Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS vs Winnebago Thrive 29RLO
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both are 36-ft dual-slide travel trailers, but the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS and Winnebago Thrive 29RLO target opposite sleeper groups. The Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS is 36.08 ft long at 7,131 lbs dry, sleeps 2 in a bunks-equipped layout with 2,423 lbs cargo capacity and 200W factory solar. The Thrive 29RLO is 36.25 ft, 1,295 lbs heavier dry at 8,426 lbs, and sleeps 4 in a queen-bed layout with kitchen island, folding desk, and theater seating.
Tank capacity favors the Winnebago across the board: 60 gal fresh / 49 gal grey / 49 gal black vs 39 / 30 / 30 on the Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS. The Thrive 29RLO also lists 9.5 gal LP and 50-amp service; the Coachmen does not list shore amps and shows no LP capacity. Both run dual slides.
For families that need bunks plus a featherweight tow, the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS wins. For couples wanting a real rear lounge with desk and bigger tanks, the Winnebago Thrive 29RLO is the smarter pick.
Side-by-side specs
| Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS | Winnebago Thrive 29RLO | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | — |
| Length | 36'1" | 36'3" |
| Dry weight | 7,131 lbs | 8,426 lbs |
| GVWR | 9,554 lbs | 10,400 lbs |
| Sleeps | 2 | 4 |
| Slides | 2 | 2 |
| Fresh tank | 39 gal | 60 gal |
| Grey tank | 30 gal | 49 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 | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS wins
- 1,295 lbs lighter dry (7,131 vs 8,426 lbs)
- 200W factory solar included
- 2,423 lbs cargo capacity
- Bunks for kid sleeping
Where Winnebago Thrive 29RLO wins
- 60 gal fresh vs 39 gal (54% more)
- 49 gal grey vs 30 gal (63% more)
- Folding desk for laptop work
- Theater seating in rear lounge
Pick the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS if…
Pick the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS if you tow with a half-ton truck and need bunks plus solar in a featherweight package. The 7,131 lb dry weight stays comfortably inside most half-ton ratings, the 2,423 lbs of cargo cap absorbs family gear, and the 200W of factory solar runs lights and the water pump during dry-camp stops. Best for weekend family campers at state-park sites.
Pick the Winnebago Thrive 29RLO if…
Pick the Winnebago Thrive 29RLO if water capacity and a couples-focused dual-slide rear lounge matter most. The 60 gal fresh tank doubles many competitors, the 49 gal grey and black tanks extend dump intervals, and the folding desk lets you work from the trailer between hikes. The kitchen island offers a workflow alternative to wall galleys. Best for empty-nesters or remote-working couples.
Frequently asked
What's the weight gap?
The Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS is 1,295 lbs lighter dry than the Winnebago Thrive 29RLO (7,131 vs 8,426 lbs), a meaningful difference if your tow vehicle is a half-ton near its rating.
Family or couples layout?
The Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS ships with bunks; the Winnebago Thrive 29RLO uses a queen-bed couples layout. Pick by household composition first.
How much more fresh water does the Thrive 29RLO carry?
The Winnebago Thrive 29RLO holds 60 gal fresh vs 39 gal on the Coachmen Northern Spirit DLX & Compact 5320BEDS, a 21 gal (54%) advantage that extends dry-camp stays by 1-2 days.