RV Today Issue 13 | Aug / Sept 2023

The whole point of weight distribution is getting the correct amount of weight moved from the rear axles to the front axles of your vehicle. Current weight distribution hitches take an all-or-nothing approach: loaded or unloaded. Our composite LITEFLEX® bars make it possible to fine-tune your setup with just the pump of a handle.

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Preset head angle works for every setup

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Unload the bars by simply twisting the needle valve knob.

Load the bars by pumping the handle until desired weight is transferred to the front axle.

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A Magazine for RVers by RVers

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RV TODAY Magazine

Volume 2 I Issue 13 I Aug/Sept 2023

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NOT THE TIME TO WISH YOU BOUGHT AN RV WITH ABS.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have been a requirement on all passenger vehicles in the United States for over a decade. So, why aren’t these life-saving systems standard on all RVs?

PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE WITH LIPPERT ABS.

FROM THE Publisher

If we ever get to hang out together (and I hope we do), you will instantly find out how passionate I am about owning an RV. And it is not just because I publish magazines about the lifestyle. The truth is I fell in love with the RV lifestyle long before I started these magazines.

I was 45 years old when I first walked into an RV with the intention of buying one and was blown away by how amazing RVs are. I remember going on camping trips (I’m talking tent and sleeping bag camping), and I would see people with anything from a pop-up trailer to a massive diesel pusher class A. I would think they were cheating (or not truly camping), and nothing could be further from the truth.

Over the years, I have become an accidental ambassador for RVing. I explain to my friends who have never been RVing how it can get them out on the open road and how they can stop and camp wherever they want in hopes that they’ll see the benefits and try it. It has become my go-to way to travel for work or vacation.

In December 2021, I purchased 240 acres of raw, never lived on land. For the last year, I have been clearing the land, adding RV spots (with full hook-ups), and building a shop with a proper RV port (think carport but for an RV). Unfortunately, during this process, my RV has become overloaded and packed with tools and things required for building out the land rather than things necessary for RVing.

So, I am stranded until the shop is done, which has made all my recent trips via airplanes, rental cars, and hotels -- which I wouldn’t genuinely say I like. Give me the comfort of home on the road for work trips or vacations any time of the year. The one thing I know about RV life is my bag always makes it to my destination; it’s hit or miss when traveling by plane, especially with layovers and checked bags.

If there were a chamber of commerce for owning and using your RV, I’d happily be president. I love creating an amazing team of RVers who want to help encourage and inspire current and potential RV owners to get out there TODAY!

Hope to see you on the road-

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS, IN THE EVEN GREATER INDOORS.

Our 2024 models are beginning to roll out of our factory and onto dealer lots. With a focus on style, comfort, and the best entertainment options, you may feel so at-home in your Newmar that you’ll forget to step outside. Whether you’re the adventurous type or perfectly at home staying in, the new lineup is full of coaches that are sure to fill you with excitement.

See the lineup rolling out at NewmarCorp.com

Contributors

Cintia Amoros

Alexis Jones

Tara Saphir

Adam and Chelsea Gibson

Tim and Urs Elkins

Cortnie Jones

Michael Jastroch

Emily Kistler

Rachel Oldenburger

Cortni Armstrong

Don Griffin

Andy Greaves

Antonia Willburn

Volker Robert Palm

Olivia de Soria

Brenda Huynh

Patty Gill

Alfredo Moreno

Nancy Walters

Kayla Tuala

Casie Tomaz

Roxanne and Gary Brooks

Contributor Spotlight

Alyssa Padgett @heathandalyssa

10 Ways to Give Your RV a Facelift

Alyssa and Heath travel with their two kids, managing their businesses along the way. They wrote a book called “RVing Across America,” and are currently RVing all over the world while running @rvinspiration.

Nicoll Davis @livingtinywithawolf

A Travel Guide to Crested Butte

Nicoll and her husband, Jake, travel full time with their two dogs and one wolfdog. She shares travel guides for their favorite destinations and tips for traveling full time while living tiny on her blog, livingtinywithawolf.com.

Adam and Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Adam, Kathryn, and Kona are an adventurous married couple and their pup living on the road in their selfconverted Sprinter van! Find them driving all over, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream, and enjoying nature. For their detailed travel guides, check out adventuresofaplusk.com and their YouTube channel, Adventures of A+K.

Howard and Katelyn Newstate @newstatenomads

51 Parks in 52 Weeks

National Parks Tour

Part Two: Death Valley National Park

Contribute to RV Today

Do you have a story idea, product you love or campground to highlight? Reach out to us at collab@rvtoday.com

Katelyn travels with her husband, Howard, and their three pups: Piper, Ella, and Scout. They’ve been all over the world and love sharing their passion for travel and adventure through their YouTube channel, Newstate Nomads, and on their website at newstatenomads.com.

Our readers share what they love about RVing!

The freedom to live in a mindful and purposeful way”

@autarktravel

We love the ability to bond and share new experiences with our children while instilling a sense of adventure in them!”

@time_to_go_adventure

Most days we study for about three hours, which leaves the rest of the day to explore.”

@wildlingsbeyondthewall

We can come across a beautiful area or charming new adventure spot, take our time exploring, then move along down the road.”

@airstreamvagabond

Birds fly close enough to see their underbellies, I watch the sunrise from our bed and sunset from our dining table, and fresh air is always just steps away.”

@4storiesup

TAKE A RIDE ON THE RETRO SIDE WITH THIS VINTAGE RV

“We wanted the freedom to make the space cozy and our own,” Cortnie Jones and Michael Jastroch said when asked why they decided to purchase their vintage RV. “Buying vintage gave us more freedom, which we wouldn’t have had if we had sunk all our money into buying something new.”

Cortnie and Michael have been traveling full time since New Year’s Day in 2021, and they say their 1990 Chevy Van G30 Cutaway with a Gulfstream Coach has many benefits. The size allows them more space than a sprinter van, while still fitting into a standard parking space. The previous owner lifted the suspension, so they also have more clearance compared to Class Cs. And they simply love the way their RV looks inside. “It’s faux wood grain as far as the eye can see,” they said. “We bring the forest with us no matter where we go.”

Getting the rig ready for the road came with some challenges. Cortnie and Mike had to repair a lot of structural water damage before completely resealing their vintage beauty. They also redid

the electrical system, plumbing, flooring, and countertops. One of the van’s most interesting quirks is that the check engine light is always on. “We had to rip out a sensor to get our rig to start, so every time we drive it, we have a moment of panic when the light turns on.”

Other than this, their rig is in great shape! Still, they warn anyone interested in going vintage to be prepared to sink a lot of money into mechanical work and renovations. “It’s a nonstop parade of minor repairs,” they said. “On the road, we have to dedicate a small chunk of every week to maintenance. It would be nice to have one week where everything works!”

Based on their experiences, their biggest advice for anyone who wants a retro rig is to brush up on basic plumbing, carpentry, and electrical knowledge before setting off. ■

For more vintage vibes, follow Cortnie and Mike on Instagram @well.branded.van.

Renovation Project

By Emily Kistler

While you’re busy giving your rig the facelift it needs, don’t forget to give your air conditioning system a mini makeover as well. As a certified mobile RV repair tech based in Las Vegas, I know how important air conditioning is when the dog days of summer hit. Here are five cheap, quick, and easy upgrades you can make to your air conditioning system to increase its cooling potential.

1. CLEAN YOUR DUCTS

If you’ve owned an RV for a while, you know that they aren’t usually made with tender love and care. If yours was thrown together with chewing gum and a prayer, let’s make sure none of that gum (or extra wood pieces or screwdrivers) got left behind in your ducts. Any small piece of junk sitting up there is going to cause turbulence in the airflow and decrease the efficiency of your system.

To check for this, take the cover off of one of your vents and take some pictures with your phone. You’ll want to turn your flash on. If you find anything extra up there, take it out!

2. SHORTEN YOUR DUCTS

While you have your camera in your vents, check to see if your ducts are too long. RV manufacturers often use a standard ducting system across a line of campers, so your ducting may be longer than your rig requires. This means some of your precious cold air is hanging out in that extra ducting, cooling your ceiling instead of making its way down to the coach to cool you.

To see if this is the case, go to the vent closest to the front of your RV. Remove the vent cover, then slide your phone’s camera up that vent and point it toward the front of your camper. If you see that the ducting extends far past the last vent in the line, you’ve just found some extra cooling potential in your rig! Head to your local hardware store and get some foam insulation, and cut a small rectangle to act as a wall inside your ducts just past your vent. This will make the cold air coming through your ducts hit the wall and come down to you, instead of continuing down the line and cooling your ceiling.

Pro tip: Do not do this if you are in a Grand Design. While most manufacturers use an “H” system for their ducting, with the air conditioning unit in the horizontal bar of the “H,” Grand Design uses a “figure 8” duct design, which is more efficient because it allows air to flow around continually, like on a racetrack. We don’t

want to add any walls to the “8,” because that will stop the continuous flow. With any other brand of RV with a ducted system, this hack should help.

