Episode 138: Straight Talk from Jim Hammill about the RV Industry

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 Jennifer 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, visits to your local dog park can greatly enrich her life: [spp-timestamp time="20:45"] Bo and his K9 pals Sushi and Princess at an off-leash dog park in Fort Walton Beach, FL Here are three reasons why Pet MD says off leash parks are a wise choice for pet owners Physical and mental exercise for dogs- Your dog can zoom around off-leash to her heart’s content, investigate new smells, wrestle with her dog buddies and fetch toys until she happily collapses. Many dogs are so mentally and physically exhausted by a trip to the dog park that they snooze for...