Highlights of the Winnebago Solis Pocket on a Road Test Out West
Avid van lifer shares how this new Solis model compares to other Class Bs.

By: Jenny Shaver

Solis Pocket driving down dirt road during sunset

As a prelude to my Winnebago Solis testing, I traveled in a 2018 Winnebago Travato K for six months, and also traveled in a 2019 Winnebago Revel for over two years. Each RV has its pros and cons, which can vary, based on one’s needs and likes. In my personal opinion, the Winnebago Travato K has one of the best and roomiest layouts in a Class B, while the Winnebago Revel has some of the greatest off-road capabilities. In this article, I’ll be sharing some highlights of the Winnebago Solis Pocket

(Editor’s Note: When Jenny tested this Winnebago Solis, it wasn’t yet named the ‘Pocket.’ However, the Winnebago team adopted the name because this little van was so unique. Lots of ideas were tossed around for a name that would best suit something fun/small/versatile/accessible, but the team kept coming back to Pocket. Anyone can have a pocket. Pockets hold a lot of “stuff.” And ‘pocket’ as an adjective denotes something small).

Winnebago Solis Road Testing Out West

Over the last few years, I have spent a little time getting to know part of the team that makes up Winnebago. While meeting up at various Overland Expo events (East, West, and everywhere in between) and Revel Rallies, I’ve had the joy of getting to know the familiar faces of Chris, Russ, Emily, and others. Being stuck in freezing mud at the REEB Ranch together helps to form tight bonds! This led the team to think of me when needing to test a new Class B product.

I was fortunate enough to be able to squeeze in a little road testing of the Winnebago Solis Pocket while on a recent road trip of my own. The Solis met me at a secret location in Albuquerque and, from there, the three of us (the Solis, my elderly dog Coco, and myself) headed to the heights of Red River in Northern New Mexico. We stayed our first night there, at an altitude of 8,671 feet, and temps down into the teens with snow overnight. The heater kept us plenty toasty and happy! After figuring out the order of the pillows on the Murphy bed, I was fast asleep on a comfortable mattress. 

Solis Pocket parked near Moki Dugway in snow

Over the five days and four nights of testing, I ventured into southern Colorado and Southern Utah, before heading back into New Mexico. It was early spring with nighttime temps below freezing. 

Highlights of the Winnebago Solis Pocket

Storage Options

Coming from the tighter Winnebago Revel interior, the Winnebago Solis Pocket seemed like a spacious mansion, with plenty of storage: from overhead cabinets to roomy drawers, extra cubby spaces by the dinette, and plenty of storage in the back (under where the Murphy bed would lay). Storage for sporting equipment such as bikes and skis is possible in the back also. If crating dogs, there is plenty of space in the back for that, as well as the convenience of the MOLLE gate to keep them confined to the back area, when necessary. 

Interior of Solis pocket with under Murphey bed

The storage space next to the dinette came in handy to store just about any small thing. A box of tissue, charging cords, snacks within easy reach, dog leash, or anything that needs an out-of-the-way home. 

Galley & Kitchen Functionality

I really enjoyed the galley (love the convenience and superiority of cooking with gas), found the placement of the fridge at the end of the galley next to the slider door brilliant, and if I hadn’t been so lazy and would have put the Murphy bed up and away more often, I would have loved utilizing the extra-long counter space under where the foot of the Murphy bed lies. 

Having only the cold-water option for doing dishes was not a deal-breaker for me. With running the heater in the winter, the water actually got somewhat warm and was never icy cold. In the summer months, the ambient warm air temps would also keep the water from being too cold for it to be an issue. However, a longer faucet head that pulls out would be a great addition. 

The outside table that folds down behind the galley when the slider door is open is very convenient and easy to use. On those warm summer nights, entertaining and outdoor cooking will be so much easier! 

Interior shot of Solis Pocket from front to back

See more product photography and watch the video tour here.

Easy System Usage

The control panels are all easy to use and relatively straightforward. The sight glass for the freshwater tank is a great concept. To be able to tell “exactly” how much water is in the tank at all times is truly helpful. I skipped using the portable toilet simply for cleanliness sake, but being familiar with the use and care of a cassette toilet, this setup would suit me well. If traveling as a couple or more, then obviously privacy would be an issue, with no proper ‘bathroom.’ 

Comfy Murphy Bed

The Murphy bed is a great design and is relatively easy to use (unfolding and storing). It is more difficult to have to store it on a daily basis if you set it up like a proper bed with sheets (which is what I like to do). Popping up into the bed using the dinette bench and shimmying back down via the same route is easy enough if you have the agility to do so. The mattress was plenty comfortable and even the sitting-up headspace while the bed is made is perfectly fine and not claustrophobia-inducing. The lighting throughout is pleasant with light switches located conveniently. 

Dinette Versatility

The versatile dinette is a nice feature. It can be used as a great seating area at the table for two - or even four people if you wanted to get cozy. The table mounts are easy enough to loosen, tighten, remove, or replace. I enjoyed always having a place to sit, even if the other seat was occupied with “stuff.” I always had a table available to me when it was set up in this mode. So, even if I wasn’t eating, I could have a table available for scouring my road atlas (a favorite pastime while on the road), or perhaps working with a laptop or a tablet (especially for those who want to work from the road), writing my memoir, or fancying a card or a board game. 