3. OPTIMIZE YOUR VENT AIRFLOW

For our next trick, scour your pantry or the grocery store for anything that comes in a small plastic disposable bowl you can cut up. I used a microwaveable rice bowl. If you have a pesky vent that doesn’t put out the same airflow as the rest, take the vent cover off and stick your hand up into the duct. If you feel air moving by, but it doesn’t make the turn to go down into your vent, then it’s time for the plastic bowl. Cut the bowl in half and tape it up in your duct to create a scoop, which will help the air make the turn. You want it to be roughly half the height of your duct—some air should still be able to get by, but some should be redirected down toward your vent.

4. CLEAN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

It may not be sexy or fun, but cleaning your air conditioning unit makes a huge difference in its efficiency. In fact, for every 8 square inches of blocked airflow on your coils, you lose 1 degree of cooling in your rig. While you’ve got your overalls on and you’re dirty from renovating anyway, take a minute to climb up on your roof to clean your coils with a foaming AC cleaner.

5. TAPE YOUR PLENUM

For the final step in your air conditioner makeover, take off the inside cover of the AC and tape the heck out of the plenum using metal foil tape. The plenum is the small compartment you see when you take the inside AC cover off. It connects your air conditioner to your coach, and it’s where air is exchanged. You should see a small wall that separates the incoming air from the exhaust air. You want to make sure that it hasn’t fallen over and that there are no holes where air can escape from one side to the other. This is called “short cycling,” and it drastically decreases the efficiency of your system. Cover any holes or gaps around the edges with the tape as well.

Now you’re ready to beat the heat. Happy renovating! ■

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FlippingFurniture TO Flipping RVs

By Rachel Oldenburger

We have 12 RV renovations in the books, and lucky number 13 is already sitting in the lot waiting for us. I own RV Family Renovators, and I have a slight obsession with renovating RVs. I started flipping furniture in 2011 and found my passion—taking something old and forgotten and letting its potential shine through with smart, but functional, design and paint choices.

In 2017, my dad and I won HGTV’s Flea Market Flip. With the prize money, I created the workshop of my dreams, quit my teaching job, and started flipping furniture full time. This transition was the most terrifying time of my life, but it taught me that your passion can’t truly turn into your purpose unless you make some scary decisions.

In March 2020, I found myself home with two kids and at another turning point after being forced to close my art studio and furniture shop due to the pandemic. Our travel trailer was sitting in the driveway, and it became the creative outlet that would get me through my slump. I posted my renovation tips and tricks on Instagram, and before I knew it, a new business was born!

RV Family Renovators has been customizing and renovating RVs for clients for about three years now. I create the designs with my clients’ preferences in mind, then execute the renovations myself. My husband, Jake, helps with managing client deliveries and expenses, and my father-in-law helps out with plumbing and electrical. Renovating for clients and sharing what I’ve learned on Instagram has been a fun and rewarding experience that allows me to combine my painting and furniture-building skills.

I’d like to share a few tips to keep in mind if you’re going to renovate your RV.

A REFRESH COUNTS

Not all RV projects need to be full-gut renovations, especially if this is your first time doing a DIY project. Adding curtains or an area rug, changing bedding or cabinet hardware, and swapping out bathroom and kitchen faucets are great ways to update your RV without touching a paintbrush.

VALANCES HAVE NO PLACE IN AN RV

The first thing I do in every renovation is remove the valances. It lets in so much light, and your RV immediately starts to look less like an RV! The valances are there to cover the unfinished part of the blinds, but I’d rather see that than the chunky valance box. You can opt to change your blinds for more visually appealing ones that don’t need valance covers, such as a roller share or bamboo blind, or you can leave your RV blinds and add a nice curtain to create a residential feel.

PAINT PREP IS PRIORITY

I’ve been painting furniture and other “don’t paint” surfaces for years, and I’ve tried every product, every method, and every shortcut. So trust me when I tell you—nothing outlasts the durability and longevity of a sanded and primed cabinet. Don’t fall for the “no sanding needed” primers or the “paint and primer in

one” paints. Paint prep is the most important step in your RV renovation. If you’re going to paint your RV, you need to sand down all cabinet doors and boxes with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper Your doors will be solid wood, but the cabinets are a laminate box. Go gently while sanding those, and be sure not to tear the laminate paper. Prime with a quality primer (I use INSL-X STIX) before painting with a quality paint (I use Benjamin Moore SCUFF-X in Satin).

RV-COMPATIBLE MATERIALS MATTER

We put our RVs through a lot. Depending on where you live and travel, your RV may encounter extremely high and low temperatures. It will be moving down highways, it’s susceptible to moisture and condensation, and it’s a very heavy vehicle! You need to choose products that match your RV’s specific needs. Keep your flooring under 4.5mm, use water-resistant items when you can, and make sure everything is secured!

paint prep is the most important step

leave some natural wood

DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE COLOR

bold pop of color

COZY IS KEY

There’s nothing better than finishing your RV renovation, then curling up with a book on your first trip in your newly renovated camper. Be sure to spend money on new bedding, as well as throw blankets and pillows. Also, consider adding a fireplace! It all adds to the residential feel you’re trying to create in your RV.

White RVs are beautiful, and I create them often, but I also love fun colors! If you’re afraid to use color in a sticks and bricks home, a camper is a great place to test fun patterns and colors. I think kitchens with bold cabinet colors are especially beautiful! Pick out a wallpaper or accent pillow that you like and pull a color from there for your cabinets. add a fireplace

DON’T OVERLOOK FUNCTIONALITY

Yes, the renovation needs to look pretty, but it also needs to maximize your RV’s potential. One way to increase functionality is to add smart storage options. RV manufacturers don’t usually build out very useful storage—you may have giant cabinets with no shelves, or large spaces under the bed with no organization. My go-to items for storage and functionality are from IKEA. I love to put KALLAX units under the bed, HEMNES or BISSA shoe storage units in narrow spaces, and TRONES units in bathrooms.

Creating RV spaces that my clients can love for a very long time—and sharing the process with my followers—has turned into the most unexpected, fun, and rewarding job. Happy travels, and happy renovations! ■

For more on Rachel’s RV renovations, check out her Instagram

What is a Used RV Really Wor th?

By Don Griffin

Purchasing a used RV can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. Even experienced owners sometimes find themselves hesitant to sign on the dotted line, wondering whether the transaction is reasonable and whether they’ve negotiated the best deal they can.

Fair market value is a nebulous term. In the RV world, value may be equated to published retail prices found on sites such as J.D. Power (formerly NADA RV Values). What is the value of a used RV if one dealer is asking $150,000 for a coach when another dealer is only asking $140,000 for an identical unit? Unfortunately, there is scant information available to assist a buyer in determining a reasonable offer price. As a result, both buyers and sellers typically rely on the “Low Retail” and “Average Retail” prices on the J.D. Power website to establish a starting point for negotiations. J.D. Power information is widely accepted as the industry pricing bible. But how accurate are their valuation guidelines?

The Experiment

I was in the market for a used motorhome, so I decided to do some research to determine if the J.D. Power estimated prices are reasonable approximations of value. Although I have bought and sold five different RVs, what I learned surprised me.

Using the RV Trader website (rvtrader.com), I entered search criteria for used motorhomes for sale. I wanted to test the following claims in J.D. Power’s article, “How Much Do Campers Depreciate?” (https://www.jdpower.com/rvs/ shopping-guides/how-much-do-campers-depreciate):

■ RVs lose their value quickly to depreciation, which can become problematic for anyone trying to sell a used RV.

■ As soon as an RV is purchased, it has lost nearly 25% of its value.

■ After three years, your RV will be worth approximately 30% less than what you paid for it.

Building the Data Set

My search returned 182 ads from dealers, private sellers, consigner sites, and national marketing ad placers. RV manufacturers represented were Coachmen, Entegra, Fleetwood, Forest River, Holiday Rambler, Jayco, Newmar, Thor, Tiffin, and Winnebago.

Since the perceived value of an RV is based on mileage, I limited my search to a range of 3,000 to 15,000 miles to keep results consistent. My data set included 172 entries. I extracted data from RV Trader for the manufacturer, model, trim, seller type, mileage, and asking price for each ad.

Assumptions

J.D. Power does not attempt to show an MSRP for each make, model, and trim of coaches because options installed at the factory cause MSRPs to vary. Instead, a “Suggested List Price” is shown and is a base price before options. As an assumption, I estimated the MSRP to be on average about 4% higher than the “Suggested List Price.” This assumption,

tested at various percentages, did not distort my findings but was helpful in determining the estimated initial purchase price of a brand new unit.

Once the data was summarized, the averages for the data set were extracted.

Estimated MSRP: $221,639

Suggested List Price: $212,773 (96% of MSRP)

New Purchase Price: $166,229 (Assumes 25% off of MSRP)

Average Asking Price: $163,251 (98.2% of New Purchase Price)

Average Retail: $156,723 (94.3% of New Purchase Price)

Low Retail: $130,080 (78.3% of New Purchase Price)

Average Miles Driven: 8,659 (Most mileage driven fell in the 5,000 to 6,000 range)

Some initial observations stood out:

■ The Average Asking Price for a used RV being 98.2% of the New Purchase Price is unrealistic. This elevated price provides room for seller discounting, and the magnitude is excessive for a three-year-old vehicle that, according to J.D. Power, has depreciated 30%.

