Want to know how much it costs to live fulltime in an RV? It’s been 2 years since Patti and I sold our home and started living and traveling in our motorhome. We discuss the pros and cons of RV living. Listen as we break down our fuel costs to the mile and tell you how much we spent on groceries, insurance, maintenance, campsites, and RV parks. We also talk about how to lower your fuel and campsite bills as well as how important it is to plan and prepare. This lifestyle seems to be glorified on ...
Oct 23, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 51
What happens if you accidentally drop something important into your black tank? How to easily get it out? What could happen if you drive an RV too fast around the corner? What should you be aware of when you use your leveling jacks? All these questions and more are answered during our fun conversation with our good friends Jim and Melinda Mantel, who are living and traveling in their RV. Our experiences could save you money and time. If anything, you’re going to have some good laughs. Find out w...
Oct 16, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 50
On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit Florida. Listen as we interview our friend Tim Apel. He describes what happened to his home in Fort Myers. Many of you will remember him from our podcast, Episode 38. Tim also explains how they are coping with the chaotic aftermath. It’s the second largest disaster loss, with at least $60 billion in private insured losses, not to mention the human toll it has taken. Hurricane Ian was a category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph and a storm surg...
Oct 09, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Here are 5 RV tips to make your camping experience awesome. We’re coming up on our 2-year anniversary of living and traveling in our RV. This incredible road trip has taught us a lot. Although traveling and living in an RV has many perks, it also has a few challenges. We're here to help you overcome those challenges and make things more enjoyable. From having more options when using a campsite, to preventing an expensive RV problem. So from our experience, we are giving you 5 RV tips that will m...
Oct 02, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 48
RVs and football go well together. For years, many have taken their RVs to hometown football games and away games as well. We introduce you to Axel Hoyer, who’s son Brian Hoyer is an NFL quarterback. Ax tells the inspirational story of his son’s rise from a high school quarterback to his college days at Michigan State. You’ll hear what it was like on draft day. Brian has been playing for over 14 years in the NFL, including being the starting quarterback for his hometown team, the Cleveland Brown...
Sep 25, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Bar Harbor, Maine is a great place to visit. While we were there, many told us about a seafood restaurant called Geddy’s. Not only are the food and drinks great, but it has a vibrant musical history. Arthur and Heather Davis own it and we get the behind-the-scenes story from Heather, and she talks about the famous Geddy’s It’s a Rush t-shirt. We also discover travelers from our hometown. We’ll tell you about what it was like crossing the border from Canada to the USA and what the customs officia...
Sep 18, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 46
We take you on our trip through New England and Nova Scotia. While many RVers were complaining about the summer heat, we were visiting beautiful areas with cool temperatures. In Massachusetts we visit Plymouth, Gloucester and Rockport, plus an amusing sight in New Hampshire. In Maine we turn you on to Kennebunk, Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor where we load our 38-foot RV onto the CAT high-speed ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. We tell you the cost and all the places to go in Nova Scotia including...
Sep 11, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 45
While RVing our way through beautiful Nova Scotia, we find a hidden gem of a campground near Cape Breton Island. The Hyclass Ocean Campground is on route to Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the spectacular 186-mile-long Cabot Trail drive. It’s ideal for trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, tents, and motorhomes. It’s also very affordable. Campers experience outstanding sunsets, sunrises, star gazing and some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas to swim in. Hear the story of empty nest...
Sep 04, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 44
From school bus to motorhome, this cleverly converted schoolie with a second floor bedroom gets a huge amount of attention. Woody Truitt, and his wife Kristen Everett, are on the show today. Woody used his remodeling skills to convert an old school bus into their home on the road. Together with Kristen, they have created a beautiful home on wheels. Commonly referred to as a “Schoolie,” this converted school bus has a unique design and look. Woody and Kristen describe how they included a wood bur...
Aug 28, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Jeff and Patti introduce you to Matt and Jenifer Papesch. They will tell you how they buy RV’s for less and give you tips on how to successfully sell yours. Want to buy an RV below market value? Need ideas on how to sell yours fast? Don’t miss this valuable information. You will also hear about great places to visit and what to see from Glacier National Park in Montana to the Pacific Northwest. Matt and Jenifer rock and you will love their story. Check out our website here: https://rockingthervl...
