Most RVers — especially those with a sense of adventure — are familiar with the innovative camping trailers and gear manufactured by Sylvansport (sylvansport.com), including the company’s Go and Go Easy trailers. However, the Brevard, North Carolina-based company has also entered into a partnership with Zeus Electric Chassis Inc. (zeuselectricchassis.com) to collaborate on new-product development aimed at their shared vision of a “more sustainable outdoor adventure experience.”

Zeus already builds the electric chassis, and it can be configured to a broad range of applications with limited customization. Zeus has prioritized the vocational work truck market, but significant opportunities exist for vehicle electrification across other niche markets, including motorized recreational vehicles. The collaboration with Sylvansport marks the next potential strategic market niche within the broader markets that Zeus is targeting.

Sylvansport envisions a new line of all-electric RVs with new technologies to eliminate emissions, reduce waste, provide water recycling solutions, and more. By designing RVs with more efficient use of power, water and other resources from the ground up, the companies intend to make off-grid camping, or “boondocking,” more accessible in the future.

Wondering what the future of RVing may look like? Visit sylvansport.com/leading-the-charge/ for a sneak peek at some of the initial visionary design concepts for the Sylvansport all-electric RV.

Every RV company ever founded was based on ideas people had for “building a better mousetrap” — some succeeded, others didn’t. But most did bring something new to the table, helping to push the evolution of RVing to where it is today.

Now, a pair of former Silicone Valley executives are entering the fray with a new concept for an off-grid Class C motorhome that looks to push the envelope in self-sustaining camping. Founded by Jim Ritchie and Lars Severin, AEONrv (aeonrv.com) introduces a host of unique attributes. In fact, the company acronym stands for “All-season, Electric, Off-road, New and modern RV.”

Built around a Ford Transit all-wheel-drive 1-ton cutaway chassis, the running gear has been upgraded for off-road use with BFGoodrich KO2 tires, Van Compass two-inch lift kit, heavy-duty springs and custom Falcon shocks. The “house” is built using insulated fiberglass-reinforced panels developed by a company that used them primarily for refrigeration trucks. The sidewalls are 2 inches thick, while the roof, floor, and front and back walls are 3-1/4 inches thick. The company utilizes thermal transfer construction techniques and industrial-grade adhesives — the AEONrv uses no mechanical connectors — that produce a box said to be stronger, lighter, better insulated and more flexible than traditional RV construction methods.

The off-grid-capable RV also features insulated doors and acrylic dual-pane windows; even the storage doors boast 1-inch-thick thermal insulation. Everything — from batteries and water tanks to the 65-cubic-foot pass-through storage garage — is heated. The grey-water tank is insulated with 1-inch high-density foam, and to further ensure against it freezing, coolant lines from the engine — also used to heat the marine hot water tank — provide passive heating; there’s also a holding tank heater.

The 22-foot, 9,500-pound GVWR AEONrv also features an onboard water-filtration system, 58-gallon freshwater tanks, dimmable LED lighting, locking door between cab and living quarters, 24-volt DC compressor refrigerator/freezer, solid-surface countertops, one-burner induction cooktop (two burner unit is optional), dual wardrobes, three-point seatbelts at the dinette (with adjustable Lagun table) — there’s even a pull-out pantry. The uniquely designed bathroom at the entry of the unit doubles as a “drawing room” to dry gear.

Powering everything is a 24-volt DC system with 700-watt solar array, Victron 100/30 MPPT controller, 8.2kWh Battleborn LiFePO4 battery pack (upgradable to 13.8kWh) and 3,000-watt Victron energy inverter/charger.

At $194,500 (plus fees and taxes), the new AEONrv isn’t cheap, by any means — but it does check all the boxes — including many you didn’t know you needed.

As many RVers have discovered, the Achille’s Heel to the current boom in camping is the mad dash of campsites — and until new parks currently under construction come online, it’s probably going to get worse. In fact, according to a December 2021 report by Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts (campjellystone.com), advance reservations for 2022 have increased by 76% compared to the same time the previous year. Many Jellystone Park locations were completely sold out during the peak vacation season.

