Girl Camper

We all have concerns when we head out and the best way to deal with fear is to acknowledge the possibilities and have a plan for if and when they happen. That is what we do here at Girl Camper, we educate new RVers and help them understand the principles of what may be happening and ways to counterbalance them. We have done many podcasts on safety from towing to tires to weight distribution hitches to weather tactics.

It's never fun having a breakdown on the road but having good insurance and roadside assistance takes a little bit of the sting away!!

Some of my worst trips have resulted in my best lessons and made me a stronger and smarter RVer. I am sharing them today because I know that fear sometimes stops us from doing things we want to do. Sometimes fear is an alarm that common sense sets off in us and warns us to use caution. It's a good thing that we should pay close attention to and not dismiss. There's also a fear that is placed in us by other people who are worried about us. It's really their fear being projected onto us. It's a "What If?" and may be something that could happen but never will. What If's can paralyze us and keep us from getting out there. You have to look at the situation and decide if there is real danger or if the FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real.

Some of the issues I cover in today's podcast include:

Driving in high winds

Driving in dense fog

Getting stuck for the night without a campsite

Truck breakdowns

Sway problems

Middle of the night tornado warnings

There's a fun new thing from Camco that everyone will want to have. I think most of us can relate to the problem of needing a weight to secure the elbow of the sewer hose to the dump spot. If that thing is not weighted down and you pull the lever for the blank tank to dump, it can and will pop off and spew the contents of your blank tank all over the place!! The Camco Retro RV sewer hose fits on top of your hose and is weighted down by water or sand poured into the top. It keeps the sewer hose from popping off when the rush of fluids hits it!! Check it out here!

Thank you to Bankston Motor Homes of Alabama and Tennessee for sponsoring Girl Camper. To visit one of their six locations, click here!

I can honestly say that I like every kind of camping. Resort RV Parks, State and National Parks, backyard camping and now I can add, dispersed camping to that list. On today's show I am sharing my first experience camping on BLM land with no amenities at all, including roads!

Last January I headed to Arizona to see what all the fuss was about. Hint -it's the weather. Mid 70's and sunny everyday and lows in the 40's at night. In my mind, this is PERFECT camping weather. I muddle through the heat and humidity in New Jersey all summer long for a few weeks of this weather each fall, often accompanied by rain. In southern Arizona you can set your watch by this weather for weeks on end and RVers across the nation know it. They flock to Arizona each year after the Christmas holidays and camp for free on BLM land.

For those new to all of this BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management. It is land managed by the US Department of the Interior and comprises over 245 million acres. Some of these lands have actual campgrounds with bathrooms and water and electric all on them. Most do not though and are just come and get it spots. No hook ups, water, bathhouses or for the most part, even roads.

You locate these cost free campsites through word of mouth and by using the App, Campendium. Campendium is the most recommended source for off road camping by those actually doing it. I asked lots of people when I was out there how they find spots and Campendium was the answer 9 out of 10 times. With Campendium you will get a set of reviews and tips that are really useful when dispersed camping because Google Maps is often not available in the middle of nowhere and these old fashioned directions are a lifesaver. The DYRT is also another great app to use.

Once you find your spot, be prepared for everything. You must bring everything you need in and everything you use, out. Leave no trace. I was ready for my first stop, Craggy Wash outside of Lake Havasu with full water tanks and empty holding tanks. I had a 100 watt solar panel and an AGM battery along with a full propane tank. I was hardly roughing it since I could take hot showers and have heat whenever I wanted. The perk of these sites is the stillness. Although others were there, they are not on top of you. There is a solitude that is hard to find when camping any other way. I completely enjoyed opening my shade at dawn and watching the sunrise with unobstructed views. I loved the long walks and just waving at fellow travelers. I loved the dark night skies without the lights from other RVs ruining the sky views. I mostly loved feeling truly 'checked out.'

After I left Lake Havasu I headed to Quartzsite Arizona to see what the Big RV Show there is all about. Each years thousands and thousands of RVers meet in groups to do this show. I don't know how many go to the show as just gather for the community and camaraderie. There are miles of roads with signs indicating the groups - Airstream Owners, Class A groups, Escapees and even Vegan RVers. The RV Show itself was hot, dusty and nothing I haven't seen a million times but the gatherings were incredible. So many people enjoying the lifestyle, each others company and the fantastic weather and incredible sunsets Arizona offers each night.

There are a few rules, spoken and unspoken about this type of camping that everyone should know before they go.