■ Low Retail is 8.3% above the expected 30% depreciated value, even though this lower value is supposed to approximate the value of a used coach that is not in the greatest condition.

Calculating Depreciation

According to the article cited above, after three years of ownership, a motorhome is likely to be worth approximately 30% less than what you paid for it. To test this assertion, I calculated depreciation values using the data set averages.

Model Year: 2020 I MSRP: $221,639 I Selling Price: $166,229

Three

Despite the claim that an RV loses 30% of its value after three years of ownership, J.D. Power is showing a Low Retail Price of $130,080 for a used coach, which is almost $15k more than what I calculated. From the above comparatives, there’s an inconsistency between the J.D. Power claims and the values being published.

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Testing J.D. Power Selling Price Assumptions

The data is based on one assumption—that a new RV typically sells for 25% off of MSRP. If this discount is true, it affects the estimated price of a used RV, since we calculate used RV prices based on what the RV sold for. To better understand the impact the selling price has on the calculations, I developed a table of values assuming a new motorhome can be purchased at a discount ranging from 20% to 30% off of the MSRP.

motorhome for three years. Obviously, this is an impractical conclusion to make, but it shows that the J.D. Power used motorhome values are inflated.

Summary

According to my findings, the J.D. Power values for used RVs are significantly overstated compared to the general depreciation guidelines widely promoted in RV industry literature by bloggers and even on J.D. Power’s own website.

For all RV consumers, including buyers and sellers, it pays to be well educated on how the industry works, research RV values before entering any sales contract, and be well versed in negotiation fundamentals. ■

Please

If one could buy a new coach at a discount of 29% off of MSRP, the data from J.D. Power suggests that after three years of ownership, one could sell the motorhome at the Average Retail Price. In other words, a buyer could make all of their money back in the sale, resulting in a “no cost” use of a new

note, this article and all data herein is provided by an independent source and RV Today Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this article.

THE Biggest Misconceptions of RV Renovations

before

By Cortni Armstrong

You’ve probably seen those beautiful “before and after” photos of renovated RVs. The “before” is forgettable at best. It’s probably a wonky combination of honey oak cabinets, grandma floral prints, and valances that cover half of the window. But the “after” looks like it could be in a magazine! It’s bright, beautiful, and alive with personality. As you flip back and forth from the “before” to the “after,” you can barely tell that they are the same space

As the popularity of RV renovations grows, the volume of these gorgeous “before and after” images has grown too. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of them for you to swoon over. You might even start looking at your own RV and thinking, “Hey, I could probably do that to mine, too!”

But then reality starts to sink in, and you might wonder, “What is the process actually going to be like?”

I’ve renovated RVs professionally for the last five years, and there are two big misconceptions I often see from newbies on what is required to take a space from forgettable to show-stopping.

Misconception #1: RVs are tiny, so this project will be fast and cheap. It’s so easy to look at these 300-squarefoot spaces and think, “It’s tiny! It will go fast!” or “It’s tiny! This will be cheap!” Unfortunately, neither of these will necessarily be true. For every one task you see, there are multiple tasks that go into it. For example, to install a backsplash, it would be easy to only account for how much time it would take to put the tile up, but what about the dozens of cuts it takes to go around the window? Or the time it takes to set individual tiles with tile spacers? Or the precision it takes to get each tile level?

It would also be easy to only calculate the cost of the tile into your budget. But what about the grout, mortar, and trim? And do you have all the tools you need, like a tile saw, spacers, a trowel, and sponges? The cost of the actual tile is only one item in a whole list of items you need.

I recently saw a post on social media from a family who was gutting their entire RV. They said they thought the demo would take one day, and it ended up taking a week. It had already taken them six days longer than expected, and they hadn’t even begun the rebuild process. And honestly, demo is the easy part—it doesn’t take any precision! The rebuild process is full of precision and details. If the quick and easy part had already taken six days longer than expected, I’m afraid they may be in for a very rude awakening when it comes time for the tedious rebuild.

My suggestion is to budget double the amount of money and triple the amount of time you think it will take. Also, take the time to sit down and really think through the tools and supplies each task will require.

Misconception #2: This project is about interior design.

It’s easy to chalk up the beautiful “after” space to interior design when it’s really the result of tricky construction.

There is definitely some interior design needed—the right backsplash paired with the right cabinet color can be a dream come true. But that backsplash isn’t going to install itself. You could spend a few hours picking out the perfect tile, but it could easily take a full day to install it. If the area is big or there are a lot of tricky cuts, it may be closer to two days. That’s about a 1 to 5 ratio of time spent on interior design to time spent on construction.

The ratio is even more extreme with painting cabinetry. The amount of prep work it takes to paint cabinets correctly can be shocking to a newbie. To do it right, you have to take down every cabinet door, mark where they came from, remove all hardware, sand the finish, caulk the edges, apply a coat of primer, check each door for imperfections, apply another coat of primer, check again, apply a coat of paint, check again, apply the final coat of paint, reinstall the hardware, and re-mount the door. That is the process for every cabinet door and every cabinet box The ratio of time spent on the interior design job of picking out the cabinet color versus the construction job of that process is about 1 to 50.

Additionally, you have to take into consideration that weight is the name of the game in these spaces, which cuts out a lot of residential options. These spaces are also going through earthquakes every time they’re on the road, so your construction techniques have to be able to withstand all of that shaking. Residential construction approaches don’t necessarily translate to RV renovations.

In my business of renovating RVs for clients, we spend less than 10% of our time on interior design. The lion’s share of our time is spent on construction and

making sure the space is road-worthy. If you’re looking to renovate an RV as a way to scratch an interior design itch, my suggestion is to be realistic about what it’s going to take to implement your designs and whether you may be better off hiring someone. If you aren’t versed in construction and want to DIY, think about what you’ll realistically be able to take on. Things like throw pillows, rugs, greenery, and maybe some new cabinet pulls or an accent wall can make a huge difference and don’t require much experience. ■

Cortni’s work on custom RV renovations and advice for DIYers can be found on Instagram @theflippingnomad.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

After traveling through the Southwest and seeing a ton of great scenery and beautiful national parks, we decided to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s an amazing experience, full of beautiful and breathtaking natural scenery. With beautiful coastal towns, picture-perfect inland vistas, and dramatic landscapes, the drive from Big Sur to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is one of the most scenic drives along California’s Highway One, if not the entire West Coast.

Contributed by Volker Robert Palm @palmdreamandtravel

MONTAVON’S BERRIES

Parkdale, OR

If you ever find yourself in Hood River Valley, be sure to check out Montavon’s Berries. Open to Harvest Hosts members from April 1 to September 15, this family farm allows visitors to pick fresh raspberries, blueberries, and cherries during their stay. Along with fresh berries, you can enjoy breathtaking views, small-town charm, and friendly hosts at this unforgettable location.

SILVER SPUR RV PARK

12622 Silverton Road NE, Silverton, OR 97381

This is one of our family’s favorite RV parks! Tucked away in beautiful Silverton, Oregon, about 20 minutes from Salem, Silver Spur RV Park has all the amenities you’ll need, all while being decently priced. The stocked fishing pond, huge game room with pool table and kitchen, clean facilities, frisbee golf, pool, hot tub, and more are all top notch. The campground is within walking distance of the cutest downtown and 30 minutes from some of the best hiking in Oregon.

Contributed by Antonia Willburn @traveling_willnuggets

GOOSE ISLAND CAMPGROUND

Bureau of Land Management Moab UT-128, Moab, UT 84532

Goose Island Campground has an incredible view. The site is in a great location, with the Colorado River on one side and the Colorado Riverway Bike Trail on the other. There are occasional microbursts along the river, so be sure to pull your RV awning in when you’re not using it! (Ours was destroyed in a 50-mph wind gust that came out of nowhere.) The riverside sites are highly coveted, so unless

you get lucky, prepare to wait for one. There is no water or electricity, but there are pit toilets nearby. The high temperatures can be dangerous, so plan to be somewhere cool and shaded or have plenty of power for your air conditioner. he area is speckled with hiking trails, and farther on are world-famous mountain biking trails. Goose Island also provides the best accessibility to all of Moab’s activities.

Contributed by Olivia de Soria @theboatnotes

DESERT DIAMOND DISTILLERY

Kingman, AZ

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone is one of the most expansive and breathtaking national parks. Spanning three states—Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming—the park covers 2.2 million acres. According to the National Park Service, “visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.”

Brenda Huynh and her family were charmed by the area. They biked to all the geysers, taking in iconic ones such as Old Faithful. They also stopped by Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and more. “We’re honestly amazed at how much gorgeous scenery we were able to take in during this trip,” she said.

Photos by Brenda Huynh @rv_lifestyle_asianfamily

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WHISPERING OAKS RV PARK 2965 Highway 90, Weimar, TX 78962

If you need a campground while passing through Weimar, Texas, this one is perfect. Whispering Oaks RV Park is set back far enough so there is no traffic noise from the interstate. This is a small campground with only 49 campsites. There is a dog park, playground, and bathhouse, and they will fill up your propane. They have a small

store with supplies and a food truck/camper that serves food on the weekends. There are not a lot of bells and whistles, but it has everything you need, especially for a few days or an overnight stop to rest. The best part is that it’s only $45 a night.

