When you hear “pop-top camper van”, that most likely conjures up a certain image in your mind, and maybe even certain feelings, too. Retro. Cool. Funky. Care-free. Everyone’s reaction will be different, but they’ll almost all be positive ones. Winnebago is trying to tap into that with their newest camper van product, the Solis. We review one below. Check it out!
You can see most everything we know about the Solis in the video, but there are a few other points I’d like to make to make sure that you’re viewing this rig through the proper lens.
Legit Sleeping For 4
There are two “real” beds in the Solis. Both of them are large. If you check the specs, one of them is a couple inches longer and the other is a couple inches wider. But they’re both VERY usable by a pair of adults (or children). This is one of the main features of the Solis – and it’s what that pop-top is all about. So the assumption here is that you want that extra sleeping space enough to forego lots of venting on the roof; a roof rack; an external ladder; an air conditioner; and an awning. Those are the things you’re willing to trade for true sleeping arrangements for four adults.
Simplicity
The camper vans of yesteryear were a lot simpler than today’s Class B vans. Older camper vans may have had one running faucet, and if they had a toilet at all, it was some kind of porta-potti. They may have had minimal lights and heat – but you were happy with them anyway. I’m happy to say there are plenty of lights, adequate heat, a running shower, and a cassette toilet in the Solis. But in general, the Solis is a simpler van – and in no way do I mean that as a bad thing. For example, you won’t find a wired-in entertainment system with outdoor speakers in the Solis. Nor will you find a state-of-the-art lithium power system, an inverter, or even a generator to power the air conditioner that also doesn’t exist. Rather than gas struts and hide-away buttons on the cabinets, you’ll find magnets and slam-latches. (The magnets are kind of fun, btw.) These are deliberate choices made to keep the van simple, and if you’re the kind of customer who appreciates that, then you get it. I mean… tank probes fail all the time, but when’s the last time you heard of a tube of water failing?
It’s a Shorter Van
The Solis is NOT built on the extended ProMaster van. That brings it in at under 20 feet long – which means you can take it literally anywhere, and it should fit in almost any parking space. In my book that’s awesome! But, nothing is free, and the trade-off for that length is that you won’t get a second sink in the bathroom, for example. There’s not much roof space because of the pop-top and the short length, so you won’t be storing much up there. The dinette table isn’t the biggest… These are all things that are traded off to keep the maneuverability and driveability better than most other camper vans.
Keeping It Affordable
Let’s face it – ANYONE can build a $200,000 van… and they do! Just my opinion here, but I don’t know if the world really needs another crazy expensive camper van right now. The Solis isn’t one of those, and affordability was clearly one of the design criteria right up front. You won’t see granite or Corian countertops in the Solis. You’ll see less expensive and lighter laminate counters. Curved doors look nice but they’re expensive to make and they don’t add anything beyond a styling touch… so you won’t find those in the Solis either. You also won’t find painted bumpers, tricked out wheels, etc. etc. etc. I’m not saying that any of these things are bad, or that wanting them in your rig is bad. I’m just saying they’re not in the Solis, and as a result, it’s one of the more affordable Class B RVs you can buy.
So those are kind of my thoughts on the Solis. If you compare it to other Class B camper vans, your first impression might be that it’s missing stuff. But if you look at it with the right frame of mind, maybe… it’s the right van for those who it was designed for. Is that you? Sound off in the comments below!
We finally have decent weather in Canada so it was time to flush out the waterlines. Day 5 of all going well and then today with running the eco boost the pump runs and we get water but when we shut the water off we hear a faint chirping sound. Any ideas?
Perhaps a Solis owner will have an idea for you? I don’t have one… sorry!
We love our Solis… We purchased it in February 2021 and took a few day trips. We simply put antifreeze in both the sink drain and the shower drain, and brought our own water to wash hands and to drink. And then emptied the grey tank after each trip and once again added antifreeze until the next trip. This summer 2021 we used it and enjoyed it for short few day trips, we added city water and used the sink each trip and used the shower once (it is challenging). So now getting closer to my question..It is now getting cold and freezing where we live and will be so until April. They give instructions on winterizing the Solis, do you think we need to blow out the pipes like it says? We plan on using the van during the winter, but going back to using our own water to drink and to wash hands in the sink, and then adding the antifreeze each time after we empty the grey tank. Or can we drain out the water as much as possible and then add antifreeze down the drains? Thanks for any insights you may have
I have always used the blow-out method of winterizing, simply because it’s faster to put the rig back into service.
