Thor Unveils 2017 Type C Motorhomes
Thor Motor Coach’s 2017 Quantum and Synergy Type C motorhomes have arrived at dealerships across the United States and Canada.
The Quantum features leatherette furniture, solid-surface kitchen counters, and hardwood cabinetry. The floor plan includes additional storage inside and out, plus larger windows in the living area.
By tapping a power button on the Quantum’s front skylight shade, it’s possible to sleep beneath the stars in the front cab-over bunk. A new 12-volt attic fan in the bedroom helps keep occupants cool. A vent cover allows campers to keep the vent open when it is raining.
Upgrades to the Synergy include a new solid-surface kitchen countertop and sink cover that complement the high-gloss glazed hardwood cabinetry. Exterior and bedroom televisions are now standard; optional extras include side-view cameras and an electric stabilizing system. Speakers connected to the interior Bluetooth radio now allow tunes outside, under the patio awning.
For more information, visit www.thormotorcoach.com or call (800) 860-5658.
Survey Focuses On Camping Trends
A motorhome was the primary accommodation for 6 percent of all campers in 2015, the same as in 2014, according to the 2016 North American Camping Report, an annual survey supported by Kampgrounds of America Inc.
In 2015, a tent for family camping was the top accommodation choice of campers (50 percent), followed by a full-service cabin with a bathroom (15 percent); a tent for backpacking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking (9 percent); and a travel trailer (8 percent). After a motorhome, respondents chose pop-up trailer (4 percent); rustic cabin with no bathroom (3 percent); fifth-wheel (3 percent); pick-up trailer (2 percent); and a bivy in the open or no accommodations (1 percent).
The survey was completed by 2,418 U.S. residents and 505 Canadian residents.
The survey asked what types of accommodations campers would like to try. A motorhome was the choice of 31 percent. Thirty-five percent of Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) said they would be interested in trying out a motorhome, followed by 32 percent of Gen Xers (born 1965 to 1982); 30 percent of mature respondents (born before 1946); and 28 percent of Millennials (born 1981 to 1997).
According to the survey, people camp because it’s a way to spend more time with family and friends (69 percent of respondents), relax (46 percent strongly agree), and escape the stress of everyday life (44 percent strongly agree).
New California RV Resort Opens
Pala Casino Spa & Resort opened a new 10-acre RV resort on May 23, 2016, at 11042 State Route 76 in Pala, California, adjacent to the casino. The $6.1 million RV resort has 100 sites with full hookups; 77 of the spaces are 20-foot-by-55-foot back-in sites; six are 20-foot-by-60-foot sites equipped with barbecue grills; and 17 are 20-foot-by-70-foot pull-through sites.
All sites have a grassy area with a picnic table, as well as free Wi-Fi and cable TV service. Twenty-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical service is available.
Resort amenities include a heated swimming pool, two spas, a 24-hour laundry, two restrooms with showers, table-tennis games, horseshoe pits, and a fenced dog park. The RV resort provides 24-hour shuttle service to Pala’s casino and hotel. FMCA members receive a 10 percent discount.
For information, visit www.palacasino.com/resort/rv-resort/ or call (844) 472-5278.
Thousands Take Part In National Parks Bioblitz
Tens of thousands of people at more than 120 U.S. national parks participated in the first nationwide National Parks BioBlitz, May 20-21, 2016. The event provided a snapshot of the plant and animal biodiversity in national parks.
The BioBlitz was part scientific endeavor, part outdoor classroom excursion, and part celebration of national natural heritage. Families, scientists, school groups, and individuals swarmed parks, observing and recording as many plant and animal species as possible. The initial scientific species count was 6,986, with more than 60,000 observations recorded during the two-day event and lead-up events.
Since 2007, the National Park Service and the National Geographic Society have collaborated to host annual BioBlitzes in different national parks close to major urban areas.