Contributed by Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels

PRADA MARFA

14880 US-90, Valentine, TX 79854

Don’t be fooled—this is not an actual Prada boutique, though you can see some luxury Prada items inside.

Found about half an hour from Marfa, Texas, in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert on a lonely stretch of Route 90, this permanent contemporary art exhibit is called Prada Marfa. Artists Elmgreen and Dragset established the site modeled after a Prada shop on October 1, 2005. A statement on Prada Group’s website says that while the brand didn’t commission the exhibit, Miuccia Prada “appreciated the concept.” The brand donated shoes and purses for the artists to use inside the structure.

Another fun fact: Because this sculpture was never meant to function as a business, the door cannot be opened. Enjoy window shopping and viewing a bit of opulence from outside if you visit!

Photos by Alfredo Moreno @tinpueblo

NAUGHTI WINES AND SICK-N-TWISTED BREWERY

Hill City, SD

This microbrewery and winery in Black Hills National Forest lacks the pretentiousness you may expect when it comes to craft brewers and sommeliers. Your server will take you through their selection of dozens of beers on tap or through their expansive wine selection until you find your perfect match. Enjoy the outdoor patio, fire pit, and pub-style food during your visit, too. This host can accept rigs up to 44 feet long, and can host four RVers at a time.

TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM Tallahassee, FL

The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is full of unique cars, artifacts, collections, and vintage amusements. Here you can find the 1900 Snell, which is one of the oldest automobiles manufactured in the United States; the horsedrawn funeral hearse, which is said to have carried Abraham Lincoln; and the three original Batmobiles used in TV and movie adaptations.

Also check out the collectible displays of Steinway pianos, knives, antique timepieces, sports memorabilia, and much more. You’re sure to find something that sparks your interest! RVers with vehicles more than 45 feet long are welcome.

MARSH-BILLINGS-ROCKEFELLER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Woodstock, VT

Vermont boasts tranquil farms, pastoral countryside, and lush forests, and nowhere are these more evident than at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The park tells the important story of conservation history and how land stewardship has evolved in America. Start your visit at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center, where exhibits and a film explain more about the history and management of the park. The surrounding forest represents one of the oldest continuously-managed woodlands in the country, so you can marvel at centuries-old hemlocks, beech, and sugar maples.

The best way to experience the park is by

horseback riding or walking along the 20 miles of trails and carriage roads that engulf you with brilliant colors, especially in autumn. On top of hiking the forests, there is much more to do in the park, including guided walking tours of the historic 1805 mansion and gardens owned by the Marsh family, and spending some time in the Billings Farm and Museum, which is a working dairy farm and rural life museum where sustainable agriculture is practiced. A visit to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is a wonderful way to learn about conservation and land stewardship firsthand in a beautiful setting.

Contributed by Nancy Walters @ rvagogo

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QUECHEE/PINE VALLEY KOA

3700 Woodstock Road

White River Junction, VT 05001

This is a great campground with tons of amenities and activities in a fun area of Vermont. There is a wide range of sites, including pull-throughs, pull-ins, and back-ins, which can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites have full hookups while others offer fewer services, and that is reflected in the nightly price. Most sites are gravel with gravel patios, but there are deluxe sites with paved patios, patio furniture, large shade umbrellas, and barbecue grills. Our site was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the campground activities and amenities. It was a pull-in, which was nice because the view out of our front windshield was of a wooded area. The area is hilly, so the campground is terraced. Despite the hilliness of the park and all the trees, we had no trouble navigating our 45-foot RV to our site. The trees at our site would prevent satellite television reception, but the site had cable and we got about 20 channels.

Contributed by Nancy Walters @rvagogo ■

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An Unexpe cted Pairing Texas and Wine Country Fredericksburg, Texas

By Kayla Tuala

When you think of Texas, you might think of southern hospitality, cowboys, food, football, and music, but you may be surprised to hear the wine industry is also gaining steam in the Lone Star State. You can find all of these things in the small town of Fredericksburg.

HISTORY

Fredericksburg is rich in history. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, a German influence still shines today in its restaurants, lodging, bakeries, and local beer. History buffs will enjoy the National Historic

District, where you can find more than 80 points of historic interest and significance. The visitor center downtown offers maps for a free guided walking tour. The town has several museums, and if you prefer being outdoors, you can visit five nearby Texas state parks. Old Tunnel State Park and Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site offer opportunities to learn about the Civil War, World War I, and more, while Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Inks Lake State Park, and Colorado Bend State Park offer opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

WHERE TO STAY

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park is a wonderful RV park in the area. The people are friendly, the spaces are large, and the sunset views are incredible. It has several amenities, including a swimming pool, gift shop, showers, dog park with dog washing station, playground, outdoor activities, and more. The campground also offers cabins and even covered wagons for a unique “glamping” experience. The park is only a 5-minute drive from Main Street, so there is easy access to food and entertainment during your stay. Fredericksburg has several other great RV parks to choose from, as well as traditional bed and breakfasts, inns, and even Airbnb options located on the properties of local wineries.

THINGS TO DO

Speaking of Main Street, it is the most popular area in town, and for good reason. It appeals to just about everyone, which explains why Fredericksburg is a

popular location for family trips, romantic getaways, birthday celebrations, and even bachelorette parties. Main Street has everything you need to be entertained during your visit. You can shop until you drop at the boutiques, gift shops, and novelty stores. Headquarters Hats is one of the best places to find a cowboy hat, a belt, or even a new pair of boots. After a day of walking and shopping, you might need a place to rest. There are several wine rooms and lounges that offer the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax, and taste wines from all over Texas and the world. Most of these locations offer wine flights and snacks or small plates, so they are a great place to spend the afternoon. Many local restaurants close by 9 p.m., but that doesn’t mean the night has to end. The town has several nightlife options, including bars and the Velvet Lounge Bar & Karaoke.

WHAT TO EAT

Dining options include everything from German and Italian food to Mexican, Chinese, burgers, and

charcuterie. The Auslander, located on Main Street, is a top choice for German food. It’s been one of the town’s most popular dining locations for more than 20 years. The food is authentic, and they specialize in dishes from the state of Bavaria, which is located in the southeastern region of Germany. Pasta Bella is an Italian restaurant located just off of Main Street. They have traditional and unique dishes, friendly service, and tasty desserts. Tubby’s Ice House and BurgerBurger are both popular locations to satisfy your craving for burgers and fries. Texas Sunrise, known for omelets and pancakes, is one of the best places for breakfast or brunch. Some of their signature dishes were featured on the Food Network show “Throwdown! with Bobby Flay.” There are several bakeries in town, and a favorite is the Old German Bakery and Restaurant. Since it is a Texas town, you know there has to be barbecue and Tex-Mex, and there is no shortage of either. Whatever you’re craving, Fredericksburg has it.

WINERIES

Texas Hill Country has more than 50 wineries, and Fredericksburg is home to quite a few of them. Main Street has several options for tasting rooms, but there are many others sprinkled throughout the town. Drive down Highway 290 to discover just how many wineries and vineyards there are in the area. If you want to indulge at several wineries while safely traveling from one location to the next, you’re in luck—there are several local companies that offer wine tours, both for groups and private parties. There are many options to choose from, including limousines, trolley buses, safari cars, and party buses.

Most of the wineries offer tours of the vineyards, but many of the wines made in Fredericksburg actually come from grapes grown in Brownfield, Texas. Located about 90 miles northwest of Fredericksburg, it is known as the Grape Capital of Texas. Brownfield’s dry heat and sandy, iron-rich soil make conditions just right for grape growing.

There are only a few places in the world that meet these criteria, and many winemakers have taken advantage, with more than 3,000 acres of vineyards in Brownfield.

No matter what kind of vibe you’re looking for in your winery experience, you can find it in Fredericksburg. You’re sure to experience a friendly environment and beautiful views at any location. It is the Texas Hill Country, after all! For a more upscale feel, you can visit Signor Vineyards, Augusta Vin Winery, Barons Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, or Grape Creek Vineyards. For a more laidback vibe, you can check out Fat Ass Ranch and Winery, Texas Wine Collective, Santamaria Cellars, Fiesta Winery, or Safari Winery. After you make your rounds, you’ll be sure to identify a few favorites that fit your style and taste.

DON’T MISS THE PEACHES!

Peaches are the other thing Fredericksburg is known for. There are produce stands located down Highway

290 and dispersed among the wineries with seasonal produce, baked goods, and canned goods for sale. Many of these stands also offer peach ice cream. The best way to find which one you like the most is to drive down the highway and stop anytime you see a peach ice cream sign. Some of the most famous places are Burg’s Corner, Gold Orchards, Inc., Behrend’s Orchard, and Engel Orchards.

Though it’s small, Fredericksburg is a town you just can’t miss. Located within driving distance of Austin and San Antonio, it’s definitely worth your time to make the drive and experience the heart of Texas. Come for the wine, stay for the food, and fall in love with the people and the breathtaking Texas Hill Country. ■

Kayla and Josh share their travels on Instagram @tualabears.

