Welcome to RVtravel.com, the home of expert RV writers and intelligent readers. Be sure to check out all our other RV-related newsletters.
An alternative to Amazon for RV parts and accessories. Visit Dyers. Great selection and service.
February 11, 2023
Members edition
Cover story
Okay, I’m divisive (or so some say)
By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER
Readers gave me a lot of grief last Saturday over my article about the new tent “glampground” near Zion National Park that will cost “campers” $2,700 to stay three nights. “You’re being divisive again, Chuck,” they commented. In other words, I was trying to send readers into verbal combat!
Some said the high-priced “glampground” was simply capitalism at work, free enterprise. Am I against that? Not a chance! If a business can rent fancy tents for $900 a night, more power to them. But don’t plow over existing RV campsites to do it!
I am a capitalist and proud of it. But I am also an RVer, and when I wrote that story, I was wearing my RVer hat. What I found offensive (and still do) was that way too many campgrounds and RV parks these days are removing RV sites and replacing them with high-priced glamping accommodations, no RV required. This is happening at a time when finding a place to stay with an RV is becoming increasingly harder. Meanwhile, the glamping industry is growing like bamboo!
As far as being divisive. Geez … Is there no such thing as polite, constructive conversation anymore?
FOR THE RECORD, I do not, nor does this website, represent the interests of campground owners or glampground owners. We do not represent the interests of RV manufacturers or dealers. My staff and I represent RVers. We are not cheerleaders for the RV industry. We love to travel with our RVs (some of us are full-timers), but we are not “Brand Ambassadors” or “Influencers” who are rewarded to say nice things about their RV (but, heaven forbid, never anything negative!).
When campgrounds start eliminating RV sites badly needed to accommodate the hordes of new RVers coming onto the scene, then I say, go ahead and build your glampgrounds with their pricey tents, yurts, lodges, covered wagons, cabooses, domes and treehouses. But don’t build those glampgrounds on top of existing campgrounds, which you and I need to avoid squatting in Walmart parking lots for a night.
ABOVE: The “glamping movement” in America probably began in earnest in 1984 when KOA introduced its Kamping Kabins. They were primitive by today’s glamping standards, but their appearance marked the beginning of when campgrounds began removing RV sites, like you see here, to add other accommodations, in this case a cabin. By 1998, 90 percent of all KOAs had Kamping Kabins.
As far as being divisive. Geez … Is there no such thing as polite, constructive conversation anymore? Can’t we talk about a subject that someone out there might disagree with? This website contains more than 201,000 comments. Why so many? Because our articles make people think. The only problem is that every know-it-all hothead can leave a comment that inflames other like-minded members of the whacked-out community. By the time one of our staff members can moderate or remove the hothead’s rant, a battle of words is well underway.
Oh dear, “divisive” again…
But wait! This commentary will definitely get me into more trouble. “Divisive again,” some of you will write. Okay. Forget what I have written above. This is better: “First you dump the black tank and then the gray tank.” That should not cause too much discussion except for the guy who never puts water in his black tank and swears he has never had a “poop mountain” issue.
Maybe we should ban comments altogether. We’ll run simple stories about how to make absolutely the best s’mores, how to get the best deal on a backup camera, and the proper way to calm down a yappy poodle. And we will write those stories using a formula that will place them high up in Google searches. Or we could use artificial intelligence and let robots do our work (that’s trendy these days). Then people will flock to our website, and click on ads, and my staff and I will dine on caviar at our weekly staff meetings.
Can’t we discuss anything important anymore without people fighting?
Publisher’s Roadside Journal
Just thinking: “Does this pricey RV seem ‘cold’ to you?” (poll included)
This is the new $159,000 Heritage Edition trailer from the folks at Bowlus. It looks a lot like the Airstreams of yesteryear. This is the company’s most affordable trailer, far less than the previous low-price leader, the Terra Firma at $285,000. But here’s what got me thinking. Does the interior seem kinda cold to you? Find out what Chuck’s talking about here.
BELOW: THIS WOMAN DOES NOT EXIST
Click her and “she” will explain in 12 seconds.
