Winnebago
We upgraded to a Winnebago Vista NPF Class A providing the chance to take it through its paces and add some aftermarket upgrades.
Katelyn & Howard Newstate/Winnebago GoLife Blog
When we hit the road full-time in 2018, the only RV we’ve ever lived and travelled in was a Winnebago Navion Class C Before our upgrade to a larger model, we did our research, asking a lot of questions about the Class A life. How’s the steering? Is there anything special about setting up camp? What’s a good wish list for standard equipment?
Other RVers, the team at Winnebago, and Facebook owner pages were just some of the resources about moving into a Class A. While the Winnebago coaches come standard with some great features, optional upgrades can improve the experience for even more comfort.
We recently moved into a Vista NPF coach for this year’s tour of 51 National Parks in 52 weeks, providing the chance to take it through its paces. It has a lot of creature comforts and appointments for long-distance travel but we made a point to add some upgrades. Here’s our top five list that we would recommend to better enjoy the Class A lifestyle.
1. Safe T Plus Precision Steering Control
This was the top recommendation from our friends who own Class A motorhomes. As the name implies, Safe T Plus Precision Steering Control brings significant safety to an RV while improving steering performance.
Photo Courtesy Safe T Plus
The Safe T Plus Precision Steering Control was a top recommendation and adds safety while improving steering performance.
Designed to continuously and automatically reduce oversteering, the system can decrease the effect of crosswinds, bad roads, and the pull of the wind from passing commercial trucks. In the event of a tire blowout, the Safe T Plus also makes it easier to control the steering and safely pull off to the side of the road.
The Installation can be a DIY project but many dealers and service centres can do it for you. We had ours installed by the Winnebago Factory Service Center in Forest City, IA, and it made quite a difference in the steering of our Vista.
If you would like the modification done while travelling, there are two Safe T Plus installation facilities on the east coast in Tallapoosa, GA, and Belleview, FL, just outside of Ocala. www.safe-t-plus.com
2. RV SnapPad
This is another product that serves two purposes. RV SnapPads are very popular and compatible with motorhomes - and trailers - with levelling systems. They primarily act as a permanent replacement to plastic or wooden pads you place under the jacks and ‘snap’ into place once they are installed. That's where the name originates.
Perry Mack
The RV SnapPad widens the surface area for added stability and can be installed in a matter of minutes.
A great benefit is that RV SnapPads help protect and widen the surface area and help prevent scratches and marks on pavement or concrete pads (that are common with metal-based jacks). The SnapPads can be installed in a matter of minutes, ideally with two people to make lowering and placing the jack easier.
3. RV A/C Silencer
What if you could reduce the noise of your ducted A/C unit for a quieter and more enjoyable living experience, without replacing the entire system? That question led to the manufacturing of the patented RV A/C Silencer by WackO Products.
The A/C Silencer replaces the grate, filter, and hardware on ceiling-mounted A/C vents. Drilling new holes is not required. It attaches with screws to existing holes in the mounting plate, gaining a sound baffling system for the air intake with an improved electrostatic air filter. The results speak for themselves and it’s an easy DIY project.
We've installed it on our Winnebago Navion and new Vista NPF. Fellow Winnebago owners we know have added the RV A/C Silencer on their Winnebago EKKO and Vista coaches. The DIY install takes about 30 minutes or have a dealer or service centre do the work for you. It’s compatible with a number of A/C manufacturers including Coleman-Mach, Dometic and GE.
Photo Courtesy Hughes Autoformers
The Hughes Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector has several benefits to ensure clean power at RV parks.
4. Hughes Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector (EPO)
The Hughes Power Watchdog is indeed a Surge Protector. When you plug it into the pedestal at the campground, it keeps the power disconnected for four seconds while ensuring the power is reliable.
The Watchdog then energizes the electrical cord to your RV and continues monitoring to protect it from low or high voltage, wiring issues, and more. A built-in Emergency Power Off (EPO) feature will shut down the power going to the RV if it detects any issues and then continues monitoring to determine if the condition is resolved. It will then automatically reconnect.
Hughes also added a unique built-in Bluetooth compatibility and an app is available to remotely monitor power status and of any faults in the source. One of the newest additions is the RV Whisper system, which uses WiFi or cellular to report the status of compatible sensors.
This allows you to check the power from practically anywhere you have a solid connection, and not just within range of a Bluetooth connection. Like other surge protectors, the Watchdog is available as a plug-and-play or a permanent installation. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Photo Courtesy SuperSprings International
Unique in the Winnebago model lineup, the Vista NPF comes stock with SumoSprings suspension in a range of sizes and stiffness for better “cushioned rides.” Seen here is the F53, available in front and rear kits.
5. SumoSprings by SuperSprings International
Unique in the Winnebago model lineup, the Vista NPF comes stock with SumoSprings. Available in a range of sizes and stiffness, these are popular upgrades for many RVers.
SumoSprings are made with a unique microcellular polyurethane. Contrary to popular belief, they are not made of rubber. According to the company, they ‘are a patented progressive spring with a very soft initial engagement and as more weight is added, they get harder and push back even more.’
With its many benefits, the system reduces sag while aiding with harsh rebounds from bumps and road damage. Many fellow owners of the Winnebago Navion and View have installed them and they are an excellent upgrade to your suspension.
Howard and Katelyn Newstate have travelled more than 128,747 (80,000 mi) in their Winnebago Navion Class C from Alaska to mainland Mexico since 2018. Joined by their adventure pups, Piper, Ella, and Scout, they share how to “Live Like a Local” in every New State they explore. For more information on their travels or the 51 Parks in 52 Weeks tour, visit NewstateNomads.com/NationalParks.
Important Note: As for any upgrade or mod, making changes to your RV would be at your own risk. The upgrades listed here are not a direct recommendation from Winnebago.