A few years ago, my husband and I embarked on a summer adventure to explore Southwest Colorado, and of course, the town of Crested Butte was on our list. I had heard so much about this place that my curiosity was off the charts, and it did not disappoint. The mountains were more majestic than I could have imagined, and after spending a month exploring this charming mountain town, it stole our hearts.

Crested Butte is known for world-class skiing, but there’s way more to explore here than just the slopes, including amazing hiking trails and outdoor summer activities. The town is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and mountain biking to paddleboarding and fishing, the list goes on and on. Trust us, Crested Butte will quickly become your new favorite getaway spot!

Here’s a quick guide of must-do activities when you visit in the summer.

EXPERIENCE EMERALD LAKE

If you’re looking for a secluded, scenic place to paddle with alpine views in the area, Emerald Lake is a great option. Just 15 miles from downtown Crested Butte, the water has an emerald hue that reflects the towering mountains, making it very hard not to drool over how beautiful this spot is. Bring a picnic lunch, then take a dip in the gorgeous lake on your next visit to Colorado’s high country.

HIKE INTO THE MOUNTAINS

The Scarp Ridge to Mt. Emmons Trail is one heck of a hike! If you’re up for a challenge and ready to explore the rugged beauty of the Rockies, this is the hike for you. This trail has steep inclines, rocky terrain, and 8.3 miles to conquer, but the view from the top is worth every grueling step

One of the reasons why this hike was my favorite is how deep into the mountains we got. We were completely immersed in nature—it was like stepping into a postcard.

By Nicoll Davis

Emerald Lake

Scarp Ridge Trail

KAYAK LAKE IRWIN

If you’re a water lover, don’t miss out on Lake Irwin. This beautiful alpine lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, or just lounging on the shore with a good book. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the lake?

ENJOY A SCENIC DRIVE

If you’re looking for a stunning drive, hop in your fourwheel-drive vehicle and check out the Paradise Divide loop. This 26-mile route will take you on an adventure up to 11,250 feet above sea level, where you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning mountain views you’ve ever seen. Think snow-capped peaks, crystalclear streams, and wildflowers as far as the eye can see.

But this drive is not for the faint of heart! The road gets steep and narrow, and there are no guardrails to protect you from the edge. If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one.

EXPLORE VIA MOUNTAIN BIKE

If you’re looking for an epic adventure, mountain biking is a must. Crested Butte has some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, with more than 750 miles of singletrack to explore.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a trail for everyone. And if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even try your hand at downhill mountain biking at the Evolution Bike Park.

Lake Irwin Paradise

WANDER THROUGH THE WILDFLOWERS

Every July, the town hosts the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. This festival is not just about admiring the beautiful wildflowers in the region, but also about learning how to incorporate these vibrant blooms into your daily life. The festival offers an array of workshops, like painting classes where you can learn to capture the beauty of wildflowers on canvas, and cooking classes that teach you how to use wildflowers to add some color and flavor to your dishes.

CHECK OUT DOWNTOWN

Now, let’s head to downtown Crested Butte. This town is full of unique shops, delicious restaurants, and friendly locals. Walk down Elk Avenue and you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage cowboy boots. And if you’re feeling peckish, grab a slice of heaven at Secret Stash Pizza.

So, there you have it—a quick guide to all the best things to see and do in Crested Butte, Colorado. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this charming mountain town has something for everyone. ■

Nicoll and her husband, Jake, share their travels on Instagram @livingtinywithawolf.

Judd Falls

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Dreaming

BIG

Couple Specializes in Unique Renos

By Casie Tomaz

My husband, Igor, and I realized our love for renovating when we updated our first travel trailer, which was … well, ugly. While raising our four wild kids, we dove into Pinterest and started renovating. We found water damage, which we learned how to repair, and then we realized we would love to help others with both water damage and renovation in general. After we finished renovating our trailer, we started taking on RV renovations for others.

We focus on customizing each RV to the client, making it uniquely theirs. Some clients bring their own mood board, and we ask as many questions as we can to ensure we build exactly what they’re looking for. Others leave it to us to decide. No matter what, we work closely with each client to bring the vision to life. We have no minimum project, and we fear nothing. You found water damage? We can help. Looking to update your RV to a more modern style? We’re in. We can also help with generators and solar power. We tell our clients to dream big as they think about what they would like or what they want to change. That’s the exciting part!

Traveling in an RV allows you to embrace the world around you, but we want our clients to be just as happy inside as they are outside. One of the signature pieces in our renovations is an epoxy shower, though we still customize it to each client. We love getting to add unique pieces into each RV— we’ve created river tables, epoxy showers, and even beautiful dog crates.

We never want to say no to a request, and we embrace challenging ourselves. We have ripped out cabinets, torn down walls, installed fireplaces, added storage, updated roofs and air conditioners, prepped for boondocking, and changed exterior paint.

A recent renovation we worked on included two travel trailers that were completely gutted and shipped off to Dubai. One trailer was turned into the bedroom/hangout area, while the other was turned into the kitchen/mess hall. It was a project we were so excited by since it was so unique. Both trailers

Custom Dog Crate

Custom Dreamline Shower

were given a lift to be able to travel across sand more easily and sent off on a boat to go to their new home.

Our client for a recent Super C RV renovation was a competitive bird hunter and needed room for their hunting dogs as well as space for their children. We built a beautiful dog crate that mounted under the table to use all the space within the RV while keeping the entire space tasteful. The front cab of the RV lacked any insulation, so we framed it out, insulated it, and then created a fun space for their oldest son. One of my favorite parts of this project was their custom Dreamline shower. We went with a soft marble design and then paired it with the glass panes of a Dreamline. For our first bed lift system, our clients wanted the versatility of a toy hauler with the style of a motorhome. We flipped the layout of the RV, placing a triple bunk in what was originally the primary bedroom, and then built a custom bed lift system over the driver’s seats for the new primary bedroom. This allowed for more room for the kids, with the lowest bunk extending into a queen bed. We also created a custom oversized couch with specialized cushions for the living area.

Another client wanted a motorhome renovated into a futuristic spaceship with a custom plant wall. For this RV, we steam bent some wood, torched plexiglass to bend it, and really pushed the envelope. Some clients are just looking for a mini update with some paint, and others are looking for a full renovation. We’ve bought RVs for clients who don’t have them, and we’ve swapped RVs to renovate ones for clients who are living full time in their RV and need a place to stay. We love helping anyone in the renovation process, and we love to help create people’s dream RVs. ■

Casie and Igor share their renovation projects on Instagram @tomazcoasttocoast.

GO ON, TAKE A HIKE.

WAYS

TO GIVE YOUR

The RV boom of the past five years has brought another boom with it—more RVers than ever are showing off their RV renovations online. At RV Inspiration, we love to see how everyone has transformed their RVs from drab to fab, and we’re all about sharing gorgeous renovation photos and tips to make them happen. Not sure where to start your renovation? No worries! Here are the 10 best ways to give your RV a major facelift.

Paint Kitchen Cabinets

If your RV feels dark, painting the cabinets is a great way to lighten it up. Since many RV cabinets are dark brown, painting them a lighter color will help your space feel brighter and more spacious. White is the most popular color for RV cabinets, but if you’re looking to go bold, blue and green are great options.

Photo by Lacey Brooke @laceyautumnbrooke

RV a Facelift 2

Cover Walls with Paint or Wallpaper

By Alyssa Padgett

Painting RV walls is an easy, inexpensive way to modernize your camper, and you don’t even need to remove existing wallpaper. Just use a high-quality primer, then add a coat or two of paint. To save time and get a cleaner finish, we recommend using a paint sprayer. Wallpaper, shiplap, beadboard, and other colorful or textured wall options are great ways to add personality and interest to your RV. These can be more expensive than painting, but they’re great ways to modernize a room.

@4thelifeofriley

Photo by Riley Cosgrave

3Update Hardware

Replacing cabinet hardware can be expensive, depending on how many drawers you have in your RV. I recommend shopping on Amazon, where you can buy matching handles and drawer pulls in packs of 10 or more for a fraction of the price compared to hardware stores.

Photo by Nomadicana @nomadicana.co

4 Swap Light Fixtures

Consider updating your light fixtures to add style to your home on wheels. Hanging light fixtures is a great way to add a focal point to a room and will always be more stylish than the factory-installed recessed lights. You may want to hire an electrician for this one!

Photo by Wayland Ventures @wayland_ventures

5Replace Flooring

Ripping out old carpet or laminate floors and replacing them with vinyl flooring is a great way to add fresh life to an old RV. Vinyl wood flooring is fairly inexpensive—you can replace the floors in your entire RV for about $200. Installation is pretty simple, even if you’ve never installed flooring before. The hardest part is removing all your furniture from the RV first and then replacing it afterward.

Photo by Maggie Matlock @matlock.family.travel

6Transform the Windows

A little window makeover can give your RV a subtle and effective facelift. Even just removing the factory-installed valances can help bring more light into your home, and you can add some curtains to complete the look. Or if you like the valances, which often do a great job of hiding shade rollers or blinds, you can upgrade them by re-upholstering, painting, or even building replacements.

