On this episode of RV Miles, we explore our final New Mexico podcast destination, the artsy-yet-historic town of Santa Fe, and the nearby Bandelier National Monument, which offers so much more than we expected. In the news, KOA has released their annual study of the camping lifestyle, and you'll be amazed at how many new RV travelers and tent campers are out there. Resources: KOA's 2018 North American Camping Report Santa Fe Railyard District Santa Fe Plaza/Downtown Cochiti Lake Recreation Area ...
Apr 13, 2018•52 min•Ep. 38
On this episode of the RV Miles Podcast, we journey up the Rio Grande to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a metropolis full of culture and life. Right in town, we visit Petroglyphs National Monument and its 400 to 700-year-old carvings. Resources: RVEpicure: RV and Cooking Quick Tips America's National Parks Podcast: The Voyageurs After 50,000 Public Comments, Zinke Backs Down From Massive National Park Fee Increase Petroglyph National Monument New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Explora ...
Apr 06, 2018•53 min•Ep. 37
Today on the show, we visit the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, a wonderful place just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, that might not be on your radar. We'll also discuss fuel-efficient driving tips, and why to never store things in your RV Microwave! Resources: America's National Parks Podcast - Pirates and Parks Episode MasterLock Trailer Lock - Amazon link Home Is Where We Roam T-shirt - Amazon link What Tire Pressure Should I Use for My Rv? - RV Miles article Diesel Kleen Additiv...
Mar 29, 2018•53 min•Ep. 36
Get out those RVs! It's time to de-winterize! On this week's episode, we'll talk about getting your RV into tip-top shape for the camping season. Even if you use your RV year-round, think of this as a time for spring cleaning and maintenance. Then we'll take a journey to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, a 700-year-old Native American sanctuary in the mountains of the Gila National Forest. Resources: NationalParkWeek.org . A resource for all things National Park Week, April 21-29, incl...
Mar 23, 2018•58 min•Ep. 35
It's our favorite time of the year! Gear guide time! We have some awesome product suggestions ranging from $1 to $750 and everything in between. Cool gadgets, gizmos, and games to make RV camping easy and fun. You can find links to all of our Spring Gear Guide products at http://rvmiles.com/spring-2018-rv-camping-gear-guide/ !
Mar 15, 2018•47 min•Ep. 34
On this episode of RV Miles, we journey to the white gypsum moonscape that is White Sands National Monument. We'll also check out the Alamogordo and Cloudcroft, New Mexico areas, and help a listener out with planning a road trip. In the news, Florida plans to observe daylight savings time year-round, and a new app for reporting damage to federal lands. Resources News Episode 1 of the America's National Parks Podcast is live! Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts, or on the website: www.na...
Mar 08, 2018•58 min•Ep. 33
We're very excited about today's episode of the RV miles podcast! First, we've got a jam-packed news segment. The January RV shipment numbers are astronomical. Be prepared for a lot more RV travelers out on the road! Then, say hello to National Park number 60 before we head into our segment on travel books that we really love. Yes, we travel with books – lots of them! Finally, we have a preview of our new America's National Parks Podcast. We're so excited to share this with RV Miles listeners, i...
Mar 01, 2018•44 min•Ep. 32
On this episode of the RV Miles podcast, we take a journey down to Texas's Guadalupe Mountains National Park, just a hop, skip and a jump from Carlsbad Caverns. We have some family travel tips to make camping a bit easier, and in the news, stupid criminals, endless showers, and a new company that promises to link RV service records, roadside assistance, travel planning, and more. Make sure to join the new RV Miles Facebook Travel Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/584206491749994/ Resources:...
Feb 22, 2018•57 min•Ep. 31
Today on the RV Miles Podcast — a wonderland under the ground in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns. Seventy-foot-tall stalagmites and rooms that could fit three US Capitol Buildings, and even more treasures above the ground. We'll cover what to do, RV camping options and a whole lot more. In the news, 2018 travel trends and a problem brewing for Michigan campgrounds. Resources: Travel Trends for 2018: http://rvmiles.com/2018-travel-trends-outdoor-cultural-culinary-experiences-see-sharp-i...
Feb 15, 2018•53 min•Ep. 30
On today's jam-packed RV Miles Podcast episode, we cover the surprisingly beautiful Roswell, New Mexico area. Aliens abound - the truth is out there! But really, Roswell is full of off-the-beaten-path natural beauty, and we'll tell you where to find it. We also talk with Chef Hardcore, who writes our RV Epicure column, about cooking in an RV. What gear, gadgets, and ingredients to bring along, and how to ditch the recipe and get creative with your own food. In the news, a cool new Vegas experien...
