RV Podcast show

RV Podcast

Summary: Celebrating the RV Lifestyle by Mike and Jennifer Wendland. Tips, travel ideas, RV news and great interviews about the RV Lifestyle.

Podcasts:

 RV Podcast Episode 151: Downsizing Your RV! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:07:58

There’s a new trend sweeping the RV industry: Downsizing. In involves trading in big Class A or Supersized Class C motorhomes for something smaller, most usually a Class B. Today we meet a couple who have done just that: Jim and Chris Guld, otherwise known as the Geeks on Tour as they’ve traveled the country teaching about technology tools to RVers at major shows and rallies. The Geeks share with us the factors that led to their downsizing and how they are adjusting to traveling the country in a smaller RV…. Plus we have lots of listener questions and feedback, RV tips, RV news and much more…all coming up in episode 151 of The RV Podcast. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #151 Aug. 2, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THIS WEEK [spp-timestamp time="2:08"] * Back from Grand Rapids and a fun day with Verizon showing traveling technology gadgets * Waiting for grandchild #8 to be born * Hoping to enjoy spectacular northern Michigan and the Great Lakes * Catching the total eclipse on Aug. 21 * Planning our next trip to Georgia for a grandson’s football games, to the Emerald Coast of Florida once peak tourist time passes, to our Roadtreking Blues ‘and BBQ Gathering near Tupelo, MS Sept. 14-18 * After that to Ashville, NC and the Overland East Expo, which is perhaps the world's most unique event for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts and their rugged, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Biltmore Estate * And making lots of new videos on our YouTube RV Lifestyle Channel This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 16 locations and growing  JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK [spp-timestamp time="10:18"] Maximizing space inside an RV is Job #1 for every RVer. No matter what size RV we have, we can all use more room. So we look for ways to make that happen, especially in the kitchen. Many of you are familiar with Mary Jane Curry. Mary Jane is our RV Recipes writer for the Roadtreking.com blog. You know her from the wonderful recipes she posts on the blog each week. Recently, I got a chance to visit her and husband, Jeff, in their RV and was most impressed by a way Mary Jane had extended the working space in her kitchen, or galley area. She uses dish mats! Want to learn more about these dish mats? We keep a master list of all the products, gadgets, apps and services that we mention on the podcast at http://kit.com/rvlifestyle And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes ,an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping

 RV Podcast Episode 150: Snakes Alive! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:10:52

Snakes. They are out there. And RVers, campers and hikers are much more likely to encounter them than the average person, especially this time of the year, when warm weather has these cold blooded reptiles slithering around. And their territory is likely to be close to where you park your RV and do your exploring. How worried should you be about encountering venomous snakes? What’s the best way to deal with a snake encounter? Our guest is an expert on snakes, especially the five types of venomous snakes found in North America. He is David A. Steen Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, Auburn University Museum of Natural History, Alabama Natural Heritage Program. If you are wondering what those five species are and where you are most likely to stumble on them, you’re going to want to hear the interview with Dr. Steen. Also this week, we have a lot of questions, tips and feedbacks from listeners, some great RV ideas and a fascinating off the beaten path report. And - in what soon may be a sign of the times - there is a proposal afoot to require reservations just to visit a national park. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #150 July 26, 2017 of The RV Podcast WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THIS WEEK: [spp-timestamp time="2:07"] If you are anywhere near Grand Rapids, MI, we invite you to come meet us at American RV there on Thursday, July 27. Jennifer and I (and Bo) will be joined by Steve VanDinter, our pal from Verizon Wireless, for a live, in-person demonstration of the traveling tech gear we talk about each week on the podcast. There will be free hot dogs, chips and refreshments. Don't worry, if you can't get there in person, we'll be doing a Live Report from there on our Facebook Group (http://facebook.com/roadtreking) This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 16 locations and growing  JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK We’re always looking for great spots to overnight while we’re traveling. This week, a listener from California named Sharon called in with a great tip about where to find free overnight parking spots in where you can boondock out on the west coast. [spp-timestamp time="11:15"] Sharon’s specific info had to do with Sno-Parks, which are snow-cleared parking lots in California, Oregon and Idaho ski areas. From November 1 through May 30, you need a paid permit to use them but during the summer and fall months, when there is no snow, the permits are not required and overnight parking and sleeping in an RV is allowed, unless a sign notes it is specifically prohibited. God tip, Sharon! And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes ,an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

