If you have rented or want to rent the 2020 Winnebago Revel in the Northern Virginia area, use this digital rental guide or the text based rental guide below on how to use it and get the most out of this amazing RV.
A really general introduction: The revel is 10′ high, 19′ 7″ long and 7’1″ high and this one already has the bike rack on the back if you’re interested in taking bikes on your trip. It sleeps 2 people, you could really only have more if you brought a tent. It has a MBUX infotainment system and if you connect your iPhone to the connector that looks like a presentation icon in the dash that opens near the front window, you can use it with Apple’s CarPlay. The steering wheel has touch controls, the system comes with remote keyless entry and standard lighting controls. Outside, you’ll find a fold-down table with a cable-driven system that levels on uneven ground. The all-in-one wet bath works double duty as a gear closet, with removable shelves and a clothes hanger to organize your stuff and the Revel has fantastic storage options throughout the vehicle, including above the driver and passenger seats, deep well storage in the kitchen galley, and under the seating in the back. At night, the bed lowers via the “One Place” electrical system connection on the top left of the system (this also exposes the A/C system). If you rent it, come back and view the breakdowns and videos of each of the Revel’s systems below.
pre-trip preparation
- Review the Digital or text-based Renter’s guide (good news, you already are!)
- Respond to questions from the Fireside team (limited, but some insurance based questions are required from time to time)
- Driveables: tell me where you are going, this helps me research local maintenance shops in that area in case of an unexpected issue
- Download the Xantrex app from either the App store or Google Play store
- Coordinate special things like early p/u or later drop off
- Coordinate linens if you want me to provide them.
- Coordinate water fill if you want me to do so. The Revel can be topped up from any water site, so if you want to save on fuel, you can ask for a partial fill up if you aren’t sure about when you’ll have water.
- Confirm delivery and provide delivery instructions (campsite #, special check-in steps, etc
- Coordinate any special requirements (say you’re towing with the Revel, you’ll need to bring a hitch)
- Understand how to get assistance during your trip. My ‘business hours’ are between 8 am and 9 P.M. EST, if you try to reach out outside of those hours you will get a response the next morning. You have an on-call RV tech as part of your rental, they can be reached at 802-393-8324
pick up
– Coordinate the pickup location and time if you haven’t already
– Pre-inspection: fill out the pre-inspection sheet:
– if you rented from Outdoorsy or the Fireside website
-if you rented from RVShare, fill out via the RVShare app
before driving (every time!)
- Walk-around: ensure you’ve disconnected shore and sewer, look beneath the RV for fluid leaks, loose components, unusual wear patterns on tires
- If you have the Maxx Fan open, ensure you close it before driving
- Disconnect all external connections (gray tank, shore power, etc)
- Check fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid
- Tires: pressure, uneven wear, discolored lug nuts (indicates loose), tread condition
- Lights: turn signals, running lights, brake lights, hazards
- Interior: lock cabinets and drawers, shut rooftop vents and fans, switch off water pump and heater, secure the bathroom door
site setup
Leveling and Hookup
- Level the revel by pointing the front end downhill on slopes, putting wheel chocks behind your rear wheels, check level with a bubble level on countertops. Leveling the Revel is more about comfort than usability.
- Hookup: 30 watt shore power hookup by hooking in your RV to shore power, ensure you use the surge protector as campsite power can sometimes surge
- If your site has only a 50 watt hookup, there is a 50 to 30 watt step down converter in the 30 watt bag
- Prepare for nighttime by lowering the bed using the control panel in the “One Place switches”. Ensure there is nothing beneath the bed when you begin to lower it.
- You can also prepare for night time by covering the windows with the shades that are located in the driver side storage accessible from the rear of the Revel.
WHENEVER you CAN be on Shore power, do so. Revel’s batteries are great, but that power won’t last forever and certain activities, like cooking on the induction stove, draw a lot of battery power. Cooking PLUS A/C you might trip the Revel’s electrical systems and have to do a reset.
Systems
water
The Revel’s water tank is 21 gallons, and you should request it be filled prior to your trip. Because the connection for water is inside of the RV, I recommend you fill up and then re-pack the water line and store it whenever you need more
- Use the water pressure regulator
- There is a meter on the onboard diagnostics for water levels to ensure you have enough if you’re moving between campgrounds
- Consider having sports cooler for drinking water so you’re not over-using the tank if you won’t be near ready water supply.
- Hot water timberline heating system press the “heater icon” AND the “faucet” icon for hot water (shower, dishes)-see heating section below for more
- After showers, ventilate the RV to keep mold away
- Drain fresh water via the drain release valves beneath the cargo sliding door
- Gray water: hose on back of Revel right side, put in gray water hole, pull valve to release water, remember to push the valve back before disconnect
Electric
The Revel’s electrical system is pretty impressive. The rig comes with 2 115 watt solar panels, two LiFePO4 batteries, a second alternator that charges the batteries, and a 2,000 watt inverter that powers the coach. These systems are above the chassis batteries that run the electronics while you’re driving and that can charge your coach (non-chassis batteries) within 2 hours of driving (obviously situation dependent).
Revel “One Place” Switches and Outlets:
– Shore Power First: whenever you CAN connect to shore, you should
– Inverter: keep the inverter disconnect “on” for shore power charging. Turn the inverter on ONLY for high draw items (AC and Induction Cooktop)
– Solar: Solar disconnect switch should be kept “on”, check often for charging of your batteries. This system can keep your battery topped up between 99 and 100% in normal conditions
Induction Cooktop:
– Turn on the inverter (it uses 20 amps significant draw)
– Connection: Use the plug dedicated for induction cooking
– Controls most used include power and heat buttons. Play with + and – buttons for best preferences, power will turn the stove back off and fan will continue as it cools.
