Future Tech: Can you think of others?

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Future techwords - Chris Finchamwords - Michael BrowningWhat new RV technology can we expect in 2018, and beyond

The kitchen sink arrived in caravans and motorhomes decades ago, but the hottest convenience feature at the 2017 Melbourne Leisurefest show was something you find in almost every home these days: a dishwasher.

The stainless steel, single drawer, apartment-style dishwasher that can clean a six-place dinner setting in around 105 minutes, was fitted as standard in the gourmet kitchen of Jayco’s latest range-topping $215,000 Optimum motorhome.

Up until now dishwashers have been a rare sight in RVs, due to constraints on space and water consumption. But the Italian-designed Technika, six-programme dishwasher in the Jayco could help change perceptions, as it is said to not only be whisper-quiet in operation, but consumes around 6.5 litres of water in a single wash and has all-important flood-protection in case things go horribly wrong.

A delayed start means that you can load dishes at night after your dinner party and arrange for the wash to occur at a convenient time afterwards, while still connected to mains water at a caravan park.

Alternatively, if you wish to clean up off the beaten track, the dishwasher can be run via the Optimum’s in-built Onan 3.6kVa generator that can be started from within the motorhome at the touch of a button.

It’s all about convenience

The dishwasher is a logical progression in the range of domestic appliances that have become commonplace in caravans and motorhomes over the past 20 years.

Hot water services and roof-mounted reverse cycle air conditioners came first in the 1990s, followed by compressors fridge-freezers – some with ice-cube makers.

More recently we have seen a New Age caravan with a built-in ironing board, a Sunliner motorhome with its own vacuum system and Van Cruiser caravans with a rear spa bath and a temperature controlled under-floor wine cellar.

Jayco’s Motorhome Sales & Marketing Manager Scott Jones said that the addition of more household appliances in top-level motorhomes and caravans was being driven by buyers who did not want to compromise on their home comforts when travelling – even when ‘off-the-grid’ in remote locations.

“We are responding to demand and our customers have told us the features they want,” said Jones, who also said he was unaware of any other Australian built caravan or motorhome model fitted with a dishwasher as standard.

New frontiers

So, what’s the next frontier in travelling comfort?

Home theatre systems are around and likely to become common on top-end Australian caravans and motorhomes in the next year, but the biggest change, according to Jones, will be the integration of tablet computers with technology that will allow all of the vehicle’s functions to be controlled remotely.

Jayco has already teamed up with BMPro to introduce the JHub digital switching technology on its premium models. Not unlike other systems already available on the market, like Command smart technology on UK-built Swift caravans and the locally designed Finscan system adopted by some local RV manufacturers, the JHub unit controls all the principle DC electronics of the caravan in a single, tablet unit.

In the JHub’s case, that includes up to three lights, water pump, hot water switch, battery ‘sleep’ mode and a slide-out if fitted.

Kimberley Kampers continues to be a technology leader with the recent release on its 2018 models of its new ‘Smart Touch Plus’ system, which the company says allows remote monitoring of up to 16 sensors through either the in-built display screen or a smart phone app.

“Sit in your vehicle and see the temperature on your shocks on your smartphone! Nice for the Mitchell Falls Road,” is how the innovative Ballina, NSW-based manufacturer is promoting it.

Throw in an underbed membrane heater, flexible solar panels, instant hot water unit, and Bluetooth lithium battery system, and Kimberley’s customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to the latest RV tech, albeit at a price.

Automation hasn’t quite caught on in the caravan sector as it has with camper trailers, where many premium hard-floor campers now come with remote-controlled, electric opening tents.

However, Avida was one of the first mainstream manufacturers to install powered roof lifters on its new Wave pop-top caravan, and New Age is expected to follow suit when it re-releases its Jayco-rivalling Road Tripper camper trailer sometime in 2018.

What else?

Anything’s possible, with the only limits on the introduction of new technology and appliances on the Australian RV market, the size and loading capacity of the RV ‘test bed’, and how much buyers are willing to pay.

The next frontier could be caravan ensuites, where apart from electric-flushing and swiveling toilets, wall-mounted washing machines and water-efficient shower heads, is relatively old-school when it comes to clever tech.

In Europe, where most RV technology originates, no-waste toilets are all the rage, whether waterless units or those with in-built incinerators that turn your ‘ones’ and ‘twos’ into a handful of dust.

Once again, Kimberley with its green, leave-no-trace camping approach is leading the way with waterless toilets good for 80 uses before emptying, available on all its models. How long will it take for the humble cassette toilet to be confined to the RV museum?

Safety first

With the rise of the grey nomad, safety and security concerns when camping are also being addressed by new technology, whether it’s in-built RV sensor alarms, or GPS trackers for finding stolen caravans.

Melbourne’s Sunliner tapped into Wolf Creek-inspired insecurities with its latest Habitat motorhome that features 360 degree outside security lights, controlled from inside the van and a ‘quick evacuation’ system for peace-of-mind when remote camping.

Camec also tapped into the caravanning convenience market with its new keyless entry door system, although it’s still a far cry from the futuristic, hands-free system previewed by Germany’s Knaus Tabbert on its swish Caravisio show caravan of a couple of years ago.

The luxury yacht-inspired van featured  finger print-activated biometric technology for security, along with a rear door that opens up to form an outdoor terrace; while inside, the rear wall turns into a giant cinema screen.

Getting to the campsite safely has already been addressed by stability control systems for caravans, with Bosch about to go a step further with the introduction of anti-skid trailer braking. Power-assisted disc brakes and more sophisticated reverse cameras, including 360 degree vision, are common features in the automotive arena that should filter down to the mainstream RV market.

Throw away the keys!

The ultimate progression from there is autonomous motorhomes (and tow vehicles). Although don’t throw away your driver’s licence just yet, with one major German RV manufacturer recently estimating driverless RVs won’t be a reality until at least 2030.

One thing’s for sure: Caravan design and technology will continue to be influenced by the latest innovations and trends in other, related industries, including the luxury marine, automotive, domestic and

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