 Episode 149: The Changing Face of Camping | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:07:29

Camping in North America is changing rapidly. In this episode of the podcast, we’ll learn in our interview segment from the most comprehensive camping study ever done, from the industry’s most influential camping organization. Toby O’Rourke, the Chief Franchise Operations Offer for Kampgrounds of America, shares the results with us, telling us how its changing, who is driving that change and what it means to every RVer out there. Plus your listener questions and answers about RVing, RV tips, the RV news of the week and a great off-the beaten-path report, all coming up on Episode 149 of the RV Podcast, being released July 19,2017. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] MIKE AND JENNIFER’S RV ACTIVITIES AND INSIGHTS FOR THE WEEK About the photo at the top - We took this at a great boondocking spot we found in northeastern Montana a couple of weeks ago. Only neighbors were some distant coyotes. You should have seen the stars at night. Mike and Jennifer's Update [spp-timestamp time="2:10"] * Mike and Jennifer are just back from FMCA gathering in Indianapolis. The big news is the governing board has announced approval to bring to a full membership vote a change in membership requirements that would let those with non-motorized vehicles – like towable trailers and fifth wheels… to be members of what up until now has been a 50-plus year organization made up exclusively of motorhome owners. Ballots will be in the next three editions of Family Motor Coaching Magazine, with the results know in November. * The best deal in the RV and camping world is coming to an end. The $10 for a lifetime of free entry into the nation’s national parks and public recreation lands. bout to change, the result of Congressional legislation approved last December. The price of the Senior Pass, the card that gives free entrance to those 62 years and older (as well as three accompanying adults) at all public lands and recreation areas operated by six different federal agencies, is increasing a whopping 700 percent, to $80 for the lifetime pass. The price increase takes effect on Aug. 28. But even at $80, it’s still a great deal. With the pass, you can visit roughly 2,000 public lands or recreation areas operated by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Board of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass can also give its holders up to 50 percent discounts on other fees, such as camping fees, at some of the sites. * We’re a little over a week away now from our big Traveling Tech Live Demo in Grand Rapids, MI on July 28. We’ll be joined by Verizon’s Steve VanDinter, who regularly contributes to our Traveling Tech segment on the podcast. We will be in person from 3PM to 7PM Thursday, July 27 at American RV in Grand Rapids, MI. We’ll be showing many of the cool gadgets and gismos we talk about every week here on the podcast for all those who show up. And if you can’t attend in person, we’ll also have a Facebook Live report that can be watched online, in real time. * Mike and Jennifer remind everyone the importance of having a weather radio, to be alerted to weather emergencies. The importance of that was made clear last weekend in Arizona when a heavy thunderstorm led to a flash flood that filled a number of children and adults at a popular Arizona swimming hole. Mike refers listeners to his master list of products, services and gadgets at http://kit.com/rvpodcast to see the weather apps and the weather radio he uses and recommends. This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn,

