RVing With Guns

Above, at the Hardin, Montana KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Carrying a gun while camping.

This is a "tradition" that both grandfathers, my dad and I have practiced over the years. You never know what sort of predator one may encounter. As the Scout motto says, "Be Prepared!"

During our recent trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, both my friend Mitch and I packed heat.

This is the topic in today's newsletter in RV Travel.

They begin their article with:

We know many of our readers RV with firearms. In the video below, MJ and Izzy of Endless RVing tackle the topic of RVing with guns. The pair says a lot of RVers make some fundamental mistakes, and they created this video to help keep everyone safe when RVing with firearms. Some of the mistakes could seriously injure you or others, or worse. So if you carry a firearm in your RV, check these out!

As a bit of background, Izzy has been a police officer for more than 24 years and a firearms instructor for more than 10.

The couple breaks this topic down and keeps it simple with three things you should ALWAYS do and three things you should NEVER do when carrying a firearm in your RV.

To read more, go here. 

10 States With Highest and Lowest Gas Prices

Above, at the Cody, Wyoming KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My recent RV trip that took me through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota was a good trip. Thankfully, gasoline prices were in the $3.00/gallon neighborhood or less.

The total fuel cost for the trip was $902.88, which is to be split 50/50 with a friend who came along. That, plus campground fees incurred, were still cheaper than a cruise for each of us.

RV Travel has posted an article on 10 states with the highest and lowest gasoline prices.

They begin it with:

If you’re planning to hit the road in your RV this summer, be ready to pay up at the pump—especially out West. With California gas averaging $4.52 a gallon, and prices across the Pacific Northwest states not far behind, fuel is once again one of the biggest expenses for road trippers. Would you like to know the 10 highest and lowest gas prices by state? We can oblige you!

Unlike the West, states like Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas are offering some of the lowest prices in the country—closer to $2.70 a gallon—making them prime stops for filling up. Whether you’re crossing the country or just cruising regionally, knowing where gas is cheapest could make a big difference to your travel budget.

To read more, go here. 

RVer's Guide To Getting Medical Help

Above, the medical center I was airlifted to in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting sick on the road (while RVing) happened to me once.

That took place in Wells, Nevada in 2018 where I was with friends at the Wells Fun Run car show. I had a heart attack (or something quite close to it) that had me airlifted to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery. Luckily, I had insurance coverage that covered everything, including the medical helicopter ride.

Getting sick while RVing is something most of us don't plan for. That's where an article in RV Travel comes in handy. It is a guide to getting medical help while on the road.

They begin with:

One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need?

Plan healthcare—just in case

RVers plan their travel routes, secure RV camp reservations, plan what to pack, and schedule trip activities. That’s a lot of advanced planning. We don’t usually plan on getting sick. If you are in good health and have kept up to date with annual health visits, getting sick while on vacation probably doesn’t even enter your mind. Maybe it should.

To read more, go here. 

A Quick Visit To Mount Rushmore

Above, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following our visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, we took a short drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

Parking and other structures have been built at the Memorial since my last visit there in 1990. It was also crowded with people. 

The Memorial itself was free, but there was a $10 general parking fee and $5 for seniors. Parking for RVs are available.

We paid a short visit as friend Mitch Geriminsky was having altitude and knee pain issues. But we did manage to see the monument and take some pictures.

California Gas Isn’t Jumping To $8 Overnight

Above, a gas station near LAX in 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I drove into California was last year when I went over to the General Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit (off Interstate 10) following a clampout at Rice Army Airfield in the Mojave Desert.

Before doing so, I filled my RV's gas tank while still in Arizona and made it to the museum and back into Arizona with fuel to spare.

At over $5.00/gallon, to fill my RV (even partially) would be expensive.

It was rumored that gasoline prices in California will jump to $8.00/gallon. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case (at least for now) and RV Travel explains why.

