The title for this week’s episode “The World is Our Backyard” comes from the sign our special guests put out on the back of their RV. A little later on you’ll meet Jim and Rhonda Phipps, two recent retirees, whose lifestyle has dramatically changed for the better thanks to their Roadtreking across the country in a Class B campervan…. Also this week, your questions, helpful tips, RV news and a special Off The Beaten Path Report.

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Mike and Jennifer begin by recapping their week in Hershey, PA at America’s Largest RV Show, then they update the audience on their adventures with Bo, their nine-month-old Norwegian Elkhound puppy and his recent “Great Escape.”They share their travel plans for this week, heading out to do some boondocking in the woods with their granddaughters. [spp-timestamp time="2:13"]

This part of the podcast brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes.

JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK

One of the biggest challenges faced by RVers is finding that perfect campsite in the perfect place. [spp-timestamp time="12:38"]

The problem is, the most popular campgrounds are booked up months in advance, sometimes even a year ahead of time.

So, it can be very frustrating. The only way to get in is if someone who already has a reservation cancels.

That means you need to spend a lot of time…. Checking.

Well here’s a great tip, originally passed along on our Facebook Roadtreking Group by Judy Bass. Judy has discovered a terrific online service.

If you want to book a site at a public campground and there are no vacancies, go to yesyoucamp.com and enter the information - the campground you want, dates and length of stay desired. For $3 they'll check the site every 5 minutes and text you if something opens up. For no charge, they'll check every four hours and email you. If you book, they request a donation.

Again, the site is to yesyoucamp.com. That’s to yesyoucamp.com.

Judy used the site and snagged a hjghly desireable spot on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for this week, even though it's booked solid till the end of the season.

The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world's most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50th year.

LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:

Mark and Melissa in Des Moine, IA are getting a new Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL and wonder how lithium ion batteries behave in the winter time. [spp-timestamp time="16:44"]

Jaqueline wants to know what innovation and “surprises” are coming from Roadtrek in 2017 [spp-timestamp time="20:30"]

Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations.

Listener Bill shares his recent experience with Creston RV in Montana [spp-timestamp time="26:58"]

RV BASIC TRAINING

The U.S. Forest Service recommends campers be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes and other unexpected events by bringing the following items when they head out camping for any extended amount of time. How many items do you have tucked in your RV? [spp-timestamp time="28:44"]

Candles

Compass

Flashlight

Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)

Hat

Insect repellent

Map

Nylon filament

Pocket knife

Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)

Prescription glasses (an extra pair)

Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions

Radio with batteries

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)

Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device

Waterproof matches

This part of the podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 15 locations on the East Coast 

RV NEWS OF THE WEEK:  

Three stories this week - [spp-timestamp time="35:15"]