RV Miles Podcast

On this episode of RV Miles, we get personal with some thoughts on managing your travel expectations in order to get the best out of a journey. We also have a whole bunch of RV travel and care tips, a new brain teaser, and a whole lot more!

Sponsors

L.L.Bean

This year, L.L.Bean is joining up with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, to help you find your happy place – in an amazing system of more than 400 national parks, including historic and cultural sites, monuments, preserves, lakeshores, and seashores that dot the American landscape, many of which you’ll find just a short trip from home. L.L.Bean is proud to be an official partner of the National Park Foundation. Discover your perfect day in a park at findyourpark.com.

STAND-Bi 3-1 Cup Holder

The STAND-Bi takes cupholders to a whole new level. This 3-1 product holds your drink and your phone at the same time and can accommodate numerous drink sizes making it perfect addition for your car, motorhome, golf cart, boat, stroller, or camp chair. No cupholder? No problem. Attach the removable foot, complete with condensation tray, and set it right on your table or desk. It even comes with a ground stake for the campsite or beach. The STAND-Bi is durable, dishwasher safe, UV protected, and will always be made in the USA. Your cupholder needs an upgrade. Get the STAND-Bi today by visiting Stand-Bi.com and save 15% with promo code SAVE.

Harvest Hosts

Join thousands of other RVers in experiencing memorable, free overnight
stays in more than 700 extraordinary locations across North America. Trade that boring parking lot for a unique experience and make lasting memories with your family and friends. Get 15% off an annual Harvest Hosts membership with the code RVMILES at harvesthosts.com.

---

Show Notes

In the news, we covered the Theodore Roosevelt Library and Museum that has been proposed for Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. See the designs and read the rationale here.

We then talked about the National Park Service sign font that you can now download for free, thanks to a man who took rubbings of signs and digitized them. There's also the NPS Rodeway font.

The National Scenic Byways Act is close to congressional appropriation after lapsing for several years. Great news for RV travelers who like to head down these historic roads.

And this week's America's National Parks Podcast covers the life of Buffalo Soldier hero Charles Young, who became the first Black superintendent of a National Park, among his many other accomplishments in the face of a society that looked down upon people of color.

After the break and the answer to last week's brain teaser, we covered a bevy of some random RV thoughts and tips. The first being to check your RV's oil on a level surface, especially with a big diesel engine that holds a lot of oil. The dipstick reading can be off drastically on even the slightest incline.

In an update to Outdoor Newbies episode, Abby talked about two sites great for families exploring the outdoors—HikeItBaby.com and KidsInParks.com.

We closed out the segment talking about the most common spot for RV damage (the passenger side upper front corner and whether or not bleach is safe to use in an RV (spoiler: it is).

After the final break, Abby let loose on her mixed feelings about getting back into the bus, and her expectations for perfect RV travel. How do you let the phony reality of Instagram and Pinterest go, and just live for the campfire?

 

 

The longest government shutdown in American history has ended, and as we all know, it took its toll on our National Parks. Many people are looking for ways to help, so on this episode of RV Miles, we brought Robert Mathias, Chief of External Affairs with the National Park Foundation, on to talk about their organization's efforts, including the new Restoration Fund and volunteer opportunities. 

We also talk in this show about our RV travel plans for the year — it's going to be a big one! Plus, a great tip for finding an exhaust leak in your car, truck, or motorhome. All that, a new brain teaser, and more, on this week's RV Miles!

This week's RV Miles covers lots of tips and trips for folks that are new to the outdoor lifestyle — how to visit a National Park or other public lands for the first time. Then we talk with Staci Ritchie-Roman from Wholesale Warranties about the ins and outs of extended RV warranties. You're going to want to bookmark this one! We also have lots of news and the answer to last week's brain teaser!

RV Miles hosts Jason and Abby take you along with them to the Windy City as they visit the Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show, as well as the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show where Abby was able to hear celebrity travel experts like Rick Steves and Samantha Brown Speak. Then we have a great interview with Doug Uhlenbrock from the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) about the benefits of membership, the history of the company, and their special upcoming RV conventions — including their 100th! Plus, we have a lot of news, including a major scandal that is rocking the RV industry at the moment. 

On this episode of RV Miles, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to know to survive and thrive at an RV show. Now is the season for the most RV shows and the best deals. Plus, we give you the low-down on utilizing laundromats on the road, and a whole lot of RV travel news!

On this episode of RV Miles, we're talking all things auxiliary power. That's everything you use when the RV isn't plugged in: solar, batteries, and generators. We also have tips for transitioning kids to full-time RV life, a great option for exercising at health clubs on the road, and all the latest news — including the latest on the government shutdown and its effect on national parks and federal campgrounds. 

RV Miles hosts Jason and Abby have had a wonderful year traveling the country, and on this episode of the podcast, they chat about some of their favorite places. Plus, lots of RV industry news and more!

On today's RV Miles, we dive into the challenges that the RV industry will face in the upcoming year. In many ways, the industry will be tested as sales level off and manufacturers try to attract a new generation of RV owners. We also chat with Mandy Wallace, a full-time RVer about how her food expenses doubled when her family hit the road, and how she plans to real it in. 

On this RV Miles, we've got a selection of common RV travel questions that many folks are looking for answers to, as well as an interview with Marianne Edwards from one of our favorite RV services - Boondockers Welcome. All that, plus the latest RV travel news, a new brain teaser, and more!

On today's RV Miles, Michelle Reyes talks to us about an excellent hobby for those who travel to natural areas - birding. She's got all the gear, tips and tricks you need to know to discover this unique and fun pastime. Jason and Abby talk about a listener question involving keeping the kids in touch with their friends on the road. Finally, we chat about some changes coming to RV Miles, that should make it much more of a community for anyone interested in RVing.