With 7 million RVers on the road during this weekend’s 4th of July celebrations and America’s biggest RV manufacturers shutting down to prepare for the 2026 model year, we’re crunching numbers, making calls, and tracking down industry insiders to bring you a way-too-early sneak peek at the most exciting RV developments to look for in the coming months.
But first, a quick recap:
- We dubbed 2025 the “Year of the Destination Trailer” – we saw increased popularity in models like Forest River’s Campsite Reserve 39JD and Timberwolf 20OG for those interested in tiny home or full-time RV living.
- Compact, lightweight towable campers continue to dominate the market. Sales of affordable travel trailers under $15,000 jumped dramatically year-over-year.
- The affordable Class C RV segment saw improved performance amongst motorized RVs, with entry-level models like the Freedom Elite, Eddie Bauer, and Coleman leading the charge.
- Keystone took over production of America’s best-selling towables lineup, and the Coleman brand is stronger than ever.
- Campsite Reserve, a Camping World private label by Forest River, has witnessed record-level success to become the fastest-growing travel trailer brand in recent months.
So, we’re now less than 70 days from the opening of the 2025 Hershey RV Show. What should we keep an eye out for in the coming months? Look for RV manufacturers to unveil more about these intriguing 2026 plans as the summer unfolds.
Forest River to Introduce Campsite Elite Fifth Wheels
Forest River first introduced the Campsite Reserve travel trailers to great reaction in 2023. Since then, their conventional lineup has expanded to include new travel trailer floor plans and destination trailers. They’ve also introduced a laminate lineup with the Campsite Ultra.
Packed with industry-leading storage, head-turning square reflective windows, and innovative layouts, this Forest River-Camping World private label is one of the best new brands to hit the market in the last few years. So we can’t wait to see what they’ll introduce with the brand’s first foray into the 5th wheel space.
Campsite Elite—as they’ll be branded—will offer similar core traits to those of Campsite Reserve and Ultra models: industry-leading storage, iconic reflective square windows, rugged and corrosion-resistant chassis, and UltraRide suspension for a smoother, safer towing experience.
However, Campsite Elite goes above and beyond what we know as standard for the Campsite RVs. A 400-watt solar charging system expands your recharge capabilities. The blackout roller shade in the bedroom doubles as a projector screen for premier couple’s movie nights. An inventive “Paw Pantry” offers pet owners a dedicated pet dining area with a water spigot for quick and easy refills.
Maximum-sized scenic windows, an outdoor entertainment center, and fully finished “Vault-sized” basement storage are just a tease of the exterior features to expect in the 2026 Campsite Elite fifth wheels. There’s surely more to come, but we love what we see so far.
Freedom Motorhomes Updates Its 2026 Lineup
The Freedom Motorhomes lineup—featuring Freedom Elite, Coleman, Eddie Bauer, and Freedom Traveler—will see several interior and exterior changes for the 2026 model year. Some are smart tech upgrades, and some are simply practical tweaks.
Class C Updates
Some of our favorite upgrades for their Class C motorhomes include a dual-fuel generator that works on gasoline or propane, a Suburban tankless water heater, hidden hinges on the cabinet doors, and day/night roller shades in place of pleated shades. They also made floor plan-specific updates like adding a bathroom mirror and net storage to the Eddie Bauer 31ED and modifying the hallways bunks in the Freedom Elite 31FE and Coleman 31CM.
Class A Updates
The most notable changes in their Freedom Traveler Class A lineup are upgrading to the BMPRO Connect Smart RV control system, sizing up to a 14-inch touchscreen dash in the cockpit, and adding fixed shelving to an overhead kitchen cabinet. Their smallest Class A RV, the A24, also upgraded the sofa bed to include armrest removable tables instead of the pedestal tables.
Camper Van Updates
The Freedom Elite and Coleman camper vans—Sprinter and Ford Transit models—also updated the pedestal tables to removable armrest tables. They also added a rear ladder receiver and solar port, upgraded the interior window framing, and used a dual-fuel generator to allow toggling between propane and gasoline.
