Winnebago has become a household name in the RV industry because they provide superior quality, innovation and service. Other RV manufacturers often try to replicate this level of quality. One such example of this disparity in quality involves the Winnebago Solis 59P and 59PX and the Roadtrek Zion Slumber.
Both the Winnebago Solis and Roadtrek Zion Slumber are built on the reliable and easy to maneuver Ram ProMaster® van chassis, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine. With 276 horsepower, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and 250 pound-feet of torque, this chassis guarantees that you are ready to take on everything your RVing adventures have in store.
Continue reading to learn about why Winnebago’s innovations and standards set the the Winnebago Solis apart from the visually similar Roadtrek Zion Slumber.
Winnebago Solis
Key Specifications
- Exterior Length – 19’9″ 59P / 21′ 59PX
- Exterior Height – 9′ 59P / 9’5″ 59PX
- Freshwater Capacity – 20 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity – up to 20-gal. (gray)
- Fuel Capacity – 24-gal.
Key Features
- RAM ProMaster Gas Window Van Chassis
- Optional Fiberglass Pop-Top with FROLI® Sleep System
- LP-Powered Truma Combi® Eco Heating System
- Coleman-Mach 10 NDQ Air Conditioner 59PX
- 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner (59P without Pop-Top only)
- All-Weather Insulation
Roadtrek Zion Slumber
Key Specifications –
- Exterior Length – 20’9″
- Exterior Height – 9’5″
- Freshwater Capacity – 37 gal.
- Holding Tank Capacity – up to 14-gal. (gray); up to 8.5-gal. (black)
- Fuel Capacity – 24 gal.
Key Features –
- RAM ProMaster 3500 Extended Van
- Slumber Pop Top for Additional Sleeping Capacity
- Tankless LP Water Heater
- 13,5000 BTU Roof Mount Air Conditioner
- Automatic Propane 16,000 BTU Furnace
One of the first differences you’ll notice between the Winnebago Solis and the Roadtrek Zion Slumber is the Base MSRP of each. The Base MSRP of the Solis begins at $128,311 while the Base MSRP of the Roadtrek Zion Slumber is $178,010. Each model includes most features as standard in this base price. So while the Roadtrek may have some more deluxe features such as solid surface countertops and an included 400 AMP Lithium Battery System, does these items warrant the extreme price difference knowing that these items can be added aftermarket if you wish.
EXTERIOR
Winnebago is famous for the premium insulation provided in their RVs, especially those that need to be equipped for 4-season travel. Like many other Winnebago RVs, the Winnebago Solis features automotive-grade, block foam insulation in both the ceiling and sidewalls. This allows for improved temperature control, reduces heat or cool air loss and even provides noise reduction. By comparison, the Roadtrek Zion Slumber does not have this level of insulation and is not considered a four-season camper van.
INTERIOR
Both units feature swiveling cab seats which makes entertaining from cab to coach convenient; however, with the mid-coach placement of the bathroom in the Zion Slumber, the driver seat is completely blocked when swiveled, making it inaccessible for interacting with your guests located behind the cab area. The Solis provides extensive entertaining space with the inclusion of two seats behind the swiveling cab seats for a large, dedicated lounge area. Both floor plans include an adjustable and removable dinette table to let you customize between dining, relaxing, or working from the road.
The dinette features automotive-grade seating with three-point belts for more secure travel. An optional sofa/bed (available in the 59P floorplan replacing the Murphy+ Bed ) provides comfortable seating as well as sleeping capacity and allows for a rear storage area.
The galley of the Winnebago Solis is also superior to the Zion Slumber as it provides indoor and outdoor functionality with a forward-facing refrigerator and a pullout counter extension, making the galley easy to access from inside or outside the coach. While the Zion does boast solid surface countertops, these countertops take up valuable occupant and cargo carrying capacity (OCCC). The Roadtrek Zion has just 1,250 lbs while the Solis 59PX has approximately 1,865 lbs. and the 59P has approximately 1,569 lbs of occupant and cargo carrying capacity. It is important to note that OCCC may vary based on optional content.
BATH
Located behind the driver seat, the Zion Slumber’s bathroom makes entertaining more difficult effectively blocking out the driver seat. This is yet another example of how the motorhome fails to maximize its space because the driver seat is unable to fully swivel.
The wet bath in the Solis makes the most of its compact space, with a cassette toilet, flexible showerhead, and removable closet rod that provides extra hanging space when the shower is not in use. The cassette toilet found in the Solis allows you to travel as you wish not needing to be within reach of a dump station.
In comparison, the placement of the sink in the Zion makes movement difficult. There is also less storage access available when compared to the Solis and you do need to regularly dump the black tank. Also, the Solis boasts weather-protected waterlines, heated tanks and the compact tankless Eco-Hot® water system allowing you to cut down on water waste and waiting time for hot water.
BEDROOM & POP-UP TOP
Sleep close to the stars with the Solis’ durable fiberglass, easy to use pop-top with the FROLI Sleep System built to comfortably sleep two. You also have the option to not include the pop-top if desired. The Zion Slumber also includes a pop-top area of relatively the same size, and both include three windows and access to charging ports while the Solis pop-top has a vent for added comfort.
The Solis also includes a Murphy+ bed that can be stored upright when not in use. This provides far more space in the middle aisle for your equipment and storage when the bed is stowed. When lowered, it still allows for plenty of storage beneath. Both Solis floorplans include below floor storage for even more convenience. By comparison, the similar twin bed or king bed floorplans in the Zion Slumber provide little aisle clearance and do not include nearly the same amount of storage due to the fixed bed placement.
The Zion Slumber offers two floor plans that provide minor differences in the sleeping areas. One option, previously mentioned, includes two facing sofas that convert to separate twin beds with a cushion base while the other features a forward facing power sofa that converts to a king size bed. Although the size of the king bed is well-suited, the placement of the storage in this area provides limited to no access when the bed is extended – another example of how space-saving efficiencies were not taken into account.
The Solis is available in the 59P and 59PX floorplans. The 59P also has an optional sofa/bed that can be used instead of the Murphy+ bed.
HEATING AND COOLING
The Winnebago Solis is equipped with the Truma Combi® Eco Plus Heating System that includes (2) 850-watt electric heating elements that offer hydronic coach heat and hot water on demand. This system includes both propane and electric heating modes and runs on gas mode for self-sufficient use, in electrical mode at the camp site and in mixed mode when outside temperatures are low. The Eco Plus System used very little electricity and in the summer it heats just the water without running the furnace.
The Solis 59PX includes the Coleman Mach 10 non-ducted, quiet air conditioner that can be conveniently controlled via Bluetooth and keeps the insulated interior cool. The 59P floorplan, without the pop-top included, can also have an optional 13,500 BTU air conditioner added. The Roadtrek Zion Slumber also includes a 13,500 BTU roof mounted air conditioner.
Despite the Winnebago Solis and Roadtrek Zion Slumber being built on the same chassis and having objectively similar floorplans, the Solis is superior due to Winnebago’s commitment to quality and reliability in their products.
Call a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant today to learn more about the Winnebago Solis 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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