 Episode 148: On to the Next 30,000! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Up in Kitchener Ontario at the factory where the Erwin Hymer Group of North America builds Roadtrek Motorhomes, they just celebrated a momentous event – the building of the 30,000th Roadtrek since the company’s founding more than 40 years ago. We were there, met the buyer and talked to officials who shared some what’s ahead for Roadtrek and the booming Class B RV market. All that is coming up in our interview section. Also this week, listener questions, some great TV tips, traveling tech and RV new and an off the beaten path report about an enchanted highway. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #148 July 10, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: Mike and Jennifer’s activities this week: [spp-timestamp time="2:12"] * To Kitchener and Cambridge, Ontario to meet and tour Erwin Hymer facilities in Ontario * Then to Indianapolis and the Family Motorcoach Association annual summer reunion rally… Mike and Jennifer will be doing seminars Wednesday and Thursday at the FMCA rally * Mike confides he is coping with another case of Shingles. His second in two months. Doctors say he overdid it after his emergency gallbladder surgery, doing too much hiking and traveling on a whirlwind trip to three U.S. National parks and two Canadian National Parks immediately on his release from the hospital. Stress is a suspected cause of shingles outbreaks and Mike tells everyone the key to treatment is starting on a drug regimen within 72 hours after the outbreak. He missed that deadline and is now waiting for it to go away. He was keeping this all quiet but those who see him in Indianapolis will still see the sores, so he decided to come clean. The last time was on his left arm. this time its the left side of his neck. * Building a master list of all the resources, products, gadgets and RV travel apps we use and talk about on the podcast, the Roadtreking blog and out RV Lifestyle Youtube Channel. You can access it all, organized by categories, at http://kit.com/rvlifestyle This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 16 locations and growing JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK When we travel, we often wonder what mail we’re getting back home, and if there is something important that we need to attend to. [spp-timestamp time="11:17"] Well, listener Tom called in this great tip about a new service from the United States Postal Service - USPS Informed Delivery . Once there, you first enter in your zip code to see if it’s available in your area. Most of the country is included. Mike and I just signed up thanks to Tom’s tip. The service allows customers to track incoming mail through an online dashboard and/or a daily email. Enrolled customers are able to see scanned images of the outside of their letters the morning before they are delivered to their physical mailbox. Again, while the Informed Delivery product is available for most addresses, it is not available for all. A few of you may need to be patient a bit as the program is rolled out. Meantime, be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com.

 Episode 147: A Bucket List Guide from “the RV Guy” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week we meet “the RV guy.” That’s the nickname Jason Kimbrell has as the head of LaMesa RV, a chain of RV dealerships in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and California. But Jason didn’t always live up to that name. In fact, he wasn’t even sure he wanted to continue in the family business. So he walked away from it for a while and went off to explore the west in an RV. In the process, he became the RV Guy. I think you’ll enjoy his story on how that happened, and his suggestions of the places across the Southwest that belong on your RVing bucket list. Jason is our interview guest of the week. Plus we have lots of listener questions this week, some great tips, RV News and an off the beaten path report… all in Episode 147 of the Podcast. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #147 July 5, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: Mike and Jennifer begin the show by discussing: [spp-timestamp time="2:16"] * Their recent travel…. A long month on the road… 5,500 miles in nine states… and one Canadian Province…from Michigan to Montana to Alberta… three U.S. National Parks (Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier and Yellowstone) and two Canadian National Parks (Waterton and Banff) * Highlights of their “serendipity” style of traveling… the 1880’s town in South Dakota, camping out on the Laura Ingalls Wilder family homestead as told on the Little House on the Prairie TV and book series, the Angel Museum in Wisconsin, Buffalo, WY and crossing Lake Michigan with their RV on the SS Badger. * All the video stories they shot and are now editing which will soon be on Mike and Jennifer’s RV Lifestyle Channel on YouTube * Their visit next week - July 12-15,- to the Family Motorcoach Association’s annual summer reunion in Indianapolis This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 16 locations and growing  JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One accessory every RVer has to have – no matter what kind of vehicle they have – is a hose to fill your unit with fresh, clean water. But unless you take a lot of time and attention winding them up, they can develop a lot of kinks and turn into a tangled mess. [spp-timestamp time="11:38"] At our recent Roadtreking gathering in Montana, we met Ken Yoho who showed us a particular type of hose that solves that problem. The hose Ken had is called the Zero-G RV and Marine Water Hose. That’s the model you want. The company makes a lot of garden type hoses but for drinking water, you want to make sure it’s labeled for RV and Marine or Fresh Water use. We could not find it at Amazon but if you search for it online by that NAME - Zero-G RV and Marine Water Hose – you will find several sources. Meanwhile, be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the rv lifestyle. you can use the “leave voicemail” link at roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. you can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes ,an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricin...