There are a few rules spoken and unspoken among the community

of modern day homesteaders that I’d like to share.

Don’t crowd each other. There are 245 million

acres available and  people want their

space! I was in an area with my friend and another friend texted that she was in

my neck of the woods. I mentioned that someone was coming to join us and I was

advised to ask my neighbors if it was okay for her to park in our little

colony. There seemed like plenty of room to me but people want privacy, space

and the feeling of being alone. When you are looking for a spot, it’s an

unspoken rule that you leave at least 100 yards between you and your nearest

neighbor.

If someone has overstayed his welcome or not

traveled the requested 25 miles between sites, you are quiet about this. No one

rats another boondocker out.

Don’t knock and introduce yourself to the guy next

door. If people venture out and wave they will be giving you the signal that

they are open to chatting. People were very friendly but they are there for

privacy.

Don’t take someone else’s space. Those who camp in

Class B vans and motorhomes without towing a day vehicle leave their spot with

a chair or two or something to mark the spot so that it won’t be taken by

someone else.

Never dump grey water (or any tanks) on a site.

There is a temptation to dump grey water because you can actually use an

outdoor shower and the water goes right onto the ground but dumping a grey tank

is actually a ticketed offense but also, really frowned on by neighbors.

Don’t play loud music. Keep campfires in a firepit

or within a circle of rocks you’ve fashioned. Leave no garbage behind. Don’t

walk your dog near other peoples sites. No one picks up after dogs on BLM land.

Keep dogs on leashes. Not just because they will

wonder to someone else’s site but because they could chase after indigenous

wildlife.

Leave your car hood open at night and

a string of lights under the engine to prevent rats from chewing your wires.

They are not visible during the day but they do come out at night. Many of the

boondockers have solar lights for this purpose.

I really enjoyed my first adventure dispersed camping and I want to do it next year. In 2021 I think I will head a little further south toward Yuma and enjoy access to the many trails and parks in that area. So much to see, so little time!!

Upcoming RV Shows you can find on the Go RVing website!

It was my pleasure to head out into the Arizona desert in January to road test the Lance 650 truck camper. I have been fascinated with the idea of truck camping since I was a kid and my grandfather put a cap on his truck, two cots with a cooler between them in the bed and took off for Colorado. The whole idea of traveling around with your home on your back really appeals to a nester like me.

A little known secret about me is that I hate being uncomfortable in any way. It seems like a contradictory trait for one who loves to camp but, camping today is not what it was in the 1970's. There is no need to be too cold or too hot or too anything when the RV industry is making so many products to get us out there and protect us from the elements at the same time. The truck camper seemed like a great way to see the country with minimum hassle and still have all the comforts of home available any time I needed them.

One of the things that made this adventure so enjoyable was the ability to pull in and out of parking spaces easily.

I picked up the Lance 650 at their factory in Lancaster, California and had two weeks to roam around in it. Shout out to Lance for sponsoring my adventure. Some Girl Camper friends were staying on BLM land around Lake Havasu so I planned on visiting with them before I headed down to Quartzsite, Arizona to see what all the fuss was about there. I had no plans to camp in campgrounds so I would not only be checking out truck camping but, off the grid camping as well.

A great sunrise my first morning in tbe 650!

The Lance 650 is the smallest truck camper that Lance manufactures and can be placed on the bed of of a 1/2 ton truck. Caveat Emptor - not just any 1/2 ton truck. You will need to make sure that your particular 1/2 ton truck has the suspension system, axel ratio and beefed up build to hold the 1700 pound 650. Air bags can help increase the trucks ability to carry the load. A good way to see what your truck can carry is to do a VIN number analysis. That analysis will give you lots of information like what your actual axel ratio is because, the same truck can have different axel ratios. Check out your vehicles actual ratings at this VIN number analysis site here.

The truck the 650 was set on was a Ford F-150 diesel with heavy duty leaf springs and bed air bags to cushion the RV.

My first impression upon stepping into the Lance 650 was how small it was. This was a plus for me because it was my goal to be nimble and get in and out of sites without worrying about hitting things and jumping curbs. I have a Ford F150 as my daily ride and the 650 I was borrowing from Lance was placed on the bed of an F150 diesel truck. The good part for me was that I was accustomed to the size of this truck. It didn't feel large to me. My first outing in it was to the grocery store to load up the fridge. I was thrilled to not have to look for a special space. I pulled right in as I would in my own F150. The 650 has the same footprint as the truck. It is designed to not hang over any part of the truck. It has no slide either. It did come equipped with a rear camera which is essential for backing out of spaces!

