News & Notes
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News & Notes

Scout Campers Enters Pop-Up Segment with Yoho
quarter view of the Yoho pop-top camper from Scout installed in an all terrain truck bed; top view internal diagram of the Yoho pop-top camper
After four years of making hard-wall campers, Yakima, Washington’s Scout Campers has debuted its first pop-top model, according to a report at GearJunkie.com.

Not only does the top pop, but the rest of the camper has also been refined and upgraded with the latest materials and tech.

The Yoho, which retails beginning at $27,900 and sleeps four, features composite panel construction with an aluminum exoskeleton, a one-piece monocoque composite roof, recycled paper cabinets with bamboo countertops, 4.9-gallon water storage with filtration, a Goal Zero Yeti 3000X cooler, 200 watts of solar, stainless-steel sink, 5-pound propane tank, Fantastic Fan 12-volt DC roof vent, dual 120-volt AC outlets, USB port, LED interior lighting, back porch light and smoke/LP-gas/carbon monoxide detectors.

Yoho weighs just 976 pounds and is designed to fit 5-foot, 5-inch truck beds with the tailgate off, and 6-foot beds with the tailgate shut.

For more information, visit scoutcampers.com.

Boreas Campers Offers Composite Panels to DIY Builders

close up of a stack of a composite panels

Renovating older RVs is a big business as individuals and companies personalize assembly-line vehicles to specific desires. Mostly, though, they maintain the essential structure — building from scratch can be overwhelming and expensive.

Boreas Campers already overcame part of that difficulty; the company offers do-it-yourselfers rolling chassis foundations with its C16 and C20 units. Now, Boreas has taken it one step farther: The off-road camper trailer manufacturer is extending its product line to include composite panels tailored specifically for DIY camper builders — enabling them to craft their dream campers with previously unattainable quality and affordability.

For OEM camper manufacturers, composite panels have long been considered superior to other build materials such as wood or aluminum because of their longevity, insulating properties and light weight — but access to composite panels in small quantities was a barrier for DIY builders.

These composite panels, now available for purchase, are available in raw sheets of 13 feet, 3/4-inch by 5 feet, 2 1/2-inches or CNC-cut to the builder’s specs and design, empowering DIY builders to bring their vision to life with confidence. At 1.8 inches thick with a woven FRP exterior and XPS foam core, these composite panels will not delaminate, are impact resistant, light and rigid.

Panels are available for $17 per square feet raw and $22 per square feet when CNC-cut. The panels can be picked up from Boreas Campers headquarters in Pueblo, Colo., or shipped.

For more information, visit boreascampers.com.

‘Lightning Fast’ Wi-Fi for Travelers?

TP-Link logo
TP-Link (tp-link.com/us/), a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, unveiled in late June the TL-WR1502X, a travel router that is claimed to bring lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 technology and robust security to nearly any location.

This pocket-sized device features two Gigabit ports and reaches dual-band Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps, ideal for 4K streaming, rapid file downloads, and smooth video calling on the move.

the pocket sized TP-Link router connected to a device cord
Featuring Wi-Fi modes for nearly any scenario, the TL-WR1502X travel router delivers Wi-Fi to users wherever they need it. Whether on the road or at home, users can stay connected while camping or in an RV by using USB tethering to convert their phone’s data into a stable Wi-Fi network for all devices. With state-of-the-art VPN support, this router ensures a secure, private network even on public Wi-Fi, protecting data wherever a connection is made. With support for up to 1.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, the TL-WR1502X ensures fast Wi-Fi on-the-go.

Equipped with OpenVPN and WireGuard, the TL-WR1502X stands as the ultimate on-the-go VPN router for secure VPN access from anywhere. Ideal for those working remotely, traveling internationally, or connecting through insecure public Wi-Fi, this travel router ensures comprehensive data security and a safer internet experience, making it an essential tool for modern business travelers.

The TP-Link TL-WR1502X Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router is priced at $59.99 and available now on Amazon.com.

Dometic Debuts CFX2 Electric Cooler Line

quarter view of a dark blue/green CFX2 Electric Cooler from Dometic

Dometic, a leader in outdoor tech solutions, has released the newest addition to its electric cooler collections: the CFX2 — a portable plug-in refrigerator/freezer.

