IMAGINE A SCIENCE-FICTION camper that expands and retracts an entire living space—fitting in the bed of a pickup truck. Complete with sliding doors, solar panels, heated floors, and multiple internal configurations—all but hidden when retracted in a streamlined design. That’s the vision behind Tesla’s Cybertruck. And while the vehicle itself has been delayed (the challenge of manufacturing a steel exoskeleton), HYPEBEAST reports that the compact camper for the truck bed has already been designed by Stream It, a software and artificial intelligence company. This is the CYBERLANDR. The design by Stream It enables the camper to configure into a living room, office, kitchen, and bedroom. And yes, there’s a spa-inspired bathroom. So even though it looks like everyone is going to have to wait till 2022 to see the big Cybertruck reveal.
Make Room on the Road
The RV Industry Association reports a record-breaking amount of new RVs being manufactured and shipped. In the second quarter of 2021, over 150,000 new RVs were shipped—breaking the previous record set in this year’s first quarter. RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby notes, “Even with other types of travel returning, the demand for RVs continues to climb as people want to
get outdoors and experience the joy of an active outdoor lifestyle alongside friends and family.” So expect to see more newbies on the road.
Worthy Employment
The RV Industry Association reports a record-breaking amount of new RVs being manufactured and shipped. In the second quarter of 2021, over 150,000 new RVs were shipped—breaking the previous record set in this year’s first quarter. RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby notes, “Even with other types of travel returning, the demand for RVs continues to climb as people want to get outdoors and experience the joy of an active outdoor lifestyle alongside friends and family.” So expect to see more newbies on the road.
Worthy Employment
According to the US Census, there are over 45,000 RV dealer employees throughout the United States. Which we heart because more and more folks are hitting the road (see above). The state that houses the largest number of RV dealer employees? California with 4,479. On the East Coast, while Florida has fewer employees (3,323), they do the most amount of business: a whopping $2.6 million.
Mobile Research Units, Deploy
Elderly residents in long-term care facilities were the most vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the pharmaceutical company Lilly had a radical idea to reach these elderly patients: Take the clinical trials on the road. Partnering with Coachman RV, they brought the idea of mobile research units to life in just 30 days. Now, they have 20 RVs ready to help research how to best fight this ever-evolving virus.
A Welcome Partnership
Harvest Hosts is a company that gives members access to wineries, breweries, and farms where they can camp overnight. And now, their bounty has just increased by adding Boondockers Welcome to their family. The two networks are now working together to give members access to over 5,000 unique camping sites on a single platform. Both programs will retain separate memberships but are exploring bundled rates in the future. For RVers itching to see the deep blue sea of the West Coast, there’s a new RV park in San Diego. Sun Outdoors RV Resort is an
ideal ocean getaway, with almost 200 RV sites, 49 cottages, a bar, a gym, and a pool with a view of the bay. Learn more at SunRVResorts.com. Kings Island Camp Cedar has opened right next to the amusement park in Macon, Ohio. Camp Cedar’s 52 acres currently has over 70 cottages, 164 RV sites, two pools, and a casual sit-down restaurant—for that oh-so-necessary recharge after a big day with the kids.
KZ RV’s Golden Anniversary Offer
Hitting 50 years is a big deal, and KZ is celebrating its golden anniversary with an equally big offer for its customers: All flagship 2022 KZ-RV Sportsmen travel trailers and fifth wheels will come with a 50th-anniversary package standard! Exclusively for 2022, the 50th Anniversary Editions boast modern farmhouse interiors, climate packages, off-grid options, and other elite features, including a 50th-anniversary graphics package.
