The RAM Promaster-based Elora and Resa promise first time buyers a more affordable and maneuverable motorhome experience
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- Winnebago’s compact Elora and its Rosa twin are targeting RV noobs.
- 20-ft, V6-powered motorhome sleeps four passengers but can carry six.
- Single fuel setup eliminates propane hassles and keeps camping simple.
Buying your first motorhome can feel like signing up for a second career and a second mortgage. Between propane tanks, unfamiliar controls, oversized dimensions and oversized price tags, there’s plenty to get your head around. Winnebago’s answer is the new Elora and Resa, compact Class C campers designed to make RV life far less intimidating.
Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, Elora and Resa are identical motorhomes wearing different badges, continuing a long standing Winnebago tradition. The newcomer stretches just over 20 feet (6.1 m) long and aims to deliver driving manners that feel much closer to a regular vehicle, or smaller Class-B RV, than a traditional Class C. Winnebago says the narrower body makes parking and maneuvering less stressful, while still providing seating for six and sleeping space for four.
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Inside, flexibility is the name of the game. The whole interior looks kind of spartan and utilitarian, but the rear lounge converts into a queen bed, while a powered overhead bed drops down when it’s time to sleep. Fold everything away and the rear transforms into a generous cargo area for bikes, outdoor gear or whatever else your weekend adventure requires.
Winnebago has also tried to remove some of the little frustrations that come with RV ownership for first-timers. Instead of juggling propane alongside gasoline for the ProMaster‘s 3.6-liter V6, the Elora runs everything from a single gasoline supply. An integrated lithium battery system handles onboard power, while simplified controls are designed so owners can spend more time enjoying the trip instead of figuring out how everything works.
Hybrid Bathroom
The bathroom uses a clever hybrid wet and dry layout that maximizes the available space by letting users swinging the wall containing the sink across the toilet on the opposite side to reveal a shower area. And the RV kitchen has most of the hardware you’d expect of a bricks and mortar home, including an induction cooktop, sink, combination microwave oven and a tall refrigerator.
The Elora and Resa arrive at dealers this month with a starting price of $153,772. That’s still a significant amount of cash for most of us, but in the world of new motorhomes where some Class C Winnies cost twice as much, and some VIP trailers are 10x the price, it’s one of the more approachable ways to trade hotel bookings for weekends on the road.
