Winnebago is the most iconic American motorhome brand and one of the most recognised RV names globally. While primarily a North American manufacturer, Winnebago motorhomes occasionally appear on the UK used market as private imports.
Key models that may appear in the UK include:
The Brave and Chieftain — classic Class A motorhomes from Winnebago's golden era.
The View/Navion — compact Class C motorhome on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, more suited to European roads.
The Trend — mid-size Class C motorhome.
The Revel — adventure-oriented 4x4 campervan on Mercedes Sprinter platform.
Winnebago also produces the Ekko — a popular all-wheel-drive Class C on Ford Transit chassis.
Winnebago Industries was founded in 1958 in Forest City, Iowa by a group of local businessmen and furniture dealers who saw an opportunity in the growing recreational vehicle market. The company was named after Winnebago County, Iowa.
Under the leadership of John K. Hanson, who became chairman in 1960, Winnebago grew from a small travel trailer manufacturer into one of the most recognised RV brands in the world. The company pioneered mass-production techniques for motorhomes, making them accessible to middle-class American families.
By the 1970s, 'Winnebago' had become a generic term for motorhome in American English — similar to Dormobile in Britain. The brand survived multiple economic downturns including the oil crises and the 2008 recession.
Winnebago Industries is publicly traded on the NYSE and has expanded through acquisitions including Grand Design RV (2016), Chris-Craft boats (2018), Newmar (2019) and Barletta Boats (2022). The company now encompasses multiple premium RV and marine brands.
The American motorhome icon — 'Winnebago' is synonymous with motorhomes in American culture, appearing in films, TV shows and becoming a dictionary word.
Mass-production pioneer — Winnebago pioneered affordable motorhome manufacturing, bringing RV ownership to millions of American families.
NYSE-listed stability — as a publicly traded company, Winnebago offers financial stability and ongoing parts and service support.
Innovation in adventure vehicles — models like the Revel and Ekko have pushed the boundaries of adventure-ready motorhomes.
If you want the ultimate American RV experience — nothing says 'road trip' quite like a Winnebago.
If you want a compact adventure vehicle — the Revel 4x4 and Ekko AWD offer genuine off-grid capability.
If brand heritage matters — Winnebago's 65+ year history and cultural status are unmatched.
Not designed for UK roads — American motorhomes are typically much wider and longer than European models, making UK driving challenging.
Left-hand drive only — all Winnebago production is LHD.
No UK dealer network — parts, servicing and warranty support require specialist importers.
Different gas and electrical standards — US propane systems and 110V electrical require conversion for UK use.
Size and weight — many models exceed UK weight and dimension norms significantly.
Check UK road legality — verify width, length and weight comply with UK regulations. Some models may require special vehicle classification.
Verify gas system conversion — US propane systems must be converted to UK LPG standards by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
Check electrical conversion — US 110V/60Hz systems need proper conversion to UK 230V/50Hz.
Inspect the generator — many American RVs have built-in generators. Check hours, service history and condition.
Verify import documentation — confirm proper UK registration, SVA/IVA test completion and insurance arrangements.
- Verify UK road legality for width and length
- Check vehicle weight and licence requirements
- Confirm proper UK registration and V5C
- Verify SVA or IVA test completion
- Check gas system converted to UK standards
- Check electrical system converted to 230V
- Inspect generator hours and condition
- Check air conditioning system
- Inspect roof for leaks and delamination
- Check slide-out mechanisms if fitted
- Test levelling system if fitted
- Inspect basement storage compartments
- Check chassis and undercarriage condition
- Test all 12V and converted 240V circuits
- Test water system and water heater
- Check holding tanks and waste system
- Run fridge and freezer on all modes
- Test heating and air conditioning
- Check tyres for age and condition
- Test drive noting size on UK roads
Winnebago manufacturer warranty applies in North America only. UK buyers of imported Winnebago motorhomes will have no manufacturer warranty coverage.
Specialist American RV importers may offer their own warranty packages. Independent mechanical warranty is strongly recommended.
Parts sourcing from the US may involve significant lead times and shipping costs.
When buying a used Winnebago, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.