2022 Best New Technology finalists announced

With the finalists announced for the Best New RV and Best New Product/Accessory categories, it's time to reveal the six 'Best New Technology' contenders in the 2022 caravancampingsales Innovation Awards.

The Australian and international RV market has seen rapid technology advances in recent years, particularly in the area of solar-generated power and battery storage for extended off-grid camping, along with 'one touch' automation systems.

The new-tech roll-out has continued over the past 12 months, with everything from a trick new 'water from air' generator, 'self-repair' caravan panels, a dry-flush toilet and a built-in brush blower, in the running to win the 2022 Best New Technology award.

The 2022 caravancampingsales Innovations Awards are judged by an expert panel, with trophies awarded in four categories: Best New RV, Best New Product/Accessory, Best New Technology, and Best New Safety Feature.

The winners will be announced on caravancampingsales in early-December...

WaterGen

The WaterGen technology first went public with a 'Plug-and-drink' Mobile Box that can generate up to 25 litres of water a day from fresh air.

More exciting news for RV owners is the roll out of the potentially game-changing technology on an off-grid caravan, fitted with with an industry-first atmospheric water generator from Israeli company Watergen.

Powered by the caravan's onboard electrical system, the world-first vehicle on-board drinking system uses a complex combination of dust filtration, patented heat exchange technology, UV filtration and mineralization, to produce up to 23 litres of squeaky clean H2O per day.

The built-in Watergen system is said to require only minor maintenance, and pipes the fresh water to the onboard water storage tanks (which can also be filled the usual way via a mains pressure tap).

Gusto

The Australian-designed Gusto built-in air blower is described as the "world's first water-free, air-powered cleaning device for your caravan, RV or camper trailer".

Designed to be fitted to the side of the caravan and powered by the vehicle's 12V battery, it's used to brush and blow off dust, dirt, grass and sand off shoes and feet before entering, or to clean camping equipment like chairs.

The handheld device activates for 30 seconds at a time by swiping over a sensor on the front of the unit, and because it uses compressed air, won't cut into your valuable on-board water storage when camping.

Laveo Dry Flush

Described by the Australian and New Zealand distributor as the "greatest portable toilet ever invented", the waterless, odourless Laveo Dry Flush portable electric toilet automatically wraps the waste after “flushing” before concealing it in a lined container under the seat.

"When the toilet is 'flushed', the toilet twists the bagging material from under the seat tightly around the waste, sealing in the smell, before pulling down a fresh section of the bag ready for its next use," the local importer says.

No additional plumbing, chemicals or water are required to use the toilet, and Dry Flush Australia says it will accept "almost anything" including feminine products.

Knaus FibreFrame

'FibreFrame' from German RV powerhouse Knaus is a new caravan construction method that features a 'self healing' smooth exterior surface that reacts to sunlight to magically repair minor scratches.

According to Knaus, the space-age FibreFrame construction uses a "rim process" technology and robot-assisted bonding so that factory workers "do not have to bolt through from the outside anymore".

Knaus says the robotic manufacturing method is a "completely new production process in the field of synthetics and bonding technology".

Redtail Overland RTC

Described as the "next evolution in rooftop camping", the Redtail Overland RTC sees the canvas replaced by folding side walls made from lightweight carbon fibre, and solid clear panels used instead of zippered flyscreened flaps for the side windows and rear entry.

As well as delivering the "first truly four-season rooftop camper", the US company says the benefits of hard walls include a "super fast set-up and breakdown" and "no wrinkled canvas to tuck".

Top-spec models get up to 380W solar power and up to 60Ah lithium battery bank for off-grid camping, along with an integrated diesel space heater.

"Enjoy amenities typically only found in larger campers, like locking doors and windows, power, heat, lighting, plush mattress and more," the company says on the Redtail Overland website.

"The Redtail RTC's featherlight yet incredibly strong carbon fibre construction allows us to pack it full of features while keeping the total weight in check, critical for anything roof mounted."

Hymer Venture S

The Mercedes-based Hymer Venture S all-terrain campervan is jam-packed with RV innovations and industry firsts, including an inflatable, insulated pop-top roof, a two-part rear door that folds down to a timber-floor deck, and interior cabinetry that doubles as a stairwell leading to the 'five-star' bedroom loft.

The pop-top's inflatable walls feature a unique four-layer insulation for year-round comfort, while the app-controlled, interior lighting system includes dimmable ambient lights and portable pendant and reading lamps that that can be mounted in different positions throughout the 'van.

There are also curved '3D panoramic' rear glass windows, a fold-away 'mobile office space' and a 'Smart kitchen' with multifunction wall system.