2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M Review

Made with full-time RV couples in mind, the 2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M is perfect for a life on the road — or hosting friends and family on extended weekend getaways. Kids or grandkids would love the over-the-cab bunk with a panoramic window. Just a little imagination will transform this bright and picturesque bunkhouse into a spaceship, landing in worlds unknown. If you plan to go far, know that your ride will be smoother and safer thanks to the JRide handling package. And if durability and longevity is on your checklist, allow me to introduce a novel Class C feature: a leak-free front cap with a seamless, one-piece design and an automotive bonded panoramic window. 

The Jayco Redhawk 26M has gone all in, offering a spacious and cozy interior, with all the amenities of home. The kitchen and living space are combined, showcasing residential comforts such as the large three-burner range in the kitchen, as well as a cozy entertainment system with a fireplace in the living area. With a 7,500-pound towing hitch, you can tow a car. This allows you to explore your destination more nimbly after setting up your rig. 

Stated simply, modern durability and safety features are a highlight in this Class C. Now, let’s take a closer look.

At a Glance: Redhawk 26M

I gave the 2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M a rating of three and three quarters out of five. Similar to the Entegra Coach Esteem 29V, the Jayco Redhawk 26M puts its best foot forward when designing a liveable, luxurious interior with a comfortable ride in mind. 

However, I do feel that for a passenger capacity of five, more storage and a private master bed area would be appropriate. If any of those five people staying in the unit are kids, it could be a challenge getting everyone to bed at the same time. The master bed, the dinette-bed, and the over-the-cab bed basically all share the same space. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 5
• GVWR: 14,500 pounds
• GCWR: 22,000 pounds
• Exterior length: 28 feet 8 inches 
• Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Exterior width (w/ slides out): 12 feet 2 inches 
• Interior height: 7 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 43/40/31
• Awning: 19 feet
• Propane: 41 pounds

 

Features We Love

• JRide handling package 
• Automatic, hydraulic-leveling jacks
• Power management system
• Button-activated, Murphy-bed conversion
• Option for dual 13,500 Btu A/C units (or one 15,000 Btu unit)
• Child safety tethers in the dinette and seatbelts in all interior seating
• 9-inch Sony infotainment system with tilt feature in the drive side
• Hardwood cabinet doors and drawers throughout 
• Safety net for the over-the-cab bunk that’s easy to install and remove (don’t forget to use this no matter the age of the kids!)
• Modern farmhouse interior design
• Roof ladder (with walkable roof!)
• Sleek, frameless windows 
• Side-view cameras providing full view of sides while switching lanes 
• Easy-to-deploy Murphy bed
• Outdoor shower for muddy paws and sandy toes

 

 

Benefits

• Smoother, safer, and quieter ride with JRide’s computer-balanced drive shaft, and Hellwig’s helper springs and rubber-isolation body mounts. 
• Full-time liveability with a spacious interior
• Great kitchen that’s fully equipped to host friends and family 
• Ability to wow your kids or grandkids with the jaw dropping over-the-cab bunk — and its grand view (who needs a TV when you can soak in a panoramic view of the rugged American landscape?)
• Safe entry/exit with automatic electric, powered-entrance steps
• Muscle to tow a car behind you with the 7,500-pound hitch

 

Challenges

• There is no way to separate the master bed from the additional living spaces, aside from a small curtain available over the front cab bunk. So, bedroom privacy can easily be interrupted if you have kids or grandkids along. Altogether, there is no real bedroom space, which means everyone has to go to bed at the same time.
• There’s not enough storage for guests or a family that fills the full five-person occupancy. 
• The dinette was somewhat challenging to convert, with the numerous cushion arrangements turning into an evil Tetris game that I lost.  
• Tabled seating capacity (four, at the dinette) doesn’t match the sleeping capacity (five).

 

 

Best For

• Full-time RVing couples with kids and/or grandkids that may visit from time to time 
• Weekend warriors who enjoy hosting friends and family
• Single full-time travelers that want to have visitors 

 

Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

Sleeping Space

The clever Murphy bed in the living room comes down with ease at the push of a button. But because the bed is a drop-down Murphy, it lacks the storage above, and beneath that many other designs in this size can offer. The bedroom storage is generally confined to a narrow (but deep) wardrobe in between the Murphy bed and the dinette. There are two additional storage spaces in the lower portions of the couch. (But these are not accessible when bed is in use.) The entertainment center across from the couch/Murphy bed has some cabinets above it and a fireplace below it.

The bed itself is very cozy with warm ambient strip lighting overhead. USB ports are built inside the cabinets above the bed and in the nightstands beside the bed. These sleeping quarters are CPAP ready. If you have guests, it might be a squeeze to fit everyone’s things in the provided storage areas

The over-the-cab bunk checks the box for most adorable kids bunk yet. The panoramic window makes it feel like its own little world. There is a clever net that is easy to install for keeping the kids from rolling out of the bunk in their sleep. The bunk has an incredible 750-pound rating, so it can be used for storage as well. The curtain helps separate the space — a little. 

