What’s New in RVs for 2023

Did you know 2021 was one of the RV industry’s most significant sales years on record? With over 600,000 RVs shipped, and an increase in sales of almost 40% compared to 2020, the pandemic put production into overdrive. The isolation and travel restrictions of the pandemic resulted in new and younger buyers flocking to dealerships. However, this surge was short-lived, and in 2022, sales fell by 20% from that peak. Demand has cooled, but this new group of RVers is sticking around.

Manufacturers are responding to this group.

This new group of RVers is much more interested in smaller units and off-grid camping. Manufacturers are responding by offering smaller, lighter units chock full of the connectivity expected from a younger generation. For the group that wants to get off-grid, we’re seeing more designs that lift trailers, outfit them with off-road tires, add independent suspensions, and solar panels with inverters. Full-time units are also growing and becoming even more luxurious for retired people longing to get out of the snow.

As we start a new year and head towards another RV season, it’s time to look at some of the latest units coming to shows and dealer lots in 2023.

Travel Trailers

Winnebago HIKE 100 FLX

This Swiss Army knife of an RV can do so much and appeal to so many. The key to Winnebago’s HIKE is its host of off-grid components and new off-road-worthy suspension. It fits neatly into the trending “overlander” RV segment and has plenty of crossover appeal. The HIKE 100 FLX’s compact size and five integrated technologies support extended expeditions by allowing you to camp off-grid for up to five days.

Palomino Pause Hiatus

For the off-grid crowd, Palomino RV’s Hiatus has the right suspension (MorRyde Independent Air Ride Suspension with Bilstein Shocks) and interior convertible features that make the most of its space. The 26-foot Hiatus XC20.2 and Hiatus XC20.3 have overland-specific features, like onboard Garmin O.N.E. Control technology, including one-touch levelling. An interior bar with stools and a pass-through window allows you to relax with a grand vista of the outdoors right in front of you. Use the kitchen inside with a 16 cubic foot refrigerator or outside with its large griddle and smaller refrigerator. The Solar panel upgrade package includes 1300 Watts of power (inverter and two 400 AH Lithium batteries). One of the unique features is the Dual Pane Acrylic roof window with an integrated blind.

Ember Touring Edition 20FB

Ember, a new manufacturer, is following up last year’s critically acclaimed, trendy, off-grid trailer with a move towards a more traditional “Touring Edition” trailer. Joining the company’s Overland Series, the Touring Edition 20FB offers ten tandem-axle floorplans lengths from 26 to 34 feet, mixing bunkhouses and options for couples. The smallest of the floorplans, it comes with a host of features, including:

• 60-inch by 80-inch walk-around queen bed
• Full kitchen with a 21-inch oven with a three-burner cooktop
• Spacious three-piece bathroom
• 5-sided aluminum frame
• Gel-coated fibreglass exterior
• Laminated Azdel side, rear, front and slide room
• One-piece PVC Roof

Jayco Jay Feather Volare

This year, Jayco is embracing the boom in small trailers for couples by introducing their single-axle travel trailer, the Volare. With its unique front profile, this Jay Feather unit stands out. Sleek fixtures, light colours, and dark appliances offer a modern interior combined with the practicality of the rear entry door for people and bulky toy transport. Some of the features of the Volare include:

• Eight-sided composite and aluminum construction
• One-piece roof
• Rubber torsion axle
• New stabilizer jacks
• Full fibreglass front cap
• Automotive-style windshield
• Panoramic camp-view windows
• JAYCOMMAND control system with the voice-control capability

Forest River R-Pod 203 Beast Mode

Beast Mode refers to R-POD’s brand-new CURT suspension system. This setup is entirely independent and adaptive for off-road adventures. It’s also the first full-size bunkhouse in the R-Pod series. With two double bunks inside, this off-grid camper appeals to younger families. Other features on the R-Pod 203 include:

• Universal innovative vacuum system with VacPort (no hoses needed)
• Solar prep
• Pet-friendly frame-mounted utility hook and food/water bowls
• LED interior lighting
• Tinted safety glass windows

Encore RŎG 16RB

Encore RV is another new RV builder, and they’re adding the RŎG 16RB adventure trailer to their lineup this year. The RŎG can carry 54 gallons of fresh water, extending any off-grid trip. This adventure trailer offers a unique floorplan and features include:

