2004 winnebago journey reviews

Written by Johnathan R. Smith • June 23, 2021 • 5:24 am • Winnebago

Winnebago Journey Class A Motorhome: Specs, Prices & Review

Journey is Winnebago’s top of the line Class A motorhome. They are proud to say that it just might be their finest motorhome yet. Does the 2022 Winnebago Journey live up to the hype? We’ll find out in this review.

Introduction to the Winnebago Journey

Imagine traversing the country roads in this stylish and luxurious motorhome, you surely won’t miss out on the comforts of home.

Journey is available in 3 floorplans, boasts of an industry leading Quiet Ride with Automotive Cockpit, and has lots of storage space for your travel stuff. All systems are linked to the Winnebago Connect control panel for easy management of everything that’s going on inside the coach.

But its main feature really is its diesel-powered engine that promises buyers a smoother ride and better driving experience on the road.

Construction

The newest Winnebago Journey is built on a Freightliner® Maxum II XCM Chassis. This is the top choice for Class A diesel motorhomes as it provides power, floorplan versatility, and space that these top RVs demand.

The diesel engine used in Journey is the 380-hp Cummins® ISL 8.9L Torque. This is premium quality and heavy-duty fit for high-powered coaches. It has a high power to weight ratio offering unrivalled levels of torque for the engine.

This diesel pusher runs on a 6 speed automatic transmission using 36,400-lb. chassis Allison® 3000 for the 34N and 36K floor plans and 38,700-lb. chassis Allison 3000 for the 40P floor plan. This gives you the best combination of power and fuel economy while on the road.

Here are other construction features that you should know about:

• Side mounted radiator
• NeWay® air suspension with V-Ride
• DriveTech driving system
• HWH automatic hydraulic leveling jacks w/three control locations
• 160-amp alternator
• Air brakes w/ABS
• Engine exhaust brake
• 7-pin trailer wiring
• Trailer hitch 10,000-lb. drawbar/1000-lb. maximum vertical tongue weight
• Stylized aluminum wheels

Exterior Features

Journey’s exterior has Sikkens premium high-gloss enhanced paint finish on its skin.  This definitely makes it standout on the road. The available colors are Black Cherry, Autumn Sage, Midnight, Mojave Dusk, Sunlit, and Steel Grey.

This diesel pusher has distinctive features on the outside will tell you that it’s not your ordinary motorhome. Winnebago has maximized every space possible to make sure that you’ve got everything you need while on the road. Here are some of its outstanding details.

The 22′ Carefree Apex powered patio awning with LED lighting and wind sensor will give you shade while lounging outside. You’ve got entertainment too with a 43″ TV, a home theater sound bar system that has a portable Bluetooth subwoofer for the ultimate cinematic experience.

This Class A diesel powered motorhome has an aerodynamic retractable entry door awning with LED lighting to make it safer and more convenient to go in and out of your RV. There’s an automatic independent retractable screen door to allow more ventilation and natural light. The steps leading to the door are spaced like the ones you have at home so it’s safer and more comfortable to climb.

Cleaning the roof is a breeze with the Slide-Out Sweepeze. It will scrape off the debris and dirt so that your roof is always spotless. There’s also an exterior wash station with a retractable freshwater hose so that you can clean up before going inside.

The storage rooms range from 138 cu. ft. all the way to 256 cu. ft. for their longest floorplan. You can easily access this section with the SureStoreTM push button release. You can put a lot of stuff inside with its unobstructed compartment which is also a pass-through slide-out tray that can be unfastened from either side of the coach. This section is heated to protect your gears and properly lighted so you can see what you need right away.

Winnebago hasn’t forgotten about your furry pals. This is a pet-friendly motorhome. There’s a pet leash tie down so that they can also enjoy the fresh air outside and you won’t have to worry about them wandering far from you.

