206 - New technology finds unclaimed reservations in national parks and beyond
Greetings!
We’re Tony & Peggy Barthel and we’re working to help you be a StressLess Camper.
We’re Tony & Peggy Barthel and we’re working to help you be a StressLess Camper.
206 - New technology finds unclaimed reservations in national parks and beyond
Podcast with tips and tricks for making coffee on the road
Shopping for nifty gadgets that make your RV experience more StressLess is its own challenge and we speak with Eric and Tami Johnson from TechnoRV which carefully vets some of the best products RVers will want. We look at some of their favorite must-have RV gadgets that can save you time, money and even make your pets safer just in time for Black Friday.
Should you buy an extended warranty for your RV? What are some of the things you should look for - and is it better to shop at the dealership or independently? Do you need a warranty to qualify for financing? We speak with the Vice President of Operations at Wholesale Warranties to see how that company works and the kinds of things you should look for.
Join us as we explore the healing power of nature and reaffirm the importance of prioritizing time spent in the great outdoors with our guest from the USDA Department of Forestry who cites studies that prove the science.
With California’s impending generator ban what can you do if you still need clean, safe power for your RV? This week our RV podcast guest is Jonathan Schloo who has invented a gadget that lets you tap into your vehicle to provide power for your RV or even devices in your home. This is a unique solution that really makes sense and we have the full story.
What’s there to do in New Mexico? We gather a group of RVers to find out some of the best, and often surprising, things there are to do in the Land of Enchantment. From beautiful hikes to incredible campgrounds, dark skies, historic places and more New Mexico offers a lot more than many may realize.
This is our 200th episode so we’re also celebrating that as well.
Many of you are opening your doors to Spring and waking your RVs up from a loooooong winter’s nap. Whew! That was no fun.
As part of the process of putting your RV in service this week’s podcast features Gary Cipa who is an instructor and expert on RV leaks…and how not to experience one!
We were so impressed with a seminar we attended that we got Gary to share his expert knowledge with you. This is a must listen for anyone who has an RV, quite frankly.
Former NASA designer Garrett Finney took time to share his vision for the Taxa Outdoors habitats that his company builds. From window placement to places to attach a hammock indoors or going miles off the beaten path the thinking behind these vehicles is a step above. Learn the kind of thinking that makes Taxa habitats so different - and possibly right for the way you camp.
Passport America is a discount program on camping that can legitimately save you a lot of money. We speak with the owner and learn how it works and why it is well worth considering. We also pay a visit to New Orleans and even look at the future of towable RVs.
Dark sky places are a great way to experience camping under the stars. Our guests, Alicia and Scott, are dark sky fans and have great ways to find dark sky camping, some wonderful experiences and even apps and memberships that can help you find these magical places.
Adam Blair works to keep vintage RVs on the road and traveling safely and has some great tips or people interested in buying or restoring an RV. Adam has worked on thousands of vintage trailers and his tips can keep you safe and in great style to boot.
Music festivals are fun and even more so for campers and RVers and our guest, Jeff Zbar, comes to us from RoadTripMojo where he covers music festivals and other fun group events. Jeff shares tips and tricks for finding and loving these celebrations and there truly is something for everyone.
Have you dreamt of renovating your RV? Do you have visions of making changes, but are concerned about how it affects the value? What can you do to glamp up your RV and have it reflect your style? Shi DelGrosso is an expert in this field and has made over RVs with unique and beautiful style. She has also helped others realize their style vision.
Speaking of style, we have one of the most unique RVs we’ve ever seen. Our gadgets this week are something that can help you save money on the road.
Author, podcaster and camper Jeremy Puglisi on his fifth book, Where Should We Camp Next: National Parks, details ideas for finding great places in and around the national parks, some of which are hidden gems with plentiful camping. Learn some of Jeremy’s ideas on finding places to camp.
We also have a new RV that’s great for camping and overlanding but is also a great work truck. This new rig is one of the most innovative we’ve seen - and it comes from people not in the RV industry.
Spot2Nite is a resource that lets you book campgrounds and RV spots quickly and easily. We speak with Terry Broussard about how his company can get you a spot tonight or help with reservations down the road. Terry also explains some nice integrations his company is working on.
We also have a very important tech tip for all RV owners plus a great very inexpensive safety device.
The best way to love the RV life is to learn as much as possible and this week’s podcast guest shares information about Campnation Expo, a hands-on learning event for RVers.
On this week’s RV and travel podcast we look at a study that predicts that campgrounds will be fuller than ever. Then we let Peggy loose on ways she has found to beat the “no vacancy” sign. We also share an interesting letter from a reader in the RV industry plus look at a new RV with the best kitchen we may have seen in an RV.
We speak with listener Ingall who has a great way to stay at the national parks and other places while helping make them better places at the same time. It can be difficult to get in to these places but his hack is a great way to get in sooner and stay longer. Ingall also shares how he travels in a beautiful 1966 Airstream Caravel travel trailer which he’s taken to some incredible places.
We tour the 2023 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV show to find the work camping opportunities at the show. For those who want to find a way to both work and travel, these opportunities can be a great way to support your RV lifestyle. From working at amusement parks to warehouses, driving tour buses in Alaska or being among roadside attractions there is something for almost all abilities and tastes.