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
RVers should insist on watching the work done on their RV
By Nanci Dixon
This week, BWO shares some lessons learned after many RV purchases and many years of RVing, including when buying an RV: “check out the business/brand as if it was your teenage daughter’s first boyfriend!” We also hear from Vincent V., who learned the very hard way that he should have done a much more thorough PDI. (You can learn from this.) And Charles S. has a list of problems with his RV that’s too long to post, and explains why he’ll watch any work being done on his RV while it’s in the shop.
DID YOU KNOW? Arthur Wynne is usually credited with inventing the crossword puzzle. His first puzzle, called a word-cross, was published in December 1913 in the New York World.
Take action or get stuck with big repair bills and a lemon RV
By Ron Burdge, RV lemon law attorney
We have seen a spate of recent lemon RV inquiries where the owners kept believing the factory and their dealer could get their RV’s defects fixed and give them more time to get the repairs done. The problem is, if your RV doesn’t get fixed in time, or defects just come back later, you can find yourself stuck with a defective RV. Waiting too long to file a lawsuit can leave you stuck with no legal recourse at all! When that happens, you’re at the mercy of the factory — which built it wrong in the first place! Learn how to protect yourself here.
Are you aware of the radiofrequency (RF) radiation levels of your RV?
By Randall Brink
RVs are more than just an increasingly popular way for people to travel and explore the great outdoors. While these vehicles provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel, they also present some potential health risks from exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. In this article, we’re going to look at what RF radiation is, the potential health risks it presents, and how you can minimize your exposure while RVing. Continue reading.
Noticing changes as I travel: Sales lots are full and campgrounds are empty
By Nanci Dixon
The changing look of camping from Arizona to Alabama: The sales lots are full and the campgrounds are empty. We’ve been traveling this January and February from Arizona to Alabama, and we’ve seldom seen another RV on the road…. Every RV sales lot we pass is a field of unsold RVs. Read more.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks
- Dump your holding tanks in your home septic system?
- Have an electric fireplace? Here’s a simple trick to get more heat
- 12 helpful tips for using sugar while RVing
- RVs and WD-40: Unusual combinations that work!
[mailerlite_form form_id=5]
DID YOU KNOW? The Cozy Camper, first sold in 1916, is considered the first folding camping trailer with a hard, flat roof like today’s models. Similar trailers of the day had a peaked canvas tent-like roof. A brand new Cozy Camper sold for $165. That may sound cheap, but when you consider that many working men of the day earned 5 cents an hour, it wasn’t inexpensive at all. SOURCE: RV Capital of the World by Al Hesselbart
Debating slide outs: Should my next RV have one or not? (with poll)
By Dave Helgeson
Slide out or no slide out? My wife and I are looking for our next travel trailer and pondering if a slide out is in our future. We began our search for a new trailer last year as availability and prices began to normalize after the pandemic. We quickly discovered that slide outs have pretty much been incorporated into everything except for the smallest travel trailers. Read more and help Dave make up his mind here.
A very, very wet Valentine’s Day in Borrego Springs
By Rod Andrew
After several years of wandering through the Western USA, my wife and I finally settled on a place we wanted to spend our Canadian winters. The township of Borrego Springs, California, offered everything we needed, including a slow lifestyle and marvelous weather. Tennis, pickleball, hiking, biking, a rich cultural life and a wonderful library in the middle of a stunning desert state park. It was perfect. Until… Read why Rod’s wife deserves an award.
Incredible drone footage captures Utah’s ‘backward’ waterfall
By Gail Marsh
My husband and I have seen many, many waterfalls during our RV travels, but we’ve never seen anything like this! On January 16, RJ Hooper used his drone to capture the impossible: a video of a backward waterfall. This is fascinating!
Messages from our readers to their Valentines
Messages from our readers to their ValentinesFor Lovers Only…
To: JT
From: ET
“The smartest thing I ever did in my life was to love you! We are so very good together. What a wonderful life we have!”
To: Red Snapper
From: Dear
“After spending years apart as an OTR Driver, your devotion to our home has never been an issue. And now as we spend our golden years together, camping, cooking, and making memories with friends. You fulfill my life.”
