2026 Winnebago Thrive 25RLS Review
Make no mistake: The versatile 2026 Winnebago Thrive 25RLS was designed to get you out glamping in style. This travel trailer is perfect for couples or singles who want a trailer for weekend getaways, but might also do the occasional extended summer road trips.
Quite simply, the Thrive 25RLS offers everything you need to have a relaxing home away from home — wherever your wandering takes you. Outside, there are nice touches like a huge privacy glass windshield that’s protected with deflector film. Beneath that, you’ll find expansive passthrough storage, a power-leveling system, and a big awning that provides a lot of sheltered outdoor living space. And there’s a lot more to this 30 foot travel trailer when you step inside. Within, massive picture windows and timeless decor in light, warm colors help to create a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere.
There are many wonderful surprises in the Thrive 25RLS. Why don’t we just dive right in?
At a Glance: Thrive 25RLS
I rated the 2026 Winnebago Thrive 25RLS a 9.1 out 10. Overall, this model is a very impressive, half-ton towable RV with solid build quality and attention to detail. However, as with any specie of RV, there were a couple of minor sticking points, partiuklarly the bathroom position and smallish, 17-inch (vertical) oven in the otherwise exceptional kitchen. (See details in the Challenges section below)
2026 WINNEBAGO THRIVE 25RLS
- Superior build quality shines in both design and finishing details
- Ample storage inside and out, with banks of cabinets and vertical hanging space
- Half-ton friendly towing capacity
- Small, 17-inch (vertical) oven is a blemish in an otherwise great kitchen
- Bathroom layout could be awkward if your blinds aren't down
- Would-be glampers looking for a well-constructed model that's also stylish
- Couples who want to down-size to a smaller but more-premium RV
Check the Specs
- Sleeping capacity: 4
- Hitch weight: 724 pounds
- UVW: 6,512 pounds
- CCC: 2288 pounds
- Exterior length: 30 feet 2 inches
- Exterior height: 11 feet 2 inches
- Exterior width: 8 feet 1 inch
- Fresh/Gray/Black: 60/49/49 gallons
- Propane: 2 x 20 pounds
- Awning: 19 feet
- MSRP: $56,630
Features We Love
- Lightweight, rust-proof composite entry steps
- Two whisper-quiet air conditioners (13,500 Btus and 8,000 Btus that run on one 30-amp power circuit)
- Two entry doors (main door and master bedroom)
- 200-watt solar panel (with protective guards for protection from low branches)
- U-shaped dinette (converts into big, comfortable bed in seconds)
- Slide-out pantry cabinet with motion detector lights
- Tankless water heater with Water Miser in shower
- Exterior hot and cold shower on driver side
- Great decor package with light, relaxing colors and clean lines
- Easy-to-clean, seamless, molded fiberglass countertops in bathroom and kitchen
Benefits
- Half-ton towable. The Thrive 25RLS is half-ton towable, which means that you’re likely looking at one purchase, not two. (The other being a more powerful tow vehicle.)
- Lots of smart storage throughout. From a heated passthrough storage compartment outside to the three banks of overhead cabinets on the inside, the Thrive 25RLS abounds with space for stuff.
- Premium build. Pick almost any category, and you’ll find a focus on the build quality in the Thrive 25RLS. Wall construction? Winnebago uses Azdel to minimizes insulation gaps. The entertainment center? There’s a fireplace and 40-inch TV for cozy movie nights. Windows? There are simple, elegant roller shades instead of those dust-collecting valances. Underbed storage? Finished with elegance.
Challenges
- Potentially awkward toilet position. The toilet is in full view of the big front windshield if the door between the bathroom and bedroom is left open. This could create privacy concern, particularly after dark if the bathroom lights are on.
- Small, 17-inch (vertical) oven. Overall, I was impressed by the kitchen in this RV. However, the only drawback was the 17” oven. This size oven is too small to bake anything more than a pizza or a small batch of cookies. Whether the tiny oven bothers you or not will depend on how you like to use the RV oven.
Best For
- Aspiring glampers. The Thrive 25RLS is an easy-towing first RV for couples or singles who will use it for weekend glamping getaways at state parks or BLM lands.
- Comfort-conscious down-sizers. Couples or solos who are downsizing from a larger RV but don’t want to give up glamping comforts or storage will love what they see in the Thrive 25RLS.
Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers
Sleeping Space: 9/10
The Thrive 25RLS offers two comfortable sleeping spaces. Let’s start in the bedroom at the front of the travel trailer. The master bedroom features a walkaround, 66-inch-by-80-inch bed (called an Olympic Queen). On each side of the bed, there’s a reading light and a shelf for a bedtime book and/or a CPAP machine. Each shelf has its own 110-volt outlet and USB/USB-C charging ports. There’s a plethora of storage in the bedroom — in cabinets over the bed, in generous underbed storage, and in drawers to boot. There’s also a wardrobe cabinet on each side of the bed for hanging storage too. Everything here is finished beautifully, even the underbed storage area.
