The All-New Winnebago Travato: Stylish & Simplified RV Travel
The All-New Winnebago Travato: Stylish & Simplified RV Travel
Learn what is new in the latest version of this beloved camper van.
By: Kenny & Sabrina Phillips
Sabrina and I recently attended the Hershey RV Show in Pennsylvania where we got to tour the all-new Winnebago Travato in person. We really liked what we saw—from a refreshed interior and exterior to smart upgrades that make RV travel easier than ever!
A few years ago, we took a break from our Class A Winnebago Vista and moved into a 2023 Travato 59KL for a three-week trip where we traveled about 3,000 miles around the East Coast. We still talk about that trip today and how fun it was to park almost anywhere, always have our dog Belle with us, and easily navigate through city streets. We even managed to parallel park downtown with no problem. Naturally, we were excited to see what Winnebago changed for this new model.
Kenny on a Winnebago Travato road trip a few years ago.
What’s New in the 2026 Winnebago Travato?
The Winnebago Travato still comes in two different floorplans: the 59K and the 59G. There’s also the 59KL, where the “L” stands for lithium batteries (I’ll dive deeper into that later). However, there are some exciting new features available in the new models …
1. Gas-Powered Heating
All Travatos now come equipped with the new Truma Combi G—a combined furnace and water heater powered by the ProMaster’s gasoline tank. The Combi G significantly extends the life of your onboard propane supply because the only remaining propane appliance is the stovetop. In the 59KL model, even that is eliminated thanks to an electric induction cooktop, meaning no propane on board at all.
This upgrade brings added convenience while traveling because it eliminates the need to search for propane refill centers. With the 59K and 59G, you’ll likely only need to top off propane once a year, since the stove uses very little fuel!
Learn more about using and maintaining a Truma water heater.
2. Convenient Additional Water Fill-up
Another thoughtful upgrade on the new Travatos is an additional freshwater inlet on the exterior of the van. This new inlet is freeze-protected and allows you to hook up at campgrounds without opening the rear doors. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in everyday convenience.
3. Upgraded Exterior
The first thing that caught our eye on the new Travato was the refreshed exterior. The updated design gives it a futuristic vibe, with a modern style and color scheme that makes the Travato look sporty even while standing still.
4. National Park Foundation Package
We also had a chance to check out the new National Park Foundation edition, which comes with a Method wheel and KO2 tire package. This is the same setup I run on my Jeep Wrangler, so you know I loved seeing it on the Travato.
The black Method wheels add serious style points, while the KO2s provide the extra grip you’ll want when exploring off the beaten path. Because this package comes straight from Winnebago, there’s no need to mess with wheel spacers or offsets.
Another upgrade with the National Park Foundation edition is thermal blackout shades for the roof vent covers, which magnetically snap into place. We use something similar in our Vista, and they make a noticeable difference in keeping interior temperatures steady. This edition also features new mountain graphics on the exterior and thermal blackout covers for the front windows and windshield, all branded with the National Park Foundation logo.
5. Lighter Tones & Smart Use of Space
I would also like to point out that the new interior colors for the Travato help show off just how spacious it is inside. The lighter tones brighten up the coach and give it a more open, modern feel, making the living space seem larger than before.
I think some people think vans are tight and cramped spaces. However, when Sabrina and I took that 59KL out a few years ago, we were surprised with how much storage it had and how comfortable it was to relax, work, or meal prep.
6. Smoother Travels
As I mentioned earlier, Sabrina and I took a previous model year Winnebago Travato out for an extended test drive, and I was impressed by how easy it was to handle on both city streets and country roads. That’s thanks to features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and crosswind assist. Honestly, it drives more like a large SUV than an RV.
Now the ride is even better with the standard addition of SumoSprings on both the front and rear of the Travato. We installed SumoSprings on our Winnebago Vista and noticed a big improvement in handling and in how well they absorb road imperfections.
Sabrina driving a Winnebago Travato on a road trip a few years ago.
7. Innovative Sleep System
After a day of travel, relaxation comes easy on Winnebago’s new in-house WinnSleep mattress. This innovative system pairs a dual-layer hygienic foam mattress with a European-style Froli suspension, this design relieves pressure points, increases comfort, and promotes airflow beneath the bed. The Winnsleep mattress is made in Forest City at Winnebago’s own stichcraft building. Learn more here.
I have slept on a Winnsleep mattress while testing out the new Winnebago Revel Sport 44C, and I can tell you firsthand that Belle (our small dog) and I slept very soundly on that mattress for eight nights.
Because the Travato is still offered in two floorplans, you have the option of how you want to rest, either with the 59K split beds that convert roughly into a king size bed or the 59G with its RV queen bed that lifts up to give you additional storage in the rear of the coach.
Want More Power? Check Out the Winnebago Travato 59KL
One of the things that isn’t immediately visible on the new Winnebago Travato 59KL is the updated power system. To learn more, we spoke with Chris Beinert, Winnebago’s Class B Product Manager, and Aimee Sheckler, Winnebago’s Class B Product Planner. They explained that the new Winnebago Travato 59KL now comes standard with an 8.4-kilowatt Lithionics lithium battery, with an option to increase capacity to 16.4 kilowatts.
Both options are paired with a 3,600-watt inverter, meaning you can run everything in the RV, including the rooftop A/C, without plugging into shore power—even while driving!
Even better, while cruising down the highway, the Travato’s dual alternator system can deliver up to 8,000 watts per hour to recharge the house batteries lightning fast. You can fully charge the standard battery in about an hour, or the extended pack in roughly two. This new system practically eliminates battery anxiety when dry camping. And with no need for a noisy generator, you can enjoy the serenity of nature without compromise.
Final Thoughts on the All-New Travato
All in all, the new Winnebago Travato truly wowed us and has us thinking that our next Winnebago just might be a Travato. We have such fond memories of our three-week test trip, and the idea of creating new adventures in one of our own is very appealing.
Learn more about the Winnebago Travato
Have you seen the new Travato? What did you think? We would love to hear from you in the comment section.
Take care all and safe travels!
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