Promaster Chassis

[Toyman-FRF]

After owning 2 Sprinter based B’s we now have a Winnebago Travato. We only have ~4K miles on it but I have to say it is one of the most comfortable and drivable Motorhomes we have ever had. Not as “gutsy” , nor does it feel as strongly built, but for comfort & drivability I’ve not seen a equal.

 

[rowiebowie]

Toyman. You sound very pleased with the Travato (even after your travails with the previous "L" version).

I personally think it's long overdue for lithium batteries go mainstream in rvs. Yet, problems are many (as you experienced) and that's not what we need when traveling. Guess it just proves simpler is better.

Enjoy your travels and please post your adventures on the road.

 

[lftb2019]

seat & Steeling wheel

I have to say it is one of the most comfortable and drivable Motorhomes we have ever had.

I am new to this forum and looking at the Travato. The Promaster cannot tilt the steering wheel (only telescopic) makes it very uncomfortable to drive, esp. for my wife and she is 5ft1. Can you adjust the seat height? Or am I missing something? I don't want to write off all class Bs built with the Promaster chasis

Thanks!

 

[rlum-JAY]

Hi: I have a 2016 PW Lexor TS. I believe the seats are a bit too high for your wife. The seats are very high. I read some drivers over 6ft 2inch had difficulty being comfortable in them. I am around 5ft 7 so it is ok for me.

 

[rowiebowie]

I am new to this forum and looking at the Travato. The Promaster cannot tilt the steering wheel (only telescopic) makes it very uncomfortable to drive, esp. for my wife and she is 5ft1. Can you adjust the seat height? Or am I missing something? I don't want to write off all class Bs built with the Promaster chasis

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum lftb2019!

I say, you have to sit in one to know if it fits. So see if you can find one locally to check out.

The second part is much harder, but you also have to drive in one for hours to know if it's comfortable.

 

[lftb2019]

We drove in one RV and the wife test drove a new one (2019 model) in a local dealership. There is no adjustment for height. She was bending forward to drive - very uncomfortable, plus not good for the back. It baffles me that there is no height adjustment.

 

[rlum-JAY]

Hi: My promaster works well for me. It drives very well. I prefer gas over diesel. Almost purchased diesel but my wife was against it. I will say. I do not tow with the promaster. If you want to do lots of towing and carrying cargo. A Ford transit with ecoboost or diesel would be more suitable.

 

[mumkin]

I find the Promaster to be very comfortable and easy to drive. The seats in my 2018 are a perfect height for me... and I'm only 5'4." In fact, the height is hugely better than my old Ford, and a bit better than my 2 Chevies. I did try a few Promaster in prior year models that were way too high. So it may depend on the which swivel was added over the years.

I got used to the non-tilt steering wheel quite easily.

 

[lftb2019]

So it may depend on the which swivel was added over the years.

So it depends on which swivel, i.e. model year, different RV manufacturers use for their rigs? In other words, I can sit in a Travato and feel uncomfortable but it's fine in a PW Lexor? Now we have to put the Promaster chasis back on our shopping list.

 

[Chris Hayden]

At first the Promaster feels odd and uncomfortable until you get it dialed in to your body. I'm 6'2" and I usually drive all other vehicles with the seat all the way back, in the Promaster, I actually adjust the seat a notch or to closer to the steering wheel. The sitting position is more like sitting in a kitchen chair, straight up with your feet under you as opposed to a reclining position like most cars and SUVs.
Once I got in dialed to my liking it was very comfortable to drive. I've done easily 600 miles in a day. Logged over 11K miles in it in less than 9 months.
Give it a chance, you'll figure it out.

 

[mumkin]

So it depends on which swivel, i.e. model year, different RV manufacturers use for their rigs? In other words, I can sit in a Travato and feel uncomfortable but it's fine in a PW Lexor? Now we have to put the Promaster chasis back on our shopping list.

Always best to sit in a few rather than believe everything you read on the internets.

I found a difference even between different promaster units from the same company (EHGNA). Never could get a straight answer from a dealer or the company as to why I would sit in the same year (say 2017) Zion or Simplicity and my feet wouldn't even touch the floor... and an Aktiv, would be the perfect height for 5'4" me. Was it different after market swivels? Or did Promaster start coming out with OEM swivels that were on some platforms? (EHGNA used different platform models and option levels until 2018. I think that is probably the answer, but can't prove it now.

When I ordered my current Simplicity, I specifically added to the order that I wanted the same seat height as on the Aktiv. And that is what I got. But I think that became the standard for all their 2018 models.

Try 'em all and let us know.

 

[lftb2019]

Thank you everyone! I'll pay attention at the RV dealership. I found a picture on the Winnebago website owner's manual section showing their driver's seat with two knobs adjusting the height (front and rear) - totally different from the one we test drove at local Promaster dealership.

Just a comment, Promaster is not willing to add tilt function is very strange to me. I would think it would be a minor adjustment. I read somewhere people are DIY to change it by installing a small part

 

[lftb2019]

Very good point! I didn't realize you can specify the seat height! I am bringing my tape to the dealership...

 

[bobojay]

So it depends on which swivel, i.e. model year, different RV manufacturers use for their rigs? In other words, I can sit in a Travato and feel uncomfortable but it's fine in a PW Lexor? Now we have to put the Promaster chasis back on our shopping list.

Winnebago in the Travato uses the FCA swivel, fully adjustable seat option, always has. Can't say what others are using.
I've never owned a vehicle like our Travato that has seats that are as adjustable as these, electric or manual, and have found the steering wheel not tilting is a non-issue which I was initially worried about

 

[mumkin]

The different trim levels of Promaster have different seat adjustments. If that photo is the standard Travato, they are using quite a high trim level. EHGNA in 2018 switched to a mid-range trim level and the seat had minimal adjustments... nothing for height.

 

[MsNomer]

Just for clarification, there are no "trim levels" for the PM itself, just various options. "Trim level" would be an upfitter classification.