The all-electric RV Suite melds comfort, conveniences, design and a good dose of technology into the ultimate base camp for adventure

he RV Suite, a new travel trailer model for the Ibex and No Boundaries brands from Forest River, is a bit of a conundrum. While technically a travel trailer, the unit looks like a compact park model or destination trailer. One observer even said it looks like a train caboose.

It is also the RVBusiness “RV of the Year”.

Why? Because it pushes the envelope. Because it’s loaded with industry-first features. Because it stands out in a “sea of sameness.” Because it successfully offers a glamping experience in a lightweight travel trailer — it’s a comfortable, functional, tech-laden, extended-stay basecamp for adventure.

“The RV Suite is not merely a travel trailer,” said Product Manager Cody Schade. “It is a comprehensive living solution that combines the adventurous spirit of camping with the convenience and sophistication of a high-end apartment.”

The 50-amp RV Suite debuts with two floorplans, the RVS1 and RVS2 — both units measure 32 feet, 6 inches — with the 40-foot-long RVS3 coming soon.

The layout of the non-slide RVS1, which premiered at September’s Elkhart RV Open House, can best be described by taking it in thirds. The front third is the spacious bathroom with a huge shower, dual vessel sinks and washer/dryer prep. The middle third is the galley/living area, which offers everything a couple would need to wind down after a day of hiking. The rear third is the flex room: it’s a dining room/work station during the day, but a bedroom by night thanks to a king-sized Murphy bed with a premium mattress.

The RVS2 mirrors the RVS1 with the front and middle thirds, but the rear third adds a slideout for the Murphy bed, creating enough space inside for a dresser and desk combination. The 40-foot RVS3, meanwhile, will take everything up a notch. The rear third is the same as the RVS2, and the front third has a similar bathroom configuration as both the RVS1 and RVS2, but offers the option of dual bunks.

It’s the middle third that’s completely different, which is where a good portion of the extra length was put to use. The larger space features an off-door slide housing an L-shaped leather sofa and kitchen, with bar stool seating around a circular island kitchen. Opposite the slide on the campsite side is the entertainment center and sliding glass door main entry, the same entry found on all three RV Suite models.

Also found on all three models is the covered sun deck off the rear, accessible by sliding glass doors off the flex room and flip-down steps from the campsite. The deck is a perfect spot for a couple of lawn chairs for coffee in the morning or cocktails at sunset, plus it doubles as gear storage for things like a generator or bikes.

Innovative Features

• All-Electric Functionality — The RV Suite eliminates the need for propane, offering an all-electric, eco-friendly camping experience without compromising comfort and utility with components like an induction cooktop and a combined 22,000 BTUs of heat (when adding together the cadet heater in the bathroom, fireplace in the living room and heat strips in both rooftop AC units).
• The Invisible King — A hidden flip-down bed with dual functionality, this versatile feature is specifically designed for the modern nomad, effortlessly transforming from a daytime workspace to a nighttime haven.
• Rear Sliding Glass Door and Exterior Sun Deck — Integrating the inside with the outside, the RV Suite features a seamless transition to a 4-foot sun deck, inviting adventurers to fully engage with their surroundings while enjoying unparalleled comfort. An optional HitchFire grill system, which attaches off the rear sun deck, would seem to be a popular add-on for consumers.
• Advanced Construction — The RV Suite is engineered with upgraded sidewall construction (Azdel and aluminum framing), increased sidewall insulation (R-12), enclosed termination, tank pad heaters (for greater thermal resistance) and a sloped roof for water egress.
• Improved Climate Control — Ideal for camping in diverse conditions, the RV Suite’s features ensure better system efficiency and durability, which extends its usability into the shoulder seasons, making it a great choice for adventurers.
• Voice-Activated Control — Developed with WFCO Technologies, the RV Suite offers a voice-activated control system with more than 50 pre-set prompts. For example, say “Hey PowerPro, I’m home,” and a friendly voice greets you as the interior lights come on.
• Outside-In Interior Design — As far as aesthetics, the interior features botanic pine green, tobacco beige, and other natural earth tones to truly “bring the outside in.” A live-edge wood shelf above the galley offers another design element as well as additional storage.
• Lightweight — The RVS1 weighs in at about 6,800 pounds (UVW), well within reach for many tow vehicles.

“So, the customer isn’t afraid to move it around when they need to, but when they want to sit and grow some roots somewhere, they can camp for a little bit longer,” Schade explained, noting that the tank capacities are 100, 60 and 30 gallons for the fresh, gray and black tanks, respectively.

“It’s your adventure base camp,” he added. “From the unique shape of the sidewall to the unique shape of the roof, it’s designed with usability in mind.”