Winnebago continues to build its reputation for camper vans. It's already established itself as an American camper van leader with its line of campers built atop vans from Mercedes and Ram. Now it introduces the all-new Paseo, a Ford Transit-based camper combining comfy living space with EcoBoost-powered driving.
While we'd love to see a production version of the Concept Adventure Vehicle unveiled at this week's Elkhart Open House, it looks like the new 22-foot (6.7-m) Paseo is Winnebago's headliner, and it's not so shabby itself. The Transit-based Paseo joins the Ram Promaster Travato and Mercedes Sprinter-based ERA (and 4x4 ERA) in Winnebago's camper van family.
The Paseo launches with one available floor plan, the new 48P. This layout puts the dinette in the back on a raised platform that gives the cross-cabin Flex Bed optimal space and creates below-floor storage. In addition to transforming into a 53 x 72-in (135 x 183-cm) double bed, the dinette area includes an extra-long, passenger-side bench that can serve as a single bed, no need to move the table or adjust any cushions. There are also four seat belts for passengers.
Since it's all the way at the other end of the cabin, the dinette doesn't rely on swiveling driver-cab seats to serve as dining area seats, as more forward kitchens often do. The Paseo's passenger seat still swivels, however, and a small pull-up table completes a separate single-person lounge/work area.
Inbetween the rear dinette and driver's cab, Winnebago has installed a passenger-side galley with standard camper van kit: two-burner cooktop with glass cover, stainless steel sink with glass cover, and Corian countertop with fold-down extension. There's also a microwave/convection oven and cold water filtration system. A compressor fridge/freezer is located across from the galley on the driver's side wall, behind the 19-in HD TV positioned for viewing from the dinette seating.
Also located on the driver's side, the bathroom includes a space-enhancing curved sliding door, a space-saving fold-down sink over the toilet, and a flexible shower head. A closet stands between the bathroom and refrigerator.
"Efficient use of space is inherent in the design of the Paseo," says Winnebago product manager Russ Garfin. "All of the cabinets take advantage of all available space with pockets formed into the openings in the van wall structure to increase storage volume and usable cabinet depth."
The Paseo cabin and water are heated by a Truma Combi Eco Plus heating system and the cabin cooled by the standard roof-mounted air conditioner. The standard electrical package includes dual AGM batteries, a 2,800-watt Cummins Onan gas generator, 45 A converter/charger and an energy management system. A 100 W solar charging system is available optionally. The 21-gal (79.5-L) fresh water tank and supply lines are mounted inside the heated area of the cabin for winter use, and 11/15-gal (41.6/56.8-L) black/gray holding tanks take care of used water.
When you're inclined to step outside, the outdoor living area provides a nice way to sit and take in some fresh air and scenery. It includes a standard powered awning with LED lighting and wind sensor-based auto retraction. Below the awning, exterior speakers connect the outdoors to the onboard Bluetooth-equipped sound system. An exterior TV jack adds more entertainment versatility. Screen doors on the side entry and rear double doors let the fresh air into the cabin while holding unwanted pests and debris back.
The base Ford Transit comes equipped with a 310-hp 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 250 A alternator, and Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with voice activation and SiriusXM radio.
The new Paseo starts at $114,988 before delivery, tax, title and license fees. Options include a roof rack with ladder and a heated drainage system.
Source: Winnebago
