What’s new in RVs for 2024

There is always something new in RVs – each year. This is a constant, but what isn’t are the sales. Sales have declined for the first time since the start of the pandemic (an event that shot RV sales through the roof). RV shipment numbers for Elkhart County’s largest industry are down more than 50% over the first part of 2023. This seems to be a reaction to the end of the pandemic, partly because many people who bought RVs to get out of the city safely have now sold (or are selling) those units.

However, RV businesses see these past two years as an opportunity for the industry since a much more diverse and younger generation of customers has bought RVs for the first time, according to Monika Gerasi, a spokesperson for the RV Industry Association. The RVIA’s research says the average age of a first-time RV buyer in 2021 was 32, meaning many of those customers who stay in RVing will continue to buy larger units throughout their lives. This younger demographic also has different expectations regarding tech and décor – and the industry is answering.

If you are in the market this coming season, this bursting bubble also means there will probably be some very sharp deals to be had as dealers work to move the inventory they have on hand. In the meantime, the builders in Indiana keep coming up with new designs, decors and innovative tech to make RVing more attractive. What follows is a sample of what’s new from the annual show the RV builders put on each September in and around Elkhart, Indiana. Enjoy.

TRAVEL TRAILERS

TrailManor Sport 2720QB

The TrailManor 2720 Series is a transformer of sorts. Offering three floorplans, this trailer does not require a big tow vehicle. They suit a properly equipped minivan, crossover, or SUV. Other advantages of the 2720 trailers are they will store easily in a standard size garage. You can set up these units in just five minutes, and unlike a tent camper, you can even do it in the rain without everything inside getting wet.

Towing is effortless, and the company says it takes just an extra four liters of gas to tow these trailers 160 kilometres. The units have great amenities, such as a hard wall bathroom with shower and tub, a full kitchen, and unique floorplan choices. The TrailManor Sport is 27’ long -when open, 20’ when closed, while the outside height closed is 6’ 7.5”

Winnebago Access

At Elkhart, Winnebago, announced its first conventional-class travel trailer, the Access. The Access sleeps up to eight people, is durable and easy to tow. It is an entry-level, budget RV and Winnebago wants it to be best-in-class for quality and value.

The Access features thoughtfully designed floor plans, contemporary European styling, and ample storage. Winnebago says it is distinct among competitors for a collection of premium features that no other trailer offers—such as a fully enclosed and heated underbelly and a 2-inch accessory receiver hitch for greater hauling versatility.

Alliance Delta

This is Alliance’s first foray into the world of laminate travel trailers. Two floor plans have been added to the Delta lineup this year, the 294RK and 292RL.

Best known for toy hauler trailers, this move, and the Delta name represents change and accomplishment. These travel trailers are designed to be easily towed by a half-ton pick-up truck or larger SUVs. Alliance says, its goal is to improve the laminated trailer product category. To this end Alliance will incorporate feedback from dealers and customers to continuously enhance the Delta line.

Crossroads RV Volante

The Volante line was designed to enhance your camping experience, says Crossroads. Constructed of high-quality materials, in a package, that is affordable, so anyone can experience what the Volante has to offer. A painted front cap and stainless-steel appliances are just some of the features it offers. Some other standard features are:

• • • 10.7 cu. ft. 12-volt refrigerator
    • Range hood w/ light & exhaust fan
    • Steel ball bearing drawer guides
    • Super booth dinette (VBM)
    • Wall mounted systems monitor panel
    • XL 50/50 stainless sink

Coachmen RV Apex REMOTE

Aimed at the light towable market, the Remote weighs in at less than 6,500 lb. and is offered in sizes – 18 to 34 feet in length. It can be towed by a variety of half-tons, minivans and SUVS. A new feature this year is the Star-Gazer, a large window that also admits more natural light and adds air flow. Coachmen has chosen to use the AZDEL wall panels for its builds in this line. Azdel composite panels are produced using a patented blend of polypropylene and fiberglass to create a durable, lightweight, water and temperature resistant board. By using AZDEL for both the exterior and interior panels, the benefits are doubled for overall weight reduction, temperature control, sound absorption, longevity, and low VOCs.

