RT41: The New World of Unplugged RVing

When people started camping in their vehicles in the early 1900s, they really had one goal: to open up the world. They just wanted to see what they could see and even the most primitive RVing allowed that to happen. At some point, however, things changed. It became as important to take as much of your home with you when trying to, in fact, get away from home. Things like full hookups became a necessity. As such, the number of possible RV destinations seemed limited, the original intent of RVing somewhat lost. But no more. New technology such as lithium-ion batteries that recharge themselves and solar panels that convert the sun's energy to power for RVs are returning the RV lifestyle to its original intent, giving RVers a whole new world to once again explore - AND allowing for comforts like air-conditioning in the middle of the desert. It's the best of both worlds - new and old. Jennifer and I experienced this during our recent 15-state journey to the western United States. We plugged in exactly twice during almost two months of travel. We talk about what it was like on this week's Roadtreking podcast. We also have a special announcement about the availability of such features on Roadtrek motorhomes. Also on this episode, we talk to Paul Ulreich, Verizon's "Uber User," about headsets and portable speakers; we answer a bunch of listener questions' and we get an Off the Beaten Path report about Maryland's coast and a lot more! [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #41, June 24, 2015, of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: First Things First: Roadtrek Announces Availability of Alt-Energy Packages The show begins with Jennifer joining Mike from their Michigan home after a 15-state journey across the country in their RV. Jennifer raves about how energy independent they are thanks to the electrical system in their Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL. You can read Mike's blog post about it here: https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-trip-report-im-energy-independent-and-can-go-where-i-want/ [spp-timestamp time="1:53"] Mike also announces that Roadtrek is rolling out lithium-ion batteries and new solar packages that will allow extended off-the-grid camping capabilities https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/permalink/477258052433179/ [spp-timestamp time="9:46"] Listener Question: Can You Help Me Solve an RV Refrigerator Problem? Listener Larry asks about running an RV refrigerator on DC versus AC power. He has an efficiency problem on DC and Mike suggests a simple fix that can is demonstrated in the linked video and the stream of our Roadtreking Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/permalink/457873987704919/ [spp-timestamp time="13:03"] Listener Question: Any Suggestions for Continuing Piano Lessons While RVing? Listener Randy is learning to play the piano and wants to take along a keyboard and stay in touch with his instructor. Mike and Jennifer offer up some suggestions. [spp-timestamp time="17:14"] Listener Question: Can You Help Me Boondock Along the Pacific Coast? A listener wants to boondock on the Pacific coast for up to a month at a time. We suggest where to check - Boondockers Welcome https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/affiliate/3774 [spp-timestamp time="20:27"] Listener Comment: Another Place Bans Overnight RV Parking Listener Paul notes another place that has banned overnight parking for RVs. [spp-timestamp time="21:59"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo. Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. Owner Ray Dwyer has been in the RV business for 44 years and is considered the dean of Class B RVs. Nobody knows more about small motorhomes that Ray and his crew. They have new and used Class B motorhomes in stock from the major manufacturers. When you fly in to buy your RV from Van City, they'll arrange to have you picked up from the airport and will reimburse you $500 toward your airfare. Then, your RV will be fully prepared for travel, complete with full tanks of fuel and propane. After a complete orientation with their staff on your new RV, you can take delivery and set out for home. Dan the Van Man gives the week's specials on the podcast. [spp-player] RV News of the Week: Park Attendance Up, Campground Trees Down, RVs "Flippin'" Attendance at National Parks Breaking Records: Visitation at America’s national parks broke all-time records in 2014, as the National Park Service prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2016 with a major push to encourage even more visitors to experience them in 2016. In 2014, there were 292.8 million visits to national parks, breaking the previous record set in 1999 when parks saw just over 287.1 million visits. Several national parks saw record-breaking visitation in 2014, including Joshua Tree, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton and Glacier national parks. