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. National Park Service Posters Inject Humor Into Safety Protocols
While many experts turn to detailed charts and graphs to share information about COVID-19, the National Park Service (NPS) is using humor to get people’s attention. The NPS has created a series of 12 posters to encourage social distancing, responsible recreation, and virtual park visits. These posters demonstrate how common protocols for minimizing wildlife encounters are also working well for social distancing among humans. As national parks across the United States begin to reopen their gates, these cheeky posters serve as good reminders for park visitors emerging from quarantine. Jane Recker from the Washingtonian states, “In a world where everything is bad, these new National Park Service social distancing posters are very good.”
Source: Washingtonian The National Parks’ New Social Distancing Posters are Hilarious (and Perfect)
2. Will RV Dealerships Have Enough Supply to Meet Demand?
The COVID-19 crisis caused concern for RV dealerships from the outset, as dealers wondered if RV sales would slump amid the uncertainty. But now that RV sales appear to be spiking again, dealerships have a new concern: Will they have enough inventory to meet consumer demand? Like many industries, RV manufacturers shut down amid virus concerns, suspending production on thousands of units. As RV dealerships reopen, they are anticipating it will take longer to refill their lots and receive special orders. However, everyone is happy to see buyers coming back—and leaving with new trailers in tow.
Source: The Daily Sentinel RV Dealerships See Rise in Sales, Loss of Inventory
3. Bite Mosquitoes Before They Bite You
The buzz of mosquitoes is a familiar—though frustrating—soundtrack for summertime. But new technologies may be making it easier than ever to keep mosquitoes at bay. After testing a wide array of conventional and newer approaches, product review website Wirecutter declared Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellant Gen. 2.0 to be the most effective at warding off the pesky insects. RVers may also want to consider the Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repeller, which was noted as being a durable, more portable option. Both devices work by silently emitting an odor-free vapor that repels mosquitoes. The Radius Zone utilizes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the MR450 uses a butane cartridge. For a more budget-friendly option, check out Pic’s Mosquito Repelling Coils.
Source: Wirecutter The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
4. New Thor Industries Consumer Report Shows Promising Results for RVers
Earlier this month, Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer, released the industry’s first report detailing how COVID-19 is impacting RV travel and purchase intent. After surveying nearly 20,000 current and prospective RV owners over the course of two weeks, the results show a lot of promise for the industry. Fifty percent of consumers who had planned on purchasing an RV sometime in 2020 still plan to buy one between now and August, and 79 percent of RV owners still plan to use their RV as much as or more than they did in 2019. The biggest factor influencing RV usage? The openings of campgrounds. You can read the full report below.
Source: Thor Industries 2020 North American RV Consumer Survey Report
5. Mother of Five Turns Old RVs Into Cash
After purchasing and renovating a vintage RV, Sarah Lemp saw the potential to turn her new skills into a money-making side hustle. Since then, Lemp has earned $22,000 flipping RVs—all while raising and homeschooling five children. Her technique is pretty simple: She scours Facebook Marketplace looking for diamonds in the rough. Once she finds her diamond—a used RV around $2,000—Lemp then invests a similar amount in materials (and much more in elbow grease) in order to turn as much as $6,000 in profit. Providing D.I.Y. tips and renovation reveals on her blog All Things with a Purpose brings in another $2,000 per month. But it’s not just about the profit; Lemp wants others to feel confident in doing their own renovations. She says, “I’ve always been interested in inspiring women in particular who may have felt intimidated picking up a hammer.”
Source: CNBC This Mother of Five Buys RVs Online, Flips, and Resells Them