They begin with:

If you’re planning to take your rig through California this summer, here’s some good news: Even though the state just raised its gas tax, you probably won’t notice a big change at the pump—at least not right away. Here’s an $8 California gas fact check.

$8 California gas fact check: 65 cents up to $8 is “overblown”

On July 1, California increased its gas tax from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon. That’s a two-cent jump. For RVers, who often keep a close eye on fuel costs, that might sound concerning—especially with some headlines warning of $8-a-gallon gas or price hikes of 65 cents per gallon. But fuel experts say those warnings are overblown.

“There’s not a risk that gas prices are going to spike to $8 on July 1,” said Patrick De Haan, a fuel analyst with GasBuddy. De Haan and other fuel experts were interviewed in a news piece by sfgate.com.

 To read more, go here.

Poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

Above, at camp at Basecamp 550 in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

When will one decide to hang up the RV key?

At 71, I noticed during the past few trips that I didn't have the stamina for 400+ mile drives. I was able to do so without batting an eye before. These days, I have gone at least half way and stop for the night before pressing on.

I have chalked that up to getting a lousy night's sleep the night before. It could also be that age is catching up.

This is the topic of a new RV Travel poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

They begin with:

“It’s time.” That’s what dear RVing friends recently told us. My first thoughts, I’ll admit, were selfish ones. “Who will play cards with us on rainy days? Spontaneously join in a last-minute motorcycle ride? Or take my husband fishing?”

Recovering from the unexpected announcement, I wondered how our friends arrived at the decision to stop RVing. I thought about our own eventuality. Who will determine when it’s time to hang up the RV keys?

To participate in the poll and to read more, go here. 

RV Awnings Are Reminiscent of A Simpler Time In America

Above, dry camping in Cool Springs, Arizona with the awning out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I camp, whether it is at an established campground or boondocking (dry camping) somewhere, I make good use out of the motorhome's awning.

If I am at a place for over two nights, I'll also put out the rug as well.

Awning usage is the topic in today's newsletter at RV Travel. They wrote awnings harken back to an earlier time.

They begin with:

When RVers think of awnings, most think of a sheltered area outside their RV’s front door. It’s a place to enjoy fresh air without getting soaked from the rain or burned by the sun. For many RVers, it’s also an extra room in an otherwise small living space. Some RVers go to great lengths to furnish their “awning room” with chairs, tables, a rug — all to make the space more inviting.

What this area is — if you boil it down — is the equivalent of the old front porch.

To read more, go here. 

11 Crucial Tips For High Altitude Camping

Above, at the Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Ouray is at 7,792 feet in elevation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My RV travels have been varied. 

I have camped at sea level (or close to it) and in higher elevations. I have had no problems with either, but that's not to say that others (or myself) may encounter issues with higher elevations.

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. They provide 11 crucial tips for high altitude camping.

They begin with:

Life on the road brings all sorts of surprises, especially when exploring the mountains in an RV. Bob and Karri from Life Redesigned know this firsthand after three years of crossing the country from north to south and everywhere in between. Their latest adventures at Black Canyon National Park in Colorado inspired a list of the most important things every RVer should know about high-altitude camping.

Altitude doesn’t just change the view; it affects everything you bring with you. RV engines, generators, appliances, and even your own camera notice when the air gets thin. Less oxygen means engines and generators have less power, making uphill climbs and regular tasks tougher. Travelers may feel it, too, with breathing getting harder and simple activities becoming more tiring.

To read more, go here. 

Poll: Do You Own Your RV Outright Or Make Payments?

Above, camping at Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a new poll asking the question, Do you own your RV outright or make payments? 

I would hazard a guess that most people probably make payments, although 60% of responders said they own it outright. Personally, I own my Class C Winnebago outright, having paid cash for it. 

The poll begins with:

For many RVers, buying a rig is one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make—second only to buying a home. That’s why we’re curious: At this very moment, do you own your RV outright, or are you still making payments on it?