Listen up, romantics. Valentine’s Day is THIS WEEK. If you have a special someone you’d like to surprise with a secret message right here on this website (could be your wife, husband, partner, child, neighbor, friend, etc.) submit it to us here. Don’t use their real names, use a special name that only they’ll recognize. Oh, how fun it will be when they read it! You’ll make their day! We’ll feature these in our upcoming newsletters, so check back often and see if yours has been featured.
Recipe: Old prospector’s delicious and easy Camp Stew
By Randall Brink
This Camp Stew recipe is a favorite from the Klondike and 49ers’ Gold Rush days. It is a good way to use what you have available in meat and other ingredients, as almost any type of meat can be used. Get the recipe here. Yum!
The Frontier Texas museum is a travel gem
By Nanci Dixon
I recently visited the Frontier Texas museum in Abilene, TX. During my visit, I will admit that being the only one in the museum’s darkened room made me wish I had dragged my husband with me. Picture buffalo stampedes, saloons with poker games gone bad, cattle drives, and Indian attacks. But overall, it’s a museum that should not be missed. (Apparently, Nanci was a madam at a well-established brothel in a former life. What?!)
Reader Poll
Do you still enjoy RVing as much as when you first started?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
Can you believe this was the most popular poll question this week? When asked, “How often will you typically wear jeans before washing them?” about 2,400 RVers responded. Wow! See how they responded… and see if you’re wearing your jeans too long!
CONTEST
Is this your RV?
Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig
Every day we post a photo of an RV either submitted by its owner or by our editors and writers as they move about the country.
Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win a LifeStraw?
Stay prepared outdoors with this portable water filtration system. It could save your life!
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (February 11, 2023) by 7 p.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email via RVcontests@gmail.com that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook”.
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- Chalking running down RV’s sidewall plus decals fading. What can I do?
- How can my RV’s roof air conditioner run more efficiently?
- How do I reduce condensation on RV’s windows in cold weather?
- What size BatteryMINDer do I need for my Class A?
- What are the types of house batteries and what do the acronyms stand for?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
Have a question for Dave? Click any Ask Dave article and scroll down to fill out the form. He’ll get back to you!
In the RV Shop with Dustin
All about blow out adapters: DIY, winterizing and much more
In this post and video, Dustin, Dave and Zach discuss blow out adapters, how to make one yourself, and how to use it to help winterize your RV.
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
Readers’ favorite low-tech, no-power RV kitchen gadgets
By Cheri Sicard
Welcome to Part 2 in our 3-part series of favorite RV kitchen gadgets. In Part 1, we talked about the favorite small appliances our readers like to carry along in their RVs. And next week we will turn our attention to odd or unusual RV kitchen gadgets. But this time we look at the essential low-tech RV kitchen gadgets you recommended. These are the tools you will turn to when traveling or boondocking as they require no power.
Video of the day
Brilliant RV screen door hack—Why didn’t I think of that?
By Cheri Sicard
The YouTube shorts video below may be very short on time, but it shares a BRILLIANT RV screen door tip that’s especially useful if you have pets or small children. It costs nothing and needs no installation, assuming your RV already has this accessory (and most do).
RV Tire Safety
Why a safety margin on tire inflation is important
If you have read any of my posts here at RVtravel.com or on my blog RVTireSafety.net or on any individual post on the various RV Forums I follow, you have probably seen me suggest you add a “margin” (safety factor aka reserve load to some folks) to either the tire load capacity or the minimum inflation recommendation, or even to both. You may wonder what my reasons are.
Ask Roger anything about RV tires on his RV Tires Forum.
Operating an RV Park
Update from AJ’s Getaway Family RV Campground
Machelle and AJ are gearing up to reopen their campground in April after their winter hiatus. Here’s an update from Machelle about their 13 days spent in Quartzsite, AZ, what’s been going on at their campground, what else they’re working on before welcoming guests in April, and a new (fairly large) family member!
Recipe of the Day
Monika’s Moroccan Chicken
by Monika Rosales from Pembroke Pines, FL
The spices in this recipe are blended perfectly! Each flavor is distinct without being at all overwhelming… Super tasty!
