New RV Features & Accessories [2018 Ohio RV SuperShow]
There are several trends I noticed while visiting the 2018 Ohio RV SuperShow. Here are some of the highlights.
One thing that can’t be missed is that RVing is getting more popular every year. The I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio has about 2.2 million square feet of floor space making it the 9th largest convention center in the world and it was completely filled with RVs and Accessories. In addition to the hundreds of RVs, the isle ways were packed with people.
Every year the new RVs seem more luxurious and have more features. Some features and amenities that were only on the most expensive RV’s a few years ago are now standard on the lower cost models. In addition, RVs seem to be getting larger. Most of the RV’s at the show were over 25 feet long. Contrasting the growing average length, there are now some super small models that could be towed by just about anything. The smallest is the SylvanSport Go, I’ll talk about that one later.
The Last overall trend I noticed is that while model numbers used to reflect the RVs length, that correlation is gone. It used to be a safe bet that a model number like 25bhs would be a 25 foot long bunk house, but now I wouldn’t be surprised if that model was 30 feet long.
Video Walkthrough of the 2018 RV SuperShow in Cleveland, OH
New and Exciting Features
Below you will find some of the features I found the most interesting and exciting at this year’s show.
Improved RV Steps
If you are tired of the bouncing feeling when entering and exiting your RV, your time has come. The new fold down steps from Lippert and Mor/ryde are as sturdy as any steps you would find in a home and can be fitted with handrails if you need a little extra support. These steps were included on many of the new models and were also featured as an aftermarket product.
More more information on the best RV steps, click here.
Technology
Technology is taking over, the days of “roughing it” are gone for many new RVs. Multiple flat screen TVs located inside and outside are common place.
Charging Ports
USB charging ports are showing up everywhere. Several models even had USB ports built into cupholders in the seats.
Backup Cameras
Backup cameras have been making cars and trucks safer for a while, but now they have worked their way into RVs. Many models come with cameras preinstalled or are prepped with the mounting brackets and wiring already in place. If you are interested in adding a camera to your camper you can check out my comparison of the best wireless RV backup cameras.
LED lights (everywhere)
Traditional light bulbs are real energy hogs, This causes a problem when you are dry camping and relying on battery or solar power. Luckily, most campers now come with all LED lights.
LEDs are now being used for more than just saving energy though. You can now find them under cabinets, back-lighting trim panels and even around sink bowls.
Grown-Up Bumper-Pull Toyhaulers
It started with 5th wheel toyhaulers converting the rear door to a patio, then a few years ago side patios were introduced. Now bumper pull models like this Stryker 3212 have all the same options you could only find on larger 5th wheel models.
Jayco Keyed Alike
Although it’s not new for this year this is still my favorite feature an RV manufacturer has introduced. The “Keyed Alike” Jayco models use 1 key for all doors and storage areas. For comparison, my has 3 different door keys and 2 storage area keys. That makes a total of 5 keys to keep track of and carry around. I would love more manufacturers to follow Jayco’s lead on this.
Front Bunk Class A Motorhomes
Like some of the other features mentioned this isn’t a new option, but it is much more common. Many of the Class A motorhomes at the show this year had motorized front bunks that lowered down over the front seats to provide another bed. This is great for families looking for a Class A since most models only have 1 bed in the back. While i’m talking about motorhomes, if you are trying to decide if one is right for you check out this comparison between trailers and motorhomes.
Storage Lift
I’m not sure how useful this feature really is, but it was pretty cool. The Coachman Pursuit motorhome had an exterior storage area that includes a powered lift to raise your gear out of the way providing more room below. Checkout the YouTube video above to see it in action.
Small RV’s
Between the rows of 30-foot fifth wheels and 40-foot motorhomes there were several tiny RVs. These models could be towed by just about anything with a hitch. The most interesting one was the Sylvansport Go.
Sylvansport Go
When collapsed this camper looks like a small an oversized luggage carrier on wheels. The entire thing only weighs 840 lbs and measures about 12 feet long x 6 feet wide x 4-1/2 feet tall.
When it’s in “camping mode” you can sleep up to 4 people
Interior dimensions:
- 2 beds measuring 78” x 34”
- Floor area of 78” x 48”
- Covered Awning area of 114”
The Go also converts into a transportation mode capable of carrying kayaks, bikes, or even a 4-wheeler.
Accessories
My favorite accessory from the show was the fold down steps I mentioned before, but there are a couple others that I wouldn’t mind having on my camper.
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
My favorite 5th wheel hitch, the Andersen Ultimate, was on display with their new ball funnel design. The new red funnel is larger than before allowing more miss-alignment when hooking your RV up to your truck.
Click here to see my full review of the Andersen hitch
Thetford Sanicon Turbo
The Sanicon Turbo system was installed on several motorhomes at the show. The system is basically a macerating pump that is installed just before your dump valve. With the Sanicon you can empty your tanks faster and even dump uphill. Because the waste is ground up and pumped it uses a smaller hose that you can dump directly into a toilet at home if you need to.
An aftermarket version of Sanicon system is also available that attaches the same way your sewer hose does.
Click here to see the portable version on Amazon
Toy Lock
LCI is the leading manufacturer of RV frames and other components. One of their latest products is the Toy Lock. This retractable lock is mounted directly to the RV’s frame and has a stainless steel cable with pad lock for securing you bikes, grill, generator or anything else you want to keep secure.
If you don’t have one installed from the factory you can pick it up on Amazon
Jack-It Bike Rack
Another LCI product was the Jack-It bike rack. This bike rack mounts to the A-frame on the front of your camper going right over the tongue jack. 2 bikes can be mounted on the Jack-It and can easily be seen while traveling. Mounting your bike on the font of the trailer provides a much smoother ride than a rear mounted bike rack.
Click here to see more about the Jack-It Bike Rack on Amazon
Wrap Up
Once again, the RV dealers at the show were working their hardest to make sales. Many of the show prices were well under 75% of the sticker price. If you’re in the market for a new camper make sure you don’t pay sticker price, there is plenty of room to negotiate. Moore’s RV in North Ridgeville, OH had some of the biggest discounts of the show.
Camping world was also making some great deals and had free games and prizes to keep the kids happy.
Hopefully this gave you a look at some of the new RV features and trends for 2018.
If you enjoyed this look at the RV SuperShow please use the social sharing buttons below.
Thanks,
Jason
