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March 26, 2023
Members edition
Cover story
The fencing that tamed the Wild West
By Chuck Woodbury
O
ne of my favorite things to do when traveling with my RV is to visit rural pioneer museums.
Most are not very exciting—old photos, antique plows, a replica of a kitchen from 100 years ago, maybe an old dentist chair complete with barbaric-looking tools that always scare the pee out of me just looking at them.
But at many museums, you can learn a lot about things you might never think much about otherwise. For example, I once visited the Barbed Wire Museum in La Crosse, Kansas. Now, maybe you think that barbed wire is a boring subject. Well, I beg to differ with you! When you drive around the rural American West, you see it everywhere. But what you may not know is how important barbed wire was to the development of the modern West and the end of the cowboy era.
Before it was invented, ranchers sometimes planted thorny hedges to keep domestic animals and wild ones apart. Then, in 1873, Joseph F. Glidden of Dekalb, Illinois, attended a county fair where he observed a demonstration of a wooden rail with sharp nails protruding along its sides, hanging inside a smooth wire fence. This inspired him to invent and patent a successful barbed wire in the form we recognize today.
When livestock encountered barbed wire for the first time, it was usually a painful experience. The injuries provided sufficient reason for the public to protest its use. Religious groups called it “the work of the devil” or “The Devil’s Rope” and demanded removal.
The Cole Porter song “Don’t Fence Me In” sums up the cowboy’s feelings about barbed wire fences.
Another good place to learn about barbed wire is at the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, Texas, which bills itself as the “Largest Barbed Wire Historic Museum in the World.”
This is the type of thing I learn when I’m roaming around the countryside with my motorhome. I learn more history on these trips than I learn in books, and it’s more fun. I was bored by history as a kid. Now, I can’t get enough of it.
Make sure you read Gail Marsh’s article (featured below) this week about the regional tradition of cowboy boots on fence posts. It’s interesting.
We want to know
Do you take along any hobbies when you RV?
A recent video we posted about Robin Barrett’s Class C RV garden got some of us talking about RV hobbies. Besides the act of RVing being a hobby unto itself, we wondered how many of our readers take their hobbies or crafts along with them while they travel and what that looks like.
What about you? Do you take along any crafts or hobbies when you travel?
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
‘Everyone working at Camping World acted like they had tried to weld a turd to a garbage can’
By Nanci Dixon
This week there are more almost-unbelievable complaints regarding Camping World and other service centers. You’ll have to decide what you think of Jim J.’s idea that manufacturers should just quit including mattresses with RVs. Hmmm… There’s also Timothy M.’s complaint that “It seems like everyone working at Camping World acted like they had just gotten done trying to weld a turd to a garbage can.” Huh? You’ll have to read about his horror story, and much more, here.
Elvis Presley’s 1962 private jet to be restored as an RV!
By Dave Solberg
As crazy as that sounds, it’s fitting for Elvis Presley, the “King”—who once flew to Dallas, TX, to get a peanut butter and banana sandwich—to have his private jet turned into an RV! Yep, red velvet seats and all… This is great, and for a great cause! Read all about it here.
RV road trip fails: Update your packing lists or be prepared to face the consequences!
By Rod Andrew
No matter what kind of RV you own, I’ll bet you’ve said this sentence many times: “Do you remember where we packed the …?” Or, perhaps even scarier: “Did we pack the …?” Sometimes the missing item can be simply annoying. Or it can be nothing short of potentially disastrous. Here’s a tale of one of the latter. (And you know this is gonna be a kick, being from Rod!)
No better time to prospect—Gold hits $2,000 an ounce!
By Randall Brink
Early in the morning on Monday, March 20, 2023, the price of gold surged past $2,000 an ounce for the first time in history. RVers who have added prospecting to their travel plans for this year are excited by the potential for fun and profit. Fueled by economic uncertainty and investors seeking a safe haven for their assets, the milestone has financial markets abuzz, along with RV enthusiasts who are looking to combine their love of travel with the potential for a lucrative hobby. Learn more, and dust off your gold pan!
Unleashing the untold wonders of the Midwest’s top state parks
After several important caveats, Gail Marsh lists a few of the best state parks in the Midwestern United States that she and her family have enjoyed. There are undoubtedly many more great state parks, and she welcomes you to add your favorite state park(s) to the list, here. These parks are gorgeous!
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Using painter’s tape while RVing in brilliant ways you’ve never thought of
- RV Mods: Improve your fire escape-ability
- Tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops
- Inflation is soaring… still! How to stretch your camping dollars
- Tips to avoid ticks and other creepy crawlers
Are you ever missing out!