@ashley.joyfullygrowing

7

Ditch the Dining Booth

Dining booths offer great storage and seating, but more and more renovators are opting to remove all or half of the dinette to create a more open floor plan. If you want to keep your dinette, consider painting the base to match your cabinets, replacing the fabric, or adding throw pillows and other decor.

Photo by Wayland Ventures @wayland_ventures

Photo by Ashley Carpenter

8Update the Shower

If you’re an advanced renovator with DIY skills, you might want to update your shower! Replace the walls with corrugated metal, add a bathtub, or replace the shower doors. Or for a simpler upgrade, swap out your showerhead! Many RVs come with plastic showerheads and knobs. You’ll be surprised by how much a shiny metal showerhead can elevate your bathroom. You can even find showerheads with flow valves to help you control your water pressure or to take quick military showers when you need to save water.

@buslifenz

9 Switch Sinks

I will never stop obsessing over this bathroom model from GrayCo. Not only did they swap out the bathroom sink for this concrete, abovecounter beauty, but the rugged sink looks amazing against the moss wall they created. It’s hard to believe that this is an RV bathroom! If you want an above-counter sink, you may need to replace your countertops, which would add significant costs and labor to your RV makeover. But you can find stylish sinks that fit in your existing bathroom counters at major home improvement stores.

Photo by Kristen Gray @_gray_co

Photo by Andy Cleverley

Refresh the Exterior

existing decals is a popular way to give your RV’s exterior a cleaner look, but you can also get creative with paint

Photo by Cate and Chad Battles @argosyodyssey

Bonus Option: Update Furniture

If you’re replacing your floors and removing all your furniture anyway, why not update with something new? You can use residential furniture in RVs; you just need to make sure it doesn’t weigh more than the original furniture. Replacing your couch will do the most to transform your space, and you can assemble your new couch inside your RV so you don’t have to worry about fitting it through the door. With couches available in every possible style and color, and inexpensive options available from IKEA or Amazon, this is a great way to make your RV feel like home. ■

Photo by Sarah Vancina @caffeinated.rv.mom

Do you have an RV renovation that you would like to share with our readers? Email us at collab@rvtoday.com to be featured in an upcoming issue!

RV Storage Hacks

EDITION IKEA

Built-in storage options keep getting better in RVs, but there are some really great products that can help you optimize your organization and storage. Our readers have found that IKEA, the Swedish company notorious for their flat-pack furniture, tends to have many inexpensive and practical items that work really well in RVs.

Variera Mountable Trash Can

Any product that can help you can get items secured and off the ground is usually good for an RV. Since this trash can mounts to a wall or cabinet door, you can easily put one in every room!

Kungsfors Mesh Bag

Reduce single-use plastics by carrying or hanging produce in this mesh bag in your RV. Simply install a hook or bar (also available at IKEA) where you’d like to keep fresh fruits and vegetables out of the way. You can also use this bag for shopping, eliminating those pesky produce bags!

Tisken Shower Basket

Most RV showers are tiny, with very little shelving for soap or shampoo bottles. This shower basket comes with tight-grip suction cups that stick to tile or glass, and there are holes in the bottom of the basket to drain water. The Tisken line includes other great bathroom storage options as well, like a soap dish, toothbrush holder, and towel hooks.

Variera Box

Hard-sided plastic bins are a must-have for RVing. From shoes and camping gear to pantry organization, these bins come in handy for every room. They are easy to clean and make organizing your space simple.

Klyket Folding Hook

By mounting these hooks strategically throughout your RV, you can be sure to keep jackets, hats, and bags organized and within easy reach for the next trip out. When they’re not in use, they fold away and take up minimal space.

Sunnersta Kitchen Rack

This kitchen rack is a great option if you’re not interested in drilling holes to mount a rack for more kitchen storage. By wedging the rack between your countertop and upper cabinet, you can create a space for items you use all the time and need easy access to. Just make sure the rack is wedged in tight before travel days!

IKEA 365+ Dry Food Jar

These transparent food containers help keep your dry goods organized. With several sizes to choose from, you can customize your pantry to ensure your kitchen staples are always stocked and ready.

Baxna Organizer

Baxna organizers come in a few different sizes, are attractive enough for open cabinets, and have removable, machine-washable fabric covers. IKEA also has tons of other options for storage bins, so you’re bound to find something for your space if these don’t work for you. ■

Photo credit: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

TRAVELING With DOGS

By Roxanne and Gary Brooks

We travel in a pack, and our pack likes to travel. When we purchased our first trailer, we knew we wanted to find as many opportunities as possible to travel with our dogs, Daisy and Bodhi.

Daisy is our overly friendly 8-year-old golden retriever. She has the kindest heart and the sweetest demeanor, preferring humans over other dogs. Bodhi is our goofy 5-year-old black lab. He is an eternal puppy, has tons of energy, and breaks the rules often. We pack up our 16-foot trailer as often as we can and head out on the open road in search of places where our furry copilots are accepted, and even preferred.

Managing the Car Ride

Long car rides come easy to Bodhi; he is either looking out the back window, his tongue and ears flapping in the wind, or curled up in a ball fast asleep. Daisy, on the other hand, would rather be in the front seat with us instead of next to her brother, so she whines and cries until she eventually gives up and falls asleep. We bring her blanket and toys, along with CBD treats, to ease the anxiety of being stuck in the back.

Bring Treats

Our dog travel bag includes lots of bully sticks, as we’ve found this is the only way Bodhi will stay preoccupied long enough for us to have a quiet meal in public. We bring extra treats on outings as well.

Exercise Regularly

We always bring our Chuckit! ball thrower and make sure our dogs get tons of exercise. We are firm believers that a tired pup is a happy pup, so we prioritize playtime even when we’re traveling, which benefits all of us.

Stick to Their Routine

Our dogs do well with routine, so when we’re on the road, we try to keep the same feeding and training schedules that we follow at home.

Keep the Trailer Clean

A vacuum cleaner and dog brush are also essential for us. Our dogs shed, so we brush the dogs and vacuum the car and our trailer daily. This helps keep the shedding at bay and keeps our tiny home clean and neat.

As the Charles Shulz saying goes, “In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” For us, that means traveling with our pack. It doesn’t matter where we go; we only want to create lasting memories together. Our dogs are only with us for a short amount of time, so we want to make sure every second counts! ■

For more of Roxanne and Gary’s travels with Daisy and Bodhi, follow them @dreaminofairstreamin.

It doesn’t matter where we go; we only want to create lasting memories together.”

Dog-Friendly Places on The Olympic Peninsula

We’re often asked for advice on the best places to travel with dogs. You’ll be able to find some dog-friendly businesses almost anywhere, but the Olympic Peninsula in Washington is one of the most dog-friendly destinations we’ve found in our travels Here are some of our favorite spots from our time there.

PORT ANGELES

■ Elwha RV Park: This huge campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking to visit Olympic National Park, and they even have a dogsitter on-site! We didn’t use the sitter, but if you’re planning on hiking in the park and don’t want to leave your pup in the RV alone, we think it’s a great option.

■ Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza: This brewery and restaurant allows dogs inside, and it’s right by the boardwalk. They have awesome food and great beer, and we were able to walk it all off after.

■ Dog-friendly beaches: Drive to Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach, both of which are dog-friendly and make for great photo opportunities. Kalaloch Beach is home to the Tree of Life, which is a truly incredible sight.

OCEAN SHORES

■ Ocean Shores Beach: Take a stroll or a drive on the beach in Ocean Shores—they allow vehicles on the beach during the slow season!

■ Ocean Pours Taproom: This taproom has an awesome outdoor tented area, which worked out well for us since we visited on a rainy day.

■ Seabrook, Washington: This seaside town is just a short drive from Ocean Shores and looks like it’s straight out of a movie set. While in Seabrook, enjoy Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar, along with Frontager’s Pizza Company. They both have outdoor space and a great view of the beach.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

■ Inside the park: Only certain trails and beaches are dog-friendly, so check the national park site to see where your dogs will be allowed to accompany you. We recommend stopping by the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center—my husband was able to get our dogs honorary “bark ranger” tags, complete with a certificate!

■ Oyhut Bay Grill: Like Seabrook, Oyhut Bay is a cute little village. The food at this restaurant was great, and they have a covered outdoor space that’s dog-friendly!

OTHER DOG-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS

■ Screamin’ Eagle Campground

■ Allens Bar Campground

■ Quinault River Inn

Surprising

By Kathryn Frazer

Did you know that the second largest canyon in the United States is in Texas? That’s right, Palo Duro Canyon, located in the Texas Panhandle, is second only to Arizona’s Grand Canyon!

At 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and up to 800 feet deep, this canyon may not have as much notoriety as the Grand Canyon, but as almost lifelong Texans who have explored most of the state, we think it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Texas to visit.

