Winnebago Fuse down sides?

[dkingman]

Hi,
I did a search for “Winnabego Fuse” but you get a lot of posts about electrical problems. Anyway, I have seen some posts about Fuses not having much clearance. Has that been an issue with Fuse owners? Are there any other issues a prospective buyer should know about?

Thanks in Advance,

Dave K.

[Ed_G]

I would say the biggest issue with the Winnebago Fuse is rear clearance. We have had our 2018 23A for nearly two years and never dragged the rear, but others have. Primarily it seems to be the 2017 models. The 2017 models also tended to have one less leaf spring. I have measured clearance as low as 10" on some of those. Our 2018.0 model measured 12" when purchased. In the 2018.5 year models Winnebago made a change to the back tapering the back end up an additional 2".
Many Fuse owners have addressed the low rear clearance issue in a number of different ways. Some add a leaf spring, some claim Sumo Spring bump stops help, some, such as myself, simply had lift blocks installed on the rear axle. I gained 3" clearance by just having 2" lift blocks installed....cost total was $350.00 at a good spring shop. I'd say adding a leaf spring might be the overall best way. There are now airbag systems for the Fuse's Transit chassis, but quite costly.
You will find many if not most of the Fuse owners in America on the Winnebago Fuse Owners Facebook page if you really want the complete picture On this wonderful little class C.

[dkingman]

Thanks! I had discovered the Fuse Facebook group. Sometimes Facebook groups are full of cheer leaders so I was looking to get a less biased opinion. My wife thinks it’s stupid to invest that much money on something with that major of a defect but I think she is thinking more in terms of the expense like with a monster truck lift kit. At about $30K less than a Navion/View, for late models, it’s something to consider, IMO.

I just want a class C diesel and am not impressed with Sprinters as I am with true Mercedes sedans. Looking at some of the Sprinter chassis (Thor) I think Mercedes would be horrified to have their logo on most of the vehicles with the quality of the class Cs out there.

[Ed_G]

Two points:
READ the comments on the Winnebago Fuse group.....you will quickly discover it is NOT A cheer group for the Fuse......pretty much just the facts.

You want to see a downside? Look at the Sprinter chassis. Mercedes says not to use any diesel over B5. Try driving some states like California where there is nothing but B20. And you might want to take a look at what Mercedes charges for regular service work compared to Ford.

[NHXplorer]

I am close to pulling the trigger on a 2017 Fuse with my main concern being rear clearance. Have any of you used the Firestone Ride Rite air suspension approach?
TIA, Peter