🎙️ Episode 7 – RV Newbies Ask the Pros: What We'd Do Differently as Newbies | Fears, Mistakes & Must-Have Tools

In this episode of the RV Trash Talk Podcast, we're joined by Chuck & Val from Chasing Fun 365 — a couple gearing up for full-time RV life, two corgis in tow, and big dreams fueled by bourbon and spreadsheets. We talk gear, fears, must-have gadgets, and the scariest "Oh Boy" moments from life on the road.

From planning their launch with a Brinkley G3250 and an F-450, to booking Fort Wilderness 600 days in advance (before even owning an RV!), Chuck & Val dive into their transition from sticks-and-bricks to full-time freedom.

🚐 In This Episode:

• 🎂 Celebrating anniversaries and big birthdays (hint: 4-0 and 20 years!)

• 🛻 Chuck & Val's rig plans: the truck, the trailer, and the dogs (Farley & Gus Gus!)

• 🔩 Biggest fears: rig damage, breakdowns, and bourbon shortages

• 💡 Top advice from full-timers: checklists, trust, and "every time is like the first time"

• 🏕️ Wild RV stories from the crew, including:

  • A 25-mile dirt road detour courtesy of Google Maps

  • Slide-out breakdowns and learning RV tech the hard way

  • Boondocking in Moab in 105° heat with no AC (spoiler: bad idea)

  • Confusing two identical state parks and driving 30 miles back in shame 😅

🧭 Bonus Round: Rapid-Fire Q&A

• Favorite must-have RV gear

• Storms, mold prevention, and whether hail sounds like Armageddon

• Do we regret going full-time? (Spoiler: nope.)

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet." – shared by Amy

Connect with Chuck and Val:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasinfun365/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@chasinfun365

Whether you're just starting your RV journey or have logged thousands of miles, this episode brings the laughs, the real talk, and advice you can actually use. Oh, and lots of corgi mentions.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and follow @ChasingFun365 — then hit play and join the fun!

About your hosts:

Danny and Melissa:

We are Danny, Melissa, Emma, Jake, and Sadie (our Australian Shepherd) and we are exploring the United States on a journey of discovery and unforgettable family memories. After Danny's retirement from the Air Force and years of deployments, we're embracing the open road in our Brinkley Z3110, visiting iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and everything in between! Follow along as we document each adventure, from major league ballparks to breathtaking national parks and quirky roadside attractions.

Links:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@4simplelives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4simplelives/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4simplelives/

Nomad Near Me: 4 Simple Lives

Jim and Amy:

We are Thevagabondzjimnamy,  and we are exploring the United States on a journey of discovery and unforgettable travel memories with our rescue pup Penny. As empty nesters, we are embracing the open road in our Brinkley G3250, visiting iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and everything in between! 

Links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_vagabondz_jim_n_amy 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thevagabondzjimnamy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_vagabondz_jim_n_amy/ 

Nomad Near Me: The VagabondZ JimNAmy

Rob and Trish: We are Rob, Trish and Moxley (our 4 legged travel buddy) and we are exploring the United States living life to the fullest. After our youngest graduated we decided to embrace our new phase of life as empty nesters and headed out on the road for what was originally a 1 year plan, and now we are close to wrapping up year 4! We're making memories while visiting so many amazing places, national parks, friends and family! Follow along as we share our adventures.

Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livinglikenomads

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinglikenomads  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingLikeNomads 

Nomad Near Me: Living Like Nomads (Rob and Trish)

*This is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV experts and are not making recommendations. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research and make your own decisions.