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Author: Joe Cortez

  • Outside Van Launches New Class-B “Parks” Van

    Outside Van Launches New Class-B “Parks” Van

    For some, traveling the country in an RV is about having the convenience of technology in an easy-to-drive package. Portland’s Outdoor Van is targeting this segment of the market for the 2025 model year with its new Parks van.

    The Parks van is built around an all-wheel drive chassis and is designed to sleep up to two adults. It is designed for travelers who want to have all the travel convenience of a full-size RV, but in an maneuverable package that can fit in both campgrounds and national parks.

    Inside the van is a full restroom and shower, including a “High Top” shower designed to accommodate taller travelers. The cassette-based toilet offers electric flushing so it can be used anytime, complete with a wash sink and vanity.

    During the day, the van features a dinette area with two bench seats and a small table to share. At night, it is easily converted to a sleeping area for both travelers to enjoy the night.

    An improvement from similar vans in the category, the Parks van features a full galley kitchen to allow RVers access to their food anywhere. The galley offers a refrigerator, cooktop, and stainless-steel sink. Storage cabinets keep everything well organized between stops.

    The entire power system is managed by a smart control system powered by Garmin. On the control panel, travelers can see their current power usage, battery life, power inverter status, as well as manage fuses. The control panel is also the center for the entertainment system. For added convenience, a pre-drilled passthrough is available to install any roof-based communications devices.

    Outside Van says they will debut their van at the Elkhart Dealer Open House but have not set a MSRP for the new package. It will be available through their nationwide dealer network by the beginning of October 2024.

  • Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    New Winnebago owners will now have all the capabilities of their connected home in their RV, no matter where their adventures take them. The legacy RV manufacturer has launched Winnebago Connect, offering full control integration from the palm of travelers’ hands.

    Proactive Automations Improve Energy Usage, Comfort, Safety

    The system goes beyond monitoring the RV by integrating smart technologies into one smartphone application. One of the key advantages of Winnebago Connect is the ability to manage energy usage and optimize off-grid power when boondocking. The system can adjust power usage and systems to maximize consumption while keeping everyone in the RV comfortable.

    But it’s not just power usage that can be controlled through Winnebago Connect. When RV temperatures go above a certain range, the system can automatically open vents to allow fresh air in before turning to the air conditioning system. If wind gusts get to a hazardous level, the system will automatically retract awnings to prevent damage to the RV. And for those who travel with pets, Connect will provide push notifications to let them know when conditions get too hot or cold for their four-legged friends, allowing users to adjust from their phone.

    Detailed Telemetry Simplifies Remote Troubleshooting

    Should something go wrong with the RV while on the road, Winnebago Connect can also help with troubleshooting and diagnosis. Customer care agents can connect remotely to review the RV’s current status to determine what issues owners could be facing.

    “Winnebago Connect is game-changing technology for the RV industry because it transforms how customers can engage with their motorhome, and how Winnebago can respond to user needs through intelligent software,” Kim Weckert, vice president of digital transformation for Winnebago, said in its press release. “Winnebago Connect is sure to create more opportunities for new and long-time RVers alike to experience the outdoors exactly as they wish.”

    Availability and Cost

    Winnebago Connect is available on the 2025 Winnebago View and Navion 24T floorplans, expanding to other models in the years to come. The system comes with three subscription tiers, based on the level of control RV owners want. The basic option comes with pre-trip checklists and power management systems. The Premium plan at $10 per month allows monitoring and control anywhere campers have a cellphone signal. For $99 per month, owners can add 10G wireless connectivity, turning their RV into a mobile hotspot perfect for e-mail, internet browsing, and social media.

  • New Trail Boss 140BH: Ultra-Lightweight, Standard Off-Grid Appliances

    New Trail Boss 140BH: Ultra-Lightweight, Standard Off-Grid Appliances

    Travelers who are looking to break away from the RV park and camp off the grid have a new ultra-lightweight trailer option. Gulf Stream Coach is introducing the Trail Boss 140BH, a rugged new trailer option the manufacturer says blends “comfort, durability, and affordability.”

    Off-Grid Appliances and Features Come Standard

    Arguably, the most impressive part of the ultra-lightweight trailer is the off-grid package that comes standard in the trailer. Powered in part by a solar energy system, an off-grid refrigerator, gas heater and water heater, outdoor shower, cooktop, microwave, and air conditioning are all built in without sacrificing floor space.

    The interior floor plan includes a U-shaped dinette section that can convert to beds at night, a TV mount near the wall air conditioning unit, and outdoor storage at the end of the trailer. It also features two bunk beds at the top, comfortably sleeping four people. Solid-step entry makes it easy to get in and out of the trailer, allowing travelers to have all the amenities of home in a small, easy-to-tow package.

