News & Notes
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News & Notes

Keystone Cougar ‘Hero Edition’ to Support Wounded Warriors
quarter view of the Keystone Cougar Hero Edition fifth-wheel in matte hunter green
Keystone RV has launched a special edition of its Cougar fifth-wheel — in which proceeds of every sale will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

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

cropped view of a person kneeling in front of a Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector plugged in to an outdoor power source
Maintaining a safe power hookup is vital to the safety and longevity of onboard RV electronics. Hughes Autoformers, a leader in RV power solutions, has launched the second-generation Power Watchdog. Reimagined from the ground up, the second-generation Power Watchdog introduces an innovative new design that sets it apart from any other surge protector on the market. The Power Watchdog offers enhanced weather protection, improved security and unmatched user-friendliness. Its advanced design includes a lockable, lit clamshell connection bay, making it easier to make connections in the dark while ensuring robust tamper resistance.

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.

Boosting Your Connectivity
components of the Drive Reach RV II organized for display
Staying connected to the outside world can be problematic for many RVers — cell towers don’t always go where you do. Fortunately, weBoost has launched what it calls its most powerful and versatile RV cell signal booster yet – the Drive Reach RV II. Engineered to extend the edge of users’ cellular networks, this product is said to ensure that RV enthusiasts can stay connected even in the most remote locations.

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.

Sharing the Love

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.

wide aerial view of a Love’s RV location
Now, football fans (okay, and others) can take advantage of special rates. From Sept. 1, 2024, through Feb. 9, 2025, customers can save 10% off their nightly rate at all Love’s RV locations. Combining the comforts of home with the excitement of live sports, RVs provide one of the best ways to tailgate at stadiums and sports arenas.

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

Once the calendar turns from August, we hit what the outdoor hospitality industry calls the “shoulder season” — the bridge between summer and winter. For those campers who steadfastly refuse to put their rig into mothballs once the weather starts to cool, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is offering members of its KOA Rewards program double points for camping throughout September.

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

quarter view of the luxury Endless Highways 95th Anniversary Edition trailer from Bowlus
interior view of the luxury Endless Highways 95th Anniversary Edition trailer
If you’ve got a spare $235,000 and a hankering for camping in an iconic vehicle upgraded for 21st-century travel, the folks at Bowlus just might have what you’re looking for.

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.

The Endless Highways, first in production from 2016-2021, has Bowlus’ most luxurious floorplan featuring elegant finishes, a large separate bedroom with convertible twins and king bed, a luxury ensuite bathroom, and a roomy living room and kitchen. All Endless Highways models (including the base model, which starts at $173,000 after tax credits) can power all appliances while off-grid, courtesy of the Bowlus Power Management System and optional AeroSolar technology. For more information, go to bowlus.com.

TAXA Outdoors Adds New Off-Grid Models

quarter view of the TAXA X from TAXA Outdoors
TAXA Outdoors logo

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

high angle view of a True Topper installed on a blue RV above a slide room
high angle view of a True Topper installed on a brown RV above a slide room
Slide topper awnings offer a number of benefits — including protecting the tops of slide rooms from debris — but they have challenges, too, including flapping in strong winds and being another point of maintenance. Oregon-based Composite Solutions based has an alternative: its True Topper.

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.

And, as the ridged aluminum acts to push debris off the slide roof, it is followed by a small “bonus wipe” which acts to assist the original factory wipes that are fitted within the header of the slideroom opening.

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

side view of Elvis Presely's red 1962 Lockheed L-1329 JetStar transformed into an RV trailer
Rock ‘n roll icon Elvis Presley always liked to travel in style — and that included owning his own jet. Unfortunately, his 1962 Lockheed L-1329 JetStar has spent most of its existence unused by the original buyer himself, who died just a few months after the purchase.

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.

Polydrops Debuts ‘World’s Most Energy-efficient RV’
side view of Polydrops new P21 trailer hitched to a Tesla parked on a flat desert plain
Los Angeles, California-based Polydrops began taking pre-orders in August for its new P21, which the company calls “the world’s most energy-efficient travel trailer.”

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.

interior view of the new P21 trailer
interior view of the new P21 trailer with a focus on the large windows around the lounge area and table
Optional add-ons include a full cooking station, sanitation unit with shower and compact refrigerator. For more information, visit polydrops.com.
News & Notes is a collaboration between RV Enthusiast and RVBusiness, North America’s premier RV industry trade publication. For more information, visit rvbusiness.com.