Whether you blow out or use the pink stuff, you need to make sure you’ve got all the water out of the system. Anything that’s left in there can and will freeze. I wouldn’t trust things with just dumping the water, but that’s my personal take.
Thanks James,
So this leads to another question, hope you don’t mind… so If I blow out the system, can I use the Solis in the winter months not using water through the water pump and pipes, but rather using water to wash my hands in the drain and then empty the water in the grey tank and then add more pink stuff? Thanks again, this is a helpful site.
Well, if there’s no water, it can’t freeze.
So if you remove the water from the fresh lines, you don’t have to worry about them.
If you’re proposing using jugs of water for hand washing etc., then you would still have to worry about the gray tank, and the drain plumbing freezing.
Congrats…Winnie. After owning 3 Winnies, you have managed to price yourself out of my ballpark. Very sad! Dial back your profits and focus on what customers want and can afford.
Hi James, I like the review you and Stefanie did on the Solis. I have a travel trailer and going to sell with car to get something more nimble for full time RVing.
I have some questions about the Solis hoping you could give some guidance. Thank you kindly in advance!
1. Would it be possible to fit 6 Battle Born Batteries and all components in the back storage compartment on drivers side under the bed OR do you think it would be better to replace the generator and place heated BB batteries in its place?
2. Looks like the van comes with 15” tires. Do you think it can accommodate 18” wheels for more clearance for propane tank under the chasis?
3. (If I were to keep gen) With the generator under the coach do you see any issue with possible dirt/water splashing up into it, i.e rusting; clogging etc
4. Would it be possible to put a convection oven under bed on a platform facing forward?
5. The fridge is pretty small. Wondering if there is a mod that could be done to fit in a larger/narrow (maybe a marine model fridge for extended living? I have an ARB chest freezer/fridge which would be a great addition to a larger fridge.
6. I saw a YouTuber review on the Solis 59PX and they installed Sumos airbags and leaf springs, do you think it would improve the ride significantly since you had the chance to driving the Solis?
1. I don’t know the specifics about those batteries. But that compartment is rather large. I always prefer to store lithium batteries inside when possible.
2. The ProMaster has 16″ wheels and tires. Even in our Travato, we never wanted anything larger, so I can’t guide you here. Naturally, your speedometer, etc. would all be rather off. I think you’re prematurely worried about the propane tank though. I’m not aware of anyone in either a Solis or Travato (same chassis and tank) who has hit something and damaged their propane tank. I’m not saying it hasn’t happened in extreme circumstances, just that you’d be significantly altering the performance and handling of the vehicle (for the worse) to fix what’s likely an imaginary problem.
3. We didn’t notice any problems with generator placement while we had the Solis. Nor in our Travato when it had a generator. They’re made for that environment.
4. Anything is possible.
5. There would be no issues replacing the fridge with another. But you would need to keep the physical size in mind. It’s all about what would actually fit in the space.
6. Lots of people swear by the Sumos. But really, the ProMaster drives fine without them. Why not try it first and see if you have any issues that the Sumos could correct?
Thanks James I appreciate your wisdom
What about adding a microwave? And on the PX does the pop up get enough cool air and heat up there? Thanks!
Adding a microwave would be possible. Don’t know where you’d put it.
We found the air conditioning generally didn’t make it up into the popup area. We didn’t turn on the heat because it was 100 degrees when we had it. But since heat rises… you know…
I have a microwave in my Sprinter and I wish I had deleted it. It needs a 2KW Inverter and uses up the batteries very rapidly plus it takes up cabinet space. Maybe would would work well in the PX with the generator.
Finally find one camper van that can truely sleep 4, and there is no AC!! We have a travel trailer and we use the AC all the time! So no AC is a no go!
But wait! Check out it’s slightly larger cousin, the Solis 59PX!
A trailer typically gets no fresh air. This has screens on the back and side doors, so lots of ventilation.
Does it fit in a standard garage?
Unfortunately, no.
