RV News: Storyteller’s New Mode XO Van, Live Streaming the National Parks, and Cow Cuddling

Image Caption: Photo Credit: Storyteller Overaland

The weekend is nearly here, but before we embark on two days of rest and relaxation, there’s still time to catch up on the latest happenings from the RV and camping industry. Here are a few things that happened this week that you might have missed:

  • Storyteller Overland Adds Mode XO Floorplan: Storyteller Overland’s Mode adventure van is one of the best Class B models on the market, offering an excellent blend of features and performance. Now, customers can opt for the new Mode XO floorplan, which adds comfort and convenience to an already great package. Upgrades include a fully enclosed private water closet with a hot shower, removable shelves, a full-length mirror, and a cassette toilet with an exterior removable hatch. This latest model starts at $189,787 and is built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform.
  • Venture RV Reveals New Bunkhouse Floorplan for SportTrek Touring Edition Fifth-Wheel: Travel trailer manufacturer Venture RV has added a new floorplan to its popular SportTrek Touring Edition model. The latest version of the luxury fifth-wheel is the 354VBH, a 40′ bunkhouse with plenty of space for the family. The primary bedroom includes a king-size bed, a fireplace, and no fewer than four closets. Other amenities include a kitchen with an island counter, a large dinette adjacent to a trifold couch, and an outdoor kitchen with a griddle, refrigerator, and a TV.
  • It’s National Parks Week: Fans of America’s national parks rejoice—it’s National Parks Week. The annual celebration of the country’s public lands runs from Saturday, April 20 – Sunday, April 28, with special events and activities scheduled for each day. That includes free entry on the 20th itself, allowing travelers to visit their favorite locations without having to pay the normal fees. To find out more about this event—including special theme days for the week ahead—click here.
National Parks Fee Free days

Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

  • Paramount+ Becomes Official Streaming Partner for National Parks Foundation: Just in time for the start of National Parks Week, the National Parks Foundation has revealed its official streaming partner. That’s right; the NPF has partnered with Paramount+ to host live-streaming video from a different location each day. The rundown of parks that will be a part of the live steam includes the following: Yosemite (April 22), Blue Ridge Parkway (April 23), Bighorn Canyon (April 24), New River Gorge (April 25), Everglades (April 26), Death Valley (April 27), and Zion (April 28). The live streams will be available on the Paramount+ app and website here and on YouTube here.
  • Go RV Rentals Says It Costs $183/Night to Rent an RV in the US:  Go RV Rentals—a website that connects travelers with recreational vehicles available to rent—has shared its 2024 RV Rental Price Index. The study collected data from 24 metro locations across the US and Canada to get a sense of the costs associated with renting a motorhome or towable. Taking into account such factors as insurance, service charges, optional equipment, and sales tax, the site determined that the average cost currently sits at $183/night. Roughly 50% of that price is due to the factors mentioned above, which are added to the standard rental fees. For further insights, view a summary of the report here.
Harvest Hosts cow cuddling

Photo Credit: Harvest Hosts

  • Harvest Hosts is Looking for Interns to Cuddle Cows: Looking for a summer internship to keep you busy this year? Have an affinity for cows? Harvest Hosts may just have the gig you’re looking for. The members-only camping destination curator is looking for interns willing to travel to various locations to assist in the care and cuddling of cows. Yep, you read that right. Applicants must be 18 years old or older, have a valid US driver’s license, and be free to travel to meet their bovine clients. Apply online here.
  • The Dyrt Says More of Us Are Working at the Campsite: Full-time remote and flex work schedules have opened up more opportunities for us to work from anywhere. According to The Dyrt, RVers are taking advantage of those opportunities, with more of us working at the campsite. The company’s annual Camping Report for 2024 indicates that 28.9% of respondents worked while camping last year. That’s up from 23.8% in 2021 and 2022. Better mobile devices and internet connectivity play a role in the growing numbers of digital nomads, too.
  • Aqua-Hot Offers Tech Training for Women: In a major move to promote inclusivity and diversity in the RV industry, Aqua-Hot is offering in-person training sessions specifically geared for female techs. The five-day training covers the Level 1 curriculum, including propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis systems. Level 1 classes will take place May 6-10 in Elkhart, IN, and on September 9-13 in Hershey, PA. Class size is limited to 12 people. Level 2 training will take place online starting in September, with in-person training in Elkhart on November 18-22. Apply online here.

That’s everything that happened over the past few days. Be sure to join us again next Friday for another roundup of all the important news from the RV space.

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