RV Miles Podcast

On today's episode of RV Miles, the unexpected things we've learned in the past 2+ years traveling the country. Everything from many shoes we carry, to how fast we drive, to what type of coffee maker we've finally settled on. All that, plus news, a new brain teaser, and more!

Today's RV Miles kicks off with a whole slew of RV news, from new products to industry sales numbers. Then, we brush up on spring de-winterizing and camping prep, before we dive into the first of our two main topics: The campground of the future. What will campgrounds look like in 10, 20, or 50 years? With self-driving RVs and voice recognition, will campgrounds retain their important connection with nature? Then we guide you through our weekend at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park - a.k.a the Texas White House - a fantastic site. Join us!

This RV Miles episode takes us to the wonderful city of San Antonio! Join us as we explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the Alamo, and all of the great food San Antone has to offer. Yes, everything is bigger in Texas, even the gas stations. We also have an update on the changes coming to Roadtrippers, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this episode of RV Miles, we have an interview with Katie Larsen, editor-in-chief of go-van.com, about her life as a solo traveler, and how the #vanlife movement has swept the world. We also have some tips for boosting your RV fuel economy and saving some cash. In the news, four big stories: a new National Park, a change to the popular Roadtrippers app, a Jellystone camp-resort that is excluding certain types of RVs, and the sad lay-off of the entire staff of 800 people at the Erwin-Hymer (Roadtrek) plant.

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.

On this week's RV Miles, we tell part two of the tale of our breakdown woes ... it got worse, friends. Then, we talk hot chocolate recipes, including butterbeer and unicorn hot chocolate! We've also got some info on 6-volt batteries, some news, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this jam-packed RV Miles, we chat with Jill Denkins, owner of Fulltime Families, about the organization's great support opportunities for any family looking to RV fulltime. Plus, we cover the safety tips you need to know about space heaters in an RV, along with lots of news, a new brain teaser, and more!

It's time for the big annual RV Miles Holiday Gift Guide episode! We've got all sorts of goodies for every type of RV owner on any size budget — and we think two or three of our recommendations are bound to be the hottest items at the campground next season. From electric scooters, to board games, and the coolest camp clothing, find great gifts for the RV owner you love!

RV ownership can definitely have its ups and downs. Today, we tell the tale of Bussie's axle problems, and what it's taking to get us back on the road. Then we give you all of our best tips and tricks for visiting Universal Studios, both in Hollywood and Orlando.

On this week's RV Miles, we recap our whirlwind non-stop vacation to Salt Lake City, including museums, a pioneer village, a zoo, Great Salt Lake, and (gasp) a stay in a nice hotel. We also visit neighboring Park City for a tour of the 2002 Olympic facilities, and tell you how we did it all for an incredibly affordable price.

On this special episode of RV Miles, we talk with John Garder of the National Parks Conservation Association about the massive maintenance backlog facing the National Parks and what some of the attempts to solve the problem are. We also cover replacing halogen lights with LEDs, and a whole lot more!

On this week's RV Miles, we take you to the sculpted faces of Mount Rushmore and talk about the best ways to get away from the crowds and commercialism, so that you can enjoy it as the solemn memorial it was intended to be. We also take on several listener questions about laundromats, internet, RV covers and more, along with the latest news and a new brain teaser!

Today on RV Miles, journey with us to the southern half of the Black Hills of South Dakota, to the wonders of Wind Cave National Park — one of the best places we've found to see wildlife like bison and elk, in addition to being an extraordinary cave. We also visit Wind Cave's gateway community, Hot Springs, a charming historic town.

This week on RV Miles, we begin our tour of the stunning Black Hills region of South Dakota. We cover the simply massive Custer State Park, including its wildlife, and a unique annual event - the Buffalo Roundup, where more than 1300 wild bison are herded into corrals by cowboys and cowgirls for health checkups. We'll also take you on some amazing scenic drives — the Needles Highway, which spins through hairpin and pigtail turns, as well as 8' wide tunnels through the magnificent needle spires of the Black Hills, as well as the Iron Mountain Road, full of scenic vistas and striking views of Mount Rushmore. All that, plus some RV-related news items, a listener question, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this week's RV Miles, we travel to the strange beauty of South Dakota's Badlands National Park, along with a visit to the world-famous Wall Drug. That, plus news, a new brain teaser, and so much more! Check out RV Miles on rvmiles.com for show notes and more info!

