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.
Everything You Need to Know About Your First Shakedown Trip
Buying a new RV is exciting, and so is planning your first trip in it. But before you head out on that epic adventure, you should first plan a shakedown trip. This gives you a chance to test all of the systems and ensure they’re in working order ahead of longer travels. Plus, you can test your driving, towing setup, organization, and system operations. Find out how to pick a smart destination for your shakedown trip, what to pack, and how to handle any mishaps with Togo RV’s complete guide to shakedown trips.
Stock Your RV Kitchen with These Must-Have Accessories
Your RV kitchen may be small, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make delicious meals on the road. Before stocking the cabinets, consider the size, weight, and functionality of each item. Space-saving accessories like a wall-mounted spice rack and collapsible bowls leave more room for bulkier gear like an Instant Pot or electric skillet (which are worthy of your space, as long as you use them regularly). Learn about these items and more in Togo RV’s guide to kitchen accessories.
Meet the Women Behind Beloved NPS Sites
March is Women’s History Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the women who helped create, shape, and protect some of the U.S.’s national parks and sites. The lobbying efforts of Minerva Hoyt, a Mississippi native who fell in love with the desert, led to the creation of Joshua Tree National Park. Texas librarian Maxine Johnston created a museum dedicated to the landscape that would become the Big Thicket National Preserve, while advocating in Washington, D.C., for its protection. After being taken to the Manzanar internment camp during WWII at the age of 19, Sue Kunitomi Embrey later advocated for the preservation of the site. Learn about these and other trailblazing women from the National Parks Conservation Association.
Source: National Parks Conservation Association These 10 National Parks Wouldn’t Exist Without Women
Photo: NPS
Don’t Miss These RV Tax Deductions When Filing This Year
Did you know that some of the money you invest in your RV may help reduce your tax bill? First, the interest paid on your rig may qualify as a home mortgage interest deduction since your RV is technically your second home. Second, specific types of business travel costs may be deducted if you use your rig for work. Third, if you rent your RV through a peer-rental platform—like Outdoorsy or RVshare—you can deduct certain qualifying expenses. Finally, the sales tax on your RV purchase might be deductible. While there are specific requirements to qualify for these credits and deductions, it’s worth the research to see if you qualify.
Source: RVshare RV Tax Deductions You Should Know About
Explore Indiana with the State Nature Passport
Indiana is home to waterfalls, sand dunes, toboggan runs, and bison, all waiting to be seen by RVers. You’ll find these sites and more with the Indiana State Nature Passport, which features 59 of the state’s favorite parks and hidden gems. Sign up online for your free digital passport, and check in at selected spots with your smartphone each time you visit. You’ll earn prizes for your 10th, 25th, and 40th visits. While grand prize drawings are held throughout the year, your Hoosier State adventures are the true prize. The program is free to participate in, but the cost of park admissions is not included.
Source: Indiana Destination Development Corporation Indiana State Nature Passport
Photo courtesy of Visit Indiana
Featured RV Gear:
An emergency hand-crank radio is a must on the road. This version has three different charging options and doubles as a flashlight. Added bonus? It also charges your phone.
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