Tag Archives: RVs

Mobile Living: The ‘Iridium E-Mobil 70EB’ – World’s First Electric RV (Video)

While electric cars have become a more common sight on our roads, there is still some way to go before we step away entirely from fossil based fuels. The change to electric power is well underway, but there are still some categories of road transportation that are missing out, including the motor home segment.

That’s until recently. We’ve already seen some electric vans, such as the Nissan e-NV200 and more recently the Mercedes eSprinter, but neither are dedicated camper vans. Various conversions have taken place, and even the one-off electrification of some camper vans, but Germany is home to the world’s first fully electric purpose built RV, the Iridium E-Mobil 70EB.

The original model debuted in early 2019 at a German trade show, a mere hint at what the companies were capable of creating when working together. It’s a shame, then, that its range is just 124 miles. The latest offering doubles this, promising more than 249 miles on a single charge. This comes with the transition from an 86.4 kWh battery pack to a 108 kWh offering. That’s double the range on a 30% battery capacity boost, thanks in part to more efficient technology.

Travel & Leisure Videos: “Driven – The Rise Of RV’s”

Looking to take a vacation while avoiding COVID? Many families are heading out AND staying home, exploring public spaces while avoiding hotels and public bathrooms, by traveling in an RV. The pandemic is driving up sales of midrange recreational vehicles, which have nearly doubled compared to last summer. And as The New Yorker magazine’s Kelefa Sanneh finds out, some motorhomes have amenities you may not even have in your own home.

Travel & Recreation: “Why RV Sales Are Speeding Up”

In the years that followed the financial crisis, sales of RVs began booming. Once considered a pretty dowdy way to travel, RVs have benefitted from slick industry ad campaigns, low gas prices, and a renewed interest among Americans of all ages. Data indicate first-time buyers are pouring into RV dealerships and shows, looking for their own happy home on the road. But long-timers say new buyers need to do their research before buying, and understand what the RV life is really about.

Top New Motorhomes: “2021 Airstream Atlas” – “Elegantly Expansive”

The Atlas Touring Coach is our most luxurious touring coach to date. It’s a Class B+ RV built on the legendary Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter van chassis and inspired by our trailblazing Airstream Interstate series. In fact, with its power slide-out, richly appointed features and finishes, and understated automotive styling from grill to bumper, we affectionately call it a Class B+. A new standard has arrived for those who believe a well-traveled life begins with the best.

2021 Airstream Atlas Touring Coach

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Travel: RV Vacations Just Might Be The Safest Option This Summer (WSJ)

From a Wall Street Journal article (May 16, 2020):

Wall Street JournalOriginally, we were going to make it a six-day trip,” said Mr. Goble, “but we were honestly having such a good time we extended it four times into an 11-day trip.” Normally, rental companies’ full calendars preclude such spontaneity. Thanks to the motorhome’s self-sustainable features, they stayed overnight at a campground just twice on the trip. Most of the time they’d “boondock”—that is, stop at places without water or electrical hookups, or nightly fees. Say, creekside clearings off fire roads deep in the forest.

RV Vacations - Wall Street Journal - Steve Scott Illustration - May 16 2020

“We have been flooded with new inquiries, and an unusually high number of longer rentals (lasting from one to three months in duration),” said Mr. Ward. “I think this is going to be the trend for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, at a minimum.” One couple, he said, just booked their RV for a three-month loop around the deep South on short notice. “Neither have work to do right now due to the virus, so they’re like, ‘There’s no better time. We’ve always wanted to travel in an Airstream. This works for us now.’”

In a season when the urge to escape home will only be matched by the need to be flexible, getting lost in America in an RV works for a lot of people right now. Mr. Rybak and Ms. O’Hara are still hoping to tick at least one national park off their list in the next few months. They even have a campsite reserved. If you see them, say “Hi.” From a safe distance.

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Top New Camper Trailers: All-Electric “ERV” From Retreat Caravans

Electric RV - ERV logoNow with an energy-efficient thermal rating construction and revolutionary energy supply, you can live in your caravan just like you would at home! Use what you want, when you want, where you want!

ERV-interior-2

ERV solar panels on roofWith an unprecedented 2033* watts of factory-fitted PV Solar, integrated automotive-grade 14.3KW/Hr battery, coupled with a 5000-watt Smart Inverter, this holistically engineered, self-generating, battery energy storage system will revolutionise your “truly off-grid experience”.

