Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS vs Winnebago Thrive 24RKS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS and Winnebago Thrive 24RKS land within an inch on length at 29.25 ft and 29.33 ft, but the Coachmen is 1,045 lbs lighter dry at 5,435 lbs against the Thrive 24RKS at 6,480 lbs. That weight gap is meaningful: the Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS becomes a true mid-size SUV or compact truck tow, while the Thrive 24RKS targets half-ton trucks.
The Thrive 24RKS pays back in tank capacity. It carries 60 gal fresh, 98 gal grey, 49 gal black, and 9.5 gal LP, versus 39 / 30 / 30 on the Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS. The Coachmen adds 200W factory solar, an outdoor kitchen, and 2,165 lbs cargo cap on a 7,600 lb GVWR. The Thrive 24RKS uses 30-amp shore service; the Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS does not list shore amperage.
Pick the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS for the lighter tow plus outdoor kitchen. Pick the Winnebago Thrive 24RKS if dry-camp water capacity is the deciding factor.
Side-by-side specs
| Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS | Winnebago Thrive 24RKS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | — |
| Length | 29'3" | 29'4" |
| Dry weight | 5,435 lbs | 6,480 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,800 lbs |
| Sleeps | 2 | 4 |
| Slides | 1 | 1 |
| Fresh tank | 39 gal | 60 gal |
| Grey tank | 30 gal | 98 gal |
| Black tank | 30 gal | 49 gal |
| LP | — | 9.5 gal |
| Solar | 200W | — |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | bunks | queen |
| 4-season | No | No |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | Yes | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS wins
- 1,045 lbs lighter dry (5,435 vs 6,480 lbs)
- 200W factory solar included
- Outdoor kitchen for cookouts
- 2,165 lbs cargo capacity for gear
Where Winnebago Thrive 24RKS wins
- 60 gal fresh vs 39 gal (54% more)
- 98 gal grey vs 30 gal (3.3x capacity)
- Olympic queen bedroom
- 9.5 gal LP propane listed
Pick the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS if…
Pick the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS if your tow vehicle is a mid-size truck like a Ranger or Tacoma. The 5,435 lb dry weight and 629 lb hitch weight keep the trailer well inside those tow ratings, and the 200W factory solar plus outdoor kitchen are unusual for this weight class. Best for empty-nesters or couples who want a featherweight rig with weekend camp utility.
Pick the Winnebago Thrive 24RKS if…
Pick the Winnebago Thrive 24RKS if you boondock for a week at a time. The 60 gal fresh and 98 gal grey tanks more than double the Coachmen's dry-camp duration. The Olympic queen bed offers a wider sleeping surface, and the rear-kitchen workflow gives larger counter space against the back wall. Best for couples touring National Forests or BLM land.
Frequently asked
Which is easier to tow with a mid-size SUV?
The Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS at 5,435 lbs dry and 629 lbs hitch is well-matched to Tahoe, Pilot, or Highlander class. The Winnebago Thrive 24RKS at 6,480 lbs dry exceeds many mid-size SUV tow ratings; a half-ton truck is the safer match.
How much more water does the Thrive 24RKS hold?
The Winnebago Thrive 24RKS holds 60 gal fresh and 98 gal grey vs 39 gal fresh and 30 gal grey on the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS. That's 21 gal more fresh and 68 gal more grey, roughly tripling dry-camp duration before a dump trip.
Does the Thrive include solar?
The Winnebago Thrive 24RKS includes solar prep wiring only. The Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5250RS ships with 200W of roof solar from the factory, a feature you'd add for $1,000-1,500 on the Thrive.