    Compact, Lightweight, and Versatile

    With extra ground clearance and a total weight of just 2,510 pounds, the latest edition of the Trail Boss 140BH is ready for off-road adventures. Because of its size and weight, RVers with many different types of vehicles can go on off-grid adventures with this versatile trailer.

    “Our goal with the Trail Boss 140BH was to make it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to discover, explore, and escape,” Phil Sarvari, president of Gulf Stream Coach, said in the press release. “We’ve created a trailer that is budget-friendly, without compromising on features or quality.”

    The Trail Boss 140BH has an MSRP around $24,600. You can shop for this off-grid trailer on RV Trader.

  • New RV Campground in Pipestone, Montana to Open in September

    New RV Campground in Pipestone, Montana to Open in September

    Travelers looking for an activity hub in the “Moab of Montana” will soon have a new campground to visit. Bozeman CBS affiliate KZBK 7 reports the Pipestone RV Park is working through its finishing touches, with a scheduled opening date of September 2024.

    The new RV campground was the brainchild of local resident Keith Curtis, who has vacationed in the Pipestone region for over 15 years. Although the area was popular with nature lovers for the unique rock formations, it was difficult to navigate for those who travel the country in RVs.

    Pipestone RV Park Slated for 80 Full Hookups, Lounge, and Other Amenities

    Keith and his partners have been working on developing the park for nearly six years. Once the new park opens, it will offer 80 RV spots with full power, water, and sewer hookups, alongside 31 cabin and tent sites. Amenities at opening will include a check-in building, general store, lounge, three shower houses, and around 20 bathrooms. Future plans include pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and a family playground.

    Locals who have seen the development come together say the RV park will be a welcome addition to the community and offer campers a place to come and enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area. From off-road vehicles to hiking, those who frequent Pipestone say the park will give travelers even more options to enjoy nature’s beauty.

    “What makes Pipestone so special is its unique rock formations,” Keith told KZBK. “You have the ringing rocks. Then you have areas like the Flintstone house. And you have Delmoe Lake up here too, so you have some bodies of water. And not to mention a huge network of trails”.

    To learn more about the Pipestone RV Park and enquire about reservations, visit the Pipestone Rentals & Adventures website.

  • Jellystone RV Parks Take Three Spots of USA Today’s 10Best List

    Jellystone RV Parks Take Three Spots of USA Today’s 10Best List

    Campers looking for a family-friendly getaway for all ages should be on the lookout for a Jellystone Park RV center. In the 2024 RV campground edition of USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, three Jellystone Park locations made the list, with the highest only coming in second to a getaway in California.

    Jellystone Park Pelahatchie, MS

    Highest among the group in the second position is the Jellystone Park Pelahatchie in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. Located 30 miles east of the state’s capital, the RV park is open year-round and features sites both inland and lakeside. But it’s not just the amazing lakeside views that keep families coming back. Guests have full access to fishing and minigolf all season long, as well as a swimming pool and splashpad to play in during the summer months.

    Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mill Run, PA

    Coming in fourth is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mill Run, featuring over 80 RV campsites with full hookups. Campers of all ages can enjoy a range of activities, from mini-golf and a game room to full-size paintball and laser tag fields. Be sure to plan your trip around the summer months, as many of the attractions are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

     

    North Texas Jellystone Park, Burleson, TX

    The final Jellystone RV park, in sixth place, is the North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson, Texas, just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The park features both an indoor and outdoor pool, water park, laser tag center, and scheduled theme activities for everyone to join in on the fun. Although many of the activities are within walking distance, golf cart rentals are available to explore the expansive park.

     

    Other RV Parks on USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards List

    Taking the top spot in the 10Best Readers Choice Awards among RV parks is the Inn Town Campground in Nevada City, California. Located between the South Yuba River State Park and Tahoe National Forest, the small resort only has 15 RV spots with full hookups. Beyond camping, the site offers outdoor movie nights, and is within walking distance of a historic Chinese cemetery and the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

    Other award-winning RV parks include the Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country resort outside of San Antonio; Spacious Skies Campgrounds in Littleton, Massachusetts; and the Fernwood Resort in Big Sur, California.

  • 2025 Airstream Models Boast New Towing Tech, Next-Gen Connectivity

    2025 Airstream Models Boast New Towing Tech, Next-Gen Connectivity

    New technology, floor plans, and an improved MyAirstream app are all part of Airstream’s 2025 model year debut. the Ohio-based travel trailer manufacturer has announced.

     

    2025 Trade Wind: New Twin-Bed Floor Plan

    First up is the new floor plan available for the Airstream 23FB Trade Wind. The 23-foot trailer can now be configured with two twin beds or a single queen bed, along with a dinette that can be converted to additional sleeping space when needed.

