Minnie 32′

As one of the most recognizable nameplates in the motorhome industry, Winnebago has been
synonymous with outdoor recreation for decades. The brand’s newest addition, the 32G, is
the largest in Winnebago’s midline Minnie Class C motorhome series and offers enough room
for extended vacations while still being small enough to instill confidence among camping
neophytes. Based on a Ford E-450/V-10 cutaway chassis that’s been given a wheelbase stretch
from 158 to 216 inches, the 32G is designed around an aft-bedroom, mid-galley floorplan
that uses a streetside slide to enlarge the main living and galley areas. Traditional meals
are comfortably taken at a beautifully upholstered dinette that also provides a perfect
view of the television while dining or lounging; it converts to a 42 x 70-inch bed (with
storage below). Across from the dinette, in the main slideout, is a cozy sofa that can be
folded out for sleeping. Unique to this new floorplan is the shared slide-room placement of
certain kitchen appliances, creating a very useful and spacious L-shape galley when
extended. A residential-style double-basin sink and faucet give the galley an upscale look
(an impression enhanced by the coach’s beautiful wallpaper and border décor). Private
loafing in the master suite is as easy as closing the sliding door between the galley and
the bath. For increased privacy, an accordion-style door separates the master bedroom from
the bath – a great feature for active families. For all of its positive features, this
coach has one big deficiency: a 494-pound cargo-carrying capacity (ccc) based on its design
as a four-person sleeper. If two adults alone typically travel in this Minnie, its ccc
would increase by 308 pounds (to 802 pounds total). That may still be slim pickings,
depending on individual travel preferences, but it’s a step in the right direction. For a
motorhome of this weight (12,940 pounds wet), performance up a 6-percent grade was more
than adequate; we maintained 55 mph in third gear with a bit of pedal to spare. With its
new floorplan, the Minnie 32G should provide a family with a complete outdoor recreation
experience, whether camping at a full-service RV resort or boondocking in the middle of
nowhere – as long as it’s packed very carefully. For further details and our impressions on
the Winnebago 32′, pick up the March 2004 issue of MotorHome — then subscribe to MotorHome so
you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests and previews, products and technical
information, and travel info. Winnebago Industries, (641) 585-3535, winnebagoind.com