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.
Visiting National Parks Helps Support the U.S. Economy
Visitors to National Park Service (NPS) sites do more than sightseeing, they also support the U.S. economy—with over $42 billion in benefits. Visitors pumped $20.5 billion into gateway towns surrounding national park sites, which contributed to 300,000 local jobs. Visitors also contributed $7 billion to the lodging industry and $4 billion to the restaurant sector. For the next 10 years, the NPS will conduct socioeconomic surveys to gain a better picture of the economic impact of national park visitors, as previous studies undercounted the dollars spent.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineAre You One of the 50 Million People Traveling for Independence Day?
A survey from AAA found that 47.9 million people plan to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, an increase of 3.7 percent from 2021. Travel numbers are expected to rebound close to the 2019 volume after 2 years of pandemic disruptions. Though gas prices are a concern this summer, car travel is expected to hit record numbers, with 42 million people driving to their holiday destinations. Air travel disruptions are helping to drive the roadtripping surge, putting air travel at its lowest point since 2011. Expect peak traffic Thursday and Friday before Independence Day, especially during rush hours.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineYou’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Self-Sufficient Pop-Up
The new GoSun Camp365 is a lightweight solar-powered trailer that’s like no other pop-up on the market. The triangular-shaped aerodynamic trailer weighs less than 1,800 pounds, making it towable by many crossovers, SUVs, and electric vehicles. In just 10 minutes, the trailer transforms into a roomy cabin, with 700 cubic feet of living space. This self-sufficient rig can go off the grid, thanks to its portable size, solar power system, and water filtration. Inside, innovative appliances from GoSun—including a coffee maker—provide creature comforts. The GoSun Camp365 will retail with an MSRP of $29,500, with the first units rolling out in September.
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Get Free Gas With Your RV Rental
As many warily consider how the cost of gas will affect their summer plans, one RV rental company wants to give travelers an incentive to road trip. RVshare announced a special promotion that provides a gas reimbursement gift card to those who rent through the network. The promotion runs through August 15. Renters may fill out a form to request the funds, which will pay $25 for trips less than 5 days and $50 for trips longer than 6 days. In a recent survey, RVshare found that 58 percent of travelers are considering gas prices as part of their summer travel plans.
Read more from Travel + LeisureYour Guide to the Best Lake Towns in the U.S.
Summertime is extra special on the waterfront, and you don’t have to travel to the coasts to find exquisite shorelines. Outside Online rounded up seven of the best lake towns in the U.S. For absolute seclusion, head to a boat-in campsite at Washington’s Lake Chelan, or stay close to the action at a popular resort town in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Explore the “Switzerland of California” at June Lake, the rugged landscapes of Idaho at Payette Lake in McCall, or the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a basecamp in Blairsville, Georgia. Though there’s fierce competition for the best spot in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the village of Aurora is this year’s top choice.
Read more from Outside OnlineRivian Looks to the Future With a Modular Mount System
As Rivian electric pickups hit the roadways, the manufacturer is looking for ways to continue the innovation beyond the engine. Rivian patented several ideas for a modular rack mount system, which eliminates the need for aftermarket equipment. The integrated connector system uses various ports to attach accessories, allowing users to easily haul kayaks, bikes, surfboards, and more. Attachable arms allow for an easy hammock setup, and some attachments even utilize the vehicle’s electric power for operating items like refrigerators and cooktops.
Read more from GearJunkiePop the Top on #Vanlife With This Winnebago
From its garnet red exterior to the pie-shaped pop-up tent on top, the Winnebago Solis 59P campervan will turn heads. Despite being Winnebago’s smallest van, it can sleep four to five campers, with added upgrades like the pop-top and an inflatable cab bed. Inside the 19.9-foot Dodge Ram Promaster you’ll find a murphy bed or convertible sofa bed, kitchenette, wet bath, and generous storage. A removable pedestal table locks into place to create a workspace or dining spot. The Solis 59P’s starting price is $128,311.
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