Five RV Tech Upgrades to Improve Your Camping Trips

RV toy hauler garage converted into office space with text, "5 new RV Tech Upgrades"

Is your RV’s USB port slower than a snail towing a camper?

Think off-grid air conditioning is science fiction? Think again.

At Bish’s RV, we’ve been selling and servicing RVs for nearly 40 years. We know what new tech is actually worth your attention — because helping people camp better is what we do.

In this post, we’ll give you a quick tour of some cutting edge features showing up in modern RVs — from blazing-fast charging ports and solar-powered water heaters to office-ready campers that make working remotely from the road a breeze.

By the end, you’ll know which new RV tech is worth adding to your setup so you can spend less time scrambling for power — and more time staying connected to what truly matters.

Keep up with the latest RV Trends and Tech with Josh the RV Nerd’s Month RV Industry Updates.

Thinking of upgrading from your current camper to one with newer tech upgrades?
Find out what your camper is worth now.

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RV Tech: Catching Up and Gaining Ground

Solar Panels don’t power your camper — batteries supply the power when you’re off-grid.
Solar Panels capture the sun’s energy and help keep your batteries charged.

Let’s be honest — the RV industry isn’t exactly known for being on the cutting edge of technology.

While your phone updates itself overnight and your car practically drives itself, a lot of RVs are still rolling out with 5-year-old hardware and USB plugs that barely charge a phone.

But that’s changing — slowly — but in some pretty cool ways.

Manufacturers are starting to pay more attention to how people actually use their RVs. More families are camping off-grid, working remotely, homeschooling, and using modern gear that needs more power, faster charging, and versatile setups.

As a result, we’re starting to see new tech trickle in that actually solves real problems for real campers.

Why should you care? Because the right tech can save you time, cut down on frustration, and make your RV feel more like a home—and less like a compromise.

12V Power Systems in RVs: Off-Grid Tech That’s Finally Worth It

Lithium RV batteries used for off-grid solar power in camper

As more families camp “off-grid”, DC (Direct Current) Power from batteries supplies the energy to power innovative 12-volt appliances and air-conditioners.

Tired of needing full hookups just to take a hot shower or run the A/C for a minute? You’re not alone.

Traditional RV systems mostly rely on propane or being plugged in at a campsite, which makes camping without hookups feel like you have to choose between freedom and comfort.

That’s finally starting to change.

New 12V DC-powered systems — like water heaters and even air conditioners — are starting to make their way into the U.S. market.

These battery-powered appliances have been common in other countries for years, and now they’re starting to catch on in the U.S.—especially for RVers who use solar, camp off-grid, or want a simpler setup without relying so much on propane.

12-Volt Water Heater

12-Volt A/C

12-Volt Refrigerator

Here’s a quick look at what new power options are available now and what’s coming:

Water heaters – Newer 12V models can run off your battery or solar, great for off-grid hot water
Air conditioners – High-efficiency 12V A/C units are starting to show up, though they still need strong battery systems
Refrigerators – 12V compressor fridges are replacing older propane/electric models in more RVs
Lighting & fans – Most RVs now use 12V LED lights, vent fans, and thermostats
USB charging & small electronics – Laptops, tablets, and phones can charge straight off your battery using USB or 12V outlets
Furnace blowers – Still propane for heat, but the fans and controls run on 12V

This kind of tech gives you the freedom to camp where you want—without worrying about losing power when you’re not plugged in.

Want help installing a new 12-volt appliance in your camper?
Give our Bish’s service team a call!

Faster USB Charging in RVs: Finally Catching Up

phone charging on a wireless charge port in RV

Most RVs come with USB ports these days—but if you’ve ever tried to charge a modern phone, tablet, or laptop with them, you probably found out the hard way: they’re painfully slow.

Many of these built-in ports were designed years ago and just haven’t kept up with today’s devices.

But finally, RV charging is starting to catch up to real life.

New high-output USB charging ports are making their way into RVs, offering 36 to 60 watts of power — enough to actually charge your gear quickly, not just hold a charge.

Some are even coming with both USB-A and USB-C options to support a wider range of devices.

Charge faster – Great for tablets, phones, laptops, or anything USB-C
Perfect for families or digital nomads – More devices, more juice, less stress
Be confident when shopping – Bring your devices and try the ports before you buy

RV charging ports are finally keeping up with the pace of modern life—so you’re not stuck waiting around to power up.

USB port and chair heater control in Brinkley Model Z RV

RVs That Work for Work (and School)

RVs used to be built for weekend escapes—but that’s not how everyone’s using them anymore. More RVers are working from the road, homeschooling kids, or just staying out longer—and older setups aren’t always built to keep up.

But RV tech is slowly catching on.

From better charging systems to layouts designed with work and study in mind, manufacturers are beginning to recognize that modern campers don’t just want flexibility—they need it.

More office-ready campers are hitting the market as remote work and RV home-schooling grows in popularity.

remote office set up in an rv with two computers

22% of RV owners say someone in their household works remotely
Over half of those remote workers have worked from their RV
Features like fast charging, better lighting, and dedicated desk space are becoming more common

The more RVs adapt to real life, the easier it gets to stay connected and productive—without giving up the freedom of the road.

Big L-shaped desk area in rear of Brinkley Model Z

The Brinkley Model Z has a large dedicated rear office with a big L-shaped work desk.

Want to see what an office-ready camper looks like?

Check out our Top 10 RVs for Remote Work and find a model that fits your lifestyle.

Smarter RV Service Tools Are (Finally) Here

RV repairs are never fun—and waiting weeks just to get a part quoted can really put your travel plans on hold. Thankfully, new service tools are making a real difference.

Take Lippert’s new online custom axle builder, for example. This tool lets you and your service team get real-time quotes for replacement or custom axles — whether you need spring or torsion systems — so you can spend less time waiting around for repairs.

Faster quotes mean less downtime and more time enjoying your journey.
Options for spring and torsion axles give you flexibility whether you’re replacing or upgrading.
Great for DIY builders and older, custom rigs that need a little extra care.

And here at Bish’s RV, we know how critical quick service is for a smooth trip. That’s why we offer RVFix, our dedicated service solution designed to diagnose issues fast and get you back on the road without delay.

RVFix Membership Benefits- including direct access to certified techniciains

Together, tools like Lippert’s axle builder and RVFix mean you can trust that your RV is supported by technology that really makes a difference — saving you time and keeping you on track for your next adventure.

Finding the Right Camper for New RV Technology at Bish’s RV

man thinking with thought-bubble of Bish's RV dealership

If you’ve ever felt like your RV was stuck in the past—slow charging, limited power, not built for real life—you’re not alone. But now you know: the RV world is catching up.

From 12V systems and faster USB charging to better setups for remote work and smarter service tools, new tech is finally starting to solve real problems for modern campers.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Bish’s RV, we’ve been helping people find, buy, and service RVs for nearly 40 years. We stay on top of the latest tech and trends so you don’t have to — and we’re here to help you find the right RV or upgrade to one that works better for the way you camp.