Aug 21, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Hearthside Grove Lake Erie, a 5-star luxury motorcoach resort in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio. It's so easy to get to and it checks all the boxes when it comes to spacious, level, clean sites. This is not your typical dirt and gravel park. Experience relaxation surrounded by freshwater lakes, lush forests, wineries and more. It’s a great way to enjoy your motorhome. Eric and Diane Frantz own Hearthside Grove Lake Erie, Ohio’s only luxury motorcoach resort. Listen as we interview Eric Frantz. He tell...
Aug 14, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 41
It is vital that RVers, campers, hikers and all travelers keep an eye on the weather. Jeff & Patti were recently invited to tour the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Ohio, by meteorologist Kirk Lombardy. Kirk is their guest this week and gives important information about monitoring the weather and how to stay safe. Kirk was influenced by legendary television meteorologist Dick Goddard who started his career with the Air Force and contributed to many top-secret projects. Most cellphones...
Aug 07, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 40
While RVing, you’ll see amazing sights and visit incredible places. But can you meet someone special and eventually get married? Yes! Hear the story of Michelle and David Brown. Each of them had been through a lot in their lives and had made the choice to hit the road solo to find a new beginning. She left Indiana and he left Atlanta. Fate had them meet in a Harvest Host in Louisiana where their site was double booked. A year and a half later they are married. They live and travel full time with...
Jul 31, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 39
How to save money on diesel fuel. Jeff & Patti give important information about a fuel card that offers instant discounted prices on diesel fuel and soon for gasoline too. It’s the TSD Open Roads Fuel Card. Where are some of the best RV campgrounds? Special guest Tim Apel talks about that and the five amazing RV’s he’s had including a luxury, high end, 45-foot Newmar King Aire. Tim also gives good advice about traveling with an RV in the New England area, including Maine. Jeff & Patti ta...
Jul 24, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Listen as Jeff & Patti recap their sold-out live show at the Music Box Supper Club. Hosted by Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com Travel Editor Susan Glaser. Ohio has some great campgrounds that have been a relatively best kept secret. Director of Marketing and Communications for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Adria Bergeron, talks all about the amazing camping that is now available at https://www.mwcd.org. Tim Nicholson, Sales Manager for General RV of North Canton explains why the Cl...
Jul 17, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Whether you are new to RVing or an experienced traveler, Jeff & Patti provide you with their “10 Rules for Safe RVing.” Listen as they discuss how important it is to have a checklist, plan financially, arrive at your destination early, and much more. Find out why it’s important to tell your guests how to use your RV’s facilities, especially the toilet! Plus, Susan aka, “RV Miss Adventures” and Erich are back with an update about their travels, and yes, they have more amazing stories that wil...
Jul 10, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Learn more about some of the sunken ships that linger under the surface of the Great Lakes in this week’s episode of “Rocking the RV Life.” Podcast hosts Jeff and Patti Kinzbach have been exploring the Great Lakes in their RV this summer, and recently stopped by Whitefish Point in Michigan: an area which hosts the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Whitefish Point is famous for a lighthouse built in 1849, as well as the museum. It is approximately a 1.5 hours drive from the Mackinac Bridge. The museu...
Jul 03, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 35
RVing through Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas gives you a chance to experience what many refer to as the “8th Wonder of the World”, the Mackinac Bridge, which opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. Jeff & Patti interview Mackinac Bridge Director Kim Nowack, who details the characteristics of the famous bridge as well as interesting things that happen daily. Even Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs filmed an episode with the maintenance crew back in 2007. Mackinac Bridge, the longest suspension bri...
Jun 26, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Traveling and camping is not just about buying an RV and hitting the road. On this week’s Rocking the RV Life podcast, Jeff and Patti Kinzbach talk with veteran RVer Dave Johnson about his many experiences, including some underwear-changing moments with his trailer. Johnson and his wife Joanne have been through a lot, including fires, bears, bison and more. Tip of the Week: The Kinzbachs say make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, including the weather, and never scrimp on safety fe...
Jun 19, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 33
What’s their story? From almost being blown off a bridge to nearly quitting, Jeff and Patti introduce you to Steve and Diana. Wait until you hear about their trip to Alaska. Furthermore, You won’t believe what they’ve been through and where they have been. Would you have quit? Plus, learn about two items you need to increase your options when you camp with your RV. Think your electrical hook-up is safe? Jeff & Patti tell you how you should protect your connections from rain and more. Also he...
