To kick-off the 2009 model year, we visited Sicard Holiday Campers, in Smithville, Ontario, to take a spin in the brand-new Winnebago Outlook 31C, a motorhome designed for the times, and destined to be a very popular model in the Winnebago line.
            We felt that it was only appropriate to begin our coverage of the 2009 models with a Winnebago – the company, whose name has become synonymous with motorhomes, will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary in 2009 – a landmark of innovation in the RV industry.
             Sicard Holiday Campers, one of Canada’s largest volume RV dealers, is also celebrating a major event this year - it’s their 40th anniversary of service to RV enthusiasts in the Golden Horseshoe area of South-Central Ontario. They will commemorate this milestone with an open house in September that promises to be one of the highlights of the year for their many thousands of customers…

             Slide behind the wheel of the new Outlook class C motorhome from Winnebago, and two things immediately come to mind – first, this is a vehicle that has been designed by engineers who are RV enthusiasts – everything you need is right at your fingertips; and second, the Outlook is fun to drive… so much so, that you feel right at home on winding country roads.
            The handling characteristics of this motorhome are excellent for a vehicle of this type. The Ford E450 chassis responds well to the road, steering straight and true through all the twists and turns of backcountry roads. Suspension is soft enough to cushion the bumps, yet stiff enough to prevent sway. Power from the 305-hp 6.8L SEFI V10 engine is ample for a motorhome of this size, and fuel efficiency for highway driving should be in the mid-teens, in miles per gallon – not too bad considering the fact that you have both transportation and accommodation in one vehicle.
            We were particularly impressed with the smooth performance of the TorqShift™ 5-speed automatic transmission, with overdrive that kicks in to give you that extra energy for passing or climbing hills. Just as impressive was the performance of the 4-wheel ABS braking system – calibrated to feel like you are driving the family van – smooth and steady for normal driving conditions, strong and secure for quick-reaction braking.

HEAD-TURNING INTERIOR
One look at the dark mist full body paint scheme of this vehicle, and you know that you have a vehicle that is designed to look as good as it drives. Step inside, and your expectations are exceeded.
            In a very competitive marketplace, Winnebago has obviously put a great deal of thought into the interior floor plan and appointments on the new Outlook. This is not your grandparent’s motorhome – it is fresh and up-to-date with a range of SmartSpace™ and SmartStorage® design elements that cleverly maximize every aspect of the vehicle’s interior. The single slide-out section provides an open and spacious living area, with a large and well-appointed galley on the passenger side of the vehicle, and dinette and sofa bed on the driver’s side. The cab over can be ordered in a bunk configuration, or as an entertainment and storage area, with a large TV positioned for easy viewing. The Outlook we used for this road test was outfitted for the overhead bunk option, and it offered a solid ladder and lots of headroom to create a very viable sleeping area for an adult. A swing-away 19” LCD TV was ideal for this application.
            Our test vehicle was equipped with the full interior upgrade package, with upgrade appliances and décor. Some of these elements, like the accent rope lighting, may seem superfluous at first, but in the evening, when you can use the energy efficient rope light instead of a conventional fluorescent fixture, you really see how it adds to the mood and ambiance of the interior.
            The master bedroom in the Outlook features a full wall of closet space at the foot of the queen size bed, and additional closet and storage space beside and above the headboard. Mirrored doors on the closets add to the appeal of this area. Lighting was neat and functional, and the area was bright and spacious for a vehicle of this type.
            Among the features that were most notable within the Outlook, we really liked the new Dream Dinette™ table, with very easily operated lifting system, and BenchMark® full comfort dinette seating which features innerspring construction rather than the typical slab foam. The seat cushions flip up for access to storage, and the dinette converts into a really comfortable sleeping area. With the Rest-Easy Multi-position lounge, the dinette, the overhead bunk, and the rear bed, you can easily accommodate five or six adults for extended trips, and the comfort level is residential in quality, more than a notch above typical camping comfort.
            This approach, building RV components like fine furniture, elevates Winnebago to a higher standard among RV manufacturers. Other components within the Outlook also have the extra touch of class – like the large refrigerator with Titanium Touch stainless steel door insert, ideally suited for the needs of six adults who can travel in the motorhome.
            All of the materials were high quality and well chosen for a motorhome, especially in an era when weight and fuel efficiency concerns will dominate the evaluation process. The nautical-style cabinet knobs and flat-panel doors are a departure from typical RV interior components, and the new look is refreshing.

IN THE CAMPSITE
As you might well expect from Winnebago, all of your RV system access compartments are ideally positioned for easy campsite hook-ups. Storage compartments are generous in size, and the StorMor™ cargo bay slides out along with the extended section to provide easy access to your gear – this is far more convenient and much safer than the average RV storage compartment configuration. Storage compartment interiors are roomy, well lit, and weatherproof.
            Finally, you can forget the annoying pocket full of keys – Winnebago now has a KeyOne™ system, where a single key opens almost every door and compartment in the vehicle.

BUILT TO LAST
Winnebago has long been famous for the strength and durability of their vehicles, and the 2009 Outlook is certainly constructed to stand the test of time. With SuperStructure® construction and Thermo-Panel® sidewalls the coach should endure many years of trouble-free touring.
             The sidewall and roof construction utilizes a pressure-bonded sandwich of exterior skin, luan backing, and EPS foam block with an aluminum framework and interlocking sidewall and roof joints to create a very strong and durable vehicle. The steel cab substructure and major steel components are electro-coated to resist rust and corrosion.

For more information visit the website at www.winnebagoind.com

(Page Top)