• Indoor micro kitchen with a 12-volt refrigerator, microwave, and beverage prep station
• Outdoor slide-out rear kitchen with a 12-volt, 1.7 cubic foot refrigerator, two-burner stove, stainless steel sink and storage
• A large flip-up window that acts as a canopy and gives access to the interior for cargo
• Queen bed
• Two-person dinette that converts to an extra sleeping area
• Full-length roof rack to carry toys to out-of-the-way destinations

Grand Design Imagine AIM 15RB

Grand Design RV has introduced the Imagine AIM (Adventure in Motion). This smaller, lighter, single-axle trailer is a new version of its popular Imagine lineup. There are four unique floorplans: two bunkhouse models and two couple’s coaches. Weights range from about 3,500 to 3,750 pounds. If you’re looking for an RV you can tow with a lighter vehicle, this one is for you. Features of the AIM 15RB include:

• Large rear-bath
• Murphy bed unit for space saving
• Dinette booth and full kitchen, all in a no slide-out unit
• Specs are 19 feet by 11 inches and 3,594 pounds (UVW)
• 1,201-pound cargo-carrying capacity
• For off-grid power, it carries a 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel, inverter, and roof-mounted quick-connect plugs.

Truck Camper

Soaring Eagle Camper

Soaring Eagle Campers is a new manufacturer of ultra-lightweight, all-aluminum truck campers. They’re fully insulated and feature seamless fibreglass exterior skin. With basic amenities, they are a less expensive alternative to a market saturated with decked-out models. The first model, called the “Nest,” is like a truck topper designed to upgrade tent campers. The “Aldar” model comes in two-floor plans and weighs between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds. The XL model features a cab-over bunk, a portable toilet, and a basic kitchen setup.

Class A

Fleetwood Frontier GTX 37RT

There are no limits to luxury, and that’s why Fleetwood RV’s luxury diesel-pusher Frontier lineup is adding two new GTX floorplans. The first, the 39TA, features no passenger slides in a one-and-a-half-bath configuration. The 37RT is a 37-foot motorhome with three flat-floor slide-outs that create lots of interior room. These units are built on the Freightliner custom chassis, powered by a Cummins 6.7L diesel, using V-Ride technology and a Freedom Sport foundation. Other features of these coaches are:

• Three 15,000 BTU A/C Units
• Full basement and pass/thru storage
• Full bathroom featuring a 38-inch by 30-inch fibreglass shower with glass door (37RT only)
• WiFi Ranger Sky Pro 4 with LTE, 300-watt solar panel, and cellular booster
• Corner office option
• Large main suite with king bed
• Full residential appliance suite

Newmar Dutch Star 4325

Newmar’s lineup underwent significant changes for the 2023 model year. One that is certainly worth noting is the Dutch Star 4325. Four new interior décor packages are offered in three lengths, ranging from 37 to 43 feet. The 37-foot models are built on a Freightliner chassis, while more extended floor plans are on either a Freightliner tag axle or optional Spartan K2 axle chassis. They all boast 450 horsepower and 1,250 pounds per foot of torque. Changes to this model include new:

• Front and rear cap designs
• Headlights
• Exterior graphics
• Paint colours
• Flooring
• Backsplashes
• Feature ceiling
• Slide-out fascia designs
• Bedding and window treatments

Fifth Wheel

Brinkley Model Z

Brinkley, another new RV builder, unites five equal partners, bringing a wealth of experience to the product. The Model Z is a mid-profile fifth wheel with three-quarter-ton towability. It rides on 7K axles, 17.5 H rated Cooper tires, has flush floor slides, and even a 79.5-inch interior bedroom height. This line offers some luxury found in more upscale, complete-profile towables. Its “Coastal Farmhouse” interior includes features like:

• Taller ceilings
• Upgraded flooring
• Brass fittings
• 54-inch entry handrail
• Adjustable pantry drawers
• Built-in spice rack built
• Articulating ottoman