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Shy, our Russian Blue kitty, loves to RV. She especially likes to sit in the sunshine and watch the outside world from a good vantage point. Birds, squirrels and other wildlife always draw her kitty attention.” —Larry Lucas
Brain Teaser
Somewhere in here the word ‘love” is spelled out. Can you find it? It’s not as easy as you think… Click the image to enlarge it.
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday news newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
Trivia
Kansas has been scientifically proven to be flatter than a pancake. Mathematically, the value 1.000 indicates perfect, platonic flatness. A pancake was purchased from IHOP and was compared to Kansas’ terrain. The pancake had a flatness of 0.957, and Kansas measures 0.9997, just about as close to flat as flat gets. Sorry, Kansas!
If you’re reading this and saying “Kansas isn’t ALL flat!” Well, you’re right. It’s actually only the seventh flattest state (Florida is #1). The “flat as a pancake” study was done by Utah State University. You can read its Kansas vs. pancake findings here.
Laugh of the Week
They say it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself…
Thanks to our pal Tom Hart for taking this photo (in Morgan Hill, CA) and sending it to us!
Resources
RV Show Directory: See if a show is coming soon to your area.
Best Club for RVers: Escapees. Click here to learn more or join. Endorsed by RVtravel.com.
What does financing an RV for 20 years REALLY mean?
In case you missed this article the first time around, here it is again. Important! Click here.
Stuck with a lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge, America’s premier RV lemon law attorney.
The Best RV Trip Planner Apps and Tools. Everything you need to help plan your trip is here.
Dustin Simpson RV Repair and Maintenance Articles: Incredibly helpful!
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?
Roadskills
Meet Earl and Burl Squirrel, from the mind of RVtravel.com friend R.L. Crabb.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin and Ashley Simpson, Dale Wade, Machelle James, Paul Lacitinola and Jeff Clemishaw. Special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Moderators: Gary Gilmore. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. Special Reports: Bradford Geer. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Mascots: Archie and Astor “the Disaster”
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Advertising: Advertising@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2023 by RV Travel LLC.
Good AM Chuck:
I enjoy your writing and comments even though we do not always see eye-to-eye. A couple comments on the lead article today:
Please keep up the great work Chuck and do not let “fighting” deter you from continuing to report on this ever-changing industry as you deem appropriate—you’ve earned that!
Pat
Good morning, I’ve been a paying subscriber to RVTravel for several years and have never found you to be divisive. I’ve found so many of your articles helpful, interesting and informative.
Thanks!
AMEN!
Chuck, as an old timer once told me: “Don’t confuse me with facts; my mind is made up.”
Some insight to your first article. You say you’re for capitalism, but then you’re not. Capitalism is serving a need to a segment of people in a way to make profit. If someone owns a campground and decides to make to a glampground, that’s their right to do so. Then it’s your right to drive by to the next campground and spend your money there. There are different types of RVers out there that doesn’t match your and your staffs method of traveling. To say you and your staff represent RVers is misguided. You and your staff may represent some RVers, but not all. I can certainly say you don’t represent me. Maybe you should just retitle the “cover story” as “editorial opinion”.
Here we go again. If this site doesn’t represent you, why do you read it?
Just because I read something doesn’t mean it represents me. Parts of the newsletter are worthy. Some aren’t. I’m open minded enough to discern what does or doesn’t. If you’re going to write an article and rant your opinions, be ready for opposing views.
Rant: “speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way.” I thought maybe “SPEAK your opinions”, if in fact there was an opinion in there. If one is in fact replacing an RV site with a Glamping site, there is one less RV site, there is little “opinion” there.
Yes, if the owner of the campground replaces an rv site with a glamping site it’s one less rv site. The point is, it’s the owners right to do that. Once anyone demands they don’t do that, it’s an opinion. This point really seems to be difficult for many to understand.
“demands” “opinion”, sorry I am one that does not understand. Even tho I do not understand, I will respect you have your opinion.
