Who can forget those old school RVs of the past, each seemingly looking the same inside and out for years and years. They were big hunks of metal with similar floorplans and not much to write home about other than a toilet behind a closet door. Heck, remember when retractable awnings were all the rage? Lately, however, RVs have taken on a whole new life with many different sizes and options, add-ons and innovations. So what can Adventure-hungry travellers expect to see in 2021? We have the run down.
You might be surprised to know more about this trend. Bigger is always better – right? Well, many RV manufacturers are banking on a rise in small RV usage by designing and developing trailers to suit. Lately, we’ve been spotting everything from a growing selection of tear-drop shaped trailers to new single-bed “tiny trailers” to trailers that are a bit more utilitarian with no sleeping quarters, rather they would need the addition of a rooftop tent.
There’s no question what the allure would be for these teeny travellers; smaller size means more tow-vehicle options, opening the door to a larger category of outdoor-loving adventurers more interested in keeping their mid-sized sedan than needing to upgrade to a large SUV or truck. This trend gives RVers the ability to live more efficiently on less while being able to take the comforts of home on the road with them. Plus, Think of the versatility! These little units can often go wherever you’d like to take them, meaning an easier time finding that perfect spot in the woods or beside the pristine lake.
If any seasoned RVer knows, floorplans are one of the first things shoppers look for when hunting the perfect RV. These blueprints of your humble abode are a great way for models to come to life and differentiating them from competitors.
Lately, RV manufacturers have really started to push the envelope when it comes to their floor plans. Gone are the cookie cutter layouts. You should expect the unexpected from now on. Kitchen islands that add a bit more counter space, pop-out benches, living rooms where bedrooms normally would be, bunks you never thought could fit there, exterior cooking spaces plus other unique uses of space that just seem to make sense. RV floor plan designers have had a lot of fun this past year, you can tell!
We all know technology fads come and go and it’s no different in the RV industry. Who needs technology while camping anyway? Well, apparently a lot of people do! According to recent trends, while the everyday Canadian camper is happy to head out into the wild and unplug, many are enthralled with, and embrace this rise in technology being incorporated into many RVs today. In today’s climate many RVer’s are making the transition to working remotely, and manufacturers are catering to this by equipping models with features like natural lighting, smarter work stations, easy storage and dual battery charging systems.
It won’t be uncommon to see a few things popping up in nearly every rig on the (vitual) showroom floor in 2021. LED awnings have practically become standard but some now include wind sensors, tucking themselves away if it gets too gusty. RV automation is making its way into the fold with new central control systems and apps that essentially automate different elements of your RV such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, awnings and the entertainment system. And finally, advances in solar and generator technology have some a long way in the past few years with lithium ion batteries and more sustainable ways of generating power.
You’ve seen it in your Instagram feed and there’s no question that #Vanlife is in full force. And for good reason. Nowadays, nearly anyone who has the opportunity to work remotely can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, while still be “on the clock.” Perhaps this is why many a Millennial (ok not just Millennials) have grabbed life by the horns, purchased that fully equipped Class B campervan and headed off to explore the unknown.
Today, “vanlifers” are practically a cult status, having outrigged their unit with a modern rustic charm and just enough amenities to be comfortable, yet the right amount of luxury to make it all worthwhile. Have you ever thought of just picking up and getting outta here? (We thought so).
Of all the RVing trends for 2021 there’s certainly one thing that resonates with everyone – a call for wanderlust and to Live Your Wildhood. It’s in all of us, from the time we were children. Perhaps 2021 is the year you take Wildhood to a new level. Maybe you’ll be finding it for the first time, or renewing it with your new family, or simply once again enjoying the ride as you always did. Happy trails!
Ready to find your perfect match? Find an RV dealer near you and start planning your trip early this year to secure your dream rig!
Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
#GORVINGCANADA See what's happening now with these recent posts.
