RV News: The 2024 Tacoma Gets a Camper, an $11 Million Overland Vehicle, the Best RVs of 2023, and More

rv.com, RvLyfe

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly roundup of the latest news from the RV and camping industry. As usual, a lot went down over the past few days. Here are a few things you might have missed:

2024 Toyota Tacoma Gets a Camper Before It Hits the Streets: The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn’t expected to arrive on dealer lots until near the end of the year, but it is already getting a camper courtesy of GoFastCampers. A few days back, the company announced a version of its Platform Camper and rooftop tent will be available for the new Taco in early 2024 with a starting price of $7,700. For more information, click here.
A Yacht Manufacturer is Getting into the Overland Vehicle Business: London-based yacht manufacturer Arksen is best known for making gigantic boats for wealthy clients. But now, the company has announced its intention to get into the overland vehicle space by releasing an off-road RV built on the Mercedes Unimog platform. The go-anywhere truck is dubbed the Arksen 85 and will come with a hybrid drive system, built-in solar panels, and a full suite of onboard appliances. In typical luxury yacht fashion, the rig will come fully equipped with no additional options at a price of $11 million. Click here to see it for yourself.
Toro Bravo Unveils Versatile New Overlander, Too: If the $11 million Arksen 85 is too expensive for you, check out the new Silver Spear overland vehicle from Toro Bravo 4×4. This model is designed to be ultra-versatile, making it the perfect option for “work, play and explore,” according to the Michigan-based manufacturer. Built on a Ford F-450 chassis, the model features a rear tailgate that provides access to the interior for loading tools and toys. You’ll still need a healthy paycheck to cover the cost of this RV, as prices start at $299,000.
Camping World Opens Grand Design-Exclusive Outlet: Earlier this year, Camping World announced that it would open several brand-exclusive stores across the US. These unique outlets would focus on products and RVs from a single manufacturer, with CW partnering with some big names in the industry. This week, the company shared images from its new Grand Design-exclusive store located in Green Bay, WI. As you’ll see from these images, it doesn’t look like a typical Camping World store.
Grand Design to Enter Motorized RV Market in 2024: Speaking of Grand Design, this week, the RV manufacturer announced that it would enter the motorized vehicle space for the first time. Traditionally, the company has been known for making excellent travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth-wheels, but in 2024 it will start shipping motorhomes. Details on those models are scarce, but dealers can expect a preview in early 2024, with vehicles arriving on lots late next year. Learn more here.
RV Business Announces Best RVs of 2023: RV Business has announced its list of the best RVs of 2023, with editors and staff naming the Ibex No Boundaries travel trailer from Forest River as the top pick overall. Other notable vehicles that made the top 10 finalist list include the Brinkley Model G 3950, the Storyteller Overland HILT GVX, and the Winneabgo Solis Pocket 36B. Check out the full list here.
Go RVing Plots ‘Path to Purchase’ Journey: In its ongoing quest to better understand RV industry trends and the interests of RVers, Go RVing has conducted an in-depth look at the current state of the RV market. The company surveyed first-time and repeat buyers of both towable and motorhomes to get a sense of their needs and motivations. That information—which is designed to help industry analysts—has been compiled in a series of reports that fall under the “Path to Purchase” banner. Each of those reports can be accessed here.
KOA Says 51% of Campers Have Already Booked Plans for 2024: If you’re thinking about making a big RV trip in 2024, you may want to start booking your campgrounds now. According to the KOA Monthly Research Report for October, 51% of campers have already made plans for travel next year. That compares to just 13% of leisure travelers in general. KOA researchers continue to see a growing interest in winter camping, too, with 40% of those surveyed indicating they plan to travel in their RVs during the colder months of the year. Other stats of note include 47% of all campers indicating they are “very concerned” about climate change and seven out of ten respondents planning to catch the 2024 solar eclipse while camping. Read the full report here.
Airxcel Announces InVision Line of Appliances: RV HVAC manufacturer Airxcel held a product showcase this week, sharing its latest line of products and innovations. As part of that event, the company announced the launch of a new sub-brand called InVision that will focus on producing high-end appliances for use in motorhomes and travel trailers. Options will include residential-style 12V refrigerators, wine coolers, portable coolers, ice makers, and more. Read all about it here. At that same event, Airxcel announced its new Clear Vision single-piece frameless windows for more expansive views at the campsite.