Best known for its larger motor homes, Winnebago has surprised the RV world with the introduction of its Revel 4×4 camper van — a Mercedes Benz Sprinter-based rig outfitted for rugged outdoor sport and camping trips.
The Revel 4×4 is designed to take you and your bikes, skis, climbing equipment, backpacks or other gear out into the backcountry while giving you a comfortable retreat to rest those achy muscles and bed down for the night.
Notable for its straightforward design and function-driven features, the Revel is powered by Mercedes’ 188-horsepower, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It pushes 325 lb.-ft. of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via an on-demand 4WD system, complete with high/low range gearing and hill descent mode for added off-road capability.
Other features include electronic stability, traction control and four-wheel ABS braking. BF Goodrich T/A KO2 all-terrain tires provide the needed grip to deal with rough terrain.
While Winnebago pioneered the use of Sprinter-based road-touring vans, this brawny off-road-capable model, with a relatively short 144-inch wheelbase (19.5 feet overall length) and almost 6 inches of additional ground clearance, is definitely aimed at expanding the market to reach a younger, sports and adventure-oriented crowd.
Photo courtesy of Winnebago Industries
The Revel features an innovative rear-mounted power-lift bed that lifts away to the ceiling to clear out a 140-cubic-foot (4 square-meter) gear garage for bikes, boards and backpacks. Double doors provide for easy loading, and six removable cargo tie downs can be implemented to help keep everything in place on bumpy terrain. At night, the 49-by-79-inch bed lowers down at the push of a button.
Off-the-grid adventures are aided by a 200-watt roof-mounted solar-powered electrical system (no LP gas or 110V power required) tied to three 105Ah deep-cycle AGM batteries to power onboard equipment.
Also roof-mounted is a low-profile, high-efficiency 13,500 BTU air conditioner. Continuous, unlimited hot water comes via an Eberspaecher hydronic heater with a diesel burner. It draws from the main diesel fuel tank to heat a glycol mixture that circulates through heat exchangers for both coach heat and continuous hot water. This system also heats freshwater and gray tanks in subfreezing conditions.
Additional outside features include a roof rack with a moveable ladder that allows access from various locations around the coach. Other neat pluses include an electric awning with built-in LED lighting and a wind-retraction system, side and rear screen doors and an exterior hot/cold shower.
Photo courtesy of Winnebago Industries
Burly on the outside, the Revel’s interior features all the typical motor home amenities. A galley and wet bath are located across from one another, just in front of the rear bed.
The all-electric galley features a glass-covered single-burner induction cooktop, 2.5-cubic foot compressor fridge/freezer and a stainless-steel sink with a waste filtration system. Also, part of the galley package includes a flip-up countertop extension, spacious storage drawers and a pantry.
Up front, a folding dinette table pulls up between the front-facing bench and rear-swiveling cab seats. The table/seats also can be converted into a single bed.
Standard cabin features include a 6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, adjustable front seats with armrests and lumbar support, and keyless remote entry. A JBL premium sound system and 9-inch infotainment center with Rand McNally RV GPS, Sirius XM radio and Bluetooth are available as an option.
With a base price of $134,799, the Revel may be out of the question for #vanlifers hoping to do things on the cheap — but it is a well-designed, top-quality off-road/off-grid package that looks to be just the thing for those who can afford it.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs. See our Winnebago Revel inventory here.
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Article originally published here by Dave G. Houser