Winnebago Aspect 26A (35-4)
By Norm Rosen |
A
21st Century Streamliner that’s compact and comfortable.
 As
any RV enthusiast will attest, performance at the fuel pump
is a factor these days, but roadability and interior design
are the keys to enjoying a motorhome vacation. We visited Pickering
RV Centre to test drive the Aspect 26A, one of this year’s
most popular Winnebago models. Offered in three lengths, 23-,
26-, and 29-feet, the Aspect has captured the imagination of
motorhome buyers looking for a more economical and fuel efficient
alternative to the Class A and traditional Class C vehicles.
The Aspect achieves two of the most desirable goals of the class
C motorhome genre – fuel efficiency and handling ease,
by lowering the profile of the vehicle and applying aerodynamic
design to all critical surfaces. The RV enthusiast’s most
difficult decision seems to be “which of the three Aspect
models is ideal for my needs?”
Depending on the overall length and interior configuration,
you can pick an Aspect model that meets your needs… it
all comes down to your choice of floorplans, and how you split
the sleeping accommodations. The Aspect 26A, at 26-feet 7-inches
long, is large enough to accommodate four adults, yet small
enough to be maneuvered with ease on a winding country road.
A couple traveling on their own might prefer the comfort and
convenience of the 23-foot Aspect, while a family of four would
more likely select the 29-foot model with front and rear slide-outs
for the added sleeping accommodations.
We selected the middle unit in the range to show readers how
spacious and comfortable a compact Class C unit with a single
slide-out could be. While you can travel with six adults on
board, the sleeping accommodations in the 26A floorplan are
ideally suited for a couple and two children – but it
isn’t quite as easy as that – depending on the size
of the kids, you may have a bit of juggling to do. The master
bed is 54- by 75-inches, and the dinette converts into a 45-
by 82-inch sleeping area… anyone over six feet tall will
be more comfortable on the dinette bed.
The challenge of interior space is always a factor when selecting
a compact motorhome – keep in mind that in a pinch, you
can always add an air mattress and sleeping bag to accommodate
another passenger in the lounge area.
Interior Appointments
 Our
test unit was finished in the “Oasis” upholstery
trim with maple cabinetry, one of several décor selections
available on the 2006 models. Interior fit and finish was excellent,
with all controls positioned in logical and easily accessible
locations. Storage compartments were well suited to a vehicle
of this size. The use of a fold-down counter extension in the
galley and the BenchMark Full Comfort dinette with a fold-down
table section adds to the versatility of the floorplan. It only
takes a few seconds to flip up the innerspring cushions of the
dinette to reveal generous storage bins, or lower the table
and rearrange the cushions to create the most comfortable bed
in the vehicle. The exclusive Stitchcraft lounge chair is comfortable
and finely crafted, but take note – swivel chairs of this
type are not approved for use when the vehicle is in motion.
 Winnebago
Industries certainly does not skimp on the selection of materials
and components. Your vinyl flooring is Congoleum in the galley
and bath area, with plush carpeting in the living area. Galley
appliances are from the well-known RV suppliers, including a
Norcold double-door N611L refrigerator/freezer, Sylvania microwave
convection oven and Magic Chef three-burner range. The powered
vent hood keeps the galley area comfortable while the gourmet
chef prepares dinner. The molded, double sink recessed into
the galley countertop is large enough to be practical, with
an insert to convert the area into counter space.
The Aspect is a very comfortable home away from home, with thermostatically
controlled floor-ducted heat and ceiling-ducted air conditioning
systems. Décor and area lighting is well positioned,
with easily accessed switches.
With a compact floorplan, the design of the washroom is critical,
and the Aspect 26A provides a residential style toilet, and
an ABS shower stall. The vanity is located outside of the washroom,
at the foot of the double bed. Hanging closet space is ample
for a vehicle of this size, with four overhead cabinets and
under-bed storage for your personal items.
On The Road
Riding on the Ford E-450 chassis, the Aspect is a pleasure to
drive. Performance is peppy and responsive, with a solid, stable
feel for the road. Our road test unit was not broken in to the
point where fuel efficiency could be tabulated. However, we
would expect the streamlined contour of this unit to contribute
to deliver a better than average fuel efficiency for a motorhome
of this size and weight, with the Ford E450 drivetrain combination
powered by the 305 hp 6.8L Super Duty V10 SOHC Triton engine
coupled to a five-speed automatic Torqshift transmission with
“tow/haul” settings. Dwayne Petzold at Pickering
RV has logged 12 mpg when new Aspect models arrive from the
Forest City Iowa plant; your mileage will depend on cargo and
driving conditions, with better results anticipated once the
engine has been broken in.
