Is now the time to shop your RV extended warranty?
Did you know that RV warranty companies change pricing based on the calendar year? If you’re considering an RV warranty you may find much better terms or a potentially longer contract today rather than early next year? And some buyers get a warranty to help sell their RV. We talk about ways to save money and get more with Jim Hoffman from Wholesale Warranties.
We also do a bit of winter camping and even talk about a new trailer that feels stylishly vintage.
Other places to hear the StressLess Camping RV podcast
Mentioned on this episode
This week’s guest was Jim Hoffman, Vice President of Operations at Wholesale Warranties
Tony’s article on extended warranties - is an RV extended warranty right for you?
More information about Cochiti Campground near Santa Fe, NM
Tony’s article on RVTravel of the Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 17RWD
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Automated transcript of this podcast episode
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Automated podcast transcription for Episode 230 - Wholesale Warranties
Mark Ferrell
Welcome to the weekly podcast, all about turning the great American RV adventure into Stressless camping. Each week we explore tips, tricks, ideas, and destinations, and talk to the happiest campers in the RV world. Pull up a seat at the campfire as we enjoy some Stressless camping.
Peggy Barthel
Welcome to the Campfire.
Peggy Barthel
I'm Tony. I'm Peggy. And we are two RV industry veterans who travel part-time in
Peggy Barthel
A small trailer, looking
Peggy Barthel
To share big adventures and help you with great tips, tricks, and discounts. We
Peggy Barthel
Might actually have a backyard campfire today. We have a couple of Boondockers welcome couples here and well, yesterday was kind of rainy and awful, so kind
Peggy Barthel
Of,
Peggy Barthel
So if that keeps up, it won't happen. But otherwise I think we'll go out and light a fire and see if we can get them all to join us. Yeah,
Peggy Barthel
That'd be kind of cool.
Peggy Barthel
You might notice that today is Wednesday, if you're listening home, if you're listening on the day that the podcast is released, almost always, it's on Thursday, I think. It may be a couple times we've accidentally set it up wrong.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah. Sometimes when I set it to release, I forget to put the date and it just goes out <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
But anyway, because tomorrow, tomorrow being, you know, the day after this is released because of Thanksgiving, we wanted you to actually enjoy Thanksgiving and not listen to us for an hour. That'll make it a lot more enjoyable and you'll thank us anyway. We are releasing this one on Wednesday partially. So like I said, you don't have to take family time away, but also, you know, there's some Black Friday deals going on, so if we talk about some of them, you might have a chance to get in on them
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>. Yeah, I mean, we don't want to give you indigestion by, you know, expecting you to listen on Thanksgiving. That's what the politics and religion discussions are for <laugh>. Yeah. And that one uncle where it's like, ah, he's gonna say that again. Wait, that's me.
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>. Anyway, so we are stationary sort of, we're not taking the camper out for a few more weeks. And so it's actually winterized, which is weird, sad first time we've ever done that on our own. But it's sitting out there and the solar panels are keeping the battery alive so that when we're ready to go, we're ready to go. And why is that?
Peggy Barthel
Well, because we have our power package that was designed by a, b, C Upfitters. If you are looking for a really solid solar and lithium system, one that just works, they're the people to talk to. And the way to do that is of course, through the link on our website, but you can also give them a call on the good old fashioned telephony at 5 7 4 2 9 3 9 3 9 9,
Peggy Barthel
Or you can find them with a link on the page for this podcast episode, which is number two 30.
Peggy Barthel
Wow. That's pretty impressive. We talked to someone again who had done their own solar system and it's so much work. I mean, to get it really right. Take some doing. And one of the things I really like about AB, C Upfitters is they actually have an engineer on staff. So when you choose to utilize their systems, first, you're getting master bolt systems, which are marine grade. They've been proven on the water, but also they're designed and integrated by somebody who truly knows what they're doing.
Peggy Barthel
'cause they're an engineer, right? And that's not very typical. There are a lot of people who say, yes, I know solar, but do they really, I really have been very pleased with the installs that you all have said you've had done through them. You have been pleased with them. And if that's something you're interested, again, you can give 'em a call or check 'em out on the internet. 5 7 4 2 9 3 9 3 9 9.
Peggy Barthel
This week we have a guest, which is always great. <laugh> <laugh>. Yeah. And this week, not that long ago, I think it was just in the summer, we talked to Jim Hoffman from Wholesale Warranties and we wanted to do an update because he makes a really, really good point about acting on this now before the year changes. So let's talk to Jim and find out why that is today. We'd like to welcome back Jim Hoffman, the Vice President of Operations for Wholesale warranties. We spoke to Jim just back in May, episode 2 0 3 about wholesale warranties.
