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.
You Won’t See These Airstreams Anywhere Else
Airstream celebrates the brand’s iconic RVs with a new museum showcasing the manufacturer’s 91-year history. On June 1, the Airstream Heritage Center opened in Jackson Center, Ohio, home to Airstream’s headquarters and manufacturing facility. Visitors can trace the history of these sleek silver RVs, starting with the first models from the 1930s. Other exhibits showcase the famed caravans of the 1950s and 1960s, which took travelers around the world. One trailer especially stands out from the crowd—a gold anodized trailer owned by Willy Byam, who built the first Airstream.
Read more from Car and DriverFocus Turns to Safer Roadways as Traffic Fatalities Increase
A new study shows that 2021 now holds the record for the most traffic-related fatalities since 2005 and marked a 10.5 percent increase in deaths over 2020—underscoring the need for safer roadways. The recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $1 billion in grant funding for targeted projects to improve roadway conditions and reduce deaths and injuries. The study also found that 15 percent of traffic accidents involved distracted drivers, and electronic billboards have increased crash rates by 4.5 percent.
Read more from Scenic AmericaYou Can Work and Play Off the Grid With This RV
If you want to wander without leaving the office behind, check out the wanderBOX Outpost 35. Designed as a mobile work and living space, this RV can do things traditional RVs can’t. It can operate off the grid for as long as 1 to 2 months, thanks to the 200-gallon freshwater tank with a filtration system, diesel electricity generation, and a 2,800-watt solar system, which powers a 24-kWh lithium battery. Inside, you’ll find a desk with dual 32-inch monitors, and a kitchen setup that includes an oven, trash compactor, washer and dryer, fridge, and induction cooktop. With a $400,000 price tag, the wanderBOX Outpost 35 is built for the adventurer who wants to work and play off the beaten path.
Read more from GearJunkieThese 11 New Trails Belong on Your Must-Hike List
Looking for new vistas to visit? Several trails across the U.S., either newly opened or recently reopened, allow you to tour alpine lakes, redwoods, waterfalls, and more. After sustaining damage from wildfires in recent years, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Fern Lake Trail and Oregon’s Eagle Creek Trail are now open after renovations. Mountain bikers won’t want to miss the Monument Trails in Arkansas, which have special features that add to the exhilaration. Plus, the new Autism Trail at New York’s Letchworth State Park provides accessibility and sensory experiences. Check out the full list for more phenomenal hiking options.
Read more from Outside OnlineBureau of Land Management to Expand Access to Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers 245 million acres of land; however, more than 9 million acres of this public land is inaccessible to the public. The new BLM director wants to change that. With the increased demand for outdoor recreation in mind, the agency has prioritized more than 3.5 million acres in 13 Western states as the focus for projects to increase access. Future land purchases will also be assessed for accessibility. Another BLM goal is to brace for climate change by protecting and restoring natural habitats and managing landscapes and wildlife to offer the best protection for both.
Read more from WyoFile3 of the Best RVs for Adventure Seekers
If you’re seeking off-grid adventures with as much ease as possible, not all RVs will do. Outside rounded up three of the best rigs for car camping. If you’re traveling with a family or want more interior space, the Taxa Outdoors Mantis Overland is for you. Opt for the additional hammock and rooftop tent to extend your living space. Or, leap into vanlife with a rig from Dave and Matt Vans Lifestyle Vehicle, which offer custom-built interiors without the sticker shock. Take your tent to the sky with a truck camper shell from Skinny Guy Campers. These pop-up tents have surprising features inside, like LED lights, a propane tank, and running water.
Read more from Outside OnlineA Long-Lasting, Safer Electricity Source for RVers
Traditional portable power sources come with pros and cons related to safety, durability, and useability. AceVolt strives to solve these problems with the Campower portable power station. Designed to provide 2,500 charge cycles with a set of LiFePO4 battery cells, the Campower is an improvement over models that only provide 500 charges. A strong battery management system prevents overheating and various battery issues, which makes the Campower a safer alternative. And when the juice runs out, it can be recharged by solar, electric, or car charging.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground Magazine