The Walking Dead: Dale's Winnebago

[HakSawJak]

Dale's Winnebago

So I have this dream. It may never happen but I can dream can't I? Anyways, since I'm currently in to the Walking Dead cosplay with a group of friends and we've had such a great time at the last con as a big Walking Dead group, the only thought I've had to improve the experience (outside of recruiting more cosplayers into the group) is to actually roll into cons in DALE'S WINNEBAGO!! I mean let's think about this.... it's a costuming prop that you can live in! Awesome right?!?

Fortunately, a 70s Winnebago isn't that expensive because most of them are old and crappy. So in my search for Dale's RV, I've run into a couple of issues.

First, trying to identify the ACTUAL RV. The Walking Dead Wiki identifies the RV as a 1977 Winnebago Chieftain (Camp RV - Walking Dead Wiki). I believe this information comes straight from a "behind the scenes" video that AMC released where actor Jeffery Demunn (Dale) give us a tour of the RV and refers to it as a 1977 (Inside Dale's RV with Jeffery DeMunn: Inside The Walking Dead - YouTube). However, when I started looking at 1977 Chieftains that are for sale around the US, I felt like none of them looked anything like Dale's RV.

So the only logical way to resolve this is to assume that Jeffery Demunn really doesn't know much about Winnebagos and I should talk to someone who does. So I sent an email to Winnebago with a link to that youtube video of Demunn. I asked if they could disregard what the actor is saying and correctly identify the RV in the video. Within a day, I got a response from one of the Winnebago experts who went through the vaults to dig up some old Chieftain brochures. Based on his findings, the paintjob on Dale's RV looks nothing like a 1977 (which I already discovered) and he seems to think it's a 1973. Here are some supporting pictures from the Winnebago rep:

1977

1973

So there is an extra layer to this search. There were multiple models of the Chieftain released in 1973. After some closer examinations of the various floorplans and comparisons to the floorplan in Demunn's tour video, we came to the conclusion that Dale's RV is the 1973 D-27C. Take a look at the floorplan and you'll most likely agree with us:

So now that I feel like I have successfully identified Dale's RV as the Winnebago 1973 Chieftain D-27C, I've now run into the second problem... I can't find one ANYWHERE!!

So as I search for a suitable replica (and the money to actually get it), I would like to start a discussion amongst my fellow creative RPFers. Can you think of any creative cosplay ways to utilize Dale's RV if we can actually locate one?

 

[kxazbug]

While on a motorcycle trip from Pittsburgh to Durham NC I rode by one that looked almost identical for sale on the side of the road. Wanted to get a pic next to it but my buddy didn't see my signal to slow down. Not that it will help but it was in Virginia. Good luck with your search though that would be a awesome ride. I wanted to build a replica from the tonka truck version

 

[bughunt10]

Dude this is awesome. Love the idea!

You'd need to have a camp fire with a fish fry for sure as a start

 

[rmschneider104]

Love the idea. Don't envy the search. Good luck!

 

[oujala]

Just ran across this today, wrong one though...

 

[tain669]

the biggest usable prop anyone can ever have....Walkers not included

 

[nitrox]

Just make sure you check the radiator hose when you find one.

 

[Buddydog]

Looking to me like a 1974 model...I'm on this big time!

 

[Buddydog]

I'll keep scouring the craigslist.....

 

[HakSawJak]

Just ran across this today, wrong one though...

This looks like the 1974 version. VERY CLOSE but not quite perfect.

 

[HakSawJak]

Looking to me like a 1974 model...I'm on this big time!

Buddy, according to the Winnebago rep, the 1974 looks like the image below. It's close, but not quite perfect. Pretty sure the 73 is the way to go.

 

[Hogosha]

Ther5e is a 1973 Chieftain for sale on NJ, the windows look different though. Would be about a 10 hour ride for you.

1973 Winnebago Chieftan

 

[HakSawJak]

Ther5e is a 1973 Chieftain for sale on NJ, the windows look different though. Would be about a 10 hour ride for you.

1973 Winnebago Chieftan

Very close yet again! However, the floorplan matches the D-24C which is the 24 ft version of the 73 Chieftain. If you recall in the show, the beds are in the back and the bathroon is in the middle which is more consistent with the D-27C (27 footer). This would explain the window differences.

I'm loving all the help though!! I know one of you is going to hit a breakthrough!!

 

[Hogosha]

What about this one? Sweet price.
73 Winnebago Indian Class A Motorhome

 

[HakSawJak]

What about this one? Sweet price.
73 Winnebago Indian Class A Motorhome

I've considered the "Indian" before just because it looks so similar. However, they didn't make any Indians longer than 24 ft in 1973 so getting a somewhat accurate floorplan is impossible.

At the end of the day, I'm still stuck looking for the D-27C Chieftain which has proven to be incredibly elusive. It must have been a popular model that people aren't wanting to part ways with.

 

[HakSawJak]

Just discovered this one. Trying to get some more pics from the owner. It would take come work (and their no awning, poop) but with a little TLC and some splattered walker blood, it might could work.

Winnebago 1973

Not crazy about the potential road trip from San Antonio to Ohio though. Ecspecially since the radiator hose could go at any moment. :ninja

 

[DS Operative]

That looks as close as you're going to get, and I'm sure you could low-ball them and save a few hundred off of his asking price. Not much of a demand for those. Hit up the RPF for spots along your route for places to stay & vehicle emergencies. I'd be on that route so keep me in mind.

 

[HakSawJak]

That looks as close as you're going to get, and I'm sure you could low-ball them and save a few hundred off of his asking price. Not much of a demand for those. Hit up the RPF for spots along your route for places to stay & vehicle emergencies. I'd be on that route so keep me in mind.

Good call on using RPF for help. I'm sure the journey from TX to OH would be a taxing ride for a 40 yr old RV.

 

[adamata]

A while back I created a global search engine for Craigslist. I just ran it again and got these results:

Looks good!
1973 Winnebago needs front brakes is all. needSold asap asking$1200obo


and some more:
1973 Winnebago Chieftan
1973 Winnebago


there were others but they were *really* bad or the interiors were remodelled

 

[HakSawJak]

Here's the latest frustration in my search. I've currently got an email out to my Winnebago guy about this detail. I'm noticing that the RV in the show has extra vents in the hoods. Check out this side by side comparison with the one from the show and the one's I'm seeing elsewhere. Perhaps the vents are from a modded or aftermarket hood.