2008 to 2010 View Navion’s

December 19, 2021
By Bob Kelly

Introduction

The 2008- 2010 Winnebago View/Navions are built on the NCV3 Mercedes-Benz Chassis. Mercedes-Benz acquired the Chrysler Corporation in 1998 and later divested them in 2007. As a result, the Sprinter chassis was sold by the Dodge division of Chrysler. The chassis was manufactured in Europe as an incomplete chassis, and shipped to the United States, where Winnebago remanufactured it into a motor home.

The vehicle should be registered as a Winnebago, and the year of manufacture should be the year Winnebago completed the motorhome, not the year the incomplete chassis was manufactured in Europe. Due to the economy between 2008 and 2010, there isn’t always a one year separation between manufacture of the incomplete chassis and the manufacture date of the Winnebago motorhome. All Winnebago View/Navions between 2008 and 2010 were produced on a Dodge branded chassis. None of the vehicles require the use of DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) to reduce emissions.

Among owners of the 08 -10’s there is the opinion that they are some of the best Sprinter chassis motorhomes produced. However, as with any machine there are several mechanical issues that are problematic.

Problems

Y Cable

The Y cable is a cable that connects the Starter, Alternator and Battery. It’s called a Y cable because of it’ shape. Due to faulty manufacture, the cable gets hot, occasionally the wire in the cable melts and the chassis battery is no longer charged. This fault often presents itself as a faulty alternator. The key to a successful diagnosis is to measure the voltage of the alternator at the alternator, and then measure the voltage at both the battery and the starter motor. If there is any difference in the voltages between the three locations, the cable is bad.

With the Y Cable, it’s not a case of if the part will go bad; it’s a case of when. Fortunately, there is no reports of a replacement cable failing.

Turbo Hose

There have been several iterations of the Turbo hose, to eliminate the problem of the hose rupturing. The intercooler (Lower) hose has been redesigned so as to eliminate the problem. If you can locate the hole, a temporary fix can be made to assist in making the vehicle operational.

Boost Solenoid

The Boost solenoid, the relay that combines the chassis battery and the coach batteries, to allow both to charged by the alternator. This is another case of when, and not if, the part will fail. When the relay fails, the coach batteries will not charged by the alternator. This is occasionally difficult to diagnose if the motorhome is always plugged into line voltage, the generator is used extensively, or the motorhome is equipped with a solar charging system.

The original relay, a Trombetta, can be identified by the single small gauge electrical post on the front of the relay. The replacement, a Cole Hersee 24213, has two small gauge posts on the body of the relay. The case of the Trombetta’s was used as a ground, and the single small gauge post was used to activate the relay.  The Cole Hersee 24213’s case is not used as a ground, and has two small gauge posts, and a ground wire must be connected to one post for activation. It does not matter which post is used for a ground.

Cabover Bunk

The Cabover bunk is affixed to the RV with two hinges and two gas struts. The hinges are actually hooks that clip over a rod and bracket fixture in the front of the Cabover. The gas struts hold the bed in place by pulling the bed to the rear, and keeping the bed hinge engaged to the rod and bracket fixture.

The original Cabover bunk mattress hinges were not designed properly. The old hinges do not have a welded gusset. The old style hinges are stamped and folded without the weld. As a result, metal fatigue causes the hinge to break and the bunk to come loose from the rod and bracket fixture. If one end of the bunk protrudes more than the other, or the bunk appears crooked, it is likely that the hinge is broken. The redesigned hinges have welds.

Additionally, the gas struts have enough holding power to keep the bunk in a raised position under all circumstances. The bunk need not be affixed to any of the clips in the roof. If the bunk slowly comes down, or comes down after a bump, the struts need to be replaced.

Microwave mounts

The microwave sits on a tray over the stove and is affixed to the RV by two vertical pieces of metal. Metal fatigue causes those vertical pieces, the mount, to fracture, and as a result the microwave is only attached by the bracket on one side. The tray and the trim assists in keeping the microwave from leaping from the cabinet, but the microwave should not be loose at all.

The repair has been made by purchasing nailing plats at a hardware store, and reattaching. Winnebago will also sell you the two mounting brackets.

Solar & Add On’s

It is easy to upgrade the 08 – 10 V/N’s so that they have more of the creature comforts that come standard in later models. It is east to add solar panels to the roof, and run the solar charging wired down the rooftop refrigerator vent. There are a number of articles on the View Navion Motorhomes Facebook Support site at http://www.viewnavionmotorhomes.com  that deal with solar charging systems, materials, and electrical consumption.

Systems

Slide Mechanism

The slide(s) on 08 -10’s are generally a single drive motor that engages a shaft with two drive gears. The motor has a lock that allows the motor to be disengaged from the drive shaft. The fit of the gears on the drive shaft to the track are loose enough, that the assembly requires no lubrication. To move the slide, the parking brake must be on, and it is recommended that the engine be running to supply sufficient energy to the slide motor. Additionally, there is a safety lock, that must be set to on. The safety lock was discontinued in later models.

