It is common for RV manufacturers to build motorhomes with similar floorplans to other RV manufacturers. We are often asked about the differences between certain Winnebago models and their competition. One such example includes the Winnebago Revel 44E and Thor Sanctuary 19L, both built on the ever-reliable Mercedes-Benz VS30 Sprinter chassis. Despite the fact that both motorhomes include a rear bed, wet bath, bench seat, and compact kitchen, the differences between them are immediately apparent once you get inside the RV.
Continue reading to learn about why the Winnebago Revel 44E is regarded as a higher quality RV compared to the Thor Sanctuary 19L.
Winnebago Revel 44E
Key Specifications
- Exterior Length – 19′ 7″
- Exterior Height – 10′
- Interior Height – 6’ 3″
- Freshwater Capacity (gal.) – 21
- Holding Tank Capacity Gray (gal.) – 21
Key Features
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
- 49″x79″ Power Lift Platform Bed
- Gear Garage
- All-in-One Gear Closet and Wet Bath
- Optional Performance Wheels and All-Terrain Tires
Thor Sanctuary 19L
Key Specifications
- Exterior Length – 19′ 8″
- Exterior Height – 10′ 5″
- Interior Height – 6’4″
- Freshwater Capacity (gal.) – 22
- Holding Tank Capacity Gray (gal.) – 20
Key Features
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
- 51″x74″ Bed with Side Flairs
- Under Bed Garage
- Wet Bath
- Optional Off-Road Tires
CHASSIS
Both the Winnebago Revel and Thor Sanctuary are built on the ever-reliable Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter Chassis with 3.0L 6-cylinder, 188-hp, turbo-diesel engine, 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, and 220-amp. alternator. This chassis also includes numerous safety driving aids including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, active distance assist DISTRONIC, rear cross traffic alert and rear ultrasonic park assist.
EXTERIOR
The Winnebago Revel boasts extensive, automotive-grade insulation in its roof, sidewall, and flooring to keep out the cold. This insulation is odor-free and will not settle even on rough and loose terrain. Also, the sidewall insultation is wrapped in a vapor barrier for added protection. Just like many other RVs visually similar to the Revel, the Thor Sanctuary does not feature this level and quality of insulation which is a detriment in off-grid, cold climates.
Another important thing to point out is the side entrance on the Sanctuary. While the Revel provides ample space for entry, the Thor Sanctuary’s doorway is narrow, restricting ease of movement getting in and out of the coach.
The Winnebago Revel includes a Roof Rack for storage, while the Sanctuary does not. Each of these coaches includes an exterior table. However, the table on the Revel is adjustable so that it can remain level regardless of the grade you are parked on, while the Sanctuary’s version is not adjustable so may not be level dependent on the incline.
Each of these coaches also includes a ladder. The ladder on the Revel can be moved around the outside of the Revel and can be locked in place to prevent theft. The ladder on the Sanctuary is a collapsible Thule ladder that can be moved around the coach but does not include a theft lock or a convenient place to store it.
INTERIOR
Once you step inside the Winnebago Revel you’ll first notice the dinette with a bench seat. The bench seat is covered in a comfortable “leather-like” fabric and includes a standard safety belt and a 3-point safety belt. The dinette table in the Revel can be completely removed allowing for additional space in front of the bench seat. Below the bench seat is storage for the removable countertop and on the floor below the table you’ll find an in-floor storage compartment. The back of the bench seat can also be removed for access to yet another storage area.
The Thor Sanctuary has its two-seat bench turned parallel with the wall which does not allow for the driver seat to swivel completely to be inline with the table. By comparison, the bench seat in the Revel is forward facing which allows the driver seat to swivel with ample leg room, allowing everyone convenient access to the table and allowing you to interact easily with guests seated across from you. The table in the Sanctuary can also be completely removed and the bench seat includes 2 standard safety belts. However, the table can not be easily accessed from the driver seat or for the individual seated on the left-hand side of the bench seat.
Inside the Winnebago Revel you’ll find heavy-duty industrial vinyl non-slip flooring that is easy to clean and provides a thermal break to keep out inclement temperatures. The Sanctuary in contrast has standard vinyl flooring.
GALLEY
Some of the most significant differences in the Thor Sanctuary 19L are found in the kitchen. In an attempt to add more storage space, the Sanctuary’s refrigerator is higher than the rest of the countertop and includes a drawer underneath. This makes the space above the refrigerator impossible to use as space for food prep. The refrigerator in the Revel is counter height so you can use it for food prep and includes a removable counter extension that adds additional counterspace. This counter extension can be conveniently stored under the bench seat when not in use.
The Winnebago Revel includes a pantry for storage while the Sanctuary does not. The Sanctuary does include a solid surface countertop, which may initially sound like a good thing, however, the weight of the countertop, vs. the Revel’s laminate top, reduces the RVs CCC.
BATHROOM
Each of the bathrooms in these models includes a Wet Bath with Cassette toilet. While each bathroom has a small footprint, because of the positioning of the bench seat in the Thor Sanctuary 19L, the size of the bathroom is even more restrictive which makes comfortable movement nearly impossible. The Revel, by comparison, was intuitively designed for optimumal use of space. Winnebago’s dedication to quality is also apparent in the flexible door design to make the bathroom incredibly easy to navigate. The bathroom in the Revel can easily be converted into a gear closet with the addition of 2 removable shelves. The Sanctuary does not provide this convertibility feature.
BEDROOM
The bed in the Winnebago Revel can be easily moved up and down with the use of a power switch, allowing for expanded storage space when the bed is raised. The bed in the Sanctuary however, is fixed so you can just store items underneath it.
While the Revel includes (6) secure brackets to hold the (6) removable tie-down anchors located along both sides of the gear garage floor, the Sanctuary includes metal sections on either side of the garage to place the brackets. The anchors in the Revel can be completely removed so that you can also have a flat floor if you choose to prevent any scratching of gear that may be stored there. The brackets in the Revel are covered in a rubber material to further prevent damage from anything getting scratched along the floor. The brackets in the Sanctuary are permanent, so could scratch anything this is moved across them.
When comparing a Winnebago motorhome with a visually similar model from another manufacturer, the key distinctions come down to quality and reliability. For decades, Winnebago has provided smart design innovations, superior craftsmanship and quality you can trust which means Winnebago RVs will always stand out against the competition.
Call a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant today to learn more about the Winnebago Revel and find the best RV for all of your future adventures.
Experience the Best® at Lichtsinn RV, we have been recognized as the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015 by Winnebago Industries. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of Winnebago Industries in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect no delivery miles on new RVs, a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.
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