Were I to try to list ALL of the luxury options available to RVers, the list would be endless. No doubt there are new inventions being created that would make the list out of date before I could click "Publish". By the time you read the list, new additions might even be obsolete! With that in mind I will list some of the more popular and desirable features that are standard usually only on high end luxury units but often envied by the rest of us. Keep in mind that "luxuries" are, by definition, nice to have but usually not essential. However, it is surprising how quickly some luxuries become necessities to some people. Luxury features are usually not standard equipment on production vehicles except for very high end units but are often ordered or added by owners by the time they hit the used market.
The sky is the limit! There is virtually no end to ways you might enhance your RV if you have the initiative, imagination, and money. I've even seen RVs with a hot tub! While that is probably not a practical or even desirable option for most people, there are many luxury options that are useful, realistic, and even economically possible.
Near the top of my list are power levelers. Leveling and stabilizing an RV using leveling blocks or digging holes is a laborious, messy, and time consuming task. Fully automatic levelers do it all at the touch of a button. Once you activate the "Extend" feature, the coach automatically levels itself. The leveling jacks are extended and hydraulically adjusted until the unit is level. A manual mode allows you to change the positions of each jack, a useful option if you need to raise one wheel to change a tire. Hydraulic or electric levelers without the automatic feature require the owner to adjust each jack using a toggle switch or lever on the control panel until the unit is level. Clearly, the automatic option is the most convenient but any power leveling system is a lot better than none. When it comes time to break camp, moving the switch for the automatic system to "Retract" retracts the jacks and prepares the chassis for the road. Without the automatic feature the owner has to use the toggle switches for each jack to retract them. In all cases, you should get out and look beneath your rig to make sure the jacks are fully retracted before you attempt to move it. Adding hydraulic levelers to an existing unit is usually possible, but the high cost ($2500-$3000 plus installation) is a deterrent for most people. We kind of "eased in" to having automatic levelers. A Pace Arrow Class A we had a few years ago included a kind of leveling (but not stabilizing) via the air bags in the suspension. Then our luxurious Holiday Rambler had automatic levelers and I have to say I've really got to like them. Even to the point of wondering how I ever got along without them. I've been in places where they lifted the rear wheels clear off the ground to get the body level! I don't recommend doing that. Always block the front wheels with chocks. When the back wheels are lifted off the ground, the parking brake is of no use since it only locks the rear brakes. If any wheels are lifted off the ground, try to find a more level spot if possible. Levelers also stabilize the coach, which leveling blocks do not do. The use of leveling blocks can make the body level, but wind and movement inside the coach will still cause it to rock on the suspension. Levelers are connected directly to the frame and put the coach in direct contact with the ground so it doesn't bounce on its springs. Hydraulic levelers provide a convenience beyond saving the labor of working with leveling blocks. You can level your rig quickly when you arrive in camp without having to get out, a feature that is especially welcome in inclement weather. Levelers are one of the luxury options that, at least in my mind, are close to being a necesity.
Automatic electric steps add a measure of convenience. In normal mode they automatically extend whenever the door is opened and retract when it is closed. An override switch allows the steps remain extended or retracted as long as you like while in camp. They usually have a lock out that prevents the engine from being started while the step is extended. Electric steps can replace the manual steps on some RVs. Plan to pay about $500 plus installation. Extending a manual step doesn't require a whole lot of effort. The benefits of an electric step are mostly found in the convenience of having it move into place automatically when you open the door. This feature is especially nice when the ground is uneven or muddy and getting out of the vehicle to manually open the steps wouldn't be much fun. Electric steps usually have lights that come on automatically when the step is extended, adding a measure of convenience and safety at night. I have made it a point to convert my step lights to LEDs to conserve battery power when leaving the step out in camp. While clearly not necessary for most of us, electric steps are a luxury item that adds convenience and, if you happen to have a disability that makes it hard to bend over to open or close the manual step, a pretty essential feature.
