Taking an RV on an adventure is a great way to make
traditions and to explore the world. Those of us at Gardner's RV want to wish you
the best on your travels and to tell you about the history of Winnebego, so you
can make a solid choice when you buy your recreational vehicle.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer who produces
RVs in the United States. The brand is based in Forest City, Iowa, and was
founded on February 12, 1958 by John K. Hanson. When the company was founded,
it was located in Winnebago County, Iowa, which explains its namesake. The
company was originally created to help revive the struggling economy of the
area.
Hanson was the president of the company that started as
Modernistic Industries, and in 1960 the name was changed to Winnebago. As the
company expanded, it started to create specific furniture pieces and components
that would work with the RVs. One notable invention used with the RVs was the
Thermo Panel, which is a lightweight sidewall used in most Winnebago products.
The first motor home produced by Winnebago was not available
until 1966, and the model sold for nearly half the price of competing models. This
made the Winnebago RVs very popular and boosted the brand. The model names of
the RVs in the 70s and 80s were influenced by Native American tribes, so the
older Winnebagos can be recognized by a flying “W” on the side of the vehicle.
Smaller Winnebagos have been made over the years to
compensate for the rising cost of gasoline. One part of the company closed in
2008 in Charles City, Iowa, but another plant has since opened and employs
around 150 employees.
Current models from 2009 onward run from the $74,000 price
range to over $300,000, depending on the style, size, and efficiency of the RV.
Of the available 9 current models, 6 are Class A motor homes and three require
a class C license. Four of the models take diesel fuel, which can help with
fuel economy when used with a smaller Winnebago.
Come by our RV dealership and check out what the Winnebago
product looks like today.