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One of the most unusual long term vehicles we've tested in years is this 23-foot Winnebago View. It's the latest in a long line of compact RVs, and we already think it's Winnes' best yet. Partly because it is built on the excellent Dodge Sprinter Chassis, a U.S. version of Mercedes-Benz's popular European delivery van.
Driving the View is very car-like, with up-to-date features like ABS brakes, stability control, and an amazingly quiet 154-horsepower, 2.7-liter 5-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, capable of up to 19 miles per gallon.
Our View is being used both for weekend excursions, and as a mobile production office. We like the high style interior, slide-out body, and resulting large seating area. From our point of view, the Winnebago View is one impressive compact RV.
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We're really enjoying our 23-foot Winnebago View compact RV. We love its surprisingly spacious interior that includes a slide-out section. The Dodge Sprinter chassis, with features like ABS brakes and stability control, takes the chore out of driving as well.
The 4,000 miles on its odometer covers both high speed interstates and slow speed mountain roads. Still, the willing Mercedes-Benz 154-horsepower, 2.7-liter 5-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is returning a fine 16.7 miles per gallon.
Now we did hear from Al and Janet Cardulla of Florida about a serious steering wheel vibration in their brand new View. Being a chassis problem, their Winnebago dealer couldn't help them. And the Dodge dealer had to order a wheel hub from Germany for the repair. But it was eventually fixed under warranty and now all is shimmy free.
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Built on the Mercedes-derived Dodge Sprinter chassis, the View drives very car-like, and the quiet, 154-horsepower, 2.7-liter 5-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has returned a solid, SUV-like 17.9 miles per gallon.
We also have a lot of solid observations. View is the small RV for upscale open-roaders, with high quality interior materials and excellent fit and finish. We loved the built in flat screen TV, the strong heater, centralized system monitor, crank slide-out extension, and the efficient kitchen and dinette layout. But it also has some short comings, like no tilt-steering wheel, and mirrors that are too small for confident backing. And when parked, the tailpipe for the engine and generator are on the curb side, right where you would set up camp under an awning.
Still, from our point of view, the $79,000 Winnebago View is one impressive compact RV that sets new standards for an intelligent home on the road.
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