Automatic transfer switches take care of switching from shore to generator power whenever the generator is started instead of having to plug the shore power cord into the generator receptacle. Prices range from about $50 - $300 plus installation. Kind of a lot to pay to avoid plugging in and unplugging a power cord, but it is much appreciated in bad weather and avoids the embarassment of calling a service tech for a "generator problem" when you forget to switch the cable. Once again, convenience is the watch word.
Inverters. Inverters are gaining popularity for providing 120 volt AC power from batteries so you can use your microwave or enjoy your entertainment system without having to run the generator. Though far from being standard equipment yet, they are showing up on more and more units. I thought I was being quite innovative when I installed one in an RV that lacked a 120 volt generator about twenty five years ago before they were offered on any factory units. Just seemed like a good idea at the time. Shortly after that I began seeing them in high end vehicles and now they are showing up on many units.
Automatic ice makers are small freezers with a connection to the RV's fresh water system to automatically keep the internal ice bin full. Of course you can make ice cubes in the freezer in your RV refrigerator, but you have to fill the trays yourself and you it can take along time to make enough ice to meet your needs. An automatic ice maker works like the one in your fridge at home, turning out ice cubes until the bin is full, then shutting itself off until you remove some of the ice. Not cheap. Figure around $600 plus installation if your rig doesn't already have one. There are portable ice makers too, with claims of around 25 #s of ice per day. Portable ice makers can be found for around $150 or so.
Dishwashers are still fairly rare in RVs but are gaining acceptance. They usually take the form of a drawer that often replaces the gas oven (which in turn has been replaced by a microwave/convection oven).
Washers and dryers are fairly common in large luxury RVs and appeal to folks who go full timing or work camping. They aren't particularly practical for boondocking because of the water consumption, but having a dryer to toss wet clothing into if you get caught in the rain can be handy. If you have washer and dryer be sure to use them once a month or so to keep them in good working order. Allowing them to sit unused for long periods is an invitation to premature failure.
Trash compactors are found in some luxury RVs but in my experience most RVs don't even have a waste basket or a good place to put one, let alone a trash compactor. Seems like a kind of natural addition since space is at such a premium. Being able to pack the trash down so it doesn't take up so much room seems like a good idea. Of course you can always stomp your trash down to compact it!
Upgraded mattresses these days even include the famous "Sleep Number Bed" in sizes made for RVs. The mattresses in many standard level coaches are minimal at best and often break down faster than you would hope. Replacing a poor or worn out mattress or even adding a nice memory foam topper will add a lot of luxury to your sleep with little effort (except for paying for it!).
Hmmmmm. I'm seeing a trend here. Seems like we all like features that do the work for us or at least make things more convenient or more comfortable. The list continues...
Satellite TV receivers come in several forms, ranging from portable dishes you set up outside your RV to top of the line roof mounted dome units that even realign themselves automatically as you drive, allowing your passengers to watch satellite programs on the road. In between are roof mounted dishes you align manually in camp. You need a subscription to one of the satellite TV services in order to use them.
Home theater systems are finding their way into RVs. Flat LCD screen TVs are lighter and have a smaller footprint than older CRT models, making big screens feasible in RVs. Powerful sound systems, some with computer programs what measure and compensate for acoustical defects produce near theater-quality surround sound experiences. Satellite receivers let you get programming virtually anywhere. There both manual and automatic satellite dishes. Some automatic dishes can even be used while in motion. Home theater systems enhance any RV entertainment system to increase performance and enhance the viewing/listening pleasure. You may be able to adapt residential components for use in an RV, but take care in mounting them to make sure they are secure, and, when possible, isolated from road vibrations. Systems designed for RV use are "hardened" to withstand RV conditions (vibration, temperature swings, etc). Sometimes just upgrading your speakers or adding additional speakers will greatly improve the sound of an RV entertainment system. Upgrading old, heavy, bulky CRT televisions to new flat panel models usually allows you to have a bigger, clearer screen for improved viewing pleasure, reduces weight, and reduces energy consumption. It might also give you more room to install additional components, such as audio amplifiers, VHS, and DVD players. Sound bars are a really easy and fairly inexpensive way to upgrade the audio on your TV. Some, like Sceptre brand TVs and sound bars have all the controls for both on a single remote.
