2025 Winnebago Spirit 22R
The 2025 Winnebago Spirit 22R is a popular Class C motorhome known for its compact size, ease of driving, and practical features, making it an excellent choice for couples or small families embarking on their first RV adventures or seeking a more manageable rig. Winnebago, a well-established name in the RV industry, aims to deliver quality and reliability with the Spirit line.
Key Features and Specifications
The 2025 Spirit 22R is built on a Ford E450 chassis (though some models may offer an E350 option), powered by a 350-hp 7.3L V8 Premium engine paired with a TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission. This robust powertrain ensures a smooth ride and ample power for its size.
Notable features often highlighted in the 22R include:
Compact Dimensions: With an exterior length of approximately 23 feet 10 inches, the 22R is one of the smaller Class C motorhomes, making it easier to maneuver, park, and access tighter campsites.
Sleeping Capacity: Designed to sleep up to 5 people, it features a rear corner double bed, a spacious cabover bunk, and a convertible U-shaped dinette that provides additional sleeping space.
Functional Living Space: The interior includes a well-equipped galley with a 3-burner cooktop, microwave, and a 6.3 cu. ft. two-way double-door refrigerator/freezer. The U-shaped dinette serves as a central hub for dining, working, or playing games.
Full Bathroom: Despite its compact size, the 22R boasts a full bath with a 23" x 34" shower, flexible showerhead, toilet with foot pedal, medicine cabinet, and powered roof vent.
Entertainment: Comes standard with a 32" HDTV with DVD player in the living area and a 24" HDTV in the bedroom.
Exterior Amenities: A 14' powered patio awning with LED lighting extends the living space outdoors, providing shade and ambiance. A large lighted trunk storage compartment offers ample space for gear.
Driver Comfort & Safety: The cab features multi-adjustable slide/recline seats, a radio/rearview monitor system with an 8.95" multi-function touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and tire pressure monitoring.
Utilities: Equipped with a 4,000-watt gas generator, a 6-gallon LP water heater with electronic ignition, a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, and a 20,000 BTU furnace, ensuring comfort in various climates. It has a 40-gallon freshwater tank, 24-gallon grey water tank, and 21-gallon black water tank.
Pros
Easy to Drive: Owners frequently praise the 22R's drivability, comparing it to a large van or pickup truck. Its manageable length makes it less intimidating for new RVers.
Compact Yet Capable: It offers a surprising amount of features and living space for its size, making it versatile for both short trips and longer journeys.
Winnebago Quality: As a Winnebago product, it benefits from the brand's reputation for build quality and reliability. Many reviewers note the durability of the chassis and overall construction.
Thoughtful Layout: The U-shaped dinette and rear corner bed configuration are often appreciated for optimizing the interior space.
Standard Safety Features: The inclusion of advanced driver-assist systems enhances safety on the road.
Comprehensive Utilities: A strong generator, good tank capacities for its size, and effective heating/cooling systems provide a comfortable experience.
Good for Families: With sleeping for up to 5, it accommodates small families well.
Cons and Considerations
Limited Storage for Long Trips: While it has decent exterior storage, larger families or those on very extended trips might find the interior storage a bit tight for all their belongings.
No Slide-outs: The 22R floorplan typically does not feature slide-outs, which means the interior living space remains static. While this contributes to easier setup and less potential for mechanical issues, some prefer the added space a slide-out provides. (Note: The 22M variant does have a slide-out).
Basic Interior Aesthetics: While functional and comfortable, the interior design might be considered more practical than luxurious compared to higher-end models.
Water Tank Capacities: While adequate for weekend trips, the smaller grey and black water tank capacities (24 and 21 gallons respectively) may require more frequent dumping on longer boondocking adventures.
Fuel Economy: As a gasoline-powered Class C, fuel efficiency will be moderate compared to diesel models or smaller camper vans.
Conclusion
The 2025 Winnebago Spirit 22R stands out as an excellent entry-level or compact Class C motorhome. Its strong Ford chassis, comprehensive list of features, and Winnebago's reputation for reliability make it a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly and well-equipped RV. It excels in drivability and offers comfortable living for its size, making it ideal for road trips and camping adventures where ease of maneuverability and reliable performance are key. While it might not offer the expansive space of larger Class Cs, its practical design and features make it a highly desirable option for a wide range of RVers.
