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.
Wildfires Threaten Giant Sequoias, Closing Parks
Crews are working to protect the iconic monarch sequoias in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Forest, as wildfires rage throughout the area. Sparked by lightning in early September, the fires have burned more than 60,000 acres. The parks, campgrounds, and roadways are currently closed to all visitors, and access to most wilderness lands is restricted. Air quality around the parks is impacted, as well. Crews have contained 20 percent of the fire and hope to gain ground in coming days. Continue to check the park’s website for updates and important information.
Read more from National Park ServiceA Nimble Class B With Room for a Wheelchair
Wheelchair-accessible RV offerings are typically large Class A motorhomes with a $270,000 price tag. At less than 20 feet long, the Winnebago Roam is a more nimble option at a lower price. Accessibility advocates and real-life travelers provided input on the design, which has more open space than a traditional Class B. The Roam is built on the Ram ProMaster platform and can come equipped with a BraunAbility wheelchair lift and tie downs, ensuring that more travelers can hit the road.
Read more from Car and DriverThe Next Time You Visit a National Park Gateway Town, Consider This
National park visitors flock to gateway towns for gas, food, and lodging, all within convenient reach of park entrances. In addition to an increase in traffic, towns are experiencing a surge in police calls, rude behaviors, and a draw on resources, frustrating local residents. These problems are countered by the cash infusion from tourist spending, increasing business profits, and tax revenues. Towns like Bar Harbor, Maine; Estes Park, Colorado; and Moab, Utah are looking for ways to productively use this money for solutions that benefit both travelers and residents.
Read more from National Parks TravelerAn Environmentally-Friendly Electric Motorhome? Yes, Please
SylvanSport in partnership with Zeus Electric Chassis Inc., is developing an electric motorhome, code-named “Leading the Charge.” The rig uses clean energy to reduce waste and emissions while offering off-road travel, a 400-mile driving range, and a high vehicle weight capacity. Strap your kayaks to the side, charge your batteries, and head off the grid and into the future with this environmentally-friendly rig.
Read more from RV NewsBeach Vacations Aren’t Just for Summer
Locations like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and North Carolina’s Outer Banks burst with visitors all summer long, but did you know these same coastal destinations provide tons of fun even in the off-season? The bustling boardwalks and busy beaches slow down for a more relaxed vacation experience. While the waters may not be as inviting, it’s prime time to enjoy biking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Hunt for seashells on Florida’s Sanibel Island, hit the lobster stands in Maine, and be amazed by the tide pools on Oregon’s Cannon Beach.
Read more from USA TodayFeatured RV Gear: Know Your Temps With This Cool Tool
While you can’t use the Etekcity infrared thermometer 1080 temperature gun to take human temperatures, you’ll be surprised by all the ways this multitasking tool helps with RV maintenance. Designed to measure temperatures between negative 58 degrees and 1,022 degrees, you can use the Etekcity thermometer indoors and outside. Is your AC cooling properly? Is your water close to boiling? Is your freezer the proper temperature? Just point the laser from up to 14 feet away and find your answer.
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