2012 Winnebago Via Review
Every year, our expectations of what an RV should be are raised with each new fleet that’s released. And the 2012 Winnebago Via Class A Motorhome is no exception. With a plethora of advancements and innovations that offer even more residential comfort, the Via will redefine how you and your family camp.
With three floorplans to choose from, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 25Q. The 25Q has a length of 25’5″, an exterior height of 11′, an exterior width of 7’6″, an interior height of 6’5″, an interior width of 7’3″ and 26.5 cu. ft. of exterior storage. In the way of water, the 25Q has a freshwater capacity (with heater) of 34 gallons and a black/gray water capacity of 36 gallons. For weight, this RV has a GCWR of 15,250 lbs, a GVWR of 11,030 lbs, front GAWR of 4,410 lbs and a rear GAWR 7,720 lbs. For year-long travel, the Via comes with a 13,500 BTU roof-mount air conditioner with heat pump and a 20,000 BTU low-profile furnace.
Starting with the versatile Mercedes-Benz Sprinter F50 chassis, the Via is powered by a 188-hp Mercedes-Benz 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that offers 325 ft-lbs. of torque starting at just 1400 rpm. Outfitted with adaptive ESP electronic stability control, you’ll enjoy more responsive control with ABS, traction control (ASR) and load adaptive control (LAC) that calculates the vehicle’s mass and center of gravity to ensure optimum stability. Its five-speed automatic transmission with tip shift makes it easy to drive and with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, you’ll be able to bring along a few ATVs or a second vehicle.
Sporting premium high-gloss sidewall skin, the 2012 Via looks sharp and streamlined, thanks to deluxe graphics or available full-body paint. Built using SuperStructure technology, the Via’s cab substructure is constructed from steel, making it strong and durable. Its windshield is mounted in steel with nonhardening sealants. Finally the cab is mounted to the chassis using an advanced laser alignment system to give it a sturdy, square foundation.
Be honest – you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your RV’s door. But Winnebago has, and that’s why the company developed the Threshold RV door. This door was designed to virtually eliminate wind and road noise thanks to dual seals, dual latches and hidden hinges that were inspired by airplane technology. As well, the Threshold RV door features a retractable screen door to keeps the bugs out while letting the breeze in.
Hookups can be confusing, but the Via makes connecting easier. You’ll be able to hookup in a snap with color-coded labels. Plus, it has plenty of storage so you can bring more gear, including lawn chairs that go great under the 16-foot awning. If you’re putting it away for the winter, prep for storage with the handy winterization package.
Other exterior features include automatic entrance door steps, a porch light, a stepwell light, 3,600-watt Cummins Onan MicroQuiet LP generator, service center with cable TV input, 30-amp power cord and portable satellite dish hookup, TrueLevel holding-tank monitoring system, on-demand water pump and stainless steel wheel liners.
Inside the 2012 Winnebago Via, you’re treated to Prism, Rio Grande or Echo décor that’s complemented by Sunset Cherry or Mocha Cherry wood cabinetry. Other interior features that add to the elegant décor include LED ceiling lights, soft vinyl ceiling and MCD American Duo solar/blackout roller shades.
There’s nothing quite like sitting up front in the Via’s ultraleather cab seats (complete with armrest, adjustable lumbar support, power lift, swivel/slide and recline). When you’re not driving, these seats swing around and instantly you’re in the lounge area. To keep you entertained on your long drive, the RV Radio offers AM/FM stereo, CD player, mp3 input and weather band that’s easy to operate from its 6.5″ LCD touch screen monitor. To make maneuvering simple, its rear view monitor system with one-way audio can also be viewed on the RV Radio touch screen, and its standard side view cameras give you a great view when you’re maneuvering and turning. If you’re the kind of person who needs to have the latest technology, you’ll want to add on the Infotainment Center/ GPS. This optional dash appliqué is stylish, plus its powered sunvisor drops down with the push of a button.
You’ll find modern appeal and ultraleather in the lounge area, too. The Via 25Q offers the comfort of a sofa with a movable pedestal table for dining flexibility. Or, you can choose to go with the Comfort Sofa Sleeper that easily converts to a bed with an inflatable mattress. The swivel cab seats have a great view of the 26″ LCD TV AM/FM stereo and DVD player so you never miss any of your favorite TV shows. Other lounge features include overhead storage cabinets and dual-pane acrylic windows with built-in screens and shades.
The full-featured kitchen has what you need to whip up meals and snacks. Appliances, such as the microwave/convection oven, two-burner range and refrigerator/freezer make cooking food on the go a no-brainer. The Via even comes with the IntelliSense One Touch Control panel, which lets you check major systems at the touch of a button. Outfitted with laminate countertops that are easy to clean, the Via’s kitchen features a smoky glass sink and range covers that flip down for added counter space when needed. You’ll find the stainless steel sink comes with a faucet that folds down when not in use, as well as full-extension drawer slides.
You’ll always enjoy a good night’s sleep in the Via, thanks to a queen bed with an innerspring mattress that’s found in the master bedroom. If you’ve got lots of stuff to bring along, there’s under-bed storage that’s easy to access. Right next door is the bathroom, which comes with a shower, toilet, vanity sink, flexible showerhead, shower curtain and skylight.
The 2012 Winnebago Via 25Q Class A Motorhome has a base MSRP of $124,547. For more information, visit http://www.gowinnebago.com/.
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