I love all types of RVs, but as a diesel pusher owner, I always gravitate to the big boys. I recently had the chance to examine several new models at the annual Elkhart RV Dealer Open House. A few features really stood out to me.
1. Dash displays
Far and away one of the most visually stunning features I saw in some of the Thor diesel pushers were the vertically oriented, massive 15.7-inch in-dash touchscreens, providing Garmin navigation, SiriusXM radio, and backup and side camera views.
This Tesla-esque display screen is massive. With so much dash real estate to work with, this is such a smart use of the available space. Other manufacturers were similarly equipping their units, but not quite so boldly as Thor yet.
2. Modern interiors
Virtually everyone was showing light, modern interiors. The new combinations of light colors, European cabinets, and plank and farmhouse-style flooring made for bright, spacious interiors.
Combined with LED lighting and rounded shapes, even the larger coaches had that svelte, European feel. This was really brought to light as I stepped into a well-known, higher-end coach that apparently had not yet received the memo to update their models and was completely underwhelmed.
3. Fireplaces
We’ve seen plenty of fireplaces in the past, but they were out in force this year. Gone are the attempts to even make it look like a real fireplace, giving way to a modern aesthetic. The attitude seems to be, who are we fooling, we all know it’s not real wood so let’s just make it attractive.
4. Technology everywhere
This trend has been growing of course, but it was certainly on display this week as nearly every manufacturer had upped the ante on built-in electronics.
Large high-definition LED TVs, surround sound, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and cell signal boosters, Blu-Ray, LED cup holders with recliner functions built-in, LED interior and exterior lighting, and coach control systems with large touchscreens and available mobile apps could be found in some mix on virtually every model shown.
You expect these features on high-end diesel coaches, but now we’re seeing them several models down the chain as desire and dependence on them require it.
5. More bunks
As diesel coaches begin to scale lower, both in size and price, becoming more affordable for couples with kids, bunk beds and overhead bunks that drop down are now offered on more floorplans than ever.
Very little space is given up to add a quality overhead bunk, and the traditional bunk beds often fold and convert to yield additional storage or hanging space.
The old adage of drinks for six, dinner for four, and sleeping for two is just that—old. Today’s diesel coaches can often accommodate six all around without having to fold out the couch or disassemble the dinette.
After seeing the offerings this week, even my four-year-old upscale 43-foot diesel pusher feels dated. I may need to head over to Do It Yourself RV and see what kind of upgrades I can do.
All around RV industry enthusiast who has been RVing for 8 years and enjoys trips with his wife and dogs in their diesel pusher.
Some nice things for those who like diesels or gas powered RVs. We have a display like the one mentioned above and have nothing but trouble with it. Talked to Thor, talked to the maker of the dash display. One needs to make sure that it’s of good quality and actually works or you’ll go through the months of back and forth like we have.
With every one doing blogs, facebook etc. One of the big things missing is a computer workstation/desk/office area and file cabinet. I had to re-model my dinette to incorporate 2X sliding drawers for laptops.
I to needed computer space and a file cabinet along with more drawers for canned goods so I got rid of the love seat and built one
I have been asking for modern interiors and a fully functioning computer work station with space for a printer for years now. Instead we are get the same wood designs and limited cabinet finishes. Coach manufacturers’ are the “most resistant to change” folks I’ve ever seen. It shouldn’t take a Prevost or Newell and a $2M price tag to get a little freshness in an RV.
I would really like to see more Class C toyhaulers. The extra space would make a great office, play room, dog room etc. 30 to 32 feet is just right for me.
I bought a 24 foot No Bo 19.3. It has a bunk section 44×73. Taken out makes just the right amount of space for a home office. So I do not understand why it would be so hard for manufacturers to make home offices in a coach.