When Winnebago reworked its premium coach line under the Tour banner for 2010, it introduced three new floorplans and made some changes to the fourth. Three of the four models are 40-footers and one is a tag-axle-equipped 42-footer. All the Tours exude high class and luxury; we took a close look at the 40BD, a tri-slide model loaded with all the bells and whistles.
As you enter the coach from the front door, a potpourri of interior components sends your senses into overdrive. Striking ceramic tile throughout the entire front section (and ending at the rear bedroom) contrasts beautifully with the high-quality cabinetry and light-colored ultraleather furniture.
Opposing slides up front create a living area and galley that will easily appeal to all facets of the lifestyle. Once the slides are extended, a tremendous amount of square footage keeps the streetside galley and curbside lounging/dining area clearly separate. The galley has all the amenities, including an extension of the structure that houses the large LCD TV.
Potential owners have a number of options when configuring the living room. For dining, the choice is between a table that extends (can expand) from the adjacent cabinetry and free-standing chairs or the more traditional booth-type dinette. We spent our time on the Rest Easy sofa and Euro chair/ottoman, which are perfectly placed for viewing the TV. The sofa can be substituted by Rest Easy theater seating along with the Euro chair, or with an extendable sectional sofa that expands into the area where the Euro chair would otherwise be planted. In all cases, the sofas are controlled by electronic mechanisms that recline the sections, and have pullout footrests. Once you turn the comfy cockpit seats toward the living area, the entire front section becomes party central for those who love to socialize with other campground residents.
A curbside side aisle leads to the bathroom and bedroom. As you move toward the back, the fully enclosed bathroom is accessed via a door directly across from large picture windows, which really brighten up the hallway.
Inside the bathroom, a large corner shower and the ceramic floor tile steal the show. Curved, sliding glass doors lead to a very roomy shower area, graced with plenty of shelving and high-quality fixtures, including a Moen mixer valve. There’s plenty of room to store bathroom essentials, even when the optional washer/dryer occupies the space. A porcelain toilet and nice size sink round out the bathroom amenities.
Out back, the 72-by-80-inch king bed is tucked into the third slideout. An electronic mechanism collapses the bed so it fits in the room while the slide is retracted. The bed is flanked by two narrow nightstands, and opposing windows in the slide neutralize any claustrophobia. At the foot of the bed is a chest of drawers with a nice countertop for stashing personal items. Above this structure is an LCD TV. The wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors occupies the rear wall.
Throughout the coach are plenty of cabinets, drawers and cubbyholes for storing items. Recessed lighting in the ceiling and switching flexibility keep the interior illuminated for entertaining, reading or mood. High-end day/night window coverings take the frustration out of handling pleated shades; there are no temperamental strings to deal with.
All the Tours are built on the Freightliner Maxum chassis powered by a 400-hp Cummins engine that’s tied to an Allison 3000MH, six-speed electronic transmission. Neway’s front and rear air suspension civilizes the ride, and the chassis is rated to tow dinghies up to 10,000 pounds (depending on coach loading).
The chassis configuration provides for spacious pass-through storage compartments, utilizing doors that open to the sides and provide convenient access. The service center compartment has been upgraded with a monitor panel and soap dispenser. There are also reels for the water hose and power cord.
Winnebago’s Tour is a seriously upgraded coach designed for folks with very discriminating tastes. The company has put a lot of thought into this coach and it shows right from the get-go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis: Freightliner Maxum
Engine: Cummins ISL 400 hp
Fuel: 100 gal
gvwr: 34,320 lbs
Length: 40′ 7″
Width: 8′ 5″
Height with A/C: 12′ 4″
Interior Height: 7′
Wheelbase: 276″
Freshwater Cap: 100 gal
Gray-water Cap: 94 gal
Black-water Cap: 57 gal
LP-Gas Cap: 30 gal
Base MSRP: $276,473
Winnebago Industries, 641-585-3535, www.winnebagoind.com.
