Every year, America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers an incredible opportunity to see what’s new in the RV industry. From lightweight campers and affordable travel trailers to luxurious fifth wheels and innovative camping accessories, the show provides a fascinating look at where RV design is headed.
But with hundreds of RVs on display, how do you separate genuinely useful innovations from features that simply look impressive on the showroom floor?
For this year’s Hershey RV Show recap, we welcomed Joshua Sheehan from RV Gear & Far back to The RV Atlas to share his favorite RVs, floor plans, and gear discoveries from the 2026 show.
Joshua has been RVing for nearly eight years, starting with pop-up campers before moving into a 35-foot travel trailer. He and his wife spent more than two years traveling full-time with their twin boys before establishing a home base in the Midwest. Through his RV Gear &. Far YouTube channel, Joshua focuses on practical RV gear reviews, maintenance advice, and helping RV owners determine which products actually make sense for their needs.
That practical perspective is exactly what makes his Hershey picks so interesting. Rather than concentrating exclusively on the most expensive or luxurious RVs, Joshua selected models that solve real problems for campers.
His favorites range from compact Coleman travel trailers and lightweight Aliners to innovative Ember floor plans and premium fifth wheels from Keystone, Open Range, and Brinkley.
And after touring the RVs, he headed inside the Giant Center to find some interesting new gear and gadgets.
Here are Joshua’s favorite RVs and camping products from the 2026 Hershey RV Show, along with the features that made them stand out.
Listen to the complete episode of The RV Atlas below by clicking on the media player above or subscribing to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!
Coleman 23TX: A Compact Toy Hauler with a Side-Entry Garage
One of Joshua’s most interesting discoveries was the Coleman 23TX, a travel trailer that combines family-friendly sleeping accommodations with an unusually compact toy-hauler design.
Traditional toy haulers generally feature a large rear garage accessed through a ramp door. That works beautifully for campers transporting ATVs, motorcycles, or other large recreational vehicles, but not everyone needs an enormous garage.
For families transporting bicycles, smaller recreational equipment, or bulky camping supplies, all that garage space can be unnecessary.
The Coleman 23TX takes a different approach.
What Makes the Coleman 23TX Different?
The 23TX is approximately 27 to 28 feet long, with a dry weight around 5,000 pounds. Its most distinctive feature is a side-entry garage located toward the front of the trailer.
Instead of opening from the rear, the ramp opens on the campsite side.
That might sound like a small change, but it’s surprisingly practical. Many campsites require RVers to back their trailers close to trees, landscaping, or the edge of the site. A traditional rear toy-hauler ramp may be difficult or impossible to lower after parking.
The side-entry design allows campers to access their equipment without worrying about clearance behind the RV.
The garage is large enough for bicycles, dirt bikes, and potentially a small four-wheeler, depending on the equipment’s dimensions and weight.
The front garage area also incorporates bunks, making the space multifunctional.
A Different Approach to the Main Bedroom
The Coleman 23TX uses another unusual feature to maximize interior space: a hard-sided rear bed slide.
Instead of dedicating the front of the trailer to a permanent queen bedroom, the main bed slides out from the rear of the RV, extending over the dinette area.
Joshua compared the concept to a hybrid camper, except that the slide-out is fully hard-sided.
The main living area includes a kitchen, bathroom, and dinette.
The result is a compact travel trailer that offers sleeping accommodations for a family of four along with secure storage for outdoor equipment.
Who Is the Coleman 23TX Best For?
Joshua sees this floor plan working particularly well for active families with two children.
For families that regularly bring bicycles, outdoor gear, and other recreational equipment, having a dedicated enclosed storage area could eliminate many of the challenges associated with transporting equipment on exterior racks or in the tow vehicle.
We can certainly appreciate that advantage. When our family owned a toy hauler, we primarily used the garage for bicycles, kayaks, and camp cooking equipment rather than motorized recreational vehicles.
A smaller garage like this would have worked beautifully for much of our gear.
There are some compromises. Joshua pointed out that campers may need to unload equipment from the front garage before accessing the bunks. He also felt that the floor plan becomes less practical for families larger than four.
Jeremy found online prices in the upper $30,000 range, making the Coleman 23TX an intriguing option for buyers looking for a relatively affordable, compact toy hauler.
