burlmart wrote:

WOW! Why can't we do this today, only with improvements with our newer technologies?

Why don't these types of innovations endure?

Guest wrote:

For towables, the RV market follows the vehicle market. The original CAFE law had a gaping loophole that allowed lower mpg standards for "trucks" (which included minivans and SUVs). Station wagons died and were replaced by SUVs and minivans laregly for that reason. SUVs got very popular and a large number of people who had them anyways or were interested in having them as a daily driver were able to tow a big beast when they became interested in RVing.

JudoJeff wrote:

The brontosaurus producers are herding into the tar pits,* what’s next?

I can see the handwriting on the wall, and already know units will become much smaller, lighter, and aerodynamic. How will they do it, though? These are my thoughts, take them with a grain of salt...(or pepper!)

CONSTRUCTION: The shell will be made from composite materials**, strong, flexible, and light. The entire unit will be made at once, and formed around the metal frame that the wheels attach to. You’ll be able to custom order any design on the outside! (I can see the forum posts about some bad picks!) A clear gel coat will keep maintenance down, and look great for years.

Polycarbonate windows will be quite large. At your voice command, they’ll darken or lighten, to set the interior mood.

POWER: Photovoltaic cells (PV) will be incorporated under the gel coat all over the outside. The batteries will look like squishy foam sleeping pads about one inch thick, and will be attached anywhere inside that is out of sight. Even the ceiling will have them, and you won’t notice. The amp hour rating will allow you to boondock for 5 days without the sun, but who’d want to camp in the rain that long?

SYSTEMS: A single, small unit will provide heat, A/C, refrigeration, and hot water. Very quiet and lightweight, only the lights will tell you it’s on. Radiant heat built into the floors and walls will keep things toasty on the coldest night. Bottled methane will backup the PVs, if demand gets too high.

Cooking will mostly be with an infrared/microwave/methane gas unit. It will take some getting used to, because everything will cook quickly. Don’t worry, the onboard computer will do everything for you except put the casserole in!

Lighting will be what replaced LEDs, and run on even less. Arts and crafts will be easier to see, now that you can adjust the color and brightness to suit your work.

No gray/black water tanks, wastes will be turned into fine ash.

The beds will fold out when you need them, powered by air. You’ll adjust the firmness to suit yourself, and feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Of course, the better units will let each person set their own side!

Call me crazy, but wait ten or twenty years, please......