Launching in ocean blue and available in sizes to handle lunch, a couple day’s meals, or a week’s groceries and keep them as cold as -4 F, the Dometic CFX2 electric cooler is designed with durable reinforced corners, self-folding, tuck-away handles and an integrated LED light.

top view of the open CFX2 Electric Cooler

The CFX2 Electric Cooler can be controlled and monitored from a distance with the Dometic app on your smartphone and is powering options are plentiful – including 12/24V DC or 120-240V AC – providing flexibility whether you’re at home, on the road, or off-grid. A three-stage battery protection system ensures worry-free operation when plugged directly into your vehicle, while pairing the CFX2 electric cooler with Dometic’s batteries and/or solar panel options provide an endless power supply. Internally, removable wire basket organizes food, lets you keep it in the fridge while you get the cooler to temp, and drop it in when it’s time to go.

For more information, visit dometic.com/en-us.

ROUTE 660 RV Club, Roadtrippers Partner

RV Club logo against the image of an RV trailer approaching a bend on a road overlooking a lake at the base of mountains in the distance

The ROUTE 66 RV Network’s RV Club Unlimited has announced a strategic partnership with Roadtrippers, one of the nation’s premier road trip planning tools. This collaboration will offer “unparalleled convenience and security” to new and seasoned RVers alike as they explore the open road, according to the companies involved. Through this partnership, each ROUTE 66 RV Club Unlimited membership will include a premium membership to Roadtrippers in addition to its unlimited towing and roadside assistance benefits.

Route 66 RV Network logo
The ROUTE 66 RV Network is comprised of many of the nation’s top independent RV dealers. RV Club Unlimited is ROUTE 66’s roadside assistance program, which may be purchased directly online or at any ROUTE 66 dealer nationwide.

Roadtrippers is an industry-leading mobile app and web platform designed for road-based travelers, with an extensive suite of RV-specific features. They can add stops to their routes and discover extraordinary roadside attractions, scenic points, parks, and outdoor activities within a set distance from their journey.

Perhaps its greatest value to RV travelers is the way it customizes their routes to the exact dimensions of their unit: They can find ideal campsites verified by a community of campers and view map overlays for cell network coverage and public lands. The Roadtrippers Premium membership unlocks exclusive features from the Roadpass family of apps, including Campendium, TogoRV and Overnight RV Parking, all recently integrated into the Roadtrippers platform.

For more information, visit roadtrippers.com or route66rv.com/rv-club-unlimited.

Roadtrek Celebrates 50 Years at Rally

Roadtrek logo
Roadtrek's 50th Anniversary Rally graphic

Surviving for a half-century is a true milestone — especially within the manufacturing ranks. This August, Roadtrek officals will be celebrating the company’s 50th year at the brand’s “50th Anniversary Rally.

The rally, themed “A Rally Home,” reflects the spirit, adventure, and camaraderie that have defined Roadtrek Inc.’s journey. Scheduled for Aug. 13-15, 2024, at the picturesque Guelph Lake Conservation Area in Ontario, Canada, this event promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Roadtrek Inc. has been working in collaboration with the not-for-profit organization Roadtrek International to plan this monumental event.

distant view of people enjoying the picturesque Guelph Lake Conservation Area in Ontario, Canada
Among the event highlights, Roadtrek will be opening its manufacturing plant for the first time since Covid for an exclusive tour. There also will be a “meet and greet” with the company CEO, Nicolar Rousseau; expert seminars; a vendor alley; a concert featuring the dynamic five-piece band Coalescence; and a catered dinner for attendees. You can learn more about the Roadtrek Inc. 50th Anniversary Rally and get tickets on their official website rally. roadtrek.com/.
Hipcamp Launches Camping Weather Guarantee
Hipcamp logo
Alyssa Ravasio, a smiling woman with long brown hair, sits cross legged in front of an orange camping tent

Hipcamp founder Alyssa Ravasio

One of the world’s leading campsite booking companies, announced today they’re now offering a Weather Guarantee powered by Sensible Weather, the leading weather protection provider for travel and outdoor experiences.

