Get ready for a new Era
Winnebago is a brand synonymous with motorhomes and recreational vehicles, so much so that it has become a genericized word for the entire segment. Founded in 1958 in the Iowa county of the same name, the brand went on to quickly dominate the market by emphasizing affordability and quality, and even today, the firm remains a top contender in the RV and camping space.
This article’s feature is a Winnebago Era, which is what the company calls its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500XD conversions. This one rolled off the Mercedes floor in 2022, and Winnebago was finished with it the following year. The Sprinter is an excellent choice for a glow-up glamper, as it has been produced for thirty years across three generations, and garnered a reputation for being luxuriously comfortable and ruggedly reliable in both the van and cargo mover roles. The current owner indicates that they purchased the vehicle this year, and in that time have put on 5,000 miles.
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From road-lite to campsite
Unlike more dedicated RVs, this kind of van conversion offers the advantage of a more compact and multi-purpose chassis, one that is easier to drive around and park compared to the more bus-sized machines. The Sprinter 3500 is not tiny by any means; it’s no coupe, but this metallic grey box on wheels fits most standard parking spots, along with a great turn radius and handling characteristics for its size, not to mention some stylish curves to it.
Once you finally arrive on-site, there are a number of features to really make the campsite feel like a camp-home. Not one but two solar panels are installed on the roof, accessed by a black rear ladder, and feed into a battery bank to handle your electronic needs. One of those needs is the external air conditioner, also on the roof, that keeps the inside cool no matter how high the mercury climbs.
There is also an extendable awning off the passenger side door, complete with a porch light and screen door to keep the pesky insects out. The designers of this Era even included external speakers to turn any rest stop into a proper party. While not exactly an off-road vehicle, respectable 16” aluminum wheels shod with Continental tires can handle a bit of uneven dirt and gravel.
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Home away from home
The driver and passenger captain’s chair style seats come in a light brown leather, with independently controlled heating options. The rest of the interior is a mix of charcoal grey and black, with a lovely floor mat bearing the ‘W’ of Winnebago’s blocky logo, fitting the whole floor and wrapping around both chairs. The Sprinter’s proprietary Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been retained, helping mitigate risks of sliding and loss of control, while other safety and convenience features include keyless entry, push-to-start, crosswind and traffic assist, and a proprietary MBUX system with built-in navigation. The front is also fully climate-controlled.
A tri-spoke steering wheel with a fully adjustable column is clad all in black, with a number of button controls at the fingertips to reduce distraction. A speedometer maxing out at 120 mph and a tachometer with a 5,000 rpm redline sit well recessed into the driver’s side of the dash, augmented by coolant and fuel gauges.
Meanwhile, in the rear cabin, not one but two televisions have been mounted, with an Omnigo HD antenna for full connectivity almost everywhere. You can watch them on the sofa, which converts into a bed, while privacy blinds keep the light – and prying eyes – out. There is also a full kitchenette, with overhead lighting, a cooktop stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, break-down table, and even a Keurig coffee maker. There are even full facilities for refreshing oneself, including a toilet, sink, shower, and freshwater tanks, as well as plenty of storage compartments.
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A powertrain that’s up to the task
There’s nothing especially unique or remarkable about the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 under the hood, but that isn’t necessarily a downside when the goal is a reliable camping experience. With a factory-rated 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, it’s got plenty of power to get you moving no matter how loaded up with supplies, and a respectable fuel economy when up to highway speed. All of that power is sent to the rear, or all six wheels, by way of a seven-speed automatic transmission, which features a dual-range transfer case. All wheels utilize disc brakes, and the odometer reads 26,000 miles.
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Final thoughts: Winning with Winnebago
There’s a reason why the RV has become synonymous with Winnebago; the brand continues to provide stellar, hand-built conversions and dedicated recreational vehicles that hold up for the long haul and focus on the little things others might overlook. This 2023 Era is an excellent weekender that will make you feel like you never left home, no matter where the road may take you. It’s right there on the website: “tour in style, camp in comfort.”
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