The 2026 East to West Blackthorn 229RK is a compact fifth wheel with one slide, suitable for a couple or a solo traveler.
I believe that the Blackthorn 229RK fits the “short and sweet” criteria that many folks are looking for today. Read on and see if you agree.
Behind the walls
East to West builds the Blackthorn 229RK with Azdel-laminated sidewalls, laminated slide-out end walls, and a laminated slide-out roof and rear wall. This fifth wheel also features formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation in the roof and front cap. It has a heated and enclosed underbelly with circulating heat and features PEX plumbing throughout.
Key specs
- Length: 28’1″
- Exterior height: 12’3″
- Exterior width: 96″
- Hitch weight: 1,145 lb.
- GVWR: 9,945 lb.
- UVW: 7,324 lb.
- CCC: 2,621 lb.
- Fresh water: 64 gal.
- Gray water: 88 gal.
- Black water: 44 gal.
- Awning size: 14’6″
- Available bed: King
- Refrigerator: 12V, 10 cu. ft.
- Electrical service: 50 amp
- Price: not available on website; current dealer listing at $39,995.
Interior and living space
This feels like a smart, easy-to-live-in fifth wheel. The mid-coach entry means you still have access to both the kitchen and bath/bed suite with the retracted slide. A thoughtful shoe cubby in the back of the dinette will keep footwear contained. The hutch provides easy access to keys, sunscreen, and other necessities within its cabinets or on the generous countertop.
The rear kitchen keeps the cooking zone out of the main traffic path, which I appreciate. The single slide helps the living area feel open, but without any wasted space. The bed and bath areas are thoughtfully arranged and provide essentials that many RVers look for when buying.
Kitchen
The rear kitchen is the star of the Blackthorn 229RK. East to West includes a 10-cu. ft., 12V refrigerator, a three-burner range, oven, and a microwave. (I prefer a micro/convection combo, but that’s just my personal preference.)
Storage includes a pantry, hutch, and several drawers and cabinets. I was pleasantly surprised by the great counter space. Preparing everyday meals would be a breeze, and two cooks could easily work in this space.
Living/dining room
The main living area is set up for easy, relaxed camping. A banquette is positioned near the kitchen, where a large window allows natural lighting to brighten the entire living space.
Across from the banquette, nestled in the slide, is the hide-a-bed sofa. I prefer theater-type seating, because we rarely host extra campers. It would be easy to swap the sofa for recliners.
Windows on two sides of the sofa provide even more natural light, and built-in shelving stands ready to contain cards, travel brochures, and more. A television sits directly across from the sofa for easy viewing.
Bath
The full bath sits between the bedroom and the main living area, which helps create a more private front suite. There is plenty of counter space beside the sink, though I’m not a big fan of the dark counter. The shower is small, but certainly doable, and I appreciate the integrated robe/towel hooks included in the 229RK and the dedicated medicine cabinet, too.
Bedroom
Up front, the Blackthorn 229RK gives you a king bed (with access from both sides) and two nightstands. This is exactly the kind of setup I look for because my husband requires a CPAP. You’ll also find over-the-bed cabinets for storage.
Opposite the bed is a clothes closet with integrated drawers, which I really like. For longer trips, RVers will probably need the underbed storage for clothing and shoes. Overall, this space includes everything a fifth wheel RVer may want in a bedroom.
Overall take
The 2026 East to West Blackthorn 229RK is a great pick for RVers who want a manageable fifth wheel with a real residential feel. The bright and open main living area, kitchen prep space, and basic but comfortable bath and bedroom make it a good fit for couples or solo travelers.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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RVDT2931
Looks like a nice affordable unit. 👍
I’d put the King bed in an “East-West” slide and have a full closet across the front with a W/D option. We personally look for more bedroom storage and we’re done with laundromats.
I like the CCC and tank capacities. Keeping the height well under 13′ is a bonus too.
I see it’s 50 amp service so assume 2 ACs.
“Small”? Our fifth wheel was 1.5′ shorter and 1,000#+ lighter, but still had laminated fiberglass/aluminum walls, roof, and front cap. It had a table and chairs, IPO of a dinette, in the slide; a split bath; and a long wardrobe slide in the bedroom. A N-S “real” queen bed, not a king, but we do not like our bed in a slide because it is too hard to get out of it in the dark for the regular 3:00am trip to the bathroom!
Thank you for the review, Gail. Like that they use azdel rather than luan. Features seem pretty good too. Have a great week and safe travels!