We just purchased one it arrived yesterday and we are already having issues with the solar panel not charging correctly. Seems like there was some sloppy work done on the roof and perhaps a wire isn’t fully connected. We’ll have to bring it in for work but seriously for the price shame on Winnebago….
Is there any way to sleep with AC overnight
In this model, you would have to bring some kind of portable AC unit. Perhaps a window unit or something similar.
Great review. Tip of the hat to WGO for finally making a follow up product to the well liked (by me at least) VW Eurovan Camper. I think the trade offs and innovation were spot on for the active Pacific NW customer who doesn’t want an over sized coach designed for older RV park dwellers. If they could only find a way to make this a 4×4 it would knock it out of the park for me.
I think if the ProMaster was offered on a 4×4 platform, they would have already done it!
Any idea if the rear seats have a top tether for a car seat? We just had a baby and I can’t believe the lack of child safety taken into consideration by RV manufacturers. I’m glad to at least see a 3 point seat belt.
Haven’t seen a top tether for a car seat. The 3 point belts are better than you’ll find in the back of most RVs though.
any idea on the manufacture of those solis rear seats…. I want to try and install in our travato for our kids
I don’t recall seeing a label. Sorry!
Anyone every try to fit a pack n play or other travel crib in the Solis?
Man, I was really diggin this van until the very last minute when the big reveal came.. NO A/C!!??? What the hell Winnebago? That makes this RV absolutely miserable for camping in the midwest. The transverse sleeping position still makes it a 2-person camper for us as well.. Having to climb over another person to get up and pee in the night is a deal breaker. Put this on a slightly longer wheelbase so you can sleep lengthwise in the bed like a VW Westy. and oh, I don’t know.. realize it’s 2020 and there are options for awesome, compact mini-split like HVAC systems and you’d have a real winner here!
Funny, if this had A/C, I wouldn’t even consider it. It’s called camping for a reason. But I grew up in a Westy. The wheelbase is pushing too long for me but I like to get on dirt roads and not stick to pavement. I was on the Sprinter conversion bandwagon for a while but at this point, I just can’t be THAT guy. We’re on the list for a Solis and hope it meets expectations. My biggest concern is Winnebago build quality. Have read and heard of some out the gate issues pointing to sloppy craftsmanship. But from everything I’ve seen so far, Winnebago has learned a lot since the Eurovan camper days (I owned one for a while) and knows who they are targeting with the Solis.
As a westie owner, I agree a lot. I would like the pocket, but it has the ac. Now if I could get roof racks…
Since Solis doesn’t come with a spare tire and WGO gifted Coach-Net Basic membership to cover Emergency Roadside Assistance, does anyone know why we should carry the heavy and bulky jack in the rig?
Good question. Not the same rig, but we don’t carry the jack in our Travato.
I just ordered a Solis and was shocked to hear it does not have a spare tire. Is that common in Class B RVs? I live in Montana and there are a lot of times when we do not have cell coverage in order to contact Emergency Road Side Service. I assume the Emergency Road Side Service is for the life of the vehicle?
Our Travato does not have a spare tire. Never bothered us much. You do get a Fix-a-flat type kit.
Winnebago says they took out the spare because it added weight. You can have a dodge dealer put it back in
Isn’t the generator (if equipped) in that space?
Has anyone considered adding a 1500 or 2000 watt inverter to power a microwave for boondocking? I considered 5 options:
1) pull out power converter and install behind it or inside the rear wheel cabinet by using a 2-way power distribution block to split the battery wire to to the power converter and to the inverter (via a 150 amp fuse), then reusing one of the AC wires to an outlet by the kitchen.
2) install new wires + 150 amp fuse from house battery to the inverter. require drilling under the van.
3) replace van battery with new AGM or Lithium then connect to the inverter under one of the front seats (assuming it fits)
4) install new 100ah+ Lithium inside the rear wheel cabinet to power the inverter and install a manual switch between shore power and the inverter to the power converter.
5) build / buy solar power bank (easiest option)
I wouldn’t count on solar to run your microwave – but it will help charge the battery.
You could always check in the Solis Owners and Wannabes group on Facebook. There may be an owner there who has added an inverter using one of your ideas – or some other idea entirely.
I was wondering why you guys don’t like attached awnings?
