Community Forums

LSC9901 · 09-04-2019, 02:47 PM

Does anyone have some definitive info on the Winnebago Chalet's ? Last I knew they were designated as rental units. I was looking at one on the web and when I asked for a link to a brochure I was sent one for Vista. I'm sure they are very, very similar but 3 years ago I contacted Winnebago and they said they were rental units. I'm wondering if that is still true.

Does anyone have factual info with links to that info ?

Winterbagoal · 09-04-2019, 03:57 PM

Maybe contact Winnebago again?
Not much out there, except some ads for them in a Class C and in a Class A.

cbeierl · 09-04-2019, 04:03 PM

That's my understanding. I don't have any specific current info, but in 2004 I rented a 30' Chalet Class A (which was Sightseer 30B in disguise). They probably have vinyl flooring (instead of any carpeting) and lack an awning. There may be other features that aren't present as well--I don't know for sure.

LSC9901 · 09-04-2019, 05:30 PM

It does have vinyl but we are fine with that. Shag carpet just doesn't cut it for us. The differences that would normally be present would be the lack of an awning and generator. Both of those items are present.

I have written to Winnebago to ask for any possible sales info on that unit. I did supply the VIN and the Winnie number. I did a somewhat limited carfax type report and the only history that shows up are the NHTSB recalls. Just 7 but it showed no accidents or thefts.

Time will tell. I also asked Winnebago why no Chalet brochures exist.

cbeierl · 09-04-2019, 08:43 PM

Our Chalet rental in 2004 did have a generator.

Given the Winnebago SN you can enter the last 5 digits here: Service Parts List and get the full, as-built parts list for that coach.

LSC9901 · 09-05-2019, 05:44 AM

My main interest is was it sold as a rental. Granted not everyone who rents is destructive but we go to a NASCAR race every year and I've seen how some rentals are (ab)used, but thanks for parts build pointer.

Hikerdogs · 09-05-2019, 07:26 AM

I do know the Chalet class C motorhomes were originally built for the rental market. Having said that Winnebago often recycles nameplates, and could have made a model for the general public.

A quick look at the 2008 owners manuals reveals there were at least 4 different models produced that year. There were models designated as series D and series E that were class A models. There were also the 200 series and the 300 series that were class C models.

https://winnebagoind.com/resources/m...anuals2008.php

A quick look for Chalet motorhomes comes up with the newest units available being built in 2015. I'm not sure if that means they discontinued the model in 2015, or the newer ones are still in service.

The only models I am aware of that were produced for the rental market were the 200 and 300 series models. According to the 2008 owners manuals a generator was an option for both the 200 and 300 series that year.

We just got back from an 8 week trip to Alaska. The last time we were there (2013) the majority of the rental RV's on the road were Winnebago Chalets. This time we didn't see a single one. All the Winnebago rentals were either Vista's or Minnie Winnies.

LSC9901 · 09-05-2019, 08:41 AM

Interesting info. Because the one I am passively looking at is a 2011 I changed the date and it came up. In looking at the designation it is listed as a 32 KR. In the Vista line, which is really the same, it is listed as a 32 K. Does the "R" mean rental ???

Hoping to hear from Winnebago soon.

Beabop · 09-08-2019, 04:25 PM

We have a 2012 Chalet, it was a rental sister to the Access, Aspect, or something like that I've forgotten. It has an awning and gen set, no slide, bought in 2015 with 14,000 miles and new tires. Now has 22,000 miles with 0 problems. We are long time RV owners and wanted something that didn't require much upkeep. Some dealers change out their rental every 2 years or so. Only things we had done was an aleignment because it drove like a farm wagon and a new valve on the propane tank. Good luck

LSC9901 · 09-08-2019, 04:30 PM

I'll assume you are referring to a class C. One issue at this point is the dealer is non responsive. We are not dead set on making any move. We just want to move to 32' with bunks.

Because we do not need to "upgrade" it is not imperative that we find one. I'm certainly not gonna beg a dealer to please take my money. I'll shoot them one more email and then just scratch them off my list. They are 850 miles away so they aren't the only game in town.