The TravlFi Journey1 Wi-Fi LTE Hotspot from Pace International was the overall RISE winner in the Aftermarket category, while the top prize in the OEM category went to Lippert’s CURT Independent Trailer Suspension.
The RISE program also recognized four finalists in both categories.
Dozens of supplier-submitted entries were reviewed by a select industry panel of judges based on innovation, functionality, customer acceptance, competitive impact, performance measures and other criteria. All noteworthy in their own right, judges included Bob Livingston and Bruce Hampson of RV Enthusiast magazine, Mark Polk of RV Education 101 and Jeff Johnston of the “RVing Today” television program.
Judges said deliberations were especially difficult this year, saying they were especially pleased with the level of innovation the industry exhibited despite one of the more challenging environments in recent memory.
“As a judge for the annual RVBusiness Rise awards; I was pleased to see so many new and innovative products and ideas submitted that keep advancing the RV industry in technology and forward thinking. I was also pleased to see winners and finalists from both the aftermarket and OEM categories that I nominated for this year’s awards. Congratulations to all,” said Polk.
The 2022 RISE Awards Winners are as follows:
AFTERMARKET
Winner – TravlFi Journey1 Wi-Fi LTE Hotspot from Pace International
The TravlFi Journey1 Wi-Fi LTE Hotspot is Pace International’s solution to the need for a reliable data connection for RVers.
Pace’s TravlFi Journey1 hotspot gives customers the ability to buy pay-as-you-go data from a single source that automatically switches cellular towers based on the fastest speed and the strongest signal. Pace accomplished this by utilizing SIM-free technology that doesn’t require the Journey1 to have a physical SIM card that tells the hotspot which carrier tower to connect to. It’s all done in the cloud utilizing a proprietary algorithm that is built into the service platform.
In addition, customers are able to affordably purchase 30-day data plans with packages offering up to 800 Gigabytes, which is unmatched in the RV industry. Additionally, Pace created data plans that do not “throttle” or slow down and offer consumers all of the data (gigabytes) they need while in their RV’s.
“Considering the popularity and demand for phone connectivity everywhere all the time, this device is a welcome addition to the RV owners’ communication arsenal,” said one judge.
“You can’t go wrong coming up with an improved cell phone/WiFi piece of hardware that’s RV friendly. This device looks like a step forward for those who need the connectivity,” said another judge.
Finalists
EZY RV Exterior Shower from Aus J Hot Water Solutions
Aus J’s EZY RV Exterior Shower Outlet provides a convenient, versatile and comfortable showering experience when travelling in an RV or boat. It is robustly designed with a large showerhead and lock-off trigger to provide a continuous, comfortable stream of water.
“This is a significant upgrade in RV exterior shower hardware and it should be coming to an RV near you,” said one judge.
EasyTouch RV from Micro-Air LLC
Made in the USA, the EasyTouch RV is the app-based, smart WiFi thermostat for the RV with added features of Bluetooth and large color touchscreen for the RVer. It is a simple DIY drop-in replacement that works immediately on powering up. The company calls it the “thermostat game changer.”
“More APP connectivity for your RV appliances can be a good thing, and this device can help accommodate exactly that,” judges said.
Power Watchdog from Hughes Autoformers
The award-winning Power Watchdog brand of Smart RV Surge Protectors have gone through several upgrades. The units are now patented, meaning they truly will be the one and only RV surge protector with a Bluetooth app and replaceable surge modules. Also, the Joule rating for the surge/spike protection was increased significantly, and went from an original 3-year warranty, now to a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
“This device can save an RV owner from a nasty electrical situation every time the rig is plugged into shore power,” judges said.
nodirtywater RX from Blu Technology
The nodirtywater RX is a three-stage water filtration system that features a powerful 12-volt pump, 5-inch filters (vs. more commonly used 10-inch filters) and stainless-steel canisters and garden hose quick connects. Besides being able to trust site-supplied drinking water, the nodirtywater RX also means RVers no longer need to buy expensive and environmentally bottled water.
“People are concerned about their RV water quality and this device can help ease that concern,” judges said.
OEM
Winner – CURT Independent Trailer Suspension from Lippert
The CURT Independent Trailer Suspension is engineered to provide superior cushioning and makes handling rough, bumpy roads more comfortable.
The Independent Suspension’s coil spring system is designed to eliminate road shock by allowing each wheel to move up and down independently, giving it flexibility to adapt to road conditions and keep the trailer more level. The coil springs feature bump stops to prevent harsh “bottoming out”, and its nitrogen gas-filled shocks also provide dampening to the spring oscillations.
Unlike traditional suspensions on the market, the CURT Independent Suspension is axle-free to provide additional road clearance – particularly when off-road. The toe and camber system allows for unparalleled tire alignment and precise adjustment; and by increasing suspension travel, users can experience a smoother ride compared to other suspensions.
Rated for 4,400 to 6,000 pounds, the CURT IS features key maintenance-free functionalities including self-adjusting electric drum brakes and a durable powder coat finish.
“Making an all-new trailer suspension, previously only available as a factory build, available as a ready-to-install unit offers new flexibility for trailer manufacturers,” said one judge.
“This type of suspension has been used for a long time on small adventure-type trailers as a built-in-place component. CURT’s assembled unit approach makes it easy for this setup to be applied to other conventional trailers. A good idea,” said another judge.
Finalists
Truma Aventa from Truma Corporation
Truma developed the Aventa to require lower-than-average energy consumption and is designed to be efficient enough to work with Lithium-ion systems. In addition, the Aventa also cools more efficiently than competitor A/Cs, more quickly reaching the “Comfort Zone” – the ideal balance between interior temperature and relative humidity.
“Quiet, efficient, flexible cooling depending on demand, and able to operate on a standard 15-amp supply instead of requiring a 30-amp shore power plug. A serious step up in RV AC hardware,” judges said.
Modulus Director from American Technology Components
Much like the Amazon Alexa that is available for residential use, the Modulus Director Voice Command device allows RVers to control up to 15 customizable electric or motor driven devices in an RV by simply using their voice, such as lights, air conditioner and TVs.
“People are using voice commands for all kinds of electronics today, this device seems to bring that technology into RVs by integrating with the full-vehicle control systems in use today,” judges said.
FLEX from Volta Power Systems
FLEX represents Volta’s newest line of engineered li-ion energy solutions for RV and other markets. At the heart of the new system offering, the FLEX energy storage pack features a redesigned case, heating pads, and a proprietary battery management system (BMS) developed in-house at Volta.
125G Hydronic Heating System from Aqua-Hot, an Airxcel brand
After the launch of its popular diesel hydronic heating system for Class B vehicles last year (the Aqua-Hot 125D) multiple customers requested the same luxury features be made available for their Class B models that had a gas chassis. As the 125G draws from a vehicle’s own fuel source, it negates the need for supplemental fuel giving vans propane freedom. Also, the efficient, all-in-one design of the 125G fulfills both functional needs and smaller size requirements.
“Alternatives to conventional furnace and water heater gear add flexibility to the new crop of RVs. This product from a well-respected brand expands design options for the factory R&D guys,” judges said.
