RT38: Energy Self-Sufficiency is the Future of Class B RVing

Our trip west could have turned out much different were it not for the technology that makes RVs like ours energy self sufficient - the kind of tech that provides a look into the future of Class B RVing. We can boondock pretty much anywhere, anytime. Case in Point: We didn't have a reservation for one of the campgrounds near Grand Canyon and would've been stuck waiting forever to get one instead of enjoying everything this amazing landmark has to offer. But with a Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL from the Roadtrek factory that uses the latest and greatest technology, no room in the campground meant no problem for us. We just found an "off-the-grid" place in a nearby national forest - free, by the way - and set up camp. We had all the power we needed, and then some. In fact, we later moved on to Zion National Park - the place where we recorded this episode of the Roadtreking RV Lifestyle podcast - and though we were in a National Park campground, the lack of electric hookups there was no big deal for us because we have the ability to bring our own power, thanks to a rooftop full of solar panels and a bank of high-energy, fast-charging and high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries. You should have seen my fellow campers scratch their heads over how I made my fresh-brewed coffee every morning and how we had enough battery power to run our air conditioner all afternoon the day the temperature soared to triple digits. Boondocking like we so often do is exactly the kind of thing Roadtrek President Jim Hammill says represents the future of Class B RVing. He is the featured guest on this week's podcast and talked to me before we headed west about the future of the Class B small motorhome lifestyle. Among other things, Jim and I discuss: Why the Class B RV market is booming The role technology has in the boom How  changing RVing demographics help shape the market How technology like solar power is allowing people to find and camp in more places How lithium-ion batteries will change the RV industry Why you may someday never even need to take a power cord with you RVing Why you may never have to deal with dead batteries at some point Some of the new features that will be available on next model year Roadtreks If green RVing products like solar-powered ovens are actually viable alternatives to the way things have always been done Also on this week's episode we talk traveling with pets, recommend travel apps, have news about U.S. National Parks and another anti-RV law, and have a big announcement about a big Roadtreking event set for August. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #38, June 3, 2015, of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: First Things First: Checking in from Zion National Park in Utah Mike and Jennifer Wendland begin the show by bringing us up to speed on where they are in there tour of the western part of the United States. Listener Question: Is It Possible to RV Solo With a Dog? Listener Judy asks about traveling in an RV with a dog while alone. Mike and Jennifer talk about the challenges it does present - and also about how rewarding it can be to share RVing experiences with your favorite pet. Listener Question: Best Navigation Apps? A listener asks about what navigation apps Mike and Jennifer use while RVing around North America Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo. Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. Owner Ray Dwyer has been in the RV business for 44 years and is considered the dean of Class B RVs. Nobody knows more about small motorhomes that Ray and his 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,