Winnebago Journey Interior Design and Features

Winnebago Journey levels up your driving experience with its best in class Quiet Ride with Automotive cockpit. Everything you need is just within your reach. There’s an infotainment/GPS navigation system, Xite Radio 12.3” LCD color touch screen, rearview monitor system, rear color camera, and a handheld remote to control each feature.

The driver and passenger seats are very comfortable with adjustable armrests, fixed lumbar support, and adjustable reclining position. They have 3-point seat belts with adjustable shoulder height to ensure your safety as you travel.

You’ll be amazed at the interior of Winnebago Journey. You will forget that you’re in a vehicle because it looks very much like a home. The standard flat plank residential flooring anchors the homey feel of this coach. Additional wooden touch are provided by the cabinets all around the cabin. The ceiling is made of soft vinyl. There are LED ceiling lights and accent lighting for overhead cabinets and cab and MCD day/night roller shades to control the natural light that’s coming in and offer privacy.

The RestEasy® sofa or reclining theater seats (depending on the floorplan that you choose) look very inviting and comfortable. You can watch your favorite shows, listen to soothing music, do your work, or eat with ease and contentment. There’s also a Glide N Dine® dining table and chairs for the 34N and 40P floorplans or Dine-O-Workstation  convertible dining and work space for the 36K floorplan.

The living area also has a buffet. The seats have integrated cupholders and lap table. There are USB ports and remote holders for your convenience. An electric fireplace makes it cozier.

You will surely be delighted to have a movie marathon in the living area with the 50″ Smart HDTV. There’s a home theater sound bar system to enhance the viewing experience. This also has a digital TV amplified antenna system and is satellite system ready so that you can watch local and international channels wherever you are.

You won’t have a problem plugging your appliances and devices in the multi-plex wall switches. You can even control everything through your smartphone. This is made possible by the Winnebago Connect control center that can be integrated in your mobile devices. There’s also an allocated space for your washer and dryer so that you can keep your clothes and linens clean even while you’re travelling.

The heating and cooling system includes 3 13,500 BTU air conditioners for the 36K and 40P floorplans and 2 15,000 BTU air conditioners for the 34N floorplan. All air conditioners have heat pumps. An Aqua-Hot® 400D ensures that its dwellers aren’t bothered by the cold anytime of the year.

The Winnebago Journey is powered by a Cummins Onan® generator with an automatic start system, 6 deep-cycle Group 31 Marine/RV batteries, and 3,000-watt sine wave inverter/charger with remote panel and coach battery disconnect switch. This ensures that there is no power interruption wherever you go. You can also opt to have solar panels. There’s also a WiFi router with Winegard Air 360+ antenna to keep you connected to the internet.

Preparing and cooking hearty and delicious meals aren’t a problem. Journey has a spacious full kitchen equipped with a 2-door residential stainless-steel refrigerator. It also has a freezer, water dispenser, and icemaker. You can keep your food and ingredients fresh and you can always enjoy energizing ice-cold drinks.

The kitchen is located at the galley. There’s a 2-burner portable induction range top, microwave, and oven for your various cooking needs. It also has a wood cutting board and modular stainless steel sink with single or dual basin which are crucial when preparing your dishes. Space isn’t an issue with the flip-up or pull-out countertop extension depending on the floorplan. You also have space for drying your dishes.

The kitchen looks sophisticated with the Corian® solid surface countertops and tile backsplash with Corian border. You can keep everything organized in the dual stacked pantry. The powered ventilator fan will keep odors away. Cleaning up isn’t a hassle with the central vacuum system. There’s also a pop-up 110V charging station for your devices.

At the mid part of the coach is a large toilet and shower. There are 2 showerheads. The area is enclosed by a 3-panel textured glass sliding shower door. This shower also has a seat so it’s a plus for those traveling with older persons. The tile backsplash with Corian® border gives it a stylish look. The toilet is made of porcelain and has an electric flush. You’ll feel comfortable using it and it’s easy to clean.

The bathroom has a Maxxair fan powered roof vent with rain sensor to keep it dry all the time. It’s also easy to keep everything organized because of the medicine cabinet, cabinet linen tower, towel bars, towel hooks, and tissue holder.

