Gear

Seven Modern RVs Light Years Ahead


These radically future-forward recreational vehicles are set to roll in a whole new direction.

Words By Wildsam Staff

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Updated

13 Sep 2024

Reading Time

5 Minutes

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1. LIGHTSHIP L1
The Lightship L1 folds down in transit before expanding upward in camp. Add a self-propulsion system on its axle, and the trailer’s impact on EV range and/or gas mileage is negligible. When its profile rises, panoramic windows frame a living space that features a spa bathroom, modern kitchen appliances and roomy lounge areas.

Starting at $125,000
All-electric towing range: up to 300 miles
Sleeping capacity: 4-6 people

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2. PEBBLE FLOW
With an aerodynamic build, onboard intelligence and a “magic pack” that includes a self-motorized axle, the California-made Flow is an antidote to range anxiety. A clean interior reveals modular spaces, including a bedroom that becomes an office and an indoor-outdoor kitchen transformation.

From $125,000
Off-grid capability: 7 days
Rooftop solar: 1,000 watts

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3. GROUNDED GR2 CAMPERVAN
One of the first fully electric Class Bs to hit the market, the GR2 is built atop an easy-to-maneuver BrightDrop Zevo electric van platform. Each item of interior furniture is customizable, so buyers can use modular elements to design their rig piece by piece.

From $195,000
Range: 250+ miles per charge
Ceiling height: 78.5 inches

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4. MINK-E

This Iceland-produced teardrop is made of 25 percent recycled material, but really pushes innovation with a fully electric design, incorporating thermal-insulated walls for the coldest nights off grid. With a panorama skylight and large side windows, the trailer feels roomy on the inside despite its easy-to-tow frame.

From $30,800
Length: 13.5 feet
Weight: 1,125 pounds

ENDLESS HIGHWAY

The future of the RV is a perpetual road trip, based on not needing to plug in anywhere. I love the idea of a trailer just being a big battery bank. Maybe it actually helps power the tow vehicle. I love the idea of someone just being able to set up camp somewhere and run off just the power of the sun — maybe the wind as well.

—CHRIS BARTH, FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT, EMBER RVS

5. EMBER OVERLAND SERIES 240 TKR

Incorporating composite materials throughout the build, an upgraded solar package and a patent-pending bunk and storage system, the 240TKR lives bigger than its dimensions. Plus, using the EmberLink Smart RV system, users can control nearly every electronic feature from their phones.

From $82,597
Convertible party deck: 72” x 90”
Rear cargo area: 80” x 56”

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6. STORYTELLER OVERLAND GXV HILT

Powered by a 6.7-liter diesel engine, the Hilt is one of the most powerful overland rigs RVs on the market, allowing users to manage around, with LiquidSpring suspension that makes every off-road adventure smooth. It’s nearly bulletproof, too, fortified with Kevlar and carbon fiber throughout the build. Inside, you’ll find an elegant design and panoramic windows.

From $446,322
Built on RAM 5500 chassis
Integrated solar: 1,325 watts


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07. WINNEBAGO NAVION 24T

With the Winnebago Connect monitoring system on board, the 24T is one of the smartest RVs on the market, allowing users to manage on-board systems, including climate control, pet-monitoring and over-the-air updates. Plus, with a luxurious interior, featuring theater seating that transforms into a Murphy bed, it’s the height of modern comfort.

From $253,883
Integrated Lithionics Power Package
Available on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis

Three Transformations in RV design

1. Aerodynamics: As RVs go electric, manufacturers won’t build around large block engines. Instead, batteries will live anywhere. “In 25 years, the platform will be a skateboard,” says applied futurist Tom Cheesewright. “The chassis will have a completely flat basis.”

2. Modular design: To max out battery range, RVs may become more compact—but they’ll still include every convenience. Cue modular spaces. The bedroom will become an office. The kitchen will become the kid’s playroom.

3. Intelligence: Every RV of the future will be equipped with AI, automating everything from water-tank leveling to climate control. If the wind blows, your awning will retract. If the road bends en route, your rig will react.

The Future of the Road

From electric RVs to next-gen campgrounds, the American road trip is changing fast. We asked 25 experts what's next. To see where the journey is headed, explore our Future of the Road coverage.

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