My first stop was a BLM site called Craggy Wash outside of Lake Havasu.

My goal was boondocking on BLM land in Arizona. I met up with a few Girl Campers already settled in on a quiet strip of land outside of Lake Havasu. I was operating solely on the 650's solar panels, AGM battery and the available propane in the 3 gallon horizontally installed on board tank. The unit has a 22 gallon fresh water tank and a tankless hot water system. The grey tank holds 15 gallons and the black tank 16 gallons. It can sleep three, two on the overhead Queen sized bed and one on the booth that folds down into a twin. It's got a 3 cubic foot three way refrigerator which was plenty for a solo traveler and an 18 BTU furnace which really did the job quickly. I was able to turn it on and get the chill off and then keep it off for a long time. I never had to run it at night even though it dropped into the 30's.

I am pleased to report that the boondocking abilities of this RV kept me warm, fed and fresh. The heater was really more than adequate and took the chill off in minutes. I ran the fridge off propane the whole time I was gone. I set it on 3 to maximize propane. I topped off the small tank once in Quartzsite when it was half empty and returned it about half empty. My guess is that I used a little over one tank (three gallons) during my 12 days on the road. Considering that the refrigerator ran all that time and the propane is needed to light the stove and heater, I was pleased with its efficiency. The 650 has a AGM battery installed which is a better option than the traditional deep cell battery. The AGM's are able to deliver high currents on demand and have a longer life. When operating on solar, they have become the battery of choice for savvy consumers. This was my first experience with them and with the exception of the one night I left something on, the battery was still charged each morning. By noon each day in the Arizona sun, I was at 100% battery power again. The 650 had one 100 watt solar panel on it which did the trick.

The 650 has a rear and side awning, I always like a rear seating area and the option of keeping it covered. It made a great sunset viewing area!

Let's talk about the bed because it's all about the sleep. I was concerned that I would feel claustrophobic in the space but that was not the case. The cabover height of 3'2" left me feeling like there was plenty of space above and beside me when I was sleeping. The bed is a full Queen and not an RV Queen so my sheets from home fit it perfectly. I loved, loved, loved the large window in the sleeping loft and opened it each morning to watch the sunrise over the foothills. The sleeping area also has a Fantastic Fan over the bed which was nice on warm nights. There's a really large storage shelf next to the top of the bed that has a plug for charging things. It is plenty of space for a laptop, C Pap machine or just extra gear. There are a pair of great reading lights with little night light attached to them on either side of the bed too. I love a built in reading lamp!!

Apologies for not having a better picture of the bed! How did I miss that? The space was really open though and I never felt claustrophobic in it.

My one big negative for the sleep area is that you cannot sit up in bed and read. There is not enough head space at the top of the sleeping area to do so. I ended up putting a pillow against the cabinetry on the right of the bed and stretching out crossways to sit up. The advantage of this was that it gave me a great view out the window!!

The majority of the storage in the 650 is up in the bed area. In addition to the large shelf up front there is a deep closet that is pretty large. Next to that is a set of narrow but deep built in shelves. Great space for shoes but also for soft pack items like down jackets, sweaters and extra towels and blankets. The refrigerator sits at the end of this row of cabinets and is easily accessible from the kitchen. I always prefer a fridge that is raised high to one that is underneath a kitchen counter.

A common complaint about truck campers is that they lack storage. I was prepared for way less storage than the 650 actually offers. With mods to accommodate your personal style of camping ( I would add shelves in half of the available closet space) and some smart packing techniques, this would be plenty of space for what most of us carry on even an extended road trip. The storage issue in my mind was really with the lack of exterior storage. All of the 'outside' things we carry would need to go in the rear seats of a crew cab truck. Outdoor rugs, chairs, grills would have to be stored there or packed in sleeves and stored on the floor of the camper while driving. The interior storage though was a pleasant surprise.

