Winnebago Rialta: A Compact and Versatile RV Option for Your Next Adventure

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  • Post last modified:August 3, 2023
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The Winnebago Rialta is a popular Class B motorhome that was manufactured by Winnebago Industries from 1995 to 2005. It is known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and versatility.

The Rialta was built on a Volkswagen Transporter (T4) cab chassis and is equipped with a variety of features that make it a great option for both short and long-term travel.

One of the most attractive features of the Winnebago Rialta is its fuel efficiency. The Rialta was designed to be a more fuel-efficient alternative to larger Class A and Class C motorhomes. It is powered by a Volkswagen engine that is known for its reliability and efficiency.

Additionally, the Rialta’s compact size and aerodynamic design make it easy to maneuver on the road and park in tight spaces.

Another advantage of the Winnebago Rialta is its versatility. Despite its small size, the Rialta is equipped with a variety of features that make it a comfortable and convenient option for travel. It includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area, as well as ample storage space.

The Rialta is also equipped with a range of safety features, including airbags and anti-lock brakes, making it a safe option for travel.

Winnebago Rialta Overview

winnebago rialta

The Winnebago Rialta is a popular motor home that was manufactured by Winnebago Industries. It was built on a Volkswagen Transporter (T4) cab chassis and was available in four different floor plans.

The Rialta was produced from 1995 to 2005 and was known for its compact size and fuel efficiency.

The Rialta was equipped with a variety of features that made it comfortable and convenient for travelers. It had a kitchenette with a two-burner stove, a sink, and a refrigerator.

The bathroom had a toilet, a sink, and a shower. The Rialta also had a dinette that could be converted into a bed, as well as a rear double bed.

One of the advantages of the Rialta was its fuel efficiency. It was powered by a Volkswagen engine that was capable of achieving up to 18 miles per gallon. Another advantage was its compact size, which made it easy to maneuver and park.

The Rialta was available in both new and used models. New models were covered by a warranty from both Volkswagen and Winnebago, while used models could be purchased from private sellers or dealerships.

Overall, the Winnebago Rialta was a reliable and efficient motor home that was well-suited for travelers who wanted to explore the country in comfort and style.

Key Features

The Winnebago Rialta is a compact motorhome that offers a range of features to make your travels comfortable and convenient. Here are some of the key features of the Rialta as per JD Power:

Interior Features

The interior of the Rialta is designed to provide the comforts of home while on the road. The motorhome comes with a range of features to make your travels enjoyable. Here are some of the interior features of the Rialta:

  • Bathroom: The Rialta comes with a bathroom that includes a shower, toilet, and sink. This allows you to freshen up and take care of your hygiene needs while on the road.
  • Refrigerator: The Rialta has a compact refrigerator that can keep your food and drinks fresh while you travel. The refrigerator is powered by electricity or propane.
  • Stove: The Rialta comes with a stove that allows you to cook your meals while on the road. The stove has two burners and is powered by propane.
  • Entertainment System: The Rialta comes with an entertainment system that includes a TV, DVD player, and stereo. This allows you to relax and enjoy your favorite shows and movies while on the road.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the Rialta is designed to be both functional and stylish. The motorhome comes with a range of features to make your travels safe and comfortable. Here are some of the exterior features of the Rialta:

  • Propane Tank: The Rialta comes with a 7-gallon propane tank that powers the stove, refrigerator, and water heater. This allows you to cook your meals and have hot water while on the road.
  • Water Tank: The Rialta has a 9-gallon water tank that provides fresh water for drinking, cooking, and showering. The water tank can be refilled at any RV park or campground.

In summary, the Winnebago Rialta is a compact motorhome that offers a range of features to make your travels comfortable and convenient. With its compact size and range of features, the Rialta is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient way to travel.

Performance and Engineering

winnebago rialta 1999

The Winnebago Rialta is a Class B motorhome built on a Volkswagen Transporter (T4) cab chassis. It boasts impressive engine performance and fuel mileage, making it a popular choice among RV enthusiasts.

The Rialta comes with a variety of engine options. The 1997 to 2001 models are equipped with a VW 140 horsepower gas engine, while the 2002 to 2005 models come with a more powerful VW 301 horsepower gas engine.