“Guests are booking earlier than ever before because they are worried they won’t be able to reserve their cabin or RV site for their desired dates if they wait,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing. He noted that some Jellystone Park camp-resort locations have opened reservations earlier than usual to accommodate guest requests.

“The popularity of family camping and glamping was growing rapidly even before the pandemic, but then it really took off,” Hershenson said, noting that 45% of Jellystone Park summer 2021 guests were first-time visitors. “The ongoing uncertainties involving COVID are another reason advance bookings are up so much,” he added. Research conducted earlier this year for Jellystone Park showed that moms, who are typically the family vacation decision-makers, consider camping to be a safer choice than other types of vacation trips.

New to the RVing lifestyle and have a lot more questions than answers? Go RVing, the RV industry’s marketing and “consumer awareness” campaign, launched its “First-Timer’s Tool Kit” in 2020 to help the surge of new RV owners who were rapidly joining the RV community and looking for resources on how to properly use their new RVs. The first batch of resources covered the basics: towing, driving a motorhome, RVing with kids and pets, what to look for when buying an RV, and some other basic tips.

In 2021, Go RVing expanded the new-to-RVing content by 300%, providing more in-depth how-to information for new buyers. This new content (gorving.com/this-is-rving/activities/first-timers-rv-tool-kit) draws on the expertise of trusted social media influencers, media partners and the RV Technical Institute to provide the know-how that new RVers are searching for. The resources have expanded to include guides to water and sewer hook-up, electrical systems, propane, regular RV maintenance, campground set-up, essential tools and gear and much more. Intuitively designed to get consumers they need in the easiest way possible, the video hub currently contains more than 80 videos and has been optimized for better SEO, search, and easier navigation for consumers.

With a month still to go before the dust settles on 2021, RV wholesale shipments to dealers — a prime indicator of the health of the industry — have surpassed 550,000 units. According to a December report from the RV Industry Association (RVIA), total RV shipments ended the month with 49,135 units, a new record for the month of November and an increase of 15.6% compared to the 42,513 units shipped during November 2020 (the previous record for November).

Year to date, 559,743 RVs have been produced — the most RVs ever built in a single year. In fact, while towable RV shipments outnumber motorized nearly 10 to 1, both segments are up this year by nearly equal percentages (43.6% for towables, 43% for motorized). The RV industry remains on pace to build more than 600,000 RVs in 2021 and 2022, according to the latest RVIA forecast.

Tiffin Motorhomes has long held a well-deserved reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the Class A market — which is where the company focused its efforts for most of its existence. In recent years, however, the Red Bay, Alabama-based builder has branched out — first to the Class C market with the Wayfarer and then with the Class B Cahaba.

Now, add a “Super C” to the mix.

In December, Tiffin released the new Super C Allegro Bay. Based upon a S2RV Freightliner Custom Chassis with full-time no-spin single rear axle to minimize or eliminate wheel spin in wet and adverse conditions, the 39-foot, 4-inch coach offers a 33,000-pound GVWR and 12,000-pound hitch rating. Two floorplans are currently offered, the 38 AB (rear bedroom) and 38 BB (rear bath).

The Super C Allegro Bay comes standard with Truma AquaGo Comfort instant water heater, 150-gallon freshwater tank, Spyder Multiplex control system, 8kW Onan Quiet Diesel AC generator, four AGM extended-cycle batteries (upgradable to lithium) with a 2,000-watt inverter, full body paint, keyless entry and residential refrigerator. Other features include a manual release valve for the rear air suspension, LED lights, a sloped dash for better visibility and too much more to list — all in keeping with the Tiffin reputation.

The National Park Service will have five entrance-free days in 2022. The free admission days are designed to encourage discovery and visitation of the country’s variety of national parks. With at least one in every state, national parks are accessible places to visit to refresh body, mind and spirit.

The free entrance dates for 2022 are:

• January 17
• April 16
• August 4
• September 24
• November 11

Visitors are encouraged to begin their trip to a national park with a stop at NPS.gov or the NPS app to help plan and prepare. Online you can find tips to help you Plan Like a Park Ranger and Recreate Responsibly. It is important to know before you go what is open and available, especially if you are interested in staying overnight. There are maps, updated conditions and suggested activities to help you decide where to go and what to do.