At the rear portion of the motorhome is the bedroom. It is separated from the rest of the coach through the sliding door divider with mirror and stainless steel hardware. You can sleep cozily on the king bed with E-Z Make bed system and power incline headrest. Its industry leading walk around design with flat floor, bedsheet and pillow shams, and decorative upholstered headboard complete the classy but relaxed look.

You can keep your personal stuff in the under bed storage with lockable compartment, Baldacci® customizable Italian wardrobe system, and nightstands with medical device storage.

You can catch up on the news or watch your favorite TV series on the 43″ Smart HDTV. There are 110V outlets and USB ports for your gadgets and devices. The ceiling fan will make you more comfortable during the hot summer months.

Winnebago Journey Quick Stat Comparison

Floorplans and specs of the winnebago journey.

The 2022 Winnebago Journey is available in 3 floorplans: 34N, 36K, and 40P.

Journey 34N

34N has a length of 35’6″. This floorplan has 3 slideouts for a King-sized bed, pop up TV wall, and a lap table and theatre seats.

• Exterior Length: 35’6″
• Exterior Height: 13’3″
• Exterior Width: 8’5.5″
• Awning Length: 22′
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity (gal): 105
• Water Heater Capacity (gal): Continuous
• GVWR(lbs.): 36,400
• Exterior Storage (cu. ft.): 138

Journey 36K

The 36K floorplan comes in with a length of 37’9″. It also has 3 slideouts – one for the king bed, another for a lap table and Rest Easy sofa, and one for buffet and pop up TV location.

• Exterior Length: 37’9″
• Exterior Height: 13′ 3″
• GVWR (lbs.): 38,700
• Exterior Storage (cu. ft.): 187

Journey 40P

40P is the longest floorplan at 41’4″. Its 3 slideouts give way for a king bed, Rest Easy sofa with pop up TV location, and the ergonomic dinette.

• Exterior Length: 41’4″
• Exterior Storage (cu. ft.): 256

What is the Winnebago Journey Warranty?

One of the reasons that make this Class A diesel pusher a good buy is the warranty. Winnebago has previously announced that they have made the 3 year or 100,000 mile warranty standard on all their diesel powered motorhomes. It also comes with a 10-year limited parts-and-labor warranty on its fiberglass roof skin.

This earns Winnebago Journey plus points in our review since buyers can expect good after sales service support. It also shows how much Winnebago trusts the quality of their product as they are willing to back them up with this superior warranty.

Winnebago Journey Review

We’ve searched different review sites on the internet to look at other people’s experiences with their Journey and here’s a summary of their personal assessment of this motorhome’s performance.

• premium construction
• triple slide outs to maximize space
• residential refrigerator
• king size bed (not queen size bed)
• lots of storage space
• central vacuum system
• 3 year or 100,000 mile warranty
• Repairs can be costly

Is Winnebago Journey a good motorhome?

Through the years, the Winnebago Journey has received positive reviews from the RV community. Buyers give them an overall rating of more than 4 stars when asked regarding its floorplan, livability, overall quality, driving and towing, and factory warranty or support. There might be small troubles but nothing big concerning its construction quality.

This motorhome is aptly named Journey as you’ll want t have it with you in all of your journeys to see great sights and make precious memories with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does journey cost.

The Winnebago 2022 Journey starts at $387,295. This includes the standard features for the smallest floorplan. There are many options for upgrades depending on your traveling needs.

Who makes journey RV?

Winnebago Industries, Inc. is the manufacturer of the Journey RV. It is a Class A diesel pusher that’s available in 3 different floorplans and a length starting at 35’6″.

Does Winnebago still make the journey?

Yes, Winnebago still makes the Journey motorhome and has recently released its 2022 version. They claim it’s their best diesel-powered RV yet. It promises a quiet ride with an automotive cockpit and features a luxurious design and abundant storage space. All systems can be managed through the Winnebago Connect control panel making it so convenient for travelers to keep track of everything that’s going on inside their coach.

