We’re Tony & Peggy Barthel and we’re working to help you be a StressLess Camper.
Boondocking can be a great way to enjoy free or inexpensive camping but where do you find the best spots and where is the best place to find free and inexpensive camping? How do some people manage to find those magical hidden destinations? This week we talk about finding great boondocking spots. Plus our gadget report has a useful inexpensive item that can help you with your RV scissor jacks.
We bring light to solar - what kind of solar do you need for your RV and is solar even worth the money? We also visit the redwoods with stops at Standish Hickey State Park, the Drive-Through Tree and even the wonderful vintage Confusion Hill, a great vintage tourist attraction that includes the Gravity House and a train through a grove of redwood trees.
Towing is a common question and this week’s podcast is all about towing and towing safety. We speak with Oren Kern about towing and tips for knowing what you can safely tow. We also decipher all the points of information you’ll need to determine if you can tow safely. Can you really safely tow the trailer of your dreams? We have the answer this week on the StressLess Camping podcast.
We speak about campfire safety with Maureen Brooks Wildfire Prevention Program Manager from the US Forest Service. Maureen has some great tips to keep campfires safe and other ways you can help prevent forest fires. Then we visit the Mendocino Coast and stop by the Point Arena Light House.
We speak with Steve Searles, the Bear Whisperer, about safety around wild animals including bears. Steve has some great tips for staying safe while enjoying StressLess Camping. We also have ten common mistakes made by new RVers and how to avoid them.
Things are changing on the RV refrigerator front and we’ve got the latest info the newest technology in RV refrigerators and we’ve got Josh, the RV Nerd, from Haylett RV in Coldwater Michican to talk the advantages of the new systems and challenges with existing choices. There are some great new choices you should know about and we’ve got the info. Plus we also share info from Camp California on seven tips for leave-no-trace camping.
We talk about taking care of the appearance of your RV with detailer Eric Golubic from Clearview Products who’s got great ideas for maintaining the finish of your RV. Then we compare our lists of must-have things for our own StressLess Camping experience and even have a tip for your RV stove.
We had a great time talking to Cowboy Kent Rollins about cast iron cooking and cookware tips. Kent’s Chuck Wagon barbecue was named the official Chuck Wagon of Oklahoma by the governor and his two cook books, including the new book: “Faith, Family & the Feast. Also A Taste of Cowboy: Ranch Recipes and Tales from the Trail.”
We cover all the basics of setting up at an RV park, from before you pull into a campsite to what steps to take to make sure everything goes well. Tips include electrical, leveling, water and more. Plus we share information from the Readers Digest about campground etiquette.
This week Jason Lippert of Lippert Components takes us on the epic journey he and his family enjoyed with over 5400 miles in a Class C RV all over the western US. Lippert Components builds parts that are in virtually every RV made in the US and the company has some innovative ways to make team members happier which will translate into higher quality components. We also speak with Lisa Wilson of Clear Lake Campground about what she is seeing with all the new RV owners and what their experiences are.
We speak with Andre Fisher from Rockwood and Flagstaff about the kinds of things that make their trailers a great value. Then we take a tour of the Yosemite valley to see just what’s open and what isn’t and see what this beautiful destination is like as things start to open back up in California.
We spend time with Mark and Rebecca Ferrell who spent many years on the road running a business from their 34’ fifth wheel, the Dreamer. We also talk about our visit to Mammoth Lakes, CA during the Covid times and what’s open and what isn’t.
We have the privilege of speaking with the RV Wingman, Alan Warren, learning more about his views and take on the RV industry. Alan is the host of The RV Show USA, the most widely-distributed radio show about the RV realm. Alan tells the good and the bad and is also the owner of the Big Chief RV Resort.
Then we share reasons why you may hate RVing and how you can turn the Great American RV Adventure into a StressLess Camping experience.
This week we speak with some of the most recognized experts in the RV field about their tips for a first-time RVer. From buying advice to traveling advice, books, websites, articles and more this is a great collection of tips from some of the best and most traveled experts in the RV arena.
This week we talk with Don Zimmerman who has cleaned over 12,000 RV holding tanks and come up with a solution to finally keep the tanks clean naturally and effectively. As laws change RVers are going to have to use different ways of treating their holding tanks and Don's got the solution for a stink-free tank. Since we're filling our holding tanks, we also talk about our favorite campfire breakfast ideas.
We talk tips for properly draining your RV’s black and gray water tanks to keep your sensors working well and smells from entering your RV. We also bust a few RV tank myths. Lastly we found a few roads that will actually play you a song as you drive along them.
Buying a used RV can be a great experience but it can also be loaded with pitfalls. A smart buy on a used RV can save thousands of dollars. But there are pitfalls to avoid as well. We've got some great tips for buying a used RV. Plus we've got seven tips you'll need before you head out on your first RV
We bring Josh Winters back from Haylett RV in Coldwater, Michigan to talk tips for buying a new RV. Then we’ve got the must-have pieces you’ll need for happy camping.
This week on the podcast we speak with Jim Turntine from RV Self Park, a fully automated RV park that's designed to offer a great alternative to overnighting at a WalMart or rest stop. Then we share several great and easy cast iron recipes for delicious campfire cooking.
We talk about unique, groundbreaking RVs that really stand out in history. These stand-out RVs may surprise you with their innovation and ideas. Then we also share eight tips for RV travel with pets.