Flagstaff Shamrock 233

This is the perfect unit for sleeping the whole family and friends. There are THREE 60″x 80″ queen beds in this unit with an additional 44″ dinette that folds down into a bed. There is plenty of overhead shelf storage for all your needs. This unit has a ton of sleeping spaces, a full kitchen and a nice sized bathroom for a 21′ 2″ trailer.

OFF GRID, OFF ROAD TRAILERS

Mission Overland

Mission Overland has more than 15 years of trailer manufacturing experience. The company’s goal is to make RVing adventures accessible to anyone. In particular these trailers are built for off-road, off-grid adventures.

KEY FEATURES:

• • • Clam shell retractable roof
    • Large windows, bug screens, and privacy blinds
    • 76 inches (6’4″) of standing room when roof is popped
    • TRUMA Combi Eco heating & hot water unit
    • Fully insulated walls, ceiling, & floor
    • Queen bed with 4” medium density foam
    • Wooden swivel table with seating for 4
    • External hot water shower
    • Slide out dual zone 69- litre fridge & freezer
    • Slide out kitchen with dual burner stove and sink
    • On demand hot water
    • 31-gallon water tank
    • Timbren axle-less suspension
    • 22 inches of ground clearance
    • Nine internal storage compartments

Off Grid Trailer – Expedition 3.0

Another example of an off-road trailer, the Expedition appeals to many of those younger buyers that the pandemic introduced to RVing. Off-Grid want its customers to take the road or trail less traveled and camp where no one else can.

The Expedition trailer is constructed entirely of metal and composites. In other words, no wood, no plastic, just 1,700 pounds of digitally welded compact versatility.

It also comes equipped with 4 USB ports and interior LED lighting and includes a fully upgraded electrical system that features an accessible and removable wire track. Although the Expedition is designed to be as compact as possible, the amount of storage available is anything but – including 23 cu-ft of interior storage and 13 cu-ft of rear compartment storage. It also has a 31-gallon freshwater tank, a dual bank smart shore power charger, Zamp solar-ready port, and much more.

FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS

Grand Design Influence

Grand Design has unveiled its newest line of fifth wheels – called Influence. The company says that Influence has all the space of a Solitude in a more affordable package. Its taller ceilings, bigger cabinets, and a sweeping scenic window will make you feel right at home as long as you like. Influence is a full 5 inches wider than many coaches in its class. This widebody chassis allows for more livable floor space with deeper sliderooms, that move on heavy duty I-beam main rails which are placed further outward on the chassis. This wider rail placement provides a more stable jack stance and allows for the slideroom gear packs to be enclosed inside the frame rails (rather than outside).

Heartland Corterra

Heartland came up with this name be combining the Latin ‘cor’ for heart, and ‘terra’ for land, Corterra they say embodies the best of humanity and nature.

This new fifth wheel is 34′ 11″ in length and has a dry weight of 10,719 lbs.
“Corterra’s construction is strong but lightweight and features innovative new elements like an all-glass entry door and a panoramic window in the front cap,” said Jon Gust, General Manager for Corterra. “It’s a capable, well-built RV wrapped in a beautiful exterior.” The kitchen includes a lighted wine or coffee bar, and there’s a pull-out trash can with a hidden storage drawer. A residential appliance package provides a 30-inch over-the-range microwave and a 16-cubic-foot refrigerator. A hidden pantry sits behind the entertainment center. Heartland builds the Corterra using Azdel composite sidewalls and adds an aerodynamic front cap.

Venture RV SportTrek Touring Edition 353VIK

The SportTrek Touring Edition features a modern farmhouse design. This includes a mix of cabinetry — Antique White and Heirloom Maple finishes — along with rustic hardware and barnwood-style backsplash and flooring. This is Venture RV’s newest fifth wheel, boasting industry-leading storage, opulent amenities, and tailored floorplans, this is the evolution of RV travel they say. Some of the features you’ll find in the SportTrek are:

• • • two 5,000 BTU fireplaces (1-living room & 1-bedroom)
    • Stainless steel undermount farmers sink
    • High-rise oil rubbed faucet w/sprayer
    • Solid surface countertops
    • Antique white w/oil rubbed glazing
    • Pantry w/adjustable shelves
    • Wine rack

For maximum storage the design includes 4-closets, 2-blanket storage areas, 1-dresser w/hidden storage, under bed storage and a cushioned window seat w/storage.

