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.
Gas Prices Guzzling Fewer Dollars in Recent Weeks
After hitting a major peak in June and a smaller bump in October, gas prices are continuing the downward trend yet again, dropping 3 cents in the last week. In the U.S., the average price of a gallon is $3.76, showing almost a $1 drop per gallon from summer heights. A much deeper decline of almost 20 percent took place in California, where manufacturing increased. Decreasing domestic and international demand and global oil prices have helped drive prices down.
Read more from AAATake a Break From Cool Temps at a Hot Spring
Relaxing in a bubbling hot spring after a long hike can feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. Where can you find the best hot spring trails in the U.S.? Outside Online rounded up 25 steamy locations to explore. While some, like California’s Remington Hot Springs, are easy to reach, others may involve more strenuous hikes, like the 17-mile trail that leads to Colorado’s Conundrum Hot Springs.
Read more from Outside OnlineToyota Tests an Overlanding Concept Rig
Is Toyota simply teasing, or is the manufacturer testing the waters with the Trailhunter overlanding concept vehicle? Toyota made a splash at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) conference with a Tundra-based concept vehicle designed for overlanding. Add-on options include overlanding-ready gear like factory-installed roof tents, coolers, recovery equipment, and more. While Toyota isn’t confirming whether this concept will come to fruition, many think it would make sense for Toyota to capitalize on its popularity within the overlanding community and bring these features to the Tundra, Tacoma, and even select SUV lineups.
Read more from MotorTrendTake an In-Depth Trip Through Texas Without Leaving Home
Experience the vast and varied landscapes of Texas without leaving your living room. Deep in the Heart, a documentary narrated by Matthew McConaughey, is now streaming on multiple platforms. The family-friendly film features rich cinematography showcasing the lands and wildlife of the Lone Star State, with an aim to inspire conservation. Experience the tropical forests of the Rio Grande Valley, the rolling rivers of Hill Country, the vast Blackland Prairies of Eastern Texas, and other unique landscapes throughout the state.
Read more from Deep in the HeartWinegard Brings Starlink Satellite to RVs
Winegard, a leader in RV connectivity solutions, debuted the Flat High-Performance Starlink receiver for RVs. The technology will enable travelers to use the internet while in motion and provides better sky visibility for satellite connectivity, an upgrade from previous Starlink offerings. It’s designed for permanent installation and offers improved weather protection. Professional installation is offered by Winegard at select dealers and at the company’s locations in Iowa and Idaho. The Starlink RV plan can be paused and unpaused as needed and costs $135 a month.
Read more from WinegardAre You Joining the World’s Largest Gathering of RVers?
The 2023 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show will be held in Quartzsite, Arizona from January 21 through 29, drawing as many as 150,000 visitors to the Sonoran Desert of Western Arizona. The week-long event features exhibits, workshops, shopping, and more than 400 exhibitors, including leading RV and gear manufacturers. With a 39-year history, Quartzsite is called the largest gathering of RVers in the world.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineWinter Camping Is on the Rise
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is predicting a 19 percent increase in winter camping over 2021, according to the latest Monthly Research Report. Though many RVers winterize their rigs and park them away for the season, more travelers are continuing to hit the road, with 37 percent reporting plans to probably or definitely camp this winter season. Long-term snowbirding is expected to drop slightly, with 2.2 million households reporting plans to travel to warmer destinations. The industry expects continued year-round interest in camping and glamping.
Read more from RVPro