When it comes to Speedteng RV, many manufacturers in the RV industry and hardcore off-road RV enthusiasts are quite familiar with it. Recently, the 14th China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Show was held in Beijing, where Mr. Zhang Xinghong, founder and general manager of Shenzhen Speedteng RV Equipment Co., Ltd., made a brand-new appearance with the “Seeker” four-wheel-drive off-road RV. The author conducted a brief interview with him on site.
Perseverance turns RV enthusiasts into master craftsmen
The author’s acquaintance with Zhang Xinghong began with early enthusiast events. Tracing his entrepreneurial journey—from being among the earliest domestic RV enthusiasts, to becoming No. 1 in the field of small and medium-sized off-road RV design and production in China, and then transitioning toward group development—perseverance has always been the common thread.
The tree of perseverance bears golden fruit. Speedteng RV, initially just a company specializing in RV and off-road vehicle peripheral equipment, has now grown under the Speedteng RV group flagship into a group-scale operation with multiple brand subsidiaries including the Travel America Four-Wheel-Drive Off-Road RV Sales Company, Zhiheng Auto Manufacturing Company, RV Camp Management Company, and Off-Road RV Club. This achievement did not happen overnight, but is the result of his unwavering commitment over the course of six full years.
“I majored in electronic automation in university. In the very beginning, I was just a car enthusiast. Together with a group of like-minded friends, we enjoyed cars and off-roading. While engaging in these activities, I realized that neither domestic nor imported vehicles could meet our growing functional needs—some lacked mobility, others had poor off-road survivability, some offered terrible comfort. It was all very uncomfortable, so I decided to build my own. Before starting Speedteng RV, I didn’t know what the outcome would be, but once I started, I felt I should just keep going.” said Zhang Xinghong.
Zhang Xinghong, who does not come from an automotive background, with great passion for customizing RVs, resolutely transformed from a car enthusiast into an RV R&D designer. He began building his company and creating products based on years of experience in driving, off-roading, and outdoor activities, as well as his own understanding of off-roading and RVs. Over the past six years, Zhang Xinghong has fought countless tough battles. Developing RV power management systems, researching automatic electronic integrated control systems, and designing overall vehicle structures are just part of what he has accomplished.
Perseverance leads to innovative designs for off-road RV enthusiasts
Zhang Xinghong firmly believes that where there is a will, there is a way. At the same time, he knows how to adapt while staying true to his principles. Throughout his persistence, he continuously adjusted direction, steering the Speedteng RV battleship through wind and waves, forging bravely ahead.
To avoid clashing with the scenery and mood of outdoor camping, he opted not to use a generator but rather a battery pack system. To make life more convenient for RV enthusiasts, he developed an automatic electronic integrated control system. To cater to different customers, he created a fixed roof plus side-extension model to ensure a luxurious and comfortable living experience, and an electrically lifting roof model to meet the high demands of some customers for driving mobility. At the same time, he also stayed at the forefront of technology by adding communication modules to these systems to enable “Internet of Vehicles” functionality. These incremental improvements, driven by a spirit of perseverance, have continually brought Zhang Xinghong closer to success.
Perseverance in innovative vehicle R&D
To meet the diverse needs of different customers, Speedteng RV continuously innovates its products. Initially, Speedteng RV developed “F-150 Raptor/Tundra RV Equipment” for F-150 Raptor and Tundra owners who love off-roading and want a mobile home on wheels. Subsequently, to address the issue of recreational vehicle registration and save buyers effort, Speedteng RV created the “Off-Roader,” which emphasizes driving comfort, and the “Traverser,” designed for short trips with simpler functions. Still committed to meeting customer needs, Speedteng RV did not stop there. To combine the strengths of the “Traverser” and “Off-Roader,” avoid their weaknesses, and resolve the seemingly irreconcilable conflict between off-roading and comfort, Speedteng RV launched two high-end off-road RVs in 2016 and 2017 respectively—the “Traveler” for those who love travel and seek high-tech operation, and the “Seeker” for those who love travel but prefer simplified operation.
Speedteng RV’s persistence in innovative vehicle R&D has ultimately achieved astonishing results in its product line. “We now have a complete product line of four-wheel-drive off-road RVs for the entire Tundra and Ford F-150 Raptor series. From the perspective of RV chassis types, we offer single-cab, double-cab, and one-and-a-half cab models. From the perspective of RV expansion, we provide roof extension, side extension, and both roof and side extension options. While the entire industry is imitating foreign RVs, our spirit of innovation moves the whole sector. We successfully developed the first lifting off-road RV in China, and we perfectly resolved the seemingly contradictory issues of RV space, mobility, and off-road capability. Of course, we have also obtained national invention patents, as well as high recognition from the entire industry and our customers,” said Zhang Xinghong.
Perseverance on the path to legal road use
To ensure that its products are legally roadworthy and meet traffic regulations and road requirements, Speedteng RV laid out plans several years in advance, investing in the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary—Zhiheng Auto—in Wuhu, Anhui, in the heart of China, and built a factory covering over 100 acres. At the same time, Speedteng RV remained committed to pursuing excellence in craftsmanship and innovation. With its intelligent RV project, it impressed relevant national ministries and commissions. After layers of approvals and technical reviews, it ultimately obtained a full-vehicle production license.
Perseverance leads to the successful launch of the “Travel America RV” brand
Although China’s local environments are more complex compared to the United States, Speedteng RV can operate effectively in various terrains while ensuring the driving comfort of its owners.
It is undeniable that China does not yet have campgrounds and supporting facilities as comprehensive as those abroad. The places we go often require us to find campgrounds ourselves, and there are no so-called supporting facilities. But Speedteng RV can create and enjoy a mobile five-star home using what’s onboard.
More importantly, Speedteng RV is professionally designed, with digitally customized ERP management controlling the production process and rational layout and installation. Based on imported chassis and equipped with a variety of imported devices, its safety performance is controllable.
All of this brings Speedteng RV ever closer to the beauty of nature, making “Travel America” a reality. Because of perseverance, the “Travel America RV” brand has successfully emerged. As a brand of Speedteng RV, Travel America will consistently uphold the quality, leadership, and craftsman spirit of Speedteng RV, guiding the development of the entire off-road RV industry. At the same time, Speedteng RV will continue the original RV craftsman spirit, adhering to the belief of perseverance, and striving to reach new heights in the off-road RV industry.