2025 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE Review
Tastefully arranged and thoughtfully delivered, the 2025 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE has packed comfort and functionality into a lightweight travel trailer. What’s more, you may be able to tow this rig with a half-ton truck you already have in the garage.
Additionally, if you have friends that want to share in the fun, by all means, bring them along! There is room for plenty to share with an eight-person sleeping capacity. Kids and friends can crash on one of many sleeping options, while you enjoy it all from the luxury of your king-size bed in the master suite. Take the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE for a weekend away or an extended vacation, and you’ll find yourself at home.
If you’re thinking about purchasing the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE, read on. We’ll dive into the features that make it right for certain buyers and possibly not for others.
At a Glance: Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE
Overall, I rated the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE a 7.5 out of 100. As mentioned, this travel trailer has a lot of things going for it. It’s light and attractive for those who don’t want to purchase a full-ton truck along with a new RV. It’s spacious with room to sleep eight and packed with clever storage for those who find it difficult to pack light. (The less time you spend trying to cram everything into a small space, the more time you get to spend outside, right?) And it’s affordable as a mid-level trailer. The Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE will definitely allow you to make the most of your extended weekends on the road.
However, certain aspects felt hastily finished, and there are some things I even consider potential safety hazards.
2025 FOREST RIVER WILDWOOD X-LITE 26ICE
- Oodles of storage from the basement to the kitchen and beyond
- Sleep space packs quantity and quality — space for 8 and a king-size bed
- Lightweight, mid-level trailer that's affordable and easy-to-tow
- Safety concern with no ventilation hood over the stove
- Inconsistent build quality in finishing touches
- Dinette conversion with Velcro is challenging
- Weekend warrior families looking for a light, spacious travel trailer
- Part-time traveling couples that love to host friends or family
- Shoppers who prioritize sleep on a big, tilting mattress
Check the Specs
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
- Hitch weight: 785 pounds
- UVW: 6,288 pounds
- CCC: 1,497 pounds
- Exterior length: 32 feet 9 inches
- Exterior width: 8 feet
- Fresh/Gray/Black: 39/60/30 gallons
- Propane: 2 x 20-pound tanks
- Awning length: 16 feet
- MSRP: $33,995 (estimated)
Features We Love
- Lightweight construction
- Hidden storage cabinet in the living room/kitchen
- 8-person sleeping capacity (with five different beds!)
- VersaTilt bed incliner in the master king-size bed
- Easy to convert sofa-bed in living space
- Enormous shelf above kitchen window
- Plethora of natural lighting and a spacious floorplan
- 16-foot awning with blade lighting
Benefits
- Kid- and crowd-friendly. Bring the kids, grandkids, and their friends along for your adventure time! The eight-person sleeping capacity means you don’t have to be picky about who you choose to join you. (But make sure you don’t mind sharing one bathroom with all these tagalongs!)
- Kitchen storage. Planning on cooking meals for all those passengers? You don’t have to pick and choose what kitchen amenities to bring along, with the hidden storage and extra-long drawers.
- Masterful sleep. Sleep your best sleep (and wake up your best self) on the king-size retractable/adjustable bed.
- Easy towing. The lightweight construction means this unit could be towed with a half-ton pickup truck. (Although, be advised: If the CCC is full, you might be pushing it depending on engine size.)
Challenges
- Build quality lapses. Some construction elements are lacking a thorough follow through.
- Some kitchen concerns. In my opinion, any stove presents a potential safety hazard without a ventilation hood above it. That’s the case here. Less important but somewhat bothersome, the countertops don’t have much usable space. That is, except for a strange trapezoidal triangle of space behind the sink. (Not a fun place to cut vegetables.) You will need to do most food prep on the dinette table.
- Overhead storage that’s a bit of a handful. The overhead storage compartments in the master bed require a hand to constantly hold them open, while the other hand reaches in to grab stuff. Not fun.
Best For
- Weekend warrior families looking for a light, spacious travel trailer.
- Part-time traveling couples that love to have friends or grandkids along for the adventure.
- Those who prioritize sleep on a big, tilting mattress. (Hey, I get it. Sleep is the number one recipe for a good time. And that’s what we’re all out here for, isn’t it?)
Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers
Sleeping Space: 8/10
Kids Room
The double bunk space with tastefully curving individual curtains is a highlight of the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE. When we pack kids off to distant lands, it’s nice to know that they have a spacious, cozy bedroom to call their own. These bunks are equipped with charging stations and outlets for keeping your kids plugged in. Or, perfect for recharging those color changing nightlights that Gramma is always getting them. The kids will have to fight over who gets the top bunk (the only one with a window). Glow in the dark sticker stars can serve as a bargaining chip for whoever draws the short straw on the bottom bunk.