When did Winnebago start making the Journey and what has changed since then?

Winnebago debuted Journey in the year 2000 as part of the expansion of their diesel lineup. This is the product of their research and development wherein they decided to add more home features to their coaches.

In the brochure of the 2000 Journey, Winnebago says they are offering first class bus-style comfort all the way. It was built on Cummins ISB 5.9L turbo charged diesel chassis-freightliner. The features included the OnePlace Systems Center where frequently used gauges and switches were placed all in one location for easy management. Powerline Energy Management System was already used for their air conditioning units to ensure that there wouldn’t be any power interruption while they were in use.

Back in 2000, Journey already provided abundant storage space with its StoreMore Hydraulic Slideout System. There were 3 floorplans to choose from, all with 1 slideout, a queen size bed, private bathroom, full kitchen, dinette, couch/bed, and lounge chairs. Buyers got to choose among 3 interior motifs – ivory coast, amethyst frost, and windspray.

The warranty included a 12 month/15,000 mile basic protection plan and 36 month/36,000 miles for the structure, and standard 10-year limited warranty for roof parts and labor.

The following year, Winnebago released a new version with the distinct first class look and performance from this Class A motorhome. The 2001 Journey was available in 6 floorplans and 3 color choices for the interiors. Each offered deluxe interior and exterior entertainment system. They used RestEasy Multi-position Lounge so that buyers could enjoy resting on a couch, recliner with an ottoman, or 60″x75″ bed. The bathroom featured a residential-height toilet, vanity mirrors, fold-down seat at the shower and handheld showerhead.

Winnebago continued making Journey until the following decade, constantly improving to offer utmost comfort to users while maximizing space, providing spacious storage options, and the latest appliances and systems in the RV industry. All of these diesel pushers were built with Winnebago’s SuperStructure construction design to ensure their durability and quality.

Winnebago paused the production of Journey in 2018 and has just come back this year for the improved and best version ever. It is noteworthy that as we researched on reviews of the previous Journey motorhomes, most buyers were satisfied with their performance and quality that’s why the RV community needs something this good in the market.

Recommended Winnebago Articles

• Winnebago RV’s Reviews
• Winnebago Journey Class A Motorhome: Specs, Prices & Review
• Winnebago Adventurer Class A Motorhome: Specs, Prices and Review
• Winnebago Vista Class A Motorhome: Specs, Prices and Review

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2004 Winnebago Adventurer Review

By now you’ll have gathered that the State of Louisiana was the venue for our most recent road trip, where I tested the 2004 Winnebago Adventurer 35U. The company thinks quite a bit of this model – “the most user-friendly and researched motorhome on the market” – its news release says, and I found that this is not just hype. Winnebago certainly didn’t hesitate to ship a brand-new unit to Mississippi to let me test it. Even after I promised to unleash my family on it; Over the course of 10 days we criss-crossed the State, driving about 700 miles and living in the motorhome – all four of us.

The Adventurer series ranges in size from 31 to 38 feet and is built on either a Ford chassis or the new 20 or 22,000 lb Workhorse, with a gasoline engine. There are five different sizes (floorplans) each featuring a dual slideout design the front one of which also features the Winnebago StoreMore system, (storage compartments that move out with the slide).

The 35U I tested was a 22,000 lb Workhorse model powered by the 8100 Vortec V8 gasoline engine with the automatic Allison 5-speed transmission.

If you visit Louisiana you better like swamp – down here it’s a constant and in it’s own way very beautiful. Mind you they call it the bayou, a native Choctaw word meaning ‘slow moving waters,’ and in Louisiana alone there is some 3200 square miles of it. Along with coastline marshes this region makes up 42% of all the wetlands in the United States, a surprising amount of which you can see first hand on roads that run along the ridges of levees or from any of the thousands of bridges in the State. Driving in the motorhome we often got some tremendous panoramic views of the bayou. Take the Atchafalaya Basin for instance. It covers 860,000 acres and you get to drive right through the middle of it on a double-lane divided causeway that perches 25 feet above the water cutting through some 20 miles of swamp. In the RV it felt like we could see all of it – including the bass boats driving between the bridge pylons and darting in and out of the cypress trees.

