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magnusfide's avatar
magnusfide
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2021

Wishlist of RV features

Been awhile since I did one of these threads. It's a description of those features you want to see in an RV but the manufacturing powers that be haven't thought of.

Dream big. You might be surprised to see your wish in next year's model.
  • Battery shut off switch either included or as an option.
  • valhalla360 wrote:
    Our new one has a gray water size valve on the bottom of the fresh water tank.

    The movement is toward USB outlets and newer units typically have several.


    Our last trailer had the large fresh water dump valve too. It was fantastic.

    And the USB ports are nice too, but there are a lot of devices that are good to run off 12v, like CPAP.
  • Been out of the research stage for a while so I don't know if this has been addressed but smaller Class C units that can tow more that motorcycles or small cars. Loved the Endura because it could tow a larger vehicle with no issue but it was a bohemoth of a unit and with only 2 of us now there would be no need for something that big. Still want to be able to tow something like my Grand Cherokee.
  • dedmiston wrote:
    My modest list:

    - Large diameter fresh water drain valve. Ours actually had NO drain valve.)

    - 12v cig lighter outlets in bedroom and living area.


    Our new one has a gray water size valve on the bottom of the fresh water tank.

    The movement is toward USB outlets and newer units typically have several.
  • My modest list:

    - Better vents for fresh water tanks.

    - Large diameter fresh water drain valve. Ours actually had NO drain valve.)

    - 12v cig lighter outlets in bedroom and living area.

    - Large (and more) blinkers and signals. Two low indicator lights on the rear of a 44' toy hauler aren't safe enough.

    - More durable furnace ducting throughout.
  • magnusfide wrote:
    Better roofing. Our Phoenix Cruiser is great in that regard but I'm still hearing others complain about weak roofing. My solution of sticking the AC-Heater Unit on the rear wall of the RV and using ducting instead of cutting a hole in the roof is starting to appear in one or two units but not all.


    Most roof issues are related to punching holes in it to mount stuff.
    - I agree with switching to a split AC mounted on the rear bumper or front a-frame. I've seen a few retrofit.
    - We are seeing a switch from propane/electric fridges to 12v fridges. I have mixed feelings on this but it eliminates one of the larger holes in the roof while getting you a much larger fridge in the same space. I just wonder about long term durability.
    - With LED lighting being so cheap and using such a low wattage, skip the overhead hatches and skylights and put in lights to create the same effect.
    - With no holes, a single sheet aluminum roof becomes a cheap option that will stay watertight for decades (worst case, you just need to watch the 4 edges. Even if you hit a branch, without the complications of all the roof penetrations, replacement should be cheap and fast.
    - Building in well thought out mounting locations on the side walls of the camper to allow a space frame for mounting of solar panels or even roof decks without punching holes in the roof. I never understood the roof racks on RVs punching a bunch of holes in the roof but almost never saw anyone carry cargo up there.

    The A-Frame on travel trailers (and to a degree 5th wheels) is under utilized. It's a nice strong place to mount stuff that is completely clear of the waterproof box, so no worries about inducing leaks. (I've seen people do some of this aftermarket).
    - Incorporate a generator platform.
    - Mount a solar panel above.
    - Bike Rack
    - Storage Box
    - They could offer a longer A-frame for a negligible cost increase. This would open up room to do more than one of these things at the same time.
  • Still want modular wardrobe options like a full-length tall one vs those short shirt closet things. Options for sofas, theater seating or banquette have become available. Why not closet configurations? IKEA can do it so RV makers can do it too. With some people going full-time this is an important thing to us.

    Better roofing. Our Phoenix Cruiser is great in that regard but I'm still hearing others complain about weak roofing. My solution of sticking the AC-Heater Unit on the rear wall of the RV and using ducting instead of cutting a hole in the roof is starting to appear in one or two units but not all.

    Kudos to the Makers for offering hot water on demand water heaters. Designs have improved and we are happy with ours.

    Glad to see the Thor Super C coming out that can tow 10K lbs. That helps. I can now tow a full size car on a trailer if I want to.

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