GMC LIFE

If you haven’t stepped foot in an RV in recent years, you may be in for a shock — a highly pleasant one, that is.

Sure, you’ll find plenty of sleeping accommodations, a convenient kitchen, numerous cubbies for your stuff and other amenities one might expect from a modern RV.

But, what if you could also relax beside a cozy fireplace, kick back in front of an entertainment center — replete with a 55-inch TV — enjoy dedicated office space and have access to valuable technologies, including solar power and Wi-Fi^®, all wrapped in a modern, inviting environment?

Today, you can, thanks in part to talented pros such as Megan Bailey, Scott Taylor and Jon Brock, who utilize their experience and passion to help Keystone RV customers take the roughing it out of camping.

“With families living, working and conducting school out of RVs these days while traveling the country, I believe they are looking for the luxuries, conveniences and “feel” of home while out on the road,” says Megan Bailey, executive assistant to the president and CEO at Keystone RV.

An avid RVer, Bailey and her husband enjoy the chance to pause that camping offers.

“It’s an easy way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to just “be”, and spend intentional time together as a family,” she says.

Of course, these days, with more people opting to work or educate their kids remotely, some RVs offer bonus/utility rooms that provide a great way to accommodate those needs.

“Some of our customers are traveling for longer periods of time. So, they can use that extra space as a dedicated office or as a mudroom to clean up after hunting or for washing down their pets,” says Product Manager Scott Taylor, whose experience goes back to his time as a young man helping to build the RVs at the factory.

As the conversation turns to technology, Taylor points out one of his favorite features — the iN•Command Control System^† app — that’s available on Sierra 1500 and Sierra Heavy Duty models and allows owners to interact with properly equipped RVs.

“The app lets you control many of the RV’s features remotely, including the awning, lights and even the heating and cooling system while you’re away from the RV,” says Taylor, who, as a Yukon Denali owner, appreciates the benefits that this highly convenient feature offers.

Speaking of convenient, Research and Development Engineer Jon Brock notes that, “All of our products are prepped for Wi-Fi^®, and many are equipped with connectable control systems as well as USB ports and signal-boosting antennas.”

An outdoors lover, Brock enjoys spending time at some of the many lakes and state parks around the Midwest.

“I absolutely love Northern Michigan anytime of the year,” he says.

Brock believes that it won’t be long before every appliance and system in an RV will eventually communicate and work together to provide owners with a seamless experience while on the go.

Like home-interior artisans, today’s RV designers and product managers are staying on top of customers’ modern tastes, offering the latest residential trends, including aesthetically pleasing interiors and light colors that offer a bright, welcoming décor.

You can choose an RV with cognac-colored seating paired with plaid accents and eye-catching finishes, complemented by light-colored countertops and wall coverings, and wide-plank flooring.

Or, if a more rustic feel attracts you, Keystone offers a Driftwood interior treatment that’s trimmed with vintage inspired cabinetry, hidden hinges, smoked glass panels and satin-nickel finishes. Rough-hewn wood accents accentuate the feeling of a natural setting.

When it’s time to turn in, many RVs offer a comfortable main suite complete with a king-size bed and a generously sized closet. You can even opt for a slide-out wardrobe that extends outward from the RV to optimize floorspace.

Regardless of what amenities you choose, Bailey and her fellow RVing pros offer this advice:

“Make the experience your own — free of expectations and in an environment where you can truly get away and enjoy the simple pleasures in life,” she suggests.

With all the available styles, sizes and configurations to choose from, including a 5th wheel, a motorhome, a travel trailer, pop-up units and campervans, choosing the right RV for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. With that in mind, here are some questions to ask yourself to help narrow the field:

• Does it fit my family? Most floorplans sleep two, three or four. If your family is larger or you regularly bring friends along, then consider a bunkhouse camper, some of which sleep upwards of 10.
• Where will you use it? Will it be mostly in campgrounds that provide water, electricity and sanitary facilities, or will you be boondocking (dry camping) without the amenities? If the latter, pay close attention to an RV’s holding tank size and maximum battery storage. Larger tanks and battery capacity allow you to camp for longer stretches.
• Do you prefer a motorized RV or one that’s towable? If you plan to tow and have questions about the best GMC for the job, visit the trailering and towing section of GMC.com.

Before buying a new home away from home, visit an RV show and look at the many available styles and configurations. Or, consider renting one to see if a certain design suits your needs.