We are hoping to retire at the end of this year and to possibly buy the Travato 59KL, your reviews have been so helpful especially because we have never had a Class B, only camped out of our minivan, and it is complicated to go look at things right now 🙁 Thank You!
We’ve got something coming on awnings. Wait until Monday!
Interested in your awning info
Here you go!
https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/an-offbeat-look-at-rv-awnings/
Hi again. One more question.
The Solis sleeps 4! This is very exciting for families. It is the first Class B van that I am aware of that does this. Pretty much every other class B van that I have seen only sleeps 2. I am fan of class B vans because of their compact nature and am not really interested in a Class C with a modified body on a Van chassis. In Europe there is a huge array of Class B options that sleep four! But here in North America it appears the 4 sleeper options are limited to the Solis.
In your travels and reviews, have you ever come across another Class B van that can sleep 4?
Thank you!
There are a few other Class B vans that can sleep 4. Not many. Our own Travato G floor plan is an example of this.
But none of them do it as well as the Solis does.
The Thor Tellaro AT
Great review. By far the best review I have watched yet. Thank you.
My question is about the possibility of installing roof racks (and a ladder to get up there). My family and I all surf and would be using the van for surf trips with several surfboards. While boards could be stowed inside the van while driving to a destination, it would be great to have them strapped to roof racks out of the way. I have seen westfalia vans with roof racks (even popped up with the boards still on), so I imagine that its possible with the Solis. Do you have any insight into the pop-up roofs load capacity and the possibility of installing roof racks? If there isn’t gutters on a roof, its necessary to install mounting plates for the racks. This means drilling holes in the roof. Is there a way to remove the loft lining to get at the actual shell of the pop-up? Would installing roof racks compromise the warranty? I am aware that there is a solar panel. I am fine with not getting the charge from it while transporting boards. And the roof ladder? Are after market options available?
Thanks so much!
Don’t know the answers to these pop-top questions, but other owners might.
I’d suggest asking these questions in the “Solis Owners and Wannabes” group on Facebook. Some there have already taken delivery of their vans, and could check this out for you.
Good Luck!
I have similar questions, though it’s kayaks, not surfboards. I mounted rails to my westie pop top with good results. Pleasure-way offers a rack option on their Torino, but not Winnebago.
This was an interesting rig until I realized the dimension under the rear bed is not enough to store bikes on a fork mount! With so many van builders/ van lifers having garages with ~36″ clearance for bikes, this seems a big oversight on the Solis. I would prefer not to have the under floor storage and then the bed a wee bit higher to accommodate bikes! Like many, I do NOT want my pricey bikes riding outside on a rack. And having use of only the pop top for sleeping isn’t ideal either.
Does Winnebago have any thoughts in offering a Solice XL on the 159” wheelbase? With twin beds? With raised twin beds with garage underneath? A lot of great possibilities here.
Unknown.
Though it’s a safe bet that if the Solis is successful, we can expect other floor plans in the future.
Great review. Thank you. This Solis would have been perfect for us iff it had had an AC unit instead of a pop top and a Travato table so we could make a dog bed. The pop top should be an option!
We thought the fridge turned 90 degrees and no bathroom sink great ideas.
Was the bed comfortable? Don’t know if we could live without the Froli system.
I recall the beds being comfortable. But I can sleep on a concrete floor.
We were only in them for a few minutes though.
As always a wonderful review, thanks for the great work (including the great sense of humor))))
I looked up the price on the Winnebago website and was shocked, to see 100k on there.
Here the Hymer “FREE” sells for about 45,000.- and the Hymer “Sydney” for about 50,000.- and they exist also in different length and as cross sleepers and with two separate beds mounted longitudinally.
Here is the link to their English website:
https://www.hymer.com/de/en/models/overview?filter=campervan
If you don’t want to publish this comment for obvious reasons, that is absolutely ok.
I looked at Hymer but not distributed in US 🙁
They were, and used ones are available. Sweet but spendy.
