Smart Upgrades and Fresh Tech: Navigating the Best of the Hershey RV Show

Have you ever walked through a sea of gleaming campers and wondered if the industry is actually innovating or just slapping on a new coat of paint? It is a fair question, especially when many RV "upgrades" feel more like cosmetic tweaks than functional improvements.

The 2025 Hershey RV Show recently provided a glimpse into where the industry is heading, and the news is surprisingly good. From reimagined entry steps to electrical systems that actually think for themselves, the latest tech aims to solve the persistent headaches that have plagued nomads for decades. Let’s dive into the most significant breakthroughs and why they might change the way you travel.

Step Up: Why Your Entry Stairs Just Got a High-Tech Makeover

One of the most immediate changes visible on the new model year RVs is the shift toward Suburban steps. For years, the industry standard has been heavy aluminum or steel folding stairs that can be a literal pain to deploy and a mess to store. The new composite designs are a breath of fresh air for several reasons.

These steps utilize a metal outer frame for structural integrity but swap the heavy treads for a plastic or composite material. Why does this matter? First, they are significantly lighter, making the setup process easier for solo travelers or those with limited mobility. Second, the treads are graded, which is a fancy way of saying they have built-in drainage. This prevents water and dirt from being "folded" into your living room when you break camp after a rainy night.

While the long-term durability of composite material under harsh UV rays is still a bit of a question mark, the immediate benefits of better grip and reduced weight are hard to ignore. It is a classic example of how a simple material swap can solve multiple logistical problems at once.

The Power Center Revolution: Surge Protection Meets Voltage Boosting

If you have ever camped at an older park during a heatwave, you know the terror of low voltage. When everyone turns on their air conditioners at once, the power grid struggles, and your expensive electronics can literally fry. Traditionally, RVers had to carry a bulky surge protector (EMS) and a separate "autoformer" to boost low voltage. Not anymore.

The new integrated Power Center from Hughes is a game-changer because it combines these two vital functions into a single unit. Here is how it works:

• Constant Monitoring: It checks the incoming power from the pedestal and displays it clearly.
• Automatic Boosting: If the voltage drops to a dangerous level (like 105V), the unit automatically boosts it by up to 10% to keep your appliances running safely.
• Safety Shutdowns: If the power gets too low to safely boost (below 86V), the unit shuts down entirely to protect your coach.
• Self-Healing: Once the power stabilizes, it waits 90 seconds, retests the line, and restores power automatically.

This "all-in-one" approach eliminates the need for multiple heavy boxes and complicated wiring. It is essentially an insurance policy for your RV's electrical system that pays for itself the first time it saves your microwave or AC compressor.

Fixing the "Twist-Lock" Nightmare with Smart Connections

Let’s talk about that 50-amp power cord. It’s heavy, awkward, and the traditional "twist-lock" plastic nut is notorious for cross-threading or stripping. Worse yet, the weight of the heavy cord often pulls the plug slightly out of the socket, leading to arcing and excessive heat—a major fire hazard.

The Smart Plug system has been a favorite for a while, but it recently received a much-needed update. Unlike the old circular plugs, the Smart Plug uses a unique body shape and dual locking levers to create a rock-solid connection. You don't have to twist anything; you just push it in until it clicks. The connection provides 27% more metal-to-metal contact, which means lower resistance and less heat.

The big news this year is the introduction of the angled version of this plug. In the past, the cord stuck straight out from the side of the RV, creating a lot of leverage and strain. The new angled design allows the cord to drop straight down. While currently sold as part of a full cord set, a replacement plug head is on the horizon, allowing you to retrofit your existing cord without buying a whole new one. It’s a small mechanical fix that addresses a massive safety concern.

The Hidden Truth: What’s Under Your Feet?

At massive shows like Hershey, you can often find "cutaway" samples that show how an RV is actually built. This is where the savvy buyer learns the difference between a "pretty" RV and a "well-built" one. One of the most important things to look for is floor construction.

Many modern manufacturers have moved toward foam-sandwich floors. While lightweight, these can compress over time in high-traffic areas, leading to "soft spots" that are nearly impossible to fix without tearing the whole unit apart. Seeing a return to 5/8-inch tongue and groove plywood laid on 16-inch centers is a win for longevity. Wood floors are easier to repair and offer a more residential feel underfoot.

Similarly, look for Azdel sidewalls instead of traditional luan. Azdel is a composite that won't rot or delaminate if a leak occurs. Pair that with a PVC roof membrane—which is more durable and reflective than the standard TPO—and you have a recipe for an RV that will last a decade rather than a few seasons.

Advanced Towing: The Hitch That Fights Back

Towing a large trailer can be a white-knuckle experience, especially when wind or passing semi-trucks cause "sway." The Recurve R6 hitch is gaining traction because it handles sway differently than traditional friction-based hitches. It uses spring-loaded ball bearings to apply up to 300 pounds of pressure to keep the trailer centered.

The clever part? It provides maximum resistance during the first 7 degrees of movement—the zone where highway sway happens. Once you turn past 8 degrees (like when you are backing into a campsite or taking a sharp corner), the sway prevention disengages. This means the hitch isn't "fighting" you while you're trying to maneuver at low speeds. It is a sophisticated solution for a problem that usually involves a lot of noisy, grinding metal friction.

Black Tank Hygiene: A Cleaner Way to... Well, You Know

No one likes talking about the black tank, but everyone has to deal with it. A new Black Tank Flush Adapter is hitting the market that aims to simplify the "end of the trip" ritual. Traditionally, you need a separate hose just for flushing the tank to prevent cross-contamination with your fresh water system.

This new adapter uses dual check valves and a vacuum breaker. This setup allows you to use a single water source and simply flip a valve to divert water into the tank rinse line without any risk of "the bad stuff" flowing back into your clean hose. It is a "set it and forget it" upgrade for your Nautilus panel that makes the least pleasant part of RVing just a little bit more hygienic.

Final Thoughts: Is the Industry Actually Improving?

Looking at the 2025 offerings, it is clear that the focus is shifting toward integration and durability. We are moving away from "gadgets for the sake of gadgets" and toward tools that solve real-world problems like low voltage, heavy power cords, and rotting floorboards.

If you are planning to upgrade your current rig or buy a new one, keep an eye on these technical details. Don't just look at the floor plan or the color of the cabinets (though those dark-colored exteriors do look sharp, even if they might turn your RV into an oven in the July sun!). Instead, look at the connections, the materials, and the electrical protection. These are the things that will determine whether your next trip is a relaxing getaway or a series of expensive repairs. Happy trails!

Video