Hershey RV Show – Brinkley and Winnebago Travel Trailers

RVers are always asking “what’s new?” Hence the reason that over 46,000 people visited the Hershey RV Show this past September. As one of the biggest shows in North America, RV manufacturers use it to showcase its newest products; coming here to gauge interest from the public in its new designs. Among the 35 manufacturers present, Brinkley and Winnebago captured attention with their innovative travel trailers for the upcoming year.  Here is a preview of what’s to come.

Brinkley Ix – 23X

Brinkley as an RV company is a disrupter – they try to do what no one else is doing and then do it well. At least that’s their reputation to date. For the Hershey RV show that trend continues with an upscale, lightweight, smaller towable model they have introduced. We saw the Model Ix line, and here is how Brinkley describes the design process behind their new travel trailer.

Building on this philosophy, the Model Ix 23X introduces several standout features: “This new line of travel trailers culminates decades of experience, exhaustive research & development, and invaluable feedback from customers plus fellow RVers and testing in the real world. The Model Ix line brings the Brinkley experience to customers with smaller tow vehicles, opening exciting new possibilities in the lightweight half-ton towable market. To achieve a residential interior, we took on the challenge of moving away from our industry’s reliance on staples and putty. With Brinkley’s CraftSense building methods, you will find higher-quality construction without seeing hundreds of staple holes covered by putty.”

The Model Ix Line Highlights include:

• • • • Premium residential cabinets with dovetail drawers.
      • Road Armo suspension equalizer system & Hankook D rated 8-ply tires with 14” custom aluminum wheels.
      • Ultra quiet & efficient AC with 18K BTU of ducted cooling power.
      • Powerful power package with 200-watt solar panel w/ Victron 30-amp MPPT charge controller + inverter prep.
      • Road mode access to refrigerator & bathroom.
      • Seamless laminated aluminum exterior with automotive grade fully body paint and modern graphics offers clean modern styling and lasting beauty.
      • Brinkley slide-out dining table with utensil drawer and 2 folding chairs.
      • One-piece fiberglass shower with neon LED marine lighting.
      • 40″ Smart TV with articulating mount.
      • SoundCore Boom 2 Bluetooth waterproof speaker.
      • Sleek styling w/ automotive-grade exterior graphics.
      • Brinkley automotive-grade sealant package with 3-Year warranty.
      • Queen bed w/ residential 7″ memory foam bamboo mattress (60″x80″).
      • Dual bedside wardrobes & nightstand cubbies w/ USB & USB-C charging ports (CPAP Ready).
      • 62” Wall hugger theater seating w/ 2 recliners.
      • Optional 62″ trifold sofa (52”x70” sleeper).
      • Large folding entry door grab handle.
      • Pull-out trash bin w/ utility storage.
      • Stow N’ Go paper towel caddy.
      • Large pantry w/ appliance outlet.
      • Square euro frameless windows with integrated blackout shades w/ reflective insulation.
      • Two outdoor shower sprayers with hot & cold (both sides).
      • Tankless on-demand water heater.
      • 30K BTU furnace.
      • Heated & enclosed underbelly (circulated forced air).
      • Straight frame chassis.
      • Brinkley on-command docking & utility center.
      • Industry first brass plumbing fittings.
      • Industry first low-maintenance roof.
      • 30-amp electric service.
      • 4-Point manual stabilizer jack system.
      • Demco EZ latch trailer coupler.

  

  Specifications for the Brinkley Ix 23x

  UVW: 5,771 lbs.
  GVWR: 7,495 lbs.
  Fresh Water: 46 gal.
  Gray Water: 45 gal.
  Black Water: 45 gal.
  LP: 40 (20+20) lbs.
  Length: 26′ 11″
  Height: 10′ 5″
  Width: 96″
  Interior Ceiling Height: 6’6”

  2026 Winnebago Thrive

  

  Winnebago has long been recognized as a leader in motorhome manufacturing, but for over a decade, the company has been making significant strides into the towable travel trailer market. Each year, Winnebago continues to expand its offerings, and this season is no exception.

  Debuting the 2026 Winnebago Thrive

  Debuting at the Hershey RV Show, the all-new Thrive is a lightweight travel trailer designed to elevate the glamping experience. It features a sleek, modern design, residential-style amenities, and standout elements such as a tinted, frameless front window, an Olympic queen-size bed, and exclusive custom-built furniture. Expansive windows offer stunning scenic views, while the open, thoughtfully designed layout blends indoor and outdoor living seamlessly. The Thrive delivers an elevated camping experience—complete with comfort and style—without the hefty price tag. Why settle for roughing it? Relax and embrace the good life, wherever your journey takes you.

  

  This year, rather than dropping another entry level priced unit – the Thrive is aimed at the mid-range and those buyers who want the comforts and extras that come with that price in a smaller, lightweight package.

  

  Kitchen and Galley Innovations

  In the galley you’ll find fiberglass countertops with molded sinks, soft-close cabinets, built-in utensil drawers and pullout pantries.

  Thrive is available in a few different sizes and floorplans. The one shown here is the 22MBH. This bunkhouse model offers premium residential touches throughout. Comfort comes standard too, with an Olympic queen-size Murphy bed, roomy bunkhouse, spacious U-shaped dinette, and abundant storage—all within a lightweight footprint. Expansive windows, an open living space, powered awning, and exterior kitchen create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience that’s perfect for embracing the good life, wherever the road leads, says Winnebago.

  

  Specifications for the Thrive 22MBH

  Exterior Length: 26′
  Exterior Height: 11’4″
  Exterior Width: 8′
  Awning Length: 17′
  Interior Height: 6’8″
  Freshwater Tank: 60 gal.
  Black Tank: 49 gal.
  Grey Tank: 49 gal.
  LP Capacity: 40 lbs.
  GVWR: 7,000 lbs.
  Dry Weight: 5,822 lbs.
  Furnace: 30,000 BTU