Peggy Barthel
It seems like, well, maybe this is too soon to talk to him again, but you know, a new year is coming up and we understand that some things are gonna change. And so we asked Jim to come and let us know what those changes are gonna be for wholesale warranties coming up in 2024. Thank
Jim Hoffman
You, Peggy. I'm actually really excited that I think you're on on this one. I think the last one you may have been out, out and about, so I wasn't able to probably chat with you, chat with you as much. So it was just Tony and I and we were missing our, the, the anchor, if you will, <laugh> or not the anchor, but the one that keep us on track.
Peggy Barthel
Right. Those are the ones that are fun to edit too, because I have to figure out where to stop and start again. <laugh> when things go all haywire. <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, because before we started recording we were talking about Porsches and, and going too fast. So
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, <laugh>
Jim Hoffman
And our, uh, admiration for speeding ticket indeed <laugh>. But putting that all to the side, you know, I think as we try to inform and, and we try to bring to the RV audience about the changes that are coming up. And while RV warranties will never really be a exciting or sexy option for people to discuss, there are important aspects that we at least try to get out there. Sure. As we can all attest, the RV market over the last three years, give or take, has been a peaks and valleys and incredibly popular in RVs on the lot.
Jim Hoffman
RVs not on the lot RVs to be back on the lot. And so there's always things that are changing. But one of the biggest things that we try to strive is that the way that RV warranties are calculated, for lack of a better term, the variables that go into the price points, the RV market is still probably 10 years, give or take behind auto.
Jim Hoffman
And so at the calendar year, your vehicle will be deemed a year older by the administrators. And not to get too deep into the woods on that, it has to do with the in-service date and VIN numbers being registered. And the difference between a VIN number on a towable and a VIN number on a, on a motor home. But really what we try to let our customers know, or anybody who's either interested in an extended warranty or just wants to know more information about 'em, once we go from December 31st to January 1st, that rig is deemed a year older.
Jim Hoffman
Okay? So even if you bought something this year in 2023, but it was a 2022 model and it was new to you, or even new off the lot in 2024, that is gonna be two years deemed two years old,
Peggy Barthel
Even if you've had it for only six months, <laugh>
Jim Hoffman
If you've had it for six months. And so while it can be somewhat simplistic to understand that, the unfortunate news is what that does, especially for your 2008 plus or minus three to five years from there, that could really limit you on either the length of the contract or the coverage type. So, you know, there's, there's various different coverage types between stated in exclusionary or powertrain or all these different variables, but the administrators are only gonna write or allow policies based on that year Okay.
Jim Hoffman
Or the year of the rig. So we try to get in front of everybody and say, regardless of how long you've had it come January, they're most likely the cost will increase. Which is one of the main things we try to strive. But the other part that we try to strive is, as a broker, we're able to offer longer terms or different coverage amounts based on how old the vehicle is. And so in January, you may only have a three or four year options where in December you still may qualify for a five, six, or seven year option.
Jim Hoffman
Mm.
Peggy Barthel
Interesting.
Jim Hoffman
I know. Okay. And it has nothing to do with how long you've had it. Uh, anything along those lines. It literally has to do with the year that it was produced. Okay.
Peggy Barthel
Huh.
Jim Hoffman
We try to start in October, November to just kind of let people know anybody who's in the market for an extended warranty or they maybe have one expiring in a certain amount of time, or if you bought a new rig a year or two ago and you've been using the manufacturer and you've been thinking about getting one mm-Hmm. <affirmative> our messaging, for lack of a better term, is just, Hey, just so you know, in January, it'll most likely be more expensive and or you may not be eligible for the same type of coverage as you might be in November or December.
Jim Hoffman
And it can't hurt to give us a call or just to inquire about it to see what the difference may be.
Peggy Barthel
Which makes a lot of sense. And here's something that I'm seeing also a lot recently, a lot of people bought an rv, let's say during covid, it was kind of a quick decision, let's say, and they qualified for long financing. I mean, I've seen up to 20 years. Yes. But let's say they, you know, now that there are more options, they're looking around and they're like, Hmm, maybe I should trade it in or do something different. And they're finding there's financially no way that they can do that.
Peggy Barthel
So it's not within their means to be able to do that. One of the unique things about wholesale warranties is now if they think well shoot, um, I have to keep this, you guys write warranties on used rigs or existing rigs too, which is unusual.
Jim Hoffman
It is. We're, we're one of the very few, and I would even go as far as to say a pioneer in this market where we really tried to focus on, if I was buying my rig from Tony in a private party sale, there's this illusion out there that you can only get an extended warranty at a dealership at the time of purchase. And we really try to <laugh> inform as much as we can that no if, if you're buying within a private party, that's really kind of where we shine.