Feb 08, 2018•52 min•Ep. 29
On this episode, join us as we regale our 900-mile+ 3-day journey from Kansas City to Roswell, New Mexico, featuring manhunts, high winds, locked electrical hook-ups, and a whole lot of cows. We'll also chat about our process turning a used school bus into a custom RV, and the costs involved. Resources: RV Shipments Break Half-Million Mark for First Time – http://rvmiles.com/rv-shipments-break-half-million-mark-first-time/ A Third of Millenials Prefer Camping Over Hotels – http://rvmiles.com/thi...
Feb 01, 2018•48 min•Ep. 28
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TVs, Chromecast...what works best in an RV on the road? We cover it all on this week's RV Miles podcast. Sometimes it's ok to relax and watch a movie or binge a TV show when you're camping, especially when it rains for days straight. We'll tell you what we use, and what our experience are with what types of video entertainment are best for RV travelers. Resources: New Mexico State Parks Pass - A great option for afforable camping if you plan to spend a lo...
Jan 25, 2018•54 min•Ep. 27
Today on the RV Miles Podcast, we break down our takeaways from the Mid-America RV show in Kansas City. We'll talk about some additional RV Show tips that we missed on our Episode 24, and break down our favorite 2018 RVs, three perfect for family travel and three for the couple and solo travelers. In the news, Jayco has unveiled their first-ever Class A Diesel Pusher, Gander Outdoors has launched their website with some eye-popping prices, and Ford is bringing back the Ranger, a good option for ...
Jan 18, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 26
Today we are talking the expected and unexpected costs of purchasing and owning your own RV. A wonderful and potentially economical way to travel, RV ownership is all about the budget and knowing what you're getting into before you step onto a lot or into an RV show. We also discuss tips for surviving family travel days, including that one tip we all do, but no one wants to talk about. Plus, there's plenty of RV Miles news this week, including the exciting upcoming launch of a new podcast, a web...
Jan 11, 2018•56 min•Ep. 25
Today we're taking an extended journey to Hot Springs National Park, which we touched on briefly way back on Episode 1 of the RV Miles podcast. Hot Springs National Park is a wonderful destination for rest, rejuvenation, history and a bit of architecture gazing. It's definitely not what you'd expect. We also talk RV shows — what makes them such a great place to shop for RVs or just explore what kind of RV you are looking for. And in the news, we've got more camping world acquisitions, pick-up tr...
Jan 04, 2018•47 min•Ep. 24
After a news item on a massive RAM truck recall, this abbreviated episode is focused on our wishes for the RV industry in 2018. More campgrounds, societal acceptance of full-time RV travelers, and more fill our wish list for the RV lifestyle. Happy New Year from the RV Miles family! Resources: RAM Truck Gearshift Recall - RV Miles article
Dec 28, 2017•32 min•Ep. 23
Today we travel back in time to Episode 1 and expand on one of our favorite spots in the beautiful state of Arkansas – The Buffalo National River. We'll also talk about all the rules and tricks for parking an RV at a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, rest area, truck stop, and other overnight parking opportunities. In the news, the state of Nevada is full of new opportunities for 2018, including 2 new state parks. Resources New Experiences Make Nevada a Top 2018 Destination Good Neighbor Policy for Overn...
Dec 21, 2017•41 min•Ep. 22
Today we chat with the owner of a new company called RV Health that promises to deliver healthcare on the road by facilitating web-based doctor visits, including prescriptions, for under $25 a month. We'll also cover our tips for exercising and eating healthy while living an RV lifestyle. Resources: Upcoming RV Shows FMCA Accepting All RVers (RV Miles Article) National Park Service Fee Increase Comment Period (RV Miles Article) RV Health - Get Healthcare on the Road - discount for RV Miles liste...
Dec 14, 2017•53 min•Ep. 21
On today's show, we'll cover all the things you need to do to prep the RV for winter storage. "Winterizing" the water system is only one piece of the puzzle. Then we'll take a trip to Nashville, TN, and chat about all the great things to do in Music City, USA. Resources: KOA's winterizing checklist and step-by-step guide Seven Points COE Campground Grand Ole Opry Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Johnny Cash Museum Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Adventure Science Center Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse...
Dec 07, 2017•42 min•Ep. 20
This episode is all about some great gifts for the RV or camping enthusiast, or anyone really, as most of our gifts are great for the hole as well!. Ask Santa for a few items on our list and you're bound to have a wander-ful Christmas. Resources: New Aliner sub-3000lb teardrop/travel trailer hybrids. A teardrop RV you can stand up in! The RV Miles 2017 Holiday Gift Guide - Links to all the items we talk about in this episode....