The Solis is a study in trade-offs. Shorter (less room); no generator, AC, stereo, TV, or awning. Popup sleeping area and decent 2nd row seating means a 4 person coach. Lots of innovative features. Affordable. The question is, will it sell. I see this appealing to the same market as the Revel, but with a more affordable package. I talked at length with one fellow at the Tampa show and he said he knew a lot of people who would be interested. His take is getting rid of the bed in the rear and using that area for gear and sleeping in the loft. He saw it as more of a short trip vehicle than long tours.
James, re the new water ‘panel’ in the rear… If you hook a city water hose up there, how do you close the rear door..?
Is there a hole/hatch in the floor to feed the hose thru..? Time to call Chris again..? Haha
Great review as always…
Ray Cellar, Lodi CA
You know… that is strange!
We did not notice any hole in the door, wall, or floor.
But it honestly wasn’t on our radar. In our own rig, we never hook up to city water. Literally, never. So even if there is no pass-through, it wouldn’t affect us. Just not something we would have thought of. Lol.
And of course, the 2nd part of my comment appears first. Sorry.
6. Things that make you say…Huh?: why is the auxiliary solar panel port INSIDE the rear door so that you have to open the door to use the panel? It needs to be on the outside body panel. But that wouldn’t be simple.
7: Things that make you say Ow my head: 74 inches is NOT enough bed length for a 6 footer that occasionally uses arms as pillows. Sorry. Not sleeping in the loft.
It will be very exciting to see what happens when WGO applies what its been learning from the Revel, Boldt, and Solis to the Travato. There’s always been too much of a connection between the Travato and the residential-style RVs like the Era and WGO’s class A and C rigs. The market has radically changed since 2014. If the T could make a clean break with its past and embrace the more functional design that the nontraditional buyers are looking for, it could be even more fantastic. Right now there’s a lot of “feature encrustation” that is weighing down the T, as popular and good as it is. The Solis is, frankly, showing it how properly incorporating good features in a clean-sheet design makes for maximal utility in limited space.
Now imagine this design in the extended length Promaster. The European Adria Twin has done this, sans the poptop. It’s time for a Travato with a garage.
Great job, WGO. This is probably the rig most folks need.
All good points and just a couple comments.
One of the things we noticed about RVs in Europe is that they generally don’t have air conditioners and microwave ovens. The Solis is European in that respect as well.
We kind of agree about the “feature encrustation”. The outdoor speakers have been a Travato feature for as long as I can remember. But I’ve never seen anyone use them except accidentally. The TV and Jensen could also go, as far as we’re concerned.
Nice summary Shaun. Good point about the feature encrustation. Like the simplicity (and price) of the Solis.
Wonder why WGO did not make the windows the same as the Travato? Then they could easily offer the dual-pane acrylic windows as an option, which would complement all the body insulation.
FYI – Love the loft – on a nice night, it is like a “sleeping porch”.
Where do I start? By splitting this into two comments.
1. Chris Bienert is The Stig. Who knew.
2. I am really, really, impressed at the design and construction of the Solis. It has been superbly thought out and fits together beautifully. I think it’s probably the best designed class B I’ve seen from them so far. And it’s their entry-level rig!
3. This rig is SOOOO European. Not a thing you don’t need on it, but everything you do, where you need it. WOW.
4. While you guys were pointing and slamming and looking for dust bunnies in the corners of the drawers I was looking at the construction details. This rig demonstrates why CNC milled plywood is a really big deal. WGO has been able to put things into places that would have been impossible with stick-and-staple. That little cubby for the water pump. The milled-out platform supports. And just study that precision-fit bulkhead over the driver’s side rear wheelwell. WGO would have NEVER tried that with stick and frame. Oh, and the other thing about that wheelwell…
5. It’s not the wheelwell. It a plastic cover over the wheelwell…and what’s between the wheelwell and the cover? Squeezyfoam! This rig is extremely well insulated!
100% agree, Shaun. Grew up in Westfalias and owned the WGO Eurovan camper because that was the closest thing. Don’t need a show pony Sprinter conversion that looks swell but isn’t really off-road capable. Have been waiting for something “European” for a long time and this checks most boxes. Never thought I’d like a van with a toilet but it’s more wet storage than anything which is AWESOME for those who get after it. And my prostate isn’t what it was….. Jury is out on WGO build quality but we shall see.
LOL – the vent cover for the gray tank!
