Wildsam Spring 2026 RV Intel: Towable Talk
An adventure base station, a revolutionary fifth-wheel hitch and avoiding spring showers.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Honda
Wildsam’s spring issues brings us the latest from the towable space.
[RV Innovation]
Photo Credit: Honda
The Honda Base Station Travel Trailer
In the RV world, one of the biggest surprises of the year so far is the announcement of the Honda Base Station travel trailer. Designed by the Japanese automaker’s R&D team in California, the lightweight RV reportedly tips the scales at under 1,500 pounds, making it easily towable behind the company’s popular CR-V compact SUV. Inside, you’ll find a sofa that converts to a queen-size bed, LED lighting and a pop-up roof that accommodates taller travelers. Five large windows allow plenty of natural light to reach the interior, but can also be removed to fit modular upgrades, including a fold-out kitchen and an air conditioner. Pricing and availability have yet to be revealed, but Honda seems determined to bring the Base Station to market with a rumored starting price of around $20,000.
[RV Reccos]
The Situation:
Our Subaru Outback has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Are there any small trailers we can tow?
Photo Credit: Jayco
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 130 RD Sport Edition: This lightweight towable includes a bed, dinette, dry bath and well-equipped kitchen, yet still weighs just 2,545 pounds. MSRP: $17,393; jayco.com
Photo Credit: Forest River
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G13LE: Perfect for small families, this cozy travel trailer includes bunk beds for the kids, a dry bath and air conditioning. MSRP: $18,707; forestriverinc.com
Photo Credit: Escaped
Escapod Topo2 Voyager: A 1,920- pound teardrop trailer with lots of features, including a queen-size bed, an outdoor shower and kitchen with sink, fridge and stove. MSRP: $43,990; escapod.us
[Spring Maintenance Tip]
Flush Your Freshwater System
If you stored your RV for the winter, you probably used antifreeze to protect your freshwater lines and tank. Before setting out on your first camping trip of the year, be sure to flush out the antifreeze and use diluted bleach (1/4 cup per 15 gallons of water) to sanitize the system.
[Spec Sheet]
Photo Credit: Interstate
What is a Battery Disconnect?
A battery disconnect is a mechanism—usually a switch or button—that physically separates an RV’s battery bank from the rig’s electrical system. The disconnect is used to isolate the power cells and prevent parasitic power draws that will drain the batteries when not in use.
[Road Resource]
Photo Credit: MikeMereen/Getty
RV Weather
Spring weather conditions can change on a dime, but RV Weather helps keep you safe on the road. The service offers a free online weather hub with an eight-day forecast and detailed weather patterns. Paid subscriptions add route-planning options, allowing RVers to navigate around major storms, high winds and other hazards. rvweather.com
[Wish List]
Photo Credit: Patagonia
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
April showers might bring May flowers, but getting caught in a downpour is never fun. Stay warm and dry at the campsite or on the trail with this jacket that’s made from 100-percent recycled materials. An adjustable hood and drawcord hem seals, along with hand-warmer pockets, provide all-day comfort even when Mother Nature isn’t cooperating. Available in eight colors and both men’s and women’s sizes. MSRP: $179; patagonia.com
[Must-Have Gear]
Photo Credit: Demco
Demco Recon Stealth Folding Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Demco’s new fifth-wheel hitch lets you reclaim bed space in the bed of your tow vehicle, thanks to a revolutionary folding design. The Recon Stealth Gooseball Hitch can be added or removed in under five minutes, yet provides all the safety, stability, and security you expect from a Demco product. And when not in use, it folds up for easy storage. MSRP:
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
