RV News: SylvanSport’s New Off-Road GOAT, Jayco’s Swanky Eagle Floorplan, and Vehicle-Related SOS Messages on the Rise

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It’s the end of another busy week, which means it’s time for a quick wrap-up of all of the important news from the RV and camping industry. Here are a few things that went down this week:

SylvanSport Reveals the GOAT: In case you missed our coverage yesterday, SylvanSport revealed a new version of its Go camping trailer. The new model—dubbed the Go All-Terrain or GOAT—features beefier off-road tires, suspension, and wheels, making it perfect for overlanding and boondocking. The GOAT retains the same utilitarian approach that made the Go so popular but is now designed to go to more hard-to-visit places. Prices start at $18,495, and preorders are open now. The new towable ships in April.
Jayco Reveals New Floorplan for 2024 Eagle Fifth-Wheel: Jayco has added an additional floorplan to its already excellent Eagle fifth-wheel lineup. The new 360DBOK model, which includes two bedrooms, incorporates several features previously found only in the primary suite into the second sleeping area. Those include windows on every wall, a nightstand, hanging closet space and drawers, and USB and 110V AC charging outlets. The second bedroom also gets a half-bath and has a north-south queen-size bed with an east-west upper bunk. Check it out here.
Garmin Sees Rise in Vehicle-Related SOS Messages: Garmin makes a range of technology devices, including GPS navigation units, smartwatches, and cycling computers. But one of its most useful gadgets is its line of satellite communicators, which allow users to send an SOS message from nearly anywhere on the planet. This week, the company released some eye-opening statistics revolving around who is sending those SOS alerts and from where. In 2023, Garmin devices helped rescue hundreds of people on six different continents, nearly 100 countries, and three oceans. And while the bulk of those emergency responses came from hikers and backpackers, there was a substantial rise in use by stranded drivers and motorcyclists who ran into trouble in a place without cell service. For a full rundown of the data, check out this story by GearJunkie.
Salsa Launches New E-Bikes: Spring is definitely in the air, as more and more e-bike manufacturers are announcing new models. This week, Salsa announced a pair of new e-gravel bikes in the form of the Confluence—which has arrived in stores—and the Tributary, which hits retailers on March 5. Visit the company’s website for more information. Those who are looking for an e-mountain bike should stay tuned for more updates from the brand in April.
Coleman-Mach Offers Online Training for RV Owners: Own an RV with a Coleman-Mach A/C unit? Want some training on how to maintain and care for it? You’re in luck, as the company has just announced its first online seminar designed for RV owners rather than technicians. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:00 AM ET. For more information—and to register—click here.
RV Technical Institute and RV Women’s Alliance Team Up for Tech Classes: Female techs in the RV industry are on the rise, with more and more women showing an aptitude and interest in RV repair and maintenance. To meet those needs, the RV Technical Institute and the RV Women’s Alliance have announced women-only courses throughout 2024. Most of the seminars are for Level 1 tech training, although there is a Level 2 hybrid option available as well. The first of these courses is scheduled for April 15-19 in Denver, CO, with others to follow in May, September, and November. For more information—and to sign up—click here.
RV Mobile Power Launches New Line of Generators: Even though we’re big fans of portable power stations here at RV.com, we recognize that they don’t always provide enough power to meet every RVer’s needs. Thankfully, there are still some gas-powered generators around to help fill the gap. Take, for example, the new Flex Power Line from RV Mobile Power (RVMP). These new units will go on sale this spring and are designed to power Class C vehicles and other models with a single air conditioner. The line-up includes the 2,800i, 4,000i, and 5,000i models, which feature dual-fuel compatibility with electronic fuel-injection capabilities. Find out more here.
Half of All Private Campgrounds Added Capacity in 2023: Over the past few weeks, there has been a steady stream of revelations coming out of The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report. This week, the stat that is getting the most attention is that 50% of all private campgrounds in the US in the added new campsites in 2023. Over a third (34.7%) of the locations expanded an existing camp type, with 26.2% adding RV sites, while another 22.1% leaned into the glamping market. The Dyrt says that 46.9% of the properties added an entirely new style of camping, with glamping leading the way in that category, too. Find out more here.
AAA Adds Campground Search Tool to Trip Canvas: One of the tools available to AAA members is a service called Trip Canvas, which helps travelers plan their trips to places all over the world. This week, the American Automobile Association announced it is joining forces with RoverPass to assist RVers during their journeys. The partnership gives users the ability to search and book campgrounds and RV parks across the country by tapping into the RoverPass database. Find out more here.