I knew immediately what that was! I have the same vent on my ’99 Eurovan Camper (by Winnebago and has a poptop), but why black? Mine is white, and blends in nicely with the white of the VW van. Part # 111222-01-01A. Replacement is $7 from GoWesty – good mod to consider on a Solis.
Curious why you don’t like an awning?
My opinion here:
The main purpose of an awning is to generate calls to RV service departments when they break. Which they do. With alarming frequency. I’ve had the fuse pulled on our own Lance‘s awning for over two years now to prevent it from ever being used. On both Lance and our previous RV, Das Bus, we had experiences where we found the awnings partially deployed after a drive.
Further, awnings are generally only useful for about 13 minutes each day when the sun is in just the right spot, and if the vehicle is parked in exactly the correct orientation. The other 1,427 minutes of the day the awning is useless.
Also – in our experience, it is almost always too windy to deploy an awning. Unless, again, you’re really into calls to RV service departments.
Awnings are included on pretty much every RV because of the “image”. RV dealers are reluctant to stock rigs without awnings because they think everyone wants them. Also, RV dealers would lose out on lots of expensive repair visits if there were no awnings, so they like them for that reason as well.
And so, we’re forced to purchase and carry around a useless, heavy, expensive, ticking time-bomb of an RV repair.
I’d prefer to see awnings as optional on RVs so only those that want them have to have them.
The Sprinter campervan we rented last fall for a bike trip had an awning. And a $1000 fee if it was deployed or used. That’s in addition to any resulting repair costs.
So apparently the awning’s purpose, in addition to supporting service departments as mentioned above, is also to disable vans from rental service during peak reservation times. Good to know it’s multi-purpose…
James,
Yes, not in the wind (instructions actually say don’t do that) but I could see it being useful with sun overhead during hottest time of day and for rainy (not stormy with wind) days, putting it out only a couple of feet to shield the open door,
Is the issue the “automatic/electric” feature? Never heard of these “auto” deployment issues with manual awnings.
Well, I guess we’ll put you down in the “awning” group. 🙂
My problem with using the awning for shade has to do with parking and angles. If you could pick the orientation of your rig and point it any way out of 360 degrees you wished when you parked, awnings could be slightly more useful. However, in almost no campgrounds, RV parks, or previously-used campsites is this the case. You park the way you have to. Whether or not the awning will work in that orientation is pure chance.
And as to rain… if it’s raining, I’ll just close the door.
We’ve had both electric and manual awnings try to open themselves while underway. Our manual awning on Das Bus once vibrated itself open about 3 inches while driving. I zip-tied it shut after that.
Agree! We have had a Travato since 2015 and have used the awning once. We finally pulled the fuse. We also find the assembly, deployed and undeployed” unsightly. We asked why it was not optional and were told it was, but we had to pay to remove it!
Oh!… Don’t even get me started on how they look! (When they do work.)
100%+++ agree. Awnings don’t really get used much, break and quickly become dangerous and/or embarrasing sails.
Fair points, but you clearly don’t live in or camp in Arizona. We need awnings.
We don’t live in Arizona. We live 4 miles from Arizona.
The slogan here is “100 days of over 100 degrees”. And we still don’t use awnings.
The Solis seems like a really well-designed, simple, inexpensive B Van–Iove it! It’s really great to see Winnebago thinking of 4-season use. Thanks for the review–do you think an owner should add some insulation to that exterior gray pipe if they’re planning on being in freezing temps, or would the heating pad get the job done?
The drain pipe is an interesting question. The thing about drain lines is – there’s not water in them all the time, or even really for very long. And the water in the drain pipes should always be moving. So the need to keep them warm is lessened somewhat.
What I would probably do if I had a Solis would be to put some pipe insulation on it and see if I had any problems. I think the pipe insulation would probably be enough.
Thanks!
Stefanie is NOT 5’6″, but 5’4″. If you want proof, I will send you a picture of me standing next to her at the RV show ! However, she is over 6 feet if you measure her kindness and beauty. Thanks for the workout videos, they are a great help during this time stuck inside. Lots of love to you both!
Yoshi, my Tampa show buddy!!! You, my friend, are clearly taller than you think! I’m 5’6″ and I’m sticking to it! 😉
Hope this find you healthy and well. It will be a happy day when we cross paths again. xo