Dinette Difficulties

The dinette folds into a bed that can accommodate one small adult — or two small children. However, I did not enjoy converting the dinette into a bed. The specs on Jayco’s website describe an easy folding legless table, but I was met with a single leg construction that required some back crunching and manhandling. After putting the table in place, you must embark upon an arduous game of Tetris with a myriad of couch cushions. I was also unimpressed by the layer of unfinished plywood peeking out from between the cushions of the dinette. A little attention to detail goes a long way in my RV-shopping book. 

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Redhawk 26M lies at the far end of the RV, with a foot flush toilet and a stand-up shower. The sink sits on a long countertop, providing plenty of space atop two large shelves and a cupboard under the sink. A large vanity offers storage above the sink as well. The shower insert is a standard no frills design with a flexible shower head. 

An accordion-style folding door separates the shower from the rest of the space. The lower lip of the shower was quite a bit higher than other RVs I have encountered, and I had the pleasure of tripping over it not once, but twice. There is a nice, large skylight above the shower offering plenty of natural light to see by. 

 

 

Living Area

The living area in the Jayco Redhawk 26M has a roomy atmosphere. It feels expansive, and cozy with the modern farmhouse design. The frameless windows flood the room with natural light, and the panoramic window at the front end feels like a dreamy RV commercial. The hardwood cabinet doors and drawers add an artful craftsmanship to the design. 

The kitchen is integrated with the living space across from the dinette. One couch that doubles as a Murphy bed sits further down the unit. Across the couch is a large smart TV entertainment system, with hardwood cabinets above and a fireplace below. With a seating capacity of six, you can entertain guests from the campground or friends and family visiting. If you are planning to cook for all your visitors, know that the tabled seating capacity doesn’t match the sleeping capacity. Five can sleep in the unit, but only four can eat at the table. (And that is assuming that everyone will want to cram into the dinette.) Some folding TV tables or removable couch tables might be appropriate in this motorhome.   

 

 

Kitchen

The all-in-one Furrion three-burner range has an oven underneath and a large microwave above it. A folding-glass top doubles the range as additional counter space. A sleek 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt fridge is conveniently placed next to the stove. The stainless-steel kitchen sink is divided, where I personally prefer a larger, single basin sink. The faucet is simple, without a pull-down sprayer. The cabinets in the kitchen are lovely, white and big. They offer a modern, spacious design aesthetic with LED ambient strip lighting below the pressed countertops. The backsplash behind the stove is an attentive addition.  

The kitchen storage consists of hardwood cabinets above and below the appliances. There are also four drawers to the left of the oven. There is also a narrow and deep pantry on the far side of the fridge that would be great for canned goods and spices. I love the small unassuming cabinet above the entry door. The countertop space is a little slim, with one small area between the sink and the stove being your only real workable option. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The roof, floor, and sidewalls are made of Tuffwalls. This vacuum-bonded, laminated material has bead-foam insulation (R-24 max roof, R-9 max floor, R-5 max walls) to keep the morning chill and condensation at bay. The tanks are also heated in this rig. 

Barring harsh winters, this unit will be great if you are looking to extend your camping season. An electric fireplace is a great option to cut down on propane in the colder months. In the summer, keep cool with a 15,000 Btu A/C. If you are planning to be in extreme heat, you can upgrade to two 13,500 Btu A/C units. The folding windshield and power shade can really make a difference in dangerously hot areas. While your solar panels are soaking in the rays and powering your appliances, you and your partner can stay safe and cool with two A/C units, and a shaded cab area.

The 200-watt solar panels with a dual controller and a second house battery will open a window into the world of boondocking. The solar capabilities and power management system are made to take you far, unveiling America’s untamed wilderness for your sightseeing pleasure. 

 

 

Storage Space 

I do feel that there is a sufficient amount of storage for either a single full-time traveler or a full-time RVing couple. But for a sleeping capacity of five, it might be a squeeze to store everyone’s things. The bedroom doesn’t have a separated space, so the storage is confined to a small double wardrobe off to the side. The entertainment area offers cabinets above the TV, which are helpful; but due to the placement of the furnace, there is no additional storage below the TV. 

There is, however, 21-cubic-feet of exterior storage, including a passthrough storage compartment below the rig. The over-the-cab bunk is spacious, and baggage can be stored there with a guest given the 750-pound weight rating. And if no one is using the bunk, it would be a great place to store things permanently. (Although it’d be a shame to cover that lovely panoramic window.) 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Redhawk 26M

The on-road features of this unit are worth noting. The JRide handling package features a computer-balanced driveshaft, standard front and rear stabilizer bars, and Hellwig helper springs and rubber isolation body mounts. All this together delivers a quiet and comfortable ride. 

Also, Class Cs are historically famous for a leaky front cap and window. The new seamless, one-piece front cap design and automotive-bonded window is a breath of relief to the warranty claim department. There have been zero warranty claims since the design’s inception. Huzzah for a leak-free Class C!

 

 

A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.

That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.