The kitchen in the 650 was compact but offered everything you need to camp in comfort. It has a two burner stove top (no glass covered top though) with a little prep space between it and the large but not deep sink. The counter space was small but enough room to stack the washed dishes and hold the coffee pot. I love it when manufacturers install the beehive faucet, especially in small units because it makes a small kitchen function so much better. When a sink is not deep, you need the space above to maneuver pots and pans to get them clean. Above the sink in the 650 is a large cupboard with really good hardware on it. Nothing in the unit ever came open while I was driving. The cabinet has a second shelf in it which allowed me to store my saucepan and lid and all of the dishes and dry goods that I had with me. The unit is tall (interior height 6'9") so short people like me can't actually see what is way back in the top shelf. If this was my own unit I would use low baskets to maximize the storage and make it easy to grab the basket with the spices or cooking gear or crackers. The kitchen also has two drawers for silverware and utensils and a built in spice rack on the wall. A perk in small spaces is that the booth is directly across from it so I had a nice sized table right behind me to unload groceries and use a an additional prep space.

The 650 has no slide so you are working in an area that is the back of a short bed trailer. With that being said, I was impressed by the booth. I've seen smaller booths in much larger units. Four people can sit comfortably there and the table has unique swivel capabilities that allow you to use it in a few different configurations. It can pivot to be positioned perpendicularly and then slide toward you to create a great desk area. When it is set in the perpendicular position there is still enough room to pass by to the bathroom and exit the unit....

I have just returned from a visit with the good folks at Lance Manufacturing Company in Lancaster, California. I went out there to road test the Lance 650 truck camper. More on that in the coming weeks but, hint, hint... great way to enjoy road life and not tow. My full review of the 650 is coming out in the next two weeks.

Lance started in California in 1965. They began as a manufacturer of truck campers producing the number one selling truck camper in the industry. For sixteen years running they have won the National RV Dealers Association's Quality Circle Award.

I had a great time testing the Lance 650 but they have many great options for those who want the freedom to roam and the possibility to tow a boat or toys behind them too.

Lance spread to light weight towables after establishing a reputation for innovation and quality. This year they have unveiled the 2445 and 2075, two European inspired RV's. We had the chance to show them off in a Live walk through on Go RVing's Facebook page. You can check that out here. The 2445 has a great bunk bed system that is open and airy while also offering the flexibility to raise the lower bunk to store gear. It also offers a Master Bedroom with a walk around Queen bed, large windows and a ceiling window as well. The dining booth is in the slide out and offers the feature that I love in Lance units - the pull out drawer under the bench seats.

The 2445 is a great option for families as well as those with gear. The bunks fold up to store kayaks or bikes and it has a large three piece bathroom.

The 2075 has many great features but my favorite is the outdoor kitchen that would make any tailgater the envy of the trailerhood. It has a two burner stove, plumbed sink, refrigerated Dometic drawer and lots of prep space. It is all covered by an automatic awning to keep you shaded in the sunshine and dry in the rain.

This outdoor kitchen was a favorite feature of mine because it gives you the option of making meals a family activity.

I had the opportunity to tour the Lance factory in Lancaster, California and see the innovation they are well known for. In today's interview Marketing Director, Bob Rogers and Marketing Manager, Jim Waters explain some of the unique practices that sets Lance apart from other manufacturers and justifies the higher price tag that Lance products command.

Lance is known for their custom cabinetry all built on site, large European windows, ducted heat and U Shaped table with telescoping 360 degree adjustability.

It was a pleasure to see the production from, what I call the "Geek Squad" office of engineers, hard at work on designs on their computers. From there a mock up happens just to see if it all fits as they had imagined. A full prototype is then built and everyone gets to weigh in on what is working and what needs to be tweaked. A second and third rendition happens and they actually get taken out on the road. When everyone is satisfied, the big production begins.

I know you will enjoy this interview with the Marketing team at Lance. I learned so much there about the company and their commitment to their customers. Drop us a comment and let us know what you like better - the 2445 or the 2075!

We're on sabbatical this week and highlighting some of the top rated podcast episodes with a quick review. You can check out the full episode from this highly rated show right here!!

This weeks show is a quick refresher on reducing the possibility of RV theft.

While I am on sabbatical from the podcast I will be out in the Southwest checking out the happenings at Quartzsite while road testing the Lance 650 truck camper. Our friends at Lance are known for their high quality truck trailers and I have always been intrigued by the possibility of having all of the bells and whistles, without towing anything. I am so excited to experience this form of camping and add truck campers to our list of RV's that I have personally tried.

The 650 is the smallest truck camper in the line up and can be placed on an F150

It's hard to believe they fit all of this in this space with a bathroom!

