Copyright Janet Groene 2026
Springtime is the time to
Go on The RV Diet
This isn’t about your weight loss. It’s about your RV.
Here’s how to start the summer season lighter, more fuel efficient and safer on the highway. After all, weight and weight distribution affect everything from fuel use to stability in handling, cornering, towing and braking.
Of course, some heavy items are essential. We need water (about eight pounds per gallon), fuel, batteries, grey and black water, food, kitchen and bath supplies, and all the gear that goes with each RV lifestyle. Many of us also carry a business on board.
Which straw broke the camel’s back? Let’s deal with one “straw” at a time. Your on-board load has a weight in pounds and ounces, and also weight in importance. For instance, bread makers and microwaves are heavy appliances, yet some of us find them essential. That also goes for all those lead sinkers in your tackle box and the tons of books that some of us prefer to Kindles
Here are ideas on losing RV weight:
Is there a lighter version of it? Can a new microwave-convection oven do everything you’re now using both a microwave and a conventional oven to do? Are you making only 2 to 4 cups in your 12-cup coffee maker? Would soap sheets work just as well as liquid laundry soap?
Leveling jacks come in many types, qualities and weights, both built-in and portable. Built-ins add to the weight of each axle. Portables add pounds to area where they are stored underway.
Get a newer model. If it’s an older piece of electronics, it’s likely that a newer model will be smaller and weigh less. Technology has provided us ways of getting more sound, more strength, insulation, or power out of less poundage.
Make it match. Most of us can lighten a wardrobe by ditching every garment and accessory that doesn’t create one or more outfits.
Check the pantry. Dehydrated, fresh, and frozen foods weigh less than canned. Condensed soups and juice concentrates weigh less per serving than ready-to-serve. Aluminum pots and pans weigh less than stainless steel and iron.
Plastic dishes or Corel weigh less than stoneware and pottery. Insulated plastic mugs and glasses weigh little, yet they keep drinks hot or cold forever. Silicone bakeware is good up to 500 degrees or more.
Rent it. It’s nice to have every tool in the catalog but rental companies can provide you the latest equipment and accessories for only a few dollars a day. Rent everything from tools to party ware and formal clothing. Borrow books free at the library. If the campground doesn’t have a honor library, start one.
Adopt a "New one in, old one out." rule that each new item replaces something you’re discarding: shoes, magazines, books, half-used sandpaper, ad inf.
Discard it. Now you feel better but the job isn’t finished yet.
You still have to balance your RV. It’s always wise to have it weighed by professionals.
RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
These weekly news breaks are from our local sources and may be incomplete or premature for travel planning. Many of these parks have not yet been reviewed, and no endorsement of them is implied here.
Grab the information for now and follow up on your own as the story develops. Parks are listed in boldface by location. Event dates are in red.
PARK CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEW OWNERS
The former Lake of the North Resort & Campground in West Branch, Michigan will open in the spring as the Jellystone Park Lake of the North. Features include mini golf, paddle sports, games, entertainments boat storage and fishing. Use the promo code b3g12026 to get your 4th night free. Seasonal sites are priced from 3,750. Go to campjellystone.com/michigan/jellystone-park-lake-north/
I
n Ohio, the Coshocton KOA now has pull through sites, safari style glamping and premium cable TV.
Better Times RV Park in Lake Panasofkkee, Florida has new management. Check for changes. The park has RV sites, Wi-Fi, laundry, a clubhouse and daily, weekly, monthly and long-term rates.(352) 793-16011
SCUTTLEBUTT
Pepper Park in National City, California, has embarked on a massive expansion that will mean two new hotels and an RV park. . Follow this story and grab reservations as soon as the RV park goes online. No opening date has been projected at this time. Contact PortOfSanDiego.org/
In Priest River, Idaho, approval has been given for opening phases of the Two Rivers Park marina and campground on a 39-acre former industrial site. A one-time working name for $21 million project was Joslyn Park. The uture park that fwill face on both the Priest and Pend Oreille rivers will have trails, a cantina, boating services and RV sites. Stay tuned as this project takes shape this year and next.
EVENTS
Earlybird tickets are already on sale, so jump in now to be at the Hillberry Music Festival at The Farm Campground in Eureka Springs, Arkansas October 7-11. Enjoy five nights of family friendly bluegrass music, camping, workshops, kids activities, arts, crafts and food. Check the website at HillberryFestival.com later for this year’s lineup of stellar artists. (888) 762-7152.
Here's good news for lunar skywatchers. Goldendale Observatory State Park, Washington will be open to visitors for eclipses until 2033. If you missed the March 3 eclipse, plan to be there on August 27 for a partial eclipse. Follow these programs and get reservations (required) for each event at GoldendaleObservatory.com/ The park has no camping. RV parks are nearby.
Attention Birders! The Warbler Capital of the World, Maumee Bay State Park, Ohio, is the scene of Birds in the Hills bird festival May 8-17. One of the top birding events in North America, the 10-day event held in the park lodge will feature expert speakers, sessions at top birding spots,, guided walks, canoe trips, demonstrations and evening socials. Registration is now open. The park has RV sites with full hookups. Participants can also stay at the lodge. See biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
CLOSURES
There's still time to camp the Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida. It closes for good on April 30
Campgrounds at Keith Charters Tate Park, Traverse City, Michigan are closed until next year. A massive $8.5 million renovation is taking place.
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