Jim Hoffman
We'll get an inspection done so the administrator is aware and approves of the, the current condition of the rig, and then we can offer a policy there. And I think the run on RVs during covid kind of threw everything a little wonky. I know that's not a very scientific term or economic term, but <laugh> no
Peggy Barthel
Love word, but it's pretty accurate.
Jim Hoffman
But it's, everybody rushed out to get 'em. And for the first time, I, I think in in economics that asset actually increased. Usually RVs are a depreciating asset, just like, sure. But for three quarters we saw RV values go up because inventory was so low, and now we're seeing the market stabilize a little bit more. And so to your point, Tony, you have a handful of individuals out there who got an rv, may have rushed in and, and gotten a new trailer or a new RV and financed it for X amount of time.
Jim Hoffman
And right now they might not be able to sell it on the open market because inventory has caught up. There's been a big increase for us, at least for people who are putting warranties on those units to help sell 'em on the open market.
Peggy Barthel
Oh, I hadn't even thought of that.
Jim Hoffman
Neither have we. <laugh>, <laugh>, my voice went up pretty high there, but
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, I was thinking somebody has it out in their driveway and they're like, well now I have to keep it. What should I do about, because RVs typically surprised a lot of people with just how much maintenance and repair was required. So they may be Yeah. You know, a couple, three years into their loan and it's sitting out in the driveway and they're like, oh, <laugh> what Now? <laugh>. But that's another thing. Yeah. If you're looking to sell it, I hadn't even considered adding a warranty.
Peggy Barthel
And that might make it infinitely more sellable.
Jim Hoffman
I would say the, the sharpest increase that we saw was probably in August, September where we were hearing a lot of individuals calling inquiring about an extended warranty and the transfer process, which we've always done, and we've always tried to mention it, that if and when you sell it, you can transfer it to a new owner. But these individuals, we always try to ask detailed questions so we can put 'em in the right policy. And one of the things we typically ask is, how long do you plan to have it?
Jim Hoffman
And oftentimes the response is two or three years, something to that effect. And more recently it was like, well, if fingers crossed six months <laugh> and our <laugh>, our warranty specialists were caught a little off guard. And what it, what it was, was individuals who wanted to put an extended warranty on there to compete with the dealer.
Jim Hoffman
Right. Because if you go to a dealership, you know that you will be offered one. Right. But on a private party, a lot of people are unaware that you can still get an RV warranty on a private party sale. So some pretty savvy all either do savvy or desperate, I guess <laugh> take your take because, and to be fair, Tony, you know this better than I, those long-term payments, while they sound really great before you get your Christmas gift, for lack of a better term, before you get your new toy, your new, the new exciting thing after a while of RV ownership and either not utilizing it, not enjoying it, and you're still making that monthly payment and you're one year into a 20 year loan.
Jim Hoffman
Yeah. If you've decided that that's not gonna be your future, you know, right now it, it can be kind of tricky to get out of. And so we, like, I, like I mentioned, we saw, we've seen an increase on, okay, I wanna buy a 2, 3, 4 year policy. I want to know about the transfer aspect and all of those things. Because there is a benefit if you're selling private party and you're able to say, Hey, not only do I have this rig, but I have a seven year extended warranty, they I can transfer to you.
Jim Hoffman
And, you know, here's the cost of that kind of bundle for lack of a better
Peggy Barthel
Chart. Yeah. I, I like that.
Jim Hoffman
Yeah. We were kind of, yeah, <laugh> kind of caught off guard at first.
Peggy Barthel
Another thing I see happening, and this happens every time, right? About this, you know, right around this time of year, all of a sudden all the new 2020 fours or whatever RVs have hit the dealers and you go and you are like, oh man, this is awesome. And you buy one. But if you're living where it's cold, then you buy a winterized unit and it may sit there until April may. Right. Whatever. And all that time, your warranty from the manufacturer is ticking away, tick, tick, tick.
Peggy Barthel
And so by the time you get it, let's say you buy it now, which is November, and then April you de winterize it, you take it to the first camping trip and you discover, uh, oh, the water heater doesn't work. So then you take it back to the selling dealer and they're like, oh yeah, we'll we will take care of that, but it's, but
Peggy Barthel
It's gonna take a couple months.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah. Well now it's a year old <laugh> and your warranty expired. So another thing worth thinking of is getting a warranty from you guys on a new rig, especially if it's gonna sit around for months and months and months, because you really take over where the manufacturer's warranty kind of goes away.
