RT54 Why the Small Motorhome Lifestyle is So Appealing

The RVing experience is like snowflakes - no two are the same for any of us because the freedom of the RV lifestyle affords us more than enough opportunities to make it our own. Sure, there a similarities, which is why the tips, tricks, and gadgets we talk about often are so popular among Roadtreking fans. But at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania last week, we wanted to really connect with everyone who took a minute to spend some time with us - really get at where people go, what they do,  and why the small motorhome lifestyle is so satisfying. So that's who we talk to for the interview section of this episode of the Roadtreking podcast - YOU. Among others, you will hear us talk with: A New Yorker who wants to get away from the city to boondock A couple with some great tips about overnighting at some businesses A 51-year-old Texas man who attended the show and is planning to get a new RV A Pennsylvania couple that is hitting as many festivals around the country as possible How a Pittsburgh couple RVs in a minivan and is looking to upgrade A New Jersey couple looking to get an RV as soon as they're empty nesters A woman from Rochester, N.Y. who travels solo - and has some great tips about it We also have RV news of the week - including a report about RVers who have been busted trying to avoid paying sales tax - a great off the beaten path report, some traveling tech tips and much more! [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #54 Sept. 23, 2015 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: First Things First: Home From Hershey Mike and Jennifer Wendland kick off the show talking about their trip to America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, last week after Jennifer was excused from doing jury duty. [spp-timestamp time="3:09"] Jennifer's Tip of the Week: Keep Track of Spending While Travelling Jennifer's Tip of the Week for episode 54 is about a great way to keep track of expenses on the road - an app called Smart Receipts. As Jennifer reports, spending must be kept in check and a budget must be adhered to or you could wind up with a huge financial headache. The Smart Receipts app that the Wendlands use ensures they know precisely how and where they are spending money while on the road.  There's a version for Android and a version for iPhone. [spp-timestamp time="4:48"] Listener Question: I Want to Convert My RV's Front Seat Into A Bed. Advice? A listener named Carol has a question about converting the front seat of her 2003 Roadtrek 190 into a sleeping bed. Mike refers her to the manual for her model. He mentions a link for Roadtrek manuals that can be found at: http://www.roadtrek.com/support-contact#section-manuals [spp-timestamp time="6:59"] Listener Question: How Do You Decide Where to Overnight? Roadtreking Listener Rachel emails to ask us how we decide where to overnight. She also wonders if such stays are planned out and asks for advice in finding a place. Mike and Jennifer tell listeners how they approach RV overnights. [spp-timestamp time="9:50"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo. Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. They've been in the RV business for 45 years and nobody knows more about small motorhomes that the Van City  crew. They have new and used Class B motorhomes in stock from the major manufacturers. When you fly in to buy your RV from Van City, they'll arrange to have you picked up from the airport and will reimburse you $500 toward your airfare. Then, your RV will be fully prepared for travel, complete with full tanks of fuel and propane. After a complete orientation with their staff on your new RV, you can take delivery and set out for home. Dan the Van Man gives the week's specials on the podcast. [spp-player] RV News of the Week: Too Many Bear Selfies, Tax Dodgers, and E-Smokers! Too Many Bear Selfies Shutter Colorado Park: So many people are taking selfies with bears that it's become a really serious problem. So much so, in fact,