Website: https://www.e-rv.com.au/

Travel Trailers: “Bowlus Road Chief” Is Light Weight, High Tech Luxury

From the Bowlus Road Chief website:

Bowlus Road Chief interior JPGThe Endless Highways is the ultimate luxury performance RV. As the industry leader with the most advanced technology, our high tech design is further elevated by more than two dozen luxurious and exclusive features and accessories. An exquisite manifestation of freedom, technology, and design, the Endless Highways ensures that your adventures are only as limited as your imagination.

Explore our magnificent public lands in the most luxurious way. A spacious, Zen-like bedroom converts from two twins to an incredible king so you can accommodate all your travel companions. The hotel-style en suite bathroom makes traveling to events like Monterey Car Week and the Kentucky Derby a five-star experience. The main cabin has dining for four. The Endless Highways is your stunning exploration guide to elevated escapes and adventures.

To read more: https://bowlusroadchief.com/endless-highways/

Future Of Recreation: Winnebago’s Latest All-Electric, Zero-Emission RV

From a Curbed.com online review:

The RV industry has been slow to adopt electric technology, and the innovations that have occurred are stemming from Europe. In recent years we’ve seen a few eco-friendly concept RVs, like an RV covered in solar panels or a travel trailer that can be towed by an electric car. Most recently, a German company debuted the world’s first manufactured electric camper with a decent range of 249 miles. In the U.S., however, the closest thing to an electric camper is the yet to be produced Rivian truck that features a kitchen and tent for overland camping.

Winnebago RV All-Electric

Although years behind the auto industry, the RV industry is finally making making strides in efficiency and green technology. In the latest eco-friendly news, Winnebago Industries has announced that they will help fund the expansion of Motiv Power Systems, a provider of all electric commercial chassis.

To read more: https://www.curbed.com/2019/10/17/20919270/winnebago-rv-electric-camper-motiv-power-systems-investment

Ultimate Campers: The High Technology Inside 2019 Hymer Camper Vans

From a New Atlas online article:

Hymer certainly gave credit where it was due, recognizing BASF’s role in the opening paragraph of its VisionVenture announcement and detailing elements like the Chromacool exterior paint and Veneo Slate transforming-bathroom trim. Still, it wasn’t quite clear just how deep BASF’s participation ran. Knowing a thing or two about the power of a buzzy concept vehicle (like a bike or car), BASF released some additional information last week to squeeze a little extra press out of the VisionVenture, a star of the 2019 Caravan Salon that featured in RV, auto and tech publications and blogs all over the world.

Hymer Camper Van BASF Advanced Materials

VisionVenture from HymerEven with a few months of 2019 left to go, we feel confident that the Hymer VisionVenture is the coolest camper van of the year. The concept camper has absolutely captured the public’s imagination, showing how a little bit of creative tinkering can turn the art of sleeping in a van into world-class luxury travel. When Hymer announced the concept at the start of the 2019 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, it mentioned incorporating over 20 materials and technologies from German chemical giant BASF, touching upon some of the most integral. BASF jumped in this month to further detail exactly how its tech can benefit future van lifers.

To read more: https://newatlas.com/automotive/basf-details-hymer-visionventure-camper-van/

Future Of Camper Vans: The “Hymer VisionVenture” Looks, Designed Like A “High-End Apartment”

From a Curbed.com online review:

Erwin Hymer Group debuted the VisionVenture concept interior stairsThis year at Düsseldorf, the Erwin Hymer Group debuted the VisionVenture concept. Built on a Mercedes chassis, the VisionVenture is a forward-thinking camper that looks more like a high-end apartment than a striped-down adventure rig.

To accomplish this, the camper’s interior uses warm bamboo, gray felt, and leather, mixing woods with other materials to add interest. The living area is located in the rear with two white sofas and a center dining table that folds down below the passenger-side bench. The stand-out feature of the living room is the panoramic rear window and large side windows. Fold out the rear door, drop a lower gate and the van boasts its own rear deck—complete with slide-out electric grill.

Erwin Hymer Group debuted the VisionVenture concept interior

It’s an impressive lounge area, and the kitchen goes even further with a flush cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and ample storage. The styling is fresh too, with modular, deck-like wall paneling that works to hang plants or cooking equipment as needed. Integrated next to the kitchen is a compact slate-colored staircase—reminiscent of tiny house design—that boasts storage, motion-activated lighting, and access to an inflatable pop-up sleeping area. The upstairs bed sleeps two and takes advantage of big views through the rear roll-up window.

https://www.hymer.com/de/de/modelle/technologie-innovation/vision-venture

To read more: https://www.curbed.com/2019/9/5/20851580/rv-camper-van-hymer-concept-visionventure