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.
Hurricane Laura Brings Extensive Damage to the Gulf Coast
Hurricane Laura roared ashore in the early morning hours of August 27, leaving a wide path of destruction. Towns along the border of Louisiana and Texas took a direct hit from this Category 4 hurricane, which brought in a 9-foot storm surge and winds reaching up to 150 mph. A number of other states were impacted by tornadoes, winds, and heavy rains, as the system trekked inland through Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. In addition to the loss of lives and homes, hundreds of thousands of people are without power. Texas Motor Speedway has opened a campground free of charge for those fleeing the impacted region. Assessment, recovery, and clean-up efforts are underway.
Hurricane season is now underway, and you should never try to ride out a hurricane in your RV. For safety tips, you can visit our article on preparing and protecting your RV during a hurricane.
Source: NPR Southern States Assessing the Damage from Laura
Photo: ccpixx photography / Shutterstock.com
Get Paid to Go Camping—Without Your Phone
If it feels like screen time has taken over your life, you may want to enter the Digital Detox Challenge, sponsored by SatelliteInternet.com. One randomly-drawn winner will be paid $1,000 to go on a two-night camping trip to a national park campground. Included in the prize is an RV rental, campsite fees, and food. What’s the catch? You have to leave technology behind. No catching up on social media, and no posting glamorous pictures of your vacation. On your way home, the company asks that you pause to use public WiFi or a provided mobile hotspot to tell others about your experience as part of the Digital Detox Challenge.
Source: Satelliteinternet.com Get Paid $1,000 to Digitally Detox in an RV
Airstream Introduces the Roomier Basecamp 20
When Airstream introduced the 16-foot Basecamp travel trailer in 2016, it delivered the iconic Airstream experience in a small footprint, but it left some travelers wanting more—more space, that is. While the Basecamp 16 is great for solo and couple travelers, the new longer, taller, and wider 2021 Basecamp 20 offers room to bring friends and family along for the ride. An additional four feet of length allows the floor plan to incorporate front and rear beds. Now, a rear gear door opens to provide indoor space for adventurous travelers to stow their toys. Panoramic windows further open up the space, while the sleek cabinetry and finishings offer the luxurious design elements that Airstream is known for.
Source: Airstream Introducing Basecamp 20
Photo courtesy of Airstream.
Disclaimer: Togo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by Thor Industries, Inc., of which Airstream, Inc. is a subsidiary.
Camp Like a Pioneer at the Ingalls Homestead
Some campgrounds feature twisting waterslides and epic playgrounds, but the Ingalls Homestead offers joy in the little things: petting free-roaming kittens, making corn cob dolls, and watching the sun set over the expansive prairie. This noteworthy campground is located on the grounds of a living history museum, built on land homesteaded by the Little House novelist’s family in the 1880s. In addition to nine back-in RV sites, the park offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to camp in a covered wagon for the full pioneering experience. Water and electric hookups plus a shower house bring modern amenities that the Ingalls never could have imagined.
Source: Ingalls Homestead Camping
Photo courtesy of Ingalls Homestead
How to Get High-End Camping Gear for Less
Backpacking, camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities often require pricey gear. Rental companies like Arrive Outdoors and Xscape Pod solve this dilemma by offering high-quality gear at affordable prices. Plus, everything gets delivered to your front door (or your destination). Packaged deals make it easy for newbies to get the proper gear without having to do tons of research. When you’d rather not rent, consider buying practical items that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a fancy camping pad that can double as a guest bed.
Source: The Wall Street Journal Why You Should Never Buy Camping Gear Again (Content may appear behind a paywall)