The 2005 Rialta has a 2.8L fuel-injected V-6 engine that produces 201 horsepower. All models come with a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 150-amp alternator, and a 280-amp battery.

Despite its size, the Rialta is easy to maneuver, even through winding roads. The German engineering of the Volkswagen chassis and powertrain provides a smooth and stable driving experience. The Rialta’s low center of gravity also contributes to its excellent handling on the road.

In terms of fuel mileage, the Rialta is known for its impressive gas mileage. According to Road Sumo, the Rialta provides powerful engine performance and impressive gas mileage.

The exact fuel mileage varies depending on the model and driving conditions, but the Rialta is generally considered to be one of the most fuel-efficient motorhomes on the market.

Overall, the Rialta’s performance and engineering make it a top choice for RV enthusiasts who value both power and efficiency. Its German engineering and impressive fuel mileage make it a standout among Class B motorhomes.

Models and Variants

The Winnebago Rialta was produced from 1995 to 2005 and was available in five models: the 1995 to 1996 QD, the 1997 to 2001 QD, FD, and HD, and the 2002 to 2005 QD and HD. The Rialta was built on the Volkswagen Eurovan chassis and was equipped with a Volkswagen engine.

The QD model featured a rear dinette that could be converted into a double bed, a front swivel chair, a galley, and a bathroom with a shower.

The FD model had a permanent double bed at the rear, a front swivel chair, a galley, and a bathroom with a shower. The HD model had a permanent double bed at the rear, a front swivel chair, a galley, a bathroom with a shower, and a wardrobe.

The Rialta’s interior featured a contemporary design with high-quality materials. The Rialta’s compact size made it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, while still providing all the amenities of a larger motorhome.

The Rialta was powered by a Volkswagen engine and was available in two engine sizes: a 2.8L V-6 with 201 horsepower for the 2005 model and a 140 hp gas engine for the 1997 to 2001 model.

The 2002 to 2005 model used a VW 301 hp gas engine. The Rialta had a 4-speed automatic transmission with a 150-amp alternator and a 280-amp battery.

Overall, the Winnebago Rialta was a popular and well-regarded motorhome that offered a comfortable and convenient way to travel. Its compact size and efficient design made it an excellent choice for those who wanted to explore the open road without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Safety Features

winnebago rialta 22qd

According to Winnebago Rialta’s brochure, it comes equipped with several safety features that provide peace of mind while on the road.

Airbags

The vehicle has driver and passenger airbags, which deploy in the event of a collision. This helps to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

The Winnebago Rialta is equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), which helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This helps the driver maintain steering control and reduces the risk of skidding or sliding.

Seat Belts

The vehicle has three-point seat belts for the driver and front passenger, as well as lap belts for the rear passengers. These belts help to keep passengers securely in their seats in the event of a collision.

Rearview Camera

The Winnebago Rialta also comes with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle. This helps the driver avoid collisions while backing up or parking.

Fire Extinguisher

The vehicle is also equipped with a fire extinguisher, which can be used to put out small fires. This provides an extra layer of safety in case of an emergency.

I’m an RV enthusiast and a safety geek. Safety is a major concern for RVs. The Winnebago Rialta is packed with awesome safety features including airbags, seat belts, ABS, and a rearview camera. You can hit the road without worry!

Check out my Winnebago Rialta full review here.

Final Thoughts

The Winnebago Rialta is a unique motorhome that offers a lot of features in a compact package. With its German engineering, it is mechanically worry-free, making it a reliable option for those who want to hit the road without worrying about breakdowns or other mechanical issues.

One of the biggest advantages of the Rialta is its size. It is small enough to be maneuverable on the road and easy to park, yet it still offers all the amenities of a larger motorhome.

This makes it a great option for couples or small families who want to travel in comfort without having to deal with the bulk of a larger RV.

Another advantage of the Rialta is its fuel efficiency. With its compact size and efficient engine, it can get up to 20 miles per gallon, which is impressive for a motorhome. This makes it a great option for those who want to travel long distances without having to worry about fuel costs.

Overall, the Winnebago Rialta is a great option for those who want to travel in comfort and style without having to deal with the bulk of a larger RV. Its German engineering and fuel efficiency make it a reliable and cost-effective option for those who love to hit the road.