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.
As New RVers Hit the Road, There are Lessons to be Learned
All RVers started out as rookies, improving their skills by making sometimes hilarious—and sometimes dangerous—-mistakes. As RV sales and rentals swell, inevitably, more new RVers are hitting the road. Catastrophes abound, from sewer hoses dragging the ground behind trailers to expensive collisions with power poles. After one such mishap with a rental unit, Christopher Cook, a novice RVer, told The Wall Street Journal, “I heard this loud screeching sound, and I looked at my wife and we were like, that can’t be good.” Luckily, practice makes perfect, and rookies will gain valuable experience—or decide RVing isn’t for them.
Source: Wall Street Journal Rookie RV Drivers Jam America’s Roads–Watch Out!
Envisioning the Future of National Park Service Campgrounds
The National Park Service currently offers more than 16,000 campsites at 502 campgrounds across the nation. Since the 1980s, RVing has grown, while tent camping has declined. What will the next decades bring? NPS is working with consultants to figure out what is working well and what needs to be improved at existing campgrounds in order to plan for maintenance and new developments. One problem is that no one agrees on what makes a perfect park experience. Should the NPS add more WiFi or keep parks as a place to disconnect? Do parks need to become more pet friendly, add amenities, or develop additional non-RV options (such as glamping tents and cabins)? The Campground Industry Analysis Reports provide some clues. This data will guide the development of NPS campgrounds for years to come.
Source: National Park Traveler National Park Service Working to Envision the 21st Century Campground
Get Off the Beaten Track with the 2020 Venture Sonic X
The buzz around the Venture RV Sonic X started before the trailer was even in production. A concept trailer prototype unveiled at the 2019 RVX show attracted attention for its off-grid capabilities and striking exterior. Today, the Sonic X is a reality. The 2020 Sonic X SN220VRBX floor plan is built with adventurous couples in mind. The main living area features a dedicated bed or a Murphy bed, kitchen, U-dinette, fully equipped bathroom, and storage garage system. No hookups are necessary, as this trailer comes with sophisticated solar and water filtration systems. The amped-up chassis means this trailer can go off the beaten path.
Source: Trailer Life RV Review: Venture RV Sonic X
Which RV Parks are the Most Popular in the U.S. Right Now?
Waterslides, kayak rentals, putting greens, and “ninja” playgrounds—these are just a few of the amenities found at the most popular campgrounds and RV resorts in the U.S. Campsite, an online campground marketplace, rounded up a list of trending parks booked through the site in July. Families seeking tons of onsite fun may enjoy Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River, located in Texas Hill Country, or Frontier Town RV Resort in Maryland. Top picks for adult relaxation include Trout Run Camp Resort in Upstate New York, located on the Genesee River, or the Petosky RV Resort, near Mackinac Island in Michigan.
Source: Business Insider These are the 10 Most Popular Campsites and RV Resorts
Take Your Cooler into the Future
If you still struggle with leaky, messy coolers that turn ice into water within a few hours, it is time to upgrade your cooler game. The travel-friendly Rtic Soft Pack 30 easily goes from the RV to the picnic table, holding up to 30 cans without taking up much space. This soft-side cooler can keep items on ice for up to five days. The insulated vinyl shell prevents exterior condensation and is strong enough to resist tears and punctures. An antimicrobial liner helps prevent mildew while stored. Designed to be 100 percent leak resistant, the Soft Pack 30 is ready for the road.
Source: Rtic Soft Pack 30, Grey