Community Forums

wfalch · 04-13-2017, 02:21 PM

While visiting CC for service this week, I was told of some of the goings on. I was told that Winnebago is building 9 each of the Grand Tour and the Journey.
After, that is done the building of the CC's start again, with the possibility of the use of a Spartan. I think that the building of CC's without all the drawings, is amazing! Wink, Wink.

While you are waiting for for service you now get the opportunity to stay on the side of Building 2. The slope is horrendous and we could not level the coach, neither could some of the other coach's. Their are 4 slots and number 3 was not functional.

However, Eric W. once again did a fantastic job with the alignment. This is what I take away from our visit and will go back and have him work on our coach again and again.

Safe travels and have a Happy Holiday!

smlranger · 04-13-2017, 02:57 PM

Wally, it was my understanding that Winnebago was going to tool up there to be able to build all their DP's before considering building CC's again, if at all. Are you saying they now plan to start building CC's after building only a few more Winnebagos?

I did talk with Eric in the chassis shop when we were there last September. He also said if they do build a County Coach again, it would likely be on a Spartan chassis. Not surprised that they would choose not to build the Dynomax again. Even Foretravel is using a Spartan chassis for their custom coaches now.

Doug Beaudry also told me they were negotiating with the city/town to get access to a previously used RV park for service customers. Guess that has not happened.

Mr_D · 04-13-2017, 03:09 PM

That's too bad because the DynoMax was one of the big features of a CC. But I've had FL and Spartan chassis to and they were OK but none of them were tag axle units. I'm 70 now and the CC I have will last me till I'm pushing up daises (well maybe not as I want to be cremated).

D Lindy · 04-13-2017, 04:10 PM

What I've heard from the Winnebago regional representatives is that, yes they were going to build all their diesel pusher units there. Then some time in the future they were going to start production of the CC units in a facility they also acquired next door. Also when they bought the CC plant and name they also got all of CC's proprietary plans specs. etc in order to fully reproduce CC's as before.

wfalch · 04-13-2017, 05:19 PM

The spaces by the park are empty and Doug B. did tell me they are waiting for the city to grant them access. From what I have been told, it was donated too the city by Bob Lee and I guess there was a stipulation that it would not to be used for RV's. I think there is around 11 and some have water/sewer. I fell the same way as Mr. D, I have the one I want and its going to last me until, I can't get up the stairs.

bneukam · 04-13-2017, 11:00 PM

The Dynomax Chassis is forever written in the history books.
Don't know how many of you have spent time underneath your coach. I have spent more hours than I would like, looking for air leaks, tightening up clamps on coolant lines, greasing, and just looking things over.
Lots of people, when buying a coach, they have no idea what they are riding on.
I am not no engineer, but I can tell you the Dynomax is one beefy, and solid looking constructed chassis.

dons2346 · 04-14-2017, 11:50 AM

If it ain't on a DynoMax chassis, it ain't a true Country Coach

wfalch · 04-14-2017, 04:49 PM

I would totally agree with that. However, that is just the beginning of a CC. If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig.

smlranger · 04-14-2017, 04:59 PM

I agree with several of you that this should be our last coach. One of the reasons we bought this CC was the plan that it would hold up well enough to take us to the end of our RV travels.

I will be interested in whatever Winnebago comes up with a CC name on it.

CarlAda · 04-14-2017, 05:17 PM

When it's said and done, I'm afraid it's still going to be a Winnebago!

My DW and I just walked through a 2017 Winnebago Grand Tour at the RV show here. It was built at the plant in JC. While on the surface, it was nice with a good floorplan and lots of neat features, closer examination showed the steps taken to meet the price point. As they say, the devil is in the details (whatever that actually means).

Unless I win the lottery and buy a Marathon, this coach will likely be our final one.

wfalch · 04-14-2017, 08:09 PM

Think you will be disappointed in a comparison.

Electra 225 · 04-14-2017, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlAda

When it's said and done, I'm afraid it's still going to be a Winnebago!

My DW and I just walked through a 2017 Winnebago Grand Tour at the RV show here. It was built at the plant in JC. While on the surface, it was nice with a good floorplan and lots of neat features, closer examination showed the steps taken to meet the price point. As they say, the devil is in the details (whatever that actually means).

Unless I win the lottery and buy a Marathon, this coach will likely be our final one.

How would you rate the fit and finish on the Grand Tour you looked at? How was the paint etc on the outside? I'm curious about how the new builders are doing.

.

CarlAda · 04-15-2017, 12:16 AM

To be fair, I really didn't do an in depth examination of the coach as I might if I were considering purchase. As I said, the initial impression was that it was a good looking coach but it just didn't feel like a Country Coach quality. I thought a 450 engine was a bit on the under power side for a 45 foot coach, but I didn't drive it. Although, looking at your signature, you could probably better comment on that. I did think that it was an improvement over some 2015 Itascas that I once looked at, although they were Meridians and not Ellipses. I didn't really look at the outside other than a cursory walk around.

Electra 225 · 04-15-2017, 12:50 AM

Thank you for your reply. I do have hopes that they do things well. I agree they could have given the 45RL a 500 ISX with a 4000 Allison. But that would up the MSRP, and perhaps they want to beef up some other things first. My Ellipse motors along nicely with the 450 ISL power plant. It has a great floorplan and numerous amenities for the price. It's a sweet spot coach. Now, if I'm ever able to move up further, (bigger engine, heavier chassis, etc etc), it'll probably be back to Newmar, (unless the new CC just blows everyone away, y' never know) [emoji41] .... either MA, LA, or Essex, but probably not new.......we'll see I guess.

As far as new CCs, I have been hoping as I said, that they do it right as possible, and do it well. I hope they have studied (besides the drawings) real CCs, and realize the tradition of top quality, and work with Mr. Lee as close as they said they would. There's one way to do it and that's it I say. Again, I guess we'll see.

Best regards,
W.D.