 Episode 146: What is the RV Lifestyle? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

We talk a lot about the RV Lifestyle? But what is it? This week, we hear from a whole bunch of different RVers, from all across North America. I bet the answers we got when we posed this question to a group of RVers we met up near Glacier National Park in Montana will resonate with you, too. Also in this episode, listener questions and feedback, RV News of the Week, Tips and a great pff the beaten path report. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #146 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: This episode was recorded in Buffalo, WY… where Longmire Days later this month will brimg some 14,000 fans of author Craig Johnson, whose series of books about a modern Wyoming Sheriff has been the basis of the popular A&E and Netflix series, Longmire. [spp-timestamp time="2:00"] Mike and Jennifer share their travels over recent weeks to Glacier National Park in Montana, Waterton National Park across the border in Canada, Banff National Park and Lake Louise in Alberta and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One of the nice things about the RV Lifestyle is meeting other RVers, hearing their stories, getting to know them and learning from their experience. One such RVer we recently met gives us some RF basic training on an issue involving awnings. Bottom line: Put it away at night! Linda explains why at [spp-timestamp time="11:22"] Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Peggy asks a question about a 4 x 4 RV and whether she should order one. Mike and Jennifer share their perspective. [spp-timestamp time="15:27"] And Maureen gave a message of encouragement about the RV community [spp-timestamp time="22:12"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK Last week, we talked about how most – if not all – U.S. National Parks are not very dog friendly. This week, we can report that Canada’s National Parks ARE. [spp-timestamp time="26:08"] While there are a lot of restrictions that greatly limit where you can take your dog in the US National Parks, Canada welcomes dogs and only requires that they be on a six-foot leash. On our recent trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, we saw all sorts of people and their dogs enjoying all parts of the park and its many trails. Banff even had a fenced in off-leash area for you to let your dog run free ! We even saw one couple who were kayaking in Lake Louise…. With their poodle, no less! Mike took a photo of that kayaking pooch and will post it with the shownotes for this episode at Roadtreking-dot-com-slash-146. We noticed the same dog-friendliness last year at the Bruce Peninsula National Park near Tobermore, Ontario. Lots of people and lots of dogs. Everyone is happy. This year is a particularly good time to visit a Canadian National Park. As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, entry into al of the national parks there is free – for everyone. So head on up north.

 Episode 145: The Power of a Dream | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week in our interview of the week, we meet Alicia Crabbe, a retired woman and solo traveler who is living her dream as a guide and naturalist, leading people on hikes and wilderness experiences for an organization known as Road Scholar, which is a not for profit group dedicated to providing educational travel. It offers 6,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. And while Alicia, who everyone calls “Lish,” has a dream job of working much of the year at Yellowstone National Park, her story is one about the power of a dream. In her case, it was a dream that involved traveling the country by RV and experiencing nature in all its marvelous beauty. She began living it at retirement, after leaving a long professional career. Lish’s story is one of inspiration and joy, all focused on the RV lifestyle. Plus Jennifer and I answer your RV questions, we have the RV news of the week, RV Tips and a great offf the beaten path report. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] MONOLOGUE Mike and Jennifer share their current location, near Glacier National Park and how much they love this area of the country. [spp-timestamp time="2:35"] We’re here on one of our Roadtreking gatherings, periodic get-togethers in awesome locations for photography and exploration. About 50 Roadtrekers in some 30 different RV’s and towables are with us, staying at the Chewing Blackbones Campground and RV Resort on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, right outside the park gates. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK The saga of making the interior of our RVs dark continues. Regular listeners know that we’ve been tossing around various ideas for covering up or reducing the light levels of the various LEDs, indicators and operational lights that shine from control panels while we are trying to sleep at night. We’ve talked about several solutions but a listener named Jan, who started the whole discussion a few weeks ago, has settled on a solution that works for her – and may very well also work for you. Liz explains how she uses small felt patches and sick-on Velcro to cover up the lights. [spp-timestamp time="7:00"] And for the rest of you out there in the audience, be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Listener Dan knows Jennifer is an exercise nut and that finding a place for us (her especially) to work out is a very important part of our travel plans in any given day. So he asks for her advice in finding a solution to finding workout spots in different locations around the country. [spp-timestamp time="11:39"] Listener Tessa wants to know where to ride on a prairies schooner like the pioneers took out west Mike refers her to his post at https://roadtreking.

