Winnebago Travato new model # 59K - Page 15

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 08:53 PM

The Travato is an excellent RV and the Promaster / Ducato chassis offers many benefits. The Fiat engine has been in commercial duty for a while. Before locking in the deal, make sure you test drive the diesel with the semi-automatic transmission with plenty of city driving.

It will not feel like a automatic with a torque converter.

The video below will give you more insight.

https://youtu.be/Yfvt7P1mv_w

There is one couple who full-time with a diesel Travato on Youtube. You may want to reach out to them.

https://youtu.be/vDRpogKacpg

wincrasher · 10-10-2015, 08:59 PM

I found that when I drove one, I did not like the first and second shifts left in automatic mode. Thought it was too sluggish. But if I manually shifted it, it took off fine and the shifts were crisp. There is no clutch pedal, you just throw the shifter.

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

It has a Urea system, so I wouldn't worry about it.

VW was using a different system, that I guess, couldn't meet economy expectations under normal driving, so they had a software switch to disable it.

Even if they are discovered to also have a problem, they'll be obligated to fix it, so your exposure would be nil. If you've convinced yourself you want a deisel, then I'd just get it.

I am fortunate to be one of the 400 K plus owners of a VW diesel without an SCR system (Ad Blue). The VW problem will have repercussions in the future for automotive applications but for trucks and RVs, diesel torque, fuel economy, and range can't be beat.

Research the maintenance requirements before you buy. There are major maintenance milestones for both diesels and direct shift automatics. Some good some more expensive

Diesel Particulate Filters
DPF: The Time Bomb Under Your Diesel - Diesel Power Magazine

Promaster Service Intervals
Ram ProMaster - the big van based on the Fiat Ducato

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I found that when I drove one, I did not like the first and second shifts left in automatic mode. Thought it was too sluggish. But if I manually shifted it, it took off fine and the shifts were crisp. There is no clutch pedal, you just throw the shifter.

The rough shifting is due to Fiat using a single clutch where VW uses a dual clutch in the DSG transmissions.

How was the MPG?

wincrasher · 10-10-2015, 09:20 PM

It seemed to be doing low 20's. At least that was what was on the display on a van people were test driving. I've heard reports of people getting mid-twenties on RV's, high twenties on empty cargo vans.

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 09:31 PM

2016 Winnebago Travato 59K (on order)

Signature not updated or are you going for Travato #3?

wincrasher · 10-10-2015, 09:47 PM

Yep, #3 is on it's way.

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 10:01 PM

What happened? Why? Did I miss a post on this?

You're replacing your Travatos faster than Mike W. replaces his Roadtreks.

Not jealous, not hating on you but tell us the truth. Did you win the SC lottery and can't abide driving an old (<5000 mile) Travato?

wincrasher · 10-10-2015, 10:31 PM

Yes, you must have missed a few postings. I went to look at a K, just out of curiosity and ending up ordering one. I had considered ordering a K when I got my last G, but there weren't any to see, so I just didn't appreciate how much I liked the floorplan.

The deal was pretty good, I got a significant discount on the K and an excellent trade value on my G. I can attest that the Travatos have resale along the lines of other B's, which is excellent as a percentage.

ClassB4Me · 10-10-2015, 11:01 PM

I had considered ordering a K when I got my last G, but there weren't any to see, so I just didn't appreciate how much I liked the floorplan.

The deal was pretty good, I got a significant discount on the K and an excellent trade value on my G. I can attest that the Travatos have resale along the lines of other B's, which is excellent as a percentage.

If you would not mind sharing...

Compared to the G, you don't mind going to a twin bed?
The entry to the bathroom looks kinda narrow in pictures, in real life?
Is the bath area tighter than the K plan?
How much solar are you planning to take on?
Have a local dealer you can reccommend?

wincrasher · 10-10-2015, 11:34 PM

I'm fine with the twin bed. I'm going to make the other bed up as a sofa.
The alleyway and bathroom entry look narrower in pictures than they are. It's wide enough to walk thru normally.
The bathroom in the K is larger than the G. The mirror is bigger and the bathroom is brighter overall. The large cabinet and drawers enable you to make it a dressing room too.
I'm getting the 100w solar package for ~$600 (it ends up being less with the discount). I ordered two 80 watt panels, brackets and wiring for around $500 from solardealz.com (zamp distributor), giving a total of 260 watts.
I have a local WGO dealer I trade with who also can do my service. He's right in town so it's really convenient if I need anything. They can't beat Lichtsinn on price, but I have a long standing relationship with them, so prefer to just buy there.

tbirdman · 10-11-2015, 04:09 PM

Unless you are trying to carry something big inside, the 59K floorplan is great. It really doesn't hit you how spacious it feels until you step inside one. I had the experience that every B I saw looked smaller in person. I thought the Zion felt so confining.

wincrasher · 10-11-2015, 04:52 PM

I struggled with the idea of giving up the capability of hauling large objects inside the van.

But the truth of the matter is that I would carry my bike outside on the rack, and other stuff in my Stowaway box. I think there is adequate space under the bed and in the cabinets for all the stuff I have in the Stowaway, so I may be able to get by without it.

If I carry my scooter (I have a special rack for it), then the Stowaway has to stay at home. If I carry the Stowaway, I can put my foldup or inflateable kayak inside and carry my mountain bike on the rack, but the scooter has to stay home. For my trip to the Keys this winter, I really want to carry the scooter, so I may have to settle with carrying the kayak on one of the beds.

There is still a large space that I could carry things (like a trip to home depot or costco) if I had to.

ClassB4Me · 10-11-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I struggled with the idea of giving up the capability of hauling large objects inside the van.

But the truth of the matter is that I would carry my bike outside on the rack, and other stuff in my Stowaway box. I think there is adequate space under the bed and in the cabinets for all the stuff I have in the Stowaway, so I may be able to get by without it.

If I carry my scooter (I have a special rack for it), then the Stowaway has to stay at home. If I carry the Stowaway, I can put my foldup or inflateable kayak inside and carry my mountain bike on the rack, but the scooter has to stay home. For my trip to the Keys this winter, I really want to carry the scooter, so I may have to settle with carrying the kayak on one of the beds.

There is still a large space that I could carry things (like a trip to home depot or costco) if I had to.

It looks to be an open plan. I wish there was a way to accommodate a spare tire. Well, I guess as long as one has good roadside assistance, you can do without it.

patirwin · 10-15-2015, 03:53 AM

Does anyone have the measurement b/w the beds on the 59K? I want to build supports like in the video of the couple who did just that but didn't give the measurements. I'm in Alaska, my new rig is in Tampa, and I want to bring them with me when we fly to pick it up.

Thanks in advance