Members RV Travel Newsletter Issue 1101

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April 22, 2023
Members edition

 Cover story 

Is KOA abandoning RVers in favor of glampers?

By Chuck Woodbury
What’s good for business is not necessarily good for consumers. Or RVers.

For example, selling a ton of hamburgers is good for McDonald’s, but for its customers, a steady diet could lead to obesity and heart disease. A Double Quarter Pounder Cheeseburger with 740 calories has 42 grams of fat (more than half of a suggested daily allowance), including 20 grams of saturated fat, and 1,360 milligrams of sodium. And yet, McDonald’s sells these all day long, fattening up America and the world.

So, you might ask, what do hamburgers have to do with RVing?

Well, it’s my way of clarifying up front that I understand that not every product or service sold on the planet is good for us. Coca Cola isn’t exactly a health food.

So now we come to KOA, Kampgrounds of America, once referred to as the Motel 6 of campgrounds when its parks were less expensive. I am here today to suggest that KOA is no longer focused on serving RVers. Today, it’s about “glamping,” offering non-RVers stays in luxury cabins, designer tents, yurts, tee-pees, railroad cabooses, covered wagons and other profitable “glamping facilities.” Other RV parks are doing the same, but KOA is the best known.

This summer, an RV site at any KOA close to a popular national park may cost you $100, $150 or more a night — that is if you are lucky enough to find an available space. For example, a two-day weekday stay in my 32-foot motorhome at the KOA in West Glacier, Montana, for a full-hookup Super Site “with grass” goes for $199.70 a night. It would be higher on weekends.

But good luck getting a reservation. Most of the popular KOAs are already booked solid this summer.

So now here comes KOA with a proposal to turn its campground in New York’s Adirondacks into another Terramor Glampground (its first is in Bar Harbor, Maine), which will include 80 luxury tents, a lodge, swimming pool, event pavilion and employee housing. How about RV sites? None! Zero! RVers stay away!

In case you are interested, a two-night stay in late July in a two-person Bayberry Tent at the Bar Harbor Terramor will cost you $1,058 total ($529 a night).

More RV campsites needed

At a time when there are more RVs than ever vying for increasingly limited places to stay, KOA’s priority, I suggest, is maximizing profits at the expense of serving you and me the best it can. There is more money to earn in a glampground. Now, if I place my businessman’s hat securely upon my head, I understand. But as an RVer, I don’t like it a single bit.

Read More

RV Service Centers and Repairs Report

Camping World claims slideouts have gaps for ‘airflow’ when extended

This week Nanci Dixon again summarizes some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs, including several more extremely disgruntled Camping World customers. But there are some happy RVers with rave reviews about their service centers and technicians (with links). Read this week’s unbelievable horror stories, a couple of tips, and some good reports.

Click here

Why storing your RV outside can be a bad idea

By Dave Solberg
Every year hundreds of thousands of RV owners all across the country need to store their RVs. Whether it is due to harsh winter conditions or because work and school activities limit the time we can “recreate,” RVers must find the best method to put their unit into hibernation. Trying to find a nice, heated, indoor facility can be difficult and very expensive. So most of us are forced to store our RVs outside, which is not always a good idea and can create some very expensive issues. Learn why here.

Egg-sized hail hits RV, breaks through skylights, vent covers. Be warned!

By Gail Marsh
You don’t need to be a weather broadcaster to know that 2023’s late winter weather has been active! Here in Missouri, we’ve escaped some of the worst storms and tornadoes that have plagued our sister states in the Midwest, like Tennessee and Arkansas. Well, our luck ran out this past Saturday. That’s when a hail of a storm hit our little town 25 miles southwest of St. Louis. Continue reading about the damage Gail’s RV and truck sustained.

Letter to the editor: Nothing to love about staying at Love’s

Reader Matt D. sent us this message this week in response to our recent story about Love’s travel stops. By the end of this year, Love’s plans to add 30 locations to their travel stop “RV parks” with an additional 1,000 RV-dedicated sites. Read what Matt wrote about his awful experiences.

Weird RV Dept.

