hile their names aren’t emblazoned on the outside of travel trailers, fifth-wheels or motorhomes — and, as a consequence, are mostly unknown to RV owners — component suppliers are the lifeblood of the RV industry. They also tend to be one of the drivers of new technology cropping up regularly inside and outside new RVs that are helping to transform the camping lifestyle.
One such supplier, Elkhart, Ind.-based WAY, recently introduced a number of new kitchen appliances — as well as a new air-conditioning unit — to the industry. And, according to WAY CEO Wayne Kaylor, all will become available to the aftermarket — meaning do-it-yourselfers will soon be able to upgrade their existing components.
The new products include an expanding line of griddles, smaller slide-in stoves, a unique microwave with a pull-out drawer and what Kaylor describes as the largest 12-volt DC refrigerator to date, a 17-cubic-foot, three-door model.
The new A/C unit, marketed under WAY’s proprietary Everchill nameplate, will initially be available in 13,500-Btu and 15,000-Btu versions. According to Chris Greer, vice president of product research and development, the development of the new Everchill air conditioner focused on improving airflow while reducing noise.
“It’s difficult to maximize airflow without also increasing noise because the two are so interrelated,” Greer pointed out. “What we were able to do is reduce air turbulence — that’s really what the issue is, turbulence — while also working with our factory on the design of the blower motor fan. We also chose to use upgraded internals, including a Panasonic compressor.”
The new A/C lineup was scheduled for full release in January and will be available in both ducted and unducted versions as well as in digital- and analog-thermostat styles.
Among other new products on display:
- New 24 inch- and 21-inch-wide free-standing ranges designed to fit within the size parameters of a typical drop-in stovetop, while offering more features and a residential appearance.
- A four-in-one microwave with a pull-out drawer instead of a typical door. Designed to be installed in lower cabinets, the unit functions as a traditional microwave, convection microwave, roaster broiler and air fryer.
WAY also introduced its largest 12-volt-powered refrigerator to date, a 17-cubic-foot model with French doors. WAY pioneered the use of 12-volt DC refrigerators, which reduce the potential for mishaps by eliminating LP- gas-powered units while increasing cooling using new technology. According to Kaylor, 12-volt technology also allows the refrigerator to continue operating during travel.
“Our 17-cubic-foot model provides the biggest footprint you can have for a 12-volt refrigerator — and can be run on battery only with no inverter,” he said. “It cools faster, believe it or not, than a traditional residential 110-volt refrigerator — by over half.”
The new refrigerator requires just 7 amps on startup, Kaylor added, and uses just one amp during operation. He also noted that during testing — which the company documented in a time-lapse video — the residential-size refrigerator ran for more than 40 hours on a single 27-series battery. And, he noted, “in 45 minutes, it’s making ice.”