Jim Hoffman
Yeah. And I think, I mean, winterization is always an interesting topic because there's a handful of people that are gonna say, well, I don't wanna have a warranty before it's winterized. I'll wait till it comes out. And then there's a handful of people that say, I wanna have it while it's sitting, because I know when I start it that the likelihood of something going awry probably greater. Right.
Peggy Barthel
Tell me it's not true. <laugh>.
Jim Hoffman
<laugh>. Then there's a handful of people that are like, well, what's winterization?
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, that's true.
Jim Hoffman
Our philosophy there is we're gonna, you know, we'll give you a recommendation based on how you are going to use your RV and where your pain point is on, on winterization and, and more importantly, what it looks like when it's out. Right. And so the, in the example that you gave it, you bring it back to the selling dealer if you're close enough, right? Yeah. If it's not something first you have to be within a certain, you know, distance. But then two, is the rig drivable specifically with like aqua hots or slides, something like that.
Jim Hoffman
It could really dampen your trip. Mm-Hmm. <affirmative>.
Peggy Barthel
Oh yeah. I hadn't even thought of slides. Just sticking out and not being able to retract.
Jim Hoffman
And I mean, we hear about it since the pandemic probably, I want to say weekly. Oh boy. Wow. We'll have customers call that the slide is either stuck in or stuck out and that's obviously where a mobile mechanic comes in and yada yada. But I think the, the key part on the winterization, and that's another thing that, you know, hopefully our warranty specialists are articulating when we're having these conversations is, yes, you can wait, but also we kind of talked about that end of the year.
Jim Hoffman
So looking at a price in a term length today is gonna be a lot different than that same rig. And assuming no miles driven, those rates in those terms might look drastically different come April Mm-Hmm. <affirmative> March or April. Just because literally just because the rigs a year older. Yeah. And so that's where, you know, even for those that are saying, well, I'll wait until it comes out of winterization. Okay. I respect that understanding and that decision.
Jim Hoffman
However, we would urge you to do your due diligence to say, okay, well what would the price be today and what would it be in April? Or more importantly, what's available. Yeah, yeah. Right. The coverage.
Peggy Barthel
And it's free to call, you know, there's no, you guys are not high pressure at all.
Jim Hoffman
We prefer to look at ourselves as educators. I think on last time we met, I, I kind of discussed this and you know, from being an employee at a dealership and Peggy, you know, just from all the experience that you have too, like dealerships are really good at buying and selling RV's. That's kind of their, that's sure. That's their survival. And ours is literally just extended warranties. There isn't a thing that we do that isn't just part of that little niche.
Jim Hoffman
And so we are not a high pressure conversation, mostly because, and maybe there's some strong credibility here, but because we don't want the hassle, I don't want my team dealing with individuals who are upset that they bought something that they weren't aware of. Mm-Hmm. <affirmative>. Or the idea that, speaking from my own experience when I'm in a dealership and then having what appears to be this awkward conversation about an extended warranty and you know, sliding a piece of paper across with a number and sliding it back, we would much rather have our clients understand exactly what's out there, there Mm-Hmm.
Jim Hoffman
<affirmative> exactly what they're getting and more importantly what they're not getting. Right. And if something's too expensive, I respect that we can take things out, for lack of better term, to find a price point that is good.
Peggy Barthel
We had talked about buying that used rig from a private party that if the private party hadn't thought of, Ooh, I should get a warranty to make this more saleable. Maybe something to think about as looking at the warranty options to make it more buyable. Mm-Hmm. <affirmative>, right. If you're shopping and you're like, I don't know, maybe having a extended warranty is the way to go to kind of offer a lot of peace of mind.
Peggy Barthel
Right. And if you're looking at two different used rigs from two different private parties, that might be the deciding factor. Yep.
Jim Hoffman
You know, I think the RV buyer right now is a serious buyer. Yeah. And that, and I don't wanna say that in 2020 or 2021, they weren't <laugh>, but to be fair, they weren't. Right. You know, it was, it was a different time, it was a different mindset. But the RV buyer today is understanding of what they're getting into. And I agree with you, Peggy, I think if you had two similar rigs with all the features and benefits that come with that rig and one has a five or six year extended warranty and one doesn't.
Jim Hoffman
Yeah. If I'm a buyer, I'm gonna look at, I'm gonna, I'm gonna be probably more interested in the one that has the extended warranty just because of the peace of mind of buying a used product that is, that does have such a high ticket number usually attached to it.
Peggy Barthel
I think RVs had tended to sell to people who were kind of in the space and knew, oh, these things take a little bit of extra repair and blah, blah blah. And then the Covid buyer I think was the average consumer who hadn't spent their life kind of being aware of RVs. And now we're back to, I think people are, are RVs even, you know, some people who bought during Covid and they're aware that RVs are not maintenance free <laugh> <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
So this makes a lot of sense.
