cabinet does not match either the 2012 ERA light or the dark galley counter tops. It appears to me that it's somewhere in between ( one color fits all I guess) so if a exact color match is important for your ERA, you might want to check it out before you buy/order one.

The 2013 brochure barely mentions it, other than a little square drawn off to the side of the floor plan. I wonder if you could just buy the steel mounting plate and fabricate a luggage rack to secure suitcases. Can't wait to see the '14 brochure. Fretz said the new ERAs will offer a few solid color options for those who want it to look more like a van than an RV (me).

cmb0628 · 04-08-2013, 09:08 PM

Bought the cabinet for my 2012. Definitely have to order from the dealer. You can save a little money by shipping direct and assembling it yourself, which is pretty easy. The top does not match the counters, but close enough and the extra storage is useful. It doesn't look out of place. One thing to note: the doors don't come with latches and will rattle and swing open if left as they come. You will want to buy your own latches and install them. I don't get why they wouldn't be included - a real oversight, but easy enough to fix.