We all know that RV ownership comes with plenty of rewards—freedom, adventure, and the ability to bring your “home” just about anywhere. But it also comes with costs, and financing is a common part of the equation. Depending on the type of RV and the terms of the loan, monthly payments can stretch across 10, 15, or even 20 years. Some folks dive in with big down payments and aggressive payback schedules, while others are more comfortable spreading the cost out over time.

So today we want to know: Do most of you own your rigs outright, or is monthly financing the norm? If you’re someone still making payments, we’d love it if you’d share how much longer you expect to be making those payments. Your insight could help fellow RVers who are weighing their own financing options or just trying to understand what’s typical in the community.

To read or take part in the poll, go here. 

 

Surviving Wolf Creek Pass

Above, at a pull-out after traversing Wolf Creek Pass. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I drove a cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois to attend the celebration of life for actress Noel Neill (the original Lois Lane) in the RV. 

While on the trip, I made some detours to such places as Graceland in Memphis, the Lincoln Library & Museum and gravesite in Springfield, Illinois and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, just to name a few.

The route going west had me on U.S. 160 through Wolf Creek Pass. The road itself was no problem, but it was very windy, enough so that I considered pulling over and waiting it out. But I pressed on to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There, I treated myself to some coffee and some dessert. 

RV Travel has posted an article on Wolf Creek Pass by Nanci Dixon. It includes C. W. McCall's song video, "Wolf Creek Pass".

It begins with:

My husband and I drove our 40-foot motorhome towing a pickup truck down one of the most dangerous highways in Colorado, Wolf Creek Pass, and lived to tell the tale. This pass has a switchback curve at the top and a 200-foot drop-off. Forget the guardrails here, you’d go off the cliff!

Before we drove the pass, Googling Colorado US 160 brought me to the Colorado Department of Transportation article about runaway and rollover semis on Wolf Creek Pass. 47 semis in four years went over! Not the most convincing or calming…

 To read more, go here.

RV Storage: Everything You Need To Know

Above, the RV is protected from winter snows in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my new motorhome back in 2015, I parked it in my apartment complex's double parking space. I was able to back it in and park my car in front of it. This was in Los Angeles where the climate was not harsh for it.

Then, I moved to New Mexico and bought a home on two acres at 7,000 feet above sea level. This, I knew ahead of time, would be subjecting my motorhome to harsh conditions. This includes hot summers, thinner air due to the elevation and snow/freezing conditions. After moving, I ordered a metal garage for the RV. It was built before the winter snows arrived.

I later added a gravel floor.

So far, it has protected my motorhome just fine, especially when I added a 30-amp outlet to run holding tank heaters.

RV Travel posted an article on everything you need to know about storing an RV.

It begins with:

Proper RV storage keeps your camper secure, dry, and ready for the next adventure. With so many options—from uncovered storage to fully enclosed, climate-protected garages—the right choice depends on your budget, where you live, and how often you want to access your RV.

In today’s video, Jason Epperson of RV Miles shares a practical guide to storing an RV to help you decide where and how to store your RV for peace of mind all year long.

 To read more, go here.

Preventing Sunburn When RV Camping This Summer

Above, wearing my outback hat in Cool Springs, Arizona while camping.

One item in the motorhome's bathroom cabinet is sunblock cream. Since I tend to camp in higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner and in the desert, I always have it handy when needed.

Also, I have small bottles of sunblock cream, courtesy of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's "Block the Blaze" campaign. 

Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, I also wear hats most of the time, especially cowboy style or outback hats. Baseball caps don't shade the back of one's neck from the sun.

RV Life has posted some handy tips on preventing sunburn while RV camping this summer.

They begin with:

Summer is the season for camping, road-tripping, beach vacations, and all kinds of sunny-day activities. But at the end of the day, you might find yourself turning red from a nasty sunburn. We usually don’t feel these burns in the moment, so we may not realize how bad it is until it’s too late. That’s why every RVer needs to know how to prevent sunburn.

