Winnebago's Inspire May Be the Industry's Cheapest Class A RV: Hides a Heartwarming Trick

Folks, Class A motorhomes are typically the ones reserved for people who have really kept an eye on their finances over the course of their lives; they tend to be the most expensive of RVs and motorhomes, often found priced as high as $2M or more.

Well, Winnebago seems to know that not everyone has this sort of cash lying around or out to the side because here we are, being presented with a Class A machine powered by a diesel engine, selling for a starting MSRP of $379,419 (€348K at current exchange rates), so around what you might drop on a mid to high-level Class C beast. Let's dive in and check out what this sort of cash can get us.

Now, everything starts off with a Freightliner XCS chassis and a 340 hp Cummins ISB 6.7L, that diesel engine I mentioned. But the hot ticket item here is the NeWay air suspension with V-Ride; it's Freightliner's magic once again. But there's something much more important to note about Inspire. This is also one of Winebago's wheelchair-accessible models, meaning that the one and only floor plan, the 34AE, integrates a lift system into its capabilities.

This is a big deal for several reasons, starting with the obvious of including all family members in all stages of life upon road trips across the US with the uttermost ease. Benefit number two is the amount of space this wheeled home has to offer to future owners.

For example, because of its accessibility powers, the 34AE's interior is designed in such a way as to allow wheeled occupants to move freely about the interior, an aspect that benefits all guests inside. Be sure to check out the image gallery to see precisely what I mean.

Sure, part of the space this motorhome places at our disposal has to do with the inclusion of slide-outs, one of which occupies nearly an entire wall of the Inspire, but it's the smart and thoughtful planning that we should appreciate here.

One way Winnebago ensures the disabled can access every corner of this unit is by creating a large central corridor that runs down the middle of the floorplan, tip to tail. Even the bed has been shifted to the side to allow a wheelchair to fit.

Now, I won't lie: what I found most pleasing about all the accessibility features in place is, wait for it, the bathroom. I know; who praises an RV bathroom? This guy, and the reason being is because, well, look at it; it's huge! Again, this is a benefit for all inside, and you can understand why: no cramped spaces here.

Speaking of space, the 34AE is also one of those units designed to fit the whole family and then some. As standard, each one can accommodate up to seven guests, not counting any sleeping bags tossed on the floor. We have features like a cab-over bunk, a queen bed, and modular couches to thank for that. The queen bed is also electronically adjustable.

However, space isn't all the Inspire is about; it's also very well equipped for some serious on-road experiences. For example, the galley includes a large residential-sized fridge with the space to house all of the family's goodies, but then there's all that cabinet space, too. Be sure to note the washer/dryer combo.

Heated holding tanks and winterization packages ensure that water flows year-round, while an Onan generator takes care of electrical in case the sun hasn't shone for a few days. If you manage to add optional solar panels, four deep-cycle batteries are standard. Energy management is handled by PowerLine.

Yet, a motorhome isn't all about the comfort inside but also the joys and wonders of the outside. What I mean to say is that Winnebago also equips the Inspire with plenty of goods aimed at outdoor living and entertainment.

Aside from the massive awning overhead, future owners of an Inspire will also be granted an outdoor entertainment center and all the lockers and slide-out bays you'd ever need to bring along an outdoor grill and dining setup, tents and annexes, and the toys with which you'll be exploring the outdoors. You'll have to build the fire yourself.

For the remainder of this short and written piece, I want you to picture yourself in the possession of such a beast, and you didn't have to ruin your 401K or kid's college fund just to own it. Once you've signed the papers, call up the family, load up your gear, and hit the road.

Once you've found that RV park you've reserved a spot in, you'll park your unit and unfurl those slide-outs, nearly doubling the Inspire's size in the process. With a few touches of buttons and a bit of elbow grease, your temporary home should be in its final form.

All that's left to do now is enjoy the sunset over the vineyards, the edge of the Grand Canyon, or that little X on your map that no one knows about but you. These are just some of the beauties of on-road living, and all that's standing between you and this sort of life is a choice.