We will be bringing everyone a LIVE look at what Lance has in the shop at their factory in Lancaster, California on the Go RVing Facebook page at 2 PM EST on Friday, the 10th of January. Be sure to mark your calendar to get a peek at Lance's new 2075 travel trailer. It has already garnered praise within the industry and took home the enviable Best of Show in RV Pro. This unit is a tailgaters dream!

Oh, the windows in this unit!!

We will also be touring the Lance Ultralight 2445, the family trailer with a master suite, double sized bunk beds and a kepad operated app that allows you to control the HVAC, awning, lights and holding tanks from your phone!!

The Lance 2445 is a great family unit with tons of light and space.

This kitchen is nicer than many home kitchens I have seen. It is compact but open to the dining table for extra counter space.

I'm a huge fan of these bunks not just because they are big, but because they are so open.

Today we are celebrating our 200th podcast episode and I can't think of a better way to celebrate that than to welcome Girl Boss, Joyce Shulman to the show. Joyce is an attorney, the founder of multiple businesses including Macaroni Kid and 99 Walks, a recent Ted Talk alumna and a constant advocate for women.

I came to know Joyce through our mutual friends at Go RVing. Joyce gave RVing a try and wrote about it on her Macaroni Kid site. She discovered what so many of us already know, that RVing is good for our souls! Nature is also good for our souls, our spirits, our moods, and our health. A walk in nature is an old fashioned recipe for a lot of what ails us and that's what lead Joyce to found another company, 99 Walks.

Photo courtesy of 99 Walks

Walking can release all kinds of good hormones - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins elevating our moods and helping us adapt a positive outlook. It's a great way to stay healthier longer because a regular walking habit helps reduce the risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and several types of cancer. Lastly, it's really good for the brain! Forget the New York Times crossword puzzle! One study showed that regular walking increases executive function, fuels creativity and improves memory.

I got so excited about 99 Walks that I joined, became a fan of the program and its benefits and reached out to Joyce to congratulate her. We had a great time talking about women - all the hats we wear, the energy we put into our families, homes, careers, volunteer projects and how we have never been busier. All that business comes at a cost and that cost is usually us. We tend to take care of everyone else first and put off our own self care. Joyce founded 99 Walks not just to facilitate good mental, emotional and physical health but to form communities with other women, something our mothers enjoyed but today's women suffer from a lack of.

Learning to Walk in the Rain!

Girl Camper and 99 Walks are partnering to get women out there, walking, talking and sharing while getting in better shape, mentally, physically and emotionally! We're making a commitment to being better! Click on the link to hear Joyce on the podcast and then join a Girl Camper 99 Walks team near you. There’s a drop down bar front and center on the Girl Camper home page. Walk at your own pace, set your own goals and celebrate your victory each month with a beautiful inspirational piece of jewelry. Everyone joining through Girl Camper will get a special, limited edition bracelet that says, "Going Places, Doing Things!" There's a coupon code for a discount too!!

Photo courtesy of 99 Walks

Each year I get lots of products sent to me to test and I also buy lots of things that I see and want to test out. This is a list of some of my favorite products from last year.

First let's start with a few simple things from Camco that make great stocking stuffers.

A great stocking stuffer! Camco's hitch ball cover will keep your hitch from rusting and maybe, just maybe, mitigate the pain just a bit if you walk into it!!

Camco makes the cutest night lights and this little vintage style camper one is available in orange and aqua.

The bamboo cutting board is bamboo and reversible. One side is for cutting and the other side for serving!

Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt by LL Bean. They call it a shirt but I used it all fall as a jacket. It's got a zipper front, hoodie, side pockets and is soooo soft. I've washed mine a few times and the color is still bright. The shirt retails for $59.00 but I got mine on sale for $29.

The Land's End Plaid Bag is what I chose to give the Girl Camper Guides for Christmas. I love that the plaid is all in the Girl Camper colors. The bag is such a heavy canvas that it will hold 500 pounds before the straps break. It has a extension with a zipper on it that opens up and extends the height of the bag. Inside the bag are two side pockets, one full length and one with compartments that make it easy to find things. The best part is that we were able to get them all monogrammed with the phrase - Girl Camper! $56

The Way Light Light by Sylvan Sport is a combination hiking stick with a light on the top that can be directed to the ground in front of you or to illuminate the surrounding area. It is rechargeable and has a USB port that you can use to charge things while hiking. It is adjustable for any height hiker and can be staked in the ground. It also has some basket slots on the bottom for bamboo stakes to roast marshmallows. $59