Air Conditioner:
– Maxx Air Fan: Consider the powered roof vent as first way to cool the RV (auto ‘magic number’ is 78 degrees)
– Don’t forget the Revel’s screens on both the side and back doors can go a long way to staying cool if there’s a great breeze going.
– Your blackout shades can also help with both sleeping but also keeping out the heat
– Rectangle button allows you to cycle through the Air Conditioner menu
– “Arrow” buttons allow you to adjust A/C temperature. Auto button keeps the temperature regulated and allows you to save batteries
Your RV Power System
Batteries, inverters, converters and solar systems in any vehicle can be intimidating, I’m providing a separate section here so you can understand them and so you know how to maximize the value of your trip without worrying about specifics.
- Tests have shown on a full charge the A/C CAN (not always WILL) run on the Revel for about 6 hours non-stop, with the batteries completely losing charge sometime around the 6 hour plus mark. The more draw (A/C and Induction cooking are your largest 2 draws) the faster the batteries will run down.
- Solar: Keep the solar switch to “on” and keep your Revel in direct sunlight when you can to re-charge the Lithium Ion batteries in your chassis
- Inverter: by definition inverters change DC power to AC power. This system allows us to tap into our batteries power and power our fridge, Air Conditioner, charging stations or anything ‘plugged in’ to a standard outlet (120 volt outlet) you’d see in your home.
- Converter: this system changes AC power from shore to DC power and uses it to either power DC systems (low power systems like lights, the Maxx fan, control panels) in the Revel or to charge the coach batteries. DC ‘rules’ all in the words of NRVTC lead trainer Todd
- Xantrex App to see the state of battery charge is the one app I’d recommend you have on your phone for your trip
- Fuzes and the circuit breaker: Fuzes are _____(location) and you can use the Revel’s circuit breaker like in your home (off/wait/back on)
misc (toilet, heat, Fridge) systems
Toilet: The Revel uses a Thetford Cassette Toilet.
– There are gloves and a sanitizing spray when handling the cassette.
– Key for the thetford is on the key ring for the Revel and says Thetford
– Cover the bottom of the Cassette with water (it should slosh around a bit) and sanitizing spray once you dump the cassette in a black water receptacle. This will ensure there is water in the toilet when you use the restroom
Heat: The Revel uses a hydronic (water-based) heating system off of your diesel engine. It’s VERY efficient using diesel in this way
– This system is controlled by the small digital box under the loft bed controls
– Hot water timberline heating system press the “heater icon” AND the “faucet” icon for hot water (shower, dishes)
– Upper right icon is for diagnostics and 1 field allows you to set how long the heater stays on
– Bottom right icon is for hot air and water while on shore power
Fridge: the Revel has a _____ refrigerator.
– The fridge is __ cubic feet and can hold ~1-2 days of raw food for cooking
– The fridge is ___________.
end of trip
Water System: The water system needs proper shutdown when your trip ends. Here’s what to do:
– Drain the 21-gallon freshwater tank completely [29]
Waste Management: Clean waste systems make the next rental more pleasant:
– Empty and rinse the cassette toilet
– Leave the toilet bowl empty and clean
– Dump gray water at an approved dump site
Electrical Systems
Shore Power:
– Disconnect from external power sources
– Coil and store the power cord
– Secure all compartment doors
Onboard Power Systems:
- Turn off all appliances and lights
- Switch off the inverter on the main panel
- Leave the battery switch “on” for charging [30]
Solar Power System: Solar panels need basic care:
- Keep the solar disconnect switch “on” [30]
- Check the MPPT controller display for normal operation
Refrigerator: Clean fridges prevent mold and odors:
- Remove all food items and dispose of perishables
- Clean interior surfaces with a mild detergent solution
- Leave the door slightly open for air to circulate
Air Conditioning System: The AC runs on shore power, and you should:
- Set the thermostat to the highest temperature setting
- Run the fan to dry internal components
Fan: The Maxxfan needs basic care:
- Close the vent cover completely
- Wipe down the fan blades and housing
- Turn off the control panel
Heating System: You’ll find the diesel-powered heating system needs just a few steps:
– Turn off the system using the LED touchscreen control panel
– Allow the system to cool down completely
– Close all vents to prevent debris entry
Exterior Checks: Take a final look around the Revel:
– Close and lock all exterior compartments
– Look for any damage or issues
Handover Process
The handover is a vital part of ending your rental. Here’s what you need to know:
At the return location:
- Show up on time or call if you’re delayed
- Be ready for a walk-through inspection
Vehicle Condition Review: Take part in the final check:
- Walk around with rental staff
- Show any damage noted at pickup
- Talk about any problems from your trip
System Demonstrations: Show that everything works:
- Prove the water system is clean and empty
- Show how the power lift bed works
- Confirm all systems are properly shut down
Fuel and Mileage: Handle the basics:
- Return with agreed fuel level
- Know about extra mileage charges
- Check fuel and mileage readings match
Final Paperwork: Wrap up the paperwork:
- Sign the return inspection form
- Look over any extra charges
- Share your rental experience
Post-Return Follow-up: After you’re done:
- Watch for a rental summary email
- Check your final charges
- Contact Fireside RV Rental about any issues quickly
All the videos in a playlist
LichtsinnRV.com - How to Revel - Breaker and Fuse Panels - Winnebago Class B Diesel Motor Home
Top Apps for the Winnebago Revel Campervan | A/C, Awning, Lithium
Winnebago Revel Switches and Outlets
Winnebago Revel Operating Batteries
2020 Winnebago Revel | Full Motorhome Walkthrough Tour | NIRVC