I am looking to move up to a 34' pusher and I cannot have anything bigger because I need to tow. In the general discussion forum I learned of the Itasca Meridian. I like the 34H floorplan (if it had the dinette and banquette in it) and I also like the C7 Cat and the Alcoas. It seems like most everything else in my affordable preowned range is 300HP with hubcaps (I guess they are simulators). I have seen a Nimbus and an Alpine which are awesome in 34' but even if I could afford one I don't think I would have much luck preowned.

Are any of you willing to share your HONEST experience with a 2005 or newer Meridian? Of course I would really appreciate 34' feedback but I am very interested in general.

We've got a 2007 and love the floorplan.

We're finding that things aren't constructed in the best manner nor is quality impeccable but certainly not the worse. We have had good response from Winnebago service, however.

You say you need to tow but plenty of people tow trailers with longer coaches so I don't know why you're limiting yourself to just shorter lengths.

Quite a few folks on this board have 34Hs and can give you better feedback.

Good luck.

We just got a 08' 39 ft Meridian this spring and have driven it 6000 miles so far this year. We have not had any major problems so far. I have had it back to Winnebago once so far to have shower head replaced in Shower and some other cosmetic things.

We are going to MN later this month and will stop in at Winnebago one more time to have bathroom door adjusted. It sticks a little when we are parked and leveled.

We towed a Nissan Maxima through the mountains in the west and we averaged 8.8 MPG for the entire 5000 mile trip. I thought this was pretty good for a diesel that is not broken in yet.

In the flat lands I could average a little better than 10 MPG and we set cruise at 60-62 (1700 RPM).

Hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if I can help with anything else

Jeez, moldmkr, you're a cut above the rest of us. You have the new model and is nothing like the floorplan of the 34H. *envious*

quote:

Originally posted by amanda_h:
We've got a 2007 and love the floorplan.

We're finding that things aren't constructed in the best manner nor is quality impeccable but certainly not the worse. We have had good response from Winnebago service, however.

You say you need to tow but plenty of people tow trailers with longer coaches so I don't know why you're limiting yourself to just shorter lengths.

Quite a few folks on this board have 34Hs and can give you better feedback.

Good luck.

Glad to hear you're having pretty good luck. I would assume at this price point that things like interior fit and finish would not be of superior construction. That's OK because we're used to Pace Arrows and Southwinds which we have been fine with.

Our toy trailer now is a 24' (28' OA) triple axle and I need to get a bigger one which will be 26' or 30' OA. The CHP will want me for anything over 65' total. We like to beach camp anyway and if one wants to get in the good spots here in good 'ol crowded Kalifornia, much more is making it difficult at best.

We have the 06' Meridian that Amanda was looking at , and love it. I have no regrets, complaints, or "Why didn't they's" about it at all. I'm not sure why the cap at 34' for towing though...

JIM: Just read ur bottom post here, and without getting spot specific (because we both know where it is you're looking), that beach is the exact reason we chose the 34H. If you need an additional tour let me know since we're obviously neighbors.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SCVJeff,

Jimco,

We have a 2005 34H Meridian & love it. We've done coast-to-coast. We tow a PT Cruiser Convertible on a tow dolly. Only down side is the cost of fuel has caused us to do shorter trips.

Feel free to ask away, if you want specifics!

quote:

Originally posted by SCVJeff:
We have the 06' Meridian that Amanda was looking at , and love it. I have no regrets, complaints, or "Why didn't they's" about it at all. I'm not sure why the cap at 34' for towing though...

JIM: Just read ur bottom post here, and without getting spot specific (because we both know where it is you're looking), that beach is the exact reason we chose the 34H. If you need an additional tour let me know since we're obviously neighbors.

Yeah, we're still mad at you, Jeff, for beating us to that one! It sounds like you are having quite a few less problems than we are.

Yes, Jimco, Winnies are better than Fleetwoods in our opinion. And I see why you're concerned about the length now. If it's just the two of you and you're not full-timing, then the 34H should be a good floorplan for you. We really like having the dinette on the curb side.

Jimco
Remeber the winnebago Journey is basically the same coach if it was ordered with the extras that the Meridian came standard with.
Our 34 HD is really a super nice coach for my wife and I. the dinette on the patio side is a plus.
When the slides are in it is completly livible, except the lower drawers under the rear closet are non openable do to being against the bed.
Outside storage in completly adequate, but not generous.
You will not even come close to your GVWR. Put anything you can cram in it.
With my 330 hp cat., towing my crv I got 8.8 mpg on my last 2000 plus mile trip @ 62 mph.
The driving is just fine. I would think a larger wheelbase coach would be better under windy conditions etc, but mine is so good that it is just not a concern.
Yes==I like it. Good luck.

We own a 2004 Journey 34H. It has served us well. Almost 40,000 miles coast to coast and over the highest mtn. passes and across the hottest desert.
We have lived in it full time since bought new. Tow a Jeep Cherokee.