t’s no surprise that a lot of the innovation happening in the RV arena is coming from its supplier base.
You just don’t hear about these products as often as you should. In 2018, the industry’s premier trade publication, RVBusiness, introduced its RISE Awards to highlight the inroads made by industry component suppliers on both the manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket levels. The award’s name is an acronym for “Recognizing Innovation and Supplier Excellence.”
“We felt the innovations by supplier companies needed to be recognized and honored for helping to move the industry forward,” said the magazine’s editors at the time. “You could argue that it’s the components in an RV that drive innovation just as much as — if not more than — anything else.”
The inaugural RISE Awards were announced for the 2019 model year — and the program has been a mainstay ever since. The first awards recognized the FREEDOM eGEN Lithium Ion System from Xantrex in the OEM category, with Truma Corp.’s VarioHeat the winning product for the aftermarket. Other products previously recognized as the best in their category have included the BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale from CURT (aftermarket) and DriveTech, an advanced display and control system, from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.
For 2022, products that address RVers’ dependance on a reliable data connection and their desire to go off-road – make that way off-road – took top honors in the RISE Awards program.
The RISE program also recognized four finalists in both categories.
Dozens of supplier-submitted entries were reviewed by a select industry panel of judges based on innovation, functionality, customer acceptance, competitive impact, performance measures and other criteria. The panel of judges included Bob Livingston and Bruce Hampson, publisher and editor, respectively, of RV Enthusiast magazine; Mark Polk of RV Education 101; and Jeff Johnston of the “RVing Today” nationwide television program and former longtime technical editor of TrailerLife and MotorHome magazines.
Judges said deliberations were especially difficult this year, adding that they were particularly pleased with the level of innovation the industry exhibited despite one of the more challenging environments in recent memory.
“As a judge for the annual RVBusiness Rise awards, I was pleased to see so many new and innovative products and ideas submitted that keep advancing the RV industry in technology and forward thinking. I was also pleased to see winners and finalists from both the aftermarket and OEM categories that I nominated for this year’s awards. Congratulations to all,” said Polk.
Interested in the top products that will be finding their way onto RVs and aftermarket parts shelves this year? Read on.
Pace’s TravlFi Journey1 hotspot gives customers the ability to buy pay-as-you-go data from a single source that automatically switches cellular towers based on the fastest speed and the strongest signal. Pace accomplished this by utilizing SIM-free technology that doesn’t require the Journey1 to have a physical SIM card that tells the hotspot which carrier tower to connect to. It’s all done in the cloud, utilizing a proprietary algorithm that is built into the service platform.
In addition, customers are able to purchase affordable 30-day data plans with packages offering up to 800 gigabytes, which is unmatched in the RV industry. Pace also created data plans that do not “throttle” or slow down and offer consumers all of the data (gigabytes) they need while in their RVs.
Pace — the national distributor and customer service arm for DISH Outdoors, the brand that DISH Network markets its satellite TV service to RVers — extensively tested the system with customers using the company’s data plans and test devices around the country. The company also offers customer service seven days a week and provides support exclusively to RV clients.
“Considering the popularity and demand for phone connectivity everywhere all the time, this device is a welcome addition to the RV owners’ communication arsenal,” said one judge.
Other features of the product include closable lid for protection during travel and when not in use and, because RVs don’t always use the same plumbing configuration, the product was designed with a range of different outlet options. The swivel shower head also features a lock-off trigger, square holes for a more even stream of water, a long 2-meter (79 inches) hose, a filter for the shower head and extra gaskets in the lid for a more complete dust seal.
“This is a significant upgrade in RV exterior shower hardware and it should be coming to an RV near you,” said one judge.
Users can operate the thermostat remotely should a pet be alone in the RV and receive notifications when out-of-range temperatures happen, or even change temperature settings at night without getting out of bed.
“More app connectivity for your RV appliances can be a good thing, and this device can help accommodate exactly that,” judges said.
Besides being able to trust site-supplied drinking water, the nodirtywater RX also means RVers no longer need to buy expensive and environmentally bottled water.
“People are concerned about their RV water quality and this device can help ease that concern,” judges said.
The new versions also are equipped with the latest Bluetooth upgrades for increased signal range and data reliability, and a new female plug pin-connector type is used for added durability and ability to handle high temperatures. The original 3-year warranty has been extended to a limited lifetime warranty.
“This device can save an RV owner from a nasty electrical situation every time the rig is plugged into shore power,” judges said.
The independent suspension’s coil spring system is designed to eliminate road shock by allowing each wheel to move up and down independently, giving it flexibility to adapt to road conditions and keep the trailer more level. The coil springs also feature bump stops to prevent harsh “bottoming out” and its nitrogen gas-filled shocks also provide dampening to the spring oscillations.
Unlike traditional suspensions on the market, the CURT Independent Suspension is axle-free to provide additional road clearance — particularly when off-road. The toe-and-camber system allows for unparalleled tire alignment and precise adjustment and, by increasing suspension travel, users can experience a smoother ride compared to other suspensions.
Rated for trailers of 4,400 to 6,000 pounds, the CURT system features key maintenance-free functionalities including self-adjusting electric drum brakes and a durable powder coat finish.
“Making an all-new trailer suspension, previously only available as a factory build, available as a ready-to-install unit offers new flexibility for trailer manufacturers,” said one judge.
Available in two models — Aventa eco and Aventa comfort — the system features three manually selected cooling modes (194 cfm to 353 cfm) along with an automatic cooling mode, dehumidification mode and modes for night use and air circulation. It’s compatible with ducted and non-ducted systems and uses an ergonomically designed air distributor.
“Quiet, efficient, flexible cooling depending on demand, and able to operate on a standard 15-amp supply instead of requiring a 30-amp shore power plug. A serious step up in RV AC hardware,” judges said.
The Modulus Director Voice Command device is the “heart” of Jayco’s new JayVoice, and allows RVers to control up to 15 customizable electric or motor driven devices in an RV by simply using their voice — from lights to air-conditioners to TVs. Developed by American Technology Components (ATC), the device can operate with various multiplexing systems found in the RV market today or can operate without a multiplexing device by utilizing an added Modulus Powerhub. No Internet connection is needed.
“People are using voice commands for all kinds of electronics today, this device seems to bring that technology into RVs by integrating with the full-vehicle control systems in use today,” judges said.
FLEX also represents Volta’s complete system, including generation, storage and distribution. Able to be scaled in increments of 3.3kWh modules (up to 8 modules per pack), the system offers capacities of 3,370Wh to 26,958Wh while still maintaining a compact size and can be operated in temperatures ranging from -22 F to 131 F. FLEX allows users to take advantage of the latest BMS for enhanced battery monitoring and control, and integrates through the myVolta app, which enables monitoring of the system’s usage, status and alerts even while away from the vehicle.
The system also features a “night mode” for further noise reduction and can be operated using 120-volt AC shore power and at elevations as high as 16,000 feet without special equipment or maintenance.
“Alternatives to conventional furnace and water heater gear add flexibility to the new crop of RVs. This product from a well-respected brand expands design options for the factory R&D guys,” judges said.