RV Podcast 179: What solo women RVers need to know about the RV Lifestyle

Are women more adventurous than men when it comes to the RV lifestyle? Some estimates put the number of female RVers traveling alone as much as 30 percent. That may be a bit high, but not by much, because it’s been our experience that solo women travelers do indeed make up a huge segment of the RVing community. In this episode of the podcast, Jennifer will introduce you to three such solo travelers who will share their traveling expertise on everything from staying safe to the RV adventures they have on the road. Plus your questions, RV news and Tips and much more. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #179 Feb. 14 2018 of Roadtreking - The RV Podcast: WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THIS WEEK [spp-timestamp time="2:25"] This episode is coming to you from Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, near the famed Suwanee River. The Suwannee River is a federally designated wild river. Mike and Jennifer recording this episode from the picnic table at their camping site at We were at the Jacksonville RV show over the weekend. A shoutout to Ron and Sharri Chafin who were the first to meet us. They brought a very nice birthday gift for Jennifer! We are camping on the Suwanee River, which is the only major waterway in the southeastern United States that is still unspoiled. The Suwanee flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. It winds for almost 266 miles through swamps, high limestone banks, hammocks of hardwood, and salt marshes. It also has fifty-five springs along the way. But besides that, it’s particularly famous because of Stephen Foster. He became America’s first professional songwriter in the 1800s. He wrote more than 200 songs with tunes and lyrics that captured the heart and spirit of the nation. While writing “Old Folks at Home,” Foster had difficulty finding the right words to complete a verse joining his image of a beautiful river and longings for family and home. According to legend, his brother suggested the Suwannee River after consulting a world atlas. The words fit, and “Way down upon the Suwannee River” was on its way to making the Suwannee River famous around the world. Foster never visited Florida and he never saw the Suwannee River. Nevertheless, since 1935, it has also been Florida’s state song. In the 1950s, land was acquired on the Suwannee River at White Springs. The land was developed into the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Shortly thereafter, the Florida Folk Festival was established to highlight the state’s cultural history and traditions. This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 19 locations and growing JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK [spp-timestamp time="13:11"] It can be hard to pack enough clothes for RV trips sometimes, especially if you are on the road for protracted periods of time. Doing laundry can be a challenge, too, as often the washers and dryers at campgrounds are all being used. At one of our recent Roadtreking gatherings, one of our fellow campers shared how they handle dirty laundry while traveling. Steve uses “Wash and Go” services at local laundrymat., And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes ,an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping Mike and Jennifers' Rad Power Bikes at the Manatee Springs State Park campsite in Florida LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK [spp-timestamp time="20:48"] A very basic question from a newbie on your site. I understand that you are a long-time owner of and very devoted to the automotive technology offered by Roadtrek RV vehicles. However, I have been watching various RV B+ machines for quite a long time now, and I have found quite by accident that I really admire only the Roadtrek and Airstream B+ models for their looks, conveniences, reputation, reliability, and overall technology. As these critters are major purchases, much like a home, have you any advice or cautionary tales about buying either of them. or might there be something else out there even more desirable? Thanks. >>> John Mike will you help the rv people? Do a piece on unfriendly towns that pass ordinances against anyone stopping to rest in there town. Case in point Crescent city Ca. I got woke up at 3 am and made to leave the city. I am not a vagrant and I drive a Roadtrek64 200 that looks good. ( not a rust bucket) I think we all need to change this anti freedom cancer in America. Not all of us can afford a camp at 50 dollars a night! – Mike T I have a question that maybe Jennifer can answer for me. What brand of toilet paper do you use? The brands at Camping World is over priced and poor quality. I read that any kind that is safe in septic systems work, but I would appreciate your input. Thank you, Linda Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’ RVs with locations St. Louis, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Kalispell, Montana and now… Colorado Springs, Colorado.. INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK [spp-timestamp time="33:14"] Are women more adventurous than men when it comes to the RV lifestyle? Some estimates put the number of female RVers traveling alone as much as 30 percent. That may be a bit high, but not by much, because it’s been our experience that solo women travelers do indeed make up a huge segment of the RVing community. In this episode of the podcast, Jennifer will introduce you to three such solo travelers who will share their traveling expertise on everything from staying safe to the RV adventures they have on the road Here’s a video version of this interview: The interview of the week is brought to you by SunshinestateRVs.com, where every new or used Roadtrek motorhome is delivered to the customer free, anywhere in the country TRAVELING TECH TIP [spp-timestamp time="51:54"] Steve Van Dinter By Steve Van Dinter Verizon Wireless With the Olympics in full swing in South Korea, I thought it would be fitting today to talk about how technology is changing the way we enjoy and follow the big event. First up - how to take it all in. If you have a cable subscription, you can watch any event you’d like streamed live at NBCOlympics.com. You’ll just log in with your cable provider’s credentials and choose the event. If you’re a cord cutter or find yourself watching in your RV, there are some other ways to tune in. Those near a metro area and who have an antenna can watch the over the air broadcast. But if streaming is more your style, sign up for YouTubeTV. It has a free 14 day trial that’ll let you stream all the action and last you until the closing ceremonies. And while you’re streaming from your phone or tablet, you can pump up the volume with the UE Wonderboom, a portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker. After watching figure skating, maybe you’re inspired to hit the ice but worried about injuries. The Google Daydream is all the equipment you’ll need. Just pop in your phone and enjoy 50 hours of live virtual reality coverage by NBC Olympics. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. You can create your own Olympic-inspired videos when you hit the slopes with a GoPro and Head Strap that can be worn over a helmet or directly on your head. Speaking of the sporty types, you certainly wouldn’t want to lose your phone or other valuables when you’re out on the hill. That’s where the new Tile Sport Bluetooth waterproof tracker comes in. Just clip these on to the things you don’t want to lose...and their 200-ft. radius will help you find your lost belongings whether on the slopes, in the stands or in your hotel room. And you can even reverse roles and use the Tile to find your smartphone. This part of the podcast is brought to you by Verizon, which operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 112 million retail connections nationwide. OFF THE BEATEN PATH REPORT [spp-timestamp time="54:34"] Campskunk joins us to talk about the land around Manatee Springs and this geologically unique part of Florida – a place abounding in natural springs and lots of interesting things for the RVer to see, Manatee Springs is one of 55 crystal clear aqua marine fresh water springs along the Swaunee River This part of the podcast is sponsored by Steinbring Motorcoach, Roadtrek’s newest dealer and a third generation family business in Minnesota’s beautiful Chain of Lakes region built on quality motorhomes and excellent pricing and service. RV Shows this weekend [spp-timestamp time="1:04:14"] Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show February 14-18 Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Duluth, MN 49th Annual RV Super Show February 15-18 State Fair Park Oklahoma City, OK 50th Annual Chicago RV & Camping Show February 15-18 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL Austin RV Expo February 15-18 Austin Convention Center Austin, TX Earlybird RV Show & Sale February 15-18 Tradex Building Abbotsford, BC (Canada) Utah Sportsmen, Vacation & RV Show February 15-18 South Towne Expo Center Sandy, UT West Palm Beach RV Show February 15-18 South Florida Fairgrounds West Palm Beach, FL Alabama RV Super Show February 16-18 Von Braun Civic Center Huntsville, AL 44th Annual Northeast RV Show February 16-19 Rockland Community College Field House Suffern, NY Atlantic City RV & Camping Show February 16-18 Atlantic City Convention Center Atlantic City, NJ