What’s RVtravel.com’s most popular newsletter? Hint: It’s not this one. It’s our Monday through Friday RV Daily Tips. The percentage of subscribers who open each issue’s email reminder notice is the highest of all our newsletters. They love all the incredibly valuable tips and advice, delivered concisely every weekday morning. If you don’t already read it, why not give it a try? Just click here, type in your name and email address, and you’re good to go. Easy unsubscribe if it’s not your cup of tea.
Think something is wrong with your RV? Perhaps check your memory instead…
By Lucinda Belden
Have you ever wandered around your RV for at least thirty minutes or more looking for an object? My husband and I joke about how we can lose something in an area that is so much smaller than our brick-and-mortar home. We are full-time so it is not like we have the excuse that we have not been in the RV for a while. I’m talking about losing items we put away yesterday and said, “Don’t let me forget I’m putting this here!” We complain about losing stuff in the RV but it’s not really the RV’s fault, now, is it? Continue reading about their “epiphanies” here.
The art of cowboy communication; the Western spirit lives on
By Gail Marsh
I love learning about regional traditions as we travel around the country in our RV. Recently, I saw a boot hanging upside down over a fencepost in Nebraska. When we stopped for lunch at the local mom-and-pop eatery, I asked about the boot on the fencepost. I discovered that this tradition has deep roots in the past and several different explanations in the present. Read Gail’s fascinating story here.
Venomous snake bites are a real risk to RVing pets. Be aware and be prepared
By Karel Carnohan, DVM
Venomous snake bites are a real risk to your RVing pets. Knowing what to do if this happens to you and your pet is very important. I received this email from reader Rebecca N. and knew the information was worth sharing with everyone. Rebecca wrote, “We are camping in Northern Florida, and I’m concerned about cottonmouth moccasins and our very curious young dog. What is the first aid if he were to be bitten? How long would we have to get him to an emergency vet?” Continue reading this very important information.
Get your head IN the clouds, why don’t you?
By Nanci Dixon
On those wonderfully lazy days, lying in a hammock gazing up at the beautiful blue skies, do you ever wonder about the clouds? What are they called and what do they mean? How many types of clouds are there? I wondered, too, so I went to the historic The Old Farmer’s Almanac for information. Yes, it is still alive and well. Continue reading.
Reader Poll
What size bed do you have in your RV?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
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.
Please note: This contest will end at the end of this month. It simply does not generate enough interest for our staff to continue putting their time into it. We’ve enjoyed it (and loved seeing all of your RVs!) and know those of you who have participated have, too. We apologize to those whose RVs weren’t randomly chosen out of the thousands of submissions. Now we’re off to think of another contest idea…
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:
- How do I sanitize my RV’s fresh water tank through the filter?
- Is an after-market paint protection on an RV worth the money?
- What size and type generator do I need for my RV?
- How to prevent high water pressure at campgrounds from damaging our RV
- How can I keep my truck and trailer from bouncing down the road?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
FUN, EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING
RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury joined Dave on Wednesday in our weekly Talkin’ RV Tech live webcast. Watch a replay of the program here.
NEW! Road Trip Playlists
7 joyful road trip songs to start your journey
By Cheri Sicard
Welcome to Road Trip Playlists, my new semi-regular column here at RVtravel.com! For this column, I will try to pick songs in a variety of styles/genres. I will also try to mix it up with songs you probably already know and love along with others you may have never heard of.
I came up with the idea after having a lifetime of friends come to me for music recommendations. My business partner has even called me the “DJ of his life.”
For this first road trip playlist I wanted to focus on joyful songs to get your trip started.
Video of the day
12 easy RV mods under $50!
By Cheri Sicard
Is your RV ready for an upgrade but you don’t want to spend a lot of time or money? YouTuber and RVer Jim Thomas has compiled 12 easy RV mods that won’t break the bank.
Some of these are pretty darn clever. I am going to have to order a few myself.
Dr. Karel’s Krazy Kritter Korner
A doorbell-ringing dog, cat cafes, and an important Easter reminder
By Karel Carnohan, DVM
Spring has sprung! The bulbs are pushing up through warmer dirt, my pomegranate tree is springing leaves and the snow is melting in the mountains. Spring brings us many joys but also brings some annoying and dangerous things for our animals. Being the vet that I am, I must warn you about them. Continue reading. (And don’t miss one of Dr. Karel’s favorite YouTube videos. It’s absolutely hilarious! [We love it, too!])
RV Tire Safety
How to identify impact (pothole) damage to your tire
By Roger Marble
Is it impact damage to your tire or a defective tire? How can a fishing line help explain which it is? Find out here.
Ask Roger anything about RV tires on his RV Tires Forum.