Convertible dinette seat in Solis Pocket

The dinette is quite easy to convert to a sofa or an extra bed. As a side sleeper and someone who is under six feet tall, I think I wouldn’t mind spending a night or two sleeping on this extra bed. I mostly preferred the dinette mode, with access to the table, which easily shifted to the side to create more space if needed. I also found a place under the table to “seatbelt” my Berkey water filter onto the metal grid that serves as a wall to one of the cubby areas. Mostly out of the way and secure for travel. 

Great Drivability

The short wheelbase and maneuverability of the shorty Promaster (1500) is a dream and is great to drive! The backup camera provides great visibility, especially with my trick of cleaning it off with a water squirt bottle with the nozzle set on ‘stream’ vs. ‘spray.’ Works great for removing road grime that can hinder your ability to see the backup camera screen well, without you having to break your neck to get up there and physically clean it off. 

Solis Pocket driving down Moki Dugway

Overall, in a van chassis, I would appreciate more clearance, allowing more access and explorability (I reserve the right to make up my own words) for those dirt roads to the unknown that are beckoning us in the great outdoors - that’s what drew me to the Winnebago Revel! An engine with a little more oomph would also put me more at ease. But on pavement and gentle dirt roads, the Winnebago Solis Pocket handles like a champ. 

Off-Grid Power Options

As someone who camps off-grid and away from campgrounds 98% of the time, without the need to plug in, the Winnebago Solis Pocket fits the bill pretty well. Personally, I have no use for the A/C, which would require either a separate generator or an outlet to plug into. I find these units noisy and excessive. If it’s too hot for me, then I’m in the wrong place and need to move! Being used to having an inverter at my fingertips, and also almost never plugging in, I would be at a loss for being able to charge and use appliances that require a 110V outlet. However, USB outlets are well-supplied in this van. 

Solis pocket parked in red rocks

Final Thoughts on My Road Test of the Winnebago Solis Pocket

This would be a perfect van for a single person or a couple, or even a small family. From long-term travel to use as a weekend camper: taking the kids to soccer games, a day at the ski resort (warm up in the van for an inexpensive lunch away from the lodge), tailgating, or any type of outdoor sport and gear-hauling.

There is nothing I love more than coming back to my warm van after a day of skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and being able to change into warm, dry clothing, and having a hot meal. It’s so comforting! Top it all off with a nap, and the van has paid for itself! 

As a van lifer, I loved the layout of this RV, enjoyed the spaciousness of it, and found all of its systems easy to use. 

Learn more about the Winnebago Solis Pocket here (including a video tour).

Comments

Comments on this post are moderated, so they will not appear instantly. All relevant questions and helpful notes are welcome! If you have a service inquiry or question related to your RV, please reach out to the customer care team directly using the phone numbers or contact form on this page .

User commented on June 30, 2021 10:43 AM
I agree about the A/C; I wish they would make this unit without it. I need a more stealthy vehicle, and that A/C unit on top is wrecking it for me.
User commented on June 30, 2021 12:11 PM
Am the original owner of my 99 rialta HD. That extra width after the transition panels, make a big difference in interior comfort. Now, my car is a new Hyundai hybrid. Since 2010 I have been driving Prius hybrids. Both brands always get me over 55 mph per tank. S I sure wish that Winnibago could offer a hybrid. That extra traction battery capacity with inverters and the automatic engine recharging feature (when the battery runs down) would give the user lots of a.c. Power as long as you still have gas would be unbeatable for those full time bondockers. At home my prius would serve as a power system during blackouts. Just add a 1200 watt inverter to the 12 b aux battery, turn off all lamps,fans. Then start the hybrid system. The engine would be mostly off and only turn on a few minutes to recharge the big battery automatically. That would be a great system added to a motorhome. Winnebago could own the entire Rv industry with that arrangement. Gas soon will be in the $5 range due to the administrations entry into Paris Accord. I suggest: Get an out of Warranty 2016 prius. Chop it up into an rv and see if the idea would be viable. Got some more ideas freely if I can be of help.
User commented on June 30, 2021 1:29 PM
Waiting on delivery of my Pocket. First time RVer and it should suit my wife and I nicely. Fun to see your test drive brought you to the Moki Dugway, one of my favourites!
User commented on June 30, 2021 4:03 PM
Thank you 🌈
User commented on September 30, 2023 11:29 PM
How was the “heater” powered? Solar? Battery charging??
User commented on January 13, 2024 12:04 AM
No A/C (or generator) - east of the Rockies - would mean a lot of sleepless nights. West coast summers rock. East coast tends to be sweltering. I'd buy a stealthier unit. No way you need 13,500 BTU for a cabin this small. The Murphy bed is brilliant. Slept great.
User commented on May 12, 2024 5:56 PM
The Solis does not come with a spare tire. I feel safer with a spare. Can I mount a spare on the rear door. Also what kind of jack do I get for it. Joe in Anchorage.
User commented on June 17, 2024 9:52 PM
Hi Joe, You can reach out to the Winnebago Customer Care team directly at (641) 585-6939 to discuss the options for adding a spare and go over any other questions. Thank you!
User commented on June 13, 2024 2:37 PM
Awesome review. I’m thinking of crossing over from Jeep over landing to the camper van community. I believe the Solis 36 would be a great fit.