We’ve moochdocked, but we’ve never boondocked before. Free camping? Yes, please, but just how to find a place has always been elusive for us. In this episode, I chat with Jason & Abby Epperson of the RV Miles podcast and we dig into the nitty-gritty of how they choose their boondocking spots. They share a lot of info with us, especially because we’ve got so much open public lands here in the American West that are available to all of us. In the Pitstop, I dig into flashlights and explain why...
Nov 06, 2021•40 min•Ep. 16
Sometimes being spontaneous is the key to a great adventure. This past summer we made a last minute call and with a little bit of lady luck we found ourselves in Yellowstone National Park. In this episode, we share our story of how we ended up in Yellowstone, what we saw, where we ate and where we stayed. If you’re thinking about a Yellowstone National Park trip, this is an episode for you. In the Pitstop, we talk with Bart Treece of Washington State Department of Transportation about the recent...
Oct 18, 2021•22 min•Ep. 15
We spent a month on the road traveling the American West with Glacier National Park as one of our iconic stops on this trip. I share our experience navigating the new ticketed entry system in the park as well as I highlight things to see, to play, to eat and drink and where to stay. Plus, in the Pitstop I share my three phase approach to the planning and logistics for a trip of this length. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West for Best Podcast for The...
Sep 06, 2021•30 min•Ep. 14
Meet the S.M.A.R.T. Bus , a skoolie conversion completed by the Vickers. Hailing from Indiana Jon and Jennifer had built their professional lives and raised their family, but something had been always calling them to the road. From family road trips to now, as they just completed their build out they took their bus on its maiden voyage this summer. I sat down with them at a picnic table in Montana, and they shared their story. Plus, in the Pitstop I share one of our favorite campground suppers, ...
Aug 23, 2021•25 min•Ep. 13
After owning our Jayco for six months, sleeping 49 nights in our trailer, and traveling over 3,300 miles it’s time for a full unbiased review. My wife, Susy, joins in this episode as we discuss our likes, our dislikes, trailer issues we’ve experienced, and lessons learned. Plus, Susy shares great tips on how to maximize the interior space of an RV. During the Pitstop, I discuss the idea of locating those Pandemic Pearls. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Ou...
Aug 09, 2021•38 min•Ep. 12
RV maintenance we all know is something that needs to be done to protect our trailers and motorhomes, but at times it can also feel a bit overwhelming. In this episode we discuss RV maintenance tips and techniques with Joe Testa a certified RV Inspector with the National RV Inspector Association. During the pitstop, I geek out on tools and share what are the essential tools that I keep in my RV tool kit. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West for Best P...
Jul 26, 2021•38 min•Ep. 11
We discuss the refreshing summertime spirit of Gin, with Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark, is a world traveller, a Class-A motorhome hopeful, and a self-proclaimed food & booze geek. He shares with us a brief history of Gin, we cover the standard classical gin drinks (martini, gin and tonics), but he also gives us a wonderfully delicious recipe that is light, refreshing, and easily sipped on during a hot afternoon. In the Pitstop, I share our recent experience of staying at the Willapa / Bay Center KO...
Jul 12, 2021•21 min•Ep. 10
We are going to be talking about Wilderness First Aid. This is an important and often overlooked topic as I think people think of Wilderness First Aid as something necessary for those who are deep into the backcountry or high up on a mountain and far away from medical care. That is just not the reality. In this episode we talk with Shaun Quinn, a former certified Wilderness EMT, he breaks down what are the most common injuries and a lot of them do apply to RV’ers. In the Pitstop, I share my stor...
Jun 28, 2021•38 min•Ep. 9
Lake Chelan is a four season playground for everyone. For those who live on the ‘Wet’ side of the Cascade Mountains this is where they go to play. Lake Chelan is a beautiful four hour drive from Seattle and in this episode we cover recreational activities, where to find wine, Stehekin, and the best places to RV camp. In the Pitstop, I interview my daughter as we discuss what just makes the perfect S’more Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West for Best P...
Jun 14, 2021•27 min•Ep. 8
Imagine drinking great tasting water directly from the tap. Whether you’re a full-time or novice RVer, you know the value of fresh, clean water in your rig. In this episode, I chat with Keith Bernard, CEO of CLEAR2o, one of the leading manufacturers of water filtration systems for RV’s since 2008. We talk about different options and filtration solutions to cover the full spectrum of needs from weekenders to full-timers. In the Pitstop, I share with you about a great little gem of a town in north...
May 31, 2021•29 min•Ep. 7
Forty one years ago Mt St Helens erupted and created a devastating path of destruction in its wake. I was a six year old boy, and still to this day, I have vivid memories of this cataclysmic and historical event. In this episode, I share not only my memory of May 18, 1980, but I interview Junelle Kroontje who has been camping with her family for many years around this mountain. She shares with us some great recommendations on where to camp, family friendly hikes to take, and places to see. Plus,...
May 17, 2021•31 min•Ep. 6
The greatest Campground Game is not Cornhole, Ladder Ball or even Bocce, but rather the game of Washers. In this episode, we decrypt the history of this American game, discuss the details of game play and share some sporting highlights about what makes this the best game for camping. Plus, in our Pitstop, I chat with my son and we discuss the craftsmanship involved in making a Water Weenie — the ultimate water gun. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West...
May 03, 2021•22 min•Ep. 5
RV solar solutions are often clouded in mystique and sometimes its limitations are misunderstood. In this episode, we chat with Avanti Lalwani the CEO of Briter Products a manufacturer of RV solar solutions including lithium ion batteries and we clear up just what RV solar can do for your coach. During the Pitstop, we cover what you need to know if your travel plans include taking the Washington State Ferry (WSF). Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West ...
Apr 19, 2021•32 min•Ep. 4
We chat with Youtuber, The Bourbon Judge as we discuss bourbons and my favorite campfire cocktail, The Old Fashioned. During our pitstop, I share highlights about Kayak Point county park and Campground. Spoiler, it’s a hidden gem located about one hour north of Seattle. Rooted in rich history this campground dates back to over a hundred years ago. This Snohomish county park offers many great activities that are fun for the whole family. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment t...
Apr 05, 2021•27 min•Ep. 3
A pop up tent trailer is a great first trailer to get you RV’ing. In this episode we discuss the benefits and some not-so-great things to consider with these types of trailers. We also cover the essential gear you will need to get your pop up tent trailer hooked up at the campground. Join us as we discuss pop up tent trailers. Send us a text Today is the last day. Take a quick moment to vote for RV Out West for Best Podcast for The Campie Awards . The Best Podcast is the second to last category....
Mar 22, 2021•23 min•Ep. 2
RV Out West is about RVing around the Pacific Northwest and radiating out beyond to the rest of the West. This episode features an introduction to your host, Brooks Smothers, while providing a little back history to who he is, why he chose to RV with his family, and answers the question of what makes the Pacific Northwest so special. Plus, he shares the most magnificent way to prepare grilled salmon, not only will your mouth be watering, but you’ll be surprised where he got the recipe from. Send...
Feb 24, 2021•23 min•Ep. 1