The 8100 Vortec engine easily handles the weight of the Adventurer, but the Allison transmission deserves even more praise. It’s strong, shifts smoothly and manages engine rpm very economically through five gears; the proof being the electronic fuel consumption readout that recorded an average of nine miles to the US gallon at 55 mph and eight at 70 mph. Ride quality and rolling resistance are also good – thanks in part to new 22.5 inch radial tires. This praise also applies to the suspension. It allows very little side to side movement or yaw, on rough roads or in cross-winds. What you do experience though is a pivoting forward/rear bounce. The first hit is considerable but the second bounce is then severely dampened by the shocks – once you realize it’s going to happen it’s not a surprise, and it does not pull at the steering.

Part of the reason for that bounce is the length of the wheelbase. There is a considerable overhang and this is not helped by the set back front axle, but this feature along with an almost 50-degree wheel cut makes tight maneuvers easy – I consider this the better choice in the tradeoff. The large heated mirrors have very little road vibration and with the backup camera I was in and out of the tightest spots without aid. The driver’s side door offers a fast-down electric window (great for toll booths) and if need be you could open it to give yourself an even better view for parking.

I have had other motorhomes with driver’s doors that opened into space – without supports or regard for safe entry and exit. The Adventurer though, has a long grab pole inside and outside the door along with two recessed steps and a foot loop. When you open the door an inside map-type light switches on automatically and the door is sturdy enough to hang on. But, it has a wicked wind noise. I checked seals and hinges, which seemed fine, so I have no explanation.

The last Winnebago I tested had a rattling dashboard. Not in this model, it was rock solid and well laid out with large gauges and easily read rocker switches. These included the main slideout button, generator switch and levelers. I could level the unit using a dashboard mounted touch pad, extend the hydraulic slideout, set the radio and pull the blinds before I exited the driver’s seat. There is an extendible work station on the passenger dash side that my sons Matt and Steve used to do their homework while we drove. Underneath it is a large storage box. Over the doghouse (which is almost flat) is another storage box that has cup holders on top and a tray. It slides out on roller bearings and it banged every time I braked or accelerated. It’s a small thing, but needs to be fixed. Speaking of noise, a couple of quick comments. We had some major thunderstorms and the drumming of the rain inside was minimal (no leaks by the way) and the thunderclaps never even woke the kids. The TrueAir residential style central air conditioning system on the Adventurer is located near the back and below the floor, apart from the maintenance and appearance advantages it’s virtually silent inside and very quiet outside – same with the 5,500-watt Onan generator, very little noise. The exception is the 10-gallon water heater that has been relocated to the passenger side forward of the main door. With the window open the sound of the burner firing is annoying.

With four of us in the motorhome we put all the sleeping areas to use. The main couch has an electric motor that reclines it with the push of a button making a 60” by 75” bed, while from underneath the foot of the bed (or ottoman) slides out and up on a track. Apart from making a bed the reclining feature makes for comfortable sitting or television viewing. The one problem we had with the Rest Easy multi-position lounge was a material rip along the piping of the one seat cushion. It tore at the stitching – it appeared to me that it didn’t have enough give in the material. When I returned the unit the dealer confirmed that he had at least two other lounges with the same problem. Otherwise the pull out section worked well and Matt said it was comfortable.