This may not be the best exterior design for an RV’s resale value. This motorhome was spotted in Stuttgart, Germany.

Around the Campfire

All the stuff they don’t tell new RVers they need!

By Gail Marsh
We were the last to arrive at the campfire because we were trying to help a newbie RVer set up. … The RV dealership gifted Lois with a “Welcome Bucket.” The salesman assured this new-to-RVing gal that it contained everything for a weekend of camping. While the gift bucket held many items, some necessities were obviously missing. Here’s the thing when you’re new to RVing (or new to anything): You don’t know what you don’t know. Continue reading, then chime in with a comment if you think anything was missed.

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• An easy trick that’ll make RV dumping a lot more sanitary
• Triple towing: Is it legal? Is it safe? Should you do it?
• Tips to keep you out of trouble when boondocking on public lands
• Important tow vehicle tip for first aid while traveling
• Is your motorhome ready for an emergency? Follow these steps to make sure

Duck pond mistaken for hot spring; hilarity ensues

By Nanci Dixon
I love quirky RV spots and had never actually been in a hot spring before, so after reading a number of reviews for El Dorado Hot Springs that ranged from “kitschy” to “rustic,” we decided to try it. After all, we had our choice of a private hot spring or the not-so-modest public nude one. I chose private. That they rented by the hour should have rung at least a few warning bells, but it didn’t. The Hot Spring sign should have been an additional warning [snicker]… Check this out.

10 gold and silver mines you can visit during your RV travels

By Randall Brink
Discover the adventurous spirit of the Old West and experience the historical vestiges of gold and silver mines that you can visit during your RV travels. These sites offer a unique insight into the mining history, the lives of the miners, and the challenges they faced. Fun for all ages, these historic mine tours should not be missed. [Panning for gold, anyone?]

Does picturesque Civil War-era Fort Macomb, LA, look familiar?

In this month’s edition of ghost town trails, Dave Helgeson takes us to Fort Macomb, an abandoned Civil War-era fort in Louisiana. It is a beautiful location with an interesting history. Even if you’ve never been there, it may look familiar to you. Does it?

Reader Poll

Articles about what types of RVs interest you the most?

Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.

Tell us here

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: How many people can comfortably dine at your RV’s dinette? Do you think most people said one or two? Or do you think they said three or four? Find out here.

40% of readers married their high school sweetheart. Does RVing keep couples together? 

By Gail Marsh
Love is in the air. At least that’s how I felt after reading the results of a recent RVtravel.com poll along with the wonderful comments. Ah, the joy of love! Our poll asked, “Did you marry your high school sweetheart?” The results were both surprising and heartwarming. Read them here.

Reader inspires fun travel game while driving and exploring. Try it!

By Cheri Sicard
When I was compiling the articles on our readers’ favorite hobbies, I discovered that one of our readers has a highly unusual hobby that also makes a terrific travel game that the entire family can enjoy! I was so intrigued by Janis Blevins and her art, I wanted to do a separate piece about it because: Janis creates beautiful photographic art that’s inspiring to look at, and finding the subjects for that art is a fun travel game for children and adults alike that can be played virtually anywhere in the world. Read about this unusual hobby. You might want to try it!

Painted ‘kindness rocks’ inspire others, but are they legal?

By Gail Marsh
I glanced down, then did a double take. What is that? I wondered. Using the toe of my hiking boot, I pushed some leaves away until I could clearly see it—a small rock. Not just any rock. I’d found a kindness rock. Learn about them here.

 CONTEST 

Is this your RV?

Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig

Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.

After a lot of thought, we’ve decided to end this contest for good (we know, we just brought it back) at the end of this month. Unfortunately, despite your positive comments and encouragement, it does not get the interest we’d need to generate to continue this feature. Thank you to all those who submitted. We’ll be coming up with a new contest soon, so please stay tuned. 

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:

• When plugging in your RV at home, should you unplug shore power while using charger?
• Should Schwintek slide mechanism be replaced with the Vroom?
• My RV has major delamination. Where can I find DIY repair information?
• We installed Dish Network, but now we have no over-the-air stations. Why?
• How can I add shoulder harness seat belts to my Class C’s dinette seat?