 Episode 144: Dark Sky Places for your RV Bucket List | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky while on a camping or RV trip and marveled at the beauty of the universe, you know how hard it is to find places where light pollution hasn’t limited night sky visibility. This week, we learn about special places you can visit across North America that are designated as Dark Sky Preserves and Places. These are spots that belong on your bucket list. Also this week, listener questions, RV tips, news of the week and a great off the beaten path destination. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #144 June 14, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: MONOLOGUE Mike and Jennifer update everyone on: * Mike's emergency surgery that caused a detour in their current RV trip west - to the Mayo Clinic for gallbladder removal * Mike's current health status * How they are back on the road headed to Glacier National Park, following I-94 * Lessons learned about times when RVers face unexpected health issues JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Some RVers are not able to keep their motorhomes at their home. So they need to have their vehicle left in a storage yard. That makes for a lot of work, having to take the things you can’t or don’t want to leave unattended. [spp-timestamp time="12:04"] You have to take it home when you put the RV away, and then bring it back when it’s time for another RV adventure. A listener named Lynne has that dilemma… and she’s come up with a nifty way to minimize the extra work. You can listen to Lynne at [spp-timestamp time="12:47"] And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Listener Jeffrey heard our report last week about RV technology and wondered if one of the innovations we featured would make it easy for thieves to steal an RV. The short and long answer is… no. You can hear the discussion and the opinion of an expert we consulted at [spp-timestamp time="16:14"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK Lots of RVers like to take their pets with them while traveling, but that creates a lot of opportunity for our animals to get lost, one way or another. [spp-timestamp time="21:24"] That’s a big deal. It can be like losing a member of our family. But there are steps we can take to prevent lost pets and find them if they do get separated from us. That’s according to someone we interviewed not long ago for the RV Podcast back in Episode 117: Texas-based Pet Detective Cindy Gordon. Gordon is one of several dozen trained through an organization called the Missing Animal Respo...

 Episode 143: How Technology is Changing the RV Lifestyle | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Technology is changing the RV World and Lifestyle faster than any of us could imagine. Terms like electrical independence, Voltstart, Ecotrek and technologies like lithium ion batteries and solar power generation are revolutionizing the way we camp and experience the outdoors in our recreational vehicles. This week, we talk about the future of RV technical innovation with an RV engineer, our friend Yan Seiner from the Erwin Hymer Group of North America, the makers of Roadtrek motorhomes. Yan tells us how far technology has advanced and where it’s headed. That’s in our interview segment. But we have much more, including our regular RV tip segments, a traveling tech report, your questions and an off the beaten path destination… all coming up in this episode of the RV podcast. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #143 June 7, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: MONOLOGUE Mike and Jennifer chat about their multi-trip west and how they intend to keep Mike’s “330 Rule,” which is to stop for the day after traveling no more than 330 miles or by 3:30 PM local time, whichever is first.[spp-timestamp time="2:18"] To help keep their own rule, they need to be held accountable and the best way to do that is to be committed to keeping a live video report schedule. So, starting Thursday, June 8, they will go live on the Roadtreking Facebook Page at 4PM local time…which will be 5 or 6PM Eastern Time as they head through the various time zones. Also look for video report on Mike and Jennifer’s RV Lifestyle Channel on YouTube. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK You know those maps we all like to use that show all the states and provinces we visit? A lot of RVers use them but there’s one thing that many don’t like: They can sometimes leave an ugly residue on the paint because of the adhesive used to stick them on the RV. [spp-timestamp time="9:57"] Well, a listener named Sharon found a way to solve that and she sent us in this tip! Sharon bought a magnetic sheet and affixes the stocker to it, instead of the RV body. The magnetic sheet attaches without glue and can easily be removed. You can find those sheets in differing sizes at craft stores, office supply stores and, of course, Amazon. Be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Listener Jim noticed our new RV has the roof mounted air conditioner, rather than the undermount that we used to have. He also wonders about solar and fuel mileage. We explain that the unit we have was bought off the lot, and to have waited for an undermount would have meant a new build and these days, that takes months. Besides, our new unit is a 4 x 4 and we were not keen on hanging stuff under the chassis because we plan to do a lot of back road boondocking. [spp-timestamp time="14:00"] Kathy from Hamiliton, ON,

 Episode 142: The New Trends Shaping the RV Park and Campground Industry | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

