As the new year begins, recreational vehicle manufacturers are bringing innovations to consumers. Some have already debuted new models and designs, and others are showcasing this year’s innovations at dealerships across the nation beginning this month and continuing through the summer.
One of these manufacturers is Airstream.
“Airstream has made a number of changes and advancements across the board for its 2019 product line,” said Jay Cullis, Content Manager at Airstream. “This includes more tech features, connectivity, customer care and app services, safety features, luxurious amenities, enhancements in durability and new off-road capabilities.”
One of the models which has reaped the benefit of technology advances is the new Classic Smart Travel Trailer.
“For the past decade, smart technology has become an integral part of modern-day life,” Cullis said. “Whether it’s personal devices, cars or homes, being connected has become important to the American consumer.”
Airstream’s “smart travel trailer” allows owners to control the trailer’s features with an app on their smartphone or tablet. The Airstream spokesperson said this feature would simplify the trailering process by providing access to checklists, 24-hour customer service and roadside assistance, among other functions. The technology also allows control of the lighting and climate, while also allowing for the ability to monitor systems’ status, such as water, propane and battery levels.
Built into the technology is an integrated GPS locator that directs the owners who may have lost their position back to the RV when hiking, biking or exploring away from the Airstream.
The company intended to provide a more seamless, satisfying, and meaningful way of travel that offers complete independence, wherever and whenever they choose to go or stay.
Inside the luxury Classic Twin B2F Cognac Maple Macadamia trailer [Photo/Airstream]
The technology upgrades were developed in partnership with AT&T, according to a September 2018 press release.
Although Airstream has not debuted a new model or design style this year, the company has made updates to its product line. These enhancements are designed to satisfy Airstream’s loyal customer base.
“The Airstream customer possesses a strong sense of adventure, travel and wanderlust, as well as an appreciation for the blending of classic Americana with modern design and innovation,” Cullis relays to The Buzz.
When it comes to providing the comforts of home, Jayco is introducing an often neglected feature in travel trailers – oversized, walk-in residential showers. In the announcement made at the end of 2018, Jayco added the shower feature to its 2019 Pinnacle and Seismic toy hauler luxury fifth wheel units.
The newly designed shower includes an overhead skylight, an adjustable and detachable showerhead, a teak fold-down bench seat and a stainless steel drying rack and shelf. The shower measures 30” by 57” and the bench seat is weighted to a 300-pound capacity. Designed to mimic open concept design, the shower is contained behind a wall of glass and tile, with a sliding glass door for access.
But the shower is not the only upgrade in Jayco’s fifth wheel units. Also included in the bathroom design is a porcelain stool with a foot flush, under-mounted LED lighted stainless steel bathroom sink and an overhead fan, according to a company press release.
“We understand many of our customers are spending more than just a weekend at a time in our fifth wheels – many spend weeks and months at a time,” stated Matt Fisher, Director of Product Development for the Jayco Luxury Fifth Wheels Division. “We are constantly looking at bringing as many residential features as possible into these fifth wheels.” Fisher continued, “Our new walk-in shower is another residential feature our customers will appreciate. So far, our dealers and consumers are responding very positively.”
In its motorhome line, Jayco is introducing the Precept Prestige, a Class A product that features a specially designed living area, a padded ceiling, recessed LED lights, and large frameless windows with roller shades.
According to the company’s press release, this new Class A has an open and airy interior with high-end amenities, such as solid surface kitchen countertops, a standard king-size bed in the master bedroom and an optional power drop down overhead bunk.
This attention to detail is carried out on the exterior as well, according to Jayco. Large storage compartments, an exterior entertainment center, and a 120-inch panoramic windshield are the notable features in this new motorhome model from Jayco.
For Newmar, 2019 features a redesign of one of the company’s classic motorhomes, the Dutch Star. This diesel powered motorhome is priced to start upwards of $370,000, depending on options selected by the customer. The high price means high-end style, with polished porcelain tile, a glass and marble backsplash and a sliding glass bedroom door with reeded glass inserts. The exterior redesign features a full paint grill and side-mounted LED clearance lights.
A variety of floor plans offer a more extensive furniture selection, according to the company website, including theater seats, storage ottomans and a bunk sofa in some models. Floor plan 4328, as an example, offers an angled galley kitchen with full pantry and countertop appliance garage accompanied by hardwood cabinets.
The upgrades and offerings featured for 2019 RV manufacturers seem to suggest that companies are answering the request for more amenities and home-like luxuries from consumers. Instead of the idea of roughing it in the woods, today’s RVer has options that make communing with nature much more comfortable.
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