Exterior entertainment systems let you enjoy audio-visual presentations out on your "patio". The earliest and least expensive versions were simply radios or radio/cassette players. These days you will see big screen TVs and Surround Sound speaker systems. You can entertain the whole camp with some of these. Just be sure the whole camp WANTS to be entertained when you turn it on and turn it up!
Closely related to entertainment systems are computer and Internet access. The hot spot feature on most smart phones can give you Internet anywhere there is cell coverage. Speaking of cell coverage, cell phone booster systems can greatly improve your range -- if you are willing able to pay several hundred bucks to acquire them.
Exterior kitchens may include a sink, small refrigerator, stove, and BBQ grill. These compact kitchens usually slide or swing out from an exterior cabinet under your patio awning and provide all the facilities you need for outdoor dining. A simplified version is just an outdoor BBQ, but even that adds convenience.
A second trend: we like our amusements and entertainments.
Slide outs began as options on luxury RVs and are rapidly becoming standard equipment. When they first came out I saw companies offering conversions to add slide outs to existing units, but the high cost has made it diminishing market. The last time I checked adding a single 14' slide out to an existing RV would cost close to $30,000, usually making it way more cost effective to trade up to a unit that already has slide outs -- and trading up would avoid possible engineering failures for adding a slide-out to a unit that was never designed to accommodate the extra weight or leverage.
More luxuries turned standard equipment. Once considered high end luxuries, on board generators are pretty much standard equipment on most Class A and many Class C motorhomes. They are still often optional on Class B motorhomes and many travel trailers. Today's advanced portable generators offer portable power in a light weight, quiet, fuel-efficient package. Portable generators are not quite as convenient as on board generators. On board generators usually have electric starters and can be turned on and off from inside the RV at the flip of a switch. You will usually want to set up your portable generator some distance from your RV or tent (but not near anyone else's). You have to unload it and they usually have a rope pull starter although electric starters are options on some. Then you just need to run your RV shore power cord to the generator and you're in business. Microwave ovens were once luxury options, but are now pretty much standard equipment on most newer RVs. Fortunately, they can usually be added for a few hundred dollars if your RV doesn't yet have one. Roof air conditioners have become common as standard features on most motorhomes and travel trailers. Adding an air conditioner to an RV that doesn't have one is quite expensive. The units themselves run around $700-$1000 plus installation. If you are camping with full hookups you can usually take advantage of them even if you don't have a generator. Some large units with two roof air conditioners may require 50 amp power to run both units at the same time. Vehicles equipped with 30 amp systems can probably only run one AC at a time. These units will usually have a switch that selects which AC gets power at any given time so you can manually switch them back and forth to keep the whole RV cool. A fancier and more expensive setup is a timed switch that automatically switches between the two units. If you plan to run an air conditioner using a portable generator, choose one with at least 2,000 - 2,500 watts output. Most on board units are at least 4,000 watts. Believe it or not, showers and toilets were once luxury options. Early units relied on a "Porta-potty" when boondocking or to avoid trips to the campground restrooms. Almost all motorhomes and travel trailers these days are also equipped with a hot water heater and have showers. Some even have small bath tubs. I've even seen custom units with hot tubs!
