5 RV trends that didn't stick around

Like any large purchase, such as homes, designer clothing, jewelry, cars, and boats, RVs are subject to the somewhat fickle nature of evolving trends. And although some expected motorhome features of today – like slideouts, clever storage, and additional ventilation – began as trends and are now considered standard in many models, plenty of other wannabe standards just didn’t strike a chord with the market.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of these would-be trends and what led to their rise and fall in the wide and wonderful world of motor coaches.

1. Themed interior designs

You may laugh when you remember the interior design follies of your childhood home (looking at you, children of the mid-to-late 1900s), but some of the themed interior design that made its way to motorhomes was even more kitsch and cringeworthy, if you can believe that. RV interior designers experimented with everything from 1950s-inspired dinette themes to tropical, flamingo- and palm-tree-laden wonderlands to Western themes that would embarrass Clint Eastwood.

For many years in the mid-20th century, RV owners embraced these themes as reflective of their personalities or interests, and it’s easy to appreciate why. The themes were not just colorful and fun but also evoked a sense of nostalgia, a kind of whimsy that was most apparent in the post-WWII economic boom. Fan of “Gilligan’s Island?” Why NOT splurge on a coastal or jungle theme to make you feel as though you’re marooned with the Skipper and Ginger, no matter where you are?   

Although many of today’s RV enthusiasts appreciate retro themes that reflect their interests or celebrate the golden age of American RV travel, themed interiors have largely faded from today’s production lines. Modern consumers prefer to feel more at home in their RVs, opting for understated decor with more neutral color palettes and finishes with universal appeal.

This shift in design trends reflects a practical approach toward RVs that feel more like a home away from home, reassuring you that comfort and convenience are top priorities in the industry. 

2. Experimental floor plans

Experimenting with floor plans in RV design has yielded mixed results over the years. The bottom line is that different RVers have different needs, so all of this experimenting has ultimately been beneficial for you, the consumer. While some experimental floor plans successfully maximize space efficiency and functionality, others fall short in terms of usability and comfort.

A common pitfall of experimental floor plans is the sacrifice of essential living amenities or storage space in favor of unconventional features or layout configurations. RV owners expect a certain level of comfort and convenience in their mobile homes, so floor plans that deviate too far from traditional layouts are likely to alienate some potential buyers. 

A good example is the addition of a second (usually half) bath in the mid-cabin of an RV that only sleeps 2-4 people (let’s be real: these often only sleep 2 comfortably). Some customers are thrilled by the idea of more bathrooms, while others see it as taking up space that might be better used for additional kitchen/living space or storage. Single travelers or couples, who are very frequent RV buyers, are less likely to need this additional bathroom. While a second half bath is an interesting prospect for families or those who love to entertain from their RV, it’s often less appealing to some of the largest RVing customer segments. 

3. Rooftop RV patios

Once considered a revolutionary feature that would forever change RVers’ relationships with the outdoors, roof-mounted decks have now fallen out of favor among RV manufacturers and buyers alike. Why?

Well…while a rooftop oasis like those found in luxury hotels and penthouse suites sounds amazing in theory, the execution of this feature on an RV has proven to be...less than ideal. Concerns about the rooftop patio's safety, stability, and maintenance quickly overshadowed the promise of panoramic views and additional entertainment space. In particular, weight distribution issues can seriously threaten the integrity of almost any RV build, and it’s difficult for manufacturers to address in order to definitively say, “This rooftop patio will safely hold X amount of weight.” 

Because RV manufacturers have struggled so mightily to engineer a rooftop deck that is both reliable and functional, this ambitious but ultimately flawed trend has, for better or worse, declined. 

4. Fixed furniture

Fixed furniture configurations, once considered a hallmark of RV design, have fallen out of favor over time. Today’s consumers demand even more flexibility and customization options, especially as more people consciously choose to live and work in their RVs full-time. While fixed furniture may offer stability and durability, it also, unfortunately, limits RVers’ ability to change the interior layout to meet their evolving needs and preferences.

Increasingly, RV owners gravitate toward modular and convertible furniture designs that permit easy reconfiguration and space optimization. Features like fold-down beds, collapsible tables, modular sofas, removable storage solutions, and flexible seating units provide the versatility many RV owners seek, enabling them to customize their interiors to suit their unique lifestyles.

5. Hot take: overly complicated technology

Given the ubiquity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s only natural that even more technology has crept into the world of RVs. Voice-activated assistants, touchscreen control panels, motorized stairs and awnings, mobile apps, and more have found their way into many RV consoles over the last decade. And while technology has the potential to enhance the RV experience, the reality is that many of these high-tech features serve only to frustrate and disappoint a large number of customers. 

It’s a controversial take since many RV manufacturers continue to produce motorhomes with highly integrated technology, but now that many consumers are pushing back on over-complicated technology, we may see a decrease in its prevalence going forward. RV owners increasingly seek simplicity and reliability in their coaches, prioritizing tried-and-true features over flashy but finicky gadgets.

To follow trends, or not to follow trends?

As we mentioned earlier, some trends have endured the test of time to become truly timeless. Slide-outs, which were considered unreliable and clunky by some when they first hit the market, are almost standard in today’s Class A coaches. It’s common knowledge that more windows and ventilation offer a more pleasant RVing experience, reflected by their continued popularity over the years. 

But as we covered today, not all trends last forever. Perhaps there is a future for another attempt at an RV rooftop patio or themed interior design. Who knows? At the end of the day, RVing is supposed to be fun, so follow the trends you love, leave the ones you don’t, and hit the road smiling. It’s a wild ride out there. 

Ready to become an RV trendsetter in your own motorhome?

Our team at Transwest is always available to help you find the perfect travel vehicle. No matter your style or what trends you follow, we’re here to help you identify the ideal RV for your upcoming adventures. With a quality selection of RVs from today’s finest manufacturers, we have something for any traveler's needs. Find a Transwest dealer near you, or browse our online storefront - Visit us today and hit the road tomorrow!