RV Miles Podcast

This week Abby flies solo again and gives an update on where things are with Jason's recovery, plus we welcome David Solberg from RV Repair Club to the show in an interview that Jason recorded a few weeks back. Listen in as David discusses various aspects of RV maintenance in a two-part interview.

It's a solo show for Abby this week as she recounts the series of events that led Jason to a local hospital and into the O.R. for emergency brain surgery. Plus, he finally gets his moment to chat, Henry joins his Mommy to share a few thoughts about being the youngest Epperson on the road.

This week, are selfies and Instagram ruining national parks? Or is it all media hype? Why you need an RV surge protector, restaurants showing up in unlikely places, and our grand tour of Grand Forks North Dakota.

This week, There's a campground booking website that now has $48 Million in the bank...will this change the face of campground reservations? A man saw bigfoot at Mammoth Cave National Park, his response wasn't what you'd expect. How we get clean, drinkable water wherever we go, and our journey to the Roughrider State begins in Fargo, North Dakota.

Today on RV Miles, our first weekend in our new trailer takes us to our first Jellystone campground. Celebrities who camp - who’s the most legit celebrity RVer? Listener Questions, and is the RV industry in a slump?

Today, we bust some myths about truck sizes and campsite lengths, we talk about unrealistic travel memes, and what you should never put in your RVs Black tank. Plus, former tobacco haven Durham North Carolina, after years of revitalization projects, is a modern metropolis full of food and fun.

On this episode of the podcast, Chapel Hill North Carolina, home to great food, activities, and one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation, and fantastic museums to boot, including the wonderful Carolina Basketball Museum. Looking to freshen up the camper? We’ve got tips for giving an old RV that Joanna Gaines look. A croc is on the loose in Chicago of all places, and the podcast gets an unexpected hostile takeover.

Lists of things campers must have and lists of things campers forget. We break down what’s a real need and what isn’t. And Raleigh, North Carolina kicks off our stint in the Tar Heel State with history, Carolina barbecue, and more.

The Fourth of July is upon us, and a whole lot of people will be hitting the road. How many? AAA has the answer. There’s a lot of confusion about which national park pass is what, and we lay out all the details. Airstream has some new models to tempt you to break open your piggy bank, and it’s finally time to talk about our new Travel Trailer, it’s just right for our family, and we can’t wait to get on the road with it.

On this episode, we talk about the best and the worst of bus life. Plus, the latest on FMCA's upcoming 100th convention and a new RV GPS unit.

It may not be on your radar as a major vacation destination, but on this episode of RV Miles, we’re here to prove to you that Mobile, Alabama should be on your short list for your next week away. Join us as we talk battleships, historic homes, Mardis Gras parades, and more.

We talk about our full-time travels every week here on the show as parents, but what’s it like from a kid’s perspective? Parking can be expensive in any big city, we’ve got a big tip for saving some cash, and as we look for our new RV, we’ve got some insights on the buying process fresh in our minds as we dot the "i"s and cross the "t"s on our new travel trailer.

It’s officially outdoor eating weather - and food safety is on our mind. We’ve got tips for avoiding foodborne illnesses. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend plan on taking an epic RV trip - will we see them on the road? A new app will help you identify the mountain peaks and hilltops around you using augmented reality. And the Gulf Shores of Alabama know how to treat tourists right - we recap our whirlwind weekend with the sun, the beach and the dolphins.

It’s memorial day weekend, and there are a lot of travelers on the road. How many? AAA gives us the details. Pairing a tow vehicle with am RV trailer sounds like a simple equation, but it’s a lot more complicated we realized. We’ve got some tips and an update on our search for a new truck and RV. And with the unofficial start of summer here, we have the tips you need to know to beat the heat when you’re out boondocking.

We’ve been on the road for over two years now in our converted school bus. We’ve been border to border and coast to coast twice now: Is it time for us to make some big changes? You’ve heard all the stories about shady salespeople and poor service, but is the fear of camping world really what it seems? Major news on the mobile internet front, and it’s not good. And one of our favorite places on earth, where you can bask in the white sandy beaches and roar with the top gun jets, all on this episode of the RV Miles podcast.

Thor Industries and KOA want to urge RVers to clean up America’s public lands—will you pitch in? Will a gasser get you by or do you really need a diesel engine in your new truck or motorhome? And whether your buying or selling an RV, Paige Bouma from RV Trader has all the tips, as well as some of her best RV travel advice on this episode of RV Miles.

What sounds like a big problem might not be...you might want to clean your RV out before spending thousands on repairs. An aluminum truck camper might change the way we think about an RV style that’s due for an upgrade. Tiffin’s Vanleigh Fifth Wheels know how to treat their customers to quite the party. And where can you go for sandy beaches, decadent food, and some Changes in Attitudes, and Changes in Latitudes?

Togo is taking the RV world by storm with their all-in-one app and now their new Roadlink router coupled with the absolute best unlimited cell data option available. We have all the details straight from the source. More and more people are camping, but just how many more might surprise you. Try 61% of U.S. Households. There’s a combo RV and beach mat that lets the sand and dirt flow right through, and we’ve got our all-time best RVing tips. All that and more on this week's RV Miles Podcast. Enter to win the Togo Roadlink 2 Router ($399 value) here: https://bit.ly/togoroadlinksweeps View the full show note for this episode at rvmiles.com/91

Owning an RV is a big investment, so everyone wants to know as much as they can about the lifestyle before making the big purchase. On this episode of the podcast, we asked RV owners to tell us what surprised them after they purchased their first RV. Also, more and more businesses are facing the scrutiny of consumers who want to know their hard earned money is going to a company who will use it responsibly. Not surprisingly, the outdoor industry is leading the charge. We talk to the leadership team of portable solar light manufacturer MPOWERD, who know why giving back is good business. The recently shuttered Roadtrek has a buyer - will they honor those famous 6-year warranties? And the 150mph worlds-fastest Tesla electric motorhome - is this something we really need? All that and more on this week's episode of RV Miles! Get show notes and more at rvmiles.com/90. Follow RV Miles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and Jason & Abby's personal travel blog Our Wandering Family on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Join the RV Miles Facebook Group here. Click here to find the America's National Parks Podcast. And go here to join the America's National Parks Facebook Group.

RV Miles takes you down on the Red River this week to the Shreveport-Bossier area in Louisiana, where we had cajun and creole food, and got to visit some great museums. We also talk with pitchup.com about their new resource for booking campgrounds and let you know what day of the week is the best to buy gasoline. All that, plus news and a new brain teaser!

It's one of our favorite times of the year! Let's kick off the camping season together with our 2019 Gear Guide, full of all kinds of great products to help you have a great time on the road or at the campground!

This week on RV Miles, the podcasts, audiobooks, and music we listen to while we're driving down the road to pass the time. Plus we have two listener questions, one about what we do with seasonal clothes as full-time RVers, and one asking for tips to help solve the difficulties with summer campground booking. Plus, news, a new brain teaser, and more!

On this slightly belated episode of RV Miles (a few glitches in our weekend!) we cover our time in Dallas, Texas — including the great things we got to do on the Dallas CityPASS, like the zoo and the Perot Museum. It's a great town with lots to do!

RV Miles is filled with all things RVX this week! RVX is the new annual trade show for the RV industry, and we have Mark Koep from campgroundviews.com reporting on his takeaways from the experience. Mark also talks to us about his website and some futuristic campground booking ideas coming to fruition very soon on the platform. Plus, we have a list of this years top quality-rated RVs, some news, a new brain teaser, and more!

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.