The curvature of the bunk entrance is an attractive look, giving the curtains a decorous appeal. Having two individual curtains is nice, so the kids (or grandkids) don’t fight over whether or not they want it open or closed. They can have it both ways.
Conversion Beds
The living space has two bed conversions. Delightfully, the trifolding couch is a breeze to convert. What a relief, right? You can do it with one hand.
The dinette conversion on the other hand is a bit more challenging. One of the faux leather cushions has a tape-on Velcro attachment which immediately detached when I pulled it from the couch. Velcro is only as good as what it is attached to. Whenever I see Velcro taped onto a cushion or table back, I cringe. The tape will come off before the Velcro. Even sewn Velcro can pull the stitching right out from the fabric before it comes undone. Often, the finishing touches are what define the integrity of the unit.
The dinette does arrange into a bed, but I couldn’t quite put the Tetris puzzle of cushions together in the proper arrangement. But it’s there, somewhere.
Master Suite
The master bed is very enticing in the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE. A king-size bed with a VersaTilt mechanism will pretty much guarantee a good night’s sleep. I love seeing a king-size bed in a travel trailer this small. You don’t need a fifth wheel to have a good night’s sleep. A king-size bed is a luxury that some might say is a necessity. (I’m right there with ya.) And that’s why you’re here, to find the perfect rig that fits your needs.
As is common in most bedrooms now, there is storage under the bed — with easy-access, gas-assist struts. It’s easy to open but not so easy to close. The large storage under the bed comes with an additional set of organized bins that live just outside that compartment. I really appreciate that they included more than one storage compartment in this often underutilized space. Just another example of their clever arrangement of functional living space. However, I was disappointed to learn that three storage compartments above the bed don’t have a mechanism to hold the doors open. This will require the constant use of one arm to hold the door open, while the other arm fishes around for things.
There are two slim and tasteful shelves on either side of the bed, with outlets and charging ports underneath. The wardrobes on either side of the bed are quite narrow, but there is a rod for hanging clothes, nonetheless. If this isn’t enough storage, there is a closet with a door at the foot of the bed. Here you can hang items that don’t fit in the smaller wardrobes, and store shoes here.
A fun addition is the laundry mesh bag underneath the bed side storage, with access from outside of the unit!
Bathroom: 8/10
Like many bathrooms in mid-level RVs, there is a tub included. I’m not sure why that is, when clearly only an infant, or a small dog would fit in it. My mother-in-law has a small tub like this in her 18-foot travel trailer and let me tell you how many times she used it — once. (And she was lucky to find her way out of it.) You must be tiny and very agile to use these miniature tubs that come in so many RVs. More than likely, you will end up using it to store something or other, and then you will have to remove the storage items every time you take a shower. I personally would vote for more shower space.
The duo form shower insert is quite basic, with a few small shelves for necessities. A frosted skylight offers more natural light above the shower, and a basic fan is included above the toilet.
The sleek arching mirror above the sink has backlighting but no storage. There is storage available below the sink. I appreciate that the sink is outside the bathroom, since more than likely there will be a line to use the restroom if you fill your rig to capacity.
Living Area: 9/10
The living area in the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE is bright and spacious, open to the kitchen. There is 4K blade lighting throughout the unit and beneath the awning outside. The Versa dinette conversion is really neat. It converts to a bed, as described above. It also converts the sofa in two different configurations: one that includes dinette seating and the other that lengthens the sofa space.
The storage beneath the trifold sofa is organized with a set of bins and easily accessible. This is a wonderful and thoughtful touch that isn’t available in many units. I have learned from experience that if a storage compartment isn’t easy to access, it probably won’t get used. And if it does get used, you will likely forget what you put inside. The dinette also has a clever storage feature: two drawers that roll out seamlessly from beneath the seating arrangements.
The color and design of the living space are a tasteful arrangement of natural colors. The cork-colored blinds in the living space are my favorite touch. They mimic bamboo shades and add a nice energetic feel to the space. The ventless floors prevent you from kicking up a bunch of dust and mud into the ductwork. The vents are cleverly installed in the ceilings.
There is an electric fireplace beneath the 35-inch TV for cozy ambience and warmth. And surprise! More storage lives behind the TV! The TV wall opens like a door, revealing two walls of shelving inside. (Storage really is the highlight in this RV.) If you are traveling with your kids, you may have opted for a second bathroom instead of another storage closet. But this is perfect for traveling couples that have a lot of things to brings along!
Kitchen: 5/10
The kitchen has some lovely attributes but also a few big draw backs. The shelf above the large window is 60 inches long and seven inches deep! (What can’t you fit on this shelf?) And if you already have all the necessities stored away, consider a little container garden here, or some decorative plants. The 12-volt fridge is 10-cubic-feet, with a three-burner Greystone range with convection microwave/air fryer below it. The microwave is pretty small (0.9 cubic feet) to be a replacement for an oven in convection mode.