Lighthouse Rock Trail

About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

For more than 12,000 years, the area that is now Palo Duro Canyon State Park has been home to Clovis and Folsom peoples, and later Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache peoples, who used its many natural resources. When Spanish explorers later discovered the park, they referred to it as Palo Duro, which means hard wood in Spanish, due to the hardwood shrubs and trees found in the canyon.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that the canyon and surrounding area became a Texas state park, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, who built the park infrastructure. And today, it’s considered one of the best state parks in Texas because of its 30-plus miles of trails—which are accessible by hiking, biking, and horseback riding—as well as a summer musical, a restaurant, lodging options, and other activities.

DID YOU KNOW?

■ Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States

■ Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas”

■ Palo Duro is Spanish for hard stick or hard wood

Lighthouse Rock

View from Free Parking

How to Get There

Palo Duro Canyon is located about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, an area in the northern part of the state, by the border of New Mexico and Oklahoma.

While it’s a bit of a trek from the major cities in Texas, there is plenty to do in the area for a long weekend adventure, including the legendary Route 66, which runs through Amarillo, plus other state parks and unique attractions.

When to Visit

We have hiked in Palo Duro during some of the hottest and coldest months, August and January, and both were a completely different experience.

The summertime brings the most excitement to the park, with its seasonal musical, but it also brings some intense heat. In the summer, the daily

highs easily reach 100 degrees. We went for a sunset hike during our visit, and as the sun went down, the temperature was still hovering around 100 degrees.

The winters can be very cold in this part of Texas, with average lows in the 20s and occasional snow, which could close the park. Winter mornings will be frigid, but as the sun rises, it should warm up to be perfect hiking weather.

In our opinion, the best seasons to visit would be spring and fall, when you have the greatest chance of mild weather. But regardless of which month you choose, one thing you can almost guarantee is lots of wind.

Where to Stay

There are a handful of lodging options, both inside and outside of the park.

Accommodations in the Park

The park has four camping areas for tents and RVs

(with electric and water), plus an additional tentonly camping area, as well as primitive camping. All campgrounds are reservable except the primitive campground, which is first come, first served.

Want Something a Bit More Spacious?

The park also has cabins! There are three cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, that sit on the rim of the canyon and have amazing views. All three units include air conditioning, a heater, a microwave, bathroom facilities, a fireplace, and multiple beds, sleeping up to four people.

There are also four cabins on the canyon floor, and while these are a bit more rustic than the rim cabins, they still offer the basic necessities as the cabins above. The main difference is that the showers and bathrooms are a short walk away.

And finally, Palo Duro offers fully-furnished glamping sites!

Outside the Park

Texas isn’t really known for scenic boondocking, but if you’re looking for a free place to park the night before visiting, we highly suggest the Lookout Point Picnic Site in Claude, about an hour from the park. It’s just a parking lot, but the views of Palo Duro Canyon are stunning!

You can also find campgrounds outside of the park, like Palo Duro RV Park in Canyon, Texas, and a KOA in Amarillo.

What to Know Before Visiting

Fees

It costs $8 per adult per day to enter the park, and kids 12 and younger are free. If you plan to visit multiple Texas state parks, we suggest looking into the Texas State Parks Pass, which costs $70 per year and includes access to almost 90 state parks, as well as discounts on campgrounds, merchandise, and equipment rentals.

Park Hours

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and does have a gate that closes, so if you’d like to get an early start, you’ll need to camp in the park.

Dogs Are Allowed

Dogs are allowed everywhere in the park, except inside park buildings, and must be kept on a 6-foot leash.

Brings Lots of Water and Sunscreen

Be sure to bring lots of water and sun protection, as you won’t find much water on the trails and there is very little shade in the park. Even in the colder winter months, the sun can be brutal here!

What to Do

Hike the Lighthouse Trail

5.8 miles round trip, 521 feet of elevation gain

While the park has 30 miles of hiking trails, the most popular is the Lighthouse Trail. This trail takes you through the canyon to the iconic and unique

Lighthouse Rock Trail

Rock Garden Trail

Lighthouse rock formation, which is a towering, orange rock formation unlike anything else in the park. You’ll get to admire it from a few different perspectives, including walking on the base of it!

Another way to get to Lighthouse Rock is to take the less popular Givens, Spicer and Lowry Trail, which is about 8 miles total.

Other Trails

While the Lighthouse Trail gets most of the love in the park, there are other trails worth checking out, too!

Rock Garden Trail

5 miles round trip, 777 feet of elevation gain

The Rock Garden Trail takes you through an ancient landslide and up to the rim of the canyon for a different perspective than the Lighthouse Trail. Once you reach the top, be sure to hike along the rim for even more views of the canyon.

CCC Trail

2.8 miles round trip, 561 feet of elevation gain

Along this trail you’ll descend into the canyon through four geologic layers and across four bridges built by the CCC. You’ll see beautiful views, and also experience some of the park’s history!

Lower Comanche Trail

6.1 miles round trip, 764 feet of elevation gain

The Lower Comanche Trail travels through the canyon, beneath the craggy face of Fortress Cliff. You’ll see spring-fed streams crossing the trail and can rest under a Rocky Mountain juniper.

Drive the Park Road

If you’re short on time or just want to experience the park from the car, simply driving the park road is a great way to see the canyon’s beauty.

Visit a Cave

In addition to the canyon, Palo Duro is also home to caves! There are a couple of caves that are easier to access in the park, including The Big Cave, which you can see from the road and hike closer to, plus the Palo Duro Caves Trail.

This short, unmarked trail starts at a small parking lot and takes you to a couple of different cave entrances, where you can climb up (at your own risk!) to go inside and explore. Bring a headlamp, as one of the caves continues for a while and you’ll need a light source to go through it.

This was one of the coolest experiences in the park, both literally and figuratively—it’s chilly in the caves!

Mountain Biking

Most trails in the park are open to mountain biking, with the most popular being the Capitol Peak Trail. It goes through the scenic canyon country around Capitol Peak and offers three levels of difficulty to choose from.

Horseback Riding

You can also go horseback riding in the park! Two of the park’s hiking trails are open for horseback riding, and there is a dedicated trail for horseback riding as well. Don’t have your own horse? You can book a tour

The Big Cave

with Old West Stables, which offers a one-hour tour from March to November.

Summer Musical

A unique offering in Palo Duro is the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, which shares the stories, triumphs, and struggles of early pioneers in Texas through singing, dancing, and fireworks. This show runs Tuesday through Sunday from early June to early August, and a barbecue dinner can be added on as well!

If you find yourself road tripping the Lone Star State, be sure to add Palo Duro Canyon to your route to experience one of the best natural gems that Texas has to offer! ■

Kathryn shares more travel destinations on Instagram and YouTube @adventuresofaplusk and at adventuresofaplusk.com.

Lighthouse Rock Trail

51 Parks 52 Weeks

National Parks Tour IN

Part Two : Death Valley National Par k

Missed Part One?

Check

By Howard and Katelyn Newstate

Death Valley National Park, located along the California-Nevada border, is the largest U.S. national park outside of Alaska, covering 3.4 million acres. 93% of the park is designated as protected wilderness, and with nearly 1,000 miles of paved or dirt roads and trails to explore, there’s a lot to see and do here! Death Valley is also the hottest place in the world, the lowest point in North America, and one of the driest places in the country! Given the park’s location and size, we recommend spending several days in the park and timing your visit according to the weather. With temperatures often reaching 120 degrees

Dantes View

Get Out There

This year, we’re visiting 51 national parks in 52 weeks, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from parks across the United States. We’ve teamed up with Winnebago, and will be traveling in a 2023 Winnebago Vista Limited Edition RV. This RV was inspired by our national parks and designed with exploring in mind. At 30 feet long, it fits into more than 80% of national park campgrounds and has a number of special features to help you “get out there,” such as an intelligent power system with Automatic Generator Start (AGS) to manage power usage during quiet hours.

in the shade during the summer, it’s not ideal to visit this park in June, July, or August. Wintertime, on the other hand, is quite mild. It’s important to bring layers, as the temperature changes by 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation. From Badwater Basin (at 282 feet below sea level) to Dantes View (5,575 feet above sea level), that can mean a temperature change of almost 30 degrees!

Where to Stay and What to Do

There are several options for camping and hotel accommodations within the park. We stayed at a fullhookup site at the Furnace Creek Campground. There is also camping at Stovepipe Wells, or if you’re not traveling by RV, you can stay at either The Inn or The Ranch.

There are several places to grab a bite to eat or a drink after a long day of exploring. One of our favorites is the Badwater Saloon in Stovepipe Wells. We had a delicious turkey leg, a gourmet cheeseburger, and a barbecue sandwich. All of it was delicious and very reasonably priced, especially considering how remote this area is.

Given Death Valley’s size, you’ll want to plan for a lot of driving. There are two gas stations available, at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but keep in mind that fuel prices can be almost double what is found outside the park. Come with a full tank of gas, and plan on at least one fill-up if you drive the full length of the park.

With that said, one of the best things about Death Valley is that even if you don’t have a ton of time to do

any lengthy hikes, you can see a lot just a short distance from your car!

