First Look: 2004 Winnebago Rialta 22HD

This is the first tour of my (new to me) 2004 Winnebago Rialta 22HD, before any major updates have been made. There is so much to cover, this video would have been an hour long - so we will have to address more features in upcoming videos.

[@aliyawilson9652]

Thanks for explaing the bathroom, much appreciated. I've seen a few of these for sale on fb and I'm intrigued! They're different from anything I've seen so definitely something to think about as an option

[@ATLcentury334]

Years ago when we thought it would be fun to road trip with our dogs, we thought this would be the choice for us. We liked how compact it was, the different floor plans available, and the gas mileage it was capable of. We’re past the RV stage now, but we still look at these from time to time.

[@TravelingSolo]

I have it parked in front of the house my daughter lives in, and I had to put a “not for sale” sign on it so that people would leave her alone. Lol

[@dougf94912]

That's a real little gem, I'm excited for you!

[@JonTanOsb]

I'm hoping to pick one up this Saturday. An 05 HD. I like the way the front seats swivel, to use the little table for dining for two. :)

[@TravelingSolo]

Good luck! :)

[@allankawakami7851]

She’s a beauty. You’ll have fun adding your personal touches!

[@kathyegbert6532]

Glad you found what you were looking for! 👍👍

[@TravelingSolo]

Thanks! :)

[@livingthelife6284]

Lots of luck on your very beautiful Ralto RV. It's one of the best RV's out there. The lay out is really terrific. The mileage per gallon alone will save you tons of money. You'll be able to service the engine way better than if it had a diesel. I'm very excited for you. The built in tables are so practical. Looking forward to see ing all the changes and improvements you make.

[@TravelingSolo]

I have been stalking them for about a year but was undecided on making the switch. With covid keeping it sitting in the driveway for a while, what better time to take on a new project. :)

[@TravelingSolo]

On the Road Again Mine popped up on Facebook marketplace, I have talked with a number of selling owners across the country from the Facebook rialta owners group. There were a range of years and prices. There was one on craigslist in Phoenix, they were asking $14,500 for it but it looked like it needed some real work.

[@TravelingSolo]

On the Road Again guarantee it’s a scam. We’ve been talking about these in the owners group. If you inquire, they will usually tell you they will process the transaction through eBay for your protection etc etc. Send it to me via email at [e-mail], I’d like to see it.

[@ethelmertz434]

What a SWEET rig!!! What a great find! Have FUN!

[@TravelingSolo]

Thanks! It’s been fun already, looking for little things to make it better or not seem as dated.

[@Ron_C]

Congrats on finding the rig that you wanted for your project!

[@TravelingSolo]

Everyone in the owners group is jealous. Lol

[@Ron_C]

@@TravelingSolo That is awesome! Justification that you waited it out for a jewel!

[@slide16]

Wow Maury that RV is in great shape! I’ve never seen one of those anywhere. That bathroom is incredible. All small RVs should have a bathroom like that. Thanks for sharing and again Big Congrats!

[@TravelingSolo]

Thanks, Dennis. I'm starting to dig into it now and finding all kinds of cool little details....

[@TanselGaraj]

I have a 2002 VW Eurovan but the ordinary one, wish we had these in Türkiye 🇹🇷 too 😊

[@timhvv]

Very nice. I just sold a 93 Winnebago Brave and this model seemed better suited for me and my dog. Thanks for sharing this.

[@sheilaqualls3148]

Really cool floor plan! I had not seen this model before. This will be a good project for you to put your own little touches on. It does look like it’s in really good shape for the age. Congrats!

[@darthdzl]

Excellent! I wish I'd had a chance to see it in person before you fled to the pines again. :)

[@TravelingSolo]

I escaped!

[@drjoenolan]

Looks good Maury. I hope it works out for you. I meet a couple at a parking lots who owned one and said it was great. Had previously owned a class C and this was much better. Best of luck. Thanks for all of your previous videos. Hope you are feeling well.

[@Cotafaye]

Hi Maury Do you still have this Rialta? Did you find the hidden shade above the door inside of the valance?

[@susanneward7029]

I’ve always loved the Rialtas. Congrats on finding one in such good shape!

[@TravelingSolo]

I've been thinking about one of these for a long time.....but they did seem to be in rough shape. This one was local, AND nice!

[@karenr67]

I like these. Glad for tour. Thanks

[@Joshtheweatherman]

I find it interesting that they used Ford Ranger taillights on it! Cool mini RV!

[@SustainUsFarm]

Great to see you back!...and in another RV I love! Look up Tynan here on youtube...he is a young guy on here that a number of years ago he really decked out his Rialta with granite counters and such!

[@TravelingSolo]

Ooh that sounds awesome. I will check it out!

[@jimmymcdaniel668]

Looks really great for the age. I would like one like this.