Coleman Lantern 25RK: Convertible Twin Beds or One King Bed
Joshua’s second Coleman pick wasn’t necessarily about an entirely new type of RV. Instead, it highlighted a simple floor-plan innovation that could make a travel trailer useful for a much wider variety of camping trips.
The Coleman Lantern 25RK features a convertible bedroom configuration that allows owners to choose between two twin beds and one large king-size sleeping area.
One Bedroom, Two Different Configurations
In a conventional travel trailer bedroom, the queen or king bed is usually permanently positioned in the center of the front bedroom.
The Coleman Lantern 25RK takes advantage of a platform extending over the front pass-through storage area, along with movable bed supports.
Owners can position the mattresses together to create a king-size bed or separate them into two twins with a walkway between them.
The conversion allows the same RV to accommodate different traveling companions without requiring anyone to sleep on a dinette or sofa.
For a couple taking a weekend trip, the king configuration makes perfect sense.
For a fishing trip with a friend, a father-and-son adventure, or a getaway with another family member, the twin-bed arrangement may be considerably more comfortable.
Why Flexible Bedrooms Are Becoming More Appealing
This is an innovation we’re increasingly seeing throughout the RV industry.
Jeremy mentioned similar convertible sleeping arrangements in newer nüCamp and inTech models.
The appeal is straightforward: one RV can accommodate several different styles of travel.
That flexibility becomes especially valuable as families change. Parents who initially purchase an RV for camping with young children may eventually find themselves taking more trips as a couple or traveling with friends.
The Coleman Lantern 25RK offers that adaptability in an entry-level travel trailer.
Joshua emphasized that the Coleman lineup remains relatively affordable, with traditional stick-and-tin construction. But entry-level pricing doesn’t mean manufacturers can’t introduce thoughtful, practical features.
Sometimes the most useful innovations are also the simplest.
Ember Touring 2850DBL: A Travel Trailer That Changes with Your Family
The Ember Touring 2850DBL was one of Joshua’s most enthusiastic picks from the entire show.
And by the end of the conversation, it was easy to understand why.
This travel trailer combines a dedicated primary bedroom with Ember’s innovative modular interior system, allowing owners to reconfigure the rear living space as their needs change.
Ember Touring 2850DBL Specifications
Joshua shared the following approximate specifications:
- Length: Just under 33 feet
- Dry weight: Approximately 7,300–7,400 pounds
- Freshwater capacity: Approximately 55 gallons
- Gray water capacity: Approximately 70 gallons
- Black water capacity: Approximately 35 gallons
- Pricing observed: Around $80,000
The Touring is a premium travel trailer designed for buyers looking for upgraded components, substantial amenities, and the ability to take longer trips.
Joshua highlighted Ember’s use of Furrion Chill Cube air conditioning systems and the CURT suspension system found on Touring models.
But the most compelling feature is the flexible rear living space.
The EmberTrack System
EmberTrack is a wall-mounted system that allows owners to reposition or replace furniture and accessories within designated areas of the RV.
Instead of permanently installing traditional bunk beds, Ember incorporates mounting tracks that can accommodate different configurations.
Owners can use the space for bunks, a desk, or additional storage.
The components can be repositioned as needed, and certain bunk configurations can be moved upward to open up the floor space.
Imagine purchasing an RV when your children are in elementary school.
During those early years, you might want traditional bunk beds.
As the kids become teenagers and start joining fewer family trips, you could convert part of that space into an office.
Later, when you’re primarily traveling as a couple, the same area could become storage for bicycles, hobbies, or other gear.
The ability to change the layout without replacing the RV is a major selling point.
A Dedicated Bedroom Makes the Difference
Ember has used modular interior concepts in other models, but Joshua particularly appreciated seeing the system incorporated into a larger travel trailer with a separate primary bedroom.
The Touring 2850DBL has a front bedroom with a closing door, providing privacy that isn’t always available in smaller, more flexible RV layouts.
There are also two exterior entry doors, a fold-down outdoor kitchen area, and a rear opening that can create a large window overlooking the campsite.
That rear space can be configured as an office with a view or even used as a screened area for pets.
Ember has demonstrated the concept as a catio, an enclosed outdoor-style space for cats.
It’s a great example of how one floor plan can serve very different kinds of campers.
