RV owners don’t just have a home on the go with today’s models – surrounded by flat screen TVs and stereo speakers. They have a living room on wheels.
This story by Jordan Fouts originally appeared in The Elkhart Truth.
RV makers say customers want to keep a lot of the same amenities they have at home, which is why some models can come with HDTVs, DVD players and theater seating. And many campgrounds oblige, offering Wi-Fi and cable hookups.
Companies showcase these amenities to dealerships at events like Thor Industries’ Open House, which had 500 units on display at the September 2016 show.
Innovations were highlighted including automatic leveling technology in some Keystone RV models and solar-powered Thor units. Other features included beds with incline mechanisms, full bathrooms and stainless steel appliances.
Other living room tech that’s available includes sound systems with strategically placed speakers throughout the driving and living space as well as built-in exterior speakers, according to information from Thor. Satellite radio is also available in many models, and connectivity can be built-in for devices like phones and tablets.
But since it’s a living room on the road, backup cameras and navigation systems are often built into the dashboard, or GPS devices can be easily added.
Chris Hermon, president of Heartland RVs, said they’re always looking for ways to impress and to up the cool factor, while having the latest innovations on the road adds to the cost of the RV.