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!

Road Trip Playlists

Jam out with these 10 road songs for lovers

By Cheri Sicard
Welcome to the latest installment of Road Trip Playlists. This week we are going to musically explore the topic of love on our road songs for lovers playlist. The road has historically been the setting for many love songs. Traveling to love. Getting away from love. And everything in between.

Check these out!

Video of the day

How to clean the inside of your windshield in less than 2 minutes!

By Cheri Sicard
Traveling RVers and especially RVers with pets have no doubt experienced the frustrations of a dirty inside windshield. Dogs especially like to leave nose prints everywhere. Fret no more. Rebecca from the Good2Know YouTube channel is here to show you how to clean the inside of your windshield quickly, easily, and with no streaks. I am talking less than two minutes and you will have a clean, clear, sparkling interior windshield!

Click here to watch

Dr. Karel’s Krazy Kritter Korner

Marathon-supporting Retrievers, an unexpected cruise ship passenger, and popular pup names

This week our favorite veterinarian, Karel Carnohan, DVM, reports on 250 Golden Retrievers honoring one specific Retriever, Spencer, who supported runners in the Boston Marathon for many years. Also, there’s a cute story about an owl who who who (sorry) hitched a ride on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a couple of weeks. There’s a list of the most popular girl dog names in 2023, and tips to choose a name for your new dog. Also, there’s an important warning about why you should never leave pets in vehicles in the heat.

Read more

RV Tire Safety

Why do tires fail? Our tire expert explains

Our very knowledgeable tire expert Roger Marble explains all about what technically causes tire failures (no, it’s not necessarily the country of origin), and how to avoid them.

Read this important information

Ask Roger anything about RV tires on his RV Tires Forum.

Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?

If so, stories you missed:
• Why aren’t there more RV parks? Good luck getting a new one approved!
• Hydrogen-powered RV concept—A zero-emission camper with a reasonable range
• Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks catch fire in video
• Proposed changes mean California State Park campsites could be easier to reserve
• Awesome entry-level Class A—Tour the 2022 Forest River FR3 30DS
• Man loses part of leg in alligator attack at RV park
• Spend the night camping in a can of beans. No kidney… er… kidding!
… and much more

Read it here | Back issues

 NEW! RV Recipe Challenge

Yummy, easy Chicken Curry with Green Beans

By Cheri Sicard
Welcome to this week’s RV Recipe Improv Challenge, where I take three random ingredients suggested by an RVtravel.com reader and turn them into a delicious, small-space-friendly recipe. This week we will make Chicken Curry with Green Beans, an easy recipe to prepare for a satisfying, somewhat exotic entrée.

Yummy is right! Get the recipe here

Recipe of the Day

Spring Hill Ranch’s Southwestern Shredded Beef

by Wiley P. from Sierra Vista, AZ

Full of Southwest flavors and spices, this shredded beef recipe is so good – and easy! The beef becomes so tender it melts in your mouth. There are so many ways to enjoy this slow-cooked beef… enchiladas, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, as a sandwich, etc. The best part about this shredded beef is the aroma of Southwest flavors that fill your kitchen while it’s in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe here

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Belvedere, our Mini Labradoodle, loves to camp! Every time we walk by our unit (stored in the driveway) he stops at the door and looks at us like, “Can we go? Are we going today? Please, can we go?” He is a great traveler and an even better little camper. Always the gentleman.” —CK Graham

Brain Teaser

A ship is docked. Over the side of the ship is a rope ladder. The rungs are made of steel and don’t float. The bottom rung is 2 feet above the water. If the tide comes in at the rate of one foot per hour, how many rungs up the ladder will the water be after 4 hours?

(Answer below.)

Do you have a brain teaser you think we should use? Send it to us here.

Trivia

Don’t let your cow drink out of a water fountain on Main Street in Salt Lake City. You may end up in the slammer (we doubt it!). A blue law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to let his horse or cow drink from a public water fountain.

Sunday funny

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?

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

The bottom rung will still be 2 feet above the water, as the boat is floating. When the tide comes in the boat goes up with the tide.

Thanks for sending, George B.!

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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