Significant upgrades in the Eddie Bauer Ford Transit lineup include new front grille inserts, more aggressive front wheel fender flares, updated running boards, and improved storage locations for all removable Lagun tables. Specific floor plans also saw important changes, such as the addition of a Starlink exterior plug on the 19EB and 19EU and the option to install a 50-state certified generator on the 20EB and 18EB.
Overall, these changes were about practicality for all campers. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or ready to take on full-time motorhome living, the 2026 Freedom Motorhomes are upgraded to handle your needs.
2026 Ozark RVs to See Significant Overhaul
Not every RV brand makes significant year-over-year changes. Last year, Salem & Wildwood captured hearts and minds at the Hershey RV Show with their thoughtful 2025 model year changes. This year, we’re looking for something similar from the Ozark lineup.
Redesigned and re-engineered, the 2026 lineup promises a stark contrast to what we’ve come to expect from Ozark campers. They’ve added innovative new furniture like pull-out dinettes with built-in electric fireplaces, hidden TVs on a Televator system inside counters, strut-supported folding bunks for expanded interior storage, and more.
They’ve also incorporated dimmable Blade lighting throughout, allowing you to customize your RV’s ambiance. With decorative bathroom mirrors and countertops, tall ceilings, hanging shelving, a tilting primary bed, and much more, we can’t wait to see the all-new 2026 Ozark RVs at an RV show or dealership in the coming weeks.
Airstream Unveils a Frank Lloyd Wright Edition
Images by Airstream
There have been Pottery Barn and Tommy Bahama edition Airstreams before, but this partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation might be our favorite yet. And with Airstream pledging to build just 200 models over the next two years, they’ll only be around for so long.
True to the namesake’s architectural style, each model will feature a rear hatch that blends the luxuries of RV camping with the ease of immersing yourself in nature. These Frank Lloyd Wright edition Airstreams will also boast convertible living spaces, upgraded solar and lithium power systems, and Gordon Leaf color patterns that make them a sight to behold and a rarity in the RV design world.
Manufacturers Launch Influencer-Inspired Floor Plans?
In 2025, manufacturers like Forest River leaned into the creativity of RV influencers. They partnered with Abby and Jason Epperson of the RVMiles podcast, website, and social media channels to create an influencer-inspired floor plan in their respected Sabre fifth wheel lineup.
This floor plan isn’t just for the influencers! With an electric patio deck, a wonderfully designed kitchen, and an incredibly versatile rear room that seamlessly transitions from a mobile office to a bunk space to a movie room with a 70” projector screen, the Sabre 37RVMILES is a fascinating RV layout.
With other manufacturers taking a similar approach, we have to wonder if there’s more to come in the 2026 model year. American Coach recently launched an influencer-inspired floor plan in partnership with Kris and Hillary of Fuel Your Wander. This American Eagle 45FW Class A motorhome features a studio bar, a fireplace cabinet with a convertible workstation, and built-in massagers in the front seats.
Will other manufacturers and influencers partner to create innovative new floor plans in 2026?
What other exciting news have you heard about changes coming to 2026 RVs? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the cost of the campsite elite that is featured?
Hi Larry!
You can keep an eye out for Price and Availability at this link when we know more: https://cwrv.link/b2026campsiteelite
I would like to see you do an article on the number of RVs produced since 2000 compared to the number on the road today. I am confident you will discover that there are almost the same number produced as the number on the road, meaning they have a very short life span. Your article will discover it’s because they are not made well and do not last very long. This is the main reason we are busy lobbying Congress to enact some quality regulations for the RV industry while also expanding a nationwide ‘Lemon Law’ for consumers to help them get relief for cheaply manufactured RVs. That campaign is going very, very well.
That would be an interesting study to better understand the lifecycle of RVs. My mind goes to questions like how you interpret the number still on the road today. For instance, do you rule it out if it’s not road-ready but the owner lives in it full-time as a stationary domicile? Or do you count it if the owner neglected proper maintenance and it would otherwise still be operational? It’s thought-provoking indeed, and we are always interested in showcasing ways manufacturers can and continue to improve their process. Thanks for your comment.