Winnebago Adventurer 2009 Workhorse -- Considering Buying

[RMChad]

Hi All -- my family is moving from a 5th-wheel to a class A. We have looked at many potential coaches, but keep returning to the Winnebago Adventurer. I found a 2009 on a Workhorse chassis for a fair price. Reading the forums here it looks like preference for Workhorse vs Ford is pretty even. However, with the GM engine discontinued and the chassis discontinued, is getting service for a Workhorse motorhome more difficult? Any concerns with the 2009 Workhorse? Should I hold out for a Ford chassis?

I appreciate your thoughts!

[edgray]

Originally Posted by RMChad

Hi All -- my family is moving from a 5th-wheel to a class A. We have looked at many potential coaches, but keep returning to the Winnebago Adventurer. I found a 2009 on a Workhorse chassis for a fair price. Reading the forums here it looks like preference for Workhorse vs Ford is pretty even. However, with the GM engine discontinued and the chassis discontinued, is getting service for a Workhorse motorhome more difficult? Any concerns with the 2009 Workhorse? Should I hold out for a Ford chassis?

I appreciate your thoughts!

FWIW, I bought my 2010 BECAUSE I knew it was probably my last chance to get a new one, with the floor plan we like, on the discontinued Workhorse platform. The 8.1L GM V-8 and the 6 speed Allison are a great combo, and IMO superior to the V-10 and 5 speed "torque shift" tranny used in the ongoing F-53 Ford chassis. I have no concerns about parts avaiability, and there are plenty of shops capable of working on ANY medium / heavy duty truck chassis, which is essentially what these things are. Very few parts are unique to ANY brand of chassis, but I'm aware there are "some" that may be hard to source. FYI, Navistar continues to operate the former Workhorse parts business.

You did not post which Workhorse chassis you are considering, but if it is a W-20 thru W-22, be sure the Bosch brake recall has been completed. If you get me the last 8 digits of the chassis vin#, I can access more details for you. Ed

[RMChad]

Originally Posted by edgray

FWIW, I bought my 2010 BECAUSE I knew it was probably my last chance to get a new one, with the floor plan we like, on the discontinued Workhorse platform. The 8.1L GM V-8 and the 6 speed Allison are a great combo, and IMO superior to the V-10 and 5 speed "torque shift" tranny used in the ongoing F-53 Ford chassis. I have no concerns about parts avaiability, and there are plenty of shops capable of working on ANY medium / heavy duty truck chassis, which is essentially what these things are. Very few parts are unique to ANY brand of chassis, but I'm aware there are "some" that may be hard to source. FYI, Navistar continues to operate the former Workhorse parts business.

You did not post which Workhorse chassis you are considering, but if it is a W-20 thru W-22, be sure the Bosch brake recall has been completed. If you get me the last 8 digits of the chassis vin#, I can access more details for you. Ed

Hi Ed -- thanks for the info! It is suppose to be on a W-24 chassis -- if you can check VIN that would be very helpful. Last 8 digits are: 80A00747.

Thanks

[bobbyl]

having owned 2 ford F53 chasis one with the older v-10 and an 09 with the new transmission and 3 valve engine I can IMHO give a thumbs up to the WH24 with the chevy and allison transmission. To me there is no comparison as to ride and performance. The Chevy engine performs well and the mating with the allison is great. No more loud and constant downshifting. There is major difference between the older model ford v-10 and the newer version but as of yet they haven't reached the Chevy and allison combo. I had no real problems with the ford's just loved the layout of the suncruiser with the upfront kitchen. I wouldn't be too concerned with the parts issue of the chevy. I would suggest you drive both and then make your decision. I'm completely satisfied with the suncruiser on the W24 chasis. Good luck.

[RMChad]

Originally Posted by bobbyl

having owned 2 ford F53 chasis one with the older v-10 and an 09 with the new transmission and 3 valve engine I can IMHO give a thumbs up to the WH24 with the chevy and allison transmission. To me there is no comparison as to ride and performance. The Chevy engine performs well and the mating with the allison is great. No more loud and constant downshifting. There is major difference between the older model ford v-10 and the newer version but as of yet they haven't reached the Chevy and allison combo. I had no real problems with the ford's just loved the layout of the suncruiser with the upfront kitchen. I wouldn't be too concerned with the parts issue of the chevy. I would suggest you drive both and then make your decision. I'm completely satisfied with the suncruiser on the W24 chasis. Good luck.

Hi Bobbyl -- thanks for sharing your experience. Do you know the CCC for your Suncruiser? I know it will be different for the Adventurer, but I wonder if the W24 provides a little more CCC over the Ford 22K version.

[bobbyl]

I really have no idea. I was a little skeptical of buying a coach with the workhorse chasis because of some of the things I had read about. But having this one for about 4 months now I am extremely happy with the coach and the performance. Ride is better, much more room than the 09 Southwind I had, and the gas milage about the same. From the 1st test drive of the Suncruiser I was sold, it climbed over passes and hills and you never noticed the high rpms and down shifting. As I said I really liked the southwind with the newer engine and tranny but it's not close to the allison.
I will see what I can find in the owners manual in answer to your question. I'm sure there are others here who may be of some help.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by RMChad

Hi Ed -- thanks for the info! It is suppose to be on a W-24 chassis -- if you can check VIN that would be very helpful. Last 8 digits are: 80A00747.

Thanks

If its on a W-24 that is better, and not just because of it being exempt from the Bosch brake recall. However, I need a CHASSIS vin #. The "A" in what you provided tells me that isn't from the chassis, but perhaps is the WBGO coach ID.

AFAIK, the last 8 should be all numeric since 2000.
Ed

[RMChad]

Originally Posted by edgray

If its on a W-24 that is better, and not just because of it being exempt from the Bosch brake recall. However, I need a CHASSIS vin #. The "A" in what you provided tells me that isn't from the chassis, but perhaps is the WBGO coach ID.

AFAIK, the last 8 should be all numeric since 2000.
Ed

Thanks Ed! I'll have to contact the seller for the VIN -- looks like what I thought it was is not correct.