7 RV & Camper Trends We're Seeing in 2024

If I asked you to picture an RV ten years ago, chances are it would involve a basic kitchen setup, limited storage, and some unfortunate floral-patterned furniture. For a long time RV and camper design remained static, but in a post-pandemic world in which people are gravitating to more outdoorsy lifestyles, RV manufacturers are evolving to give people what they really want: really cool RVs.

We recently got the chance to attend the local St. Louis RV Show and get a peek at some of the trends sweeping the RV industry this year. From a fresh variety of layouts designed to fit different families to inventive new storage solutions, here’s what you can expect to see if you’re shopping for an RV in the near future.

1. Storage, Storage, Storage

RVs these days are a step away from those bookshelves where you pull out a book to open the secret room.

Storage has always been a priority for RVers, and in 2024, manufacturers are really optimizing every square foot of space. From hidden shelves and panels to under-the-sofa drawers to extra space inside the dining table, nearly everything in these RVs doubles as storage. Expect to see more customizable storage options that let you bring your life along, whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure.

2. Layouts for the Modern Family

RVing used to be considered a privilege of retirement, but with remote-work and greater job flexibility, the lifestyle is becoming more accessible and appealing to a younger crowd. In fact, in 2024 more than half of RVers are under 55. With this in mind, manufacturers are offering floor plans that cater to a variety of campers, including multi-generational groups, families with children, and groups of adults.

In fact, “who’s coming with you?” is one of the first questions they asked visitors at the STL RV show, and they directed folks based on the answer. Traveling with adult children or another couple? You’ll want a dual-queen-bed setup. Need to accommodate a younger family? Check out the triple-bunk setup over here. There’s something for everyone, and we love seeing so many solo adventurers, couples, and families find what works for them.

3. Outdoor Spaces for Your Outdoor Space

Toy haulers have long been favored by outdoor enthusiasts for their ability to transport “big kid toys” such as ATVs and motorcycles. But with RVing transitioning from hobby to lifestyle for so many people post-pandemic, we’ve seen the demand for some sort of consistent outdoor space. It can be a great place to set up a table and chairs, let the dog chill without a leash, or even screen in for a bug-free hangout spot. Although most toy hauling capabilities are still found on fifth wheels, we’re seeing more “mini toy hauler” options on smaller travel trailers as campers blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.

4. Technology from This Century

The great thing about RVs these days is that they offer something for everyone. While there are plenty of options for the bare-bones camping crowd, some people prefer a bit more luxury, and in 2024 we’re really seeing manufacturers deliver. Think in-floor vacuum systems, multiple shower heads, wireless charging pads, and motion-sensing step lights. Many manufacturers are also offering intuitive touch-screen control panels, which make everything from monitoring your battery usage to checking your holding tank levels way easier than it used to be.

Are any of these things crucial for camping? No. Will you one day wonder how you ever got along without this convenient tech? (If you’re currently reading this on a phone, the answer is probably yes.)

5. A Half-Ton of Options

While size used to equal luxury in the world of RVs, we’re seeing a tendency toward smaller, more nimble campers in 2024. There’s a new emphasis on “half-ton towable” trailers. Part of this new trend is likely due to campers wanting more versatility and maneuverability in their travels, but with skyrocketing truck prices, half-tons are simply far more affordable than the 1-ton diesels needed to tow larger campers and fifth wheels. As I mentioned above, luxury is no longer synonymous with large tour-bus style Class As, as we’re also seeing more gadgets and comfort items appear in smaller campers. This combination of versatility, affordability, and luxury thrust these smaller campers into the limelight this year.

6. Winter May Be Coming...But So Are Winter-Ready Campers

Most campers will advertise their winter-readiness via a sticker on the side, but make sure to ask specifically what your package includes

As the popularity of year-round and full-time RV travel continues to grow, manufacturers are meeting this need with seasonal/winter prep packages to ensure comfort and safety in cold weather conditions. These features vary by manufacturer but can include upgraded insulation and skirting systems, double-pane windows, heated floors, and integrated tank heaters.

Keep in mind that no two winter prep packages are the same, so make sure to check what’s included with yours if you’re in the RV market. (If you’re curious what it really takes to camp in an RV during winter, you can read about it here: How to Survive the Winter in Your RV (And Other Things We Learned from Bears).

7. Aesthetic Changes: Goodbye, Greige. Hello, Color.

Personally, my millennial heart is a big fan of creams, grays, whites, and neutrals. And there are still plenty of RVs with this aesthetic, but we’re seeing more and more pops of color, patterned wallpaper, and unique interiors as RV manufacturers attempt to stand out from the rest. Fortunately, we’ve left the 90s-era oak and floral patterns behind, but I can certainly get behind these new looks...even if it means leaving my beloved gray/beige (or greige) blend behind.

So...what do you think of these trends?

In conclusion, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for RV travel, with innovations that cater to a diverse range of travelers. Whether you're seeking luxury and comfort or adventure and flexibility, there's an RV out there to suit your lifestyle and preferences. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for the ultimate RV experience of 2024.

About Amber S.

As a content writer for etrailer, I might spend my morning loading and unloading a bike on five different bike racks to figure out which is easiest to use. I might be in the parking lot, taking pictures of an impressive RV battery setup our techs came across in the shop and discussing the benefits of the setup with the owner. I might spend an afternoon in a manufacturer training class for some hands-on experience with new products, and then sit down to assemble all this information into a coherent article.

At etrailer, one of our core values is that we are always learning, and I learn something new every day. I start each morning with the goal in mind of taking all of this information and figuring out the best way to answer the questions people ask us (and the ones they don’t know to ask yet), and helping people get the solutions they need to make their lives easier, safer, and more fun. I’m a DIYer at heart, so it brings me great joy to help a fellow DIYer find what they’re looking for, whether that’s a product, an answer, or a community.