Lippert Debuts Antilock Braking On Grand Design RVs
Lippert Components Inc. has announced the development of a new antilock braking system (ABS) designed to integrate with the electric braking systems in the company’s spring axles. The Lippert ABS combines trailer-axle technologies with connected RV systems to create a safety mechanism for all trailer types, including travel trailers and fifth-wheels.
Grand Design RV has announced that select models of its Solitude, Reflection, and Momentum towable RVs will be the first to include the new Lippert ABS. The Grand Design package utilizes the Curt axle platform, which features improved suspension, forward self-adjusting brakes, greaseable wet bolts, and upgraded heavy-duty hardware.
The Lippert ABS has been tested in multiple scenarios, according to company officials. The integrated system works with the trailer’s brakes to prevent wheel lockup and to enhance control of the vehicle-trailer combination, especially in slippery or abrupt braking scenarios. Instead of the trailer fishtailing off to one side and pulling the vehicle into a dangerous drift, the Lippert ABS helps the driver to maintain control and bring the vehicle and trailer to a stop safely, according to company literature.
The Lippert trailer ABS is prepped to work with the OneControl app, so it can be paired with the driver’s phone to monitor speed, status, and more. It also operates independently from the vehicle’s brake controller, if so equipped.
KOA Study: More Winter Camping Planned
Not everyone puts their RV into hibernation; a KOA survey says that more respondents intend to camp this winter than in 2021.
The October 2022 edition of Kampgrounds of America’s research report projects that households who plan to camp this winter will grow from 6.9 million to 8.2 million — a 19 percent increase in just one year. According to KOA officials, this uptick builds upon the overall popularity of camping reported in KOA’s annual “North American Camping Report” released in April.
In KOA’s October survey, 37 percent of respondents said they “probably” or “definitely” planned to take a camping trip this winter. One in four campers stated they planned to take more trips in the remainder of the year when compared to 2021; 12 percent said they planned fewer trips.
“The growth of interest in camping during the colder months points to just how much the industry is growing and changing,” said Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer of Kampgrounds of America. “We are seeing alternative and more experiential activation of camping — it’s no longer a seasonal activity.”
Conversely, long-term snowbird camping was expected to see a slight drop in participation. This year, nearly 2.2 million households planned to snowbird compared to just over 2.4 million who participated in snowbird camping in 2021, the survey reported. Long-term snowbirds represent 7 percent of the overall camping market, according to KOA.
KOA tracks camping incidence and behavior for campers through-out the United States and Canada on a month-by-month basis.
Dutchmen RV: 35 Years Of Making Memories
Dutchmen RV is celebrating 35 years of helping RV owners to make memories.
With the release of its 2023 model-year vehicles, Dutchmen RV begins its 35th anniversary celebration.
To commemorate the milestone, Dutchmen has created a 35th anniversary package, which will be incorporated on all of its brands in the 2023 model year. Features include the Solo OneControl Bluetooth-accessible mobile app, which controls many main RV functions, such as slideouts, lights, tank level monitoring, and leveling jacks on some models. Among other new components are slideout toppers, an on-demand tankless water heater, keyless entry, and a rear-view camera.
Dutchmen was founded with innovative floor plans, including more standard features for less money, according to company officials. In 1991 it was the first original-equipment manufacturer acquired by Thor Industries.
“Every once in a while, you’ll stumble across a vintage Dutchmen on the road or even in the campground, and it always brings a smile knowing that generations of families have created memories through the years,” said Angelia Peterson, director of marketing.