On this RV Miles, we journey to the surprisingly adventurous town of Omaha, Nebraska, and visit what is possibly the greatest zoo in the country — along with some other great attractions. But first, it's fall! Time for Chili! We talk about making chili in the RV or over the campfire. All that, plus news, a new brain teaser, and more! Visit rvmiles.com for show notes and more info!

It's time for our fall gear guide! We have all the road-tested gadgets to make your RV travel a breeze! From raincoats to coffee mugs, camera gear, even a paper plate recommendation, we'll have you camping in style this fall. Get the full list and links to purchase at rvmiles.com/fall-2018-gear.

On this episode of RV Miles, we chat with Rick Schutt from Thor Industries about their program to get kids interested in careers in the RV industry. Then, we talk about our favorite fall camping tips. In the news, a popular National Park Service campground in Florida may become unavailable to RVs, a conservation conflict in Minnesota, and another stolen trailer full of Boy Scout camping gear. Sponsor: 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. Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome Get 10% off a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you. Resources Gulf Islands National Seashore may remove vehicle access and RV camping at Fort Pickens: https://weartv.com/news/local/removing-vehicle-access-to-gulf-islands-national-sea-shore-fort-pickens Beginning this spring, Texas State Parks will allow you to choose a site when reserving and pay entrance fees online in advance, effectively reserving a spot for parks that have a maximum capacity. https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/travel-outdoors/article/New-Texas-State-Parks-reservation-system-will-13204349.php A ban on mining has been lifted around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. about 365 square miles within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area of the Superior National Forest that hangs along the southern edge of the Boundary Waters is home to the Duluth Complex, believed to be one of the richest untapped deposits of copper, nickel and precious metals in the world. Mining companies have been exploring the region for decades, although no copper-nickel mine has yet opened. On Thursday the Department of Agriculture canceled a study on the potential environmental impact of mining in the region. Secretary of Agriculture said that the USDA can both "protect the integrity of the watershed and contribute to economic growth and stronger communities.” Environmental groups are aggravated that the Department of Agriculture did not finish the environmental study it had promised to complete. And still others are saying that mines are bad for business, as they may interfere with a growing recreational economy that supports the region. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/09/06/boundary-waters-mining Another Boy Scout troupe has trailer full of camping gear. The third this year. https://www.fox16.com/crime/lr-boy-scout-troop-loses-camping-equipment-to-thief/1421169529

On this week's RV Miles, we talk all the things you need to know when choosing a domicile (residence) state for full-time RV travel. And then we recount some of our favorite experiences in Oklahoma City, a surprising town that should really be on your radar. That, plus news, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this RV Miles, we take a look at a bunch of tips and tricks for keeping yourself and your family safe while out traveling on the open road, and staying at campgrounds Walmarts, or in the deep woods. Whether it be from attackers or wild animals, we've got you covered with some great safety advice. That, plus lots of news items, a new brain teaser, and a gear tip to help you get rid of cooking grease at the campground!

On today's show, we tackle some of the biggest myths circling the RV community! Does a bag of water with pennies in it keep flies away? Does a pink flamingo mean you're looking for a campground rendezvous? Does your rig need to be under 30' to stay in national parks? All that and more on this week's RV Miles!

On this RV Miles, we journey to the Quad Cities, right off I-80 on the Illinois/Iowa border for fun, history, and pizza! Plus, we have a follow up on our hiking with kids episode, and a whole lot of news! Show notes: http://rvmiles.com/episode-54-quad-cities-and-kids-in-parks/

Roadschooling — or homeschooling on the road — is how we educate our three boys, and on this episode of RV Miles, we dive into how it works and the ups and downs of this lifestyle. We give you the ins and outs of curriculum-based schooling, unschooling, and everything in between, and then we take you through how roadschooling works in our family. Plus, we have some news, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this episode, we talk about everything you need to know about running your RV off your batteries. Don't know the difference between lead acid, lithium ion, and AGM? We've got you covered. Plus, we'll help you keep your batteries lasting as long as possible. Then Abby has some tips for taking your kids on hikes. We've got some big news items, a gear recommendation, and a whole lot more! Show notes are available at rvmiles.com/podcast.

