• New layouts that reposition furniture or rearrange sections which result in more open space for the same amenities or more amenities in the same space;
• Use of new style (or maybe just retro) furniture like U-shaped dinettes which also serve as loungers or sofas or beds to reduce the amount of furniture needed in a confined space;
• New appliances like convection ovens and fixtures like LED lights that use less electricity and reduce heat;
• Intensity and color adjustable ambient lighting;
• Flat panel televisions with good surround sound/entertainment systems and indoor/outdoor capabilities;
• Basement air conditioners that reduce noise, reduce black streak problems caused by condensate runoff, increase fuel mileage by reducing drag, and work with other appliances to manage available power without tripping breakers;
• Adequate internal and external storage space on trailers and Class Cs;
• Adequate holding tank capacity - 40 gallon gray, 35 gallon black - for longer dump intervals;
• Adjustable shelves in overhead bins and cabinets;
• Positive latches on doors and drawers to keep them securely closed while traveling;
• Easy clean wood/stone/tile look flooring with optional removable non-skid carpet sections;
• Use of materials that help prevent rot, mildew, mold and delamination;
• Design and manufacturing techniques that reduce or eliminate water leak problems;
• Smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic RVs that save on fuel costs;
• Better insulating qualities that reduce heating and cooling requirements;
• Creative external looks/graphics in addition to the swirls and lines that many people still like.

(New Layout) United Recreational Vehicles, LLP offers two very light weight RVs - a single axle trailer shown later and a popup camper shown below. Both are stylish on the outside with minimal amenities on the inside. The popup is named the iCamp Lite.

 
These are made in China and exported to various parts of the world.

(New Layout) Chalet XL with fold out dormer gives the folding trailer more headroom and working space.

 

(New Layout) TrailManor has introduced a super lite, under 1900 pound TrailMini that comes with a back porch. Although small in size and weight, it offers enough features to satisfy the camping single or couple.

 
See more at Trail Manor.

(New Manufacturer) United Recreational Vehicles, LLP offers two very light weight RVs - a single axle trailer shown below and a popup camper shown above. Both are stylish on the outside with minimal amenities on the inside. The single axle trailer is called the iCamp Elite.

 

(New Materials) Earthbound RV composite travel trailer uses composite materials for the floor and roof, aluminum for side walls and some of the cabinetry, and comes with a 3 year bumper to hitch warranty. With basement air conditioning and LED lighting, these trailers have to be considered some of the most advanced in the industry. Several models are available.
 
See the new models at Earthbound RV.

(New Configuration) Eddie Bauer Airstream has combined a regular coach with an open tail of a toy hauler and created a new configuration - maybe a gear hauler. Not exactly a toy hauler because it lacks a ramp, but does have fold up furniture in the back. Beyond a regular coach because you can open the tailgate, pull down the screen and enjoy a great view of the outdoors. Every year Airstream teams with a well known branded company to engineer a special edition and this is one of the best of recent years because of the larger size. Previous editions were a little on the small size even though well equipped.

 
 
Check out Airstream for further info.

(New Looks, Materials) The ASV Sport has an aerodynamic front end and curved side walls to make it easy for smaller vehicles to tow. The company is in dire need of a better website (navigation is atrocious), but the coach is a real eye-catcher.

 
See more at RD Vehicles Inc. and an apparently related site, Galileo RV.

(New Layout, Use of Furniture) The Coachmen APEX 24RBD has a unique feature that allows the large 32" LCD TV entertainment center to be slid out for outdoor enjoyment. Add to that a 3/4 wrap around dinette and kitchen bar counter and the APEX has some very interesting features. At slightly over 4,000 pounds dry weight and 485 pounds tongue weight, the coach is 1/2 ton towable.

For more information, download the brochure or see your local Coachmen dealer.

(Outdoor Patio) Some Open Range Journeyer models, like the JT340FLR, can be equipped with an optional attached patio that can be used to bring the outdoors in or maybe the indoors out. Usually located at the dinette table, the sliding glass doors give access to a roughly 6x8 sized patio with side rails and awning. Other Open Range lines also make the patio available.

For more information, contact an Open Range dealer.

(New Floor plan) Got Kids!? Forest River has a two story floor plan with a third of the fifth wheel devoted to a kids/teens area. The Sierra line carries the 41 foot, bath and a half model 35LOFT which has an extra entry door at the rear for the kids. The layout divides the coach into separate living areas with a door that has a peep hole and a mail slot. It may take a monster truck to pull it, but this thing promises adventure for the whole family. The kids area includes a sky light in the loft and a toy box built into the floor of the lower area.


Check out the "Tree House" in the Sierra Brochure.