As the demand for recreational vehicles continues to grow, the RV Park and Campground industry is working hard to add new camping sites, new pricing and new amenities. This week’s guest is Paul Bambei, the President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and he shares about how the campground industry plans to make your camping experience this year better than ever. Besides Paul we have lots of audience questions, feedback, RV news and tips, along with a great Off-the-Beaten-Path report. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #142 May 31, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK There are so many hobbies and activities that fit so well with the RV Lifestyle. Some of those activities can help us stay fit, too. So we learn with a tip we received this week from listeners Jeff and Deb Spencer. [spp-timestamp time="11:42"] They share a great resource from those who like to run – a website called vacationraces.com   The group has info on boondocking, camping and RVing in beautiful wilderness areas where trail runs and races can be found. And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: * Listener Bill wonders whether he should rent or buy. He’s new to RVing, thinks he wants to do it but asks our recommendations. We are big believers in renting. If he can’t find one at a dealer to rent – they are in high demand and dealers have limited rental fleets – we suggest he try a website called RVShare  [spp-timestamp time="15:49"] * And we received a nice voice mail this week from, a listener named John who understands that Roadtreking isn’t about any specific brand…its all about the lifestyle w-no matter what size RV you have. [spp-timestamp time="22:00"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK When we travel with our pets, there are things we need to bring with us, besides their food, bedding and some toys. Just like with humans, you should have a basic pet first-aid kit on hand. [spp-timestamp time="25:20"] Keep your pet's first-aid kit in your home and take it with you if you are traveling with your pet. One way to start your kit is to buy a first-aid kit designed for people and add pet-specific items to it. Or you can also purchase a pet first-aid kit from a pet-supply store or catalog. But you can easily assemble your own kit by gathering the items suggested by the Veterinary Medical Society. They have an special first aid for pets handout .

 Episode 141- Lise’s Story: Finding Empowerment and a New Life in an RV | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

They say that up to 20% of all RVers are solo travelers, many of them single women who find fun, friends and great adventure out on the road. So it is for our interview guest this weekend, a woman named Lise, who, after three decades of marriage and a difficult divorce, suddenly found herself alone and uncertain of what life had in store for her. So, as she shares in our interview of the week, she bought an RV and took off, pushed out of her comfort zone and finding a new sense of empowerment. Also this week, listener questions, lots of RV tips, traveling tech advice and a great off-the-beaten-path report. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #141 May 24, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Like a lot of people, I like sleeping in darkness. And with all the technology in today’s recreational vehicles, that can be challenging. That’s because of all the glowing LED indicator lights that are shining to tell us various things are on and operating normally. [spp-timestamp time="5:15"] We’ve talked before about how to cover them up easily at night and a listener named Wade has about the simplest suggestion we have had yet! He suggests getting white electrical taps from a hardware store, using a hole punch to cut out a little circle, and then just sticking that little circle of white tape over the glowing LED. Problem solved Our listeners are the smartest people. Thanks Wade! And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Peggy is a new RV owner and wants to know about the wisdom of purchasing High End Motorsports Sunshades for all the windows. [spp-timestamp time="9:20"]  She asks if just the windshield shade is sufficient or should she get sunshades for all windows. Mike recommends their windshield and front side shades but then suggest she buy a roll of Reflectix and make her own for the other windows. The material keeps out the heat in the summer and keeps the heat in during the cold camping months. Here’s a video we did on how to use Reflectix in your RV. By the way, to use Reflectix in the summer it should be placed on the outside of the windows so as not to bounce back the sunshine to the glass interior. Just add double stick Velcro to fasten around the outside windows when you have stopped. The windshield sunshade from High End Motorsports can be stuck up on the inside. Michelle writes: [spp-timestamp time="14:13"] We have been vacationing for 3 years of retirement all over the country. But we are finding the call of the Gulf Coast pretty difficult to resist. We have loved "camping" in the off-season. Usually heading south we do find ourselves overnighting somewhere mid-States: Kentucky, Tennessee area--Daniel Boone National Park a number of times. And our miseries seem to start there.