Why This Floor Plan Could Save Families Money
The longer we RV, the more we appreciate floor plans that can evolve with our lives.
We’ve experienced firsthand how quickly family camping needs change.
When our boys were younger, dedicated bunks were essential. Now that they’re teenagers, not everyone joins every trip.
A traditional bunkhouse can eventually become an RV filled with beds that are rarely used.
The EmberTrack system addresses that problem directly.
And there’s a financial benefit.
Trading RVs frequently can be expensive, especially when depreciation and transaction costs are factored into the equation.
An RV that works for young children, teenagers, working adults, and eventually couples traveling alone could potentially remain useful for many more years.
That long-term adaptability is what makes the Ember Touring 2850DBL particularly exciting.
Keystone Montana 3600RO: A Fifth Wheel Designed for Working on the Road
Remote work has become an important consideration for many RV buyers, and manufacturers have responded by incorporating dedicated office spaces into more floor plans.
The Keystone Montana 3600RO is a particularly interesting example.
This luxury fifth wheel includes a front bedroom, a spacious main living area, and a dedicated rear office.
While rear-office floor plans aren’t entirely new, Joshua appreciated several thoughtful details that make this one especially practical.
A Rear Office with a View
The rear office includes an L-shaped sit-stand desk positioned near large windows.
Rather than squeezing a small workspace into an awkward corner, Montana provides a dedicated room with generous headroom and views of the campsite.
For anyone spending several hours a day working remotely, that distinction matters.
The office also has its own exterior entrance on the service side of the fifth wheel.
That door allows owners to enter and exit the office without walking through the entire RV.
But Joshua noticed another potential advantage.
Secure Storage for Bicycles and Equipment
The office includes floor-mounted tie-down tracks that can be used to secure equipment.
For travelers who bring bicycles or other valuable gear, the exterior office entrance makes it possible to load equipment directly into the rear room.
The bikes can remain secured and out of sight during overnight stops without occupying the main living area.
It’s a clever combination of workspace and storage.
Dedicated Storage for Dirty Camping Gear
Joshua was equally impressed by another Montana feature: rear pull-out storage drawers located underneath the office floor.
These shallow drawers are designed for the equipment every RVer needs during campsite setup and breakdown.
Think sewer hoses, water hoses, electrical cords, leveling blocks, and wheel chocks.
The drawers are approximately eight inches deep, making them well suited to smaller equipment rather than bulky camping supplies.
That separation is particularly useful because much of this equipment becomes dirty during a camping trip.
Instead of mixing sewer accessories and muddy leveling gear with clean outdoor equipment in one enormous storage compartment, owners can keep everything organized in dedicated spaces.
Jeremy found prices around $115,000 for the Montana 3600RO, placing it firmly in the premium fifth-wheel category.
For full-time travelers or RVers who regularly work from the road, however, the combination of a dedicated office and thoughtful storage deserves serious consideration.
Aliner: Lightweight A-Frame Campers with Surprising Features
After exploring several larger travel trailers and fifth wheels, Joshua turned his attention to one of the most recognizable names in lightweight camping: Aliner.
Rather than selecting a single floor plan, he wanted to highlight the brand’s overall approach to compact RV design.
Both Joshua and Jeremy started their RV journeys in pop-up campers, and both still appreciate the simplicity and connection to the outdoors that those campers provide.
But anyone who has owned a traditional canvas pop-up also knows the challenges.
Wet canvas must be dried before storage. Setup and breakdown take time. And maintenance can become frustrating when camping trips end in bad weather.
Aliner’s hard-sided A-frame design offers a different compromise.
Why Aliners Are So Appealing
Aliners fold down into compact trailers that are relatively easy to tow and store.
Once at the campground, the hard-sided roof panels lift into place, creating the familiar A-frame shape.
Setup can take just a minute or two.
Joshua was particularly impressed by newer designs that incorporate expanding dormers and additional interior headroom.
Some models also include surprisingly sophisticated features for such small campers.
One example is an in-floor shower configuration that provides enough standing height for a six-foot-tall camper.
That’s a remarkable feature in a trailer weighing approximately 2,300 pounds dry.
The Bathroom Compromise
Of course, compact RV design always involves tradeoffs.
Some Aliners have portable or concealed toilets with limited privacy, while others don’t have a toilet at all.