Jim Hoffman
Yeah. I mean you had in Covid for all those individuals who preferred to get on an airplane and go see something else. Mm-Hmm. <affirmative>. And that wasn't permitted. A lot of those individuals did go out and say, okay, if I can't fly somewhere, I'm gonna drive somewhere. Right. But those two different experiences and responsibilities are vastly different. Right. Right. If I travel to another country, I have to worry about my hotel and my flight and you know, hopefully I can speak the language and the sites that I'm gonna see.
Jim Hoffman
But if I'm gonna drive to Minnesota, okay, well I need to find, you know, campgrounds or places to stay along the way along with having a understanding or a comfort about the house on wheels that I'm driving there. Right? Yeah. Towing there
Peggy Barthel
Not built anywhere near as well as whatever you're towing it with, right? I mean, or
Peggy Barthel
Whatever you're flying in if you're <laugh>
Jim Hoffman
<laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
So I guess to wrap up, since there's really no harm in just looking at what can be done and may make a lot of financial sense to do that before the calendar changes, now it would be a good time to call wholesale warranties <laugh>.
Jim Hoffman
Right. Not only is there not gonna be a a cost associated, but more importantly you're finding out information. Yeah. Right. And I think the, I think one of the biggest things that we can do as consumers is to have as much information as you need or can get prior to going into whatever scenario you're about to go into. Mm-Hmm. <affirmative> for us and the product that we bring to market, I think the biggest thing is just having an understanding that there is going to be a difference between December 31st and January 1st, and understanding that your rig will be a year older come January.
Jim Hoffman
And so today or, or in the next couple weeks is the time to say, okay, if this is something that I want to know more information about. Right. Not necessarily purchase, I'm just saying more information about, right. Mm-Hmm, <affirmative>, there's no harm in taking 15 or 30 minutes, you know, at the longest to have a conversation with one of our warranty specialists who can at least give that education or give that information Right. To the consumer. Yeah.
Peggy Barthel
And unlike being at the dealership where they say, well, if you walk out now this offer is ended. Yeah.
Peggy Barthel
We're not gonna help you in an hour or tomorrow. Right.
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>, it's at least you guys offer the ability to process the information, make an informed decision, and then either make a purchase or not, depending on how it works in your world. And that's totally different than buying a warranty at the dealer as someone who just bought a new vehicle. <laugh>. Right. <laugh>,
Jim Hoffman
The offers, the quotes that we give you are valid for two weeks. There's nothing that is deemed that you have to decide today. There's nothing that says you have to decide in two weeks. Ours is just very informative. I do agree with you, Tony, unfortunately, the dealer tactics of, uh, it's only available for an hour or don't let anybody else know I did this for you or any of those. Smoke and mirrors just is an uneasy feeling. Our warranties are available, but you know, the, the purpose of, hopefully the message that I'm able to articulate is understand that in January those numbers are gonna look different and there's nothing I can do about it because your rig is officially a year old.
Jim Hoffman
Some buckets there may be no change, but for a pretty high majority of 'em, those numbers do change because the admin deems it a year older.
Peggy Barthel
And that's fair. I mean, it's good to know that. And who knows, you may save a bunch of money by making a decision sooner rather than later. And the best way to do is to contact you guys and, and get the information. Mm-Hmm.
Jim Hoffman
<affirmative>. That's it.
Peggy Barthel
All right. Well that was good information. I really appreciate your taking the time to come and share with us again. And as always, we have a link to wholesale warranties. You're one of the people who we really enjoy working with. And so, uh, if you're in any of these situations, give, give wholesale warranties a call and, and see what your numbers look like.
Jim Hoffman
I appreciate it Tony and Peggy, thanks again for having me on. I always enjoyed talking with you. Yeah,
Peggy Barthel
For sure.
Jim Hoffman
And I hope you guys the best of the holiday season coming up. Yeah, you
Peggy Barthel
As well. And, uh, good talking to you again.
Jim Hoffman
Good chatting with you guys. I'll talk to you guys soon. Okay. Take
Peggy Barthel
Care.
Peggy Barthel
Once again, if you are thinking about buying an extended warranty, really, really think about what year your RV is and whether you need to take care of that before the year changes. In the meantime, have a seat at your computer and shop those Black Friday Sales <laugh>. I know that we've received emails from techno, RV Tech outdoors, wear Safe Air gear. I am sure that there are a bunch of other companies out there that are doing Black Friday sales and those of course are partners of ours.
