The name Winnebago likely conjures up images of old-school motorhomes and other grand RVs that are not so much driven as helmed. Words like compact, simple and cute have not normally been part of the lexicon. That all changes with the brand’s new Hike 100, their smallest travel trailer yet.
Unveiled this month, the Hike 100 is a towable camper that the company notes is smaller and lighter than any other Winnebago trailer currently on offer. While economical little travel trailers like this have been popular for some time for all manner of road trippers, the biggest selling point here is the dry weight of 2,700 pounds that’ll make it an option for those who have vehicles with lower towing capacities (think normal-sized SUVs instead of giant pickups). The total gross vehicle weight rating, or the max weight of the trailer and payload, is 4,200 pounds.
Despite the small footprint (a little under 16 feet long and 8 feet wide, and a little over 10 feet tall), Winnebago packed in a lot of functionality and comfort into this new Hike model, an extension of a line that started with a larger trailer. Here the interior can be arranged in five different floorplan configurations, three of which sleep two people, and two of which sleep three for those going on family trips. There’s also a refrigerator, microwave, sink, portable induction cooktop and wet bath (read: toilet and shower) in all configurations.
Winnebago says the functionality offered makes it “easy to go off grid,” which is true to an extent, though we’re talking short excursions here due to the 31-gallon fresh water tank, 25-gallon grey water tank and 4.75-gallon black water tank. Additionally, there’s a 190-watt solar panel included, but the trailer design allows for more if you’re trying to max out your energy generation capabilities.
All in all, while the Hike 100 is tiny by Winnebago standards, it is certainly not an ultralight camper that can be towed by just any car in your garage — adding the dry weight to everything else packed in there from fluids to gear may be pushing the limits if you’ve got a smaller SUV. But it is an exciting option from a historic brand, one that will allow more people to take advantage of the travel trailer lifestyle.
Although, pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, so I guess how accessible this will be remains to be seen. For reference, the larger Hike model starts at $36,783.
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