Keystone Arcadia Super Lite 293SLRD

Since Arcadia’s successful launch last year, Keystone has expanded its offering in this lightweight segment. They have been focused on bringing new fifth-wheel models to owners of half-ton trucks in 2023, including the Arcadia Super Lite 293SLRD. This coach has received top debut honours from several industry watchers. At 29-foot 3-inches long, this model weighs only 7,400 pounds and comes with tall slide-outs for added headroom. High-end fixtures include:

• Residential roman shades
• Theatre seats
• Trifold Hide-a-bed sleeper sofa
• 5,100 BTU electric fireplace with thermostat and remote

Some other Keystone exclusive build items include:

• Colour-coded unified wiring standard
• 4G LTE and Wi-Fi prep
• Tuf-Lok thermoplastic duct joiners
• KeyTV multisource signal controller
• Tru-fit slide construction
• In-floor heating ducts
• Giggy Box 12-volt distribution centre
• Hyper Deck flooring

Forest River Wildcat ONE 28BH

Forest River’s Wildcat division has added an economy-based line to its fifth-wheel trailers called ONE. It’s a full-sized RV with a UVW of 8,388 pounds and a CCC of 3,242 pounds. Its exterior length is 35 feet and 8 inches. Here are some of the standard features found in the ONE 28BH:

• 17 inch 2-in-1 oven range
• 0.9 cubic foot OTR microwave
• 60 gallons or more of freshwater
• 10.7 cubic foot, 12-volt refrigerator
• Pantry (most models)
• Lift-up booth dinette storage
• Stow and go corn hole boards
• King bed
• Massive pass-thru storage
• “Easy Clean” floors (no floor vents)
• Solid step main entry
• Flush floor, linoleum galley slide-out
• Pull-out step stool
• 32-inch entry door w/friction hinge
• Tinted windows
• “On the go” rear ladder prep

Toy hauler Travel Trailer

Alliance Valor 31T13

Alliance RV is offering its first travel trailer in a toy hauler configuration, and it comes with a 13-foot garage and three slide-outs. This is the debut floor plan for the new Valor 31T13. Despite its triple-slide design, it’s still in the same weight class as many of its competitors. This is accomplished using composite materials. Standard garage management system features include:

• Weather-resistant ramp door
• Multipoint tie-down system
• HappiJac rollover sofas with table
• Air compressor
• Fully insulated garage floor
• Heat source

Since toy haulers spend more time in dry-camping locations than the average travel trailer, it comes with an off-grid package that includes:

• 2- 320-watt solar panels
• 40 Amp charge controller
• 100 Amp hour lithium iron phosphate battery
• Battery monitor system
• Generator prep.

Class C

Coachmen Entourage Super C 330DS

This year, Coachmen wanted to add a Super C to their lineup, but at a lower entry price without removing features that consumers expect. The Entourage is based on the Chevrolet Silverado 5500 chassis and powered by its 6.6L diesel V8 engine. It makes 350 hp and 700 pound-foot of torque, features 4WD and has a 10,000-pound tow rating. The new Entourage 330DS model includes the following:

• 33.1 feet long and 8.4 feet wide
• Two slide-outs
• 21-inch awning covering a TV viewing spot
• Ample basement storage
• Lots of built-in cabinetry
• Large rear bedroom
• King bed with an electric lift feature
• J-shaped mid-ship galley
• Large bathroom
• An additional large sleeping area over the truck cockpit

Jayco Entegra Accolade XT

Jayco is also offering a Super C this year. The new, heavier chassis from Ford and Chevy are well suited to this kind of up-fits, and the coach builders are taking advantage of this trend.

Their Entegra Accolade XT is built on the F550 or F600 and comes with a 4X4 chassis. A 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo diesel engine powers this rig and makes 330 horsepower at 2,400 RPM and 825 foot-pounds torque at 2,000 RPM. It’s coupled to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. It rides on All-terrain tires (245/70R19.5) that are mounted on matte black aluminum rims. As for towing, it’s rated at 12,000 pounds at the rear hitch receiver with a 7-pin plug.

Another long-haul advantage is the dual fuel tanks (26.5 gallons and 40 gallons). This all-new Accolade XT from Entegra Coach is aimed squarely at the adventurous off-grid crowd.

This was just a sample of what to expect this year. Please check out my TK Powersports & RVs YouTube channel to watch my virtual RV walk-throughs.