RV Lifestyle RV Podcast

In this week’s podcast we answer your questions about staying connected on the road with the Internet and Satellite TV, plus tips about how to rodent-proof your RV. And we talk about how to get the best RV at the best price, learning from Steve Fretz, whose Pennsylvania dealership was just named as the 2016 Dealer of the Year by review website DealerRater.com. 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 #112 Nov. 2, 2016 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: Our new Roadtreking schedule of Gatherings for 2017 has been posted – see https://rvlifestyle.com/2017-schedule-roadtreking-gatherings/ JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK It’s that time of year again. Many RVers are winterizing their RVs and putting them in storage for the winter. But besides antifreeze, one other step that is very important before you put your RV into hibernation for the winter is to make sure you keep the mice from getting inside. [spp-timestamp time="11:33"] While we were in Pennsylvania this week at Fretz RV, we met with company rep Mike Myers who told us about Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellant. We found a great deal for it on Amazon – three boxes, with four pouches for box… for just $39. ­For uninfected areas, the directions say to place one pouch for every 125 sq. feet. So two or three pouches will do it for an RV. The scent lasts 90 days so you may need to replace them come the end of February. For infected areas where mice are active, they suggest one pouch every 8 square feet and to replace the pouches every 30 days. Remember, besides your RV, this keeps mice keeps mice out of homes, cabins, basements, attics, garages, sheds and storage units. It protects stored vehicles, boats, RVs, ATVs, campers, snowmobiles and farm equipment. It repels mice from pet food, bird seed and livestock feed… just about anywhere mice like to get into. Also, some of our readers have suggested putting a box worth of dryer sheets around your RV. Rodents supposedly don’t like that smell. And if you suspect mice are getting in, be sure to check for open spaces under the chassis. It wouldn’t hurt to set some traps, too. 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. If I use your tip in the podcast, we’ll send you a free Roadtreking hat! I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by T RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Listener Denise asks about satellite and Internet on the Road and Mike shares his experience. [spp-timestamp time="19:42"] He suggests she check out an online guide to cell boosters go to: https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/cell-phone-signal-booster-guide/ The new cell booster Mike will be installing on his Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL is the Professional Grade weBoost Drive 4G-X + RV Trucker Essentials Kit - 470510-RV For Satellite TV in a small RV, mike recommends https://get.dishformyrv.com/ 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.   INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK – How to Get the Best RV for You at The Best Price Steve Fretz This week we talk to Steve Fretz, from Fretz RV in Souderton, PA, just named the 2016 Dealer of the Year by the review website DealerRater.

Estimates place the number of solo RVers at between 20 to 30 percent of all the RVers on the road. In this episode, we talk to a recent solo traveler, a widow who has crisscrossed North America and loves her new lifestyle. You’ll meet Joette George who, with her Golden Retriever, routinely is on the open road for weeks at a time. She shares her experience and offers some great advice for all RVers. [spp-timestamp time="31:57"] Also this week, we talk about everything from a recent Bigfoot sighting to fun off the beaten path spot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, plus listener questions, tech tips and RV news. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Mike and Jennifer begin by sharing their recent trip to Mackinac Island. [spp-timestamp time="2:48"] They Mike talks about that recent Bigfoot sighting, and shares a funny story of his own [spp-timestamp time="4:45"] This week, Mike and Jennifer will travel to Pennsylvania.  [spp-timestamp time="7:48"] On Friday at noon eastern time, they’ll do a Facebook Live report from Fretz RV in Souderton, PA on the Roadtreking Facebook Group. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Lisa Gruner According to a survey Mike recently did on our Facebook Group, almost 70% of all RVers travel with pets, most often a dog. But one concern many of us have is how to keep our pets secure while traveling, or from bolting outside when we open the door. At a recent Roadtreking gathering, I asked fellow traveler Lisa Gruner for how she manages her dog while on the road. Lisa shares a simple trick…and another tip on how she gets total darkness in her RV. [spp-timestamp time="9:43"] And be sure to send Jennifer 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. 