RV

Designing the structural architecture of a towable RV is an exceptionally complex engineering undertaking—far more sophisticated than the traditional “rule-of-thumb” approaches historically used across the industry. Many manufacturers have historically relied on legacy frame geometries that merely survive the warranty period rather than performing reliably across the full lifecycle. At…

In both the RV and trucking industries, it is common practice to replace OEM-installed fifth-wheel hitches with aftermarket alternatives. These changes are typically driven by payload requirements, coupling preferences, wear replacement, availability, or compatibility with different tractor configurations. While aftermarket fifth-wheel manufacturers rigorously design their products to meet applicable standards…

Introduction and Background Modern recreational vehicle (RV) customers expect more than just mobility—they expect automotive-grade comfort and climate control. Whether camping in Arizona’s summer heat or parked on a coastal highway, the interior of an RV must remain cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient under a wide range of environmental conditions. Maintaining…

Introduction and Background The frame is the structural backbone of any recreational vehicle (RV) or travel trailer—it carries the vehicle’s weight, supports the body, and transfers loads from the suspension to the superstructure. Despite this central role, the RV industry has traditionally relied heavily on frame suppliers to provide “standard”…

Introduction and Background The structural integrity and long-term durability of a recreational vehicle (RV) are influenced by a wide array of factors, but one of the most critical—and often underestimated—elements is the suspension system. Whether it’s a single-axle or multi-axle trailer, the suspension serves as the primary interface between the…

Introduction: The Untapped Opportunity in RV Aerodynamics The recreational vehicle (RV) industry has long prioritized comfort, space utilization, and manufacturing efficiency—but aerodynamic optimization has remained largely overlooked. As a result, even modern towable RVs continue to exhibit high aerodynamic drag, leading to poor fuel economy, reduced range, and suboptimal towing…

Background and Introduction Slide-out systems in Recreational Vehicles (RVs) offer essential benefits for both functionality and comfort. These systems allow the living space of the RV to expand when parked, providing increased interior space without increasing the vehicle’s overall length while driving. However, the slide-out structure—comprising both the frame and…

Background and Introduction Recreational Vehicles (RVs), especially 5th wheel towables, present unique engineering challenges due to their complex structural requirements and the diverse range of loading conditions they encounter. Unlike conventional travel trailers with uniform frame heights, fifth wheels incorporate a distinctive elevated front section—the upper deck or “gooseneck”—that extends…

1. Introduction At Caliber Technologies, we help RV manufacturers create towable products that are stronger, safer, and more durable—from the frame up.  With deep roots in the automotive industry, our team brings world-class digital simulation and design expertise to the recreational vehicle market.  Our goal is simple: accelerate development, reduce…