Special Report by Norm Rosen and Troy Kirkby, with files from a range of RV manufacturers…
This year’s Elkhart Dealer Days Open House, held from September 23 – 25, 2024, marked a significant landmark as RV manufacturers and suppliers from across North America presented a wide range of design and technology innovations.
This array of enhancements to the RV experience augers well for the future of the industry – from the first live demo of THOR’s all-electric class A motorhome to the demos of Lippert’s ABS braking system, and the introduction of a vast array of new models with features that will delight consumers across all demographic segments, Dealer Days proved to be an inspiration for the attending dealers.
While the rainy weather had dealers carrying umbrellas on Monday and Tuesday, the skies cleared on Wednesday – and the overall Elkhart experience was upbeat and positive as the industry is obviously bouncing back very strong after two challenging years.
Electrifying the Class A Motorhome Market
Looking to the future, THOR Motor Coach demonstrated the world’s first hybrid Class A motorhome, built on THOR’s exclusive Harbinger EV Chassis, the first electric chassis custom designed to power Class A motorhomes.
“Electrification will play a central role in the future of the RV industry,” said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. “THOR’s Harbinger platform positions our family of companies to efficiently bring best-in-class hybrid Class A products to the market. These innovative vehicles will create significant points of differentiation for our companies by delivering superior experiences to consumers.”
Developed in collaboration with Harbinger Motors, a leader in medium-duty EV innovation, the hybrid chassis is powered by an electric motor and battery system that is recharged by a low-emissions gasoline range extender while being driven. Roof top solar panels also feed the batteries. The chassis can be configured with three to six 35kWh batteries. This clever system delivers an estimated 500 miles of range, alleviating range anxiety and delivering ultimate travel freedom and sustainability.
RVs built on this hybrid chassis will be commercially available in 2025 from the THOR family of companies. The product is expected to qualify as a Near-Zero Emission Vehicles (NZEV) under the Advanced Clean Truck legislation adopted by the California Air Resources Board.
“We founded Harbinger with a mission to modernize the medium-duty vehicle industry,” said Harbinger Motors CEO and Co-Founder John Henry Harris. “Our collaboration with THOR and its innovators has allowed us to advance that objective in the RV segment by creating the basis for products that will enhance every aspect of the RVing experience.”
Bringing ABS Technology to the RV Trailer sector
The Lippert trailer anti-lock braking system is innovative towing technology that combines the best of ABS and connected RV technology to deliver a comprehensive safety platform for all trailer types, particularly travel trailers, 5th wheels, cargo and equestrian trailers.
Lippert trailer ABS is currently available on Grand Design, Forest River and Keystone RV models.
Curt Independent Suspension for RVs
The CURT independent trailer suspension system is now appearing on select models from a growing mist of RV manufacturers. This cushioned, road-dampening technology offers increased suspension and a smoother ride, featuring a reduced spring rate compared to other suspension systems. It has smaller springs with a reduced spring rate to allow for longer travel, reduced vibration and less noise. It is also equipped with coil springs with bump stops and nitrogen-filled gas struts to prevent harsh bottoming out and improve ride quality and handling.
As an axle-free system, CURT independent trailer suspension provides additional ground clearance to better handle a variety of terrain. It also offers additional clearance between the suspension components and tires. The self-adjusting electric drum brakes minimize service requirements. The system is mounted to a sub-frame that mounts onto the chassis of the trailer with six fasteners. A toe and camber adjustment system enables easier tire alignment and precise adjustment. The CURT independent trailer suspension system is rated for 4,400 to 6,000 pounds, and it comes finished in a durable powder coat finish for lasting corrosion resistance.
Check out the Coolest of the 2025 Models…
Here is a quick look at some of the coolest 2025 models, on their way to dealerships across North America…
The sleekest travel trailer in the industry made its Elkhart debut as the team from General Coach Canada, Hensall, Ontario, showed the Citation Reward line to dealers across North America. Check out this spectacular trailer at: https://generalcoachtrailers.com/reward-travel-trailers/
We stopped by to visit Rich Schnippel at Encore RV, whose team displayed the company’s full range of lightweight travel trailers. See the full range here: https://encore-rv.com/
With so many of the new “RV Curious” families looking for compact travel trailers that can be towed by a wide range of family vehicles, the RV manufacturers displayed a full range of compact lightweight travel trailers…
Earl Williams and his team from Modern Buggy displayed the 2025 models – Check out the full range of Modern Buggy travel trailers for 2025 here: https://www.modernbuggyrv.com/
We stopped by the NuCamp display to see the TAB and Barefoot trailers, and the Cirrus truck campers. See the full line at: https://nucamprv.com/
Thinking about tailgating and entertaining at your campsite? Check out this Coachmen RV Apex 242 “Bar V” model – making use of a drop down table and a flip-up window to create an exterior bar… pure genius! Check out the rest of the Apex RV models here: https://coachmenrv.com/apex-ultra-lite
Canadian RVs were on display throughout the Elkhart Dealer Days Open House. Frederic Delwiche and his team brought the full range of Prolite travel trailers, attracting a very receptive audience! For more information on Prolite travel trailers, please visit: https://www.proliterv.com/
Some of the RV manufacturers hosted dealers at their plants – Ember RV set up a spectacular campground display, with the full line on display…
Among the models on display at the Ember RV facility, we were particularly impressed with the 2025 Ember RV 240TKR travel trailer…
This exciting new concept utilizes the “toy hauler” rear section as a patio, and takes full advantage of the interior for bunkhouse style accommodation…
While the front area is equipped as a very comfortable lounge…
For more information on the Ember RV models, please visit: https://www.emberrv.com/