Jun 12, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Buying an RV doesn’t have to be expensive! Jeff & Patti read an email from a woman who wasn’t interested in camping. Her husband got her to try it and now she loves it! You won’t believe what they paid for their RV! Plus, Jeff & Patti interview a famous Cleveland musician. Alex Bevan. Not only is he known for his great music but there is something else that Alex Bevan loves to do and that’s camping and traveling! Alex reveals some of the wonderful places he and his wife, Deidra have been...
Jun 05, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 31
After getting a new and larger RV, Jeff & Patti find out there is already a recall notice on it. They immediately get it checked and discuss how important it is for you to check yours. It doesn't matter if it's new or used. You can check any vehicle with the website and link below including cars, trucks, RV's etc. Jeff & Patti also discuss the number one topic everyone is talking about...fuel prices! More and more campers are boondocking and dry camping. What's the difference? Jeff does ...
May 29, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Jeff & Patti have talked with many RV owners and campers about RV parks and campgrounds. But what is it like owning one? Why have prices gone up and what kind of issues do campground owners face? You’ll be surprised by the answers as Jeff & Patti interview Jim Emmert. For 27 years, Jim and his wife Alice owned the Homerville, Ohio KOA located just south of Akron and Cleveland. The park was formerly known as the Wild Wood Lakes campground before the Emmert’s bought it in 1994. What starte...
May 23, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 29
As spring arrives everyone gets excited about camping and RVing. Many of the parks and campgrounds are filling up. Bugs and an occasional wild animal are usually the only concerns. However, each year reports pour into ranger and police stations about sightings of a large two legged and hairy creature know as Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Jeff & Patti interview Bigfoot investigator Doug Waller about what possibly could be in the woods and how to interpret the noises, smells and tracks associated with...
May 16, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Jeff & Patti discuss the different ways to tow a car. There's flat towing, tow dolly, and trailer towing. How much does it cost? Find out and get information about having your tow bar inspected. Plus, how mileage on a tow can differ from the car's odometer thus affecting tire wear. Jeff & Patti also take you along on a tour of a private car collection that Jay Leno once visited. Did you ever have a car that you wish you never sold? Shop Amazon for our favorites! Support Rocking the RV Li...
May 08, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Is this a good time to buy an RV? What exactly is the current state of the RV and camping business? How has it changed over the past few years? Who are the people buying RV's and how are they using them? What are the most popular RV's right now? What about the financial aspect of buying an RV, how much are the amounts financed and monthly payments? Jeff & Patti get the answers from one of the top retail executives in the business, Tim Nicholson, Sales Manager of General RV in North Canton, O...
May 01, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 26
How do truckers really feel about sharing the road with RVs? Do RVs get in their way at truck stops and rest areas? Find out as special guest and professional truck driver Steve Mehal joins Jeff & Patti. If you travel in a motorhome, van, sprinter van, or if you tow a fifth wheel, trailer or camper you probably know how being passed by a semi-truck can affect your stability. Jeff and Patti give important advice about keeping control of your vehicle. Plus, if you are planning a trip across Am...
Apr 24, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 25
What it's really like living in an RV. Jeff & Patti give you insights about one of the most overlooked subjects to RV travel...your relationship with whom you're traveling with. It's been 18 months since Jeff & Patti retired, sold their home and started traveling in their RV. How has living full-time in a 30 foot space affected them and their relationship? Listen as they discuss the pros and cons of RV living and give you advice about what it takes to travel and live in an RV. What effec...
Apr 17, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Jeff & Patti leave the Grand Canyon and stay in Flagstaff before heading to Winslow, Arizona. Along the way they tell you about an amazing place that you can see where a meteor hit the earth. Learn about a beautiful and quiet Arizona State Park as well as why so many people stop in Winslow, Arizona. It's all about the music and taking it easy. Patti takes on a huge project, plus Jim and Melinda Mantel check in from Yosemite National Park. What could go wrong? Find out. Learn more about your ...
Apr 10, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Thinking of doing some traveling this year? Jeff & Patti give great advice about the National Parks and how important it is to plan and be prepared. You'll follow their adventures through Zion National Park in Utah and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Whether you are traveling in an RV, Sprinter Van, car or any other way, you should be prepared for large crowds and check to see if limited entry-permits or tickets are required. Many of the parks fill up by 8am! Jeff & Patti also talk to a cam...
Apr 03, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 22
