Technology is constantly advancing in many industries, including RVs. Manufacturers work tirelessly to outdo their competition and provide the most advanced RVs possible for their customers.
However, is it possible for an RV to become too technologically advanced? Let’s take a closer look!
RVs Are Evolving
For decades, there were minimal technological advancements when it came to RVs. Over the last decade, it seems every new edition of RVs sees some sort of technology upgrade. High-tech upgrades like auto-leveling systems are now becoming standard on fifth wheels and gaining popularity in travel trailers.
In recent years, more and more RVers have been pushing the limits of where and how they use their RVs. Being able to do some off-grid camping is becoming more and more popular. Manufacturers have added wiring and connections to make it easier for those looking to upgrade their RV with solar panels and other electronics.
RVs are no different than any other vehicle available on the market. Manufacturers will continue to add features as technologies advance and demand for those features increases.
Advances in RV Technology
Advances in RV technology typically make RVs safer, more comfortable, and easier to use. Let’s look at a few recent advances in technology we see in RVs.
Onboard Weighing Systems
Many RVers will weigh their RV once or twice to ensure they’re within the weight limits set by the manufacturer. However, your RV’s weight can fluctuate every trip.
The amount of liquid in your tanks and any other gear or equipment you bring with you will add to that weight. Going across a scale every time you tow to make sure you’re safe isn’t usually convenient or even remotely possible. This is where Keystone is changing the game!
Their revolutionary LoadSafe technology lets RVers know their RV’s weight by using an app. The app works with mobile phones and tablets and makes it easy to see the weight on each axle and the hitch of your RV. This technology allows you to travel safely in your RV and not have to worry about your RV being overweight.
Smart Control Technology
RV manufacturers like Airstream recognize that mobile devices help us stay connected. However, they’re changing the way we use our devices by allowing them to connect to our RVs. You can keep an eye on your RV, even when you’re not standing right next to it.
By simply opening the required mobile application, you can control the thermostat, monitor your battery status, or locate your RV. This technology brings many of the modern technological advancements we see in smart homes into the RV industry. You can turn off the lights, retract the awning, and even level your RV with ease.
All-Electric RVs
With electric vehicles increasing in popularity, it’s only a matter of time before we see fully-electric RVs parking in campsites next to us. This brings a whole new meaning to plugging your RV in when you get to your campsite!
While there’s not a fully-electric RV on the market, several manufacturers are working toward revealing detailed concepts soon. Once available, these will be great options for shorter camping excursions or staying in a campground where you can plug in your RV.
What better way to appreciate nature than in a green-rated vehicle?
iFlex SMARTryde Air Suspension
The iFlex SMARTryde air suspension is a system you’d expect to see in a standard passenger vehicle but built for RVs. It provides a world-class towing experience and helps minimize the impact rough road conditions can have on an RV.
Another benefit of a suspension system like this is that it can match the height of a tow vehicle with the trailer. This can help provide an optimal towing experience and avoid any issues from being unbalanced while traveling down the road. RVers with toy haulers love this system as it now provides two onboard air compressor tanks, which can also help adjust tire pressure for any toys you bring with you.
Self-Driving Capabilities
With car manufacturers developing technologies for self-driving vehicles, it’s only a matter of time before we see them in RVs. Current government regulations prohibit full autonomous self-driving vehicles in most places. However, as technologies improve, we could encounter these vehicles sooner rather than later.
One of the most difficult tasks of RVing is the exhaustion that sets in during long travel days. Imagine how much smoother your travels could be if you no longer had to pull over for a bathroom break or food. Instead of having to be laser-focused on the road and the everchanging traffic and road conditions, you could let the RV drive itself.
Touchscreens
While many older RVs rarely had a TV, RVs today come with multiple touchscreens. These screens often replace light switches and controls for operating slides, awnings, and even an RV’s leveling system.
Many of these screens also use technologies that allow RVers to control many of their RV’s functions on their phone. So you’ll no longer have to get up from the campfire to turn on your RV’s air conditioner or heater to make sure your RV is comfortable when it’s time to go to bed.
Are RVs Advancing Too Quickly?
RVs are advancing incredibly quickly. However, for every person saying they’re advancing too quickly, there’s likely a person saying the opposite.
For some RVers, the fast-paced advancements can make their RVs challenging to operate as they struggle to keep up with technology. You must know how to use all of the features and functions of your new RV before pulling it off the dealership lot.
RV Technology Needs to Be Easy to Use and Reliable
Many RVers expect RVing to be easy and stress-free. Having technologies that complicate their experience won’t provide them with an optimal experience.
It’s also essential that the technologies be reliable. A piece of technology or equipment that isn’t reliable is useless. You want to trust your RV will work correctly when you use it.
The more manufacturers add to an RV, the more that can go wrong. When complicated systems fail, they often require a professional. If that’s the case, RVers are left either not using the technology or having their RV sit in line at the shop to get fixed.
Technology Comes With Pros and Cons
The days of low-tech camping are pretty much gone for good. You’re more likely to see a massive RV loaded with tons of features pull in next to you at a campground than a tent.
RVers must remember that technological advancements are there to enhance their camping experience. If the technology takes away from their experience, it might be wise to reconsider.
What’s one piece of technology you love in an RV?
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