This is a motorhome that’s ready to play. Equipped with
a standard trailer hitch rated at 5,000 lbs, you can tow a small
car or a boat. We really like the handling of the E450 chassis,
with four-wheel ABS braking system and Michelin tires. When
you slide behind the wheel, power assisted steering, tilt wheel,
and cruise control make you as comfortable and confident in
the driver’s seat as you would be in a deluxe minivan.
Winnebago Industries has thought of everything to make your
2006 Aspect trip enjoyable. You even get an auxiliary starting
circuit – you can use the deep cycle RV battery as a backup
if your coach battery runs low (In normal operation, the batteries
in the coach are charged by the 130 amp alternator, but are
isolated from the automotive system to prevent unintentional
discharging. For storage purposes, a coach battery disconnect
switch is provided – this is the first thing to check
when your coach lights do not operate… been there, done
that, got the T-shirt).
On the highway, your passengers can enjoy the 24-inch Sony flat-face
TV and DVD player thanks to the optional 300 watt inverter and
the extra deep-cycle RV battery, or you can sit back and relax
to the symphonic tones from the five-channel QSurround Deluxe
Sound System. For your convenience, the overhead TV console
is pre-wired for a satellite system. (Page Top)
Construction
Winnebago Industries builds its motorhomes using a steel frame
cab substructure, and electro-coated steel components to resist
rust. Laser-aligning the cab to the chassis assures a precise
fit. The process, which the company calls SuperStructure construction,
incorporates precision engineered ThermoPanel roof and sidewalls
with pressure bonded layers of exterior skin, EPS foam block
insulation, aluminum framework, and Luan backing. Winnebago’s
unique interlocking sidewall and roof-joint design assures that
the weight of the coach is carried by the metal substructure
for optimum strength and durability.
At The Campsite
Once you’ve arrived at your destination you can head outside
to level the vehicle (remember to set the parking brake), and
then ask your co-pilot to flip the switch beside the microwave
oven to extend the dinette slide-out section. While the rest
of the family settles in for an entertaining sojourn at the
campsite, you can hook up the water, sewer, and electric lines,
and extend the awning. In less than ten minutes your land yacht
has been transformed into a fully-featured campground chalet.
The Aspect has a TrueLevel holding tank monitor system that
incorporates Mirus detector cell technology from Material Sciences
Corporation. Unlike typical monitor systems, the Mirus sensors
do not have to be placed within the holding tanks – the
sensors read fluid levels right through the plastic tank walls,
assuring accuracy without the risk of corrosion or malfunction.
Options to Consider
Our test unit was outfitted with a number of options that we
would highly recommend to readers. The roof air/heat pump unit
is a high-efficiency, low PFL Coleman model, which complements
the Suburban SF30 furnace to keep your RV climate controlled
regardless of the weather. For Canadian RV adventures, the dual-pane
coach windows provide thermal insulation and reduce the incidence
of condensation. The Onan Microquiet 4.0 kW generator is a real
convenience, as is the addition of a second deep cycle RV battery
and a 300 watt DC/AC inverter. Heated exterior mirrors with
defrosters come in handy, as does the electric entry step.
The most impressive option, in our opinion, is the Audiovox
rearview monitor system, with a compact LCD screen mounted in
the sun visor. This not only gives you the peace of mind that
comes from having a very good view of the traffic behind your
vehicle, it’s indispensable for docking the motorhome
at the campsite. One word of advice – even with a rear
vision monitor, you should always have a co-pilot guiding your
maneuvers as you back into a campsite – no monitor can
warn you when a small child is about to dash behind a moving
vehicle.
Don’t shy away from some of the added features just to
save a few dollars – chances are you will find the options
tremendously useful, and in the long run, they may add to the
resale value of the vehicle. See all three of the 2006 Aspect
units in full detail at the Winnebago dealer in your area!
SPECIFICATIONS: WINNEBAGO ASPECT 26A
Length 26’7”
GVWR 14,050 lbs.
GCWR 20,000 lbs.
Exterior Height 10’3”
Exterior Width 7’11. 2”
Exterior Storage 43.0 cu. ft.
Interior Height 6’5”
Freshwater Capacity w/Heater 43 gal.
Holding Tank Capacity –
Gray Tank 37 gal.
Black Tank 32 gal.
LP Gas 18 gal.
Fuel Capacity 55 gal.
Wheelbase 15” 2”
Price as Tested $89,900
www.winnebagoind.com / www.pickeringrv.com (Page
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