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time="27:49"] Campers Hurt at Michigan Campground: Severe weather ripped through Pine Ridge RV Campground in Birch Run Township Monday. The campground is just outside of the state's popular tourist destination of Frankenmuth. Tree were uprooted and one camper suffered a broken arm. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time="30:36"] Reality TV Show "Flippin' RVs" Gears Up for Second Season: Coming in September - after the brunt of the summer travel season is over - is the reality TV show "Flippin' RVs." The 12-episode season will air on the Great American Country (GAC) cable channel. Among the RVs to be restored and sold (flipped) are two vintage travel trailers purchased from the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. Other restorations this season include a 1946 Curtis Wright, a 1954 Anderson, and a 1953 Spartanette. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time="32:09"] This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde, the only name in heat that you need to know for your RV. The Alde hydronic system brings many features and benefits not found with any other product. Silent Radiant Heat - providing a warm even natural heated interior. Great for pets. (And Humans) Increased Interior Space by combining two systems in one. Efficiency. The whole system draws less than 1 amp on 12V DC and will extend the life of your propane roughly 40% over forced air. Heating on Electric or Gas. Multiple Options and Amenities: Towel Warmers, Floor Heat, Tank Heating, 4 Season Camping, Engine Heat, Driver Comfort, Modern Programable Color Touch Screen Thermostat and Interface Minimal Side-Wall Penetration. Small combined intake and exhaust eliminate big cut outs and sidewall congestion. Traveling Tech: Headsets and Portable Speakers Paul Ulreich, the Verizon Wireless “Uber User,” joins Mike to talk about headsets and portable speakers - two things most RVers will most likely be interested in. [spp-timestamp time="35:50"] Paul offers some product suggestions: JBL Flip 2: http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/jbl-flip-2-blue/ Bose Soundlink: http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/bose-soundlink-bluetooth-speaker-iii/?lid=sayt&sayt=bose* LG Tone Pro: http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/lg-tone-pro-bluetooth-stereo-headset-red/ Beats: http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/beats-solo2-wireless-headphone-red/?lid=sayt&sayt=beat* This part of the podcast is brought to you by Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. Did you hear? The Lumia 735 is coming to Verizon! This XLTE-ready smartphone from Microsoft is exclusive to Verizon and will be available in stores this July. Don’t want to wait? Head to Verizon’s website to order it online! Here’s what makes this new and affordable smartphone stand out: Capture Your Life. Uncropped: The first smartphone designed specifically for selfies and Skype video calls. And you won’t compromise quality with the 5mp front-facing camera and wide-angle lens. Say hello to Cortana, your personal assistant: With the Lumia 735 you have a personal assistant in your pocket. Cortana makes your life easier by screening calls, giving you reminders and so much more! Cut the cord with wireless charging: The Lumia 735 comes with built-in wireless charging. Simply place it on a wireless charging pad (sold separately) and voila, no more tangled cords to deal with. Enjoy crystal clear phone calls with HD Voice: The Lumia 735 will be the 19th smartphone in Verizon’s portfolio to support HD Voice calling to other compatible phones. The Lumia 735 is available on Verizon Edge for as low as $8 a month for 24 months at 0% APR. And, for a limited time, customers who bring their number to Verizon can get a $100 bill credit for each new smartphone activated on Verizon Edge. Make sure to visit your local Verizon retailer this July and take the Lumia 735 for a test drive. Visit Roadtreking.com/vzw for stories about how technology can enhance and improve your life. [spp-player] Off The Beaten Path: Maryland Coastline A listener named Brian shares how he found some great places to park and get a view of the ocean along the Maryland coastline. [spp-timestamp time="49:37"] [spp-player] This part of the podcast is brought to you by Leisure Time RV, serving central Florida and the Internet from Winter Garden, Fla.. One of the oldest Roadtrek dealers in U.S – Family-owned and 45 years in business; Selling Roadtreks over 25 years; Consistently among top 10 Roadtrek dealers in U.S.; Fully-stocked parts store- Factory-preferred parts dealership for Roadtrek (see Maureen!); Knowledgeable staff /sales/service. (general sales manager and one of top salespersons both own Roadtreks). Convenient location – Destination location in Florida; Full-line Roadtrek inventory; Leisure Time RV supports Roadtrek Rallys; Pet friendly dealership; Member, Route 66 RV Network – National Service Network; Accessible Management / Friendly Staff; Factory-trained staff; Free overnight camping available; Free WiFi; Comfortable customer lounge; Free airport shuttles; Thorough product demonstrations;