[@keifsavage1090]

Excellent review, definitely going to purchase one soon

[@TravelingSolo]

Excellent! They really are a cool, unique rig. I came home the other day to another note on the windshield asking if I want to sell. Lol

[@agv3581]

Thank you for posting this video about your Rialta, I see some on RV TRADER and I do like them for the quality and the price compare to new one. This video makes me want to take a serious look at one for daily drive and full time later on. VW is a good engine base and Winnebago is a good Coach Company...Really cool Rv

[@TravelingSolo]

They are a really cool, unique rig. Making sure it has been regularly serviced is key when shopping for one :)

[@jerrij1717]

Good things come to those who wait! Looks like a good one!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@TravelingSolo]

It'll be fun. To start I'm just "restoring" it to its original functionality, then I'll start thinking about upgrades. :)

[@277kne]

I'm watching this in March 2022. Found a few low mileage and good condition Rialtas online. Would like to know if the driver's seat has power. I know on the stock VW Euro van the seat is higher up. Those look a little lower. Could you put larger mirrors on?

[@TravelingSolo]

I’m pretty sure all the seats are manual since they use the Winnebago release latches for rotation and movement. Mirrors would be a challenge. Winnebago fabricated the mirror extension to move the mirrors out - I’m not sure how difficult it would be to fabricate a new mount and support for a larger mirror. I haven’t seen anyone do it on these.

[@wookievr641]

2.8VR6 engine not 2.5. The older 5 cylinder engine was 2.5L. Not sure if youre still running it but watch out for timing chains at 120k+. 12v engine was worse tahn 24v. Love the sound of those. Im trying to get my hands on Rialta. The shifter in the Eurovans was on the floor by default since Europe had 5 speed manual T4 van and VW reused the location.

[@TravelingSolo]

Yes, just a typo in my voiceover script.

[@MrMawnster]

Thanks man!

[@peterpascone6942]

What a great video, thank you! Are these front wheel drive or rear wheel drive? Thank you.

[@TravelingSolo]

These are all front wheel drive using a VW engine. Not a lot of power, but very comfortable. :)

[@peterpascone6942]

@@TravelingSolo ❤️ thank you

[@TheJayrusbeerus]

Maury! There's a 2004 Rialta for sale over here near me in Texas, $30,000, 32,000 miles. Looks and sounds good, but any major things I need to ask about/look at before buying? Seem like $30,000 is reasonable? I found cut and paste the description if you like.

[@TravelingSolo]

You definitely want to see service records, and most importantly transmission service and if it has a transmission cooler installed. The engine is pretty reliable, you’ll just want to make sure that it has been maintained. Turning your attention to the back, check the pressure in the air springs… The valve is right in front of the rear tires. They should never be below 20 psi. If they run them empty it damages them. Check the generator.....make sure it starts quickly and runs well. Also, you would think very low hours is a good thing but if it doesn’t get exercised regularly, it can cause problems. Check the coach batteries (under the panel behind the seats) and make sure they are in good shape and not low on water. Try to find out when the serpentine belt was replaced. Make sure the plastic belly pan cover under the engine is there. Check for water damage inside, especially around the skylight - it’s notorious for that. Check the propane, make sure the stove lights but especially make sure the propane refrigerator lights. I will eventually replace mine, but it runs on 120V or propane ...the 12V is only meant to maintain temp while driving. The overhead AC requires shore power or generator. Don’t turn on the water heater while the generator is on unless you know there is water in the system. It’s the light switch near the floor by the heater. The water heater has a heat exchanger with the engine, it will heat the water while you drive too. Pretty good chance it will need new shock absorbers. A routine mechanical review is in order....even though it has low miles, it’s still 16 years old. :) Just a few things. Lol

[@TheJayrusbeerus]

@@TravelingSolo LOL, right! I'm cuttin' and pasting this into a note file!

[@TheJayrusbeerus]

Maury, fairly easy to get VW parts on something that old? Was just looking at a 2000 Rialta Eurovan 22FD for sale.

[@TravelingSolo]

It really depends. Volkswagen stopped importing the Eurovan in 2003, and while the engine shares a lot of parts with the Jetta and other engines with the VR6, there are other parts that are unique. They were sold in Europe under different names, but the diesel was more popular over there too. I’d say half of the parts are readily available, the other half are either a little challenging or very expensive. The Winnebago side is a different matter. Many interior parts were used in other models, and a lot of items can be replaced with equivalents. Unique things like body panels are almost impossible to find. For me, the detective work is half the fun. And there is a good enthusiast group for them too. :)

[@steveavery4453]

It looks like you have found great van. I had a question about the engine. Does it require premium fuel like most German engines of this size. Is the engine still available in VW's. I think this is one of the best designs for this size RV.

[@TravelingSolo]

Exactly....When they moved from the Audi 5cyl to the 24 valve V6, it did come with the premium fuel recommendation.

[@Desperado3248]

I am thinking of tracking one down to start. Would add blue tooth ,100-200 watts solar, blue Ray , satellite and wifi booster. If possible black water flush and tankless hot water. Still a lot less than most class b . Plus great mileage

[@TheJayrusbeerus]

Really nice, Maury! Love that gas mileage! Did I miss does it have a galley area? I probably drifted away a little!