Peggy Barthel
So if you wanted to take advantage of some Black Friday sales through those companies, go look at our deals and discounts page and whatever you think you wanted to buy, maybe check on that site on Friday and see if there's a Black Friday sale going on.
Peggy Barthel
Well also, if you are a recipient of our once a week no spam newsletter, I did link all the Black Friday deals in there that are happening at our partners. So that's an easy way. Or if you're like everybody and their brother, you probably are gonna shop on Amazon. And if you shop on Amazon, if you go to the Stressless camping website and then at the deals and discounts at the bottom there, there's a a click our Amazon link, we actually get a teeny tiny little piece of the puzzle.
Peggy Barthel
And that's from Amazon. That's not from you, you don't, no, your price doesn't change. It's just that Amazon knows that we are sending you to them. So they give us a little thank you gift. Like a nickel. Yeah. Or something <laugh>. Well,
Peggy Barthel
It depends on what you buy, but yeah. Yeah, it's, it's small, but it helps the podcast and so if you remember, we appreciate it and if you don't, well we still appreciate it.
Peggy Barthel
Happy shopping anyway, <laugh>. Yeah.
Peggy Barthel
And just another reason to be on our newsletter list too, because we link those deals. So Right.
Peggy Barthel
So we said we're stationary and that's essentially true right now we're not, you know, quote unquote on the road. But we did go last weekend out and meet up with a couple of couples, <laugh>, a couple of friends, <laugh> at Kodi Lake or Katy Lake or co, we don't know how to say it. I thought
Peggy Barthel
It was Kodi. Everybody said, I think it's
Peggy Barthel
Kodi. There's a lovely campground. It's a Corps of Engineers campground because Cochiti Dam is actually one of the 10 largest earth filled dams in the United States, but it's one of four dams slash flood control, sediment control for the Rio Grande as it flows through New Mexico. So anyway, the campground was really quite nice.
Peggy Barthel
It's really well taken care of. I, I really liked it. Each of the sites has like a little shelter building and a concrete picnic table and the sites are pretty large and it's built on a steep ish hill. And the reason that that's good is you, I think all the sites have a view of the lake.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah. It's like stadium seating, <laugh>. Yeah.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, that's it. It's stadium camping
Peggy Barthel
Now. We did camp near the top of a hill and Brian and Patrick camped at the bottom of a hill. <laugh> really close to the lake, beautiful view of the lake. So the ones that are closer to the lake don't have all the hookups.
Peggy Barthel
I don't think they have any,
Peggy Barthel
I don't think, maybe they don't have any. Right. Yeah,
Peggy Barthel
I think Brian and Patrick were completely off the grid.
Peggy Barthel
And so we had where we were head water and electricity and then there's a nice dump station. Well, I assume it's nice. I didn't go there, Tony did. No, I
Peggy Barthel
Did. It's, I mean, it's a hole in the ground, <laugh> where the stuff's gotta go. So it's a dump station has water and a hole. I mean, what more can you ask for?
Peggy Barthel
Coty Lake is pretty popular with kayakers and boaters and fishermen. So there's those things to do. It was actually at, its all time high or long time, high level when we were there actively letting water out into the Rio.
Peggy Barthel
And it's a huge earth and dam. I mean it's, as you're driving up, you're like, wow, that's a big dam. <laugh> <laugh>. It's kind of neat. And it's on a Native American reservation. You are in Native American country there. So you're also, I don't know, an hour from Santa Fe. Right. So if that's, if you're looking for things to do, that's one of the selections. We do have an article with pictures Yay. At our home on the web.
Peggy Barthel
So one of our friends that was camping with us is full-timer. And so they use that as a start off point to go to Santa Fe. We of course go to Santa Fe from home all the time. So we took that day off and didn't go with them. There's not a lot else to do if you're not a lake, you know, activity person. But it's a great place to just kick back and camp and just take a couple days off or use it as a stop off point to go to all those other places that are nearby.
Peggy Barthel
Absolutely. So we'll have pictures and a story and all that at our home on the web at stressless camping do com com.
Peggy Barthel
Last week I think was the week that you cheated and used gadget and RV reports as one in the new pickup truck <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
That thing is a gadget and I dunno if uh, you were there, but we also did a live feed with the one and only Mike Soel from RV Electricity. So he and I kind of discussed what we know about the new RAM charger. But speaking of Rams,
Peggy Barthel
While we're in the ram, we're in <laugh>, we have a new gadget that we found pretty handy.
