When it comes to advances in technology, luxury, and off-the-grid capability, the RV industry has been innovating at a blistering pace--and in my humble opinion, there has never been a better time to be an RV owner. If you want an RV that is tricked out with high-tech gadgets and dozens of features that are controllable from an app, then that RV is out there waiting for you. If you want an RV that has all of the comforts of home and the fit and finish of a high end luxury apartment, then that RV is waiting for you too. Or if you want to get off grid and camp underneath the stars and #roamoutside, then you will also find plenty of suitable RVs that are ready for your next rugged adventure.
Expert Advice
8 Trending RV Features for 2021
Solar Goes Mainstream
Adding a solar system to your RV used to be complex, cumbersome, and expensive for the average RV owner. But that is simply no longer the case. In the last few years solar has gone mainstream. This is because many of the solar companies are now partnering with manufacturers to make the process of adding solar significantly simpler and more affordable, especially for RV owners that may be less handy. Now many rigs come prepped or “pre-wired” for solar and the panels, batteries, and inverters can be easily added by the manufacturer, the dealer, or the consumer. This is such good news for RV owners because having a solar set up is absolutely awesome for dry camping, boondocking, and driveway surfing. Campgrounds are great, but having the power to camp anywhere is practical and on trend for 2021.
Going Big With Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have been around for many years now, but they are on trend for 2021 because they are becoming more impressive and “blinged out” for today’s luxury loving campers. Yesterday’s camp kitchens had a fridge and a sink with running water if you were lucky. Today’s camp kitchens have flat screen TV’s, USB chargers and speakers, microwaves, spice racks, built in grills and griddles, and much more. Many of the RV owners that we know use their outdoor kitchens more than they use their indoor kitchens—and that’s a testament to how well-equipped so many of them are these days.
Luxurious Features in Affordable RV’s
Over the past few years a number of features that are typically associated with higher end RV’s have become common in budget priced RV’s. Five years ago, If you wanted heated theater seats in your new RV you would have to buy a luxury fifth wheel or motorhome. Now you can find features like this as options in travel trailers that cost significantly less. Luxurious “grounded” steps with strut assist and handrails also used to largely be available on high end RV’s, now they can be seen on a variety of rigs at affordable price points. We all deserve a little luxury when we Go RVing, right?
Lighter Interiors and Stripped Down Graphics
Many RV consumers have been asking for lighter interior decor options and more stripped down exterior graphics. Manufacturers have responded to consumer demand in both of these cases. More earthy interiors are still available, and so are elaborate graphics packages, but now consumers have more choice. More choice means that your new RV can be more personalized and more distinct—and what’s not to love about that?
TPMS Systems for Safety
Tire safety can make or break your RVing experience. Routine tire maintenance, proper inflation, and correct weight distribution will eliminate most of the emergency tire issues that happen on the road. However, no matter how diligent you are, you can’t control everything, including nails and other random road debris. Investing in a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can help you avoid getting a blowout to begin with. More and more RV manufacturers are including these types of systems as standard equipment—and we applaud them for doing so. But they are also widely available in the aftermarket and easy to install.
Off-Grid Capabilities
This might be the most exciting RV trend for 2021. As mentioned earlier, more and more manufacturers are offering solar options that can be added at the factory, making off-grid camping more comfortable than ever before. We are also seeing off-road tires, raised axles, and larger holding tank capacity that will make boondocking and dry camping more comfortable for longer periods of time. With these kinds of amenities, you can be ready to roam wherever your sense of adventure leads.
Smart RV Capabilities
RVs have been getting smarter every year, but 2021 RVs have more tech features than ever before. Many models now offer shoppers the ability to control RV systems straight from a smartphone or tablet. Simply download an app and you can dim the lights, extend the slides and awning, and check your tank levels while never leaving the recliner. RVers will appreciate being able to check on the interior temperature of the rig, even when they are away from the campground. Imagine opening your slide outs with an app while standing outside so you can check for obstacles like trees that may get in the way and do damage. Smart, practical, and convenient, right?
Pet-Friendly Features
More than half of all RVers travel with their furry family members, and manufacturers are taking note. Many 2021 RVs come with features like leash latches on the exterior, and hidden dog bowl drawers that can be extended during feeding times and tucked away for the rest of the day. Some RV models came with dedicated doggie bed and kennel space. One manufacturer has removed all carpeting from their pet-friendly rigs and also moved heating vents from the floor to the walls. Clearly, today’s RV’s have become more comfortable and convenient for pets and their people.