    The Trade Wind is the most off-grid-capable of the model lineup, with three chassis-integrated lithium Battle Born batteries providing a power bank of 810 amp-hours, over four times the capacity of other Airstream models. Solar panels installed on the Trade Wind helps to keep the batteries powered. When boondocking, the trailer comes equipped with a 3000-watt combined inverter that can power both a convection microwave and a full-power air conditioner. For those who prefer to go completely off the grid, an optional composting toilet can be installed.

     

    2025 Classic: Towing Assist, New Standard Entertainment Tech

    The Classic line of Airstream trailers are also getting a set of upgrades. With the 2025 model year, new trailers can be installed with the Dexter Tow Assist powered by Bosch, a premium towing package that includes a new anti-lock brake system and sway mitigation system. The components work together to reduce sway, improve drivability, and add stopping power.

    For those looking to upgrade their comfort, the Airstream Classic 33FB now comes with new standard amenities. Each new trailer comes with a built-in flatscreen TV combined with a premium Klipsch four-speaker sound system. With Bluetooth streaming capability, travelers can have all of the amenities of home no matter where they go.

    MyAirstream: Next-Generation Smart Control

    Finally, the company is adding even more capability to their smartphone application. 2025 Classic models will feature MyAirstream, which replaces Smart Control as the connected vehicle platform and offers additional functionality. Using the system, travelers can monitor and control many aspects of their trailer, including tank levels, air conditioning, and lighting. The app can also help travelers find their nearest Airstream dealer for maintenance and repairs, along with over 40,000 camping-focused points of interest, including campgrounds, dump points, and RV-friendly overnight parking.

     

    Plumbing and Layout Changes for 2025 Bambi, Caravel, Globetrotter, Basecamp

    Other upgrades include moving the fresh water tank and electrical center in the Bambi and Caravel trailers to allow for more storage space under the bed, a recirculating water heater in the Globetrotter, and an improved shower pan that improves water shed in the Basecamp trailers.

  • Grand Design Expands Transcend Lineup for 2025, GVWR Starting Below 5,000 Pounds

    Grand Design Expands Transcend Lineup for 2025, GVWR Starting Below 5,000 Pounds

    With trailer weights starting at under 5,000 pounds, Grand Design wants to make RVing more accessible for those who don’t have a truck. The company announced the new, expanded line of 2025 Transcend travel trailers, now offering three models centered around the original Transcend Xplor for both new and experienced campers. 

     

    Queen-Size Beds, Air Conditioning, and Slide-Out Options

    Although the trailers come in different sizes, the amenities in each are still full-sized, allowing travelers to take on the open road in comfort and luxury. With single-axle and lighter-weight options, Grand Design says the new designs are not only easier to tow but also makes RVing accessible for everyone. 

    Each trailer comes pre-installed with solar power capacities, with pre-wiring to support up to 600 watts of solar power, along with preparations for both a 30-amp solar controller and 2,000-watt inverter wired on the outlets. Owners can also outfit their trailers with built-in pet food and water bowls to accommodate their animals as they travel.

     

    Lineup: Transcend One, Transcend Xplor, Transcend

    At the entry level is the Transcend One trailer, a single-axle RV with a GVWR of under 5,000 pounds. These trailers feature a full-size queen bed, air conditioning, and a heated enclosed underbelly with pass-through storage. 

    The Transcend Xplor is the middle-of-the-road option, with a tandem axle and an option for one slide-out. Ranging up to 30 feet and GWVRs under 8,000 pounds, this line of trailers add on small touches that make travel a little more accessible. RVers can look forward to pull-out trash can storage, bigger drawers, and both folding and hanging storage. 

    At the top of the line is the Transcend trailer. These trailers come in with a GVWR between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds, and can feature up to three optional slide-outs. Beyond the regular amenities found in the smaller two trailers, standard features include an outdoor kitchen with refrigerator, laundry chute, and other small touches adding luxury to the camping experience. 

    Beyond the traditional cabinetry, trailers are also outfitted with a JBL sound system with both interior and exterior speakers, along with fold-up tables with additional storage.

  • Expion360 Batteries Take Center Stage in K-Z Trailers

    Expion360 Batteries Take Center Stage in K-Z Trailers

    Campers looking for additional power to go will have a new reason to consider adding a new K-Z RV to their garage. The subsidiary of THOR Industries announced they will partner with Expion360 to install new battery technology into their Durango fifth-wheel models.

    Under the new agreement, Expion360 will provide battery technology for K-Z’s line of trailers. The partnership goal is to allow campers to stay off-grid for longer, while keeping their essential electronics powered from anywhere on the road.

     

    Edge Batteries Feature Solar Integration and Real-Time Battery Management System

    The K-Z RV Boondocker package will now feature an array of three Expion360 Edge 51.2-volt, 60-amp-hour vertical heat conduction (VHC) batteries, with the option to add a fourth battery to their trailer. The advanced battery technology and expert system integration is provided by Wellspring Solar.

