News & Notes
The Hero Edition’s striking matte green-colored full-body paint — which definitely has a military vibe to it — has been dubbed Heroic Green and was produced in the manufacturer’s in-house paint facility in Wakarusa, Indiana. The “Cougar” name and contemporary logo in raised lettering are the only exterior adornments which, paired with the matte green full-body paint, offers a subdued yet uniquely automotive-style design.
Keystone will donate $1,000 from every retail sale of the Cougar Hero Edition — which is available on four of the full-size Cougar’s seven floorplans — to the Wounded Warrior Project. Keystone’s total contribution will be no less than $250,000, and up to $1 million. According to Keystone General Manager Matt Christensen each donation is coming out of Keystone’s bottom line and is not just the company passing along the costs.
Each unit also will include a gift bag of Wounded Warrior Project items and other products to further commemorate the Hero Edition’s mission. For more information, visit keystonerv.com.
Hughes Autoformers Launches ‘Next Gen’ Power Watchdog
One of the standout features of the new Power Watchdog is the addition of built-in Wi-Fi, which complements its existing Bluetooth technology. This integration allows RVers to stay connected and in control from anywhere in the world without the need for extra hardware, easily monitoring and managing their RV’s power systems remotely.
The Power Watchdog is more than just a surge protector — it’s a complete power management ecosystem for your RV. It continuously monitors for a range of faults multiple times per second. Should it detect an issue, it will immediately cut power to your RV and alert you. Once the fault has been resolved and remains resolved for 90 seconds, the Power Watchdog will automatically restore power. With the addition of Wi-Fi, the redesigned mobile app is more powerful than ever. Users can control settings such as light brightness and track past faults, monitor energy consumption, reset the consumption meter, remotely cut and restore power to your RV and get notified of faults anywhere you have cell service.
The second-generation Power Watchdog also features Hughes’ patented, replaceable surge module. In the event of severe power spikes, users can simply replace the module instead of the entire unit, making maintenance easy and cost-effective. For more information, visit hughesautoformers.com.
Designed to provide “unparalleled connectivity” for multiple devices and all North America carriers, the Drive Reach RV II delivers a cell signal that’s up to 32 times stronger than unboosted signals. New and flexible mounting and power options allow RV owners to easily add Drive Reach RV II to any class of RV. It extends signal reach up to three times the distance from the nearest tower and boosts signal for all wirelessly connected devices. The system includes a durable outside antenna paired with a new, powerful mini-panel inside antenna for improved directional power (both are IP66-rated for improved protection against dust and water). A versatile mounting bracket adjusts 180 degrees in both directions.
The Drive Reach II includes a booster, antenna, mini-panel, 25-foot cable, flexible power supply options (users can choose between AC/DC wall power or hardwire) and all mounting hardware. For more information, visit weboost.com.
Intrepid RV travelers are no doubt aware of Love’s Travel Stops around the country — the fuel-and-country store locations are a frequent sight. Less well-known, though, is that Love’s is increasing its Love’s RV locations: honest-to-goodness RV sites accompanying many of its fuel stops. First introduced in Cordele, Georgia, Love’s RV locations have grown to 70 locations and more than 1,300 reservable spaces across the country.
The Love’s Connect app, available through the App Store or Google Play Store, helps travelers plan trips based on desired routes and specific amenities. This includes Wi-Fi for steaming games, RV dump services, bulk propane, RV parking, laundry facilities, dog parks and more. To take advantage of the promotion, customers can enter the promo code TAILGATE10 during the checkout process. The 10% discount will apply to reservations booked and completed by Feb. 9. Sports fans are encouraged to book their RV stays early to ensure availability for the upcoming season. For more information and booking, visit lovesrvstops.com.
KOA Unveils Fall Camping Special
Campers can book their September stay directly with their preferred KOA campground, on KOA.com, or via the KOA mobile app. This fall promotion applies to all site types, including cabins, glamping options, and unique accommodations. KOA Rewards members can accumulate points redeemable for cash off future stays. For more information visit www.koa.com.
Bowlus Debuts Endless Highways 95th Anniversary Edition
Limited to just 25 models, the Endless Highways 95th Anniversary Edition is available in two interior decor packages and includes the following packages and options: Adventure Package, Luxe Package, Off-Grid Power Package II, each with the stunning Bowlus screen door. The Bowlus screen door by itself requires more than 100 hours to build – almost double the time spent manufacturing an entire traditional RV – and is available exclusively on the 95th Anniversary Edition.
TAXA Outdoors Adds New Off-Grid Models
TAXA Outdoors, the manufacturer of lightweight, minimalist travel trailers known for their toughness and angular design by a NASA engineer, has introduced a new line for the most rugged terrain: TAXA X.
Based upon TAXA’s popular Overland models, the TAXA X habitats include:
- Cruisemaster CRS2 Suspension for superior shock absorption and stability on uneven surfaces.
- Cruisemaster DO35 V3 Plus Hitch for superior shock absorption, stability and control (on all models except Woolly Bear X).
- Reinforced chassis for enhanced structural integrity.
- Protective skid plates to shield the undercarriage from impact against rough ground and obstacles.
- Off-roading rockslides to protect the trailer’s chassis from damage caused by rocks and debris.
- Aircraft-grade rivets for increased durability and resistance to vibration.
- Upgraded cargo roof racks for additional gear capacity (specific to Woolly Bear X and TigerMoth X).
For more information, visit TAXAOutdoors.com.
Oregon Firm ‘Reimagines’ Slide Toppers
Rather than trying to cover the slideroom roof, the True Topper eliminates the need for the flange that runs along the roof. With the flange removed (notorious for collecting debris and snow) the True Topper functions both as a sweep and proper flashing. Debris is pushed over the edge as the True Topper folds down and locks into place when the slideroom is closed. Essentially, the True Topper is an aluminum flap at the top of the slide; as the room retracts, the wiper seals push debris, snow and water off the top of the slideout box. When the room comes to a close the True Topper closes up over the top of the slide with a spring-like mechanism to hold the True Topper in place so it doesn’t flap as the RV is rolling down the road.
The True Topper’s main construction is of extruded aluminum, as are the caps on the ends of the True Topper and the hinge (all of which make-up a significant portion of the True Topper device). The True Topper is able to be fitted to the width of almost any slideout room, (even if your slideroom has a flange around it). For more information, visit Composite Solutions.
Elvis Presley’s Jet Now an RV
After spending decades collecting dust in New Mexico, a YouTuber named Jimmy Webb bought the vehicle for $260,000. Webb bought the aircraft, which lacked engines and cockpit controls at the time he purchased it and hoped to fly it again. However, he was disappointed to find it was hardly possible as the parts needed were not in production. Refusing to give the JetStar a repeat of the past few owners, Webb decided to do something interesting: He got to work and converted the jet into an RV. To see the transformation, visit his YouTube channel here YouTube.
With prices starting at $38,900, the P21 is said to reimagine the concept of a travel trailer as a fully-functional dwelling designed for extended off-grid stays in nature. Key technical specifications of the P21 include a massive 1,300-watt solar array (developed in partnership with Aptera), industry-leading thermal insulation for optimal energy conservation, aerodynamic design enabling efficient towing even with electric vehicles and a 12,000-BTU heat pump for year-round comfort.
The P21’s zero thermal bridge cabin and rigid insulation provide up to five times better thermal performance than comparable trailers. This efficiency extends to the road, where its aerodynamic profile has been shown to have minimal impact on fuel economy. In testing, a Tesla Model Y Long Range towing the P21 achieved 240 miles on a single charge.