By Tony Barthel
We’ve added a form to the bottom of these reviews where you can suggest models for me to look at. This has been terrific – thank you so much for reading these and for your suggestions. One of the first suggestions was from Jim Thomas, who invited me to look at a model he chose, the Winnebago Voyage 3134RL fifth wheel. Winnebago introduced the Voyage line in 2019.
To break into a crowded fifth wheel market, Winnebago took a number of steps to ensure that the Voyage line was competitive. Among those steps included working with Lippert on a drop frame for all their models. This allows for more cargo space in front.
Quality built-in
Winnebago has stepped up with plan-specific wiring and wiring colors, which makes a repair significantly easier if it needs to be done. The wall construction includes Azdel substrates.
Another feature the company touts is their “True Trax” air conditioning system, which is essentially a single ducting system throughout the roof of the coach enabling you to run just one air conditioner and close off vents to direct air into various areas of the coach. This isn’t horribly unusual, but it would let you run the rear air and have that cooled air flow into the bedroom, which could arguably be quieter at night. The company also cites the fact that there are no 90° angles in the ducting.
Another useful touch is a shoe cubby right at the entrance under the first step. Camping is always a messy business and it’s odd how few RV manufacturers recognize this. You could easily stuff 2-3 pairs of shoes under there. It’s a simple but elegant feature.
Real world features
There’s an induction charging station essentially on the counter as you walk in. Those of us with smartphones that use induction charging will appreciate just being able to drop our phones on this and having them charge. Though, does that mean I have to put my phone down?
Speaking of simple and elegant, Winnebago read KOA’s Camping Report, which is probably one of the most exhaustive looks into the RV world. According to Winnebago, the report used when designing the initial Voyage models indicated that some 40 percent of RVers were younger people who tend to watch interior design shows. They adjusted interior styles to match.
For 2021 the interior colors have been further refined with lighter “Pear Tree” woods with secondary “Appalachian Maple” accents, giving the already bright interiors an even lighter but richer appearance.
Features and floor plan of the Winnebago Voyage
In the 3134 you enter in the middle of the trailer where there are dual opposing slides. The three-burner stove with 17” oven, 30” convection microwave and refrigerator are in the road-side slide along with an electric fireplace and TV. While a 12-volt refrigerator with an adjacent pantry comes standard, you can get a 12-cubic-foot gas-electric refrigerator as an option.
On the camp side is a four-place dining room table and theater seating, which is directly opposite the TV in the road-side slide. There’s a jackknife sofa along the back wall.
Something even Winnebago mentions is the fact that the main deck has no air ducts in the floor. I like this, as regular readers will know. There are floor ducts in the upper deck in the bathroom and bedroom, but I think you’re less likely to spill something in either of those rooms than you would be if the ducts were in the kitchen.
Shower users are going to appreciate that the Voyage line comes with a 10-gallon water heater of the gas-electric variety. While six gallons might be enough for some folks, 10 gallons is probably enough for everybody. I’m sure there’s someone out there who can go through 10 gallons of hot water at 140° F, though.
Up in the bedroom is a queen bed, but you can opt for a king-sized bed as well. As usual, there is a nice closet, bureau and laundry prep. The bathroom features a marble-looking plastic enclosure with a seat, as well. It looks nicer than this description makes it sound.
What’s on the outside of the Winnebago Voyage
Outside, you’re going to find that Winnebago uses G-rated tires, specifically 235/80R16G radials, which are a factor in the GVWR of this at 16,000 lbs. Yet unladen weight is just 11,030 lbs., which gives you a huge amount of cargo-carrying capacity.
Winnebago has placed all the water and cable hookups inside the road-side baggage door including the optional GoPower charge controller panels. You can route all the connections up through a hole in the floor, which would also be where water would drain if there were to be a bad connection.
That door and all the rest are lockable with the same key, so the key you use for the entry door also works the baggage doors. This is convenient. And that entry door is larger at 30” X 72”.
Value in the Winnebago Voyage
Jim was kind enough to share some of his research into why he chose this unit over the Grand Design Reflection 337RLS, Grand Design Solitude 310GK, The Keystone Alpine 3120RS, the Keystone Avalanche 312RS and the Alliance Paradigm 310RL. I can’t flaw his logic: He looked at features and value and kept returning to the Winnebago.
Perhaps one of the things that was a deciding factor is Winnebago’s three-year structural warranty and PVC roof? Or perhaps it is the company’s attention to detail, which really does show in their products. Jim also noted that the Winnebago was priced very competitively, which, at an MSRP of $56,666, I can concur with. This is a lot of fifth wheel for the money.
Funny thing, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these in person – there doesn’t seem to be a plethora of Winnebago dealers here on the West Coast for some reason. My first RV was sort of a Winnebago as I mowed lawns and washed cars as a kid to buy a Tonka Winnebago. Years later I also had a “vintage” 1966 Winnebago motorhome, so they’re definitely on my radar.
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
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Looking at the pictures it looks very similar to a grand design reflection, I guess there’s only so much you can do with a shoebox. Definitely needs a 100 gallon freshwater tank
A 10 gallon water heater capacity is nice, but it’s not much good on a trailer with a 60 gallon fresh water capacity. Theoretically, 60 gallons may be adequate, but 80 to 100 gallons of freshwater gives a real sense of security. Winnebago should just switch fresh and gray water tanks since the gray tank already has a 100 gallon capacity.
I really do wish all 5th wheel specs would show the dry pin weight. If that’s over spec for my carefully CATed 3/4 ton then I can just ignore the unit even if the mfg claims half-ton towable.