Though also using a cutaway van chassis like larger motorhomes, the LeSharo was designed to optimize fuel economy with an aerodynamically-enhanced exterior.

Less than half the weight of a Class C RV based on an American-produced chassis, the LeSharo offered fuel economy from 16 to 23 MPG, dependent on powertrain.

[3] In response, Winnebago sought to develop a fuel-efficient compact RV, as vehicles based on one-ton van chassis at the time typically offered fuel economy of 4-10 MPG (with larger RVs doing worse).

[3] The company sought a European light commercial vehicle, preferably with a front-wheel drive powertrain layout to maximize living space (as used by the GMC Motorhome), leading to an agreement with Renault, using its Trafic chassis.

In order to comply with US emissions regulations, the Lesharo was equipped with a catalytic converter (made by Teneco Walker's European division) and a carbon canister (from GM).

Alongside a narrower-body campervan (also produced by Winnebago), the Rialta marked the reintroduction of the T4 to the US (Volkswagen discontinued the passenger van after 1992).

[10] While VW ended imports of the T4 Transporter after 2003, Winnebago continued assembly of Rialtas through 2005, until it depleted its stockpile of T4 chassis cabs.

[10] In 1999, Winnebago sold the parts and product support rights to the LeSharo and its variants to Mobility RV (MRV).

[2] Now responsible for product support and assistance of the model line, the company owns both parts inventories of the model lines sourced from Winnebago authorized dealers and is the exclusive importer of Renault replacement parts, owning all relevant manufacturing tooling to sell both inventories online (to support the LeSharo).