Community Forums

Roam America · 01-09-2005, 10:02 AM

We are spec'ing out a MH probably for the 2006 camping season. We are undecided between the Winnebago Adventurer or Journey and the Itasca Suncruiser or Meridian. I spoke to a few sales people at a show over the weekend and heard two very different opinions on mileage, performance, towing ability between a gas and diesel MH.

Our plans after retirement (the end of 2006) are initially wintering on the Southwest and a few trips during the spring and fall. Eventually we will be traveling 6-8 months of the year. Bottom line is I don't envision ourselves staying at any given campground for extended times. In other words, once I seen that part of a state, we'll move on to another part of the state. It is not like we'll go somewhere and not move the rig for months at a time.

I'm looking for honest feedback from those of you who own Winnebago and Itasca MH's. Especially from those who have driven both Gasser and Diesel MH's as to the differences and which you prefer. Right now I'm leaning toward the diesel, but am open to opinions.

Roam America · 01-09-2005, 10:02 AM

We are spec'ing out a MH probably for the 2006 camping season. We are undecided between the Winnebago Adventurer or Journey and the Itasca Suncruiser or Meridian. I spoke to a few sales people at a show over the weekend and heard two very different opinions on mileage, performance, towing ability between a gas and diesel MH.

Our plans after retirement (the end of 2006) are initially wintering on the Southwest and a few trips during the spring and fall. Eventually we will be traveling 6-8 months of the year. Bottom line is I don't envision ourselves staying at any given campground for extended times. In other words, once I seen that part of a state, we'll move on to another part of the state. It is not like we'll go somewhere and not move the rig for months at a time.

I'm looking for honest feedback from those of you who own Winnebago and Itasca MH's. Especially from those who have driven both Gasser and Diesel MH's as to the differences and which you prefer. Right now I'm leaning toward the diesel, but am open to opinions.

Cruzer · 01-09-2005, 03:15 PM

We had a 2003 Suncruiser. The Itasca division is posioned by Winnebago to be an upscale divison, but in reality the Adventurer and Suncruiser are 985 the same thing. The only "upscale" features are decor. If you think either one looks good I'd let the dealer be the deciding factor between the two. When we went shopping we found an excellent Itasca dealer nearby while the nearest Winnebago dealer wasn't very helpful so that sealed it for us. However, your location may have the opposite scenario so that's something you'll have to check out.

As to gas versus diesel, well there are definite advantages to a diesel over a gasser. They handle better in the wind, the ride smoother, they have more torque for climbing hills, they have greater carrying capacity, etc. Oh, by the way, they cost more too.

A Suncruiser will take you any place a Meridian will, it's just that the Meridian will get there in greater comfort. I can drive all day in my Bus and never get fatigued compared to my Suncruiser. If you move around often enough I know you would appreciate a diesel. Again, your type of RVing, lifestyle, and financial situation will determine whether or not a DP is for you. If you want more specifics on what I found feel free to PM me.

RedT · 01-09-2005, 04:18 PM

Bottom line is it's your decision, since it's your money, and there's a bit of $$$ between the diesel and the gasser. Comparing the two coaches, I would say that the coach quality and appointments would be the same. The Itasca line has a bit more 'gingerbread' than the Winnebago line.

The engine and chassis, of course, is far different. Having owned two gassers, the diesel represents much more power, weight capacity, safety, stopping capability, comfort and hill climbing power than the gasser. We travel much of the time in the mountain west and would not go back to a gasser.