Winnebago Motor Homes - Can the 2025 Winnebago® Solis® be your daily driver and weekend camper near Chicago, IL?
The 2025 Winnebago® Solis® blends city-friendly size with true campground capability, making it a compelling choice for drivers who commute through Chicagoland during the week and head for Starved Rock, Wisconsin state parks, or Lake Michigan shores on the weekend. At Winnebago Motor Homes, we help shoppers evaluate this exact scenario every day, and the Solis consistently stands out for maneuverability, safety tech, flexible seating, and self-contained comfort.
Built on the Ram ProMaster® chassis with a 280-hp 3.6L V6 and 9-speed automatic, the Solis offers confident acceleration for on-ramps and stable tracking on I-90. Advanced driver-assist features support urban driving, including Full-speed forward collision warning plus, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking system, Post collision braking, and Crosswind assist. Add the compact footprint — 19'9" for the 59P and 21' for the 59PX — and you get an RV that is easy to place in open surface lots or longer curbside spaces while still delivering a real galley, wet bath (select floorplans), and overnight capacity for families.
Here is how the Solis makes weekday driving around Chicago straightforward while keeping weekend plans wide open.
- Footprint: 59P is 19'9" long and 6'9" wide, fitting many surface spaces and parallel spots more easily than larger motorhomes.
- Height: 9'5" to 9'6" overall — not garage-friendly, but well-suited to outdoor lots and curbside parking with posted clearance.
- Maneuverability: Electric power steering, tight ProMaster® turning circle, and a rearview monitor system with navigation simplify city routes.
- Safety tech: Full-speed forward collision warning plus, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking system, Post collision braking, and Crosswind assist for confident commuting.
- Seating and belts: Forward-facing dinette with 3-point seat belts standard; available sofa/bed on 59P adds seating with 3-point belts and a child seat tether anchor.
- Everyday convenience: Push button start, power windows and locks, power mirrors w/defrost and turn signal, and multiple USB/12V charge points.
- Towing flexibility: 3,500-lb. drawbar/350-lb. maximum vertical tongue weight hitch for light utility needs or small toy trailers when properly equipped.
When Friday arrives, the Solis swaps commuting for camping without compromise. Choose the configuration that fits your crew and gear style, then enjoy true self-sufficiency at camp.
- Sleeping capacity: Up to four in 59P/59PX with Murphy+ bed and pop-top sleep system; the Solis Pocket® 36A/36B offers versatile dinette conversions.
- Pop-top option: 59P/59PX include a pop-top sleeping area w/ladder; 36B can add an optional pop-top for panoramic views and starry nights.
- Wet bath: 59P, 59PX, and 36B feature a compact wet bath with swiveling or removable cassette toilet, flexible shower head, and a removable clothes rod.
- Galley: Laminate countertop, 2-burner range top w/glass cover, stainless-steel sink, and a forward-facing 12V refrigerator for grab-and-go access from inside or outside.
- Power system: Two AGM house batteries standard; solar available across floorplans; 59PX includes a 2,800-watt gas generator; 36B can add the Winnebago® x EcoFlow® Power Kit Pro (5kWh lithium, 3,600-watt inverter, and 5-in-1 power management).
- Climate: Truma Combi® Eco heating system on 36B/59P/59PX and available 13,500 BTU A/C (standard on 59PX and Pocket 36A/36B; optional on 59P) to match Midwest seasons.
- Storage: L-track gear space on 36A and 59PX; below-floor storage on 59P/59PX; SmartSpace™ solutions throughout for efficient packing.
- Open-air comfort: Side and rear screen doors plus a rear annex rod and privacy screen expand livability for cooking, rinsing off, or stowing wet gear.
To dial in the best fit for your commute and camping style near Chicago, use this quick plan.
- Pick your footprint: Choose 59P for maximum city maneuverability or 59PX for added length with onboard generator and gear space.
- Decide on a pop-top: Families love the pop-top sleeping area for a separate, breezy bunk; couples may prefer removing it on 59P/59PX to optimize roof solar and simplicity.
- Match your power needs: Shore power stays are simple everywhere; frequent boondockers should consider solar and, on 36B, the Winnebago® x EcoFlow® Power Kit Pro.
- Confirm seating: Count regular riders and select the dinette or available sofa/bed configuration with the 3-point belts you need.
- Map your storage: Bring bikes or boards? The 59PX L-track gear area and cross-coach Murphy+ bed make loading straightforward.
- Plan for summer A/C: For off-grid cooling, 59PX’s generator or shore power will run the 13,500 BTU A/C; 59P/36A/36B A/C requires shore power or a compatible generator.
- Test-drive real routes: We encourage a loop that includes city traffic, a stretch of I-90, and neighborhood streets to simulate your week.
Chicago winters are part of the adventure. For below-freezing trips, Winnebago recommends following the winter use guidelines and winterization procedures in the owner’s manual to protect your Solis systems — our service team can walk you through best practices before your first cold-weather outing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the 2025 Winnebago® Solis® fit in Chicago parking garages?
The Solis stands about 9'5" to 9'6" tall depending on floorplan and equipment, which exceeds most downtown garage clearances. We recommend surface lots, metered street parking where permitted, and outdoor retail lots. Always check posted height limits and watch for low signage, tree limbs, and drive-through canopies.
How does the Solis handle wind on I-90 or along Lake Michigan?
Crosswind assist helps the ProMaster® chassis compensate for gusts, while the wide stance and electronic stability systems enhance tracking. If you plan frequent gravel or uneven access roads, the Solis NPF adds SuperSprings® SumoSprings® and all-terrain tires for improved ride control and confidence.
Can we safely install child seats?
Yes. The Solis provides 3-point seat belts at the forward-facing dinette, and select configurations include a child seat tether anchor (36A, 36B, and 59P with sofa/bed option). Bring your car seat to your appointment — we will demonstrate proper placement and belt routing.
Do I need a generator for summer camping near Chicago?
For running the 13,500 BTU A/C without shore power, 59PX includes a 2,800-watt gas generator. The 59P and Pocket models rely on battery/solar for 12V systems; A/C requires shore power or a compatible generator. The available Winnebago® x EcoFlow® Power Kit Pro on 36B delivers robust lithium capacity and a 3,600-watt inverter for appliances, but like most inverters, it is not designed to power the roof A/C continuously off-grid.
Our team is ready to help you test-drive a 2025 Winnebago® Solis® near Chicago, set up a real-world parking and loading demo, and compare 59P, 59PX, and Solis Pocket® layouts side by side. Bring your bikes, a child seat, and your weekend packing list — we will show you how our SmartSpace™ design, Eco-Hot® water system, and Truma® heating come together to make the Solis both an easy commuter and a truly capable camper.