On today's RV Miles, we cover the ins and outs of setting up the campsite with your RV. Everything from arrival to cracking open the first tasty beverage! Use our checklist to make sure you get set up quickly and have more time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

On this week's RV Miles, our tips for finding campground and RV park reviews, some great small-town America destinations, a gear review, news, and so much more! Resources: LocalFit - New gym membership for Travelers. Access to 6000 health clubs nationwide for $10 a month. Half off for pre-enrolls ($5 a month if you pay for 12 months. https://localfitusa.com/ America's National Parks Podcast - Unleashing a Tamed River, the removal of the dams on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park. http://nationalparkpodcast.com/elwha/ Gear of the Week - GearTie from Nite Ize. https://amzn.to/2LaLJQz TripAdvisor - Trip destination reviews. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ Allstays - Campground and RV park listings and reviews. https://www.allstays.com/ Campendium - Better campground and RV park listings and reviews. https://www.campendium.com/ Road Food book - find the best roadside food destinations to take your RV. https://amzn.to/2mhwRC5 Our experience at Bacon Bash in River Falls, WI: https://youtu.be/AlH-UaIgzcc

On this week's RV miles, we discuss getting the most out of a National Park visit. How you can beat the system to avoid the crowds and have wilderness experiences all to yourself! Plus a new brain teaser, a new "app of the week" and so much more!

On this RV Miles, we give you our best tips for staying cool in an RV, whether you're at a place you can use your air conditioner or are out boondocking. Then, we'll run down some wild new s'mores creations you can try the next time you're around the fire pit. Plus news, a new brain teaser, and the app of the week. Show notes and more info at www.rvmiles.com.

On this week's RV Miles, we're talking tips and tricks for new RV drivers. How to get out there and drive that new rig safely! It's not as intimidation as it can seem. Plus, we have news about how you can win a new RV, and a great GPS app you should check out. Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome Get 10% of a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you. Sponsor: RV Health Get one month of RV Health for one dollar at RVHealth.com/RVMiles. Resources: Participate in the Great American Campout for a chance to win a Keystone RV and a stay at Jellystone park: https://www.nwf.org/Great-American-Campout inRoute GPS and route planning app: http://carobapps.com/products/inroute/ Trailer Sway Demonstration: https://youtu.be/i2fkOVHAC8Q

On this week's RV Miles podcast, the ins and outs of federal campgrounds. We're talking National Parks, Forest Preserve, BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, and more. How to book, what to expect, and all the tips and tricks you need to know! Resources: Binder with centuries-old family documents found in Keys RV park: https://wsvn.com/news/local/binder-with-centuries-old-family-documents-found-in-keys-rv-park/ FMCA's "Wanted in Wyoming" Expo is coming up: https://site.fmca.com/rvers-wanted-in-wyoming RV industry plans to build tech institute in Elkhart: https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/rv-industry-plans-to-build-tech-institute/article_55694941-e94d-5bc0-98b5-1460243685c7.html Bood federal campsites: Recreation.gov Campsite photos resource: https://www.campsitephotos.com/

On today's RV Miles, tips an tricks for an RV road trip down the classic Chicago-to-LA Route 66. Then we'll cover some great things to do in the surprisingly hip town of Oklahoma City. Plus plenty of big RV industry news, a new brain teaser, and more! Show notes at www.rvmiles.com.

