Winnebago’s New Revel Breaks The Mold For Class B Recreational Vehicles

When the image of Winnebago’s new Revel RV first appeared on my computer screen, I was intrigued. In fact, my initial thought was, “What in the heck is this thing?”

it’s definitely not your Grandfather’s Class B motorhome.

Winnebago Revel Overview

Yes, at first glance I could see it’s a Class B motorhome and the front grill alone told me it was built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. But in a world where so many models look alike, this one struck me as being totally different. It’s beefy, it looks rugged and it’s definitely not your Grandfather’s Class B motorhome.

Maybe because I live in South Florida and this is the time of the year the news seems to be filled with constant hurricane watches and warnings, when I learned of Winnebago’s launch of the Revel, my initial thought was this model could be the ideal vehicle to have on hand in the case of quick escape due to an evacuation or a massive power outage. Just take a look at the roof and you’ll see what I mean.

The Revel features dual solar panels that generate enough electricity to power the induction cooktop and it’s 2.5 cubic foot compressor refrigerator. Since no propane is required for appliances, all you need to do is fill it with diesel, add fresh water to the tank and you’re good to go just about anywhere.

I say “anywhere” as it’s built on Sprinter’s 4WD chassis and because it features welded aluminum cabinet face frames and positive latching cabinet doors and drawers, the Revel is a rare breed. It’s built from the ground up to be durable and designed to be driven both on- and off-road. The on-demand 4WD system includes a high/low range and a hill descent mode, so if you’re headed away from a storm and driving towards the mountains, you should have no problem navigating away from the crowds onto remote paths and spaces.

Winnebago’s press release underlines my initial impression of this Class B motorhome. “The Revel is a true 4X4 RV designed to take you to places no other Winnebago motorhome has gone before,” said Russ Garfin, Director of Product Management. “The amenities and features of the coach allow for comfortable exploration of remote places.”

Speaking of amenities, now take a look inside as this is where the Revel gets even more interesting.

A press of a button raises the Power Lift Bed to the ceiling to convert the space into a garage-style storage space.

Winnebago Revel Power Lift Bed Lowered To Sleeping Position

Power Lift Bed Raised To Add Storage Space

Per Winnebago, “When the bed is raised to the ceiling, 140 cu. Ft. in storage space is available for bicycles, climbing equipment, hiking gear and whatever else is needed for the next adventure.

Of course, it has all the necessities for comfortable living on or off the grid.

The head includes a shower, toilet, drain and ceiling-mounted vent fan.

Removable shelves convert the head into a storage closet.

The dinette incorporates a pull-up table that converts to additional sleeping space

Click through the gallery to see more interior features.

Features

4×4 Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter chassis,
3-liter turbo-diesel: 325 lbs./ft. of torque
On-demand 4WD system, with high/low range and hill descent mode.
140-cu. ft. gear garage with a power lift bed.
A full galley.
2.5-cu. ft. compressor refrigerator.
All-in-one wet bath and gear closet boast a cassette-style toilet that eliminates the need for a separate black water holding tank.
Solar power system.
Diesel-powered heating
Dinette with a pull-up table that converts to additional sleeping space.
Tires: 4 – BF Goodrich T/A KO2 All Terrain Tires with CoreGard technology that features a 20% tougher sidewall that is split and bruise resistant.
Full Size Spare Tire located on the underside of the chassis.
Price starts at $135,000.
Shipping to dealers: October, 2017

Summary

It’s evident the Revel is designed for outdoor enthusiast and targeted towards the growing market of Millennial’s seeking a RV that can go just about anywhere while having a model that includes air conditioning and many of the creature comforts of home. In this day and age where just about every motorhome in a specific class seem to be separated only by trim features and paint schemes, I’ll take my hat off to Winnebago for introducing a model that separates it from the crowded, Sprinter platform Class B space.

Would I Buy One?

Oddly enough, maybe.

While I already own a 1957 Flxible Starliner that’s a great show vehicle and one that includes livability functions that’s great for short trips, I also own a Marathon converted Prevost that’s the king of the road for cross country ventures. If price and storage space was not an issue, I could see adding a Revel to the fleet.

Why, you ask? The answer is based on a big IF.

If the Revel’s Sprinter chassis could be safely flat towed behind my Prevost, it could be the ideal vehicle to bring along on a trip. This would allow me to have a tow vehicle to use for shopping or just getting around town as well as one that provides additional and separate sleeping space for guests. When it’s time to head to a national park or other locations where the Prevost is simply too large, the Revel could be the go-to vehicle that provides accessibility and creature comforts.

Floorplan and Specifications

Length: 19’5″
Exterior Height: 9’10”
Exterior Width 7’1″
Awning Length 10′
Interior Height 6’3″
Interior Width 6’7″
Freshwater Tank Capacity: 21 Gallon
Continuous Water Heater Capacity
Cassette Toilet Capacity: 5 Gallons
Holding Tank Capacity: 21 Gallons
Fuel Capacity: 26.4 Gallons
GCWR: 13,550 lbs.
GVWR 8,550 lbs.
GAWR – Front 3,970 lbs.
GAWR – Rear 5,360 lbs.
Wheelbase 144″
Seating Capacity 4

Additional Comments

When I was narrowing my search for a full sized motorhome and before I decided my needs were best served with a pre-owned Prevost, Winnebago’s Grand Tour made my very short list of desirable models. I was impressed by the Grand Tour’s layout offerings, the comfort of Winnebago’s interiors and the management making the behind the scenes decisions.

While their brand name is as iconic as Coca-Cola, Kleenex and Tupperware, in my opinion Winnebago has developed a strong reputation for delivering a high bang-for-the-buck value, that personally, I simply don’t see in many other brands.

In this day and age of just about every motorhome in a specific category creating models that could be carbon copies of other brand’s offerings, it’s refreshing to see a company that finds ways to stand out among a crowded pack. While the Revel may not be for everyone, it fills a niche in the adventure market that until now, was a void.

Well done Winnebago!