Other cool features in the bedroom include the entry door that provides instant access to the outdoors and makes the bedroom into its own self-contained space. And while we’re on the subject of cool features, the bedroom has its own 8,000-Btu air conditioner that’s just perfect for cooling a small space.
There’s more sleeping space in the main living area too. The drop-down dinette converts quickly and nearly effortlessly into an 80-inch-by-44-inch sleeping space for overnight guests. I loved how instead of having to go through a big process to drop the table top down to bed height. I just pulled a lever and then gently pushed it into place. Selfishly, I wish all dream dinettes were that dreamy in practice!
Bathroom: 7/10
The bathroom in the Thrive 25RLS has a door at each end. So, you can create an en suite by leaving the bedroom door open and closing the door to the living area. Alternatively, you can close the bedroom door when you have visitors and open the other door. The bathroom itself is big enough to be functional, but there’s no wasted space here at all. There’s lots of storage in a large medicine cabinet over the vanity, below the vanity, in the two-door linen cabinet, and on shelves beside the toilet.
Oh, by the way … let’s talk about the toilet. The toilet is tucked so close to the shower that there is absolutely no room to spare. That means anyone using the commode is going to feel a little squished. This could have been solved by turning it a little, and I was left wondering why Winnebago didn’t do this. Also, while I love the front windshield in this RV, the fact is that if you forget to pull its integrated shade down at night and leave the bedroom/bathroom door is open (common for nature calls at night), it could give unsuspecting passersby a full view of anyone using the … err … facilities. On top of that, the toilet is so close to the wall that there are only inches of clearance which could be uncomfortable for some people. Sure, it’s a fixable problem (just close the shade), but it’s one to be aware of.
Shower and Countertops
The shower in the Thrive 25RLS is tall enough for most people, although anyone over 6 foot 3 inches might need to stoop a little. As far as square footage goes, this shower is roomy enough that most people will be able to shower comfortably.
I love the use of the continuous molded white fiberglass countertop in the bathroom. It really works for helping the small space to retain an uncluttered and open ambiance. Other nice touches include a towel bar and hooks for robes, towels, or what-have-you.
Living Area: 10/10
The living area of the Thrive 25RLS is beautifully laid out with a pair of theater seats across from an entertainment center. Each theater seat has in-arm charging ports for small electronics, as well as a port that holds a snack tray. The entertainment centre boasts a 40-inch TV as well as a cozy electric fireplace which doubles as a toasty space heater. The entertainment package also includes a JBL sound system that puts out robust and clear sound.
The U-shaped dinette has a single pedestal table and comfortable cushions. Surrounded by big picture windows, It’s in its own little atrium. This would be a perfect place to have a workspace — at the quiet end of the campsite with only the occasional deer for distraction. Beneath the dinette is an abundance of storage in cabinets with pull out drawers. At the back of the dinette, there’s hidden storage beneath wooden side tables.
Outside, a 19-foot power awning expands at the touch of a button to create additional sheltered living area where you could set up some camp chairs and relax.
Kitchen: 9/10
The L-shaped kitchen in the 25RLS is amazingly versatile and functional, perhaps especially for a smaller travel trailer. There’s a wealth of counter space on a white, seamless, molded-fiberglass countertop. The big farmhouse-style sink is molded into the countertop, so there is no way for water to seep beneath joints and cause damage. What would glamping be without lots of good food? Fortunately, the Thrive 25RLS boasts a ton of food storage, in both its 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer and its surprisingly spacious pull-out pantry. I love that Winnebago put a motion-detecting light in the pantry. (You know, so you can see what’s there.)
In addition, the Thrive 25RLS has an abundance of clever kitchen cabinet storage. For example, the drawer under the sink contains a removable sliding flatware tray that you could take outside to the picnic table. Beneath that is a cabinet with two pull-out bins for recycling and garbage.
Cooking appliances include a three-burner gas cooktop, a 17-inch (vertical) oven, and a microwave oven, with lots of cabinets close by for storing cookware and other cooking necessities. The 110-volt plug-ins under the upper cabinets ensure that you can plug in small appliances too.
As mentioned earlier, the 17-inch (vertical) oven is the weak point overall. But, as with these things, it really depends on use. For instance, if you like to cook Sunday roast dinners replete with Yorkshire puddings in your RV oven, you’ll probably miss having a full-size oven. However, the size of the oven isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker here. Most likely, it just means you might have to learn to use your outdoor grill in new ways.
