Where do the manufacturers need to go - from the consumer standpoint??

[porscheracer]

MY open thought list: feel free to add or disagree.

Engines: Somebody needs to develop a modular, boxer, turbo-diesel. Easy to change configuration, boxer for low profile.
Transmissions; multi-speed with elaborate computer control.
Chassis: Aluminum monocoque / space frame. Strong, light, roomy. Nobody needs a 7.5' overhead in a MH - drop the roof a foot and gain the aerodynamics.
Amenities: Make it a buffet, not a menu selection. Surely it can't be more difficult to offer vinyl as a floor covering instead of heavy stone.
Fluid apacities - large, at least on class A's.
Generators - option list.
Widths: 8' or less - with improved slide usage - weight is less an economy deterrent than aero, in most scenarios.
Interiors - wood is heavy per structural unit. go more with composites - HDPE, etc.
Chassis strength - axle ratings: high. a 18K coach on a 30k chassis may cost a little more on the front end, but should last forever. Adjustable / computer control with manual override air suspension. Tow capacity, at least 15K.

Smart money is going to be on more expensive to buy, high quality, high efficiency units. there are enough cheap unts already on the ground to supply that market for years. New buyers will be turning loose of more cash up front inorder to recover it downstream. The balance will be buying the inexpensive and used units anyway.

A 21st century re-look at the old GMC motorhome and EuroCoach would do any manufacturer good - up to and including FWD platforms!!

[porscheracer]

MY open thought list: feel free to add or disagree.

Engines: Somebody needs to develop a modular, boxer, turbo-diesel. Easy to change configuration, boxer for low profile.
Transmissions; multi-speed with elaborate computer control.
Chassis: Aluminum monocoque / space frame. Strong, light, roomy. Nobody needs a 7.5' overhead in a MH - drop the roof a foot and gain the aerodynamics.
Amenities: Make it a buffet, not a menu selection. Surely it can't be more difficult to offer vinyl as a floor covering instead of heavy stone.
Fluid apacities - large, at least on class A's.
Generators - option list.
Widths: 8' or less - with improved slide usage - weight is less an economy deterrent than aero, in most scenarios.
Interiors - wood is heavy per structural unit. go more with composites - HDPE, etc.
Chassis strength - axle ratings: high. a 18K coach on a 30k chassis may cost a little more on the front end, but should last forever. Adjustable / computer control with manual override air suspension. Tow capacity, at least 15K.

Smart money is going to be on more expensive to buy, high quality, high efficiency units. there are enough cheap unts already on the ground to supply that market for years. New buyers will be turning loose of more cash up front inorder to recover it downstream. The balance will be buying the inexpensive and used units anyway.

A 21st century re-look at the old GMC motorhome and EuroCoach would do any manufacturer good - up to and including FWD platforms!!

[Gary RVRoamer]

Good list, but I suspect the motorhome manufacturers will dismiss it as impractical. They all seem to be married to the fixed menu mode of operation. There are some production reasons for that, but I'm ot sure than anybody except the very high end has tred it. Newell, for example, is strictly buffet style. If they have it, you can have it. And if they don't have it, probably they can figure a way to get it for you anyway. But that's custom build from the ground up.

A few trailer manufacturers do it rather well - New Horizons comes to mind and I kear NuWa is pretty good too.

I think a lot more could be done with aero and areo has a lot of effect on fuel economy. EVERYBODY wants that, even those with deep pockets.

[becks]

If I could only pick one item, I think it would be to look at the GMC MH with todays eyes and technology and go from there.