The Winnebago Longreach range is the next generation of motorhome from Winnebago after the cessation of its ever popular Alpine models.
The Longreach is equipped with a staggering list of standard features, enough to gladden the eye of even the most seasoned motorhomer and offers all the creature comforts of home. Add to this, the agility and power from the equally new Isuzu NQR450 chassis with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) as standard, you have the complete motorhoming package.
The Longreach is offered in two lengths, the C3135SL, a 9.5 metre (31’) twin slide out luxury motorhome or an 8.2 metre (27’) single slide out model. Slide outs are space gaining features where, at the press of a button, a portion of the motorhome wall slides out to provide more liveable space within.
Each Longreach motorhome is fully self contained in terms of mobility, energy usage, fresh water storage and bathroom facilities. Power is supplied to the deep cycle home batteries via the 100 amp battery charger so each time the vehicle is started, energy levels are replenished. The chassis battery is on a separate circuit and is not affected by the motorhome usage. Then there are the twin 80 watt solar panels conveniently located on the roof of the motorhome, constantly trickling additional charge to the batteries.
For those heavy power consumption items such as the ducted air-conditioning or the carousel microwave, a powerful Onan 3.6Kva generator with automatic start from the flick of a switch inside the motorhome, is built in as standard. Another power feature is the 2000 watt inverter system which conveniently converts 12volt battery power to standard 240volt output so ordinary appliances and other electrical equipment can be easily used.
The kitchen is large and well designed and equipped for gourmet cooking, utilizing the two 9 kilogram gas bottles for the oven, grill and hotplates (three gas and one electric) and also to cool the refrigerator if either 240 volt mains supply or 12 volt battery power is not available, in fact, the refrigerator is so intelligent that it automatically switches itself to the most desirable power source so you will always have cool drinks and fresh food available when you want.
The C3135SL model offers an innovative combination laundry unit (with optional washing machine) which opens to the outside to access the washing machine, whilst inside, the unit offers a bar, convenient additional bench space and an entertainment area incorporating a large LCD television and DVD player combined.
Water is a precious resource, particularly so in a motorhome as you carry your own water with you. Winnebago has seen fit to add an additional water tank thus providing a massive 250 litres of fresh water for use in drinking, showering, washing the dishes and flushing the toilet although, being a vacuum flush toilet, it doesn’t need much water, as it uses mostly compressed air to remove toilet waste into a conveniently sized sealed cassette. Other used water empties into a separate “grey water” tank for easy convenient disposal.
The large domestic size shower is separate from the toilet and vanity and uses hot water, heated by gas or 240 volt power for a strong and reliable hot water supply. The hot water system is turned on by the flick of a switch from inside the motorhome, another unseen luxury appreciated by those who are used to the manual start systems outside the vehicle.
Overall, life in a Winnebago Longreach is comfortable with a sofa lounge and built in dinette (in the C3135SL model) offering comfortable seating, upholstered in soft but hardwearing suede material. Watch television or your favourite DVD on the large LCD television screen with built in DVD player, enjoying the chilled air of the ducted air conditioning unit or the smooth heat generated by the air conditioner or the ducted diesel furnace heater.Day/night blinds are provided on all windows as are fly screens and a privacy screen across the front windscreen. There is ample storage inside and out for your all personal items.
The main bedroom in both models is separate from the living area and offers a comfortable queen size island bed incorporating one of the new technology envirofoam mattress’s for a wonderful nights sleep. There is a large double bed located over the cabin and depending on the model chosen; both the sofa lounge and dinette convert to provide additional sleeping positions should they be required.
Outside the motorhome the long list of features continue and include the outdoor entertainment unit – a sound system and TV connection, the large and sturdy roll out awning, a gas fitting for your BBQ, an external shower to wash off under hot or cold water, loads of storage bins including pass through bins for those largish items, and not forgetting the standard tow bar, ladder and roof rack.
Mostly unseen to the naked eye are the quality construction methods utilised by Winnebago, offering a fully insulated laminated body over a strong metal frame. The walls are attached to the top of the floor and the roof sits on the walls, allowing each component to share the load, resulting in an extremely strong yet flexible structure capable of taking on many, many years of traveling under extreme conditions.
The underside of the floor is further protected by galvanized metal sheeting, a system unique to Winnebago and is further evidence of the quality designed in to each motorhome.
Complimenting a superbly equipped Motorhome, Winnebago have perfectly matched the all new Isuzu NQR450 chassis to mesh as a well balanced, high performance, economical vehicle capable of exceeding most expectations.
The all new NQR 450 chassis is driven by a powerful Sitec Series II 5.2lt diesel engine meaning more torque and less fuel consumption. The NQR450 is one of the safest trucks around with side impact beams in each cabin door and driver and passenger airbags all protecting the occupants. Isuzu is trumpeting their new vehicle as one of the most environmentally friendly on the market, incorporating Advanced Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems and a Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD) exhaust which limits any negative impact on the quality of the surrounding air.
Winnebago has adopted a highly specified chassis from Isuzu which incorporates amongst other things, the latest Automated Manual gearbox which offers an automated 6 speed gear change. Where more control is desired, the gearbox instantly converts to a 6 speed manual gearbox but without a clutch.
There is a braking system to match incorporating both ABS and ASR traction control and a vacuum controlled exhaust brake for further braking capability. The suspension system is equally superior with Winnebago adopting front Air Bag assisted multi leaf springs with double action shocks under the cabin for a smooth ride over the roughest of roads.
In the cab, all the comforts of a luxury car are apparent including comfortable colour matched bucket seating, power windows, power assisted steering, central locking, cruise control, driver and passenger airbags and the piece de resistance – the infotainment system – a large screen display incorporating 21st century visual aides including a GPS navigation system, a colour reversing camera, a CD/FM/AM stereo system, ipod and Bluetooth connectability.