Four-Season Capabilities: 8/10
The Thrive 25RLS is really a three-season camper, but it is designed to keep you comfortable if you want to extend your camping season or winter camp where winter is mild. Winnebago outfits it with a robust insulation package and a heated underbelly with heated passthrough storage bay area. There’s also a 30,000-Btu furnace and electric fireplace to help keep things cozy when it’s cold out.
The Thrive 25 RLS features two whisper-quiet air conditioners that help turn it into a cool and comfy oasis when outside temperatures soar. To that end, it boasts a 13,500-Btu air conditioner in the main living area and an 8,000-Btu air conditioner in the bedroom.
Storage Space: 10/10
Storage is abundant in the Thrive 25RLS. I’ve already described some of the highlights, but really, there’s even more. Outside, a heated passthrough storage bay is big enough to hold camping gear, fishing rods, et cetera. Inside, there is well thought out storage everywhere. At the back of this model, there’s a two-inch accessory receiver for carrying a bike rack. Beneath that is a tube for storing the sewer hose.
Shoe storage always seems to be a pain point in RVs. You take off your shoes at the door, and there’s frequently nowhere to put them that’s both out of the way and convenient. So, when I discovered a very convenient shoe cabinet located just to the right of the entry door, I was thrilled. There are also three banks of overhead cabinets in both the living area and bedroom. Not only that, but beneath and surrounding the dinette are a wealth of cabinets. Under the dinette are cabinet doors that open to reveal spacious slide-out drawers.
There are cabinets and drawers incorporated into the entertainment center, in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Plus, the kitchen also features neat things like those slide-out waste bins under the sink and a removable hardwood cutlery tray inside a drawer under the sink.
Chassis/Suspension: 9/10
The Thrive 25RLS is built on a custom-made lightweight NXG engineered frame that helps to keep weight down without compromising durability. It’s also kitted out with Dexter E-Z Lube axles and aluminum wheels equipped with rugged 10-ply tires that are rated for highway speeds of 87 mph instead of the 70 mph tires many travel trailers come with.
Additionally, the Thrive 25RLS takes the hassle out of RV leveling with a power tongue jack and power stabilizers. This is a thoughtful touch that could make it possible to have the trailer level in seconds.
With its durable Azdel Onboard composite sidewalls and durable one-piece TPO roof membrane, the exterior of this trailer was obviously built with longevity in mind.
Off-Grid/Sustainability: 9/10
Generous holding tank sizes are just the beginning of what makes the Thrive 25RLS a fully capable off grid RV. There’s also the 200-watt solar panel with a 30-amp charge controller that can run things like the 12-volt air conditioners and/or the refrigerator.
Build Quality: 10/10
The moment you walk into the Thrive 25RLS, it’s obvious that a lot of care and craftsmanship have gone into its design and construction. You’re surrounded by big picture windows that let in tons of natural light. The decor package features light, relaxing colors, and clean lines that help the Thrive 25RLS feel much more spacious than it really is.
Throughout, the build quality and construction in the 25RLS is simply impressive. To start with, Winnebago uses furniture-grade plywood and hardwood birch where other lightweight travel trailer manufacturers use OSB and MDF. This means there’s less likelihood of screws and staples working their way out over years of use. In short, this rig is built to last for years, and it shows.
Value: 10/10
The Thrive 25RLS offers exceptional value, especially compared to other travel trailers in its class. It’s evident that Winnebago listened to customer feedback when they were designing the Thrive 25RLS.
Not only is this an attractive RV with a very practical layout, but it has a lot of neat features that make it an outstanding travel trailer. I found quality materials throughout. Of note were the modern looking and practical molded fiberglass countertops and birch hardwood cabinetry. What’s more, the craftsmanship here is no less than superb. (I couldn’t find a crooked screw or anything else out of place.)
In addition, the Thrive 25 RLS is outfitted with enough storage and comfortable amenities that you can camp or road trip for extended periods on or off grid. Not only that, but, depending on how you’ll use the Thrive 25RLS, you probably won’t need to upsize your tow vehicle. Because this travel trailer is half-ton towable. However, if you intend to load it up and take it on cross-country road trips, you’ll probably be happier using a three-quarter-ton pickup.
Closing Notes on the Thrive 25RLS
Overall, the Thrive 25RLS is an outstanding travel trailer that offers everything you need to glamp in style and comfort, whether you’re getting away for a weekend, or taking an extended cross-country road trip.
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.
Make Your Move
Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find your Thrive
What Other Campers Are Saying
Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model
Marketplace Inventory
Lynne Fedorick
You might also like
