Winnebago’s 2011 Euro-styled View Profile 24G, built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, features all the comforts of home in a dual-slide Class C motorhome.
Behind the front cab is a stylish curbside galley and opposite is a streetside convertible sofa sleeper segment with slideout. Combined, these two elements create what could be considered a modest but feature-rich lounge area. Mid-coach streetside is a fully enclosed – though diminutive – bathroom with shower stall, wash basin and china toilet, while the aft slideout compartment houses a queen bed.
Architectural elements employed on the View Profile are much like those used on Winnebago’s larger motorhomes, such as steel and aluminum substructures that secure internal cabinets and appliances. Similarly, metal framework above and below the main floor deck is secured with interlocking joints for optimum strength and durability. Wall segments are comprised of exterior gelcoat fiberglass, high-density interior block-foam insulation and aluminum support pieces, laminated together using Winnebago’s proprietary “Thermo-Panel” process. Topping things off is a crowned, one-piece fiberglass roof.
Our motorhome was appointed with many upscale standard amenities seldom found in an RV of this size, including a 26-inch LCD TV, convertible sofa with inflatable bed and a microwave/convection oven. With these features and many more, the base price for the 24G is $101,769.
But we’re not done there. The unit also came replete with a load of available options that raised the final price tag to $118,842. Significant among these were a 3.6-kW Onan MicroQuiet LP-gas generator ($3,073), aluminum wheels ($2,135) and an electric patio awning ($945).
Respectable Road Tripper
Easing into the Winnebago’s comfy and adjustable Ultraleather captain’s chairs in the Spartan but nevertheless well-sorted-out cab with 6.5-inch LCD radio/rear camera touch screen, we pointed the aerodynamically crafted unit northward toward California’s Central Coast. Driver visibility forward was excellent because of its slanted nose, and initial steering feedback indicated this would be a very easy vehicle to drive. We were also duly impressed with the motorhome’s external full-body Silvermist paint scheme ($6,006).
Acceleration of the unit with its 188-hp, turbodiesel V-6 engine is smooth and relatively quiet, though not of the head-snapping variety. Once up to freeway speeds, the experience is more like driving a multipurpose van than a motorhome.
Though the View Profile is no ball of fire off the line, it more than makes up for itself when it hits highway cruising speeds. In fact, the unit’s average freeway performance was so fluid and seamless that drivers needed to pay close attention to the speedometer to stay within the legal speed limit.
Handling and maneuverability for the most part is commendable, though the unit tends to move and shudder a bit when passed by larger rigs or hit by strong wind gusts. The cab is quiet under most driving conditions, though it does get pretty noisy when tires encounter rough highway surfaces.
Due in part to the Winnie’s aerodynamic profile and frugal, fuel-sipping turbodiesel, we logged mileage figures of 18.6 mpg. With this in mind, users can expect a generous average travel range of more than 460 miles per tank if they don’t get pedal-happy.
Heading out of Santa Barbara, Calif., and up the steep and winding San Marcos Pass, the unit motored along smoothly and confidently. As the ground rose beneath us, the unit’s tip shift gear lever allowed the driver to manually up- or downshift the automatic transmission as needed.
We piloted the Winnebago up this challenging highway without losing too much momentum in the curves, and only had to pull over on a couple of occasions to let faster traffic go by. As we approached the summit with its 7 percent incline, we were still able to maintain a respectable 55 mph at 2,600 rpm in fourth gear.
Descending into the Santa Inez Valley, we downshifted to third and allowed the unit’s modest holdback capability to slow our descent (without having to use the front/rear disc brakes) to 58 mph at 3,800 rpm in third gear. The transmission is fully capable of selecting a sufficient gear on its own; however, we preferred to choose what we thought was an appropriate gear by again using the handy tip shift feature.
Navigating a variety of roads throughout the test was an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring experience because of the motorhome’s agility and positive highway feedback. No matter how narrow or winding a road or campground lane turned out to be, we were able to thread our way through with usually room to spare. Even several U-turns were made with ease, thanks to the unit’s tight 54.6-foot turning diameter.
Living Small
Livability is surprisingly cozy in the Sprinter-based unit, due in large part to its two slideouts. A forward slide streetside contains a convertible Ultraleather sofa/sleeper ($623) that also substitutes as a dinette. The other slide is situated to the rear, and features a 60- by 75-inch queen bed. Though this unit is obviously laid out for two adults, the sofa can be converted to a 54- by 75-inch bed, with a self-inflating mattress, for an extra guest or a couple of kids.
Interior décor reflects a modern treatment with the combination of Mocha Cherry cabinetry and brushed-nickel fixtures and hardware. The company’s Platinum with Surfside Ultraleather fabric/upholstery collection graces the coach’s interior, using lighter shades of beige and tan, while floor covering in the higher-traffic galley and mid-coach bathroom segments is light, easily cleanable vinyl. Similarly hued carpet graces bedroom and forward cockpit areas.
After arriving at our campground, we easily backed into a space and set up for the evening. Once the motorhome was leveled and hooked up to shorepower, our next order of business was to put together a quick dinner in the forward lounge/galley area.