Driver and passenger seats can swing around to face the salon, they also recline and are comfortable to watch TV in, but the rocker recliner is really great. It has a flip-up handle for the footrest and it’s the type has a hinge that flattens the back and the bottom as it’s pushed back. The standard placement allows it to turn all the way around, but it can also be moved having a round metal tube base that’s held in place by just one screw down clamp. A foldaway table top completes the setting. The traditional fold-down dinette was Stephen’s bed for our trip – it worked exactly as it should but it also had some upgrades. This BenchMark unit has innerspring seat cushions that are fixed (but flip-up for storage access) and back cushions that fit well and offer good support. The whole unit is well spaced, letting four adults eat at the table without being crushed or elbowing each other in the ribs. The dinette and the lounge are both located in the large forward slideout. The main bedroom bed is queen size with a Serta mattress, plush bedspread and pillows, set between two end tables with locking drawers. Very comfortable.

Speaking of slideouts, the rear slide does more than just offer up bedroom space, it creates another living area with a distinct sense of privacy. On the opposite side of the salon slide, it moves the head of the bed (with two new-for-this-year screened windows) and a floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobe out by 24 inches. This does two things. First, it opens access to a desk/vanity area that runs the length of the bedroom wall and; second: opens a large floorspace between the vanity and the bathroom. The spring-loaded toilet door (sprung to stay open) closes this whole section off from the rest of the coach. The rounded sink and corner shower (which is big enough for anyone) completes a comfortable dressing area. The desk, bedroom TV, bath and wardrobe with plenty of space to walk about really creates an inviting space that offers privacy – something we all occasionally need – particularly when the kids want to watch music videos.

With the various cultures that have thrived in Louisiana – French, Acadian, Spanish and African – you’ll find music everywhere, most of it music that you’ll enjoy. The Adventurer offers several ways to do this, starting with an outside entertainment station with AM/FM radio/CD player and cable and power hookup for a TV. Inside the QSurround system (four cube speakers and two subwoofers) pipes radio or CD through the unit – or can be switched over to create theater-like sound for the 25-inch TV. Of course you can have a VCR, DVD, cable, satellite dish ready and standard antenna – with forward and rear TV’s accessing individual programming.

Tracie, my wife, really didn’t have much to say about the galley, which for her says a lot. We ate most breakfasts and lunches in and everything she needed was at hand, convenient and worked well (I actually had to turn the fridge down because it froze cans of pop.). As she put it; one step left and two right were enough to reach everything and miss nothing. The easy-light Amana three-burner range had an oven and the Sharp microwave was 30” wide and had a convection setting. The recessed sink is molded into the solid surface countertop, has a removable cutting board and for extra space it had a foldup extension. The Norcold fridge/freezer(with built-in ice maker) is at hand next to the large slideout pantry while the all-important coffee maker is mounted over the dinette – where you can get to it. Storage and cupboards are plentiful, well placed and well built – there is little more to say about that.

After a few days in the RV Tracie said a built-in toaster would be good thing – though she was impressed with the job the convection microwave did on the garlic bread. I prodded her for more comments and she said the fold down seat on the wall of the shower stall with the hand-held shower head, was great for shaving her legs, (kids pretended to throw-up upon hearing this). She also liked the built-in hairdryer and the standard rechargeable vacuum. She also mentioned the simplicity of the OnePlace Systems Center. Placed in the gallery, the OnePlace centralizes all the motorhome functions in one place. The panel houses the water pump switch, water heater on/off, pilot light monitor, generator hour meter and one of three on/off switches. There is a digital battery monitor, solar charging monitor, power draw indicator, tank level readouts heating and cooling thermostat with fan controls.

For me I have to say that the lighting is some of the best I’ve seen. There are large overhead florescent fixtures that provide good main lighting (on the roof only) whereas under cupboards you’ll find swiveling ball-type single bulb lights that can be aimed and are less intrusive. There are also shaded wall mounted decorative lights. Switches, outside lights and floor lights were all well placed. I also noted the sculpted material on the ceiling. I found that somehow it defined the roof arch better than a flat surface and gave the ceiling an added sense of height. I also want to mention the TriMark KeyOne system – one common key for all the exterior compartments, the main entry door and the driver’s door. Thank You.

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