Winnebago unveils new cheaper trailer RV as travel trailer sales slump

Wed, 08/30/2023 - 04:54

Winnebago's new Access RV outside next to a truck — Winnebago's newest Access travel trailer is its cheapest yet at $29,600.
Winnebago

Sales of travel trailers — and RVs in general — have slumped since the industry's heyday during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid this decline, Winnebago has unveiled a new cheap travel trailer: the $29,600 Access.
Take a look inside the entry-level RV available November 2023.

Winnebago has unveiled its cheapest entry-level travel trailer yet in a bid to attract budget travelers amid the legacy RV maker's slump in sales.

The RVing boom during the COVID-19 pandemic was a gold rush for companies like Winnebago. But these days, sales aren't looking as red hot anymore. Shipments for these homes on wheels have dropped 47.7% from 2023 compared to 2022, according to July data from the RV Industry Association. And looking at travel trailers specifically, shipments have slid 51.9% during that same period.

Unsurprisingly, companies like Winnebago have taken a hit.

In June, the RV maker's parent company — which also oversees Grand Design RV and Newmar — announced its third-quarter 2023 revenues of $900.8 million, an over 38% drop from the same period last year.

"Recent years have been some of the highest demand in industry history, so some normalization of RV shipments is not unexpected," the company told Insider in an email.

Despite this, Winnebago says it is "optimistic about the long-term consumer engagement in the outdoors."

People walking next to Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

Amid its dip in sales, Winnebago unveiled a $150,000 refresh of its cheapest popular camper van in July.

And now, it's going the affordable route yet again with its latest product: the $29,600 Access.

Despite all the social media attention camper vans have received over the past few years, travel trailers still make up the majority of RV sales.

The Access was designed to be an economical option — think the Nissan Versa or Toyota Corolla of trailers.

A kitchen in Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

Before this model, Winnebago's least expensive trailer was the $37,200 Macro Minnie.

The trailer can sleep up to eight people, according to the RV maker.

A bunk bed in Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

Eight is a recurring number — the trailer also comes with eight of what Winnebago calls its "premium amenities." This includes a 200-watt solar panel, WiFi systems, electric tongue jacks, and water tank heaters.

And inside, it looks as comfortable as any large travel trailer.

Kitchen and couch inside Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

There are several floor plan options. All have a distinct queen bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and dinette. But while some floor plans have bunk beds, others just have a fold-out couch (or both).

There's even an outdoor kitchen on some models.

And if you love modern luxuries, you'll love the porcelain toilet. It's certainly a step up from the plastic composting toilets many camper vans have.

The skylights bring in plenty of natural light while the interior and exterior LED lights brighten up the home at night.

The living spaces inside Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

And there's plenty of under-bed storage, which can double as a furry friend's little bedroom.

The trailer will make its official debut at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania in September.

A bed on an elevator platform inside Winnebago's new Access RV — Winnebago

If you want an Access for yourself, you'll have to wait a few months. The trailer will go on sale in November 2023.

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Winnebago unveils new cheaper trailer RV as travel trailer sales slump