Named after a Native American tribe that was from the area in Iowa where Winnebago Industries was originally based, the company is now headquartered in neighboring Minnesota and is still going strong after over six decades of making camping vehicles of all types. This 1973 Winnebago Indian D-22 is posted here on Facebook in Grapeview, Washington and the seller is asking $18,000 or best offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for sending in this tip!
Hazy and/or vertical photos notwithstanding, the seller has provided a nice variety of images for this Winnebago and it appears to be in nice condition from what is visible. The naming system changed between 1973 and 1974 for this model as the 1973 Winnebago Indian model seen here was known as the D-22, even though it was 22′-11″ long. The following year, the company renamed it the D-23 which makes more sense.
The company was founded in Forest City, Iowa in 1958 by convincing a California travel trailer company to open a factory in Winnebago County Iowa. A group of local investors bought the company and in 1960, the name was changed to Winnebago Industries. The company’s first motorhome came in 1966 and by then, they were known for a “Thermo-Panel” system consisting of rigid insulation sandwiched between an exterior panel and interior panel which made a strong wall system.
This example appears to be in nice condition with no visible cracks in the padded dash or seats, and it’s hard – or impossible, in my world – to argue with these 1970s colors and fabrics. There was also a longer D-24 Winnebago Indian model that had a rear bathroom as opposed to the side bath-equipped and slightly smaller D-22. There was also a D-22T model with a rear dinette that converts into twin beds. The seller also provides photos of the bathroom and shower.
The seller says that they have put a lot of work into this one, both inside and as far as the drivetrain and general maintenance goes. There is new flooring and new outlets, as well as a new refrigerator, water heater, and water tank. One very nice upgrade is the new PEX plumbing system that they mention.
They say that there are new shocks, and possibly most important of all is the Dodge 440 cubic-inch V8 has recently been “re-serviced” by an RV dealer as well as having a new 727 Torque-Flite three-speed automatic transmission installed. This whole Winnebago has just 57,000 miles on it, which for most owners of motorhomes is barely broken in. They have receipts going back to the first owner and they say that it runs and drives great. Have any of you owned a Winnebago motorhome from this era?
Gak! The old mans 1st motorhome after the pull trailers, was a Winnebago just like this. Thanks to Scotty and BFs for unearthing yet another dusty memory that could have just as well remained hidden. Miserable vehicle to travel in. The old mans had a 318, and we liked it because we got to stop so often and get out of that tin can. It got poor mileage, and in a stiff headwind, BARELY could muster double nickel. Plus, once you finally get to where you are going, any side trip requires “reeling in the cords”, and towing any kind of vehicle makes things worse. It’s nothing more than a straight truck, and rides and handles like one. Still, motorhomes were in their infancy here, and it did eliminate pulling something. Most of these are pretty funky, someone started with a nice one here, and for a local deal, and the CHEAPEST campers costing $25 grand EASY, makes this an okay deal.
As an RV dealer for the past 40 years the power train is a small part of the “restoration” of an older motorhome. The exterior skin is the most expensive thing to replace. I don’t remember when Winnebago went to metal wall framing as I believe the earlier units were wood framed and water leaks would total the motorhome from a value standpoint. This could be a wonderful classic or a real money pit.
I had a 1974 Brave back in 1974 and it got 5 mpg! Went on a cross country trip and temember the alternator kept falling off!
Nice find, Scotty. This is a good size for a couple and maybe a kid or two. I’d need a more original interior in my vintage RV for continuity, but sometimes the original materials get trashed and have to be replaced. All forms of vacation travel have drawbacks, and Howard’s hit on some. The RV is kind-of like your personal cruise ship, eliminating hotel bills and luggage; everything stays where you leave it, but just as ships have tenders, people end up bringing a smaller vehicle for a shuttle craft. People have different pain points and each traveler needs to find a system that suits them. I like seeing these old rigs on the road. Most Class A RVs today are still built on truck chassis that are stiffly suspended with a high center of gravity. Our 2002? Ford-based church bus rides like a buckboard, with an especially punishing rear suspension, and even with overdrive the 7.3 PSD is lucky to hit 11 MPG on a trip. Thanks for the memories and a great write-up,
Someone will enjoy it, not me. This thing reminds me of the one the serial killer drove in a couple of criminal minds episodes
The owner probably should have stepped up to an overdrive transmission when everything was apart.