    A built-in advanced battery management system protects it from high- or low-voltage surges, short circuits, overcurrent, and high- or low-voltage charging. With Bluetooth connectivity built in, Edge batteries work with the SmartTalk app for battery management. The battery also offers full integration with Victron’s Cerbo GX monitoring system to facilitate easy electrical system communication.

     

    Large-Capacity Group 27 Batteries Cater to Extended Off-Grid Journeys

    Expion360’s battery systems will also play a prominent part in the Durango “Off the Grid” solar package. RV buyers can choose to upgrade to two Group 27 100-amp-hour VHC heated batteries. Designed for RVs configured for long spans off-grid, the batteries come with a 12-year warranty and their rugged design is meant to work in even the toughest conditions.

    “By partnering with Expion360, we can provide advanced lithium battery options that enhance the off-grid experience,” Brent Froman, general manager of K-Z RV, said in a statement. “We are excited to offer these high-quality power solutions in our Durango and Durango Gold models, as well as in the Durango Half-Ton.”

    The Expion360 Edge batteries will be available in the Durango and Durango Gold trailers, while the Group 27 batteries come in the Durango, Durango Gold, and Durango Half-Ton trailers.

  • Living Vehicle Unveils GT Series Luxury Off-Grid Fifth-Wheel Trailers

    Living Vehicle Unveils GT Series Luxury Off-Grid Fifth-Wheel Trailers

    Santa Barbara-based Living Vehicle has debuted its 2025 GT32 and GT39 trailers, with advanced solar power systems and a focus on creating a “blend of comfort, quality, and independence for discerning travelers.”

     

    “Luxury Yacht Living for Land”

    The 2025 model year features two options, each branded as their own experience. The smaller GT32 offers the living space and luxury features of a fifth-wheel trailer, but in a smaller package for easier control and towing.

    The ample solar power capacity keeps the lights on when traveling off the grid, ensuring travelers have all the amenities on the home whether they are a full-time traveler or just using the trailer for vacations. In addition to a full kitchen with a cooking island, this trailer comes with a foldable patio deck, a full bathroom with shower, and a space for an optional clothes washer and dryer. A master bedroom with a king-size bed occupies the front of the trailer, while the lounge area at the back can convert to a queen bed.

    The larger GT39 is designed for full-time travelers who prefer to see the world one road at a time. In addition to a larger living space and kitchen, these trailers come equipped with reclining chairs, an 70-inch home theater system installed, and vaulted ceilings. The solar panels can provide 5,000 watts of power, powering all the smart-home systems and the Starlink Wi-Fi that keep travelers connected no matter where they are.

    Both the GT32 and GT39 are available by custom order direct from Living Vehicle.

  • KOA Says Campers Getting Younger, Prioritizing Campground Amenities

    KOA Says Campers Getting Younger, Prioritizing Campground Amenities

    Today’s RV campers are looking for more opportunities to escape the ruckus of daily life, while having the option to connect when they want – not when they are forced to. The new insights come from the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report for 2024.

     

    21.6 Million Campers Spend Around a Week Out Per Year

    According to the data collected by the campground and RV resort operator, the love of camping starts at a young age and continues into adulthood. The report shows 60 percent of campers have their first outdoor experience before they turn 18, turning positive memories into a passion as they grow. Today, over 21.6 million households identify as “active campers,” an increase of 68 percent over the past ten years.

    Camping and RVing is also turning into a preferred vacation method for all types of travelers. The study found camping accounted for one in three leisure trips in the U.S., with campers going on one to two trips per year. On average, campers spend around one week at their favorite campsites each year.

     

    Generational Differences in Travel Accommodations and Preferred Partners

    Going camping is often associated with the older generations who have more leisure time and income to spend on travel. However, KOA found that the younger generations are getting much more active with their camping. Only 52 percent of campers identified as “Gen X” and “Boomers,” while Millennials accounted for 28 percent of travelers.

    Across all generations, spouses and significant others are the preferred partners for camping trips for Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers – Gen Z show no strong preference between partners and friends. Where the generations differ is in their expectations for the camping experience. While Gen Z want to have adventure-based experiences in the outdoors, Millennials want to spend quality time with family and friends. And while Millennials like to go “glamping,” both Gen X and Boomers prefer the luxury of RVs.

    While many campers enjoy “roughing it” off the beaten path, more campers are looking for hotel-like amenities when choosing where to stay. Over half of campers say they begin their trips at a campground or outdoor resort with “abundant services and amenities.” It should come as no surprise that the most popular amenity is a Wi-Fi connection, with nearly half saying it is the “most important” feature of a campground.

    To collect their data, KOA sent out over 4,000 surveys to campers across the United States and Canada, evenly distributed by census region in the U.S. The full report is available to download from the KOA website.