Are you a fan of RV travel but can’t decide between the iconic Winnebago and the versatile Coachmen? Choosing the right RV brand can make or break your road trip experience, so let’s dive in and explore the key differences between these RV brands.
Key Takeaways:
Coachmen RVs are known for their superior build quality and customizable floor plans, while Winnebago is recognized for their long-standing reputation in the RV industry. Ultimately, the better choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Continue reading to uncover which RV brand could be the ideal match for your upcoming adventure, as we delve into the specific details associated with each brand.
Who Owns Winnebago? A Brief Overview
Winnebago was founded in 1958 in Forest City, Iowa, and has been a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles ever since. Over the years, the company has expanded to produce a variety of motorhomes, and travel trailers.
In terms of ownership, Winnebago is a publicly traded company, meaning that anyone can purchase shares in the company through the stock market. In fact, it is a parent company of many popular RV brands like Grand Design and Newmar.
Recommended Read: Largest US RV Manufacturers & Brands They Own
Who Owns Coachmen? A Brief Overview
Coachmen was founded in 1964, and their first batch of RVs were made in a plant in Indiana. If you’ve ever researched investing or you’re into trading stocks, then you’ve probably heard of the two American billionaire investors Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
Coachmen RVs is a subsidiary of Forest River, a company that is owned by the multinational conglomerate holding company Berkshire Hathaway which was started by these two men decades ago.
Their products include everything from travel trailers to motorhomes, and they have become a popular choice for both new and experienced RVers.
RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands
| RV Type: | Winnebago: | Coachmen: |
| Motorized | Class A | Class A |
| Motorized | Class C | Class B |
| Motorized | Camper Van | Class C |
| Motorized | Accessibility Enhanced | |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | Toy Haulers |
| Non-Motorized | Fifth Wheels | |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | |
| Non-Motorized | Destination Trailers | |
| Non-Motorized | Camping Trailers |
Winnebago vs. Coachmen: Complete Brand Comparison
| Comparison Points: | Winnebago: | Coachmen: |
| Founded | 1958 | 1964 |
| Company Support | Better | Sub-Par |
| Maintenance | More | Average |
| Build Quality And Design | Decent | Better |
| Cost | More | Less |
Recommended Read:
If you have ever considered paying cash for an RV thinking you might save some money, sorry to say that is not always the case. I highly recommend reading the following article first.
Maintenance And Problems: Winnebago vs. Coachmen
It’s crucial to keep in mind that when purchasing a Winnebago RV, potential maintenance issues and problems should be taken into consideration. Despite being an established player in the RV industry for more than 50 years, Winnebago has encountered various issues over the years.
One commonly reported problem is related to the brakes and steering of the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer, which has had reported incidents of engine failure and brake piston seizing, among other issues.
Owners of the popular trailer model, Micro Minnie, have also reported issues. The 2020 models were recalled due to the incorrect installation of the axle and lack of an emergency exit window in the bedroom.
With the Coachmen RVs, expect to have maintenance issues and problems related to things like shower leaks, loose screws, flimsy drawers, etc. Ultimately, it depends on the type of RV model you get. If you get a very good quality RV from a reputed dealer, chances of encountering problems down the line will be less.
Build Quality: Winnebago vs. Coachmen
In general, Winnebago RVs offer a decent build quality with their RVs. On the other hand, Coachmen recreational vehicles have a solid reputation for dependability, making them a great option for both seasoned and inexperienced RVers.
Unfortunately, not every Coachmen RV is built to the same high standards, and some of the more affordable models may not meet the needs of certain customers. So when making a purchase, it’s crucial to learn as much as possible about specific models you choose.
As compared to the industry’s other leading RV manufacturers, Coachmen is regularly regarded as one of the most trustworthy brands.
After more than fifty years in business, Coachmen is still going strong because of the brand’s ability to keep up with the times without sacrificing its excellent reputation or commitment to quality and features.
So overall, Coachmen gets a slight advantage over Winnebago because of its quality and praiseworthy floor plans.
It’s always a good idea to get an independent 3rd party to inspect your RV before you buy. This can save you from potential issues that live beneath the surface.
Customer Support: Winnebago vs. Coachmen
Customers of Winnebago RVs have an overall, mixed opinion on the quality of the company’s customer service. Some customers have praised the service, while others have complained about its lack of speed and efficiency. Also, some buyers have complained that Winnebago’s owner’s manuals are too general to be of any real help to them.
On the other hand, in our research we didn’t find an impressive experience from users regarding customer support by Coachmen RV.
Also, we came across a report where the user highlights that after the acquisition, the parent company Forest River didn’t do a great job of offering quality products for Coachmen as the original Coachmen Management used to do. [Source: iRV2]
It’s challenging to determine which brand provides better customer service since it varies on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it’s safer to consider Winnebago and Coachmen’s customer service as average, resulting in a tie.
Cost: Winnebago vs. Coachmen
Coachmen RVs are slightly cheaper than Winnebago RVs. For instance, even a used 2019 Class C Winnebago RV costs over $120K.
On the other hand, the cost of a used 2022 Coachmen Class C RV is around $80K+. And it’s essential to remember that the exact cost of RVs can vary based on the model you choose and also the condition of the RV you purchase.
Pros and Cons Of Winnebago
| Pros | Cons |
| Trusted Brand | Average Build Quality |
| Great Customer Support |
Pros and Cons of Coachmen
| Pros | Cons |
| Great Build Quality | Average Customer Support |
| Nice Floor Plans |
What Do Redditors Think About Winnebago And Coachmen?
Redditors have varying opinions on Winnebago RVs, with some expressing satisfaction for their smart design features and appropriate size for their family needs.
On the other hand, some users have expressed disappointment in the build quality of the RVs and reported issues with the use of inferior materials.
Despite the mixed feedback, some users have shared their positive experiences with older Winnebago models, citing their longevity and suggesting decent build quality. In general, most users seem to agree that RV ownership entails consistent upkeep and repairs, regardless of the brand.
Coachmen is generally regarded as a high-quality brand of RV among Redditors. Owners of Coachmen RVs praise their durability and versatility, citing their ability to handle diverse terrain and activities.
Once again, it is also suggested that potential buyers exercise caution when making a purchase, ensuring that they obtain a third-party inspection to thoroughly examine the RV’s systems.
While some models may have minor flaws, such as a lack of a Black Tank Flush, users appreciate the well-made cabinets and appealing layouts of Coachmen RVs. Overall, Reddit users have a positive view of Coachmen RVs.
[Sources: Reddit Posts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?
For those who prioritize trusted brand reputation and availability of parts, Winnebago is a great choice, especially given their longevity in the industry and consistent value retention of their products.
On the other hand, if you value superior build quality and floor plans, then Coachmen RVs may be the more suitable option for you. Ultimately, carefully considering your needs and doing thorough research on both brands can help you make an informed decision and find the RV that is right for you.