In this weekly roundup, Togo RV shares the top stories and features that are impacting and shaping the RV community. We cover everything from news and travel updates to gear and gadgets, and all the good stuff in between.
California Campsite Reservations Could Soon Change
California is one step closer to changing how campsites are booked at more than 270 parks throughout the state. The proposed AB 618 bill aims to reduce last-minute campsite cancellations and no-shows, limit campsite stays to 7 consecutive nights, and place a 30-day limit on the number of days campers can stay at the same site within a year. It would also implement a lottery system on some of the most popular state park campgrounds, and provide reservation discounts for low-income families in California.
Read more from GearJunkieThis RV Awning Doubles as a Solar Panel
The Solera Off-Grid (OG) awning provides shade at the campsite and up to 300 watts of solar power. Lippert, an RV components and aftermarket accessories manufacturer, teamed up with Renogy, a renewable energy company, to create an awning constructed with flexible solar fabrics. The Solera OG can generate power whether retracted or extended, reducing the need to take up roof space with solar panels. Both companies hope this new product will help RVers seamlessly transition to solar power at a more affordable price. The Solera OG is expected to be released later this year.
Read more from RV BusinessOverland in Style With the Palomino Pause
Palomino Pause is an off-road-ready travel trailer designed with overlanders in mind. On the outside, this rig features an independent air suspension with 25 inches of ground clearance, two spare tires, a standard solar package with up to 600 watts of power, an offboard air compressor, dual pane windows, and a riveted heavy-duty aluminum frame—just to name a few of the highlights. Inside, RVers will find a sleek, modern design featuring a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space for up to 3 people (depending on the floor plan). It also features an innovative Garmin control system that allows you to manage your RV’s systems from a single panel.
Read more from Mortons on the Move
New Trails Added to the National Trails System
Nine new trails have been designated as national recreational trails, joining the National Trails System’s more than 1,300 existing trails throughout the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, announced the addition in celebration of June’s Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day. The new trails include the Vernon Bush Garden Trail in Alabama, the Wilson Creek Trail in Texas, the Iron Hills Trail System in Utah, and more.
Read more from the Department of InteriorLexus Introduces a Luxury Overlanding SUV
Luxury meets off-roading with the all-new Lexus GX 550. The 2024 GX 550 lineup will be offered in several trim models, including the Overtrail, an overlanding-capable SUV complete with four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, a larger wheelbase, increased ground clearance, and more. The interior comes with all the modern features you’d expect from Lexus, including a 14-inch touchscreen display, a high-end speaker system, crawl control functionality, and numerous seating options with add-ons like built-in massage capabilities. While pricing has yet to be determined for the Overtrail, the SUV is expected to hit the market early next year.
Read more from Overland Expo
More Women Are Hitting the Road in RVs
Recent research shows that the RV industry is becoming increasingly more diverse. RV Trader, an online RV marketplace, reported that female ownership grew more than 10 percent from 2021 to 2023, while the RV Industry Association (RVIA) found that those entering the RV lifestyle are younger than ever. In 2021, the median age of an RV owner was 53; a year later, the median age of a first-time buyer was 32 years old. The number of non-white owners is also steadily increasing. Industry leaders believe remote work and the RV industry’s effort to promote more inclusive advertising are a few factors that have led to the uptick in diversity.
Read more from USA TodayGear Check: An Air Compressor Designed for Portability
The Airmoto portable air compressor is the perfect onboard accessory for peace of mind on the open road. This lightweight, low-profile compressor can be stowed inside your RV or tow vehicle without taking up significant storage space. And with three tip attachments, you can inflate anything from car and RV tires to bike tires and basketballs, making it easy to keep your gear ready for your next adventure.
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