Attend a Ranger-Led Program

One of our favorite things to do when we visit national parks is to attend ranger-led programs. The park rangers are full of incredible information and are often excellent storytellers! We opted for a walk through Golden Canyon with Ranger Annie Belgam. On our hour-long guided hike, she shared incredible information and anecdotes about the park. According to Ranger Annie, Death Valley got its name during the Gold Rush days, when a few lost miners thought they could take a detour around the very snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains. They planned to

Top Recommendations

■ Visit Ubehebe Crater for incredible views of an ancient volcanic crater

■ Take Artists Drive to Artists Palette

■ Walk 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin

■ Take in the incredible sights from Dantes View

■ Drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon

■ Watch a sunrise or sunset at Zabriskie Point

■ Trek through the sand at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

■ Check out the ominous Devils Cornfield

■ Take a hike through Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral

Artists Palette

spend four days crossing this desolate land, and instead it took four months. Sadly, one member of their party died during their treacherous trek, and when they finally reached the other side of the valley at the top of the Panamint Mountains, they exclaimed, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” and the name stuck!

Death Valley Becomes a National Park

Ranger Annie said we can also thank miners for the establishment of Death Valley as a federally-protected national park. There wasn’t much gold or silver to be found in this area of California, but there was another highly coveted substance—borax, which was mainly used in laundry detergent. It was in this valley that 20

Mule Team Borax was produced, named after the 18 mules and two horses that would help transport the material to market. Once it no longer made financial sense to operate the borax mines in such a remote area, the miners turned their operations toward tourism! They began converting their housing into hotels and restaurants and really played up the ominous moniker of the area, marketing a visit to Death Valley as a “trip to hell.” These miners-turned-entrepreneurs were quite savvy and realized that the backing of the National Park Service would be another way to draw even more people to the area. So after years of petitioning, Death Valley became a national monument in 1933. It was eventually upgraded to national park status by Congress in 1994.

Zabriskie Point

Twenty Mule Team Canyon

The Incredible Devils Hole Pupfish

We love sharing lesser-known stories from each park and going behind the scenes with the rangers, scientists, and research teams doing incredible work across the parks. During our trip to Death Valley, we were invited to visit an area that is home to an animal found nowhere else on the planet, the endangered Devils Hole pupfish!

About an hour from Furnace Creek, there’s a section of Death Valley National Park across state lines in Nevada, within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Devils Hole contains a small opening of a massive aquifer, and it’s here that you’ll find the teeny tiny Devils Hole pupfish, which were nearly wiped off the face of the Earth! Their population dwindled to just 35 fish back in 2013, which

left the biologists who monitor them in quite a panic. For decades, research teams with several organizations have been working to reverse the decline and save the species. We were given a tour of the area by Jeffrey Goldstein, Death Valley National Park’s fisheries biologist and park dive officer. Since this ecosystem is so fragile, the area is highly protected, but there is a public platform and viewing area, which we highly recommend driving out to visit. Be sure to bring binoculars so you can try to catch a glimpse of the bright blue fish against the green algae!

According to the team working on the preservation of the Devils Hole pupfish, it’s still a mystery how they ended up here in the first place, estimated somewhere

between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. There are a few theories—higher water levels during the Ice Age could have allowed the fish to swim freely into the area, or indigenous people may have brought the fish to this water hole. What we do know is that over thousands of years of isolation, the Devils Hole pupfish have evolved to adapt to an extremely unique environment.

At 92 degrees, the water in Devils Hole is much warmer than other water sources found throughout Death Valley. These pupfish have a much larger head to body ratio and do not have pelvic fins like other species of pupfish found in nearby rivers, springs, and streams. They have no natural predators and often hang out on the algae-covered shelf of Devils Hole, where they feed and reproduce. It’s

incredible to see the bright blue males contrasted against the bright green of the shelf. They are extremely playful, chasing each other and swimming in circles.

Devils Hole Pupfish Near Extinction

There was a series of natural disturbances that contributed to the decline of the species over the years. Earthquakes as far away as Alaska have sloshed the water around in Devils Hole, disturbing their environment. Flash floods bringing feet of water into the aquifer also contributed. Jeff told us that in 2013, these disturbances happened at a crucial point in the life cycle of the fish, known as their recruitment period—a time when juvenile fish are selected and added into the adult population.

Devils Hole

Since 2013, the team at Death Valley National Park has worked with partner agencies to save and restore this population using a number of tactics, such as augmented feeding, shelf stabilization, and more. Twice a year, Jeff and his dive team enter Devils Hole, diving to about 70 feet below the surface as they conduct biannual population counts on the pupfish. The population has now increased to more than 200 fish!

The research team runs a facility at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge that mimics the Devils Hole environment. A reserve population of fish is nurtured and kept here, just in case this rare species inside Devils Hole faces extinction again.

Death Valley National Park is one of our favorite

parks. From the incredible landscapes to the fascinating stories and history, it’s easy to see why this is such a special place. With onsite restaurants, various camping and hotel options, and different hiking and sightseeing opportunities, this is definitely a park that can be tailored to your time and ability levels. Just remember to plan your visit around the intense summer heat! ■

Joined by their adventure pups, Piper, Ella and Scout, Howard and Katelyn Newstate share how to “Live Like a Local” in every new state they explore. For more information on Death Valley National Park visit newstatenomads.com/nationalparks.

Keep an eye out for Part Three of the National Parks Tour covering the famous National Parks of Utah in the next issue of RV Today.

Devils Hole Pupfish

Whether you’re ready to tackle that pet project that’s been sitting in storage collecting dust or you want to customize the look of your brand new RV here are a few tools and recommendations to help you get started.

Approved 10RVer Products

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Circular Saw

For smaller cuts and material that is easier to work with, check out DEWALT’s handheld circular saw.

Tic Tac Tiles

Available in different colors, these lightweight peel and stick tiles can be cut to fit and are easy to install. They add a perfect finishing touch to your RV renovation.

Safety glasses

When it comes to renovation projects, always keep safety first! These glasses will help protect you while you’re hard at work.

RecPro Vinyl Flooring

Made in the USA, RecPro’s vinyl flooring in Campfire Ash is available with or without glue to help streamline your next RV renovation project.

Peel and stick wallpaper

Not convinced if wallpaper is right for your RV? With this peel and stick version, you don’t have to commit—it’s easily removable if you change your mind.

Graco Paint Sprayer

This Graco paint sprayer is available in different sizes, easy to clean, and gives your renovation a professional look in a fraction of the time.

WETOLS Staple Gun

This staple gun is easy to handle and can be used with three different types of staples, which makes it great for upholstery projects.

DEWALT Table Saw, 10 Inch

Cut plywood and more with this heavy duty, free-standing table saw.

Rechargeable LED lights

Perfect for added ambience, these lights stick anywhere with no wiring needed, and they’re rechargeable.

“All Things Camper Renovating” Book

Get inspired! The designs in Sarah Lemp’s book will have you dreaming of new RV reno goals. ■

Send us your product submissions at rvtoday.com/products

Events

Upcoming RV Events and Rallies

Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2023 and 2024 events. Visit rvtoday.com/rv-rallies for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Rainbow RV CA Bodega Bay Labor

Day Weekend Rally 2023

September 1–4

Bodega Bay, CA

Portland Fall RV and Van Show

September 14–17

Portland, OR

RVDA of Syracuse New York State

RV Show

September 22–24

Syracuse, NY

OCTOBER

Overland Expo East

October 6–8

Arrington, VA

Eagles International FMCA Rally

October 11–15

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL

OC RV Show

October 12–15

Ocean City, MD

NOVEMBER

2023 Grand Design West Coast Regional Rally

November 1–5

Buellton, CA

Arizona Airstream Club Patagonia

Lake State Park Rally 2023

November 2–5

Patagonia, AZ

Sand Water RV Expo

November 17–18

Lake Havasu City, AZ

DECEMBER

Florida Dixie Loners on Wheels

December 4–8

Hoboken, GA

RVing Women Full Timers Chapter

December 19 Virtual

Airstream Club’s New Years at Picacho Peak

December 29–January 1

Picacho, AZ

JA NUARY

Nashville RV and Camping Show

January 19–21

Nashville, TN

Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show

January 20–28

Quartzsite, AZ

Atlanta Camping and RV Show

January 25–28

Atlanta, GA

FEBRUARY

Annual Detroit RV and Camping Show

February 10–14

Novi, MI

Springfield RV Camping and Outdoor Show

February 16–19

West Springfield, MA

Grand Design 2024 Rally at SeaCaribbean Escape!

February 18–25

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Events listed are a courtesy to our readers, with dates and details subject to change. For more information, contact the event organizers directly. If you want your next event listed here, please email collab@rvtoday.com.

RV Yesterday

An official Tin Can Tourists of the World organization was established in Tampa, Florida, in 1919, and “Tin Can Tourists” became the pioneers of camper travel during the 1920s. The pastime became increasingly popular after World War II, and many families enjoyed the growth in abundance of auto trailer parks. This image, taken by Joseph Janney Steinmetz in 1951, shows John and Lizzie Wilson camping in Bradenton, Florida. Steinmetz was a world-famous photographer whose images are dubbed “an American social history,” documenting the American lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Steinmetz, J. J. (1951) Killing Time. Bradenton, Florida, 1951. New York: Fotofolio. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021670724/.

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