Industry Spotlight: Winnebago Releases Newest Class C Coach

Only a few years ago, no one would have dreamed of paying hundreds of dollars for a cooler. Then along came Yeti. Light, strong, and exceptionally good at its primary function -- insulation -- Yeti coolers, along with a host of subsequent imitators, revolutionized the category.

Now, borrowing a page from that technology, Winnebago has developed what it calls the SuperShell Sleeper Deck, and is introducing it on its newest Class C coach, the Vita.

"We use a two-part mold filled with expandable foam to build the SuperShell," said Russ Garfin, Product Manager for Class C motorhomes. "The result is a shell that's stronger, lighter and much quieter than a typical shell, both on the road and in the campground. This also reduced the number of parts and processes necessary to build the cab-over, improving quality and durability for our owners."

But Winnebago didn't stop there. Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Vita also incorporates numerous other advances and innovations, including:

Manifold-Based Plumbing and LP systems
Instead of the more common system of multiple joints and connections, the Vita uses separate, manifold style routings for its plumbing and LP systems. According to Product Manager Garfin, this "not only reduces the number of connections in the coach, it improves manufacturing quality and serviceability."

200-Watt Solar Panels (expandable to 475 watts)

Together with the two standard 105 AH AGM Batteries and 1,000-watt pure sine wave DC/AC inverter, the Vita's solar energy system boosts its boondocking capability and reduces demand for the 3,600-watt generator.

Roof wiring access port

Because so many RVers are adding Wi-Fi and cellular boosters to their coaches, Winnebago has included a roof access port that allows customers to add the system of their choice, without the hassle or risk of drilling into the motorhome roof.

Other advances

In addition to the innovations listed above, the Vita boasts a 7.3 cu. ft refrigerator, the largest Winnebago has ever put in a Sprinter-based motorhome. Careful use of space has also enabled the Vita to offer the largest galley and largest bed in its class.

Somewhat surprisingly, even with all of these innovations, the Vita is expected to retail for thousands less than other Sprinter-based Class C coaches. And that may be the biggest innovation of all.