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. Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by T RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Mariane is a single listener who wants to get an RV and hit the road and asks Miked and Jennifer for advice. [spp-timestamp time="14:31"] Sue asks about showering in a Roadtrek Class B Roadtrek, specifically about how much room there is. [spp-timestamp time="20:40"] And Allen, who can't wait to get an RV,  has a suggestion on keeping dogs safe when outside during hunting season [spp-timestamp time="22:52"] 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. INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK – Joette George Joette George This week we talk to solo traveler Joette George, a widow who travels all over North America in here Roadtrek motorhome, accompanied only by her Golden Retriever. [spp-timestamp time="31:57"] Joette talks about: How she came to be a solo Roadtreker How she came to choose the right RV for her What’s involved in solo travel Security concerns for the solo traveler What her kids and friends thought of her decision What she likes most about the RV lifestyle The places she’s been and her best memories Suggestions for those thinking about solo travel RV NEWS OF THE WEEK: RV Shipments Soared Last Month [spp-timestamp time="43:05"] Puppy caught in trap while on a hike with its owner [spp-timestamp time="45:50"] All RVs banned from parking in Santa Barbara, CA [spp-timestamp time="47:37"] This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde  the only name in heat ...

The biggest mistakes many RVers make are they stay in Walmart parking lots, cover too much ground, too fast, and they overplan! To maximize the RV experience we all need to slow down and enjoy the journey. In this week’s episode, we interview a couple who have been doing just that for 19 years and they offer some of the most helpful, practical and pointed advice we’ve ever shared in the podcast. Bill and Peggy Bechtel also tell us how they were able to retire at the age of 55 and fully embrace the RV lifestyle, unworried about running out of money. This week’s episode is a must listen! Plus we have RV news, tips, questions and an off the beaten path report about a place called the Dead Horse Park that – despite its off-putting name – belongs on your bucket list. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. 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 #110 Oct. 19, 2015 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: As we begin this episode, Mike is joined by Jennifer and we discuss: [spp-timestamp time="2:05"] Our recent 10 day trip through Michigan’s UP Hunting season in the woods….time to beware! The friendships that RVing brings Cold weather is coming, and the first wave of the Great Snowbird Migration is underway Our travel plans for Mackinac Island this week, Souderton PA next week JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK This week’s tip is for all of you who have diesel RVs. And it’s a warning about what could happen if you are not careful at the pumps… [spp-timestamp time="7:21"] Jeff and Mary Jane explain on the podcast in an interview with Jennifer just what happened when they mistakenly filled their diesel tank with gasoline. Mary Jane and Jeff Curry Here’s a link to additional details in a story they wrote on the blog about it - https://rvlifestyle.com/word-caution-regarding-deisel-pumps/ The reverse could be true, for those of you with gasoline engines. Diesel in a gas engine can also be very damaging. So pay attention out there! 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. If I use your tip in the podcast, we’ll send you a free Roadtreking hat! 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. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Jake from Kansas is a disabled Vet and part time RVer in a Fifth Wheel… he wants to get a bigger one (a toy Hauler) to convert to a mobile radio room for his amateur radio hobby and make it available to share his hobby for the public. He asks Mike’s opinion, knowing Mike is also an amateur radio operator (K8ZRH) [spp-timestamp time="14:05"] Jason is a brand new RVer from Canada and he and heading off to Florida in the spring looking for info on where to send a month in FL. [spp-timestamp time="19:15"] Mike and Jennifer share their thoughts.Mike shares his three favorite Floida State parks. Mike suggests he go to http://yesyoucamp.com website and enter the information – the campground you want, dates and length of stay desired. For $3 they’ll check the site every 5 minutes and text you if something opens up. For no charge, they’ll check every four hours and email you. If you book, they request a donation. For a list if all Florida state parks, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_state_parks or to search by a map, you can go to https://www.floridastateparks.org

