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.
What to Do When You Don’t Have a National Park Reservation
As more national parks require timed entry passes, you may be wondering what to do if you show up without one. Have no fear—your vacation isn’t ruined. Most allow you to enter before and after specified hours. Also, keep in mind that some national parks only limit access to certain sections. While Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road requires reservations, other parts of the park don’t. Make sure to try for last-minute passes, which open up 24 to 48 hours in advance. Another trick is to book a tour, which allows you to forgo the entrance pass.
Read more from Outside OnlineRoadtrippers Celebrates 35 Million Trips Planned
Deemed the No. 1 road trip planner, Roadtrippers is celebrating recent milestones with a giveaway. Travelers have planned 35 million road trips, consisting of more than 24 billion miles, using the tool. Roadtrippers makes it easier to find interesting sights, fun attractions, and easy accommodations, including campsites and hotels, along any road trip route. New this year is an integration with Yelp, which brings restaurant reviews into the Roadtrippers platform. Follow Roadtrippers on Instagram or subscribe to the brand’s e-newsletter for your chance to win Roadtrippers merch or free access to Roadtrippers Plus.
Read more from RoadtrippersInnovative Campervans at a Fraction of the Cost
Since 2019, Dave & Matt Vans has strived to make vehicles with “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” The 2022 lineup is no exception. The limited-run series features three models built on the 2022 Dodge RAM ProMaster chassis, with starting prices between $79,495 and $87,795. Inside is where Dave & Matt Vans makes a mark with innovative features, like the rear GEARage and the Attic system, which both provide additional storage. The vans are outfitted with loft beds and all-electric kitchens, with several other upgrades and customizations available.
Read more from Outdoor SportswireCheck Out These Dreamy Glamping Resorts
Since 2007, glamping has taken the camping world by storm, leading to the development of dreamy glamping resorts across North America. U.S. News & World Report rounded up 35 of the best glamping locations. Look out on Lake Superior from a clear-sided dome at Klarhet; soak in the beauty of Big Sur from a luxurious canvas tent at Alila Ventana Big Sur; or explore the quirkiness of Marfa, Texas, with a vintage trailer as your home base at El Cosmico. The full list includes 32 more awe-inspiring options, with accommodations ranging from towering treehouses to glamped-out Airstreams.
Read more from U.S. News and World ReportYou Won’t Find Single-Use Plastics at National Parks After 2032
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has issued a new order to remove single-use plastics from national parks by 2032. Federal land managers are being encouraged to install more water refill stations and promote the use of reusable bottles and hydration packs in an effort to reduce waste. Over 80,000 tons of solid trash waste were produced on federal lands in 2020, with disposable plastics being a major contributor, less than 10 percent of which is recycled. Visitors can save money and help prevent overflowing trash receptacles by ditching disposable bottles.
Read more from Outside Business JournalHow Much Does Towing Reduce Efficiency for the Ford F-150 Lightning?
The first Ford F-150 Lightning hit the roads earlier this year, with buyers curious to find out how the electric truck would handle towing. Now, the reviews are in. Towing can reduce range by as much as 50 percent when hauling heavier loads, which was to be expected; however, drivers are impressed with the range for smaller loads. As with all vehicles, what you tow and where you tow will impact performance. The F-150 Lighting allows you to enter your trailer’s height, length, and weight for the system to auto-calculate your available range.
Read more from Inside EVsFewer Remote Jobs and Higher Gas Prices Shift the RV Market
The RV industry has been facing a whirlwind of outside influences, as the pandemic initially drove demand. Now inflation, high gas prices, and the return to in-person work and school are cooling the market. Buyers are shifting from larger rigs like fifth wheels to lightweight travel trailers due to economic pressures and the desire for fuel-efficiency. Consumer demand—on top of continued supply chain issues—led to an RV shortage, further raising the pricing for lightweight models. Interest in RVing overall remains high, as it’s still seen as an economical way to travel.
Read more from WSBT