These aren’t the spacious bathrooms found in a large travel trailer or fifth wheel.
For some campers, that’s an immediate dealbreaker.
For others, having a toilet available for a middle-of-the-night bathroom trip is more than enough.
Jeremy falls firmly into the second category. He appreciates having a basic bathroom option but is perfectly happy using campground bathhouses for most of his needs.
Joshua suggested that an Aliner might be the perfect type of camper to rent before purchasing.
That would allow prospective buyers to determine whether the advantages of lightweight towing and quick setup outweigh the compromises of compact living.
Easy Towing and Garage Storage
Another major advantage is that many Aliner models can fit inside a residential garage, depending on the garage’s dimensions.
Indoor storage can protect an RV from weather exposure and eliminate the need for a separate storage facility.
Joshua also noted that Aliner has been expanding beyond traditional A-frame trailers, including a folding truck camper design.
Jeremy found Aliner prices ranging from approximately $15,000 to $45,000, depending on the model and equipment.
For couples, solo travelers, and campers who prioritize simplicity, Aliner remains a brand worth exploring.
And as Jeremy likes to remind listeners, the best RV is often the one you’ll actually use the most.
Brinkley Model R 3710: Luxury, Cargo Capacity, and Innovative Engineering
At the opposite end of the RV spectrum sits the Brinkley Model R 3710.
This enormous luxury fifth wheel was one of the most technically interesting RVs Joshua explored at Hershey.
With pricing above $200,000, it certainly isn’t an entry-level option.
But Joshua was impressed by how much thought Brinkley has put into its engineering, storage, and long-term usability.
Brinkley Model R 3710 Specifications
Joshua highlighted several impressive numbers:
- Length: Just over 41 feet
- Dry weight: Approximately 18,700 pounds
- Cargo carrying capacity: More than 4,500 pounds
- Gross vehicle weight rating: More than 23,000 pounds
- Suspension: MORryde independent suspension
- Axle configuration: Dual-axle setup
The cargo carrying capacity is especially noteworthy.
Storage Space Is Only Useful If You Can Carry the Weight
One of Joshua’s recurring concerns about RV design is the disconnect between available storage space and actual cargo carrying capacity.
Some large RVs have enormous storage compartments, multiple closets, and extensive cabinetry but surprisingly limited cargo capacity.
Owners can easily fill those spaces with equipment and belongings without realizing they’ve exceeded the RV’s weight limits.
The Brinkley Model R takes a different approach.
Its substantial cargo carrying capacity allows owners to make more practical use of the storage provided.
Joshua also appreciated the decision to use a heavy-duty independent suspension system with two axle positions rather than a traditional triple-axle arrangement.
The larger tires, brakes, and suspension components are designed to support the RV’s considerable weight.
Of course, this is a fifth wheel that requires a serious tow vehicle.
Joshua suggested buyers would likely be considering a one-ton dually or potentially an even larger truck, depending on the fully loaded trailer weight and actual pin weight.
This is not a fifth wheel for a half-ton pickup.
A Rear Garage and Built-In Outdoor Table
The Model R 3710 includes a rear storage compartment that Joshua estimated could accommodate two electric bicycles.
The compartment has a rear access door and additional storage extending forward.
But one of his favorite features was a large pull-out outdoor table.
Instead of carrying a separate folding table, owners can slide a substantial table directly out from underneath the exterior kitchen area.
There’s no need to unfold legs, find level ground, or rearrange the campsite.
The table remains integrated into the RV and can be ready to use in less than a minute.
It’s a simple feature that could make everything from campsite cooking to a quick roadside lunch more convenient.
Brinkley’s B Chill Air Conditioning System
Perhaps the most innovative feature Joshua discussed was Brinkley’s B Chill air conditioning system.
Unlike traditional rooftop RV air conditioners, the B Chill design places major mechanical components underneath the RV.
The concept is similar in some respects to a residential split-system air conditioner.
By moving the equipment off the roof, Brinkley creates several potential advantages.
First, the roof can be designed without accommodating bulky rooftop air conditioning units.
That allows for additional interior ceiling height, particularly in areas of the fifth wheel where headroom is often limited.
Second, moving the noisy mechanical components away from the living space could create a quieter interior environment.
Third, Brinkley is designing the system with serviceability in mind.
