Exploring Kansas City, and Why Are Fifth Wheels Getting Taller? | Podcast 424

September 13, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs are leaving their long-time sports complex, and the city is expanding a free streetcar line that connects Union Station to the Country Club Plaza. That is the sort of change happening in a Midwestern city the hosts of the RV Miles Podcast know intimately — Abby grew up there, and the couple returns regularly in their 43-foot fifth wheel. In episode 424, they walk through where to stay, what to eat, and what to see in Kansas City, then pivot to a gear-focused discussion about a trend they find concerning: fifth wheels are getting taller.

Where to Park and What to See

The hosts’ top recommendation for RVers is Blue Springs Campground at Blue Springs Lake, a Jackson County park about 25 minutes from downtown. It has 81 sites, 29 of which are full hookup with concrete pads, plus showers, restrooms, and — unusually for a county park — laundry. They have parked their own 37-foot Sabre there multiple times, so big rigs fit. The alternative is mooch-docking with family, but that is hard with a 43-foot trailer.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **Episode Introduction & Housekeeping** - Jason and Abby open the show with sponsor mentions and a last call for their Homecoming event in Amana, Iowa.
2 (03:58) **Why Kansas City?** - The hosts explain why Kansas City is a standout RV destination, rooted in Abby's personal history and the city's central location.
3 (07:30) **Kansas City's Layout & History** - The hosts describe the city's sprawling geography and its deep historical and cultural roots.
4 (12:00) **Where to Stay: Blue Springs Campground** - Jason and Abby recommend the top RV campground near Kansas City, emphasizing its proximity and amenities.
5 (13:59) **Harry S. Truman National Historic Site** - A detailed guide to visiting the Truman home and surrounding Independence, MO.
6 (15:49) **Union Station & Crown Center** - The hosts highlight two connected attractions that are especially good for hot or cold weather days.
7 (19:42) **National World War I Museum & Memorial** - A brief overview of this major historical site near Union Station.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

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Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about RV destinations—but it should be.

This week, we’re taking you to one of our favorite cities in the country and sharing how to visit Kansas City by RV. Abby grew up in KC, we’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, and we’re covering some of our favorite places to camp, eat, explore, and experience the city.

We start with one of our favorite RV camping options near Kansas City, then head into Independence for Harry S. Truman history before exploring Union Station, Crown Center, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo, the West Bottoms, and more.

And of course, you can’t talk about Kansas City without talking about barbecue. We share two very different KC barbecue recommendations—from the old-school institution Arthur Bryant’s to the more modern Q39—plus one of our favorite spots for live Kansas City jazz.

Then, in this week’s black tank and fresh tank, Jason has some thoughts about just how BIG fifth wheels are becoming after getting a look at the new Brinkley Model R—and one design choice he thinks other RV manufacturers should be paying attention to.

@JoshtheRVNerd 's tour of the @BrinkleyRV Model R: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dRR9ZzyvI

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/424

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Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726 – Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Welcome to RV Miles Episode 424
01:00 Closing night of Come From Away
02:00 Last call for RV Miles Homecoming
04:00 Why RVers should visit Kansas City
06:00 Kansas City and westward expansion
07:00 Harry S. Truman and Kansas City history
09:00 Jazz, museums, food and KC culture
12:00 Where to camp in Kansas City
14:00 Harry S. Truman National Historic Site & Independence
15:00 Union Station and Crown Center
18:00 Science City and museum reciprocity
19:00 National WWI Museum and Memorial
20:00 Country Club Plaza
21:00 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
23:00 Kansas City’s free streetcar
24:00 Swope Park