The 2008 Winnebago Vectra and Itasca Horizon Introduce the "New" Maxum Chassis!

Winnebago Industries flagships, the Winnebago Vectra and Itasca Horizon unveil an exciting new chassis design in 2008 – the Maxum, and return three popular floorplans that provide floorplan flexibility with optional dining and living modules to fit RVer’s specific needs. You’re going to love what the Vectra and Horizon have to offer in 2008!

First, let’s start with the Maxum chassis. Winnebago Industries engineers worked closely with Freightliner Custom Chassis to create and develop the Maxum – a premium chassis design that combines unparalleled exterior storage and improved ride and handling. Maxum features an inverted rail design that creates a stronger chassis configuration by lowering the center rail section and adding Winnebago Industries’ SuperStructure® to form a true semimonocoque design. This new configuration is seven times stronger than a similar raised rail chassis which translates into superior ride and handling, creates a lower center of gravity and incorporates an industry leading 60-degree wheel cut.

Besides the strength of the new Maxum chassis, the storage provided is unparalleled. The inverted rail design moves intrusive rails from storage areas, creating pass-through storage accessibility and unparalleled exterior storage space – up to 220 cubic feet. The storage compartments also feature Winnebago Industries’ Smart Storage design with pull out trays, bins, and configurable compartments with removable panels for customizing.

To match this premium chassis design, we’ve created three outstanding floorplans – the 40TD, 40FD and 40KD. The double slide 40TD is spacious with two large slideout rooms – a 30-inch wide flat floor driver’s side slideout that’s 15 feet 11 inches long, and a 24-inch wide passenger side flat floor slide that’s 21 feet 6 inches long. The galley is forward in the coach, with a dining table and chairs and entertainment center, including a 37-inch high definition LCD TV, mid-coach. The 40TD also offers an available theater style seating module that’s perfect when watching your favorite movies – especially with the new Sony® Home Theater Sound System that includes a combination DVD/VCR.

The roomy, quad-slide 40FD features a redesigned and restyled galley area that includes new cabinetry and ultimately creates more room in the living area. The lounge area is already spacious with a lounge chair/sofa/galley slide and an opposing dining table/entertainment center slide. In the bedroom of the 40FD, the rear bed extends as well as the vanity/chest of drawers. For an added touch in the bedroom, contemporary French-style doors are featured. Additional highlights include a front entertainment center with a 37-inch high definition LCD TV and an optional fireplace.

Lastly, the triple slide 40KD features a spacious lounge/galley area with two slideout rooms in front and a rear bed slideout. Opposing sofas are found up front, with two pantries and an attractive hutch available in the galley. The bathroom features a large, granite-look shower, while the bedroom offers a new second lavatory for added convenience. A comfortable king bed is another highlight of the bedroom area; with a Sleep Number king bed optional.
For more details on the 2008 Winnebago Vectra and Itasca Horizon, visit our site at winnebagoind.com. Check out our stellar 2008 Lineup while you're there.

The new chassis is also available on the Tour and the Ellipse, correct?
Mike

quote:

Originally posted by ISLAPP:
The new chassis is also available on the Tour and the Ellipse, correct?

Mike in 2007 we see that both the Journey/Meridian and the Tour/Ellipse have maximum GVW ratings of 32,000 pounds.

The Vectra/Horizon on the other hand have a GVW of 34,320 pounds. The Vectra's chassis will also get the 60° steering vs, the Tour and Journey's 55° steering. Engine choices are also different.

All of this may change when we see the 2008 specifications for the Tour and Journey.

Do I like the new design concept? You bet! I would think that Winnebago Industries might be able to make an in-law apartment in the basement given the overhead clearances that they are going to have with the Maxum.

Talk to me when you can get a king bed in the 40FD and a small car in the storage bays.

Joe

quote:

Originally posted by jflanagan:
Talk to me when you can get a king bed in the 40FD and a small car in the storage bays.

Joe, there are a number of Winnebago coaches that have a king bed otion including the Latitude and Destination.

Joe,
I notice you do not list what RV you currently have in your profile. I am wondering if your current unit has any of the amenities you request/desire.

Key to note is while the Tour/Ellipse is now listed has also having a Maxum chassis it's still has the NeWay (non-IFS) front suspension. This is the same variation between that existed with the Evoluion chassis between Tour/Ellipse and Vectra/Horizon in previous years.

The 12500lbs GAWR for the front NeWay axle is the best there is from FCCC for the rigid axle design. This is why the Tour GVWR is 2000 lbs less than the Vectra/Horizon.

However, maybe front axle GAWr isn't such a big deal here. I have noticed the CCC on the weights paper stuck on the closet wall in Tour's is typically 900lbs more than the same floorplan Vectra. Not sure where the weight is in a Vectra but CCC is what it's all about.

The Maxum also uses a rear radiator, even though it has the 400ISL.

"Take a ride in the Winnebago Tour or Vectra and feel how the Maxum Chassis delivers the smoothest ride ever."

What happened to the much heralded Evolution chassis??

-Tom

quote:

Originally posted by Tom N:
What happened to the much heralded Evolution chassis??

Read the part about the 200 cu. ft. of storage. I would also consider that a shaped rail cost more money to manufacture.