Traditional RV rooftop air conditioners are often replaced as complete units when major components fail. The B Chill concept is intended to allow more conventional servicing and component replacement.
Joshua emphasized that this is an innovative system whose long-term performance will need to be demonstrated over time.
But the approach is exciting, particularly for buyers investing in an RV they hope to own for many years.
The Model R 3710 represents a very different kind of RV ownership than an Aliner or Coleman travel trailer.
For buyers who want residential-style comfort, substantial cargo capacity, and premium engineering, it’s an impressive example of how far fifth-wheel design has evolved.
Open Range 393TBR: A Three-Bedroom Fifth Wheel for Large Families
One of the most unusual floor plans Joshua discovered at Hershey was the Open Range 393TBR.
At approximately 43.5 feet long, this is another substantial fifth wheel.
But unlike the Brinkley Model R, its most interesting innovation isn’t hidden in the mechanical systems.
It’s the interior layout.
A Fifth Wheel with a Dedicated Kids’ Wing
The Open Range 393TBR is marketed as a three-bedroom fifth wheel.
The primary bedroom is located at the front of the RV, with a bathroom nearby.
The main living space occupies the center.
At the rear, however, the floor plan becomes much more interesting.
A dividing wall separates two rear sleeping areas, each incorporating a slide-out.
Above those rooms is a loft.
There’s also a second bathroom at the back of the fifth wheel.
Joshua compared the arrangement to a dormitory, with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom and a loft above.
That description captures the concept perfectly.
Separate Sleeping and Hangout Spaces
The rear rooms incorporate convertible sleeping furniture, including fold-out seating.
When the beds aren’t in use, the rooms become places for children or teenagers to relax.
Instead of having every family member share one central living area, the Open Range provides separate spaces where kids can hang out, watch television, or enjoy some privacy.
For families with multiple children, that’s a significant advantage.
And for full-time RV families, it could be even more important.
Designed for Families Who Spend More Time Inside
Joshua believes this floor plan is particularly well suited to families living in their RV full-time.
Weekend campers may spend most of their waking hours outside, exploring destinations and enjoying the campground.
Full-time families have different needs.
Children may need space for schoolwork, privacy, hobbies, or simply spending time apart from siblings.
The Open Range 393TBR offers a layout that acknowledges those needs.
Its rear drop-frame design also creates additional space for the loft, making more effective use of the RV’s interior volume.
Joshua noted that the fifth wheel has a gross vehicle weight rating approaching 18,000 pounds, with pricing around $100,000.
That puts it at a very different price point from the Brinkley while still offering a substantial residential-style floor plan.
For a family with several children, this could be one of those RVs that creates an immediate aha moment during a showroom walkthrough.
Favorite RV Gear and Gadgets from the 2026 Hershey RV Show
The RVs weren’t the only things that caught Joshua’s attention.
Inside the Giant Center, he found several products and services that could make RV ownership easier, safer, or more comfortable.
Some are brand-new concepts, while others represent thoughtful improvements to products RVers already use.
Yellow Pages RV: A Directory for RV Services
Finding reliable RV service providers can be surprisingly difficult, particularly when you’re traveling far from home.
Yellow Pages RV is a website designed to simplify that process.
The concept is straightforward: create a searchable directory of businesses and individuals who provide RV-specific services.
That includes mobile RV technicians, inspectors, detailers, and specialists who work on particular types of RVs.
Unlike larger RV support platforms that incorporate maintenance reminders, troubleshooting services, and other features, Yellow Pages RV focuses on helping owners find service providers.
Joshua met the founder while walking around the Hershey show.
The service doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app, but its website is designed for use on phones, tablets, and computers.
For RVers who need help finding a technician or specialist while traveling, another centralized resource could be extremely useful.
Hüga Heated Cushions: Portable Warmth for Cold-Weather Camping
This might be the coziest product Joshua discovered at Hershey.
Hüga Heated Cushions are battery-powered heated seat cushions designed to add warmth to ordinary chairs and seating surfaces.
Depending on the model and battery capacity, Joshua described operating times of approximately three to six hours.
The cushions can be used at the campsite, around the campfire, at a picnic table, or while attending outdoor sporting events.
Some models fold for easier transport.
Joshua was particularly intrigued by a version called the Go, which folds into a wearable hand-warming accessory with a shoulder strap.
