Best New Models 2026: Winnebago Thrive
Information provided by Adam Gudger, director of product development and national sales manager, and Grant Smith, product manager.
What stands out the most to you about this model?
The Thrive is a game changer in the lightweight travel trailer category. What stands out most is how it blends designer aesthetics with everyday functionality — without compromising affordability. From the sleek, frameless front window to our exclusive new custom-built furniture line made in the USA, Thrive delivers ‘Luxe Living for Less.’ It’s built to meet the needs of 80% of today’s towable customers, checking every box: price point, design, construction quality and a curated set of residential features that elevate outdoor living.
We also put Thrive through rigorous testing at a top automotive facility in Ohio — overloaded, vibrated and simulated across 1,000 miles of terrain — so customers can feel confident in its durability and performance.
Why do you think customers will like it?
Customers will love Thrive because it truly delivers on the promise of having it all — wherever you roam. It’s stylish, smartly designed and packed with premium features like an Olympic queen-size bed, tinted panoramic front window, and thoughtfully curated interiors that feel more like home than a camper. And with a price point nearly half that of competitors offering similar features, Thrive makes elevated camping accessible.
As Adam Gudger, our director of product development and national sales manager, said, “We just want to have the happiest customers. We want people to live their best lives — and that’s what this product is.”
What has the response been thus far?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Dealers are excited about the value proposition, and customers are responding to the elevated design and residential comforts at a price point that feels attainable. Thrive has quickly become a standout in our lineup, especially among first-time buyers and downsizers who want style without sacrificing quality or budget. It’s redefining what people expect from a lightweight trailer.
Dealers can contact:
Adam Gudger
agudger@winnebagoind.com
For more of 2026’s Best New Models, click here.