Nov 30, 2017•48 min•Ep. 19
On this abbreviated episode, we run down 10 things we're thankful for in the RV travel lifestyle, from RV parks to Audiobooks to friends and family. We'll be back next week with a full-length episode of the RV Miles Podcast.
Nov 23, 2017•16 min•Ep. 18
Today we cover the ins and outs of one of the most asked about features of our RV, our composting toilet. We'll give you tips and tricks about downsizing your life for anyone interested in living in an RV, or just interested in a more minimalist lifestyle. But before we get into those topics, we help a listener with all the things you need to know before taking your RV through the diesel pumps on the semi truck side of the truck stop. Resources: Nature's Head Composting Toilet Dear Garage Sale B...
Nov 17, 2017•1 hr•Ep. 17
On this episode, Jason and Abby cover one of their favorite family vacation cities, St. Louis, full of affordable family fun. They'll also cover the new major WiFi security issue, and talk tips on staying safe when you connect to networks on the road, and a major recall involving almost every RV's fire extinguisher. Resources: The National Park Fee Increases Don't Add Up Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall Pere Marquette State Park Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse St. Louis Science Center St. Louis Zo...
Nov 09, 2017•45 min•Ep. 16
On today's episode, we hike into the many and varied canyons and waterfalls at Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, two gems of geology set in the midst of farmland along I-80. We talk about the tools we use and some tips for planning your route in an RV, how Michigan state parks are combating overbooking, and our new food series on RV Miles, RVEpicure. Resources: RVEpicure on RV Miles Changes in Michigan State Park Fees Road trip planning tool Roadtrippers.com Google Maps Flattest Route - ...
Nov 02, 2017•56 min•Ep. 15
On today's episode, we'll discuss the massive increase in fees being proposed for America's busiest national parks – a 180% increase to $70 per car. We hit the road for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and talk through some tips and tricks for driving and arriving at the campground at night time. Resources: Massive Fee Increases Proposed for National Parks in 2018 Driving an RV Safely at Night Great Smoky Mountains National Park Chimani Great Smoky Mountains N.P. App Camp LeConte Luxury ...
Oct 26, 2017•56 min•Ep. 14
Today is all things Disney World! We'll give you all our best tips and tricks for visiting, and tell you why Disney isn't just for the little ones. We'll give you an overview of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, which is known by RV campers far and wide as one of the best campgrounds in America. But first, in the news, Camping World is making some big moves into the outdoor gear market, and how you can catch the Orionid meteor shower this weekend. Resources: Camping World buys Uncle Dan's Outfitt...
Oct 20, 2017•56 min•Ep. 13
Today we talk about the world's largest cave system, Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. We'll cover some of the options available for RV roadside assistance, and some changes that may be coming to National Parks due to the record numbers of visitors this year. Resources: National Parks Struggle With a Mounting Crisis: Too Many Visitors AAA RV Roadside Assistance Good Sam RV Roadside Assistance Coach-Net RV Roadside Assistance Mammoth Cave National Park Bailey's Point Army Corps of Engineers Campground...
Oct 12, 2017•52 min•Ep. 12
Episode 11 of RV Miles kicks off with some news about Pilot/Flying J truck stops - billionaire Warren Buffet is taking them over! Then, we talk about a new, very steep dump station fee for California state parks. Then, Jason goes through a list of cool gear on the more expensive side that he's excited about — things like $70 slippers and a $600 wagon — and finally, we'll discuss our time in the Twin Cities — Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Resources Pilot/Flying J - RV Miles Article Califor...
Oct 05, 2017•58 min•Ep. 11
Waterways and islands as far as the eye can see. Bald eagles, beavers, moose, bear, billion-year-old rock formations, diamond skies, and the northern lights. On this episode of RV Miles, Voyageurs National Park. But first, Abby and Jason talk about the recent merger of Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, and a really cool new Bluetooth-enabled smokeless firepit from BioLite. Then, they cover some inexpensive RV gear that they use every day in their WanderBus. Cabela’s/Bass Pro Merger Wonders of Wildlif...
Sep 28, 2017•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 10
On this week's episode, Jason and Abby talk about all the different types of RVs out there, the pros and cons of each, and which RV is right for you. Then they talk through all of the options for getting internet to your RV out on the road. WiFi, cellular, satellite? The options all have their limits. But first, they cover the really cool new Winnebago 4WD all-season Class B, and talk a bit about workcamping – working at a campground for a free RV site and maybe some money. Resources: New Winneb...
Sep 21, 2017•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 9