The countertop space here is also somewhat dysfunctional. There is less than 9 inches of countertop space next to the oven, not enough to do anything with. (Which is especially true if the oven is on.) And the countertop space behind the sink will make cutting vegetables really awkward, especially if anyone is coming through the entry door.
Safety Concern with the Lack of Range Hood
My biggest issue with this rig is above the stove. There is no range hood. Sure, there is a high-performance fan in the ceiling, but it’s not directly above the stove (or even close). So, I don’t suspect it will do much good. Just because it’s not required by law, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. Especially with all the new research coming out about cooking with gas flame. If it’s raining outside, or cold, windy, or hot, you will be cooking with the windows and doors closed. I do not recommend that in this unit, even with the fan in the center of the living space. There is a combination alarm in the room, which includes a propane detector. But I would still vote for a range hood over any indoor propane cooking device.
Sinks and Storage
The sink is simple and wide, under-mounted with a sleek rubber faucet hose. The sink basin appears to be some sort of plastic, which will be susceptible to hot pans. A rolling dish rack fits on half of the generous sink space. There is a little bit of storage beneath the sink, shared with some plumbing. On the far side of the sink, where the awkward counter space lives, is another storage surprise. Two extra-long drawers roll out on long tracks. But be careful putting too much weight on the unsupported side of those long drawers. They also block the doorway entrance when fully deployed.
Storage Space: 10/10
The storage really takes center stage here. It is abundant and thoughtfully arranged for easy access. The master space, bathroom, living space, kitchen, all have more storage than I see in most units of this size. And it’s not just crammed in. It’s intentionally placed and organized for ease of use.
Outside of the unit are more storage compartments. Each door to the passthrough storage compartment has a dry-erase surface door. That is perfect for jotting down what you cram into these large, somewhat-difficult-to-access spaces. I have exercised my freedom of speech many times, rummaging through the bowels of these compartments only to realize it was never there in the first place. Another great feature is the access to the laundry bag that lives underneath the bedroom storage. Your dirty laundry never has to pass though the clean and organized interior of your rig!
Four-Season Capabilities: 7/10
Various aspects of the Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE lends itself to an extended camping season. The heated and enclosed underbelly include removable panels for maintenance access. The 12-volt heated pads on all holding tanks provide protection against colder temperatures.
But remember, if you plan to extend your camping into some extreme weather months, you will want to keep your windows open while you’re using the stove. The lack of ventilation hood above the stove really inhibits a lot of functional possibilities that this unit would otherwise possess.
A 13,500-Btu A/C comes standard with the unit, but if you plan to camp in some sultry weather, there is an option to upgrade to a 15,000-Btu unit.
Chassis/Suspension: 7/10
The lightweight construction of this unit is built on a powder coated I beam frame with a cambered chassis. This enhances the structural integrity and towing stability.
The Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE comes with a standard suspension system with leaf springs on both axles. Set up will be easier with the electric tongue jack. The nitro-filled radial tires are mounted on steel wheels, and electric drum brakes are on the rear axle.
Off-Grid Sustainability: 7/10
The Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE comes with some off-grid features. The roof is prepped for solar (but needs to be purchased separately, including the inverter and batteries). The tankless water heater will help to conserve the water in your sizeable 40-gallon tank.
Ultimately, if the weather is too hot, too cold, or too rainy to allow for proper ventilation, then I really wouldn’t recommend cooking inside the rig. That can really limit your ability to live off grid. Without proper ventilation above the propane fumes, I just don’t see how you can safely cook indoors with your family or friends.
You may want to stay near a city or town where you can all go to a restaurant if the elements require closing doors and windows.
Build Quality: 6/10
The roof is a solid Dicor PVC membrane, front to back. The light construction allows for a bigger size, with less towing requirements for an RV of this size. You could probably tow this 26-foot travel trailer with a half-ton pickup truck.
Quite frankly, some finishing touches in this rig were lacking. The Velcro on the dinette cushion was taped to the upholstery. It immediately detached when I tried to deploy the Versa dinette conversion.
Also, some of the wood was splintering in one of the storage drawers. In the bathroom, the fan chosen was a somewhat dated and low-functioning model. I think that ultimately the build quality in this rig could have been given a little more time and attention.
Value: 8/10
The MSRP retail prices vary, but this is a solid mid-level travel trailer. After select dealer discounts, you can find many prices lower than the estimated MSRP I listed. This is a reasonably competitive price for all the residential amenities offered here. A king-size bed, an eight-person sleeping capacity, a fully residential kitchen, and a bunkhouse is all neatly wrapped in quite a package. Maybe you can take the money you save buying this unit and install a ventilation hood over the range. I’d recommend it.
Closing Notes
A Note on the RV Trader Review Process
RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.
The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.
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