Revelling in the Revel for 2021

As a designer, every once in a while, you see a company that creates something that you hoped one of your clients would take on as an outcome of your work. Such is the case with the 2021 Winnebago Revel. Winnebago has been continually improving the 4x4-capable Class B recreational vehicle since its launch a few years ago. This is the sign of a company that cares about its customers. Drawing on numerous insights gained from speaking with current Revel owners, the 2021 Revel features several thoughtful updates, along with one major game changer.

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Among some smaller, yet still meaningful updates, the table in the sliding door area is now cable-mounted. The angle can be easily adjusted to accommodate various needs, depending on the level of your campsite. Winnebago also moved the refrigerator (which ideally would be a larger unit with a larger freezer) to be forward-facing. This provides easy access from outside the coach, making loading easier. The rear passenger seat now has one three-point seatbelt, and the bed conversion feature has been removed based on consumer feedback. A more flexible lagoon-style table has been added along with a small but functional in-floor storage area behind the driver’s seat.

Counter space is cleaned up and expanded by including a removable induction cooking appliance that neatly stores in the upper galley drawer. This provides more counter space, and Revel owners can cook outside the vehicle on the side table, which was apparently another popular request from current Revel owners. A 110 outlet close to the sliding door shows further attention to detail. This changed layout helps keep cooking odors and moisture from accumulating inside the RV. Under-bed lighting in the rear gear garage area, an added storage bag under the height-adjustable bed, and various storage nets located throughout the rear of the coach are nice additional touches.

The most significant change for 2021 is the addition of two large-capacity lithium batteries. They are located inside the rear gear garage of the coach. This welcome update enables the vehicle's rear air conditioning unit to run for extended periods using only the lithium batteries. This is a breakthrough for those RVing in warmer climates. Lichtsinn RV, a large Winnebago Dealer, recently conducted a test on a hot and humid Iowa day that reached a maximum temperature of 94 degrees. They were able to run the new Coleman air conditioner on and off using the thermostat for just about 6 hours, keeping the coach interior at a comfortable 75 degrees.

The batteries are stored under a nicely designed and vented panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Thermostatically monitored heat blankets ensure that the batteries will function and can be charged when operating in colder climates. The addition of a dedicated alternator in the engine bay helps top up the lithium batteries in about 2 hours of highway driving. Rooftop solar panel support and the option to expand solar charging capability with exterior panels add more boondocking charging capability. Another benefit of using lithium batteries and incorporating them into the Revel is weight savings. Winnebago saved so much weight by switching from nickel batteries to lithium ones that they were able to reintroduce a spare tire, which had previously been eliminated.

Ground clearance has also been significantly improved. Finally, the water tank has also been moved inboard on the passenger side of the garage bay. While the city hookup is now located inside the rear of the vehicle, rather than on the exterior side, which may be inconvenient for those who rely on city hookups in campsites, the water panel is far more intuitive. These changes make the 2021 Winnebago Revel even more capable of facing the extremes of all-season RVing. We designed a similar system with one of our clients several years ago. It remains to be seen whether they will proceed with our work. Clearly, to Winnebago’s credit, they see the value in such an approach. It is great to see them listening to consumers, which has empowered them to create a segment-defining vehicle designed for more adventurous 4x4 camping and to keep it current and desirable with meaningful updating.

If you are interested in learning more about the Winnebago Revel, check out Winnebago’s site. Colonial RV and Lichtsinn RV dealerships also consistently offer nice overview videos. Perhaps the most extensive overview available at the time of posting this entry is the one from Lichtsinn, which provides a helpful 1-hour and 25-minute orientation of the revised model for 2021, available to view here.

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