“While campers cancel trips for a variety of reasons, the most common by far is bad weather. According to our data, about a third of all cancellations are weather related,” said Alyssa Ravasio, Hipcamp Founder and CEO. “By launching Hipcamp’s Weather Guarantee, we hope to inspire confidence in campers by making the decision to book their weekend getaway just a little bit easier.”

Focused on helping change the way consumers interact with the weather, the Weather Guarantee provides Hipcamp campers proactive reimbursements when it rains during a trip or experience. In alignment with Hipcamp’s commitment to getting more people outside, campers will now be able to add a Weather Guarantee to their bookings across more than 120,000+ private land campsites in the US. Sensible Weather quantifies and manages weather risk for campers, using cutting-edge satellite imagery and climate analytics. Each Weather Guarantee is customized to the experience, location and date of the trip, and communicated clearly with campers before they purchase. Proactive reimbursements are then made if the thresholds for the guarantee are met, which means no haggling, cancellation or claims process is needed.

For more information, visit Hipcamp.

Jayco Unveils Renovated Customer Service Facility

Jayco logo
wide view of a lobby in the Jayco customer service facility featuring a large monitor displaying Jayco’s family of brands, a refreshment area with coffee, a refrigerator, a microwave, and seating areas

If you have plans to travel to Elkhart, Ind., for service on your RV produced by Jayco’s Family of Companies (Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV and Starcraft RV), you’re in for a treat: the RV manufacturer recently announced the completion of significant renovations to its 118,000-square-foot, multi-level customer service facility.

The newly renovated facility boasts several key features designed to ensure that customers feel welcome and comfortable while their units are being serviced.

Among the notable additions include a conference room, which allows for private discussions and ensures customers receive undivided attention. The lobby also features a large monitor displaying Jayco’s family of brands, a refreshment area with coffee, refrigerator, microwave, TV and game center. Additionally, brochures of all Jayco brands are available for customers interested in exploring upgrade options. A standout feature of the renovation is a large 3D timeline that vividly displays Jayco’s rich history, celebrating its milestones since its founding in 1968.

Micro-Air Intros Next-Generation ‘EasyStart Breeze’

Micro-Air logo
the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze unit imposed on an image of an RV trailer parked on a road against a landscape of mesas and desert plains
Micro-Air recently announced the introduction of its next generation of Soft Starter, the EasyStart Breeze, designed for the RV and marine markets. Since introducing the EasyStart brand in 2012, Micro-Air has been recognized as the market leader in Soft Starter technology for single-phase AC units, according to the company.

The new EasyStart Breeze is said to offer the latest technology on the market, with an impressive 40% reduction in enclosure size and outperforms all other RV soft starters with the highest start surge reduction. The EasyStart Breeze also offers the most robust fault detection on the market today, leading the industry in advancements and innovation.

For more information, visit EasyStart Breeze.

Caravan Salon: 250,000 Square Meters of Fun

high angle view of the Caravan Salon held in Dusseldorf, Germany
high angle view of the Caravan Salon held in Dusseldorf, Germany

If you’ve got a hankering to take a trip this summer by a conveyance other than your RV, consider heading to Dusseldorf, Germany where, Aug. 30-Sept.8, you can take in the world’s largest RV show.

This year, more than 700 exhibitors will showcase motorhomes, caravans and campervans — as well as accessories and the matching tourism offers — ensuring an unparalleled brand and product diversity on 250,000 square meters of exhibit space.

a display at the Caravon Salon featuring a large red Volkner Mobil premium RV
To give visitors an even better overview of the ranges on offer, the hall layout has changed slightly this year. Hall 7 will become the center for national and international regions, destinations and, of course, campsite and RV pitches with the motto “Travel & Nature.” The “Travel & Nature CONNECTED” stage will entertain visitors with an exciting combination of entertainment and presentations revolving around destinations and leisure activities.

This makes room for a larger “Equipment & Outdoor” offering in Hall 3. In addition to roof-top tents, pop-up caravans, folding and tent trailers as well as tents and awnings, equipment and accessories related to the outdoor and camping experience will attract visitors to this hall. The “Starter World” for all beginners and newcomers who appreciate initial help and advice on the many caravan-related topics, will move to the outdoor space (between Halls 10 and 17).

And, of course, we at RV Enthusiast defy anyone who goes to the event to not exclaim — time and again — “Why don’t they do that in the states?”