From buyer demographics to the way customers are using their RVs and what features they want, the RV industry has seen a lot of change. RV PRO asked several experts to weigh in on what OEMs, dealers and customers need to know about power solutions.
What is new and innovative in power solutions for the RV industry right now?
Bruce de Jong, president, AIMS Power: Solar may not be the newest thing, but products like our all-in-one power center make it easy to install, save time on installation [and] wiring, [prevent] loose connections, save on space, etc. Not every all-in-one power system is the same.
Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer, Dragonfly Energy: The RV industry and its customers have benefited from significant advancements in power solutions. Lithium batteries, the integration of solar power, advanced and integrated battery management systems, smart batteries, energy management systems and even advanced inverter and alternator technologies are all helping customers be more efficient with their power supply and management. These developments have enabled users to be increasingly mobile, giving them more options to explore new places off-grid for longer periods of time.
Photo courtesy of PowerMax Converters
Errin Tribble, owner, PowerMax Converters: PCW patented technology, which allows the user to run 12-volt DC appliances via Bluetooth.
Kevin Mack, vice president of digital operations, and Brian Carmichael, president, RV Mobile Power (RVMP): [RVMP’s research and development] and product teams are enhancing generator efficiency, power output and environmental impact while making them lighter, quieter and more compact.
The industry has seen a shift toward a younger demographic. Has that affected the power solutions side, and if so, how?
de Jong: The younger generation is more about green living, and solar products fit into this perfectly. The younger generation is looking for simple power solutions that fit their on-the-go lifestyle and extracurricular activities.
Seaburg: There seems to be a shift in mindset among younger generations where concerns over the environment and their own personal impact on it are at the forefront of their minds. … Our customers enjoy a sustainable power solution that is better for the planet — in several ways — compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Younger demographics also tend to be more adventurous, wanting to test the limits of their systems, go off-grid more often for longer periods of time, and they’re seeking smart power solutions that can help them do that. People today are used to using smartphones to manage so much in their daily lives, and an intelligent RV power system is no different. The ability to connect a full power system through a battery management system allows customers a stress-free experience where they don’t need to understand a lot of the technical components to properly manage their systems, which is something all RVers can benefit from, no matter their age.
Tribble: The younger demographic prefers… smart technology. Our PCW [power center] has an easy-to-use app that allows for just this, giving them Bluetooth without all the costs.
Mack & Carmichael: RVMP is dedicated to serving all customer types with exceptional customer service. For first-time RVers, [we] provide product education to ensure the right selection for their RV.
What kind of impact has the increased popularity of off-grid camping and demand for things like smart RV technology, solar power, Wi-Fi, etc. had?
de Jong: [It has forced] the manufacturers to think more about cost versus high-tech products such as generators versus solar. Off-grid campers expect the perks they would have as if they had access to the grid.
Seaburg: The increasing demand for smart technology and solar power in the RV industry has significantly driven innovation in power solutions. As users seek to extend their off-grid adventures, power systems must become more efficient, store more energy and creatively recharge using renewable sources like solar power and pulling additional charging power from a vehicle’s alternator.
Tribble: OEMs are searching for easy, inexpensive and trustworthy ways of bringing all these new features to market. The first step needs to be educating the customer about what can and can’t be done with this type of new technology.
Mack & Carmichael: RVMP has had great success with the rising popularity of the off-grid lifestyle, ensuring [its] products are always available and can be shipped as quickly as next day.
With spiking interest in smart RV technology for off-grid and mobile living applications, how is your company tackling innovation and keeping new products in stock for OEMs and end users?
de Jong: Being a mobile power company since inception, we were well suited to support this move. Of course we’ve had to add features such as Bluetooth and RV-C connections as well as Wi-Fi available products.
Seaburg: Dragonfly Energy is not just a battery manufacturing company; we’re also an innovative technology company. … Our R&D team is constantly at work finding the next thing in power solutions technology — whether that’s a new smart device for connectivity or an innovation in the battery itself that allows for a better end user experience. An example of this is [our] two new products — the Wakespeed Pro Bluetooth Alternator Regulator and the Wakespeed 48V/12V Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter — both offering increased convenience with Bluetooth connectivity and effective charging. These new products offer [a] feature that manages power between 12-volt and 48-volt and sends power from where it’s available to where it’s needed.
Tribble: We are listening to customer feedback on tech calls. We ask questions about what is and isn’t working and what would make their RVing experience better.
Mack & Carmichael: RVMP collaborates closely with OEMs to ensure [its] products not only meet current customer needs but are also future-proof for emerging demands. [RVMP] continuously enhances [its] products to maintain the highest performance standards.
For end users interested in alternative power sources, what challenges do RV manufacturers, dealers or the customers themselves face when adopting these alternatives?
de Jong: The biggest issues are rooftop space available for solar panels. The next is cost.
Seaburg: Although the initial cost of upgrading a power system can be surprising, users will find it worthwhile once they experience the benefits, as it ultimately enhances their experience and provides long-term savings for both their finances and the environment.
Tribble: The new generations want to make a home out of an RV. … With the power demands of home appliances and electronics, getting the right amount of power to run everything gets very difficult. The demands of RV park power have not caught up with what these new RVs can pull.
Mack & Carmichael: Many customers seek the latest RV technology but face obstacles like cost and availability. RVMP addresses this by offering innovative, competitively priced power solutions [and equipping] RVs with reliable, environmentally friendly energy.
What else do our readers need know about power solutions?
de Jong: Generators are quite likely to be phased out over time. Solar and battery storage is the future, and they are continuing to improve both in cost and size.
Seaburg: We encourage our customers to do their research to ensure they’re buying quality, tested products. There are a lot of lithium battery and power solutions devices on the market, but unless they’re tested and proven, they might end up causing more problems down the road. At Dragonfly Energy, ensuring that we’re providing products of the utmost quality that have undergone rigorous testing is important to us.
Tribble: Power solutions are a vital and integral part of today’s RV. Without reliable, quality power supplies and related equipment, the RV experience can be seriously and adversely impacted. Making sure that [a customer’s] electrical needs are being met and maintained is an important factor to enjoying [their] RV for many years.
Mack & Carmichael: [RVMP’s] Portable Generators series [showcases] advanced technology and dual fuel capability, [and offers light weight], 30% noise reduction, minimal vibration and high-temperature performance. Additionally, the RVMP Force 100aH and 200aH LiFePO4 batteries provide durable, efficient power storage, … ensuring reliability.