In this episode of the podcast Jennifer offers some resources to help you appreciate those dark October skies. There are meteor showers you should be able to see on several days this month. Also this week, we field a bunch of listener questions on everything from battery-eating RV refrigerators to how to cook your meal as you travel in a crock pot. In RV News this week, you'll hear of the harrowing tale of a Montana man who survived a horrible attack from a grizzly bear and took a selfie video before somehow driving himself to the hospital. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. 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 #108 October 5, 2016 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: Mike and Jennifer begin by updating everyone on where they are and whats been happening, including: Their upcoming trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula [spp-timestamp time="2:11"] Planning our travels and preparing meals ahead of time [spp-timestamp time="3:38"] How Anytime Fitness has cancelled a great benefit they use to extend through a program called Silver Sneakers [spp-timestamp time="6:29"] Jennifer’s new iPhone 7 and update on the Samsung Note 7, which Mike had no idea would be as “hot” as he predicted. [spp-timestamp time="8:25"] They shared a note from a couple who has found the RV lifestyle to provide much needed relaxation and relief from a chronic pain condition [spp-timestamp time="10:17"] This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK - Look at the Night Sky in October One of my favorite things about fall camping is viewing the night sky. When you get away from all that light pollution and look up, it is just amazing. [spp-timestamp time="14:17"] If you feel the same way, then be sure and get out there to do some camping this month. October is a month with several special events for amateur star gazers. Oct. 8 is International Observe the Moon and Astronomy Day. Amateur astronomy clubs throughout the country have special events. We’ll out up a link to all the different events around the country on the shownotes for this episode. Or, if you are near a city with a science center or planetarium, give them a call because chances are a special event is scheduled for that night - many for free. It is worth checking out. Also three different meteor showers will be visible this month - on Oct. 8, Oct. 10 and Oct. 21. There’s a special NASA site that we’ll link to that has descriptions of the showers, and the moon phases. One thing I'm hoping to see when we head up to the Porcupine Mountains gathering in Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula next week is the Zodiacal Lights. This special, pyramid-like bright phenomena is visible October 1-15. The National Geographic website has some helpful information on the Zodiacal Lights. And, while Mike is not a professional photographer, here's a list of tips he recently shared on photographing the night sky, You can find all the resources I just mentioned at roadtreking-dot-com-slash-108 Happy star gazing! 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. If I use your tip in the podcast, we’ll send you a free Roadtreking hat! I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year.

In this episode, we tackle a whole bunch of audience questions, on everything from camping in cold weather, to showering in an RV to staying connected to the Internet while traveling. Plus we have lots of news, tips and travel suggestions. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. 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 #107 Sept. 28, 2016 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: Jennifer and I catch you up on our recent travels and experiences and preview where we’re headed. It’s fall and as it finally cools off down south and in the southwest, the forests of the northwest, mountain states, Midwest, northeast and Canada are starting to change colors. It’s a perfect time to get out there on a fall RV trip. [spp-timestamp time="1:11"] This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Today’s tip has to do with making the front seats into a bed on a Class B motorhome. [spp-timestamp time="6:17"] We just came back from a boondocking getaway in Northern Michigan with our two grandchildren. Now our Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL best sleeps two… so, with me and the two granddaughters, that meant Mike and Bo were outside, in a tent. No problem there, though Mike may have a different opinion after sleeping on the hard ground. But that’s another topic. This tip has to do with sleeping three in the Roadtrek. I made the back up into two twin beds. Thirteen-year-old Hua Hua slept on the passenger side bed. I had the driver’s side twin. So where to put 10 year old Rachel? Up front, of course. Now Roadtrek and its dealers sell a sort of folding bed that works. But we improvised and found a great solution. We brought along a thick, four inch folding pad that we had used back in our tenting days. Rachel's bed across the front seats What we did to make a bed for Rachel was push the driver and passenger seats back, pull out one of the tables and put that across the space between the two seats. Then we put the four-inch pad, about the size of a twin bed, right across the seats. The table gave solid support. Rachel’s sleeping bag went on top of the pad and she was as snug as a bug in a rug. She says she slept great and was very comfy. The configuration is fine for kids. An adult could manage there in a pinch but we wouldn’t recommend it. We’ll put a photo of Rachel and her sleeping arrangements in the shownotes for this episode at roadtreking.com/107 Rachel and Hua Hua are already looking forward to their next boondocking trip with us. Mike says he needs a little more padding for the tent outslde. Do you have a tip you’d like to share? Use the Leave Voicemail link on the Roadtreking.com website. It lets you record a message using the built in microphone in your computer, smartphone or tablet and send it directly to me. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Lots of questions this week! [spp-timestamp time="13:23"] Listener John talked about his interest in the new Hymer Activ Class B motorhome and noted that new production models starting in January will have some nice finishing touches. Bruce called in from Western Colorado where the temperature dropped to 28 degrees. He wonders when he has to start worrying about freezing his pipes in cold weather. Joanne, a semiretired teacher from Ontario, is new to RVing and is planning a long trip to Florida and wants to know about finding some great campsites. This rack holds two kayaks and two bicycles and attaches to the bumper hitch

The title for this week’s episode “The World is Our Backyard” comes from the sign our special guests put out on the back of their RV. A little later on you’ll meet Jim and Rhonda Phipps, two recent retirees, whose lifestyle has dramatically changed for the better thanks to their Roadtreking across the country in a Class B campervan…. Also this week, your questions, helpful tips, RV news and a special Off The Beaten Path Report. [spp-player] Mike and Jennifer begin by recapping their week in Hershey, PA at America’s Largest RV Show, then they update the audience on their adventures with Bo, their nine-month-old Norwegian Elkhound puppy and his recent “Great Escape.”They share their travel plans for this week, heading out to do some boondocking in the woods with their granddaughters. [spp-timestamp time="2:13"] This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One of the biggest challenges faced by RVers is finding that perfect campsite in the perfect place. [spp-timestamp time="12:38"] The problem is, the most popular campgrounds are booked up months in advance, sometimes even a year ahead of time. So, it can be very frustrating. The only way to get in is if someone who already has a reservation cancels. That means you need to spend a lot of time…. Checking. Well here’s a great tip, originally passed along on our Facebook Roadtreking Group by Judy Bass. Judy has discovered a terrific online service. If you want to book a site at a public campground and there are no vacancies, go to yesyoucamp.com and enter the information - the campground you want, dates and length of stay desired. For $3 they'll check the site every 5 minutes and text you if something opens up. For no charge, they'll check every four hours and email you. If you book, they request a donation. Again, the site is to yesyoucamp.com. That’s to yesyoucamp.com. Judy used the site and snagged a hjghly desireable spot on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for this week, even though it's booked solid till the end of the season. The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Mark and Melissa in Des Moine, IA are getting a new Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL and wonder how lithium ion batteries behave in the winter time. [spp-timestamp time="16:44"] Jaqueline wants