Instead of simply sitting on the cushion, users can carry it and warm their hands while walking.
Is this an essential camping accessory?
Absolutely not.
But it’s exactly the kind of small luxury that can make fall and shoulder-season camping more enjoyable.
And anyone who knows Jeremy’s enthusiasm for cold-weather camping gear can probably guess how quickly this product landed on his wish list.
SmartPlug: A Better Connection for RV Shore Power
RV electrical connections are something most campers don’t think much about until a problem occurs.
SmartPlug offers an alternative to the traditional twist-lock shore power connection found on many RVs.
The system uses larger electrical contact points and a secure locking mechanism designed to provide a more reliable connection between the power cord and the RV.
Joshua has noticed more RV manufacturers incorporating SmartPlug connections directly into their products.
Aftermarket conversion components are also available.
Why does this matter?
Poor electrical connections can create resistance and heat, potentially damaging plugs, cords, and receptacles.
A secure, properly installed connection is an important part of RV electrical safety.
Jeremy shared a firsthand example of how vulnerable traditional shore power connections can be.
While his nüCamp TAB 320 was plugged into a 30-amp connection at home, one of the boys accidentally caught the cord while riding a bicycle down the driveway.
The resulting pull damaged the RV’s electrical connection.
That experience made Joshua’s discussion of stronger, more secure shore power connections particularly relevant.
SmartPlug is worth researching for RVers interested in upgrading their electrical equipment. Any installation or conversion should follow the manufacturer’s specifications and applicable electrical safety requirements.
Armis Wheel Defenders: Additional Protection Against Tire Blowout Damage
A trailer tire blowout can cause far more damage than simply destroying a tire.
When tread separates from a tire, it can strike the underside of the RV with tremendous force.
The resulting damage may include torn body panels, damaged wiring, broken plumbing, and even compromised propane lines.
Joshua knows this firsthand.
His family lost a pop-up camper following a tire blowout, so products designed to reduce this type of damage immediately caught his attention.
Armis Wheel Defenders are heavy-duty steel protective structures installed around the RV’s wheel wells.
The idea is to create a barrier between a failing tire and vulnerable RV components.
Joshua was impressed by the concept but noted that the product requires installation through authorized installers rather than being offered as a standard DIY project.
He estimated that the product and installation could cost a couple thousand dollars.
That’s a substantial investment, but repairing major damage after a tire blowout can also be extremely expensive.
Wheel defenders won’t prevent a blowout or guarantee that damage won’t occur, but they are intended to reduce the consequences.
For owners of expensive travel trailers and fifth wheels, additional protection could be worth considering.
Prime RV Gravity Sewer Hose: A More Subtle Approach to Essential Gear
Not every innovation needs to reinvent an entire product category.
Sometimes an improvement can be as simple as better materials, a more practical design, or even a more appealing appearance.
Joshua highlighted the Gravity sewer hose from Prime RV, a company associated with Matt’s RV Reviews and the Liquified and LiquiShine product lines.
The Gravity hose features heavy-duty 24-mil construction and a clear connection elbow.
But one of the first things Joshua noticed was the color.
Instead of the bright orange, yellow, or red commonly found on RV sewer accessories, the Gravity hose uses a subdued black-and-gray design.
Joshua appreciates a campsite that looks organized and visually appealing, and he finds the mismatched bright colors of many RV accessories distracting.
Jeremy agreed completely.
While appearance certainly isn’t the most important factor when choosing a sewer hose, it’s nice to see manufacturers paying attention to the details that affect the overall camping experience.
Valterra Silverback Portable Wastewater Tote: Small Changes That Matter
Portable wastewater totes are essential equipment for RVers who regularly camp at state parks, county parks, and other campgrounds without sewer hookups.
Instead of breaking camp and towing the entire RV to the dump station, owners can transfer wastewater into a portable tank and transport it separately.
Joshua was impressed by several details on Valterra’s Silverback portable wastewater tote.
A More Comfortable Handle
Many wastewater totes use a circular towing attachment designed to connect to a vehicle’s hitch ball.
Unfortunately, those circular handles aren’t particularly comfortable when pulling the tank by hand.
Valterra incorporates a horizontal handle design that Joshua found much more ergonomic.
It’s a small change, but anyone who has dragged a heavy wastewater tote across a campground can appreciate the difference.