On this week's RV Miles, we're taking some time to check in on some of our best and worst experiences in our nearly two years on the road. We also have some news about summer RV travel stats, and a story about a small trailer manufacturer's battle against the giant Airstream brand. Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome Get 10% of a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you. Resources: Airstream Seeks to Block New Silver Streak Manufacturer

Pictured: Texas homestead during a 1935 dust storm On today's RV Miles, we talk weather facts and weather safety. Severe weather can pop up anywhere at any time and it is important to stay alert and stay safe. Plus, we'll catch you up on all the amazing deals to be found this Memorial Day weekend, and as gas prices rise, GasBuddy predicts summer travel will drop. Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome Get 10% of a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you.

On today's RV Miles, we talk the ins and outs of state parks. If you avoid them, you shouldn't! But there's a lot to know about the pros and cons of state park campgrounds. Plus, we'll catch you up on the E.coli outbreak at Canyonlands National Park, and a new Winnebago model that boasts an electric system that can run an air conditioner all night on batteries. Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome Get 10% of a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you. Resources: Winnebago Partners with Volta for Electric Vehicle-Grade Power System in 2019 Travato DontMoveFirewood.org St. Bernard State Park Bottomless Lakes State Park Buccaneer State Park Pere Marquette State Park City of Rocks State Park

On today's RV Miles, we journey through Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park, and give you all the tips and tricks for visiting in an RV. Then, we discuss the ins an outs of having a gathering or party at your campsite. But first, ticks and mosquitos and the diseases they carry are on the rise this year, and some ways to save fuel dollars on the road. Resources: Gasbuddy.com Keeping Ticks and Pests from Crashing Your Campsite Entertaining from Your RV? These Tips Will Help You Host a Great Time. Food Safety Tips for Outdoor Eating Petrified Forest National Park

RV Miles is taking a needed week off! We’ll see you next week with an all new episode!

Today on RV Miles, we give you all the insider tips for exploring Zion National Park, whether in an RV, tent, or staying in one of the fabulous lodgings. It's a tricky park to navigate, because of the massive amount of people in a small area. We'll let you know how to avoid the crowds and make the best of your Zion experience. Resources: America's National Parks Podcast — Roosevelt, Muir, and Yosemite Zion National Park — NPS Website

On today's episode of your favorite RV Podcast, we talk about our top tips for keeping your neighbors happy with campground etiquette. Then we cover our short stay at an amazing place, the Lee's Ferry area of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where we were able to experience Arizona's towering red rocks, vermillion cliffs, the Colorado River, Marble Canyon, the Navajo Bridge, wild horses, and Horseshoe Bend...all in the span of two days! Resources: America's National Parks Podcast — California Condors National Park Week Resources — NPS Website Dontmovefirewood.org Four Corners Monument — Trip Advisor Glen Canyon National Recreation Area — Lee's Ferry Navajo Bridge Horseshoe Bend

On this episode of RV Miles, we explore our final New Mexico podcast destination, the artsy-yet-historic town of Santa Fe, and the nearby Bandelier National Monument, which offers so much more than we expected. In the news, KOA has released their annual study of the camping lifestyle, and you'll be amazed at how many new RV travelers and tent campers are out there. Resources: KOA's 2018 North American Camping Report Santa Fe Railyard District Santa Fe Plaza/Downtown Cochiti Lake Recreation Area Bandelier National Monument

On this episode of the RV Miles Podcast, we journey up the Rio Grande to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a metropolis full of culture and life. Right in town, we visit Petroglyphs National Monument and its 400 to 700-year-old carvings. Resources: RVEpicure: RV and Cooking Quick Tips America's National Parks Podcast: The Voyageurs After 50,000 Public Comments, Zinke Backs Down From Massive National Park Fee Increase Petroglyph National Monument New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Explora Children's Museum Sandia Peak and Sandia Crest Byway Cochiti Lake

Today on the show, we visit the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, a wonderful place just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, that might not be on your radar. We'll also discuss fuel-efficient driving tips, and why to never store things in your RV Microwave! Resources: America's National Parks Podcast - Pirates and Parks Episode MasterLock Trailer Lock - Amazon link Home Is Where We Roam T-shirt - Amazon link What Tire Pressure Should I Use for My Rv? - RV Miles article Diesel Kleen Additive - Amazon Link Cochiti Lake Recreation Area - Army Corps of Engineers campground