(Outdoor Kitchen) Although the Heartland Sundance is not the only RV that has an outdoor kitchen, the camp kitchen it does have is one of the most complete by including a small refrigerator, microwave, sink, TV hookup, and a location for an outdoor burner of some sort. These kitchens are very handy for those who cook out, and having a large door to act as a cover is somewhat more convenient than a slide out implementation. On this particular model, the area above the kitchen is the bunk room for the kids complete with 4 bunks (1 trundle bed), an entertainment system, closets, and a built-in floor storage toy box.


For more information, contact a Heartland dealer near you.

(Lots of Amenities) Dutchmen has introduced a new toy hauler called Voltage and this one is packed with special features. The tailgate can be used as a back patio, complete with a remote controlled screen separating it from the toy bay. Within the toy bay there is a picnic table like affair with benches all around. Inside is a large wrap around dinette where you can enjoy some wine or play some dominoes across from the bar/galley area that comes with bar stools. Above the picnic area is a queen bed loft and even the bathroom is spacious and luxurious with a vessel sink. This triple axle upscale phenomenon is sure to please the most demanding toy hauler owner. This could turn into one big party wagon! See your local Dutchmen dealer or go to the Voltage site for more information.

 
 
 

(New Layout) Coachmen has introduced a versatile new Class C layout that can comfortably sleep, dine, and entertain up to 6 people within a mere 25'1" of RV space. The lounges and tables combine in various ways to form a U-shaped dinette for dining, board games, conversation, or movie watching. Drop the tables down to form a huge 60x90 bed. With two 30x80 bunk beds in the back and the 57x95 cab over bed, sleeping 6 is pretty easy. Perfect for families and adult road trips, the 23BB has a complete galley and full bath as well. A little more internal storage for clothing gear would be helpful for longer trips. The low MSRP price of around $70,000 means dealer prices will be very attractive. Check out the new 23BB at your local Coachmen dealer or on the Web.

 
 
 

(Great Layout) The Triple E Regency GT28D has a great floor plan for a Class C with a multi-functional lounge area and a spacious bedroom and dressing area. The lounge has an optional booth dinette that provides dining, seating, and sleeping without the need for a space consuming sofa. Pull up the lounge chair and there is room for a fourth to play board games, cards, dominoes, or just make it a nice conversation pit. The bedroom area is complete with a large wardrobe and private access to the shower and lavatory. The galley has a pantry and a nice set of drawers. The amount of external storage is always a question on any Class C, but this model packs a lot into 28'8" of motorhome.
 

(Good Use Of Space) Leisure Travel Vans has introduced the Unity, a Sprinter based Class C/B+ which contains a nice space saving feature they (and most other people as well) call the "murphy" bed. While not the first appearance of this type of arrangement in RVs, it is probably a first for a Class C. Electrically operated, the chairs recline and the bed comes up and out and finally down to provide a queen sized bed.

 
Visit the Unity web site to see a short clip of the "Murphy" bed in action.

(New Chassis) Winnebago has begun shipping the new 25' Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo built on the F-50 Sprinter stripped chassis with 11,030 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) and 15,250 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and powered by a Mercedes-Benz 3.0L turbocharged V-6 diesel engine. External length is 25.5 feet and width is 7.5 feet and weighs about 10,000 pounds empty. Nice looking and good mileage at around 15MPG. List price is around $135,000.

 
Check it out at Winnebago.

(New Chassis) Damon built the 2009 Avanti on the Workhorse W16D chassis with a Maxforce 5, V-6 diesel engine and an Allison 1000 transmission, but has since switched to a Freightliner MC-L chassis for 2010 with a Cummins engine. Originally billed at 14.5MPG, the Avanti is among the top few in it's class for mileage. The interior feels roomy and the addition of a drop down bed over the driver's area adds to sleeping capacity.

 
See more at the Damon Avanti website.

(New Chassis, Furniture) Four Winds has built the Serrano on the Workhorse W20D chassis with a Maxforce 6.4L, V-8 diesel engine and an Allison 6-speed transmission. Besides the more fuel efficient chassis, an outstanding feature of this motorhome is the U-shaped dinette. After much searching and sitting, we have concluded that the Four Winds dinette rates as the most comfortable, usable, and stable U-shaped dinette in the industry. The rear pass-thru cargo area is top rated as well.


More information is available at the Four Winds Serrano website.

(New Approach) Flatbed mounted camper called the EscapePod by Northstar Campers offers more storage space than regular truck campers, but getting into this one could be a chore. Sure would hate to have to demount this at each stop for lunch or a potty break. Maybe part of the rear ladder connects for steps.

 

(New Approach) Long Dog Enterprises has introduced (or resurrected) an approach to campers that uses a tag axle to support the extra weight of the camper. Called the TAG, it has a sleek look, a rear slide for extra room, fits 5'-8' truck beds, and has a hitch so you can tow more toys behind. It's worth a look at Long Dog Enterprises.