Thoughtful Discharge Placement
Joshua also liked the positioning of the tank’s discharge connection.
The location of a wastewater tote’s outlet can determine how easily owners maneuver it at a dump station.
A better placement can eliminate awkward positioning or the need to disconnect and reposition the tank.
These aren’t glamorous innovations, but they make a familiar camping chore a little easier.
For campers who regularly stay at water-and-electric sites without sewer connections, a well-designed portable wastewater tote can significantly extend the length of a stay.
Joshua’s Best RV and Gear Picks from Hershey
After reviewing such a wide variety of RVs and products, Jeremy asked Joshua to choose his absolute favorites.
Favorite RV: Ember Touring 2850DBL
Joshua’s top RV pick was the Ember Touring 2850DBL.
The deciding factor was the flexibility of the EmberTrack system.
With his twin boys approaching their teenage years, Joshua appreciates the ability to reconfigure the RV as his family’s needs change.
He could use the rear space as a bunkroom during family trips, convert it into an office when traveling alone, or adapt it for storage and other activities.
The dedicated primary bedroom makes that flexibility even more appealing.
For families hoping to keep an RV through several different stages of life, the Ember Touring offers a compelling approach.
Favorite Gear: Hygge Heated Cushions
Joshua’s favorite gear discovery was the Hygge heated cushion.
It’s a relatively simple product, but it supports something he loves about RVing: spending more time outdoors.
A heated seat cushion might allow campers to enjoy the campfire a little longer on a chilly evening or extend their camping season by a few extra weekends.
Sometimes the best gear isn’t about adding more technology or complexity.
It’s about making the experiences we already love a little more comfortable.
What the 2026 Hershey RV Show Reveals About RV Design
Looking across Joshua’s picks, several important trends emerge.
Flexible floor plans are becoming increasingly valuable. Whether it’s the convertible twin beds in the Coleman Lantern or the modular EmberTrack system, manufacturers are recognizing that RV owners don’t always travel with the same people or use their campers in the same ways.
Thoughtful storage matters as much as storage volume. The Montana’s dedicated utility drawers and Brinkley’s substantial cargo capacity show how useful it can be when manufacturers design storage around the realities of RV ownership.
RV offices are becoming more sophisticated. Instead of squeezing a desk into an existing living area, manufacturers are creating dedicated workspaces with natural light, privacy, and flexible storage.
Premium RV engineering continues to evolve. Brinkley’s B Chill air conditioning system and heavy-duty suspension demonstrate how manufacturers are thinking about long-term serviceability and performance.
Small improvements can make a big difference. From ergonomic wastewater tote handles to more secure electrical connections and heated seat cushions, RV gear manufacturers continue to find ways to improve familiar products.
And perhaps most importantly, the show demonstrated that there isn’t one perfect RV for everyone.
The camper who loves the simplicity of an Aliner has very different needs from the family considering a three-bedroom Open Range fifth wheel.
Both can find exactly what they’re looking for.
That’s what makes exploring an RV show so much fun.
Finding the Right RV for the Way You Camp
One of Joshua’s guiding principles at RV Gear and Far is that the most expensive or heavily marketed product isn’t automatically the best choice.
The right RV or camping accessory depends on how you actually travel.
A family taking weekend trips may prioritize quick setup, manageable towing, and easy access to outdoor equipment.
A full-time family may need private sleeping areas, dedicated workspaces, and substantial cargo capacity.
A couple traveling without children may want something compact, simple, and easy to store.
And the right answer can change over time.
That’s why we love seeing manufacturers experiment with new floor plans and flexible designs. Every innovative feature creates another possibility for someone trying to find the perfect RV.
A big thank-you to Joshua Sheehan for sharing his favorite discoveries from the 2026 Hershey RV Show.
You can find Joshua’s RV gear reviews, product comparisons, maintenance tutorials, and other RV content through RV Gear and Far on YouTube and social media, or visit RVGearAndFar.com.
And if you’re considering a new RV, remember to think beyond the showroom. Consider how you’ll use the camper today, what your needs might look like several years from now, and whether the floor plan will continue to work as your life changes.
The best RV isn’t necessarily the biggest, the most luxurious, or the most expensive.
It’s the one that helps you get out camping more often.
We’ll see you at the campground.