Hi Jack, you’d think so and being the sites renowned O/D advocate, but in this case, it wouldn’t do much. It’s still as aerodynamic as a box, and not much will help this. Lower RPMs might actually be worse. Gas in and up to ’73 was not a concern, selling inefficient motorhomes was the order, and not much has changed, really. Today, these people have 6 figures invested in their “camping” rigs and gas price, is the least of the concerns. Besides, back then, people didn’t travel like we do today, and as poor as these were to drive, most didn’t go far. It was the nearby destination most were concerned with.
Although not my favourite generation of Winnies, this is the nicest example I’ve seen of an early 70s Winnebago motorhome.
My family has. 71. We drove it everywhere with boat out back. Lot of fun times. That engine is a 413. Lot of power but it really likes the fuel.
11mpg? Terrible for a car.
Not bad for a house.
I recall getting 6mpg in an Winnie Brave.
My 31′ V-10 Minnie Winnie gets 9 mpg of a good day. 11 would be great.
I had a 1980 Field and Stream (Dodge class C) with a 440 V8 that got 6 miles per gallon on straight and for the most part level highways driving no faster than 55mph. This was back when fuel was $1.25 per gallon. Going up the Grapevine, the mileage dropped to 3 or 4mpg. When people would comment on how bad the mileage was, I’d respond “If I was buying an economy car, this would be a poor choice.”
Dad’s first motorhome was a 28′ 1962 Frank which had the Travco stripe on the side and the hump in the back which housed the propane on one side and the generator on the other with storage in-between. Drove it from Chicago to Mexico City and back during Christmas break. Folks took us kids out of school for a week (something the teachers would throw a hissy-fit today) so we “home schooled” during that time. Truly memorable experience to enjoy beautiful Mexico and its people other than the awful border towns.
Later Dad had numerous Winnebago’s including the F-17 (with the Ford 300 cid I-6), D-18, D-22, and D-24. While no speed demon, the 318 always did fine. Sure, they were as aerodynamic as a brick, but at 55 mph, we were able to enjoy the scenery while staying in the right lane. Of course, I carried on the tradition by having a couple of Class C’s which my family still enjoy.
Something changes from within the moment one starts the engine in an RV and embarks upon a short trip to a local park or a long vacation–complete relaxation knowing one is completely self-sufficient with food, fuel, and accommodations.
It’s just like Barbie’s!
I drove WWII deuce and 1/2s in the army and they were a much better driver than one of these could every be. I worked for a Pontiac dealer who also owned a Winne dealership so got to use them.
I’ve got quite a bit of windshield time in later 2-1/2 tons (1970-ish vintages) and I’m trying to figure out how a Winnebago could be a worse driver.
Maybe the WWII-era 2-1/2 tons were much more advanced than the ones I drove, but my recollection is that they were hot in the summer (no A/C), cold in the winter (no heater), slow (most seemed to be geared for about 55 mph top speed, which could occasionally be seen going downhill), hard to steer (no PS), and LOUD.
We did have a couple that had a suspension for the driver’s seat, so that was a treat. The other ones with a seat cushion sitting on a metal box… not so much of a treat.
I’m offended! An “Indian”, really? These all need to be renamed.
hahahaha, that’s a good one!!
Had a 72, Winne Brave, had the 318 automatic, slow as the day is long, going up hill was painful, but we live in Florida, and most trips at the time were in state. It was a fun vehicle for the kids (4 and 5) they loved camping at Disney World, before prices got crazy, and beach days at Hobe sound, before it became mansions on the beach. Thanx for the memories.
Gonzo on Trapper John lived in one of these. He liked to sit up on the roof. For what rent costs these days, might be a good idea.
We traveled a lot..but not in one of these, under powered, and big wind
resistance but worst of also a lot in kindling along the side of the road where the wind pushed them and they came apart. they were made W/2X2 lumber…junk
Race with the Devil. One of the many devil satanic themed movies of the 1970’s.
$18,000 would pay for A LOT of hotel stays,plus you
wouldn’t have shell out for insurance,maintenance,tires,or-
dismal fuel mileage.
If you only use one once (or twice) a year,you’d
be better off renting one.
Hi kaf. Driving the 2 1/2s in the army was a muscle building exercise and most always an adventure.
If I had land on a lake, it would make a nice summer camp. It is kind of old to be driving this thing on long trips. Unless you are a good mechanic.
“That there Clarke is a RV”