Peggy Barthel
You know, our present truck is basically the three-quarter ton version of our previous truck. Something I didn't like and I tend to not like in vehicles is how you put your phones, right? Yeah. I mean, I like having the phone, like when I'm using the map so I can see it. I don't want it as a distraction, but I would like to see this screen, you know, for upcoming suggestions and yeah, all of that stuff. I had put night eye steely, squeeze phone mount holders and they worked, but there's really not a good place to glue those.
Peggy Barthel
And of course there's a lot of people who put those vent mounted phone holders. I, you couldn't pay me to do that 'cause yeah,
Peggy Barthel
I just really think that's gonna break the <laugh> vent.
Peggy Barthel
Well, right. And I don't want it blocking the air. I like the air coming outta the vent. So I started looking, I'm like, okay, what are the solutions for mounting your phone? So I found this company called Bullet Point Systems. They make a phone mount for our Ram 2,500. There's this worthless pocket at the top of the instrument panel that's screwed in. And this replaces that and has mounts that do two or three. They're like little balls that you can mount stuff to.
Peggy Barthel
So then you mount an arm onto that and then whatever holds your phone. And it's pretty flexible, but it's really well made. It's exceptionally well made. It's actually not made out of really cheap material, but
Peggy Barthel
Flexible meaning you can rearrange things pretty well. Yeah. It's not like it's flexing all over the place while you're driving down the road. That's what we're trying to avoid, <laugh>. Right.
Peggy Barthel
So these bullet point mounts are just very, very well made. And the company does donate a portion of their proceeds to law enforcement and military. I'll show you a picture on our show notes on our website of how this thing mounts. I really like it. And I got a three ball mount <laugh>, two of them we use for our phones, right. Peggy has hers and I have mine. And then the third one I use for a dash camp. Again, I'll, I'll show you pictures or I'll share pictures of that and there'll be an article@stressescamping.com about these things.
Peggy Barthel
Uh, just really well made. And they make mounts for a wide variety of vehicles. They're like I say, just really well-made stuff and it's a big difference. A phone isn't flopping around or it's not inconvenient. I just, it's just good.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah. So when he says for all different kinds of vehicles, it is not one size fits all. They know what the dash of your Ram or your Jeep or your Ford or your whatever looks like and where is a good place to mount. So I've seen ads now that we bought one. Of course I see ads all the time. You know, get a bullet point for your Jeep, get a bullet point. And so they make them specifically for different vehicles.
Peggy Barthel
Well made stuff with a good cause. Not cheap, but you know, cheaper, seldom better. Right.
Peggy Barthel
How about the RV of the week? Is it cheap? Well,
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>, uh, well this one, okay, so a lot of the people who follow us like vintage trailers and we like vintage trailers.
Peggy Barthel
We do indeed,
Peggy Barthel
One of the advantages of a vintage trailers, it can be depending on the condition, you get it in a blank canvas or it can be a really well restored trailer, or it can be a vintage trailer with a modern interior, whatever. If you have a hankin for a vintage trailer, but you are just not the person who should be modernizing, upgrading, rebuilding, whatever, a vintage trailer. I have something you might be interested in.
Peggy Barthel
And that's the Gulfstream vintage cruiser line. Gulfstream has done a good job. They're a small independent RV manufacturer. They make pretty good rigs. And the vintage cruiser line, I think does a good job of capturing the vintage feel.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah, I remember I walked in on the office when you were looking at it and I said, oh, what vintage trailer is that? I literally thought that it was vintage. Yeah,
Peggy Barthel
They've, they've done a good job of capturing that style. There are models that have like a naughty pine interior and models that have that birch looking interior. They have bright colors, turquoise and crimson choices. They have a woody model and then they have like a more vintagey model. And so I looked at the vintage Cruiser 17 RWD. It's a small trailer, it's their smallest trailer. I think they've themed it really well. They build it really well.
Peggy Barthel
And it's just a nifty little travel trailer. So if vintage is your kind of in your heart, but not in your toolbox,
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>, I guess perhaps
Peggy Barthel
Guess this might be worth looking at.
Peggy Barthel
Like that last week's question of the week was what is your go-to first night in camp Meal? And we got some fantastic ideas. <laugh>, I mean everywhere from takeout to reheat, something that you made at home to a sandwich, charcuterie. Great, great ideas. I'm not gonna read them all because I want you to go read them all. Get your own best ideas or
Peggy Barthel
Share yours
Peggy Barthel
And share yours. Absolutely. And maybe you'll start thinking about what you're gonna have on your first night in camp the next time you go out. But in the meantime, our question this week is, if camping is seasonal for you, what do you do for fun off season? Ha ha
Peggy Barthel
Ha. I know some people who posted pictures of snow on their social media,
Peggy Barthel
Their camper in the snow, like Yeah. And I'm like,
Peggy Barthel
Oh,
Peggy Barthel
Go. You go.
