We’re Tony & Peggy Barthel and we’re working to help you be a StressLess Camper.
Your safety as an RVer is part of what StressLess Camping is all about. On this podcast episode we learn about GasStop, a propane safety device we use which prevents gas flow if there is a leak in the system. It also helps you test your propane system easily and safely and is something we feel is worth having.
This week we learn about an RV owners school taught by the people who make the parts that go in our RVs. This is a great opportunity for any RVer of any skill level to learn more about the systems in their RV and how to have the most StressLess Camping experience. Then we test the best bike rack we’ve seen for eBikes and even examine a unique new fifth wheel.
Driven to Wonder author Michael Boyink shares his stories, tips and thoughts about spending eight years on the road with his family. He talks about starting and ending the journey and even how he redefined worship on the road. Further, as introverts, he speaks to finding community on the road. The book is a compendium of over 100 adventures with beautiful pictures and is an enjoyable read.
We look back on three years of the StressLess Camping Podcast and what inspired us to start this podcast. What were the ideas and thoughts behind StressLess Camping? Who are we and what makes us RV industry veterans?
How do you successfully treat your RV black tank? Are there ways to keep things from smelling and should you use a gray tank treatment? What about the fresh water tank? Is it possible to keep your tank sensors working properly? We speak with Jeremy King from Thetford about the science behind holding tank treatments and what you need to know.
On this week’s StressLess Camping RV podcast we talk about choosing a domicile state for full-time RVers and what it takes, the challenges, some of the benefits and why we chose South Dakota. What’s the best state to claim for RV domicile? What do you need to change your state and why would you want to change your domicile state as a full-time RVer? What about mail? Health and vehicle insurance?
On this week’s StressLess Camping RV podcast we talk about tips and tricks for travel trailer hitching safety. Be safe and secure and easily hitch and unhitch your travel trailer’s weight distribution hitch with these helpful ideas. Do you really need a weight distribution hitch in the first place? We have the answers. Plus we talk about the TST Tire Pressure Monitor.
Ticks! One camper’s story of being bitten by ticks, contracting Lyme disease and what his personal story of recovery looked like. Great information for any RVer on how to avoid ticks, what to do if you encounter one and even how one camper recovered from Lyme disease.
We also share about our new weight distribution hitch and why we like it better than what many people buy.
And we visit a museum that is thought to be second only to the Smithsonian - The Henry Ford. Absolutely an American treasure and must-see.
Is your data secure on the road? How you do avoid losing your most important files and information and how can you prevent being hacked? This week on the StressLess Camping RV podcast we get our geek on and share tips and ideas for keeping your most precious information secure.
We share a tour of our new trailer, a Rockwood Mini Lite 2205s. On this podcast episode we tell why we bought this particular trailer and some of the unique features of this model along with some prototype pieces we’re trying out from various companies. Then we visit an Amish dairy by buggy.
Author, hiker, boondocker and adventurer John Soares has written a number of books on boondocking, travel, hiking, adventuring and more and we get the low down and some great tips in this week’s podcast interview. We also have potentially the most innovative RV layout we’ve seen, a ridiculously named great gadget and bask in the increasing darkness of the lunar eclipse.
Your RV’s fresh water system explained in simple terms to help you camp in campground and get water while boondocking. Can I drink my RV’s water? How do I get a hot shower? Do I need a pressure regulator or water filter?
Roadside assistance is becoming a challenge for RVers and not all plans are created equally. We speak with a major provider of plans and learn which is the best and why. What are some of the things you should know about roadside assistance and will your plan leave you stranded and what are things you might not know?
This week on the StressLess Camping Podcast we speak with two of the co-founders of an innovative new RV company that is building a better RV that’s ready for adventure. We also have a cool camping cook top and a nifty RV from Germany, too. Oh, and don’t forget the lady who fell in the toilet and how that happened.
Bunkhouse RVs - more than just more sleeping we have some merits, challenges and unique ideas along with great listener tips for why a bunkhouse might be a great choice. Then we look at a way to contain Tony’s toilet review from last week and share some reasons you shared about your campground neighbors being jerks.
Sarah Smith, co-founder of The Dyrt, shares details on the app she created which is the most popular way to find camping of all kinds including boondocking, campgrounds and more. Sarah shares how you can plan trips and find hidden gems on The Dyrt with over 4 million campground reviews, photos and tips. We also talk about a very controversial gadget and take a look at one of the most interesting new travel trailers out there.
Mark Ferrell has hiked all over the Sierras, sometimes for several weeks at a time. Mark has tips for your first backpacking trip, how to get started, where to find great places to hike, how to eat great meals and even talks about toilet tips. We also go to a secret spot in the Eastern Sierras where every camp site has a hot springs tub plus we have the most unusual RV we’ve ever seen.
Thinking of canceling that trip because of gas prices? Don’t! You can still go on that epic adventure. We have tips for improving your RV’s fuel economy, including tips for how to get better mileage when towing a trailer. Don’t change your plans, these few simple and mostly free tips can help you enjoy that trip and use less fuel in the process.
We also talk about our new eBikes that we charged with our solar generator and even have an RV that would be a real fuel sipper.
We share our own ideas, tips and thoughts about staying StressLess - sometimes turning a stressful situation into StressLess Camping. This is really the core of our whole way of doing things and we hope there are lessons from our own camping experiences that can help you.
We talk vintage RVs with Tim Heintz of Heintz Designs, learning tips, tricks and ideas for restoring or even finding a great vintage RV. Tim is the country’s leading expert on vintage RVs and shares tips for finding your own vintage and restoring it. Plus we have a great gadget to help keep your vintage trailer more secure and our RV of the week is even one of the most unusual vintage motorhomes ever.
