We’re Tony & Peggy Barthel and we’re working to help you be a StressLess Camper.
This week we talk RV construction types and figure out what’s best with our friend Josh Winters from Haylett RV. Are you trying to decide between aluminum-framed and laminated trailer or a traditional wood-framed aluminum-skinned trailer? What’s the best choice and why? We answer all those questions this week plus talk about an exciting new trailer and even pay a visit to see Bigfoot.
This week we talk about StressLess Camping on Thanksgiving with some great tips and hints for making a campground Thanksgiving meal. Our three guest chefs and campground cooks have some great ideas to use today or in the future. We’ve got a lot to be thankful for so pull up a plate and join us as we enjoy some StressLess Camping - Thanksgiving style!
This week we’ve got 20 mistakes that new RVers should avoid at the campground - expensive, dangerous and just funny things we’ve seen while RVing. Make your next camping experience a StressLess Camping one by avoiding these rookie mistakes.
The must have shopping list essentials as you start your new RV journey. All the gifts you’re going to want for your new RV so you can enjoy some StressLess Camping.
We speak about winterizing your RV with Adam Douglas who is our go-to guy for winterizing tips. Should you use compressed air or RV antifreeze for winterization? Adam has the tips and insights. Then we head outside to the campfire and share some great campfire S’Mores tips from our partners GrubStick.
Some of the spookiest stories from around the campfire told by hosts Peggy and Tony Barthel. These great campfire stories are new and old and are sure to give you chills on this Halloween episode, the sequel.
Tips and instructions of what you should do and what you should know when you take delivery of a new RV. Hints and tips developed from watching hundreds of people buy new RVs so you can avoid disaster and enjoy StressLess Camping.
We’ve also got some cool black tank gadgets from our RV gadget report.
Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt and something all RVers might enjoy. This week we talk about this fun worldwide phenomenon which also promotes exploring and adventure. We also travel to Gilroy, CA to find some wonderful treats including locally-made sausages and garlic everything.
We speak with Nick Pettijohn about his inspiring first-time RV adventure with his dog Hafa and the book he wrote inspired by that journey. Then we check out an incredibly innovative garageable folding RV.
RV navigation can help you avoid costly mistakes or even injury by making sure you stay on roads that can accommodate your RV. We talk with Patrick Buchanan from RV Trip Wizard about their RV-safe navigation and trip planning system and how it can help you avoid trouble.
We also talk about RV fresh water tank sanitization and a new RV inline water sanitizer that could make the process easier and safer.
There’s gold in this podcast as we speak with prospector and rock hound Sandy Thuett. Sandy loves boondocking and prospecting and has found some incredible treasure. Then we examine the WeBoost Drive 4G-X cell phone booster in this week’s gadget report.
Boondocking can be a great way to enjoy free or inexpensive camping but where do you find the best spots and where is the best place to find free and inexpensive camping? How do some people manage to find those magical hidden destinations? This week we talk about finding great boondocking spots. Plus our gadget report has a useful inexpensive item that can help you with your RV scissor jacks.
We bring light to solar - what kind of solar do you need for your RV and is solar even worth the money? We also visit the redwoods with stops at Standish Hickey State Park, the Drive-Through Tree and even the wonderful vintage Confusion Hill, a great vintage tourist attraction that includes the Gravity House and a train through a grove of redwood trees.
Towing is a common question and this week’s podcast is all about towing and towing safety. We speak with Oren Kern about towing and tips for knowing what you can safely tow. We also decipher all the points of information you’ll need to determine if you can tow safely. Can you really safely tow the trailer of your dreams? We have the answer this week on the StressLess Camping podcast.
We speak about campfire safety with Maureen Brooks Wildfire Prevention Program Manager from the US Forest Service. Maureen has some great tips to keep campfires safe and other ways you can help prevent forest fires. Then we visit the Mendocino Coast and stop by the Point Arena Light House.
We speak with Steve Searles, the Bear Whisperer, about safety around wild animals including bears. Steve has some great tips for staying safe while enjoying StressLess Camping. We also have ten common mistakes made by new RVers and how to avoid them.
Things are changing on the RV refrigerator front and we’ve got the latest info the newest technology in RV refrigerators and we’ve got Josh, the RV Nerd, from Haylett RV in Coldwater Michican to talk the advantages of the new systems and challenges with existing choices. There are some great new choices you should know about and we’ve got the info. Plus we also share info from Camp California on seven tips for leave-no-trace camping.
We talk about taking care of the appearance of your RV with detailer Eric Golubic from Clearview Products who’s got great ideas for maintaining the finish of your RV. Then we compare our lists of must-have things for our own StressLess Camping experience and even have a tip for your RV stove.
We had a great time talking to Cowboy Kent Rollins about cast iron cooking and cookware tips. Kent’s Chuck Wagon barbecue was named the official Chuck Wagon of Oklahoma by the governor and his two cook books, including the new book: “Faith, Family & the Feast. Also A Taste of Cowboy: Ranch Recipes and Tales from the Trail.”