[@TravelingSolo]

Yeah it has a little microwave, a gas stove and a little sink. On the drive up to the cabin (elevation change 1200ft to 6500ft) I got just under 16mpg. Not bad for going uphill!

[@nancyhowland5584]

Sweet

[@nickivaughn1515]

It looks like you are in Arizona. How did it do going up the hills. We are looking to get one.

[@TravelingSolo]

It’s alright, the Promaster did have more power though. In the climb from 1100 feet to 6500 feet, the Rialta will settle in around 50mph and maintain fairly easily. You can get it to go faster but it requires pushing it a little hard.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Congratulations on your rig. Ihave always admired the Rialta.and considered it, if I xouldnfind one, before deciding to do a van conversion. I am a new sub and liked. WouldI just made some reservations, no problem. Distancing measures are in place, so you're expected to stay with your group, only one household to a campsite, but I don't think it's irresponsible. We need to get kids out of the house, and that's probably the most responsible way to do it. I just bought a porta-loo and solar shower, plus changing tent, so that we don't need to use the shared restrooms. Showers are closed at most campsites anyway. Have fun love for you to check out my van tour and consise3r subbing.

[@TravelingSolo]

I just subscribed, time to check out what you’ve done!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

@@TravelingSolo Sorry for the confusing comment above. Somehow it seems my comment got combined with another? Anyhow, this is a beautiful rig. Perfect size with all the amenities of a class A without the restrictions posed by such a large rig when looking for campsites. Also, the shower expansion is very cool as is the power shower release. I want one of those! Look forward to following your travels.

[@ZebraFacts]

Instead of taking the TV out because you don't watch TV, wouldn't it be better to update it to a computer ready monitor? Then you can watch whatever you would be watching on your laptop or tablet, on the new monitor/smart TV.

[@TravelingSolo]

I did that too. The problem, at least in my rig due to the layout, is that the monitor was too high to be usable for any meaningful work. Ergonomically it was uncomfortable, and it wasn’t close enough to be properly used. In a larger rig with a dedicated desk or office area, it could be more feasible.

[@ZebraFacts]

@@TravelingSolo Funny you would say that because so was I.

[@TravelingSolo]

Neat Gifts I think I understand what you were getting at now. The TV that fit that space was 19 inches, my laptop is a 16 already so I don’t really need the extra real estate. I keep my iPad Pro with me for previously downloaded content - same deal, it’s a 12 inch screen and I can position it however I want. :) I always have adapters to plug into a television but I still rarely use it that way.

[@amytaylor7218]

Perfect!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Sweet looking Rialta RV. I'd buy one if I had someone to share the experience and responsibility with.

[@TravelingSolo]

I love this thing....it’s unique and also very functional. Thanks for watching!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@TravelingSolo Anytime. I agree. Not everyone needs a 30ft+ Class A diesel pusher. If I had a choice, I'd go for 22ft turbo diesel powered motorhome. I find this way more attractive than anything offered today. All the colour in the world doesn't make for an attractive motorhome if it looks like a cargo container on wheels.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@TravelingSolo I'm not a fan of where VW installed the gear shifter. I would've preferred either on the steering column, like most class C motorhomes do, or possibly somewhere closer to wherever you can reach it without taking your eyes off the road.

[@TravelingSolo]

@@jasoncarpp7742 I like to get up from the drivers seat and go back into the coach. That shifter makes it a real challenge to get back there without tripping. Lol

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@TravelingSolo I agree. I've never understood what Volkswagen was thinking when they placed the gear selector where they did. If they placed it more forward than they did, it might've been easier to move back and forth between the front seats. Or better yet, how about putting it up on the steering column? That'd be well out of the path of anyone needing to move back and forth between the cabin and the cockpit.

[@Fitforacting]

Is 6’3” too tall??

[@TravelingSolo]

The interior clearance is about 5’10” unless you stand in the skylight. That said, there are many owners who are tall - the idea being, the amount of time you spend actually standing inside is pretty small so bending over to move around isn’t a big deal. The passage from the cab between the seats would be a challenge, and the entry door on the side (You have to train yourself to bend over no matter how tall you are when you enter lol)

[@letyca449]

Would this be a good buy for 2000 dollars

[@TravelingSolo]

It would be a scam for $2000. Have you seen a for sale listing for one of these?

[@letyca449]

@@TravelingSolo yes i just did today

[@TravelingSolo]

@@letyca449 I had a feeling. Unfortunately that's pretty common. Even in horrible condition, these sell for over $10K all day long, and in good condition they are $20-30K. Usually, the ad will contain the VIN number. If you do a google search for the VIN, 95% of the time you'll discover that it just recently sold on eBay, and the person listing it stole a bunch of photos from the listing.

[@letyca449]

@@TravelingSolo thanks

[@blazecal]

Price?

[@TravelingSolo]

It depends on which year/floorplan you find and how many miles are on it. In decent shape, these are selling somewhere between $22K-30K. Models that need more work seem to settle in the $12K-15K range. Interestingly enough, I am approached on a regular basis by people who want to know if I'm willing to sell it.

[@simplysenora9269]

Nice!