 Episode 140:What to Pack in your RV First Aid Kit | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

As millions of RVers are planning their summer adventures and making lists of what to bring to add to their fun, stocking first aid kits and doing some emergency preparation planning also needs to be on all our To-Do lists. This week, we talk to a top expert from the American Red Cross in emergency wilderness and camping first aid. This is a must-listen intervew so be sure and take the time to learn what you need to do to be ready for the unexpected. Also this week, lots of audience questions and comments, along with RV news, RV tips and a fascinating Off-the-Beaten-Path Report from the Burketts. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One of the things we like the most about doing this podcast is hearing from you and receiving your tips. Sometimes, it’s about how to do things better while on the road, or maybe a helpful Do-It-Yourself Project. Or it could be a nifty product you came across that you want to share with the audience. [spp-timestamp time="7:06"] So it was today with a listener named Ed. Ed’s product is a Bem Multi Function Lantern EXO-900, a 300 lumen lantern with three different power levels. It has a blue tooth speaker and can even be used to recharge cell phones. He found his for $30 at his local Sams Club. On Amazon, it is $48. And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: * Dan asks about parking a Class B RV in regular parking lots, noting how Mike uses his as a second vehicle to run errands around town. Dan seeks more elaboration on the ease of parking.[spp-timestamp time="12:21"] * Jeff asks about using an electric can opener or a toaster in a Class B RV and wants to know if they are worth the space.[spp-timestamp time="16:44"] * Steve is a soon to be fulltime RVer and solo traveler and he wonders whether he needs a Class A or a Class B to work in from the road. [spp-timestamp time="18:58"] * Sue winders whether she should get a dedicated Mi-Fi data card for on the road connectivity or use her iPhone as a hot spot. [spp-timestamp time="22:54"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK We had a nice voicemail from a listener named Ken, who heard our recent Traveling with Pets T about how Mike and I make a point to find off-leash dig parks for Bo while we’re traveling. Ken knew we were in Florida this week and offered this tip about a dog park he likes.[spp-timestamp time="27:56"] Thanks Ken. Next time we travel through the Punta Gorda area of Florida,

 Episode 139: Paying Jobs for RVers | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Would you like to leave your current job and fulltime in an RV? Or perhaps you’re retired and would like to travel more in your recreational vehicle but need to have some income to offset the costs of living on the road. In this episode, we talk about making money while you’re out there RVing. Yes, it is possible – and practical – to make enough money to live in an RV full-time, travel, and enjoy life! You may be surprised to know there are more jobs for RVers and work campers than there are RVers and campers willing to work. You can also earn a living running a business from your RV. Our guest today has been helping RVers find paying jobs for many years. Her name is Colleen and, with husband, Bob, she publishes a Workers on Wheels website that keeps track of temporary, seasonal, and mobile jobs that pay. Also, RV based business, online careers, work camper campground jobs, and volunteer workamper positions. You can do them all while traveling, camping, or living in a recreational vehicle – while being Workers On Wheels! Plus your questions, comments and tips. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #139 May 10, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK In an RV, storage space is at a premium. And one of the things that takes up a lot of that space is clothing.[spp-timestamp time="8:10"] We recently met a woman named Lise, who travels solo in her Class B RV. And Lise showed us how she’s able to maximize her clothes storage with a great accessory. She uses a cloth shoe storage bag she bought at Ikea, rolling her clothes and keeping them in the shoe storage bins. See the photo at left. Meanwhile, be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: * First this listener note about a recent tip we had on our YouTube RV Lifestyle Channel about removing bugs that get squished on our windshields.  You can find that tip on our RV Tips and How-To Playlist or by clicking here [spp-timestamp time="12:40"] * Listener Julie is looking for an owner’s manual for her Roadtrek RV. We refer her to the Roadtrek.com corporate site, Here’s a link to the page that lets you download a manual for every model they have made. [spp-timestamp time="15:03"] * Jon wants to know how long he has to wait for an RV that is propelled by electricity. Mike says a very long time as he knows of nothing like that in the works for RVers. [spp-timestamp time="16:28"] * And listener Jeff has a suggestion to the person in

 Episode 138: Straight Talk from Jim Hammill about the RV Industry | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

