I’m looking at preowned diesel pushers and wanted to get some opinions regarding the Winnebago brand with basement A/C’s. Does anyone have any personal experience with them? Do they cool just as well as roof mounted systems? Are they reliable or have any known issues? I mainly race in Tx, La, and Ok so I’m in hot conditions most of the year. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks,Kevin

Kevin,
DO NOT GET BASEMENT AC it will work up north and in 85-90 degree weather. above that you will not be able to cool the coach. In Texas it will not work. There are plenty out there without basement, that is what you need to look at. You can call me if you like.

I am with Bozman. I have a Journey with basement ac and it sucks in hot weather. 80's and low humidity it does fine. 90's+ and humid you might as well be outside. it will not keep up. go with roof air, you will not be happy in the basement.

ep

Well, that’s kind of what I was thinking.. I appreciate the feedback guys!

I hate to dispute that but here I sit right now freezing in the hot sun at 92 in my Winnebago Luxor that is 20 years old with basement A/C. In 20 years it has never been serviced and never failed. It will freeze you out on the hottest days and yes I have been to CA, AZ, TX, LL, and FL. I also have a newer Monaco with roof air and it don’t come close. The Winnebago is my race long ride. To each his own but I am cold and I own one. Also never knocked it off the roof by a low tree limb.

They did have some problems with them, and to that is why they no longer offer them in their coaches. I have a 05 journey 36g, just keep the air filter clean by bed on passengers side. Good ones are ok but you never know until it turns out its not.

fern, where is yours parked? I will be by there tonight and do a switch-a-roo.

ep-I also have had to put a compressor in mine.

quote:

Originally posted by ferndaleflyer:
I hate to dispute that but here I sit right now freezing in the hot sun at 92 in my Winnebago Luxor that is 20 years old with basement A/C. In 20 years it has never been serviced and never failed. It will freeze you out on the hottest days and yes I have been to CA, AZ, TX, LL, and FL. I also have a newer Monaco with roof air and it don’t come close. The Winnebago is my race long ride. To each his own but I am cold and I own one. Also never knocked it off the roof by a low tree limb.

Then it’s got that good R12 then....

One of the big issues that I see reported on the internet (RV Message Boards) with the basement AC is the fact that the duct work behind the rear cap starts to separate and eventually fail or collapse. Even before then, the cool air has to travel through more duct work to reach the ceiling and can be warmed by exterior heat on the rear cap.

Not to mention that you loose at least one basement compartment.

In Texas... I would have a minimum 3 roof top ACs setup as three zones but ran by the same Tstat (with sensors in each zone).

Mine is not in the back but right behind the generator about under the drivers seat. Air is ducted up behind kitchen sink then goes both directions. Can’t here it running in the back bedroom Filter is under the couch. As for storage this one has more than my Monaco + it has slide out trays. But like I say, to each his own.

Kevin, I am also looking for a motorhome but I am going to try to hold off until after the New Year. Only have two races left. There are a lot of good deals out there. I started a thread just a few weeks ago about motorhomes and these guys here were a big help in what to look out for. You should check it out.
https://drr.infopop.cc/eve/foru...5460652/m/6967046186

I also had a Journey with basement AC. It sucks. Along with all the bad comments of previous posts, imagine trying to sleep laying on your AC unit. I was glad to get rid of that one.

AZ first of all the Journey is the Winnebago entry level diesel pusher and the Winnebago Luxor that I have was their most expensive at the time and like I said above my a/c was in the front about under the drivers seat and you could not hear it run......but to each his own.

Curly,
I get ya about not wanting to buy something now BUT I will tell you this.
I sold my last pusher about 3 years ago. We started looking about 2 years ago for another bigger/better unit.
What we found was that NOW is a VERY good time to buy one (more inventory out there to select from and they tend to be LESS $) because no one wants to store/pay for them over the winter/non used months.
Don't get me wrong, you can find good deals also in the Spring/Summer BUT you better have the cash in hand to pull the trigger fast because if you don't others will.

Just my 2 cents.

Happy hunting.

^^^^^^^^Just like buying a boat in a snow storm. I don't know where the inventory is because I watch every day and lately it has been pretty slim pickings. Cash in hand will get you a deal especially in those years where the banks won't touch them.

I am looking right now and ready to buy if a good deal comes up but hope I can hold off until after new year for tax reasons.

How are the basement units with a portable generator? We run a portable because it is quieter in the coach. We recently upgraded to a larger portable that can run both units in a pinch. But will a typical 3k generator fire up the basement unit?

quote:

Originally posted by Bucky:
How are the basement units with a portable generator? We run a portable because it is quieter in the coach. We recently upgraded to a larger portable that can run both units in a pinch. But will a typical 3k generator fire up the basement unit?

Yes and no,,, they are two stage units and draw about 27 amps with both stages on (heavy cooling). At night and only needing the first stage a 3k generator should be OK

quote:

Originally posted by ferndaleflyer:
AZ first of all the Journey is the Winnebago entry level diesel pusher and the Winnebago Luxor that I have was their most expensive at the time and like I said above my a/c was in the front about under the drivers seat and you could not hear it run......but to each his own.

I did not say your high $ Luxor sucked. I said my "entry level" Journey sucked. It had basement AC right under the bed. Since the Journey is one of Winnie's most popular units, I replied to the OP with my know information.

Its all good AZ---I think my supposedly high end Monaco leaves a lot to be desired over the Luxor and like you say the Journey is one of the most popular Winnebagos and lots of people have and enjoy them.