2026 Thrive 18FBS For Off-Grid Camping?

[Scootsie Doubleday]

My wife and I were looking into getting a Micro Minnie FLX, but we now see that it is marked "Dealer Stock Only" on the Winnebago website. I have heard that the FLX is being replaced by the Thrive, although I haven't been able to confirm this. In looking at the 2026 Thrive 18FBS model (similar in size to the FLX), it is not clear to us how much off-grid capability it has. Does anyone know what off-grid features the Thrive 18FBS comes equipped with, and how long it could reasonably be expected to operate off-grid?

 

[Eagle5]

Greetings Scootsie Doubleday,
It looks like a good trailer to me. I get the impression it is the best quality trailer to wear the Winnebago name. With 48 gallons of fresh water and 40 gray and 40 black, you have a good capacity, and the water will be your limiting factor when dry-camping. I do not see any real limitation for off-grid use.

18FBS - Winnebago

www.winnebago.com

Welcome to the forum.
Eagle5

 

[creativepart]

Compared to a Micro Minnie FLX it seems to be a blank canvas when it comes to “off-grid” camping.

No lithium, no inverter just a little solar. That can be a good thing giving you more options to fitting it all out. But nothing really done for you like the FLX. Not the same thing at all.

Right off the bat your biggest hurdle for Off-Grid camp time will be the battery and the 12v fridge. In stock form your fridge will use up your battery in a day or less. A battery change to 300+ amps of lithium will be a first step to gaining some off-grid time. The Converter will likely be Lithium capable, so not too difficult or expensive to upgrade the battery.

You could make the RV more like the FLX for about 1/2 the cost of the extra MSRP they originally charged for the FLX.

With small TTs low pricing is the key to sales. Without the FLX features the Thrive will probably outsell the FLX, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new off-grid ready model released in the near future.

 

[Eagle5]

My propane absorption fridge works wonderfully in my mild climate, but not as well in the hotter areas of the country. Everybody can use a compressor fridge, so I guess that has become the default. You could just buy a portable generator and recharge your batteries for a while each day, giving you that lower-cost option.
Water is still a limiting factor, and this one has very nicely sized tanks. Instead of the Thrive's 48 gallons of fresh water, all FLX trailers only have 31 gallons of fresh water. My biggest fear with buying an FLX would be you have so little water, you won't be able to take even one shower, and everybody's going to give you a dirty look! (ha-ha).

 

[creativepart]

I agree with the video, there is a lot to like in the Thrive TT. Well, I'm not crazy about the name. but who cares? At least its not a variation on Minnie or Winnie.

Largish bed that is walk around is a real plus. That big window is nice. Simple design elements like no window valances. Large enough kitchen. Flexible TV mount. Tandem axles is a real plus in a small TT. I see other trailers this size with one axle and wonder how difficult it is to tow, turn and park. All in all it's everything you need and nothing you don't.

As to compressor fridges - that horse is already out of the gate. Gas absorption fridges are going to be a rare special order thing if they are not already. And, with big lithium batteries getting cheaper by the day they are more a joy than a liability.

Since it's the dealer that provides the battery, here's my cynical guess, they don't want FLX models because everything is already installed. This way, they can upsell the buyer right up front with overpriced solar, batteries and other electrical addons. I've seen folks mention paying huge prices for subpar "upgrades" from their clueless dealers.

Our new 2026 View is fully decked out for off-grid. Even the A/C runs off of the battery as a stock setup from the factory. We will still likely use it mostly where there is shore power. The heat in Texas is no laughing matter.

 

[Scootsie Doubleday]

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new off-grid ready model released in the near future.

I hope so. It would be nice to have options like that. I saw a video made by Winnebago, and the very last line he spoke was a mention of 9 different floor plans for the Thrive. So it seems like they’re really going to expand this model line.

Thanks for the information, everyone!

 

[djevans01]

My wife and I were looking into getting a Micro Minnie FLX, but we now see that it is marked "Dealer Stock Only" on the Winnebago website. I have heard that the FLX is being replaced by the Thrive, although I haven't been able to confirm this. In looking at the 2026 Thrive 18FBS model (similar in size to the FLX), it is not clear to us how much off-grid capability it has. Does anyone know what off-grid features the Thrive 18FBS comes equipped with, and how long it could reasonably be expected to operate off-grid?

We bought our 18fbs a couple of weeks ago. We haven't used it yet. All I've done so far is install the CURT 2P 17510 hitch. Don't know anything about the FLW being discontinued. However, I never considered it as it was a single axle in the shortest model.

off-grid...
- 200 watts of solar is not a lot (maybe 5 amps at 12v) You can add a panel, maybe 2 on the roof, and then there is the external solar socket on the side of the camper. (I don't know the specs on the controller and it may need to be upgraded for extra panels)
- There is no "built-in" option for an inverter, but you could add one should you need 120Vac
- The stock battery that came with ours is an AGM capable of only about 85 amp hour max. You definitely can add an LiFePO4 battery and the stock converter "is supposed to be" compatible with that chemistry. (so there is that )
- How long it operates off the battery alone, is simply a matter of the capability of the battery and the amount of current used. As it comes from the dealer, "not long" in my opinion. That's the best anyone can answer until we know your usage obviously. (and then you'd only get a very rough estimate)
- Stock and "Off-Grid?" I'd look in to a 3500 generator. I'd say you shouldn't consider this camper as a stellar of-grid performer, but you can off grid depending on what you expect and how you use it and where.

I don't think we will even be off-grid," but we feel it's perfect for us visiting various sites with our 2 chihuahuas. That was one of our reasons for buying this camper. (Yup, so BNB's won't be adding to our bill for pets...)