The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days applies only to National Park Service entrance fees and does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours. Most national parks do not have entrance fees at all. Out of more than 400 national parks, approximately 110 have admission fees that range from $5 to $35. All of the money provided by entrance fees remain in the National Park Service and 80-100% stays in the park where collected. The funds are used to directly support the visitor experience by providing programs and services, habitat restoration and building maintenance and repair.

In 2020, 237 million people visited national parks and spent $14.5 billion in local communities. This supported 234,000 jobs across the country and had a $28.6 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

Volkswagen has confirmed the upcoming ID. California campervan based on the ID. Buzz, according to reporting by carscoops.com. The project was “greenlighted” at a Dec. 9 supervisory board meeting and is expected to reach the market in the second half of the decade.

According to the automaker, there is high demand for the California range in many countries, with orders significantly and continually increasing during the past few months. Thus, the board approved the capital expenditure for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to start the development of the first fully electric California.

The ID. (intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies) California will expand VW’s range of campervans that currently includes the Caddy California micro camper, the 6.1 California based on the Transporter and the Crafter-based California XXL.

The campervan variant of the ID. Buzz will ride on the MEB platform — probably using the longer wheelbase bodystyle as a base for maximum interior space. Given that it will be designed for longer trips, it will likely get the larger 111-kWh battery pack allowing for adequate range, plus providing power for camping-related appliances. In terms of design, the ID. California is expected to get the signature pop-up roof allowing passengers to stand inside the cabin and creating space for an extra sleeping area. It could also get a kitchenette, and clever storage compartments, benefiting from the flat floor of the electric architecture.

We can only wait to see what the RV industry’s upfitters will do with it!

Luxury fifth-wheel and toy hauler manufacturer DRV Luxury Suites and Cruiser RV, its sister company at Thor Industries, have launched brand-specific mobile apps that help customers oversee their RVs.

Known as MyDRV (drvsuites.com/mydrv/) and MyCruiserRV, the apps allow the customer to enter their VIN and monitor warranty information, sales and parts orders, as well as maintenance tips. MyDRV provides a growing library of how-to content, checklists, and provides instruction on vital operational and maintenance tasks. Owners’ manuals and warranty information also are readily accessible on the app, along with a dealer directory. Based on the customer preferences, they can opt in for push notifications, which will alert them of their parts shipping, or when their warranty claim has been processed. To download the apps, visit the Apple app store or Google Play store online.

In just its first year participating at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas late last year, Lippert — the parent company of Curt Manufacturing LLC, the owner of the LUVERNE brand — won four awards at the event, including two New Product awards and two Global Media awards.

Several Lippert brands were featured at the show, including ARIES, LUVERNE, CURT, Ranch Hand and UWS. A LUVERNE product and three CURT products were the recipients of the awards.

The LUVERNE Impact shock-absorbing rear bumper step and CURT GM Multi-Pro/Multi-Flex Tailgate Saver were two of the winners of the 2021 New Product award. More than 1,300 products were submitted, and CURT and LUVERNE earned two of the winning spots.

The Impact bumper features a reinforced heavy-wall steel tube construction that provides superior protection by absorbing rear impact up to 5 mph, while the GM Multi-Pro/Multi-Flex Tailgate Saver is designed to save Chevrolet/GMC truck tailgates from costly damage by working in sync with the trucks’ electronics to prevent the tailgate from folding down and being damaged by the hitch accessory. Both products are engineered to take innovative steps forward in tailgate and rear bumper step technology.

Meanwhile, CURT’s QuickPin Coupler and Universal Tri-Ball Coupler Lock were the recipients of two of the 2021 Global Media awards, which were selected through the votes of a panel of international journalists. The QuickPin Coupler features an innovative design that allows for quick coupling with just one ½-inch hitch pin. It was engineered to operate without a latch to make trailer hookup as simple as possible, so coupling the trailer is as easy as dropping the trailer A-frame onto the ball and sliding in the pin, ultimately saving time and avoiding hassle. The Universal Tri-Ball Coupler Lock is highly theft- and tamper-resistant. It inserts into the coupler and secures the latch with a lasso lock, and its simple design keeps all components together to avoid any lost pieces.