If the slide cannot be retracted or extended, it is possible to extend or retract the slide by disengaging the slide drive motor, and using a crescent wrench to extend/retract the slide. The drive shaft is a square shaft.

Propane Appliances

It is highly recommended that the coach be fitted with screens over the propane furnace vents to reduce the chance insects will build a home in the orifice or flue. Occasionally either the propane furnace, refrigerator or propane water heater may not light. After checking to make sure that propane is available, the burner should be examined to ensure that nothing is shorting out the igniter, and that there are no cobwebs in the flue. Blowing out the flue with compressed air once a year, or as required is recommended.

Repair, Maintenance & Upgrade

The vehicle is out of warranty both with Winnebago and Dodge. It is not a Mercedes Benz product, although MB will gleefully provide service at great cost. After Mercedes Benz divested Chrysler, most/all of the Mercedes trained techs left Dodge and went to Mercedes Benz or an independent shop. If there were techs left behind at Dodge, it is likely that Mercedes Benz did not want them. Keep that in mind.

Additionally, any service provided by Mercedes Benz is warrantied in a different fashion than other MB products. Sedans and SUV’s have a 2 year, unlimited mile warranty on any work completed. Sprinters fall into the truck warranty of MB and are warrantied for three years or 36,000 miles whichever comes first.

Sprinters have been used in delivery fleets for years, so an alternate repair location would be a good truck repair company. Ask a Fed-Ex driver where they brought their Sprinter for service. A business that provides alignment services for 24’ box delivery trucks is an excellent place to have the vehicle aligned. When you align the RV, make sure that camber bolts have been installed. MB does not provide an incomplete chassis with camber bolts. Additionally the alignment location is an excellent source for recommendations on where to have the vehicle serviced.

Would you still bring your 13 year old Toyota to the dealer for routine service work?

Television

The RV came equipped with a 12V flat panel television. There has been a significant change in televisions in the last 12 to 14 years. Over the air television broadcast still exists, however streaming, in place of cable, is gaining ground. Replacement of the TV with a smart TV is far easier than it seems. 12V televisions are available for anywhere from $275 to $600. An Insignia 1080p 120V television is available for about $160. The original TV came with a VESA mounting panel on the rear, so it’s a simple case of attaching a new TV to the old mounting plate.

The old 12V power cable can be used to attach a small 120V inverter (new TV’s draw an amp or less) that will turn on and off with the old TV power switch under the entertainment radio/DVD/CD device. The connections to the entertainment system are identical (an adapter may have to be used for audio).

To use the antenna, the booster should be on. It’s difficult to see, but there is a small black on black button on the faceplate that has the green LED on signal. A newer King Jack or Wineguard HDTV antenna is suggested as a replacement over the batwing TV antenna.

Towing and being Towed

Winnebago installed frame rail extensions to the chassis. The towing capacity of the coach is 3,500 pounds and the hitch weight is 350 pounds. Please refer to the GV weight when towing a vehicle.

If the RV is to be towed, it should not be placed on a flatbed, as the height of the RV and the distance off the ground combines to make the arrangement an oversized load.  The RV should be towed ONLY from the front, and only after the drive shaft has been disconnected. Towing from the rear has the potential of bending the frame rail extensions and bending/delaminating the coach body.

Capacities and Tankage

Fluid Change Description Part # Specification
Power Steering Fluid PRN Mobil ATF+4
Mopar
05013457AA 236.3
Rear Axle 10Y – 180K BP Energear Hyep DC 80W-90
Mobil Delvac Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90
Mopar
04874469 235.20
Motor Oil 1Y – 10K There are many compatible oils. Check MB’s fact sheet (use the 229.52 oil)
NB* Torque the oil filter cap to 30Nm, 22 Ft#, and make sure the O ring is properly placed.
  229.51
229.52
Coolant 15Y – 180K; Thereafter
5Y – 90K
Zerex G05 – Valvoline
Zerex G48 – Valvoline
Mopar
05066386AA 325.0
Brake Fluid 2Y Intac B026E
Mopar
MS-9971
04549625AC 331.0
Transmission Fluid 60K Shell ATF 3403
Shell ATF 3403
Mopar
05127382AB 326.10
236.12
Fuel PRN Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD)

Do not add anything to the fuel, unless the vehicle will be operated at temperatures lower than 14֠ for extended periods of time. The fuel system has a fuel pre-heater.

