Winnebago is known as a leader in the motorhome industry due to their innovations and dedication to quality and safety. This means that you may find similarities between models and floorplans when comparing with other manufacturers, as the competition often attempts to replicate Winnebago’s design and quality but falls short.
One example of this includes the Winnebago Solis and Pleasure-Way Tofino. Both RVs are built on the ever reliable and maneuverable RAM ProMaster chassis, now fully upgraded with enhanced safety features. However, this is where the similarities between the models end when comparing quality, features, floorplan, and more.
The Winnebago Solis is available in three floorplans, the Solis 59P, Solis 59PX and the Solis Pocket 36A. The Pleasure-Way Tofino shares more similarities with the Pocket 36A floorplan so we will be focusing on that floorplan in comparison to the Tofino.
Continue reading to learn more about the difference between these two Class B Camper Vans.
Winnebago Solis Pocket 36A
Key Specifications
- Exterior Length – 17’10”
- Exterior Height – 9’5″
- Interior Height – 6’3″
- Freshwater Capacity – 20 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity (gray) – 20 gal.
Key Features
- RAM ProMaster Chassis
- Truma VarioHeat Heating System
- MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) Panel
- Multiple Dinette Conversions
- Cross-Coach Murphy+ Platform Bed
- 170-Watt Solar Panel
Pleasure-Way Tofino
Key Specifications
- Exterior Length – 17’9″
- Exterior Height – 8’2″ (w/roof rack – 8’6.5″)
- Interior Height – not listed
- Freshwater Capacity – 16 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity (gray) – 8 gal.
Key Features
- RAM ProMaster Chassis
- Truma VarioHeat Heating System
- Pop-Top Overhead Bunk
- Convertible Sofa/Queen Bed
- 100-Watt or 200-Watt Optional Solar Package
EXTERIOR
Winnebago is famous for the premium insulation provided in their RVs, especially those that need to be equipped for 4-season travel. The Winnebago Solis Pocket features automotive-grade, block foam insulation in both the ceiling and sidewalls. This provides temperature control, reduces heat or cool air loss and provides noise reduction. The Solis Pocket also has all of its water tanks, valve, lines and pump inside the coach for further thermal insulation and has earned Truma’s Gold Certification for cold weather capability.
The Pleasure-Way Tofino also features a layout with insulated tanks and hoses. However, the insulation used is lower quality than that used in the Solis Pocket, and owners often have to seek out third-party gear and equipment, such as insulated coverings or a heat shield cloth, to further insulate during the cold months.
Both RVs include a rear screen door. When the rear double doors are opened, the screen provides flow for a breeze to pass through while you relax in your camper van. However, the Solis Pocket also includes a side screen door with magnetic closure for the sliding van door while the Tofino only offers this as an add-on. Another convenient feature included with the Solis Pocket is a rear annex area that is easily setup with an included rod and privacy screen. This extends your privacy outside of the coach and allows you to privately change when it’s beach time or utilize the exterior shower.
INTERIOR & GALLEY
One important detail, that again lends itself to Winnebago’s dedication to quality, is their efficient use of space for both living and storage areas. While the Tofino mostly features large and ineffective cargo nets throughout, the Solis Pocket takes advantage of every square inch of space with durable high-quality overhead cabinets. These cabinets feature the Slam latching system and are made with durable laminate fronts. They also have a magnetic system that holds the cabinet door open as you load your items.
Although the Solis Pocket does not include a pop-top like the Tofino, the feature may not be one that is actually a benefit to you. When the pop-top sleeping area is lowered in the Tofino, you cannot comfortably move about the galley to prepare your meals or entertain guests. The interior height specification of the Tofino is currently not listed by the manufacturer, perhaps because this specification may be seen as a detriment.
For dining or use as a workstation, the Solis Pocket provides an incredibly versatile living space. The main living space inside the Pocket is customizable and functions not only as a dinette, but also a day bed, sofa, and settee loveseat by removal or relocation of the table and the reconfiguration of the cushions. For example, simply remove the table or move it to the end and place the cushions against the storage hutch to create a sofa or if you prefer to lounge with your laptop still accessible to create a daybed you can install the table at the foot of the seating area near the cab seats.
Additionally, both cab seats in the Pocket have swivel and slide functionality built-in, expanding this space by allowing the cab seating to become an integral part of the living space in conjunction with the sofa area. The cab seats in the Tofino also swivel, however, they are limited by how far the driver side seat can rotate due to interference with the galley counter. This takes away from the ability to interact comfortably with anyone else in the coach with the exception of anyone sitting in the passenger seat.