The RV industry is booming, no doubt about it. But it’s also changing and facing new challenges and opportunities. In this week’s interview, we sit down with Jim Hammill, the CEO of the Erwin Hymer Group of North America, the corporate owners of Roadtrek Motorhomes. Jim is a straight talking, shoot from the hip guy who tells it like it is and coming up in the interview segment of the podcast, you’ll learn how the trends shaping the RV industry will impact your RV Lifestyle. Plus lots of reader questions, some great tips, traveling with technology and a fun off the beaten path report. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #138 May 3, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: Mike and Jennifer share their whereabouts:[spp-timestamp time="3:00"] * A recent visit to Arizona and an RV show devoted to nothing but small motorhomes * Jennifer’s mishap that left her with a broken hand * Their current trip to the Gulf Coast and where they stay overnight while on long drive days JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One of the fun things about visiting RV shows like the Super B small RV show that Mike and I attended this past weekend in Glendale, AZ is visiting with other RVers and sharing tips and suggestions. [spp-timestamp time="8:11"] So it was with one of our listeners named Jim, who came out to meet us and offered a tip about using mobile RV repair services when local RV service centers can’t squeeze you in for an appointment. And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: * Sharon has a question about using a crock pot with a small inverter of the type that can charge a laptop. She was specifically wondering if the Energizer Cup Inverter being offered by Verizon would work. A crock potis a slow-cooking vessel which uses a heating element. It has two settings, Low (223 watts) and High (312 watts). The Energizer inverter is only capable of a continuous power output of 180n watts, not nearly enough for a power hungry crock pot. Here’s a guide to choosing the best one for you. [spp-timestamp time="12:34"] * Ron and Jan share their excitement about being new RVers [spp-timestamp time="16:25"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK Mike and I are big fans of off-leash dog parks. It keeps Bo happy, healthy and out of trouble. Not all dogs are good candidates for off leash parks. Before you take your pet to one, make sure it has been socialized well and gets along with other dogs, If so,

 Episode 137: What to do when encountering a newborn animal alone in the wild | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

With the return spring and warm weather, many RVers are making their first trips to the great outdoors this time of year. And seeing wildlife in or adventures is always exciting, especially when we encounter newborn animal babies out in the wild. But what is the best way to behave when we come across these little critters? Too many people make too many mistakes when encountering wildlife babies and this week, in our interview section, we talk to an expert who sets us straight on how we can best protect those animal babies… and ourselves. Also this week, lots of RV news, Tips, a bucket list report and, as always, your comments and questions. [spp-player] Complete shownotes for Episode 137 of The RV Podcast by Mike and Jennifer Wendland WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THESE DAYS: Join us this weekend at the huge: Super B RV Show [spp-timestamp time="2:22"] University of Phoenix Stadium Class B RV Show Dates: Thursday, April 27th to Sunday, April 30th. Time: 9am to 7pm Location:University of Phoenix Stadium (Inside) 1 Cardinals Dr. Glendale, AZ 85305 FREE PARKING & ADMISSION Here is your opportunity to compare Class B & C RVs side by side from these manufacturers: Roadtrek, Hymer, Leisure Travel Vans, Winnebago, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin and Jayco! Plus, get a sneak peak of concept vehicles on display to see what may be coming in the future. Almost 100 different floorplans to consider in vehicles that are 26 feet in length and shorter. Attend a FREE seminar from Roadtrek. Learn about their EcoTrek system, VoltStart system and solar! Meet factory personnel including: * Jim Hammill, President & CEO of Erwin Hymer Group North America * Trent Tiffin of Tiffin Motorhomes * Royer Allman of Mercedes Benz * Mike and Jennifer Wendland, Roadtreking.com We’ll be doing Facebook Live videos on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3PM Eastern time on our Roadtreking Facebook Page at The show is an indoor RV show, so you can leave the heat outside and shop comfortably indoors Also... Our YouTube Channel has been redesigned and reorganized, now offering hundreds of RV videos on just about every topic. It’s called Mike and Jennifer’s RV Lifestyle Channel and we put up new videos all the time. We invite you to subscribe! [spp-timestamp time="5:22"] JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK The RV community is a very sharing group of people and one of the most enjoyable things for me as Mike and I travel about reporting on the RV lifestyle is hearing from members of our RV community who have great tips to pass along. [spp-timestamp time="9:18"] So it is today with one from Tom, from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who has a suggestion about choosing a mattress to put on our bed. Specifically, Tom mentions the Therm-a-Rest type of mattress…. And he has five reasons why it may make sense for your RV. Like Tom said, you can find Therm-a-Rest air mattresses at most outdoor stores. There’s also a bunch of them on Amazon. We’ll put a link on the shownotes for this episode at Roadtreking-dot-com-slash-137 And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me.

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