Did you miss yesterday’s News for RVers?
If so, stories you missed:
• Bowlus first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line
• America’s Outdoor Recreation Act likely to pass this time
• Oregon officials explore affordable RV park as a solution to homelessness crisis
• Up to $1,500 tax credit may be possible for e-bike purchase
• Is KOA ‘single-handedly ruining camping’?
• Thief steals an RV and is busted for extensive fake ID lab in it
… and much more
NEW! RV Recipe Challenge
With Cheri Sicard
Welcome to the first official week of our RV Culinary Improv Challenge! Each week I take three random ingredients readers submitted and turn them into a delicious meal that’s small-space cooking friendly.
This week’s crispy chicken thighs with stuffed zucchini and fresh salsa is the perfect way to kick-start this series. Yum!
See how Cheri transforms these ingredients
Recipe of the Day
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
by Jennifer Bass from Richmond, KY
These stuffed portobello mushrooms are fresh and fantastic. Super hearty, they’re stuffed with spinach, cheese, and fresh veggies. Red bell peppers add a mild flavor to the cheesy filling, while the onion gives a little bite. We added the optional bacon and love the saltiness it adds to the filling. Enjoy these portobello mushrooms for lunch or a light dinner.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“We got ‘pick of the litter.’ Aristotle Chase Edward (ACE) is 12 years old. His name is: Aristotle because he’s smart, Chase because he’s a hunter, and Edward because he’s a happy guardian. He is energetic and has a great sense of smell. He loves RVing, especially lying on the couch. His favorite activity is eating and catching his Kong. He loves people and welcomes other dogs to his home. Cats? We’re still working on that! If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is a novel. Take a look and see what I mean. 🙂 ” —Joseph Yergin
Brain Teaser
I have two bodies joined together as one. When standing still, I run and run. What am I?
(Answer below.)
Do you have a brain teaser you think we should use? Send it to us here.
Trivia
In the U.S. Air Force, it is a good luck tradition for new pilots to break their wings. As soon as they complete the Air Force’s Undergraduate Pilot Training program, they are given their first pair of wings. The tradition of breaking them dates all the way back to the days of the Army Air Corps. They give one half of their broken wings to their spouse, friend or relative for safekeeping and good luck, and keep the other. To preserve good luck, the halves should not be brought together while the pilot is alive. Upon the pilot’s death, the two pieces are brought back together to bring the pilot good luck in the afterlife.
Sunday funny
You will laugh so hard at this! Poor guy! Make sure to click the full-screen icon (little square next to YouTube) in the bottom right corner to make it bigger.
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?
Brain teaser answer:
An hourglass.
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, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin and Ashley Simpson, Dale Wade, 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. Artificial (AI) contributors: Johnny Robot and Milly MacWilly. Canine 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.
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Have RVed all 49 states. Of all the “Western History Museums” our favorite is “FRONTER TEXAS” in Abilene, Texas. Not only is it a museum, they made it a “Living in the west Experience ” with Holograms that put you right in the western experience.
Chuck,
My wife Dianne and I visited the Devils Rope Museum in McLean in October. Wow!!! is the only way to describe it. Have never seen that much stuff about one subject. Absolutely wonderful. I also highly recommend it. Route 66 here we come!
Must have caught me on a bad day. I did not find the “funny” in the least amusing. Usually I do find them at least amusing. I cannot imagine why the people in the video participated. I guess they lost a bet or were paid to risk getting hit by a full (?) water bottle. How bad for the motor of the fan was slinging the water bottle around? This video made me question the intelligence of all participants shown. Is the logical next step Russian roulette?
They participated because it was fun!! Lighten up a bit and enjoy life! You have it in you!
Prior to engaging, they should have done it without a blind fold. Then the elderly gentlemen would have understood what had to be done to prevent getting hit
I’m with you Neal, I’ve seen these before and didn’t get the “humor” either. It’s kind of like the funniest video show segment every episode of people getting hit in the groin. What’s funny about it?
POTD – “Aristotle” – Does he always spin to the right? Does that make him right handed? Beautiful little friend.
Most Rvs have Queen beds BUT which on? I find the RV Queen a misnomer and and unusable and there should have been separate votes for those /
Can’t list every size as the listing would take a lot of space. That’s why you could list yours in the comments.
Not about old fences but a great pioneer museum is “The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument” in Kearney NB. There is great little RV park (with a fishing pond, run by a young family) less than a mile away. Museum is really well done. Archway crosses over I-80 and there is a window with a radar detector and you can take a break from all the great exhibits telling the pioneer story and watch how fast the cars are zooming underneath the Archway.
You left out a short queen bed
They left out a whole bunch of sizes….