12 Best RV Features to Look for in New 2026 Models
RV shopping today is different than it was even a few years ago. Quite simply, there have been a lot of advancements, and many of them are substantial. More and more features go well beyond bells and whistles. The best RV features contribute directly to your quality of your life on the road. And 2026 is a year full of RV models that are loaded with them.
What’s particularly awesome about inclusion of the best RV features is that it seems industry — part suppliers as well as RV builders — have really taken an interest in improving the RV experience for the owner. And if you’re shopping for an RV in 2026, you don’t want to miss out.
So, here are 12 of the latest and best RV features to look for in a 2026 model.
2026’s Best RV Features to Watch For
No. 1: Quieter (and Drier) RV Air Conditioning
RV air conditioning has been relatively noisy and inefficient since the dawn of RV air conditioning. But things are changing. Quickly. With more RVers wanting to go off-grid, A/C builders have stepped up with new models that are truly efficient and quiet.
The first to market was the Aventa from German company Truma. Now Furrion has entered the fray with with their Chill Cube offering. Essentially, it’s like a mini split air conditioner in a box. These A/C units use far less power and are much quieter. But they also have more functions as well. That includes a “drying” function, a feature that is ideal for damper climates.
By using far less power, these units enable you to run two of these A/C units on a 30-amp circuit. (Or, you know, allow you to easily run your A/C and microwave at the same time on that same. Miracle of miracles!) But, for those who want to camp off-grid, these units can legitimately enable you to run the A/C on battery power.
No. 2: Pop-Out Patios, Porches, and Passthrough Kitchens
For years toy hauler owners have used their ramp doors as patio decks. It’s been a nice little niche that they’ve had all to themselves. Now, the RV industry has jumped on this trend with a number of porches and provisions for expanding your RV from the side. Alliance RV recently announced their Alliance Paradigm 388SP. This model offers a full kitchen on a side drop-down patio, but I’ve also seen the new Forest River Grand Surveyor Legend 290RLDS, which has a much smaller side compartment called the Trailgate. The Trailgate enables you to pass things back and forth from inside the unit with a large window and flat surface.
No. 3: More Versatile (and Dimmable) Lighting
For years puck lights ruled the RV universe, but you’ll find different choices emerging. (At last!) There are many new models that have ribbons of light across the ceiling, which are dimmable. There are also mini puck lights that are also dimmable.
Some models also feature elaborate ribbons of light on the outside including colored lighting like greens and blues along with amber.
No. 4: Antilock Braking and Other Safety Technologies
Antilock braking has been common in vehicles for decades now, but the tech is making its way to towable RVs. This is a big deal. Two companies, Lippert and Dexter, make these systems available to RV manufacturers, and the braking performance of trailers so equipped is significantly better with these systems than without.
Antilock brakes help maintain control in a high-intensity braking situation and on compromised roads (think slippery conditions). As a bonus these systems also include some sway mitigation helping the trailer stay true to course. A number of fifth wheels are adopting this feature and a few travel trailers are as well. There are no modifications that need to be made to the tow vehicle and these systems offer a big advancement in towing safety.
No. 5: Shock-Absorbing Suspensions Beyond Leaf Springs
There is a wider acceptance of better trailer suspensions happening with some models now offering a coil spring set-up that also incorporates shock absorbers. The better the suspension on an RV, including travel trailers and fifth wheels, the less vibration and harshness that reaches the RV itself.
Look for the Curt Touring Coil Suspension on some fifth wheels and Curt Independent Suspension on some travel trailers. While these are marketed toward overlanding, their benefits are not exclusive to it. They provide better towing and ride in all circumstances.
Another suspension new to fifth wheels is what’s called the slipper-roller suspension. These help minimize shocks entering the RV itself but look like traditional leaf springs.
No. 6: Improved Connectors and Shut-Offs for Plumbing
RV companies are finally catching on that a lot of their plumbing has been (how can I say this delicately?) — lousy. The good news is that this is 2026 now (the model year anyway), and there have been significant improvements made in some RV’s plumbing systems.
Look for better connectors and remote shut-offs for fixtures. I strongly recommend looking beneath the hidden panels to see how well an RV is plumbed. Some are done extremely well. And others are not.
No. 7: Easy-Access Power Gate Valves
If you dread pulling the gate valves on your RV’s tanks (or imagine that a contortionist placed their location), know that some new RVs have power-operated valves for the holding tanks.
No. 8: Headrest Safes that Hide in Plain Sight
A few motorized RV builders are offering a safe inside the headrests of their rigs. (Recently saw these in some motorhomes from Grand Design RV.) This space hasn’t been used in the past, but it’s a nifty place and super accessible place to hide valuables that aren’t likely to get the attention of thieves. (Unless, that is, they have great taste in online RV articles by yours truly.)
No. 9: Voice-Activated Controls
WFCO, a company that makes fuse boxes, debuted a voice-activated lighting control last year that enables you to swear … er … I mean talk to your RV. With your voice you can give commands to control features like lighting. For example, one command could dim the lights. Another could performs other functions, depending on the model. Be on the lookout for this and enquire about the capabilities offered. (Of course, there are also buttons for all functions when the magical voice in the RV is in one of those moods, but there’s no denying that voice commands rank among the best — and most convenient — RV features.)
No. 10: Apps and Controls that Integrate with Your Smartphone
A number of RV companies are offering adaptations of the Lippert OneControl system. These systems control all sorts of RV functions, but offer simple buttons for those that want them. They offer the ability to use a smartphone as well. With the smartphone, it’s easier to dim lights and you can also set lighting timers and such. The same app also can relay tank levels and other RV information.
Lippert also offers all sorts of add-ons to this OneControl system including propane and temperature monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, and more putting all these functions into a single app.
No. 11: Microwaves with Convection Oven and Air Fryer Skills
Many of us have an air fryer at home, but RVs with microwaves that also incorporate a convection electric oven with air fryer function are also becoming more popular. In many cases, this one appliance is replacing both the traditional microwave and the propane oven.
No. 12: Multifunctional Spaces that Can Transform
In that same vein, many RVs are now offering features that perform multiple functions in areas outside the galley. For example, loads of campers have said they want a desk surface. And RV companies are complying in various ways. Recently, I saw a number of dining tables that could be turned 90 degrees to become desks. In the Forest Rvier Grand Surveyor Legend 290RLDS ,the interior buffet was also set-up to be a desk.
In a Rockwood fifth wheel, the desk surface cleverly slides out from under the TV enabling you to also use the TV as a computer monitor. A number of RV companies are finding unique ways to offer a desk.
Ember RV has taken the lead in this area with a rear cargo space that offers a track system, so the platforms that you’d use for bunks can also be used for a desk … or a table … or even removed for cargo space. The company demonstrated a hammock hung from these racks, but the space could also be used for toting bikes, kayaks, or other gear.
Determining the Best RV Features for You
Flat out, some of the best RV features are absolutely going to make a big difference in the safety and usability of your RV. (That’s pretty important.) Some may just be passing fads. (Less important, but it could be a tipping point in the favor of one rig over another.) If you’re shopping for a new RV, how many of these will you find in any one RV and what are priorities for your RVing lifestyle? It’s wise to look, think, ask, and compare. After all, that’s a big part of the fun.
Marketplace Inventory
Tony Barthel
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