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.
SpaceX Internet Coming to THOR RVs
Thanks to a new agreement between THOR Industries and SpaceX, select RVs from Airstream, Jayco, Tiffin, and other THOR brands will come with Starlink satellite broadband internet equipment installed. In 2022, Starlink began offering RV plans, with the ability for in-motion use. The flat high-performance hardware helps the RV manufacturer meet consumer demands for high-speed internet and WiFi, with 74 percent of RVers citing this as a high priority for travel. Starlink helps provide service in remote locations across the U.S. where connectivity is typically limited.
Read more from Camping Trade WorldCampspot Shares 23 Camping Destinations for 2023
Campground booking engine, Campspot selected 23 top destinations to visit this year, from familiar options like Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks to lesser-known options like Tennessee’s Savage Gulf State Natural Area and Texas’s Crystal Beach. Each location is paired with a highly-rated camping option, taking the guesswork out of your travel planning. Check out the charm of Michigan’s Mackinac Island; the otherworldly night skies in Hope, Alaska; or Wild West history in Cody, Wyoming.
Read more from CampspotYou Can Hang a Hammock Inside This Travel Trailer
At the Florida RV SuperShow, Ember RV officially debuted two exciting new floor plans. The Overland Series 221MSL features a never-before-seen convertible space, offering room for a desk, bunks, storage, or even a hammock. A large cargo door provides the rig with fresh air and natural lighting. The new Touring Edition 21MRK features a front Murphy bed that transforms the bedroom into a place to work or relax during the day. Plus, it has more than 40 cubic feet of pass-through storage space for your gear.
Read more from RV-PRORV Travel Projections Continue to Look Optimistic in 2023
Exhibitors at the Florida RV SuperShow expressed optimism for the upcoming camping season. This confidence comes as exhibitors were buoyed by the amount of traffic visiting their booths, as well as the positive feedback from consumers. Campground owners continue to see strong reservations, and the continued demand is feeding into campground improvements like new amenities and glamping units. Campgrounds are also seeing more interest from younger families, a trend expected to last through the year.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineSocial Media Posts Reveal the Most Picturesque Roads
Using data from Instagram and TikTok posts, FINN, a car subscription company, has rounded up the most picture-perfect roadways and states in the U.S. The most viewed road on social media is New York City’s Broadway, home to glamorous theaters and a top tourist destination. Since it crosses eight states, it’s no surprise that U.S. Route 66 is one of the most shared roadways with its ever-changing scenery and fun roadside attractions. Party destinations like Bourbon Street and the Las Vegas Strip are also among the top images, and the most picturesque states include Illinois, Oregon, and California.
Read more from FINNGet Ready for Parking Fees at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As one of the select national parks that doesn’t charge an entrance fee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free for visitors and for drivers just passing through. That will change starting March 1, as the “Park it Forward” parking pass will be required for stops more than 15 minutes. Sales recently started for the $40 annual pass, and daily and weekly passes will be available starting February 21, for $5 and $15 respectively. Collected fees will help pay for park maintenance and development, keeping the 800 miles of trails and 400 miles of scenic roadways in top condition for visitors.
Read more from National Park ServiceTake the Guesswork Out of Replacing Your RV Mattress
Replacing an RV mattress can be tricky, as they come in unusual sizes and may have height and other dimension requirements to properly fit inside rigs with a Murphy bed or slides. This free online quiz helps you figure out your next bedding upgrade by matching you with a mattress that meets your specific RVing needs.
Read more from RVMattressTogo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by THOR Industries, Inc., of which Airstream, Jayco, and Tiffin are subsidiaries.