Just for fun - RV's in 30 years...

A quick google images of "RV's of the Future" seem
to indicate some pending trends....

-multi-functional (toad part of rig)
-articulations in the body of the vehicle
-5ver's that mate up to TV (which includes)
an additional wing of living area think combo
motor home fiver
-multiple sliders at various elevations...
"up" seems to be the direction of choice
-exaggerated futuristic aero-dynamics with
emphasis of visibility


I guess the take home lesson... it ain't gonna
be your Father's RV.


Charles

Stole these pictures from this recent post as in Europe they are already building what may take us 20 years to start building. This trailer weighs 4400 lbs. Rarely do you see a MH with dual rear wheels and most are front wheel drive and have a turbo diesel engine of less than 2 liters..
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q609/kountrylite/2-1.jpg width=640 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q609/kountrylite/1.jpg width=640 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q609/kountrylite/4.jpg width=640

I agree with others that energy costs will dictate the future of RV'ing. I am curious to see what happens.

I have no idea what the future RV will look like, but based on the OP's description, we have the RV of the past (no television, DVD, power jacks or awnings, slides, etc). Or trailer is very simple, and that is how we like it. We had them take out the television and give us a meager credit, actually, because we want to get away from it, not bring it with us!

Martin,

Excellent topic.... my son's (High School) Engineering
class is currently in the design phase of a "sustainability
home" project ...within strict parameters. It is very
interesting to hear what the next generation thinks is
important.

On a side note... based on resident curmudgeon factor, in 30
years, I would not want to be RV'ing with many of the
respondents to this post. Wow... when did negativity and
un-civility (if there is such a word) become the rule of
the day ? Amazing...and fatiguing.

I was going to have my teenager read this post... but on second
thought..... want to encourage "positivity".

My 30 year "improvement wish list" ...simple... industry
standardization of listing all the TV/Rv weight factors, towing
capacities, load tolerances, HP's /torques, braking, axles,
tires, MPG's, ..you get the drift.... honest marketing. (before
you say it , I know...never happen.... but I can hope).

In 30 years I'll be 87... hmmmm.... sobering thought....
come to think of it...I probably shouldn't be participating
in this topic... the 20-30 year olds should offer opinions.

Charles

If developments mirror those of the computer world, the RV of 2040 will do 300 mph, weigh less than 2000 pounds and get 300 mpg!

Vulcaneer wrote:

Jarlaxle wrote:
In thirty years...well, I'll be dead.

I am going to say a little prayer for you right now. And I wish you well. Looking forward to your future posts. But when you're dead, we'll remember you fondly.

I doubt it...but thanks anyway, I guess.

First you would have to find a utility that is 100% coal.
USA was 40% coal in 2011.

smkettner wrote:
The BTU content of gasoline may well convert to 33.5 kWh however when you burn gasoline you are lucky to get 30% converted to mechanical energy. Electric motor is closer to 90%.

:R :R :R What do you think happens when you hook that engine to a genset to power the truck? Yes, you get the 70% loss PLUS the 10% LOSS. Congratulation you just made you vehicle more inefficient. :S

It has been long proven an EV running on coal generated electric is still cleaner than a gasoline vehicle.

Credible link please.

And coal is on the way out right now in favor of natural gas. Besides if gasoline was so clean and low cost why are people not just running their home with a gasoline generator?

Aaaaaaaaa because coal is dirt cheap and very abundant in the US, it's cheap to produce electric power. Although electricity is so high cost in Ca that a lot of farmers are using diesel pumps instead of electric pumps. So yes, some are making their own electricity with gas or diesel.


Hybrid fuel/electric RVs are the future IMO. The way things are going it will be natural gas/electric.

You need to hook up with this guy. He's got the setup! :B

All solar powered it will take you another life time to travel the USA. The options will be a solar powered generator to charge the solar power RV batteries. You won't be able to have a camp fire because the greenies will sue you for carbon emissions. By then your dog will care it's own poop bag and clean up after it's self. OH! and by the way you will have to share your RV with those who didn't save and work hard to have what you have. I was reading the other day of the Feds having black boxes put into all new cars so they can tell every reaction you have if you have a accident. How long before they nail you with a road tax for traveling on highways ?
I would say go buy one now and travel as much as you can because the time to travel is coming to a end for those who like our freedom to go anywhere anytime.
Remember for those who worked hard or started a business you really didn't do that ! someone else got up a 4 am everyday for six days a week for years and years.
Sorry for being bitter but we just got hit with a rain tax ! in Maryland on top of a flush tax. WHAT!!!!!!

spoon059 wrote:
Lighter and stronger composite materials with better insulation value. Imagine a solid foam style wall that insulates, is water proof, rigid enough not to require wall studs and hand interior fixtures upon. This removes wood studs which can rot or allow heat/cold in AND prevents roof leaks from causing interior damage. The material fuses to itself, like a PVC glue connection. For repairs you can cut out the damaged area and fuse in a new section.

Better roofing material. Perhaps that magic composite that makes the walls can also be formulated to provide the neccessary strength for the roof while maintaining some degree of flex.

Inexpensive and high performing solar panels on the roof.

Better battery technology. I saw that some poeple think that current battery technology is at its peak... maybe its time to research new technology.

Air conditioner and refrigeration units that run on battery power.

Generators that are substantially more quiet.

More aerodynamic RV's that help acquire better gas mileage.

More fuel efficient tow vehicles that have sufficient power (remember lighter weights and more aerodynamic RV's).

Thats all I can think of for right now. This is an interesting thread, thanks OP!!!

with aerodynamics and photo voltaics, a drive motor on each wheel not to push but assist, it detects forward motion and puts power to the wheel to reduce drag on the TV ,, of course that would not work at night, unless it uses its fuel cell.