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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Furrion gave us an ultramodern fully digital coach
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Get farther off-road with No Boundaries trailers
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Lance offers an offroad package for all their travel trailers
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Lance
RV Trends for 2018
Lance 2375 travel trailer with modern interior
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Roadtrek
RV Trends for 2018
Roadtrek CS Adventurous
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
The Woolly Bear from Taxa Outdoors is the ultimate off-road gear hauler
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Vintage Cruiser from Gulf Stream combines 50s style with millennial technology
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Vintage Cruiser from Gulf Stream has style down to the whitewalls
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Perry Mack
RV Trends for 2018
Vintage Cruiser from Gulf Stream with 50s diner inspired interior
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Winnebago
RV Trends for 2018
Winnebago Intent with modern residential interior
Story & photos by Perry Mack
The RVIA hosts the largest trade-only RV show in North America every November in Louisville, Kentucky. Here, the top RV manufacturers gather to show RV dealers their new models and product lines - finally unveiling the construction and trend designs that will shape our RV purchase decisions in 2018 - and beyond.
Manufacturers are producing and selling more RVs than they ever have in history, and the forecast for 2018 is even higher - up by 200% over the bottom in 2007.
Their goal is to improve the customer experience by expanding beyond the existing customer base with new features and marketing campaigns for millennials and diverse ethnic groups. This is great for us as RVers as we will see continual improvements in the purchasing experience, the quality and diversity of RV models, and the availability and quality of campgrounds. They know that while more RV’s are being sold, the number of campgrounds is stagnant - and they know we need to have more and better campgrounds (including public lands) in order for the growth in the industry to continue.
Better service starts with better technicians. The RVIA is working to improve the number of knowledgeable RV technicians with more investment in training and methods of making the service cycle faster.
Many of the top trends are influenced by millennials, the fastest growing demographic of RV purchasers. Studies by the RVIA show that this group wants more modern interiors following residential design trends like matching appliances. Dometic revealed a new line of kitchen appliances to meet this demand, which feature a modern look - including fridges that match the ranges, range hoods and coordinating microwaves.
On a more technical note, electrical power systems are becoming more effective with collaborations like the one between Erwin Hymer Group North America (EHGNA) and Watt Fuel Cell Corp. to test the Imperium Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power management system on an RV. The Imperium SOFC system utilizes the hybrid power manager to improve fuel cell and solar capabilities and maximize energy storage. It creates power efficiently and quietly from propane and solar energy, providing clean power on demand, with no engine or generator noise, and no exhaust. Class B manufacturers like Roadtrek and Pleasure-Way, are designing new models whose floorplans and technology are unrivalled. It’s relatively easy to add amenities to a large coach, but what their designers have achieved in power technology, and the creation of a luxurious, comfortable living space in a van, is absolutely wondrous.
Getting off-grid to connect with nature is also a growing trend and has resulted in a larger segment of off-road capable trailers, along with more sustainable construction techniques.
New entries to the off-road segment include the No Boundaries (NOBO) line from Forest River. Their mantra is towability, affordability, and versatility. They are towable by vehicles that we already own as most trailers are under 2000 lbs and all are under 5000 lbs - still with full kitchens. Their goal is to make them as affordable as a family cell phone plan, and versatile through the use of Rhino Roof racks, so you can bring the gear you love, whether it’s kayaks, bikes or paddleboards. High tech features include speakers and fridges that are controllable through the Bluetooth capabilities of your smartphone.
Jayco has redesigned many of their coaches and has introduced completely new RV’s like the Melbourne Prestige with styling features like European rounded cabinets, ultra-leather seating, and technology including a Garmin infotainment system. The Entegra line is luxury in smaller packages, with efficient floorplans for RVers looking to downsize from their 45’ motor coaches without giving up high-end style and amenities.
Lance Campers introduces the all new 2465 ultra light, their largest travel trailer to date, which has a double slide with a king size bed and a 40” TV on an electric lift. Roof racks have always been an integral part of their truck campers and are now a feature of their travel trailers as well. Rather than build specific off-road models, Lance has done something very smart by offering an off-road package for any trailer, which adds 2.5” of ground clearance.
Taxa Outdoors is a three-year-old start-up that provides rugged, comfortable campers. They don’t use the word RV, but instead like to say they build adventure equipment you can sleep in. They are targeting the millennials, adventure seekers, boondockers, and minimalists, by building environmentally friendly trailers that can be towed by smaller vehicles. Their heaviest trailer is 2800 lbs and the lowest is 900 lbs. Their lead designer, Garrett Finney, is not a millennial but is an ‘older’ adventure seeker. An architect by profession, he worked for NASA helping to design the International Space Station. The perfect credentials for someone creating a trailer that is lightweight, rugged, durable, stores easily, and is equipped with design features that intelligently make use of every available space and surface.
Winnebago brings us the Revel Class B, which is a 4x4 diesel van allowing you to truly go outdoors anywhere, without getting stuck. The Winnebago Fuse is a Class C that maximizes daytime living space by incorporating a powered murphy bed. The Intent is a uniquely designed entry-level gas Class A that has narrow corner pillars for great views from the cab and standard LP tanks that can be removed to fill - you don’t need to take the motorhome to get propane. The Horizon Class A diesel pusher brings new modern design to the market - especially dramatic in their trendy concept units.
My favourite design trend, aside from the off-road models, is one that appeals to every demographic. Like the return of vintage clothing and turntables for vinyl records, a return to the retro looks of the 50’s is popping up complete with interior colours and exterior details like white walled tires. Fun and funky weekend escape vehicles that make you smile and sigh contentedly with every glance.
And although back to nature and retro looks are in - complete disconnection is not. Most of these designs include USB ports, advanced entertainment systems and technology to improve WiFi range.
You can watch full 2018 reveals from manufacturers on our YouTube channel, where they not only reveal the new lines but also confess to the deficiencies in their models, which led to the improvements for 2018. These are especially important to watch if you are contemplating purchasing a discounted 2017 model. The channel also has detailed 2018 model walkthroughs with their top RV staff - from regional managers to CEO’s.
Innovation reigns supreme in 2018, and you will reap the benefits.
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