Revelling in the Revel for 2021

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As a designer, every once in a while, you see a company that creates something that you hoped one of your clients would take on as an outcome of your work. Such is the case with the 2021 Winnebago Revel. Winnebago has been continually improving the 4x4 capable Class B recreational vehicle since its launch a few years ago. This is the sign of a company that cares about its customers. Citing many insights gained from speaking to current Revel owners, the 2021 Revel includes several thoughtful updates along with one massive game changer.

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Among some smaller, but still meaningful updates, the table that can be used in the sliding door area is now cable-mounted. The angle can be easily adjusted to accommodate various needs depending on how level your campsite is. Winnebago also moved the refrigerator (which ideally would be a larger unit with a larger freezer) to be forward-facing. This provides easy access from outside the coach and makes for easier loading. The rear passenger seat now has one three point seatbelt and the bed conversion feature has been removed based on consumer feedback. A more flexible lagoon-style table has been added along with a small but functional in-floor storage area behind the driver’s seat.

Counter space is cleaned up and expanded by including a removable induction cooking appliance that neatly stores in the upper galley drawer. This provides more counter space and Revel owners can cook outside the vehicle on the side table which was apparently another popular request from current Revel owners. A 110 outlet close-by the sliding door shows further attention to detail. This changed layout helps keep cooking odors and moisture from accumulating inside the RV. Under-bed lighting in the rear gear garage area and an added storage bag under the height-adjustable bed and various storage nets located throughout the rear of the coach are nice additional touches.

The most significant change for 2021 is the addition of two large-capacity lithium batteries. They are located inside the rear gear garage of the coach. This welcome update offers the ability to run the vehicle rear air conditioning unit for significant periods of time using just the lithium batteries. This is a major breakthrough for those RVing in warmer climates. Lichtsinn RV, a large Winnebago Dealer, recently ran a test on a hot and humid Iowa day that maxed out at 94 degrees. They were able to run the new Colman air conditioner on and off using the thermostat for just about 6 hours, keeping the coach interior at a comfortable 75 degrees.

The batteries are stored under a nicely designed and vented panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Thermostatically monitored heat blankets insure that the batteries will function and can be charged when operating in colder climates. The addition of a dedicated alternator in the engine bay helps top up the lithium batteries in about 2 hours of highway driving. Rooftop solar panel support and the option to expand solar charging capability by adding exterior panels adds more charging capabilities when boondocking. Another benefit of moving to lithium batteries and placing them inside the Revel is weight savings. Winnebago saved so much weight in moving from nickel batteries to lithium ones that they were able to bring back a spare tire which had previously been deleted.

Ground clearance is significantly improved as well. Finally, the water tank has also been moved inboard on the passenger side of the garage bay. While the city hookup is now inside the rear of the vehicle instead of on the exterior side, possibly making those that rely on city hookup in campsites a bit inconvenienced, the water panel is far more intuitive. These changes make the 2021 Winnebago Revel even more capable of facing the extremes of all-season RVing. We designed a similar system with one of our clients several years ago. It remains to be seen if they will move ahead with our work. Cleary to Winnebago’s credit, they see the value in such an approach. It is great to see them listening to consumers which has empowered them to create a segment-defining vehicle designed for more adventurous 4x4 camping and to keep it current and desirable with meaningful updating.

If you are interested in learning more about the Winnebago Revel, check out Winnebago’s site. Colonial RV and Lichtsinn RV dealerships also consistently offer nice overview videos. Perhaps the most extensive overview available at the time of posting this entry is the one from Lichtsinn providing a one hour and twenty five minute helpful orientation of the revised model for 2021 available to view here.

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