The RV industry promised a big rebound after the post-COVID hangover – shipments stabilizing around 340,000-350,000 units, more folks hitting the road, and innovation galore. But let’s be real: for many seasoned RVers, this year felt like a detour into frustration city.
Prices stayed stubbornly high, tech got pushy, and the simple freedom of the open road? It started feeling… complicated.
Don’t get me wrong – RVing is still booming, with nearly 39% of travelers planning an RV trip and the market hitting around $35 billion. But amid the stabilization (retail sales lagging shipments, inventory building up), manufacturers doubled down on changes that not everyone begged for.
These “advances” often added cost, complexity, or hassle without delivering the payoff.
Here are the seven trends that had RVers grumbling in forums, dealerships, and campgrounds all year.
1. Sky-High Prices That Refuse to Come Down
We all hoped the post-boom inventory glut would trigger bargains. Nope. New RV prices remained elevated, with many models still carrying pandemic-era premiums despite softening demand. Retail sales dipped in spots (down 4-7% YoY in months), but sticker shock persisted – entry-level rigs flirting with $100K, luxury ones soaring past half a million.
Why unwanted?
Economic headwinds like lingering inflation and high interest rates made big purchases hurt more. Buyers walked away, opting for used or delaying altogether. Sure, premium builds improved quality in some cases, but for families or first-timers? It priced out the dream.
- Pros: Better materials, features in high-end models.
- Cons: Excludes newer/younger buyers; used market softened but not enough.
2. Smart Tech Overload Turning Rigs into Rolling Data Collectors
“Connected” everything exploded: apps controlling lights, climate, tanks; voice assistants; even listening devices. Great for remote monitoring… until glitches hit off-grid or firmware updates bricked features.
The gripe? Rising privacy concerns – data security varies by manufacturer, with some lagging on protection. Nobody asked for an RV that potentially tracks habits or requires constant WiFi.
Spotty cell service? Your “smart” fridge becomes a dumb brick.
- Pros: Convenience for digital nomads.
- Cons: Glitches, privacy risks, overkill for boondockers.
3. Forced Eco Features Adding Thousands Without Real Savings
Sustainability boomed: built-in solar, composting toilets, efficient materials. Noble? Yes. But these “green” upgrades tacked on big bucks to MSRP, often with questionable ROI for casual campers.
Complaint central: Composting toilets’ learning curve, half-baked solar setups. Many RVers just wanted reliable basics, not a pricey science experiment amid tight budgets.
- Pros: Appeals to eco-conscious millennials.
- Cons: Inflates costs; not practical for all.
4. Tiny Lightweight Towables Taking Over the Market
Affordability push led to teardrops, pop-ups, compacts dominating – easier on fuel, towable by smaller vehicles.
Unwanted for full-timers or groups: “Cozy” quickly turns “cramped.” Veterans missed spacious bunkhouses; these felt like downsizing the lifestyle.
- Pros: Fuel-efficient, budget-friendly entry.
- Cons: Lacks room for families/long trips.
5. Electric and Hybrid Hype That’s All Tease, No Delivery
Prototypes galore, “hybrid-ready” platforms hyped. But infrastructure lagged – rare charging, real range anxiety.
Gripe: Premium pricing now for benefits years away. GM even pulled back on electric chassis. Felt like paying for tomorrow’s tech today.
- Pros: Future-proofing for green travelers.
- Cons: Not ready; raises costs prematurely.
6. Campground Booking Wars and No-Show Nightmare
Demand surged (56%+ struggled booking due to sellouts), sites booked months ahead, prices up. Spontaneous trips? Myth.
Tied to millennials/Gen Z influx + no-shows (some parks 30% empty despite “full”). Strict policies frustrated veterans.
- Pros: More private parks adding inventory.
- Cons: Lost spontaneity; higher fees.
7. Endless Repair Waits Thanks to Tech Complexity
Tech shortages persisted; new gadgets meant longer diagnoses/fixes. Average waits stretched weeks/months, worsened by complex features.
Final straw: Breaks happen, but no quick fix strands you.
- Pros: Eventually better builds?
- Cons: Downtime kills trips.
Old-School RVing vs. 2025 Reality
| Aspect | What We Loved (Pre-2020) | 2025 Trend We Didn’t Ask For | Why It Bugs Us |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices | Post-recession deals | Stubbornly high despite inventory | Hurts affordability, fewer new entrants |
| Tech | Simple 12V basics | App-heavy smart overload | Glitches, privacy issues |
| Size/Style | Roomy family rigs | Tiny eco-towables dominate | Feels cramped for real use |
| Sustainability | Optional add-ons | Mandatory pricey green features | Extra cost, forced complexity |
| Booking | Last-minute availability | 6+ months ahead, no-shows | No spontaneity |
| Repairs | Quicker local fixes | Weeks/months waits | Stranded, frustrated |
| Powertrain | Proven gas/diesel | Electric hype without infrastructure | Premature premiums |
Will 2026 Bring Relief?
2025 stabilized the market – modest growth forecasts, potential rate cuts easing financing. If buyers push back with wallets, maybe simpler, affordable options return.
But RVing’s core – freedom, nature, adventure – endures. These trends might evolve (or fade) as the industry listens. Until then, hit the road anyway, grumbles and all.
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