As Class B Camper Vans have taken over the RV landscape, Winnebago has kept up with the demand with steady innovations that combine comfort and convenience in these compact motorhomes. We are often asked about the differences between Winnebago camper vans and counterparts from other manufacturers that may have similar floorplans or capabilities. One such example includes the Winnebago Solis 59PX and the Airstream Ridgeline. Although both motorhomes are built with outdoor and off-grid adventures in mind, there are many key differences that make the Solis 59PX stand out from the competition.
Although the Winnebago Solis is available in multiple floorplans, the 59PX is most comparable to the Rangeline, so we will focus on that comparison. Continue reading to learn more about the Winnebago Solis 59PX and the Airstream Rangeline.
Winnebago Solis 59PX
Specifications
- Exterior Length – 21′ (59PX)
- Exterior Height – 9’5″ (59PX)
- Interior Height – 6’3″
- Freshwater Capacity – 20 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity (Gray) – 20 gal.
- LP Capacity – 25 lbs.
Features
- Standard Pop-Top with fiberglass construction (option to remove)
- Cummins Onan® QG 2800i gas generator
- 220-watt flexible surface solar panel w/controller (w/pop-top)
- 170-watt solar panel w/controller (without pop-top)
Airstream Rangeline
Specifications
- Exterior Length – 21’1″
- Exterior Height – 9’5″
- Interior Height – 6’2.25″
- Freshwater Capacity – 28 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity (Gray) – 19 gal.
- LP Capacity – N/A
Features
- BBGC 3.0 Lithium Ion Battery System
- Firefly Multiplex Controls
- Patio Awning with Legs
- Optional Pop-Top
Both the Winnebago Solis 59PX and the Airstream Rangeline are built on the incredibly reliable RAM ProMaster Chassis with 3.6L V6 gas engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. This newly enhanced chassis now features additional safety and cab enhancements including electronic park brake, forward collision warning plus, multi-collision braking and more.
Exterior
One of the core conveniences that comes standard on the Winnebago Solis 59PX is the pop-top sleeping area that effectively doubles the available sleeping area in this compact camper van. You do have the option to delete the pop-top if you wish. The Airstream Rangeline offers this as an optional addition to its build but is accompanied by a hefty upcharger – over $10,000.
The Solis 59PX includes durable, aluminum running boards installed directly onto the chassis for increased durability that include a built-in d-ring on each end to secure gear or a pet’s leash when they join you outside your camper van. While the Rangeline also offers aluminum running boards and a pet tie-out, the tie-out accessory itself has the appearance of being installed as an afterthought into the top of the running board. Because it is not built into the running board itself and is situated in a space where it could frequently be bumped or damaged, its dependability to keep your pet near is put into question.
Interior
One of the foremost distinctions between Winnebago and other manufacturers, is their dedication to quality and durability inside and out. While both the Solis 59PX and Rangeline boast outdoor and off-grid capabilities, the Rangeline falls short when compared to the included features of the Solis. One such example is the level of insulation for the van windows. The Rangeline uses a far less insulative black canvas window covering while the Solis has zippered air barrier window covers that provide superior thermal break from harsh outdoor temperatures.
The rear garage space in the Airstream Rangeline does not fully take advantage of the available space in the compact camper van. One major design flaw that affects this use of space is the the murphy bed. The bed is raised and lowered with a hinge-like motion that is difficult to maneuver and secure. Once the bed has been stowed, the mattress is exposed and hangs into the available gear space which can then become dirty once your gear tracks in debris from the day’s adventures.
Comparatively, the Solis 59PX features an extended gear garage space that is specifically designed for the efficient storage of your adventure equipment and also includes below-floor storage. The Murphy+ bed available in the Solis can be easily and single-handedly maneuvered with one motion and swings the mattress up against the van wall to maximize the storage space when not in use and keeps the mattress clean.
Power Systems
The Winnebago Solis 59PX comes standard with a 220-watt, flexible surface solar panel that works to charge the dual 12V AGM deep cycle batteries. The installed solar controller is capable of facilitating up to 450-watts of solar, either through aftermarket installation or portable solar options. The Airstream Rangeline however only allows for a 200-watt solar panel.
Both the Solis 59PX and Rangeline include the Cummins Onan QG 2800i gas generator that produces lower vibration and noise levels and is approved for National Park noise ordinance.
Because the Rangeline does not include an LP system, cooking is limited to the included, portable induction cooktop. By comparison, with an LP system with 25 lbs. capacity, the Solis 59PX allows for more efficient cooking with a 2-burner range top with a countertop-flush glass cover.
Plumbing System
The Winnebago Solis 59PX features two options for wash station access. One is located behind the passenger seat and includes an exterior shower hookup that is accessible from the side entry door as well as the full Nautilus Water Control panel in the rear. The Nautilus control panel includes an easy-to-read and use diagram for all of your water utility needs including city water hookup, shower station, power tank fill, winterization and more. The Solis includes a cassette toilet that can be removed from an exterior driver side door and combines the comfort of a permanent toilet with the convenience of a portable black tank for easy dumping.
By comparison, the Airstream Rangeline has water hookup access not as conveniently situated. It is located low on the driver side behind a door that swings out and can be easily damaged. This setup simply cannot be compared to the convenience of both access and use featured in the Nautilus control Panel in the Winnebago Solis.
Another key difference between these two “off-grid” camper vans is their hydronic heating systems. While both systems combine both a furnace and water heater, the differences become quickly apparent. The Rangeline uses the Timberline 2.0 gas-fueled system, and the Solis 59PX is equipped with the Truma Combi Eco Plus Heating System. Known for being near silent and extremely economical to run by allowing for two different operating levels, the Truma Combi Eco System is the superior heating system.
Contact a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant today to learn more about the dependable and efficient Winnebago Solis 59PX!
Current Winnebago Solis Inventory
Experience the Best® at Lichtsinn RV, we have been recognized as the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of the Winnebago Factory in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect no delivery miles on new RVs, a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.
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