Oh brother. You must be one of those RVers that find quiet hours oppressive, let your dog run free, ignore campground speed limits and bought your RV in the past few years.
Typical response. You don’t even know me. I love quiet hours, I keep my dogs restrained and clean up after them, respect campground speed limits as well as others campsites, but I did buy my camper two years ago. If that makes me a bad person, so be it.
You do you Chuck. It’s what we pay for. Truth is hard and not always pleasant but very much needed in the RV industry.
Don’t really know what to say Chuck. I’ve been a long-time sometimes paying/contributing subscriber. I always had the idea this was a care-free, fun, informative newsletter that I liked to read with my morning coffee. Why do people have to make things controversial? Seems like there is more and more cry-babying and sniveling about things than there used to be. I say ignore the cry babies, like we do in politics, and don’t change a thing. Personally, I really don’t think you needed to explain yourself at all.
Agreed
I too concur 100%
I agree. Keep up the great work!
I’ve also been a subscriber/Paying member and still appreciate the read. Those who find it divisive should think about what the message is to current and future RV members. This could eventually erode away rv campsites, as it is now. Some may say this is as dangerous as a VRBO, and the party starts here!….. Just think about your neighbors!
I like the diversity and choose to read or scroll past articles I don’t care much for. I think RVT has a dedicated staff and diverse enough to keep up the interest of all it’s readers. This is why I am still a long time member of RVT. The part that may soon end this would be the issue of fighting to get a place to camp when we can! Life getting older makes us wanna give up the hassle, but for now, we’re still hanging in there!
Keep up the good work RVT!
There are just some people in this world who aren’t happy, unless they are complaining about someone/something.
Chuck, thanks for all you and your staff provide the RVer community. As my dad always said (borrowed from Dr Seuss I think), “Those who mind don’t matter. And those who matter don’t mind.”
All I can say is don’t change a thing! We all need to keep speaking for the RV’er and support each other.
“ every know-it-all hothead” sounds a little divisive 🙂 Say what you want. Just don’t be thin skinned about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, especially the founder/publisher.
For the record, I don’t think it’s the articles that are divisive… When reading various articles, I find there are times when I may not fully agree with some of the ideas presented, but I still find the articles of interest. Having a differing opinion is not supposed to be divisive, it’s supposed to invite civil discourse. But I have learned when I ‘should’, and when I definitely ‘should NOT’, read the comments under certain articles due to subject matter. i have been surprised at times though, how some can twist something seemingly innocuous into something hateful.
Whole-heartedly agree!
I can’t recall what, if any, comment I made about last week’s article, but it never occurred to me that it was devisive or unnecessary. I enjoy your articles, Chuck. I hope that it is a few, if not many, years until you step away entirely. I enjoy Emily’s articles. She is maintaining the quality of RV Travel while adding features, such as the daily YouTube video. I understand that succession is necessary to continue something for a long time and I applaud yours. Still, I relish seeing your articles and devour them like the treat they are; thank you for them. Thank you, too, for trusting Emily enough to continue and broaden your legacy that is RV Travel.
Capitalism is great, but should it be allowed to restrict access to our best National Parks? Case in point is Yellowstone National Park. Supply and demand has enabled the lodging businesses within 30 miles of an entrance to increase their prices so high that many people cannot afford a simple vacation to see the park. Last summer RV spaces cost $85-$100/nite. That was the only rate offered, no weekly or monthly discounts. A hotel, VRBO or airbnb started at $250/nite for very limited accommodations. That’s outside the park on private property, much of which has been bought up by corporations. None the less, it’s difficult to argue that they shouldn’t be able to charge what the market will bear. However, the corporations that operate the lodging & camping inside the National Park have apparently used the prices outside the park to justify these same prices inside the park for property that is owned by the National Park. That doesn’t seem right to me.
Mr. Woodbury, I would say you are opinionated (but aren’t we all), not divisive. However, I did reread the glamping article from last Sunday and nowhere did you mention removing RV sites to be replaced with glamping sites. I believe the Auto Camp resort in Zion is a brand new development and it is not remodeling or replacing an existing traditional campground. You have to understand that Zion is not really a “wilderness” experience for most visitors. The canyon during the summer is overrun with visitors crowding every trail and shuttle buses. It’s still a gorgeous place, but it has lost its primitive nature. It is definitely a tourist attraction rather than a wilderness experience, therefore the lodging offered in the area reflects this.