to know what innovation and “surprises” are coming from Roadtrek in 2017 [spp-timestamp time="20:30"] 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. Listener Bill shares his recent experience with Creston RV in Montana [spp-timestamp time="26:58"] RV BASIC TRAINING The U.S. Forest Service recommends campers be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes and other unexpected events by bringing the following items when they head out camping for any extended amount of time. How many items do you have tucked in your RV? [spp-timestamp time="28:44"] Candles Compass Flashlight Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device) Hat Insect repellent Map Nylon filament Pocket knife Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device) Prescription glasses (an extra pair) Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions Radio with batteries Sunglasses Sunscreen Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho) Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device Waterproof matches This part of the podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 15 locations on the East Coast  RV NEWS OF THE WEEK:   Three stories this week - [spp-timestamp time="35:15"]

In this episode, we have lots of tips, suggestions, alerts and RV news and a special interview with a couple we first met a little over a year ago when they had just sole their sticks and bricks home and were about to embark on a life of fulltiming in their Class B Roadtrek RV. We catch up with them this week and they describe how awesome the past year has been, a year they describe as “Unsurpassed Freedom.” If you have ever dreamed about fulltiming, you’ll for sure want to hear this interview! Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. 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 #105 Sept. 14, 2016 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: We’re in Hershey, PA this week at America’s Largest RV Show. With over 1,300 new RVs on display, you’ll find every style and every model! From small campers to full-size motorhomes, there’s something for everyone! Plus, it’s the first show in the nation with 2017 products. Come out to shop and compare virtually every major manufacturer. Interest rates are low and so are the prices! [spp-timestamp time="2:00"] America’s Largest RV Show is set for Wednesday, September 14 through Sunday, September 18 at the Giant Center in Hershey. The show runs from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Tickets are just $10 for adults; children 12 and under get in free. Wednesday is Senior Day: 55+ get in for half price. Thursday is Veterans Day: Half priced admission with a valid ID. You can also get a 5-day pass for $30 or a Twilight pass (after This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK One of the fun things about meeting people at or Roadtreking gatherings around the country is touring other folk's motorhomes. Everyone has made their RV unique by adding things, arranging and organizing things just so or solving simple problems in creative ways. For example…. Shoe clutter. [spp-timestamp time="10:07] You know what I mean. Dirty shoes can really mess up a motorhome. You can slip them off and leave them outside the door. But a lot of us don’t like that idea because…well… creepy, crawly things have been know to get in them Or it can rain and nothing is worse then wet shoes. Linda Vesterdahl's shoe storage solution At our recent Roadtreking gathering up near Tobermory in Canada, we came upon a perfect solution from our friend Linda Vesterdahl. Do you know that area right behind the sliding door on a Roadtrek RV? It’s a sort of riser, or step on the threshold leading into the motorhome that is a foot or so off the ground. That’s where Linda and husband Scot solved the shoe problem. Linda and Scot used two plastic file containers, the kind you pick up at an office supply store. They are clear plastic rectangles with an open top and they put them right there on the threshold behind the sliding door. Meantime, send me your tips. Just click the Leave Voicemail link on the right side of the Roadtreking-dot-com blog and you can use your computer’s built in microphone to record your message and send it directly to me. I love hearing from you. The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:   Hello Mike Wendland, Thank you for the article on the underground AC system. I've read some reports that those installed in emergency vehicles have not done well when subjected to winter weather conditions — especially when salt and other additives or added to the mix. What has your experience been? Will Tompkins [spp-timestamp time="15:03"] A reader and listener sends a warning about Canadian Travel n Highway ...