The galley is a veritable study in making the best use of a limited space. Though the laminate countertop offers a modest usable surface area, Winnebago engineers have maximized the space by installing hinged, smoked safety-glass covers for the round stainless steel sink and two-burner stovetop. With lids folded down, we had a reasonable amount of room to put together our evening meal, cooking on the LP-gas stovetop or in the overhead convection/microwave oven.
Across the aisle in the forward slideout, we set up a compact dinette area using the sofa and an included portable 30- by 19-inch tabletop. This arrangement is dining space on a reduced scale, but nevertheless gets the job done. When dinner was finished, the tabletop stowed away neatly in a cupboard beneath the countertop.
The compact lounge area is quite suitable for either kicking back and watching the curbside wall-mounted 26-inch LCD TV, or hosting a visitor or two. Adding further flexibility to the area, the cab’s captain’s seats can be swiveled around to face rearward.
For the most part, we enjoyed restful slumber in the View’s rear slideout bedroom, sleeping on its segmented memory foam queen mattress. One slight hurdle we had to accept was a narrow, 4-inch aisle space at the foot of the bed. This required us to enter the rear room extension by crawling over the top of the mattress. Once in the room, however, there was at least 12 inches on either side of the bed that provided minimal dressing areas, plus room to make up the sleeper the next morning. You have to accept compromises in a unit this size to reap the overall benefits of its versatility.
The View Profile 24G comes with an enclosed bathroom located mid-coach, between the lounge and rear bedroom. Though its dimensions are compact, the room offers the necessary elements for cleaning up, including a wash basin and curtained shower stall with 76 inches of headroom. Even in this tight configuration, the compartment provides an appreciated 15 inches of foot space in front of the china toilet.
Loading the Winnebago before our trip took some calculated planning. Outside, there is one main rear compartment of about 13 cubic feet, plus a very small recess curbside. Despite these limitations, we managed to stuff a pair of folding chairs into the rear cargo space along with several bundles of firewood. Inside, one sizable location that we used was a 21- by 48- by 28-inch hall closet that accepted clothing on hangers, as well as smaller containers below. With all this at hand, we managed to squirrel away enough travel essentials and food items to last us for more than a few days.
Winnebago’s take on how to best utilize the nimble Sprinter chassis has resulted in a bravura performance, despite constraints in overall size and available horsepower. With decent fuel economy, a traditional but tight floorplan and a dedicated queen bed to boot, the View Profile 24G is a good choice for efficient travel.
2011 Winnebago View Profile 24G
What’s Hot
Fuel economy, aerodynamic design, galley makes good use of space, upscale standard amenities, including a 26-inch LCD TV, convertible sofa with inflatable bed and microwave/convection oven
What’s Not
Compact floorplan, limited storage options inside and out, only 4 inches of aisle space at the foot of the queen bed, coach shudders a bit when hit by wind gusts or passed by large rigs
Specifications
Performance
Fuel Economy: 18.6 mpg
Acceleration:
0-60: 22.1 sec
40-60: 12.9 sec
Chassis
Model: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Engine: 3.0-l Mercedes-Benz v-6 turbodiesel
SAE HP: 188 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 1,400-2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with tip shift
Axle ratio: 4.18:1
Tires: LT215/85R16
Wheelbase: 170″
Brakes: hydraulic disc with ABS
Suspension, F/R: independent with mono-leaf spring and stabilizer/leaf spring with stabilizer bar
Fuel Cap: 26.4 gal
Warranty: 3 Yrs/36,000 miles
Coach
Ext Length: 24′ 9″
Ext Width: 7′ 6″
Ext Height: 10′ 6″
Int Width: 7′ 3″
Int Height: 6′ 5″
Construction: aluminum/Steel framing, fiberglass skin and roof, polystyrene block foam insulation
Freshwater Cap: 35 gal
Black-Water Cap: 32 gal
Gray-Water Cap: 32 gal
Water-Heater Cap: 6 gal
LP-Gas Cap: 13 gal
Air Conditioner (1): 13,500 BTU
Furnace: 20,000 Btu
Refrigerator: 8 cu-ft
Inverter/charger: 300 watt/30 amp
Battery: (1) 12-volt chassis, (2) 12-volt coach
AC Generator: 3.6 kW
BASE msrp: $101,769
MSRP as Tested: $118,842
Warranty: 1 yr/15,000 miles
Wet Weight
(water and heater, fuel, lp-gas tanks full; no supplies or passengers)
front axle: 3,360 lbs
rear axle: 6,540 lbs
total: 9,900 lbs
Chassis Ratings
gawr, f/r: 4,410/7,720 lbs
gvwr/gcwr: 11,030/15,250 lbs
rOCCC: 1,130 lbs (deduct weight of passengers for net cargo capacity)
gawr: gross axle weight rating
gvwr: gross vehicle weight rating
gcwr: gross combination weight rating
Roccc: realistic Occupant and cargo carrying capacity (full water, No passengers)
Winnebago Industries
641-585-3535, www.gowinnebago.com.