Awnings are standard features on many RVs but there are always luxury options you can choose for an upgrade. Power awnings open and close at the touch of a button. Rain and wind sensors can automatically close power awnings before they are damaged by bad weather. Many awning accessories are available to improve convenience. De-flappers reduce noise and potential tearing from wind; light strings can be attached to the accessory slot in the awning rail to illuminate your "patio" at night; screens and privacy curtains can turn the awning into an outside room; 12-volt fans can create a cooling, artificial breeze on hot days; on REALLY hot days you can add a mist system. Recently I've seen a fancy, color-changing LED rope light for RV awnings. They are kind of pricey (around $100) but provide a variety of colors for different moods and even have a hand held remote control.
Powered roof vents are a nice addition to just about any RV. Standard roof vents are just a screened and domed opening to allow warm air to escape. You'll be surprised how much cooler it can be in an RV with the roof vents and a couple of windows open. Since heat rises, the hot air will exit through the roof vent, drawing (hopefully) cooler air in through the open windows. Just the movement of air through the interior makes it feel cooler even if the air coming in isn't. Powered roof vents usually have two-way fans that can either expel hot or foul air or smoke or draw in cool air. Universal fan kits are available to add a small fan to almost any existing vent. Of course you'll need to run 12-volt power from somewhere. Fancier roof vents, like the Fantastic brand units, have large, 10-12", multi-blade fans. Available upgrades include power raising and lowering of the dome, a thermostat, and even a rain sensor to close the dome if it rains while you're away from your RV. Thermostats are a popular option, allowing you to set the temperature at which the fan will turn off so when it cools down at night you don't need have to get up to shut it off or wake up freezing. Remote controls are also available for some models so you can manage them from the comfort of your couch or bed and also not have to drag out a step stool to reach the controls when they're mounted on high ceilings.
Washers and dryers, as previously mentioned, are usually only found in large, high-end motorhomes and trailers but add an almost residential capability for anyone living in their RV for extended periods. We didn't seek his option, but since it came with one large RV, we have found it useful. If nothing else, being able to dry rain-soaked clothing between activities is a god-send. There are both stackable washer/dryers and combinations that put the washer and dryer in a single unit. The combos obviously take up less floor space and usually weigh less, but you have to wash AND dry a load before you can start the next one instead of putting a load in the dryer and starting the next load in the washer. Using your washer will consume significant amounts of fresh water and quickly fill your holding tanks when dry camping, so be frugal in their use. They are much more practical when staying in campgrounds with full hookups. BTW, if you have washer and dryer, be sure to use them regularly. Disuse allows them to deteriorate and you will find they don't work right when you do need them.
Central vacuum cleaners are sometimes found on high end units. The motor and bags are built in and you use a long hose with attachments to clean your unit from stem to stern. While this provides a level of convenience, I found a simple canister vacuum more than adequate and far less expensive. And it takes up about the same cabinet space as you would have to sacrifice to install a central system. The shorter hose of the canister vacuum is easier to store and easier to handle. I have an older Kenmore cannister that includes a power vacuum head so it is nearly as powerful as an upright without the added weight and space.
Outside kitchens are gaining popularity. Some are fairly complete kitchens built into the side or rear of the RV. Smaller versions occupy an exterior storage compartment in basement model coaches. Adding a complete outside kitchen to an existing RV would probably cost a lot more than its worth, but you might be able to set up basic functionality in an existing outside storage compartment. The convenience of having kitchen facilities right there under your patio awning makes serving you and your guests fun and easy. Lacking a cabinet where you could install kitchen facilities you might use a "camp kitchen" or a chuck box meant for tent camping to organize your stove, grill, cooler and other items for outside use.
And don't forget cordless tools. These modern wonders can add a lot of convenience to camping. A cordless drill can be used for many tasks around a modern RV. One of my favorites is a small 4.5 volt screwdriver from Worx. It has an extendable shaft which makes it handy for reaching into deep spaces where shorter, fatter drill/drivers won't fit. I found it surprisingly powerful and the battery quite adequate, especially for such a small unit. With a few hex-shank drills it can even be used as a drill.
You have earned a little luxury! Enjoy!
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