This episode of Roadtreking the RV Podcast comes to you from the Bruce Peninsula National park in Ontario, Canada and in it we share lots of RV tips, audience questions, suggestions and ideas – including Mike’s instructions on how to photograph the Milky Way and the night sky. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] How to Photograph the Milky Way [spp-timestamp time="7:19"]Find a Dark Sky. Just waiting until nighttime won't do. ... Know When and Where to Look. ... Use a Digital Camera with Good High ISO Capabilities. ... Use a Fast Wide Angle Lens. ... Use a Tripod. ... Use Live View. ... Start with ISO 3200. ... Set a Long Shutter Speed. Here are some apps: PhotoPills for iOS SkyGuide for iOS Stellarium Mobile for Android This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Valerie has a tip about holding mail while you are on a long RV trip [spp-timestamp time="16:16"] Tom offers a unique way to wash your clothes without having to find a laundromat [spp-timestamp time="19:00"] And Jim has a tip about how to stay local by keeping to the back roads [spp-timestamp time="21:28"] The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Daryl has new Roadtrek and wants to know about what kind of fuel economy to expect. He’s averaging a little over 16 mpg. Also wants to know how to protect the painted surface of his RV [spp-timestamp time="24:10"] And Jim wants an RV with rooftop solar and whether available. Also wants to separately adjustable twin beds. [spp-timestamp time="30:00"] Angelique called in to comment about traveling with pets [spp-timestamp time="32:29"] RV BASIC TRAINING The Care and Feeding of Your Solar Panels – By Campskunk [spp-timestamp time="37:15"] This part of the podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 15 locations on the East Coast  RV NEWS OF THE WEEK:  Man’s Typo while Booking RV Site costs him $1,000 [spp-timestamp time="42:20"] Tornado hits NC Campground [spp-timestamp time="44:20"] National Parks Grappling with Misbehaving Tourists [spp-timestamp time="45:33"] This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde  the only name in heat that you need to know for your RV TRAVELING TECH TIP: From Verizon's Steve Van Dinter …[spp-timestamp time="48:55"] I always love sharing cool tech info with your listeners, and today I’ve got some great news - a wireless speed increase for those who use Verizon - and the best part - it comes at no additional cost. It’s thanks to something Verizon is calling LTE Advanced. We’re all familiar today with traditional 4G LTE. When you see that symbol on your phone you know it means being able to browse the web, download movies and listen to your music fast. Well with LTE Advanced, you’ll now see those movies, music and files download about 50 percent faster. To access this next generation network, all you need is one of 39 compatible phones - and make sure you have accepted software updates when they’ve become available. You also need to live in or travel near one of the 461 cities and counting where LTE Advanced is available - which is a good portion of the US. Highways, interstates and rural areas are also included. To bring you these crazy fast speeds, your phones uses two or even three channels to transmit on - rather than one - and that means speeds of up to 225 mbps when it’s connected via two channels and up to 300 mbps for the times it’s connected on three channels - that’s many times faster than...

This week we offer tips and suggestions on what do about your sticks and bricks house when you are off traveling in your RV. We share the ways Jennifer and Mike make sure things are safe and secure back home while they’re out traveling. We also offer a very detailed report about going to and coming back from Canada -what you need to know, what you can and cannot bring into each country and what to expect when you travel between the two countries. Plus info on the best way to level and stabilize your RV at the campground, tech tips, RV news and lots of audience questions and comments. Click the player to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Complete shownotes for Episode 103: We talk at length at our experiences of going back and forth between the U.S. in Canada all the time. [spp-timestamp time="4:25"] Among other things, we cover: Why you need to remove your sunglasses at the border check point What questions to expect Will they search or enter your RV? What food can you bring in? Can you take pets? Resources mentioned: Traveling into Canada from the U.S. in your RV Coming back to the U.S. from Canada When returning to the U.S. from Canada, all travelers are required to declare at customs any items purchased or acquired during their stay. Food that can be brought into the U.S. from Canada – Detailed info This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Most RVers are not fulltimers and thus, when you hit the road, you have a sticks and bricks home to worry about. Mike and I travel about half the year, often for weeks at a time, so we’ve learned by experience how to make sure everything will be just fine at home when we return. [spp-timestamp time="26:35"] So here’s a list of the things we do: First, we have a home alarm system. The one we use is SimpliSafe. It’s a do-it-yourself system, You buy the various sensors, attach them to the walls and it’s done. There are no holes to drill and the system is all wireless. It is extremely reliable and for $14.95 a month, we have 24 x 7 monitoring with it. Mike installed the system himself and we couldn’t be happier. We have an app that lets us control the whole system from wherever we are. But whatever system you do choose, we do recommend you have an alarm system and monitoring. Okay, here’s what we do before leaving? Stop mail delivery – You can do it online or stop by the post office and get a supply of their yellow hold mail cards. They need three days notice but we fill out ours with the date we’re going to be away and they hold it until our return. On the day we return, they deliver it to our door. Alert neighbors or a friend that you will be gone – We have friends who periodically stop by to check the house. The friend water my plants, makes sure everything is okay inside and does a check of the property. We deactivate the alarm by our app for the time they visit and then remotely reactivate it after they leave. Have the lawn cut – We use a lawn service and they cut our lawn weekly. In the winter we use a snow removal company. Nothing indicates a home is empty more than unkempt landscaping or snow covered driveways. There are lots of other things you can do. Some experts recommend unplugging television sets, major appliances, turning off water and that sort of stuff. We have an automatic whole house generator so we don’t worry about power interruptions but in cold climates you want to make sure your furnace is always working so if travel is going to take you away a lot in the winter, the idea of an automatic generator may be worth the investment.