Wander Art is a company that creates art posters for bucket list destinations and achievements. It was created by the husband and wife team of, Nathan Downey and Kait Erickson as a stylish way of recording their "adventure related accomplishments." The beautiful posters list the 61 National Parks, fifty states and the wonders of the world among other things. With each poster comes a diamond stamp and ink pad to mark off your latest successes. Not only are they inspirational, they are art. Kait and Nathan donated their National Parks piece to our Charity Raffle Trailer and it looks spectacular in their. I liked them so much I asked if we could carry them at Girl Camper. You can get 15% off by buying them through our Affiliates page. Starting at $59

The National Parks poster was donated by Wander Art to our Charity Raffle Trailer, the R Pod 196. The winner of the R Pod will get the pleasure of stamping all the parks they've visited.

The Tire Table! A tailgaters dream. This product is made by The Tailgater Tire Table Company. I began using this in 2019 after I found it at the outdoor Retailer Show in Denver. I fell in love with it and take it along all the time now. I like having my cooler off the ground and also using it as a dining, serving table. or drink station if I need it. It takes up very little room and sets up in a few minutes.

This handy table is so easy to set up, is very light weight and sturdy and takes up very little space in the back of my truck. A big winner for me.

Cozee blankets were developed by a Dad whose wheel chair bound daughter was always cold. Paul and Carolynne LaRue wanted a way to take their daughter Brianna outside to enjoy all that nature had to offer,but keep her warm and comfortable without layers of clothing on her. Once they had figured out the technology of the battery rechargeable blanket, they needed to start and indiegogo fundraiser to get the capital to manufacture their Life Giving Warmth blanket. It took a while to come together but it is now available. I met Paul last year and enjoyed his story so much. I got to wrap myself up in this incredible blanket that is a portable power station and blanket in one. The charge will last five hours and has three different settings. Even after you turn it off, it will stay warm for a long time because of the mylar lining. The blanket is great for boondockers, tailgaters, stadium sitters and those with cold houses!! $249

I was like a kid in a candy store in the Golden Rabbit booth at the Outdoor Retailer Show. I chose the Highland Plaid mixed with the Forest Glen pattern for my camper.

Golden Rabbit had me at "enamelware!" I have always loved the classic red spatterware that just screams "camp" so when I got an email saying that there was a new line of enamelware for Glampers I took the bait and clicked on the link. I fell in love immediately and made an appointment to meet the owners in person at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Denver. When I walked into their booth, I was so struck by the beauty, selection and quality of their line that I immediately made up my mind to swap out the dishes in my own RV. I had been pulling together a Classic Camp feel in my Max and felt that their Highland Plaid and Forest Glen patterns mixed and matched would be perfect in their. The fact that they could be cut on, used in the broiler, oven and stove top and run through a dishwasher was pure bonus. I just loved the look of them. Their beauty is more than skin deep though. They are actually baked on porcelain fused onto carbon steel and finished with a stainless steel rim/trim. They will last for...ever. Again, I loved them so much that I asked their founder Peggy Hedgepeth if she would like to be a Girl Camper affiliate. Golden Rabbit is available on our Affiliates page with a discount code. We also have an incredible Giveaway this month from Golden Rabbit. One of our subscribers will win a $500 gift card at the end of the month. We thought their Highland Plaid was the perfect Holiday gift!

The whole RV world (okay, not everyone!) heads to Arizona each winter and it always looks like so much fun. I have always wanted to go and this year I am making that happen. I couldn't go it alone though. I needed my friend Kelly Beasley from Camp Addict to help me. Kelly and her business partner, Marshall Wendler, co-founded Camp Addict, which is a great resource for gear reviews, RV use tips and travel know how.

Kelly is on today's show to talk about where to camp, what BLM land is and how to find it, what's going on under the Big Tent and what you can do beside look at RV's and their accessories. Kelly has created a fantastic guide with all you need to know to "arrive and thrive" in Quartzsite this year.

Marshall Wendler and Kelly Beasley are business partners with a mutual love for RVing. They are co-founders of the Camp Addict and seasoned Quartzsite visitors.

A few of Kelly's tips

Make sure you have enough of any medication you take on hand

Try boondocking in your driveway before you get to Quartzsite

Bring along solar lights for the outside of your RV

The Quartzsite Post Office has limited hours but does General Delivery

Once you find a parking space, pin your location on Google Maps

The winter months are a good time to complete some projects in the RV.

Closing up the RV for winter can be sad but doing it correctly can make the spring opening a happy day.