One advantage of a serviceable custom motorhome is that it can keep improving.
Advanced RV has been building custom Class B motorhomes since 2012. In that time, our systems have continued to evolve. Battery technology has improved. Air conditioning and heating systems have improved. Tank monitoring has improved. Sound insulation has improved. The way we build, test, and support those systems has improved too.
That does not mean older ARVs are left behind. In many cases, they were built well enough to be updated years later.
Earlier this year, we reached out to owners of some of our earliest builds with a package of current system upgrades. Since then, we have scheduled 15 upgrades in just a few months. Two of the first Advanced RVs ever built, Maggie Mae and Sade, returned for updates as well. For us, that is meaningful. It reflects confidence in the longevity of the Mercedes-Benz chassis, the structural framework of the cabinetry, and the long-term service relationship that continues after delivery.
The upgrade packages have so far focused on five areas.
48V lithium battery power
ARV has placed a strong emphasis on lithium battery systems from the beginning. Our goal has always been to reduce dependence on propane and shore power by using stored energy and secondary alternator charging.
Our current 48V lithium battery system is smaller, lighter, higher capacity, and faster charging than previous generations. The system includes a 48V lithium battery pack, auxiliary charging, and a 4,000-watt inverter/charger. For owners, the practical benefit is more usable stored energy for off-grid travel, including longer air conditioner run time and more confidence using major systems away from hookups.
Radar tank sensors
Tank monitoring has also improved. Earlier air-pressure sensors can become less reliable when buildup interferes with readings. Our current radar-based sensors read from outside the tank, away from the sludge and sediment that can affect pressure-based systems.
The result is more accurate information for fresh, gray, and black tank levels, integrated into the Silverleaf screen. Better tank information makes it easier to plan water fills, dump stops, and longer stays on the road.
Eberspacher rooftop air conditioning
Air conditioning is one of the most important systems in an off-grid motorhome. We used Houghton rooftop air conditioners for many years because of their low volume and consistency. More recently, we began testing the Eberspacher Breezonic High Performance rooftop air conditioner.
In our testing, the Eberspacher delivered stronger airflow, quieter operation, and more efficient temperature maintenance. Its variable-speed inverter allows the unit to reduce power draw once the coach cools down, rather than running at one steady level the entire time.
Eberspacher Heating System
An updated heating and hot water system with a redesigned combustion system. It is more reliable, requires less maintenance, operates more efficiently, and is noticeably quieter than earlier models.
Front cab sound insulation
Road noise affects conversations, music, audiobooks, phone calls, and long driving days. In recent builds, we have added more sound-damping material in the front cab and floor area. This can help make the cab quieter and more comfortable over time.
A Long Term Investment
These upgrades are about making travel easier, quieter, more reliable, and more flexible.
They also show something important about how ARVs are built. A custom motorhome is treated as a lifetime investment. With serviceable systems, long-term support, and a team that knows how the vehicle was built, an ARV can continue to evolve as technology improves and owners’ needs change.
For current owners, some upgrades may be available depending on the age, specs, and systems in your ARV. For future owners, this is part of what long-term ownership means at Advanced RV: a handcrafted motorhome, built with enough care that it can be maintained, updated, and kept traveling for years.
If you own an Advanced RV and are interested in possible upgrades, contact our service team. We would be happy to review your vehicle and talk through what may be possible.