The galley counter in the Tofino introduces another issue in the floorplan, it limits the width of the sofa/bed sleeping area. The counter continues toward the rear of the RV, meaning you cannot use the entire counter space unless you decide to kneel on the sofa/bed. By comparison, when the Murphy+ bed is stowed, the passenger side cushions can be removed to reveal an extended countertop surface that is easy to access and ideal for food prep.
Looking at the galley specifically, the Winnebago Solis Pocket offers many features for added convenience. First, the 3.0 cu. ft. single door refrigerator/freezer is front facing and located just inside the open van door which works conveniently with the included exterior table. This allows access to your drinks and food from both inside and outside the van. Comparatively, the refrigerator in the Tofino is just 2.3 cu. ft. and can only be accessed from inside the coach. Also, the cooking option in the Tofino is a 1-burner induction stove while the Solis Pocket includes a 2-burner range top.
SLEEPING AREAS
The standard rear, cross-coach sleeping setup in the Winnebago Solis Pocket is the comfortable and supportive Murphy+ bed which measures 52″ x 75″ when lowered and is built with a slat bed system for optimum support. With the bed raised, the gear garage with L-track cargo tie-downs, is ready to accommodate storage for bicycles and other gear. When lowered, you continue to have ample gear space underneath the bed. The Pocket sleeps up to 3 people with the Murphy+ Bed and the convertible dinette.
A manual sofa/bed setup is standard in the Pleasure-Way Tofino and includes two additional safety belts. However, these are lap belts and do not have the same level of safety as a 3-point seat belt. The sofa lifts manually and lays flat to convert into a bed measuring 54″ x 72″ which is less surface area than the sofa/bed of the Solis Pocket. It is also important to point out that the standard sofa/bed in the Tofino does not provide storage under the entirety of the bed, only the rear access garage.
As mentioned previously, the Pleasure-Way Tofino includes a pop-top overhead. However, this setup omits an air conditioner which is included standard in the Solis Pocket. If you desire a pop-top sleeping area with the convenience offered by the compact Solis Pocket, Winnebago also has the Solis 59P and 59PX floorplans available that include this feature. The pop-top in these two floorplans is made with durable fiberglass, raises with hinges and gas springs that make it incredibly easy to lift and measures 52″ x 79″. This setup provides comfortable sleeping for two on top of the popular FROLI® Sleep System and also features full electricity with lights and outlets. The pop-top in the Tofino is comparable in only the small details such as a light, outlets, and window screens. However, the mattress included is just 2″ thick and does not compare with the comfort provided with the FROLI Sleep System. The Tofino can also sleep up to 3 people with the sofa bed and the pop-top loft sleeping area.
HEATING & COOLING
The Winnebago Solis Pocket and Pleasure-Way Tofino are both equipped with the Truma VarioHeat furnace which is controlled via a control panel to set your desired temperature. The Truma VarioHeat is considered the top of the line model in RV heaters because of its three available heating output levels that ensures you can heat your motorhome quickly and reliably.
For cooling the Solis Pocket includes the Coleman-Mach 10 NDQ air conditioning system. This A/C unit is effective, efficient, and most importantly, quiet, to make sure everyone is a “happy camper.” To keep the cold/heat in and unpleasant weather at bay, the fresh and grey water tanks are stacked in the passenger side bed and galley cabinet above the floor. All tanks, valves, pump, lines and even the dump valve are located inside the van. The VarioHeat furnace blows warm air directly into the water space ensuring the water flows, even in the coldest conditions. These features together earned the Pocket the Truma Gold Star Certification for all-season camping.
The Pleasure-Way Tofino does not include an air conditioning system and does not offer the option to add one due to the mandatory pop-top feature. The Pleasure-Way Tofino layout also features insulated tanks and hoses with lower quality levels of insulation.
PLUMBING
Another example of how Winnebago provides convenience to their customers is seen in the Winnebago Solis Pocket. While the Pocket does not include a Wet Bath, it does include a third-party portable toilet and convenient storage space for it under the dinette. The Solis Pocket also boasts a central water control panel that includes all control valves, connection points, and exterior wash station that is located inside the right rear door.
The Pleasure-Way Tofino also does not have a bath, however, it does not include a third-party portable toilet as the Solis Pocket does. If you choose to purchase a portable toilet, you will struggle to find storage space for it within the RV that does not take away valuable storage space from the gear garage storage in the rear.
The Winnebago Solis Pocket is a fuel-efficient Class B gas motorhome designed for adventure on any budget. The all-weather camper van makes you feel right at home no matter where you decide to set up camp. When compared with similar floorplans from other manufacturers, the Winnebago Solis Pocket quickly stands out on top.
Call a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant today to learn more about the Winnebago Solis Pocket and find the best floorplan for all of your future adventures.
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