Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
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I've been thinking about the subject a lot lately. Recreational Vehicles (RVs) have certainly grown in popularity over the last 30 years, but you have to wonder if technology or advances in the industry have triggered or encouraged that growth. The toy hauler, the slide-out, solar power, ultra-quiet generators, light weight composites and fiberglass construction, as well as wireless, portable satellite dishes, and low amperage rooftop air conditioners, have all had an impact on the industry. What do you think is the most important advance to hit the industry in the last 30 years? I've got my opinion, but I'm curious what yours is.
I'd love to your thoughts on the subject. Unfortunately, RV.NET doesn't have a poll feature, so I've posted one on my blog. Here's the link: POLL
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Yosemite Dan
Fishermen's Bend Rec Site Or.
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I believe it's the slide, now a RV can be a home and not a sub.
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Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
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Yosemite Dan wrote:I believe it's the slide, now a RV can be a home and not a sub.
I think your answer will be at the top or near it, that's for sure. I think solar power has been huge, too, as well as the toy hauler. Difficult choice on the number one innovation.
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MichDoc
Michigan
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Slide out.......hands down. Now you can get one that's small enough to maneuver around the gas pumps and narrow streets, yet opens up to spend a season or longer in. Don't know anyone with solar panels, but everyone I know that RV's has slide outs on their rig.
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korbe
Northern California
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One advance I have noticed, but not agreed with, is the power requirements. The industry has included all the conveniences of home, which has made it a requirement to have (or need) a generator while dry camping. I miss the good old days of quiet campgrounds.
Many advances have made living in the RV all year a nifty alternative, until it is found out that the construction quality was meant for vacations and not full time wear and tear including trying to stay warm and not freeze the pipes during the winter. IMHO
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prairie camper
West St.Paul, MB, Canada
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It's got to be tires, just go over to "open roads forum - fifth wheels - need tire help" its 32 pages long, i can't believe it(sarcasm)!!
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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The single-most would have the be the slide-out. It applies to motorhomes and trailers, and probably 90% of all participants appreciate a slideout or two, or more.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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The base advantage that drove these developments was Easy Credit in my view.
korbe makes a great point. The all electric MH has to be tied to the grid, have massive solar input or run the generator.
Last night I was telling another father about our cross country MH trip last year and a shorter one by SUV this year. He asked what I though would be best for him to get an RV or do it by SUV.
He as one in college, one about to start to college (girls) and a son in middle school and good income. I said by SUV hands down unless he wanted to take the dogs but he said that was optional. The daughters are basically out of the picture and the son will be in a few years.
The advancements are real but they have added to the cost of ownership in taxes, insurance and depreciation in an era of declining incomes for first time buyers. Just means testing to get SS would be a game changer paying for the advancements in the RV world for some.
Slides I agree might be the number one advancement making the 20-30' RV/MH coming standard more functional.
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beemerphile1
I'm 57, I'm not a
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Mello Mike wrote:
...What do you think is the most important advance to hit the industry in the last 30 years...
You said industry but I think you are really referring to the product.
I would say the most important advance for the industry is the ability to continually separate the buyer from their money for a very poorly made product.
The most important advance for the product probably is the slide out.
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prairie camper
West St.Paul, MB, Canada
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An apology to everyone on this thread, I just read forum conduct by one of the moderators, and my earlier post with sarcasm, I will keep to myself in the future! I have to say I do like the ones with humor in them. stop laughing and you might as well stop living.
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