   
Air Conditioning PRN Refrigerant R-134A    

Parts

Part

Capacity Description
Chassis Battery Cranking Amperage
~ 900A
Group 49 AGM Battery
H-8 AGM Battery
House Battery Total Usable AHr > 100 Type 31
Flooded, AGM, Dual 6V GC, Lithium
Lithium batteries require new converter, conditioning of the battery space, and a DC to DC Charger in place of the Boost Solenoid.
Fuel Tank 100L – 25 Gallons The tank includes a reserve of 20L, or about 5.3 Gallons
Windshield Washer 7.4 Quarts  
Headlamps   H7 Lamps for both high beam and low beam sockets. Current LED H7 lamps will fit in the low bean socket, but will not fit in the high beam space.
Fog lamps   H11 Lamps
Parking Lamps   WY5 Lamps
Turn Signal Mirror PY16
Turn Signal Headlamp Assembly PY21
Espar Heater   The Espar heater is located on the driver’s side of the cab, on the outer portion of the undercarriage, if equipped. The Espar heater burns diesel fuel to rapidly increase the temperature of the engine. There is a button on the left side of the steering wheel that is referred to as “Wavy Gravy” or “Bacon button”.

 

There is a thermocouple on the Espar heater. It will only turn on when the temperature is low.

 

To Tow or Not to Tow?

by Larry Galantis – 18V
September 30, 2021

To tow or not to tow?- That is the question.

I think we all want to be as flexible as possible in our travels and sometimes the idea of towing a vehicle presents us with the illusion of flexibility.

It is my opinion however, that towing a vehicle does not necessarily increase your flexibility. In fact, it may even limit your flexibility.  My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it. Certainly, I’m open to hearing yours. Of course, if you’re a full timer, a toad is almost mandatory.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have a tow vehicle but my opinions, stated below, may surprise you.

The decision to tow, I believe, depends on what type of traveler you are. Are you a “blow and go” traveler or a “stay and play” traveler?  Do you just blow into your destinations location, spend a day or two looking around, take a few pictures, click, click, click and then, you’re on the road again?  Generally speaking, if you’re blowing into a “destination location”, everything you might want to see is going to be right where you parked. If it’s not right there, it’s within walking or bicycling distance. Mt. Rushmore or El Capitan come to mind.

Or, is your RV travel style one where you drive into a town or destination spot and you stay in that spot for a week or longer while you really get into and take in the area?  Then, having a vehicle is probably a good idea. Notice, I didn’t say tow vehicle. Subject to availability, renting can be an option.

Here are a few reasons why I think the towing option is not as flexible as you might first believe.

  1. Deciding on and pulling into a fuel station becomes a little more complicated. It requires a little advance reconnaissance. Which island has the diesel dispensers? Am I going to be able to pull in and still have ample room to pull out? Many fuel stations today are nothing more than convenience stores that sell gas. Parking is set up with the convenience store customer in mind. Sometimes I’ve had to wait until several cars backed out of their parking spots so I had enough of a turning radius to get out!
  2. Simple tasks like making U-turns and backing up become more complicated when you tow. If you miss a turn, it’s not as easy to pull off a U-turn when you’re towing a vehicle. It’s doable but you have to select the right spot. Depending on the road you’re on, there may not be a shopping center or parking lot that you can pull into and turn around, for miles and miles.  Of course, you can always unhook and re hook.  Ask me how I know!

    Backing up, in many instances is not a viable option. Especially, if you’re flat towing.  Personally, I know some drivers will back up on a four down vehicle, But it’s not recommended. It’s very easy to bend those tow bars.

  3. Parking is a biggie. Stand alone, our 25’s are pretty easy to park and can fit in places that a rig pulling s toad, can’t.  Speaking of parking…..
  4. Sometimes, if you need to hook up, a park or campsite can generally accommodate a 25 footer. Add another 15 feet for your tow vehicle setup and now your site options become limited if not nonexistent.

    Not all camping facilities have pull through sites.  Yes, you can unhook your toad and back in but some campsites don’t have room for your rig AND a toad. Some National Parks come to mind. Besides, if you’re a blow and go traveler, connecting and disconnecting your tow car is just more work.  Even if you have it down pat…it’s still more work.

  5. Your travel expenses are going to increase. Be prepared for additional maintenance and repair costs for the toad.  Increased fuel costs as a result of reduced miles per gallon when towing. Add in additional insurance costs.   If it also does double duty as your daily driver, then some maintenance is still required, and tires will wear out sooner. Oh yeah, add a few bucks at the toll booth for those extra axles….
  6. You do ALL the driving. Some spouses/partners have no problem sharing the drive responsibility as long as it’s just the V/N.   Add a toad and you might be the sole driver.  Of course, many single drivers tow without trepidation.  Just sayin’ ….

Bottom line is that I can only think of 1 or 2 advantages to towing.  I can think of lots of disadvantages to towing. In the end, it’s up to you.

I’m up here in Indiana, 50 degrees and rainy. I can’t go sightseeing so I’m killing some time until I can get to my leveler install on Thursday.

By the way… don’t listen to me. I also own a boat. Has got to be the dumbest idea ever…..