By constantly updating, they developed innovative products such as a wall construction process called Thermo-Panel® that provides a strong, lightweight, insulated sidewall. This is still a Winnebago Industries exclusive.
In 1966, Winnebago Industries built its first motorhome. It was a 19-foot model that had everything a family needed for cross-country adventure. Through use of the assembly line and other manufacturing innovations in the motorhome industry, Winnebago Industries could produce a motorhome that sold for half the price of competitors’ models.
The company’s growth continued through the 1970s and 1980s and in 1986 was the first RV manufacturer to celebrate 20 years of production and to hit the 200,000 motorhomes produced mark. Today Winnebago Industries operates the largest RV production facility in the world and makes the majority of its parts and accessories itself, increasing their availability. As they say on the website, “Dies and molds are kept on hand. So, if you need a holding tank 10 years from now, you can get one. The tank was made by us, not by someone else who has long since gone out of business or shifted production.”
Winnebago also prides itself on its rigorous testing. A state-of-the-art, 40,000-square-foot testing facility was completed in 1989. The computerized road simulator (nicknamed "The Shaker") and the half-mile test track can simulate the effects of years of normal driving in just a few days. Components are checked under hot, cold, wet and dry conditions and every Winnebago Industries motorhome goes through a high-pressure water tunnel and is checked for leaks before shipping.
Winnebago Industries products sell strongest in the warm weather regions of the United States, the southwest and the southeast. Fleetwood Enterprises, Monaco Coach and Thor Industries are its closest competitors. According to Public Relations Specialist Kelli Harms, “Winnebago Industries manufacturers Class A, B and C motor homes under the Winnebago, Itasca and ERA brand names. Not only are our products top-notch and quality built, we also have the most recognized name in the industry – all of these things set us apart from our competitors,” she says.
Winnebago Industries also unveiled the new Class B ERA in 2009. Built on an 8,550-lb. GVWR Dodge Sprinter chassis with a fuel-efficient 3L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the 2009 ERA offers interior and exterior refinements in a boldly-styled package that delivers comfort, functionality and performance offered by none other than Winnebago Industries. Although class B’s are not rated in this guide, the Era is worth the look.
Comments: Winnebago has long been a respected name in the industry. Its customers are mid-range, looking for quality and concerned about price. The company continues to keep this in mind when upgrading and updating the product. After interviewing a number of Winnebago owners it became clear that many were happy with their purchase, and a few were not. Winnebago received the Quality Circle Award from RVDA in 2005. The dealers we spoke with were impressed with the way Winnebago handles customer service and warranty claims.
Customer satisfaction is very high and quality construction is above average to excellent. The resale value is average to above average based on our research. All in all it is a great company that has a good reputation within the industry. What does the future hold for Winnebago? Harms says we can look for more amenities and features in Winnebago products. There will be better use of space and an emphasis on fuel economy. “Features people want in the home, they want in their RVs,” she says. “Functionality, ease of use, livability, luxury as well as quality are all things people look for in a Winnebago.”
Questions like the ones below are covered in our RV Comparison Guides:
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Which manufacturers are rated best? |
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What are the top selling brands in each category? |
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Should I buy a new or used RV? |
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How do I determine the overall quality of construction? |
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What is the depreciation factor when buying new? |
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How do I know if I am getting a good deal? |
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Should I trade in my old RV or sell it? |
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How do I select the right RV dealer for me? |