In this episode we talk about fall fun and RV travel… plus we discuss seat belt laws and sleeping in the back of a motorhome while driving, choosing the right vehicle to tow a travel trailer. There’s lots of tips, interesting RV news and a fun off the beaten path report. Click the player below to listen now or scroll down through the shownotes details and resources. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] In this episode, we talk about our fall schedule and some fall activities that our readers can participate in. [spp-timestamp time="5:56"] They include: National Apple Harvest Festivalin Arendtsville, Penn - Oct. 1,2, 8-9 International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 1-9 World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin’ in Nassau, Del. - Nov. 4-6 German Village Oktoberfest in Columbus, Ohio - Sept. 23-25 Or check out this full list of the Best Fall Festivals And here is a list of three of the big events Mike and Jennifer will be attending this fall. Our Roadtreking Tobermore Roadtreking Gathering - Sept 5-9 America’s Biggest RV Show in Hershey, Pa – Sept. 14-18 (Look for us hanging around the Roadtrek and Erwin Hymer Group of North America booths) Our Porcupine Mountains Fall Foilage Gathering - Oct. 10-13, 2016 This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Shari has a tip about Getting rid of sand and dust… and a question, too, about sleeping in the back of a motorhome while moving. [spp-timestamp time="20:20"] There’s lots of controversy about the issue of walking around in a moving motothome. As to legality, as far as we could find out, in most states, you can. Kids have to be buckled in the regular seats. Always. So do the front seat driver and passenger. In a motorhome, though, even the seat-belt law becomes very questionable. Most states only require those in the front seats, the driving area, to wear seatbelts. Those in the living area are free to roam or sit without belts. Therefore, it would be legal to sleep in the back bed while driving. Trailers are different. Most states only allow passengers in a trailer when it is a 5th wheel and there is a communication system to the driver. It basically comes down to a risk management decision We do. We also have belts back there. Think of a tour bus or an airplane. Each of these vehicles permit you to move about when safe. There is always that risk that something could happen. Many of the long haul trucks with sleepers you see on the highway have the other driver sleeping in the bunk. The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Chuck asks about choosing the proper tow vehicle for his new travel trailer that has a unit base weight of 5,600 pounds, a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,600 pounds and a tongue weight of 775 pounds. [spp-timestamp time="29:19"] We towed a 21 foot trailer with our Roadtrek, which was on a diesel Sprinter 3500 chassis. It was rated to tow at 7,500 and the Ultra lite we towed near 5,000 pounds with passengers and weight… it handled it fine The number of actual vehicles you may need to sort through is limited by the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. If all you plan to pull is a 3,000 to 4,000 pound popup camper, you have dozens of possibilities. If the trailer weighs 4,000 to 9,000 pounds, choices become fewer – usually full size trucks, vans or SUVs. And when contemplating 9,000 to 20,000 pounds or more, you are far more likely to become a customer of the American Big Three – Ford, Chevy/GMC or Dodge, although Toyota or Nissan have full-size trucks suitable for the lower end of this scale. You also want to use a weight distributing hitch with sway control.