All the Latest RV Trends From the 2026 Hershey RV Show
We went to Pennsylvania last week to see where the RV industry is headed in 2027 and beyond.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Camping World
The Hershey RV Show wrapped up in Hershey, PA this past weekend, with all of the major manufacturers and dealerships on hand. As usual, the show provided us a peek at where the RV industry is headed, with plenty of insights into where the industry is currently at and where it is headed. After spending several days in countless motorhomes, camper vans, and towables (Hey! It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it!), we came away with a sense of the current trends that will have a meaningful impact on the rigs that will be released in the next few years. Here are a few that you might find interesting.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Bathrooms Get a Makeover
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the humble RV kitchen go from a functional space to something that resembles the kitchens we have at home. Now, designers are turning their attention to the RV bathroom, and it is getting some serious upgrades, too. Porcelain toilets are now almost ubiquitous, as are decorative sinks and highly functional vanities. But it is the onboard shower that is seeing the most gains, with shower heads that not only limit water waste but also look and feel a lot like the ones we have at home. An increasing number of motorhomes and towables now include showers that look like something out of a high-end spa, with integrated wooden benches, tile floors, and tankless water heaters to deliver an endless stream of hot water. These are all welcome additions after a busy day at the campsite.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Half-Baths, Too!
A half-bath is still a somewhat unusual luxury in an RV, most commonly found on luxury coaches, larger travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and toy haulers. But those spaces are getting a makeover of their own, with added features and functionality that advantage of the space. In the past, most half-baths only included a toilet and a sink, but new models are also adding things like an additional linen closet, a cabinet, or other storage. We even saw several rigs in Hershey that moved the washer/dryer prep to the half-bath, which is a clever use of limited floor space.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
RV Refrigerators are Getting Larger
In recent years, RV manufacturers have used the term “residential-style” to refer to the larger refrigerators found in some motorhomes and fifth-wheel trailers. But as 12V fridges have gotten more efficient and prevalent across the industry, we’re now seeing bigger versions showing up in a wider range of models, including some entry-level travel trailers. A larger refrigerator means you can bring more food and beverages with you on your travels, and potentially extend your outings even longer. Many models even include a freezer, which is a major game changer, too.
Photo Credit: Furrion
More Efficient HVAC Systems
There have been steady advancements in both power and efficiency in RV HVAC systems over the past few years, with new rigs now equipped to keep us comfortable in a broader range of temperatures. Both air conditioning units and heaters are producing more BTUs while simultaneously using less energy. An increasing number of RVs now come with A/C systems that also incorporate heat pumps for even better efficiency gains, as well as soft-start technology for easier startup on battery power. All of this translates to rigs that are better equipped for camping off-grid for extended periods while maintaining interior temperatures all year round.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Twin Beds that Convert to a King
Last year, the arrival of large L-shaped couches in RVs was very noticeable; this year, the trend that caught our eye is twin beds that convert into a king mattress. There were numerous models that came with this feature, demonstrating how RVs are getting more versatile in their approach. The twin-to-king feature was most noticeable in some travel trailer and Class B floor plans, but it was also spotted in some adventure trucks, too. We like that owners can choose how to utilize that space, preferring either a larger bed or an open space that typically included a shelf with power outlets and charging ports located between the twin mattresses.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Patios and Decks are Coming to More RVs
This was a trend we noticed at last year’s Hershey RV SuperShow and other big events throughout 2026, but it is worth noting once again. RV patios originated on toy haulers years ago, with owners having the option to convert the rear loading ramp into an outdoor party space. But now, they are becoming increasingly common on travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and even some motorhomes, too. Options range from large, slide-out decks with room for multiple people, to small foldable setups with space for two. In all cases, the patios provide additional space outside the RV, with some including a kitchen, TV, and other amenities as part of the package.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Outdoor Kitchens Continue to Evolve
Outdoor kitchens are nothing new for RVs, but in the past year or two, we’ve seen them expand to many more models, including some smaller, more budget-friendly rigs. Perhaps more importantly, these kitchens continue to evolve in design, adding more workspace and additional features. For example, inTech has offered an outdoor galley on its towables for a while, but this year they’ve added a sink to the configuration, which also includes a stove and a refrigerator drawer. All of that helps expand the living space outdoors and allows owners to avoid heating up the interior when making a meal. Those are definitely benefits that we can get behind.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Ceiling Fans in More Rigs
One of the best things about the RV industry is that technology and features that are common in the luxury space often filter down to more mainstream models over time. Such is the case with ceiling fans, which have been in higher-end coaches for years, but are now appearing in a broader array of vehicles, including more travel trailers. Just like at home, a ceiling fan in your RV will help circulate the air, keeping you cooler and warmer depending on the settings, especially when paired with the more efficient HVAC systems mentioned above.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Decorative Light Fixtures
Outside of luxury RV models, ceiling lights have generally been an afterthought for most manufacturers, who typically use inexpensive fixtures that get the job done but aren’t especially noteworthy in terms of looks or design. That is starting to change, as we saw a number of new rigs that included light fixtures that are unique and eye-catching, giving the interior space a more residential feel. This was especially notable in the kitchen and living space, where owners spend a lot of time and appreciate a more polished experience.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
More Splashes of Color
To say that the RV industry is a bit conservative when it comes to the colors of their coaches and travel trailers would be an understatement. For decades, the industry has leaned toward a variety of shades of white, gray, or brown, with a few swirly, swoopy patterns to help give them some pizzazz. But more and more brands are starting to offer brighter, flashier colors or special-edition models with paint schemes that stay far from the norm. At the show, we saw a number of new rigs with eye-catching hues and appreciate that this trend could give owners a new way to express their personality. More, please!
That’s our rundown of the biggest new trends that we saw at the 2026 edition of the Hershey RV Show. Stay tuned, however, as we’ll soon share our favorite new rigs that we saw at the event, too.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