Keystone RV Sprinter 3810QBS

Sprinter’s 2024 collection of fifth wheels offer spacious living, abundant storage, and enhanced towing stability with a remarkable 100″ wide body design. The new 3810QBS is tailor-made for large families – a rarity in the RV industry. With its full-profile upper deck and wide-body construction, Keystone Sprinter Limited fifth wheel campers offer spacious, affordable RVs says Keystone. Keystone has added dozens of features that make your camping experience effortless. This includes turnkey engineering like KeyTV, SolarFlex, and iN-Command Lite control panels. Other amenities include solid surface countertops, deeper drawers, family-sized ovens, and storage compartments with motion lighting. To accommodate everyone in the family this unit is designed with a bath and a half, two-double over bunks, as well as dual sinks in master bath.

TRUCK CAMPERS

CAMP365 T Model

They built the “first fold-out cabin camper”. Now they have launched a new platform in the pickup-camper category. The CAMP365 T Model.

Made in the U.S. and designed to meet the needs of electric vehicle owners looking for a truck bed option that has a minimal impact on range, the T Model works with the Rivian R1, Ford Lighting, Tesla Cybertruck and other mid-size trucks.

At the campsite CAMP365 model T unfolds in minutes to a spacious comfortable cabin with modern day amenities for the whole families off grid getaway. When finished the T easily detaches from your pickup and tucks into the corner of your garage ready for your next weekend trip.

Just look at the Specs:

• • • Only 4′ wide
    • Fits most trucks
    • 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton
    • Lightweight overall
    • Just 700-800 lbs.
    • Headroom inside is 6’ 8″

Soaring Eagle Adlar 5.0

Soaring Eagle Campers has designed one of the most spacious campers ever seen for a small truck model (i.e., Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Gladiator, Maverick, etc.) The Adlar 5.0 offers an aerodynamic design and an interior with a cabover bed along with a dinette that also quickly converts into a secondary sleeping area. The construction of the Adlar is rugged tubular aluminum construction which is welded together. Soaring Eagle says this construction is lighter and will stand the test of time as well as being indifferent to rain, water, condensation or any moisture really. Popular options include a 110V power package, 12V refrigerator, microwave, roof mounted air conditioner, MaxxAir fan with rain sensor, roof solar packages, quick-detach jacks and more:

• • • Dry weight 795 lbs. (up to 960 lb. with options)
    • Floor length 57″
    • Overall length 110″
    • Overall width 77″
    • Interior height 72″
    • Exterior height 77″
    • Truck type – short bed (5’ or 6’)

2024 RV TRENDS

What to Expect in the Evolving RV Industry:

• • • Electric-Powered RVs: More power is being used and generated from improved (and often standard) solar panels and battery arrays. For example, at Heartland, every unit is now prepped for solar power, for up to two 190-watt panels.
    • Smart Technology Integration: is enhancing the RVing experience. Expect to see all the tech you have at home in the coming RV designs. All that Tech needs to be powered so companies like Keystone are also expanding solar and lithium battery offerings to help campers get off-grid while camping.
    • Flexibility and Versatility: Rise of Lightweight and Compact RVs. Lightweight materials and unique transformer type designs are firstly cutting down on overall weight; and are offering all types of never seen before RVs. At Keystone the directors understand that those people that have lighter weight tow vehicles still want to camp. They also want something a little easier to maneuver into tighter campsites, maybe even get off the grid. That’s a big growing segment for us they said.
    • Gen Z and Millennial RVers: These younger groups are very much shaping the future of RV travel. There wants are different from older RVers and their influence is being seen across the industry. As just one example: Cradlepoint is joining forces with Mobileware to deliver a blazingly quick solution to Cedar Creek RVs by Forest River. The service uses cellular SIM cards and mobile cellular routers to offer 4G/LTE and 5G service throughout these vehicles.