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.
1. Finding the Balance: Crowds Flock to Campgrounds for Social Distancing
After a delayed start to the camping season, RVers are clearly ready to hit the campground, even if changes are in store. While public parks continue to stay closed, private parks reopened in Pennsylvania in early May, with many welcoming record numbers of guests. Packed campgrounds might seem like an oxymoron in the age of social distancing, but many parks have put new procedures in place that encourage fun and promote safer practices. Park manager Jacob Hagofsky said of Buttercups Woodlands Campground’s May opening, “We thought it was going to be rough. Honestly, our numbers were better this year than in prior years.”
Source: TribLive Reopened Campgrounds See Rush of Guests
2. To RV or Not to RV in the Age of COVID-19
With beautiful weather and the kids out of school, June, July, and August seem like the three most ideal months for RVing. And while RVers are eager to hit the road after months in isolation, many are questioning whether or not they will be shamed for doing so. Booking a trip can help small businesses and non-profit groups thrive during the economic setback—but what will others say? Will they judge RVers for leaving their house entirely or just for leaving their state? Is it distasteful to share the joy on social media, knowing others are in a difficult spot or do not approve? Kyle and Olivia Brady of Drivin’ & Vibin’ explore these questions and more.
Source: Drivin’ & Vibin’ I’m Planning a Summer RV Trip, Will I Be Shamed?
3. Providing Shelter to Front Line Medical Workers
As the COVID-19 crisis spread throughout America, medical workers face a difficult choice: Should they return to the comfort of home during their downtime, or could returning home actually endanger their families? Luckily, some have been able to find a way to do both thanks to the RVs for MDs Facebook group. With a husband working as an ER doctor, Emily Phillips was seeking a safe space for him to stay that was close to home when she came upon the idea of borrowing an RV. After finding one for her family, she decided to help others do the same.
Source: CBS News Facebook Group Lets Volunteers Lend RVs to Health Care Workers
4. RVing Expected to Surge in 2020 as Means of Self-Contained Travel
While many RVers are currently stuck at home, with travel plans waylaid by the COVID-19 crisis, experts are predicting RV travel will rebound in 2020, attracting new travelers as they turn away from hotels and airplanes. Craig Kirby, president of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), says RVs allow people to explore new sights with the added benefit of self-containment: “RVs provide a wonderful opportunity for people to continue to enjoy vacations with their families, while still adhering to social distancing, which will likely stay in place in some form for the foreseeable future.”
Source: Forbes Will 2020 Be the Year of RV Travel?
5. E-learning is Nothing New for RVing Families
While school shutdowns are wreaking havoc across the nation, some families are already experienced with learning outside of the schoolhouse. Full-time RV families utilized homeschooling, “unschooling,” and virtual learning models long before COVID-19 closed school doors. Heather Zigler and her 9th-grade daughter have traveled the nation in their RV for years, using technology to stay on top of the school curriculum. “It’s really about the freedom, while encouraging families to take advantage of their additional time together to try new approaches to living and learning,” Zigler says.
Source: Fox 17 E-Learning Allows Mother-Daughter Duo to Travel in RV
6. Bringing the Music Studio to Your Driveway
Non-essential services may be closed during the COVID-19 crisis, but that doesn’t prevent creative souls from wanting to record their music. Luckily, those in Burbank, California, can call Mobile Sessions to have a rolling studio delivered to their driveway. Started in 2019 by Christine Hufenbecher and Kenny Moran, Mobile Sessions offers recording, mixing, and producing capabilities in a specially designed 30-foot soundproof motorhome. Previously popular with those wanting to record in unique remote locations, Mobile Sessions has a new audience of homebound musicians.
Source: Rolling Stone No Recording Equipment? A Music Manager and Engineer Built a Professional Studio in an RV
