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Recreation Vehicles Travel Into Next Millennium With High-Tech Features

22 December 1999

Recreation Vehicles Travel Into Next Millennium With High-Tech Features

    RESTON, Va., Dec. 22 -- Imagine a 25-foot recreation vehicle
(RV) that expands to 40 feet by pushing a button.  Imagine RVs equipped with
wind turbines and solar panels to generate electricity.  Or how about a
rooftop deck or "penthouse patio" featuring a wetbar, barbecue and built-in
spa?
    These are just a few of the high-tech features that may be found in
tomorrow's motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck
campers, according to RV product designers.
    "RV manufacturers are making significant technological advances," said
David J. Humphreys, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) president.
"Today's RVs are already loaded with high-tech features that make travel more
fun, comfortable and convenient, and there are more to come."
    Many RVs now come equipped with electronic navigational systems that guide
travelers to their next destination; satellite and Internet TV; touchscreens
to control the RV's environment; closed-circuit rear view cameras; and moving
walls or slideouts that increase space with the push of a button.
    As the RV industry enters the new millennium, consumers can expect more
technological innovations that provide a variety of services and amenities to
further enhance their RV travel experiences.
    Here are some other new millennium designs now being explored by RV
manufacturers:
   -- Slideout Patios completely surrounding RVs for added space and weather
       protection.  These patios would be screened-in rooms with sliding
       glass doors attaching them to the RV, with the rear one doubling as a
       carport.
   -- Futuristic shapes, fun colors and sloped windshields to add style and
       versatility.
   -- Eye-controlled outside mirrors that can be adjusted simply by looking
       at them.
   -- More tailgating features, like exterior panels that lift to reveal a TV
       that's easily viewed from the outside -- great for watching the
       pre-game show at a tailgating party.  Panels at the rear could be
       lifted to allow food to be served from the back, similar to a
       concession trailer.
   -- Retractable sunroofs to enjoy good weather.
   -- Spiral staircases leading to a rooftop deck.
   -- Homing devices to help family members follow your travels right down to
       where you are parked for the night.
   -- Multi-purpose rooms designed for flexible use of space.
   -- Beds stored under the main floor that can pop up at bedtime.  And for
       additional room, furniture could be "knocked down," with tables and
       chairs collapsing to the walls of the RV.
   -- Voice-controlled lighting.
   -- Built-in kennels for dog-lovers.
   -- Smart technology that provides self-diagnostic tests (checking oil,
       etc.) on the vehicle.
   -- Expansion of home theater systems that already include giant screen TVs
       or TV monitors that fold away into the ceiling.

    While the RV of tomorrow will sport these and many more high-tech
advances, there's no need to wait.  With state-of-the-art amenities and
comforts abounding, today's RVs are already "homes on wheels" that turn road
trip vacations into unforgettable experiences.
    A free "getting started" video full of RV shopping, rental and travel
tips, plus a list of local dealers and campgrounds, is available by calling
1/888-GO-RVing.  More detailed information, including a directory of RV shows,
publications, rental sources and clubs, can be obtained by writing RVIA, P.O.
Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.  Internet users can order these and other
publications on-line, as well as access extensive information, news and tips
on RV travel at http://www.rvia.org and http://www.GoRVing.com.
    The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the national organization
representing over 500 manufacturers and component suppliers, who combine to
produce 95 percent of all RVs made in the United States.