Sunburns are not only painful, they can also be quite dangerous. Many types of skin cancer can be linked to sunburns and UV radiation. So preventing these burns is good for your short-term comfort … and long-term health. Don’t be fooled into thinking a little burn can’t hurt you.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to protect your skin. With just a bit of forethought, you can avoid almost every issue. Follow along with the tips below if you want to know how to prevent sunburn this summer.

To read more, go here. 

Late Campground Check-In Times

Above, last April at the KOA Kampground in Flagstaff. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After RV camping over several years, I wondered why some campground have such late check-in times.

Naturally, campground/RV park operators have to make sure people have checked out of a campsite and it is left in a presentable state. 

Generally, my driving days usually end around 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon (I am an early riser and like to get on the road before sunrise), so late check-in times have not been an issue. I have also checked into campgrounds earlier than the posted check-in time with no problem.  

This is a topic of a Letter To The Editor at RV Travel.

They begin with:

We received this letter from Laura G. last week, and we think many of you can relate. How many times have you arrived at a campground early, only to find that you can’t park until your check-in time? How many times have you “killed time” to get to that hour of the day when you can check in?

Read on, and then please leave a comment for Laura.

To read more, go here. 

Your RV Won't Stand A Chance Against a Bear! (Video)

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Are RVs impervious to bear attacks?

Apparently not! A northern California man's fifth wheel trailer was trashed by a California black bear. The bear tore a big hole in the trailer's roof to get inside to feast upon stored foods.

RVingWithJoe posted the following video:

RV Travel: Visit The Cody Firearms Museum

 

Above, a collection of Winchester firearms at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Levimeyer1 at Wikipedia.

One of the things I plan on doing while visiting Cody, Wyoming next month is to visit the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

A rather timely article appears today at RV Travel on the Cody Firearms Museum. 

It starts with:

Nestled in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, the Cody Firearms Museum welcomes visitors with an unparalleled collection of firearms and related artifacts.

Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast or simply curious about the role guns have played in shaping our past, this museum is well worth a visit.

Location and accessibility

The Cody Firearms Museum is located at 720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414, within the iconic Buffalo Bill Center of the West complex. As part of a larger cultural center that includes museums dedicated to Western art, natural history, and Plains Indian culture, it’s easy to combine your visit with other attractions.

RVers will find plenty of street parking nearby for tow vehicles. Cody’s downtown area is RV-friendly with several municipal lots and pull-through spaces. The museum is open daily, and tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through the Buffalo Bill Center’s website.

To read the full article, go here. 

How Many Miles Are On Your Motorhome Or Tow Vehicle?

Above, at Fort Massac campground next to the Ohio River near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking how many miles are on your motorhome or tow vehicle. 

For me, my Class C 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie has clocked 72,000 miles. That averages 7,200 miles per year since it is a ten year old vehicle. But that's not accurate as I usually clock about 2,000 to 3,000 per year at most. The 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip were mainly the reason for the mileage.  

RV Travel begins their poll with:

Unless you just bought your RV, there’s a good chance your RV or tow vehicle has some serious miles on it. If you’re using it the way most RVers do—traveling from park to park and exploring new places—those miles can add up fast.

Go take a quick look at the odometer. If you have a towable RV, check your tow vehicle. If you have a motorhome, check the mileage there.

For many RVers, those numbers reflect years of travel, road conditions, and real-world wear and tear. Whether it’s 30,000 or 130,000 miles, it’s useful to know where your vehicle stands—and interesting to see how you compare with others.

Let us know how many miles you’ve logged by answering the poll below. And if you’ve passed a big milestone like 100,000 miles, feel free to share what kind of rig you’re driving and how it’s held up over time.

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

RV Camping: Planning Versus Winging It

Above, Devil's Tower, which I plan to see again in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little over a month from now, I plan to head up into Wyoming and South Dakota for some exploring.