Peggy Barthel
You do you. Yeah, you do. You <laugh>. Not for me. That's okay.
Peggy Barthel
But if you are like us and you don't wanna camp in the snow and you are where it snows for one thing, yeah, for one thing, get in your camper and go South <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
So what do you do for fun in the off season? And you can answer that at our fun and friendly Stressless campers Facebook group, which is a place to just talk about RVing, camping, that sort of thing. Share ideas and talk to people who I believe are like-minded folk.
Peggy Barthel
You know, that reminds me that Larry asked this week, the difference between Stressless campers and the Stressless camping. And so just as a quick recap, Stressless Campers is a group of people who like to camp. All of us, all of you Stressless campers. Stressless Camping is actually our business page. And so there's not so much, so much interaction. We kind of put links and stuff on there. It's kind of like the everyday newsletter that we're not gonna spam you with <laugh>
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>. Well, yeah, but
Peggy Barthel
We put out some information every day that might be of interest to you. So if you aren't already a member of this Stressless Campers Facebook group, come on and join us. Yeah. And if you aren't already a, I don't even remember what they call it now way in the old days it used to be a fan of, but now I think you just quote unquote like the Stressless camping page. And then you'll see the posts that we put every day.
Peggy Barthel
There you go.
Peggy Barthel
And then in addition to those everyday posts, we do a once a week newsletter.
Peggy Barthel
We've referred to it a few times on this episode, <laugh>, because this week I have included all the Black Friday deals that I could find from our partners. We try to put hints, tips, links to stories, this week's podcast and all of that. So it's kind of a good resource and we have a little fun with it too,
Peggy Barthel
Right? And we hope that it'll help you get the most out of your RV experience. So if you aren't already getting those weekly newsletters, just come to the website, stressless camping.com and sign up and know that what we do with that is send you a once a week newsletter. We don't share it or use it for anything else just to reach out to you every week.
Peggy Barthel
That's it. And we, as Peggy said, we don't share your info ever, ever, ever. We respect that. You have given us permission to join you once a week in your email inbox. And so we treat it
Peggy Barthel
And knowing how inboxes fill up, we really appreciate <laugh>
Peggy Barthel
And that the truth.
Peggy Barthel
Take the time to read that.
Peggy Barthel
And you can find show notes for this episode,
Peggy Barthel
Episode number 2 3 0
Peggy Barthel
On the podcastPage@stresslesscamping.com. And I will include photos of that bullet point mounting device. I will include links to the RV of the week, just all of that good stuff that's there as well.
Peggy Barthel
And as we've said a few times today, check out the deals and discounts page on stressless camping.com and click on the things you might like and see if they're having a Black Friday sale.
Peggy Barthel
Oh, they all are.
Peggy Barthel
Yeah. I'm sure they all are. But our goal for that page is to get you the best deals on things you'll need for your Stressless camping adventure. Of
Peggy Barthel
Course, did you know we are in all the social places? But you can start@stresslesscamping.com and from there, jump off and find us out there in the wild
Peggy Barthel
In the social world. We appreciate that you are listening to the Stressless Camping podcast, but just in case you don't know, it is actually free to subscribe on any podcast catcher.
Peggy Barthel
What a stinking deal.
Peggy Barthel
What a deal. And we are saving you a seat around our virtual campfire or perhaps our real campfire today. Maybe if the weather holds out <laugh>.
Peggy Barthel
And did you know a review will help others find this podcast, which helps you buy, helping us get even more deals and discounts and great guests and all of that. So thank you for your reviews. If you have already left a review, remember that you can share anything you see on the Stresses Camping podcast and groups and places and with friends, and with that one guy who dresses like a tree and scares people,
Peggy Barthel
<laugh>. If you don't know how to do that, check out the website. There's actually a whole page on how to share pages and how to share social posts.
Peggy Barthel
That's so helpful.
Peggy Barthel
Aren't we great, <laugh>. Wow.
Peggy Barthel
Wow. Okay. Well anyway, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you putting us in your ears week after week. Thank you so much. The best of safety, health, and travels to you on this weekend where we sit back and reflect on all the things we're thankful for. And one of those things is
Peggy Barthel
Stressless Restless
Peggy Barthel
Camping. Camping.
Mark Ferrell
We hope you learned a lot and had some fun and got some tips for your next Stressless Camping Adventure. We're honored by your reviews on Apple Podcasts, which helps others find us too. Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss out on the adventure. And we look forward to your joining us next week. Until then, happy camping.
Jim Hoffman
A little wonky. I know that's not a very scientific term.