Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS vs Winnebago Thrive 22MLS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two roughly 27-ft lightweight travel trailers share the 22MLS designation but interpret it differently. The Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS is 26.83 ft, 5,602 lb dry on a 7,600 lb GVWR with 1,998 lb cargo capacity, 738 lb hitch weight. Spec includes a single power slide, theater seating, outdoor kitchen, 200W rooftop solar prep, 3,000W inverter, 50A shore, 52/35/35 gal tanks.
The Winnebago Thrive 22MLS is 26.92 ft, 6,068 lb dry on an 8,800 lb GVWR. It runs a single slide, queen front bedroom, full bath, theater seating, solar prep without factory solar, 60/49/49 gal tanks, 9.5 gal LP and 30A shore power. The 'MLS' designates a mid-lounge slide layout used by both brands.
Verdict: the Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS wins on electrical (3,000W inverter, 50A shore), outdoor kitchen, dry weight (466 lb lighter) and 1,998 lb cargo capacity. The Winnebago Thrive 22MLS wins on GVWR (+1,200 lb), 60-gal fresh tank (+8), 49-gal black/grey (+14) and the dedicated front bedroom layout in this lightweight travel trailer segment. Pricing data is unavailable for both.
Side-by-side specs
| Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS | Winnebago Thrive 22MLS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | — |
| Length | 26'10" | 26'11" |
| Dry weight | 5,602 lbs | 6,068 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,800 lbs |
| Sleeps | — | 4 |
| Slides | 1 | 1 |
| Fresh tank | 52 gal | 60 gal |
| Grey tank | 35 gal | 49 gal |
| Black tank | 35 gal | 49 gal |
| LP | — | 9.5 gal |
| Solar | 200W | — |
| Inverter | 3000W | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | — | queen |
| 4-season | No | No |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | Yes | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS wins
- 3,000W inverter standard
- 50A shore power
- Outdoor kitchen included
- 5,602 lb dry weight (466 lb lighter)
- 1,998 lb cargo capacity documented
Where Winnebago Thrive 22MLS wins
- 8,800 lb GVWR (+1,200 lb)
- 60 gal fresh tank (+8 gal)
- 49 gal black/grey tanks (+14)
- 9.5 gal LP tank documented
- Dedicated front bedroom layout
Pick the Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS if…
Pick the Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 22MLS if dry-camping electrical and outdoor cooking matter. The 3,000W inverter handles coffee maker, microwave and CPAP simultaneously, 50A shore supports modern campsite loads, the outdoor kitchen is a real meal-prep advantage at busy weekend gatherings, and the 1,998 lb cargo capacity is generous in this size class. The 466 lb lighter dry weight is friendly to mid-tier half-ton tow vehicles.
Pick the Winnebago Thrive 22MLS if…
Choose the Winnebago Thrive 22MLS when the front bedroom layout matters and you want more on-board water and waste tank capacity. The 60-gal fresh tank stretches boondock stays beyond what the Coachmen's 52 gal allows, the 49-gal black/grey tanks roughly double the storage between dumps, and the 9.5-gal LP tank gives real shoulder-season furnace runtime. The Winnebago Thrive label also carries half-ton-towable design legitimacy.
Frequently asked
What does MLS mean?
MLS designates the mid-lounge slide layout - the slide-out is positioned mid-trailer to maximize daytime living space.
Which has a larger inverter?
Coachmen 22MLS at 3,000W. The Thrive 22MLS does not publish an inverter spec.
Which has more fresh water?
Thrive 22MLS at 60 gal vs Coachmen 22MLS at 52, an 8-gal difference.