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.
Survey Reveals the Top 10 Regional Fast Food Chains
We all have guilty pleasure pit stops when traveling on road trips where we grab greasy fries or tasty shakes, right? USA Today surveyed readers to find the top 10 regional fast-food chains in the U.S. Burgers proved to be a favorite, with Dick’s Drive-In, Whataburger, Culver’s, Schoop’s Hamburgers, and In-and-Out Burger coming out on top. Fans of fried chicken love Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and PDQ, or you can add some variety to your cuisine at Sheetz, Runza, and Biscuitville, all of which serve up unique fast food items.
Read more from USA TodayNew National Parks Series Coming to Netflix
Netflix announced a new five-part nature documentary series about national parks—that are located both in and outside of the U.S.— with a surprising narrator and producer. Former President Barack Obama will narrate Our Great National Parks, which showcases the grand landscapes and wildlife of a new location each episode—including the need to protect these natural spaces. Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions is producing the series, which debuts in April.
Read more from BackpackerAirstream Basecamp Showdown
Airstream’s nimble Basecamp has quickly become the manufacturer’s best-selling lineup, with two models on the market, the Basecamp 16 and the Basecamp 20. Both have a kitchen and wet bath, but the 20 floor plan includes a front U-dinette that’s separate from the twin-sized beds found in the rear of both models. In addition to providing seating, this also increases the sleeping capacity from two to four. The 20 has more storage space, including a bay beneath the floor, which allows air to circulate through wet items as they drain. Despite the differences, both have the iconic Airstream style, quality, and iconic panoramic front windows. Each model comes with several optional upgrades to easily customize a rig that meets your needs.
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New Camping Gear and Outdoor Accessories From NEMO
NEMO, an outdoor gear company, revealed its lineup of new products for 2022, with a focus on making tent camping more accessible and comfortable. For those in need of a taller tent, check out the new Aurora Highrise, which is notable for its ceiling height. The Switch Multi-Configuration Camping Tent and Shelter operates as a tent, a sunshade, or a screenhouse. Another versatile item is the Victory Patio Blanket, which serves as a tent floor, a beach blanket, and more. RVers who don’t tent camp might enjoy the Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair, which is NEMO’s upgraded version of a reclining hammock-style chair.
Read more from Outdoor SportswireBuzz Grows for VW’s Microbus U.S. Arrival
Fans of the original VW Microbus have long awaited a modern version of the classic campervan, with teased concepts and European models. U.S. fans may finally have their chance to buy the ID.Buzz, an all-electric future-forward microbus that has some echoes of the iconic original. Rumor has it a camper version with a pop-top roof may even be in the works. VW announced the ID.Buzz will go into production for 2024 models.
Read more from GearJunkieHere’s How to Hike “The Wave” Formation in Arizona
Previously, if you wanted to hike The Wave (Coyote Buttes North), an iconic geological formation in Arizona, you had to apply online or physically stop by the visitor center to enter a permit lottery. Now, a new mobile app allows you to enter a daily lottery, making it less of a hassle to apply. Only 64 visitors are allowed at the site each day, with 48 permits issued on the Recreation.gov website up to 4 months in advance, and 16 daily lottery permits.
Read more from USA TodayHow Much More Will You Pay to Fuel Your RV Travels?
RV travelers may pay as much as 30 percent more for fuel this year, due to rising gasoline prices. What impact will this have on the RV industry? A representative from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) says RV sales are expected to continue surging, even if owners opt to take shorter trips. Instead of canceling RV trips travelers are likely to stay closer to home to reduce the number of fill ups. Smaller trailers, which can be pulled by more fuel-efficient SUVs, also may become a more popular choice.
Read more from WSBTTogo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by THOR Industries, Inc., of which Airstream is a subsidiary.