As of now, I haven't made any campground reservations. As the departure time gets closer, I will make some reservations, just have to figure the travel time needed to get there from New Mexico.

There are two schools of thought concerning RV camping. Those who "wing it" and those who plan it. That is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin with:

The Right Tools Can Help You Decide Where to Camp, While Still Feeling Spontaneous

Every year, we talk to hundreds of RVers. We ask them how they decide where to camp, which campgrounds to go to, and how they get there safely. There are a variety of strategies, but they can be divided into two primary camps. Those are the planning crowd and the spontaneous crowd.

You’d think the size of the RV would dictate which crowd those RVers would be in when they decide where to camp. But that just isn’t always the case. We’ve seen 40-foot fifth-wheel owners in the spontaneous crowd, and folks towing 20-foot travel trailers plan to the nth degree. Before we proceed, we should define the two styles.

To read more, go here. 

Have You Measured The Exact Height of Your RV?

Above, at camp at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel asked the question, "Have you measured to learn the exact height of your RV?:"

My answer, yes I did. My motorhome, including the roof air conditioner, is exactly 11 feet high. I keep a piece of Scotch tape with the measurement on the upper left corner of my windshield. 

I did that soon after I bought the RV. 

RV Travel has the question as a poll. 

They begin with:

Do you know the height of your RV? Well, what the owner’s manual and dealer told you is one thing, but do you really know its height? Have you actually measured it yourself to know its exact height?

Knowing your RV’s true height isn’t just a nice-to-know spec—it can be critical. Every year, RVers report incidents involving low-clearance bridges, overhangs, and even fast-food drive-thrus that didn’t go as planned. Sometimes the difference between making it safely under and causing major damage comes down to just an inch or two.

And, oh, boy, have we seen disasters…

To read more and answer the poll, go here. 

20 Great Places To Camp In An RV This Summer

Above, Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we are still in spring, Memorial Day weekend has been traditionally the official start of the summer vacation season (to some).

As the official start of summer is a month away, now is the time to plan for vacations. RV Life has posted a list of 20 great places to camp in an RV. Of the 20, I have stayed at one of them, Route 66 RV Resort outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico along Interstate 40.

They begin with:

Finding the best places to camp in an RV can be tough, especially because there are so many options! Some resorts and campgrounds are better than others, so we’ve made a list of 20 great places to camp.

Obviously, every state has its own hidden gems and local favorites, but this list is based on visitor reviews and overall quality ratings from reliable sources. You won’t be disappointed when you decide to camp in any of these great locations. 

To read more, go here. 

How To Survive Camping In 105 Degree Heat—Yikes!

Above, morning at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in hot weather can cause heat stroke and other maladies. I have camped in hot conditions a few times.

Generally, those hot camps were in the desert (where else?) such as Lake Havasu, Arizona and, more recently, in Quartzsite, Arizona. 

In Lake Havasu, I generally stay at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds where they have electric hook-ups to power the motorhome air conditioner (plus the nearby lake). In Quartzsite, where we dry camped, we had to use some engenuity.

RV Travel posted some tips by Nanci Dixon for surviving camping in 105° heat.

She begins with:

We have started (well, almost) our RV summer migration to the cool green northern clime. But first, we needed to get all the floors in our house redone after an installer error. So instead of camping by pristine blue lakes lined with tall pines, we are in the hot brown desert lined with cactus.

We are using this time to get everything up to par for the trip and the summer: replacing water filters, recharging the water softener, checking the engine and generator, and fixing things neglected when we returned to Arizona. (I wrote more about our packing routine in Friday’s newsletter.)

What we didn’t factor in all this work is the brutal Arizona heat. Unfortunately, we are familiar with it from when we were camp hosts here late one year.

Here are the things we do to stay comfortable. While some seem like no-brainers, I am reminded that my brain didn’t remember.

To read more, go here.