Grandma always said some people will bitch if you’re hanging with a new rope. People just love the bitch.
Long time paid subscriber who has disagreed with many articles that were only an opinion written to try and describe fact. While you try and bunch all RVers into the same bucket, that is only an opinion and doesn’t encompass all of us. You have the option to pass the glampsites.
if a glamping resort is built over an existing campground it is usually for two reasons. One, the existing campground was not profitable or Two, local governments make opening anything new related to camping very expensive and time consuming. If a campground is already open and zoned it is fairly easy to “refurbish” without going thru the entire permitting process and facing local opposition.
Well said Chuck!
Right on point Chuck, as usual.
“Discussions” often reflect the politics of today. Argumentative, divisive, name-calling and just generally nasty. The concept of ‘truth’ has been perverted to “what I believe.” Without a commonality of facts and truth, discussion is impossible.
Keep on doing what you’re doing, Chuck. Your articles continue to inform and your standing up for our RV community in the face of powerful interests that worship profit over basic business ethics and the responsibility to examine the impact business decisions have on customers, the environment, and broader community.
Its rare to find a publication like yours that isn’t beholden to business interests or so-called “influencers” who soft-peddle the negative out of fear of upsetting their sponsors and the trade associations at best, or are just another slick tool for companies to push their products, at worst.
You’re doing a great service to us all. Thank you!
Am I against that? Not a chance! If a business can rent fancy tents for $900 a night, more power to them. But don’t plow over existing RV campsites to do it!
^^^T H I S^^^
(applause)
You nailed it Chuck. Well said.
Thank you K. Gebbie. Always nice to “nail it!” — Chuck
I totally agree!
Opinion: a view, judgement, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.
Fact: something that has actual existence.
Reaction: resistance or opposition to a force, influence or movement. Ex: a backlash
Response: not a backlash (my definition). Agreement or disagreement following objective consideration. ❤️
It seems that the word “devisive” is now being applied to anyone who simply disagrees with someone else. However, if we “just follow the science” we will find lots of disagreement in the science journals. So I suggest we adopt the “agree to disagree” system and learn how to have a discussion without namecalling or labelling.
Here is my “discussion point”: My wife and I have found those KOA type cabins very useful in allowing our non-camping but dear friends to “camp” with us and enjoy sitting around campfires, making smores, meeting new friends, singing old songs and ……
OK, I am ready. Let the namecalling begin. (Just kidding)
Appreciated your article Chuck. I do think the same thing happening to campgrounds is also changing housing too at least in our area. People buying entry level homes, refinishing everything to very high end and then renting as VRBO night by night for much more money then a month by month rent. Local people can’t afford homes in many areas now. I hope we can keep finding camping areas that are affordable a few more years. Grateful we own a home and don’t have to try to buy with todays prices and interest rates.
I agree with you Chuck, and your statement, “But don’t plow over existing RV campsites to do it!””
If RV parks want to add Glamping tents, cabins, or some type of park model. Do it with an expansion, not by removing existing RV sites, especially in the current atmosphere of camp ground crowding, building resistance, and municipality issues.
1. Capitalism in a democracy shouting allow an industry to trample the rights of others. And this will occur unless capitalism is regulated.
2. Some folks sincerely want to avoid conflict. I understand and respect those feelings. However some who accuse others of being divisive just don’t want to hear a viewpoint they differ with or to leave their comfort zone.
FWIW, I feel the same way about the proliferation of RVs in what were once majority tent campgrounds as Chuck feels about the proliferation of “glampgrounds” by today’s even more materialistic culture. Never before has “getting away from it all” so clearly meant “bring it all with you”. Generators, big-screen tvs, blaring sound systems…the restorative power of nature is being drowned by a noisy, egotistical ape so that one has to go ever farther into the wilderness to find peace and quiet.
Free speech is all about discussions and arguments. It allows you to recognize those you trust/don’t trust.
