The 2025 edition of the Hershey RV Show has come and gone, and as usual, there was a lot to take in. Starting last Wednesday and continuing through the weekend, the event drew thousands of attendees, many of whom were on hand to check out the latest motor coaches, towables, and camper vans. As you might expect, we were also at the show and came away with plenty of insights into the latest trends in RV design and decor. After spending three days in Hershey, PA, these are some of the most interesting things we saw there.
More Evolution Than Revolution
While there were plenty of new RVs on display in Hershey, most were an evolution of existing designs and ideas rather than something truly new. For instance, there were more destination trailers on hand than ever before, but most offered slight variations on floor plans we’ve seen before. The same held true across other models as well, with very little standing out as being new and different. That’s in part due to some unique new models not being at the show, including the electric Jayco Embark or Keystone’s Walkabout travel trailer. As a result, there were fewer RVs that truly stood out from the crowd.
All of that said, there was still plenty of innovation to be found; you just had to look a little more under the hood. For instance, more models have adopted super-efficient 12V air conditioners and appliances, while also increasing house battery capacity and onboard solar. This makes it easier for RVers to stay off-grid for longer periods of time, while still maintaining their level of comfort. This is a trend that isn’t always obvious at first glance, but shows up more when you compare outgoing models with the 2026 model year. Show attendees had to look a little harder to find these updates, but there were plenty of them to found if you dug into the specs.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Truly Residential Appliances
In recent years, we’ve seen the term “residential-style” used liberally to describe various features found inside an RV, most notably in regards to a vehicle’s appliances. Usually, this refers to incorporating larger refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and washer and dryers into the design, making the interior feel more like home. But in most cases, those appliances have come from traditional RV accessories manufacturers like Furrion or Lippert. In Hershey, we saw an increasing number of models using recognizable name-brand appliances built by companies like Samsung, LG, and, most notably, GE. This is a clear sign that those brands are more interested in working their way into the RV space, and manufacturers are welcoming their well-known products with open arms. Renegade RV even has some models that use Samsung’s smart fridge, which includes a built-in LCD screen to display a calendar, shared notes, healthy recipes, and more, including watching YouTube clips. Not something you would have seen in an RV just a few years ago.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Bigger TVs
According to consumer electronic sales data, the fastest-growing segment of the television market is for models that are 65″ in size or larger. While that is way too big for most RVs, there was a definite trend toward larger TVs at the Hershey RV Show. This was most notable in the fifth-wheel and Class A segments, where there is additional room for a bigger screen. Some vehicles even had 65″+ models in their outdoor entertainment centers, making tailgating and entertaining guests easier than ever. And as noted above, many of the TVs in these rigs were coming from companies traditionally from outside the RV space, like Samsung and LG.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Televators Grow in Popularity
Staying on the topic of televisions, there was a noticeable increase in the number of RV manufacturers utilizing televators in their vehicles this year. For those who don’t know, a televator is a motorized mount for a TV that allows the screen to stay hidden away in a cabinet or shelf until needed. Then, with a push of a button, it rises up from its hiding place, ready to show movies, shows, and sporting events. The benefit of such a device in the RV space is evident, as it frees up room for other things when the TV is not in use, while still providing the screen when it is needed. To be clear, televators aren’t new, and have been found in higher-end coaches and fifth-wheels for years. But, they have now trickled down into more affordable units, including mid-range travel trailers, Class C motorhomes, and other models.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
More Built-In Video Projectors
At last year’s Hershey RV Show, we were impressed by a fifth-wheel trailer that came with a video projector built into the ceiling of the primary bedroom, eliminating the need for a TV in that space. This year, projectors were found in a wide variety of vehicles, sometimes as a secondary device for watching movies and TV shows and in some cases replacing a television altogether. This is another way to save space, while still offering impressive multimedia performance. In most cases, a pull-down screen served double duty as both a window shade and a space to project whatever is being watched. It is a clever way to add value and convenience—not to mention a larger screen size—without adding weight or taking up lots of room.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Patios Expand to More Models
Patios have been a feature on toy haulers for quite some time, and in recent years, they’ve expanded to some other fifth-wheels, too. At Hershey, there were more models than ever that came with this feature, including an increasing number of side patios that include outdoor entertainment centers, kitchens, and other amenities. This is a great way to expand an RV’s living space while still making the interior accessible. As an example of just how far patios have come, the 21PD floor plan for the Comfort travel trailer from industry newcomer Bontrager Outdoors includes a foldout rear deck with a starting price of around $44,000. That’s quite a feature at that price point.
Photo Credit: Thor
Starlink Support Expands
Thanks to its speed and reliability, Starlink satellite internet service has become a must-have for many RVers. At the Hershey RV Show, we saw an increasing number of models that now come with Starlink prep already included from the factory, making it easier than ever to connect a satellite receiver and use the service in the field. And if you’re shopping for a higher-end model, that receiver may come built-in from the factory, meaning all you have to do is activate the service. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
L-Shaped Couches Were Everywhere
One of the most notable trends in RV furniture was the increased use of L-shaped couches throughout more vehicles. These lounges offer more space for guests, but obviously take up more room, too. In some cases, these couches were added to existing floor plans, changing the dynamics of the layout in the process. This was most evident in some rigs with island kitchens, where the placement of the sofa no longer allowed owners to walk all the way around the island, as the couch now blocks one end. It’s a simple change to the interior flow, but one that might turn some buyers off. On the other hand, others may set it as an easy sacrifice for a larger, more comfortable lounge.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Island Kitchens Becoming the Norm
Speaking of island kitchens, this style of layout is now much more common across all types of RVs, save camper vans. This is another feature that was mostly found in larger, pricier models just a few years ago, but now it is available in an increasing number of rigs. Adding an island provides more counter space and gives an RV a more upscale feel, even if you’re shopping in the budget or mid-range segments. This will certainly excite many buyers who probably found such a feature was out of their budget.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
More Full-Featured Outdoor Kitchens
The proliferation of island kitchens also trickles over to outdoor kitchens, too. While this is another feature that has been around for a very long time, more and more models now incorporate an exterior galley as part of their design. In most cases, this isn’t just adding an outdoor griddle with an LP connection either. These kitchens often include a mini-fridge and a countertop for meal prep, too. And as with other amenities we’ve seen trickle down, you can get them in entry-level towables as well.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Versatile Tables Abound
Sticking with the kitchen-themed trends we saw at the Hershey RV Show, we also noticed a lot of creativity going into the design and use of RV tables. Not only were there far more freestanding models on display, but many of them folded away to provide more space or shifted shape to add versatility. For instance, we saw a number of bar top designs that included a foldout extension. Others offered features that made them more useful as a remote workspace. Some even expanded to accommodate additional guests for meals, playing games, or other activities. Either way, it was nice to see designers doing some unique things with a traditionally space-hogging furnishing.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Better Entry and Exit Stairs
For years, the stairs used to get in and out of many RVs seemed like an afterthought to some manufacturers. Sure, they served their purpose, but they often felt like a cheap add-on lacking in stability and support. Because of this, an entire mini-industry for aftermarket RV steps rose up, allowing owners to upgrade their vehicles with better options. But as we roamed the grounds of the RV show, we noticed that an increasing number of models were coming with much better stairs installed at the factory. This not only makes it easier to get in and out—something you notice when viewing dozens of RVs over a few short days—but inspires more confidence, too. This is a trend we can definitely get behind.
That’s a wrap of our top RV trends that we saw in Hershey. We’re looking forward to seeing more of these items make their way into future motorhomes and towables.
The post All the Latest Trends We Saw at the Hershey RV Show appeared first on RV.com.
