Much additional storage can...
Much additional storage can be found outside the View. This one is a big cooler.
It isn't just about mileage with the View; it's the entire package. Let's continue on about the drivetrain. The power is there. The mileage is there. The 5-speed automatic transmission is nothing short of amazing. DaimlerChrysler's convenient AutoStick(r) technology allows you to choose between automatic and manual modes by simply tipping the conveniently placed control stick to the right or left for upshifts and downshifts. The option of being able to shift manually is nice, but we simply couldn't beat the automatic transmission's ability to pick the perfect gear. After several tries we gave up for good, put it in "D" and pushed the go pedal. Simple.
On to lighter things: From the second you open the side door and the automatic steps come out to greet you, quality abounds in the View. Its interior has woods and cloths that are actually nicer than in our house. There are two interior layouts, two fabric colors, two wood color choices, and, you guessed it, two tasteful exterior color-vinyl trims (red and yellow, and blue and yellow). The "23J" model we tested had the bed in the rear with a dinette slide-out that folds into a bed. Both models have an overhead sleeping compartment above the driver/passenger seats. A young family of six could travel comfortably with Mom and Dad sleeping in the rear bed area (with a convenient curtain), two teens sleeping in the dinette/bed, and two smaller children sleeping in the overhead. The "23H" model has a slide-out sofa that converts to a bed, as well as the dinette/bed and overhead bed.
Along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble...
Along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California, is one of California's most impressive landmarks, The Lone Cypress, which has endured the surf for over 250 years.
Great engineering is the norm, not the exception, with the View. With the optional heat pump, the generator does not have to run to heat the coach at night. We simply set the digital heat control to 72 degrees and the heat would kick on, blowing nice warm air from the floor vents. With the generator running, the air conditioning works in the same manner, blowing cold air from the roof vents. The 6-gallon water heater brings scalding-hot water in a hurry for nice, hot showers any "real" camper would envy. The toilet works perfectly and even has a nice water sprayer to help clean it. (We also used the sprayer to wash out the shower floor.) Storage spaces are everywhere, including a HUGE outside/inside storage space that we used to haul a bicycle to the campgrounds. (Two adult bikes will fit.) There is even a cooler-style slide-out storage that can keep beverages cold and food iced without taking up refrigerator room. Speaking of which, a huge refrigerator and large separate freezer are part of the package. For cooking, a convection microwave and a three-burner stove easily handle any meal prep. A large stainless steel sink with chopping block cover makes a great space for food prep. Simply turn around to watch the flatscreen TV (with DVD-player) while preparing your meals. Nice.
At night, there are lights everywhere you could possibly need them-and more. It's actually light overkill, but it's great. Even the quality of the foam in the cushions (and throw pillows included) is high quality. It's soft but firm. You can literally place your coffee cup on the bed cushion and move around without it spilling. This kind of stuff takes years of practice and it shows. Thanks, Winnebago.
 If you travel the California...  If you travel the California coast, be sure to bring some peanuts to feed the beggars along the route. |  Carmel Mission, Carmel, C...  Carmel Mission, Carmel, California. |  Cannery Row, Monterey, Ca...  Cannery Row, Monterey, California. |
The View we tested had every option except aluminum wheels. Sticker price was $86,323 (base price is $79,687). This may sound expensive, but considering the value the View brings, it's truly a case of "You get what you pay for." Don't hesitate. Head to your local Winnebago dealer and test-drive a View today. You'll probably wind up taking it home with you.