Class A Technology Improvements

I think motor homes peaked in 2004. Interior quality of construction and materials seems to have gone down hill since. We look at the new models, but haven't found one that makes us want to change. We picked ours for the floor plan and find it very comfortable for the 5 to 6 months per year that we live in it. Have added the accessories that we want and have it just the way we want it. Would have to start all over again with a new one. I don't think I could put up with the warranty repairs that some seem to endure, where the dealer has it more than the owner.

A fewing more things I can think of are:

1. Dual acting hydraulic levelers, either automatic or manual
2. Improved satellite dishes
3. Multiple satellite inputs
4. Digital antenna
5. Color rear and side cameras
6. Pass through storage compartments on gas motorhomes
7. Standard 50 amp service

While most of these items existed long before 2006 almost all are now incorporated into mid level gas coaches

So far the only improvements that I heard was the full wall slide and the one piece windshield. When was the full wall slide and one piece windshield introduced? Any problems with the windshield?

Just a few that tempt me: Single piece front windshield, taller headroom in coach, side mounted basement doors, digital tvs, one piece over lapping fiberglass roof,
side mounted rear view (blind spot) cameras, convection microwave, LED lighting. None of which is a deal maker. We shopped hard and long and still love our 10 y/o Allegro.

mena661 wrote:
I'd personally like to see the elimination of 12V in rigs (at least in the house portion). Have the rig run solely from 120V straight from shore power or through an inverter if camping off grid. Since it seems the majority of RVers use FHU CG's this shouldn't be an issue and for us off grid campers, offer additional batteries and more charging capability (with solar and/or higher amp chargers). Call it a boondocking package.

Even though it is by no means new, our MH was wired almost as you describe. Our wall lighting uses 120V fixtures and our inverter is wired to power them and nearly all the receptacles in the house and is on all the time. We use 12V only for a few reading lights, ceiling fans, and the controls for our hydronic heating system. We changed out the RV fridge for a residential one.

I hadn't realized that our wiring was all that unique but I've since learned that 120V light fixtures are not very common even in higher end MH's. They do produce a lot more light than the typical 12V ones.

No major technology improvements except on the gas chassis as was already mentioned. There are 3 stage converters on models that don't have inverter/chargers. The RV customer generally doesn't like change so I doubt there will be much, if any, major changes to RV's. I'd personally like to see the elimination of 12V in rigs (at least in the house portion). Have the rig run solely from 120V straight from shore power or through an inverter if camping off grid. Since it seems the majority of RVers use FHU CG's this shouldn't be an issue and for us off grid campers, offer additional batteries and more charging capability (with solar and/or higher amp chargers). Call it a boondocking package.

Gjac wrote:

wolfe10 wrote:
On diesel coaches not much improvement.

On gasoline coaches quite a lot of improvement. Examples: Ford F53 V10 evolved from 275 to current 362 HP (same displacement). Transmissions improved quite a lot. Some minor suspension improvements (addition of front track bar on F53). Much wider use of heavier duty gas chassis-- 22k and 24k chassis.

Since 2006?

Actually 2006 was the year Ford introduced the majority of the improvements.

In fact, this from the Ford website:

2006 F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS
2 2006 F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS
New or Revised—6/16/05
WHATS NEW
MODEL:
• F53 Class A Motorhome Chassis 2005 program cancelled and redesignated to a 2006 program (Job#1 1/3/05). 2004 model will extend until the introduction of the 2006 model (Refer to 2004 Specifications for information) (TY3-ES-10009).

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS:
• New 6.8L V-10 3-valve gas engine with electronic throttle control.
• New GF-4 engine oil replaces
GF-3. Benefits include enhanced fuel economy, lower phosphorus
reducing catalyst poisoning and decreased
engine piston deposits and sludge (GEN-ES-10032).
• New TorqShift 5-speed Automatic Overdrive trans
mission with Tow/Haul mode (5R110W) is standard
and the 4-speed Automatic Overdrive (4R100) is discontinued.
• Track Bar Heavy Duty Front Suspension is now standard with all wheelbases (except 15,700 lb.
GVWR).
• All 19.5” wheels now include 10 lugs.

I wouldn't mind having Full Body Paint and a Full wall slide out! The best gadget I ever bought for my coach is a Dehumidifier! I get 2-3 inches of moisture (water) in it every 3 days and I placed the Dehumidifier inside the coach (dashboard) between the split in the windshields! If that Dehumidifier wasn't in my coach all that water would be going into the frame that holds my windshield in place. I don't know why RV Manufacters don't equip coaches with them to me this is a MUST HAVE!

.

NOT MUCH !

RV Manufacturers build them the same way using the same components .

Major Upgrades include decals , artwork , and the ugliest interior patterns known to man .

Things that should be done :

Residential refrigerator with dual compressors ( double the cu ft and 1/2 the size )
Disc brakes on all wheels ( including air disc for DP's )
E coated insulated glass
Energy Management System with larger engine driven generators
Multiple batteries should be standard not an option
Maximum Insulation for Sound / Vibration and Heat / Cold Penetration

RV manufacturers are like most home builders , they use a minimum standard building code , with
the cheapest materials and unskilled labor , and offer a minimum warranty that has many exclusions .

Quality , Workmanship , and Integrity are words not found in the vocabulary of the RV Industry .

wolfe10 wrote:
On diesel coaches not much improvement.

On gasoline coaches quite a lot of improvement. Examples: Ford F53 V10 evolved from 275 to current 362 HP (same displacement). Transmissions improved quite a lot. Some minor suspension improvements (addition of front track bar on F53). Much wider use of heavier duty gas chassis-- 22k and 24k chassis.

Since 2006?