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.
Good News for Gas Prices
After reaching record highs in June, fuel prices are quickly falling and may soon decline below $4 per gallon in several states, particularly in the South and across the Sun Belt. The nation has recorded a 5 percent drop, and analysts predict the trend could continue. Weakened demand, crude oil prices, costs for wholesale gas, and a reduction in refinery costs all contributed to the decline. However, the future remains unclear, as the crude oil market, hurricane season, and increased demand could keep prices high.
Read more from Business InsiderWhat Are the Best and Worst States for Roadtripping?
Summers are made for roadtripping, but how do you choose where to go? WalletHub is making this decision easier. Analysts for the financial website used 32 metrics to rank all 50 states, considering factors like gas prices, camping costs, scenery, safety, and activities. The top five road trip destinations include New York, Minnesota, Texas, Louisiana, and Maine. Places you may want to avoid are Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, Arkansas, and New Jersey. If you’re looking for the cheapest camping, put Mississippi, Wyoming, and Nevada on your list.
Read more from WalletHubAirstream Adds Twin Bed Option to Flying Cloud and International Models
What’s new at Airstream for 2023? A new floor plan is coming to the Flying Cloud and International lines, featuring twin beds in the front bedrooms on the 23FB units. Currently, these models offer a queen-sized bed, but Airstream wanted to bring in more versatility. Twin beds not only offer more sleeping configurations, but they also provide comfort during the daytime for working and lounging. Plus, they’re 5 inches longer than the queen-sized bed option. More 2023 Airstream model updates are expected to be announced soon.
Read more from Airstream
Keep Your Pet Comfortable in a Rivian Vehicle
Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, is making it easier for you to keep your pet safe while traveling. The Pet Comfort software update lets you set the cabin temperature to a safe level so you can leave your pets unattended in the vehicle during brief stops. Passersbys won’t worry that Fido was left alone in a hot car, as a message on the center display lets them know your pet is safe and comfortable inside. The system works as long as your R1T or R1S has at least 50 miles of range remaining. While you’re away from the vehicle, you can also check the cabin temperature on Rivian’s mobile app
Read more from RivianCheck Out This New RV Park on I-80 in Southern Wyoming.
Since 1934, the Little America Hotel has provided a rest stop for travelers along I-80 in Southern Wyoming. Now named Little America Wyoming, this historic hotel recently expanded to include an RV park. RVers will find 42 full-hookup sites, with rates starting at $55 a night. Travelers have access to several amenities, including a heated pool, marble showers, family games, laundry facilities, and a dog run. Onsite, you’ll find a travel station and three dining options, including the Lobby Bar at the Little Wyoming Hotel. Grab a 75-cent ice cream cone before continuing your journey.
Read more from Little America WyomingState and National Parks Strive to Close the Racial Gap
Visiting state and national parks can benefit physical and mental health, both reasons why park officials are concerned about the racial gap in park visitors. Approximately 75 percent of visitors are white, compared to 60 percent of the population. If people don’t grow up experiencing the outdoors, they’re less likely to do so in adulthood, which continues the cycle as they raise children. Park officials are trying various ways to diversify the parks, including opening parks in racially diverse areas, providing free passes, diversifying park staff, and ensuring parks are a welcoming place for all.
Read more from Washington PostJellystone Expands to Seven New Locations
Fans of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts will find seven new locations to stay and play in 2022. Most recently, Jellystone Park South Jersey opened, featuring a 30-acre lake and adventure activities. A park in Wichita Falls, Texas, returned to the franchise, and earlier this year, five other parks opened operations under the Jellystone moniker. The Augusta, Maine, location offers wooded sites along a creek, while the Starks County, Iowa, campground is built for fun, with 500 acres of family-friendly amenities. Other locations include Chincoteague Island, Virginia; New Douglas, Illinois; and Petoskey, Michigan.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineTogo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by Thor Industries, Inc., of which Airstream is a subsidiary.