Agreed. Let’s think & discuss, without taking things personally & without the need to make someone else wrong. Let’s all be good humans to each other. RVers usually are the kindest humans amiright?
Good words, but easier said than done. Like someone insisting 9.11 was an inside job, or the moon landing was faked. There’s no ‘discussion’ with that, you just have to walk away. There are many subjects where there is right and wrong, facts and conspiracy, truth and lies. But some simply refuse to give up their beliefs, and you cannot change them no matter what you say.
It is your newsletter Chuck and you have the right to state what you want, how you want, and when you want. I totally agree that people have become so ‘sensitive’ that any comment they are ‘offended by’ means the other person is wrong or divisive or whatever other negative slam they want to use. If you don’t agree you have two legitimate choices: (1) politely state so and why you believe so or (2) ignore and move on. On the topic of cabins and fancy tents in campgrounds – put these on smaller sites and leave the longer ones for RVers. I also am frustrated by campgrounds that have relegated a good sized portion to long-termers. Yes, they have a right and a need to stay somewhere. Plus the owners are looking for a steady income. It does make it more difficult for spur-of-the-moment travel and for those of us planning a longer journey. I had to stay shorter or longer at some places last year in order to make use of the reserved site that I wanted for a week or more.
Chuck, all the talk, complaint, or ??? below aside…, Removing an RV site to create a Glamp site, does, for now, rob an RVer of a spot, but is not a Glamper removed from the RV community? Over time may they (RVing and Glamping) not become two totally different entities – Glamping just outdoor motels? Maybe the newer generations do not like to camp but in their ever increasing virtual world want to virtually camp (think they are camping)? Glampers of today, may be what RVers were of yesterday. It may not be the “campground” entities that are worried, but it is the RV Industry that should be worried. (maybe they will have to go into the cabin building business). If I can Glamp in the “wilderness”, why do I need an RV? I’m not disagreeing with you, but trying, oh I try SO hard, to look from the Millennial’s virtual view. I say their “view” because I really do not see any “point” in their view. However … I remember Covered Wagons.
There’s no such a thing as polite, constructive, conversation anymore! Social media has taken care of that. Hotheads that didn’t have a platform before social media, now have a platform. They can say anything they want. The former President gets on social media and criticizes anyone who doesn’t agree with him by name-calling and other rants. I’m old enough to remember the “good old days” when people were civil, for the most part. I’ve lived in a small housing development for 10 years. When we each passed someone on the street, we’d wave at each other whether we knew them or not. Now the development is growing significantly. People from the “left coast” are moving in by droves. I used to say I never met a jerk in the development. I can’t say that anymore. Same goes for a couple of times in an RV park. I’m glad I’m old enough to not be around when the country implodes on itself, and it will.
Keep up the good work. I have sent a monetary contribution to you yearly.
Thank you for your comments and your support over the years, Dana. We appreciate them, and you, very much! Take care. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Chuck Woodbury, write your article with the information you wish to convey and don’t worry about the comments. Remember, be like a duck and let it all run off.
We work at a wonderful Campground/RV park in Michigan, this summer will be our third year with them. The park when we started had 94 sites, two of which are permanent modern rental trailers and five are permanent retro trailers. These five are 1960’s vintage trailers that have been renovated and are now our glamping trailers. All the rentals are very popular and allow many families to camp together when some of the family doesn’t have their own rigs. This year we will be opening the new area, an additional 39 sites, that’s been under construction for the last two years. Our owners see the need for more availability for our family friendly camping. Now this campground blends rentals, RV and tent camping in one campground but our glamping trailers are extremely popular and booked up. There’s a place for all types of camping. I recommend we all embrace the changes and enjoy the new people this brings to RVing.
Dear Chuck
Keep up the good work. Being divisive makes people question their assumptions and their beliefs may actually change! You are right to avoid writing about s’mores.
Some people prefer spin to facts if the facts don’t agree with their world view. Keep reporting facts.
“Opinion is really the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding. The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world…” Bill Bullard
That’s excellent, Lynn. Thank you very much. Have a great afternoon. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com