When people started camping in their vehicles in the early 1900s, they really had one goal: to open up the world.

They just wanted to see what they could see and even the most primitive RVing allowed that to happen. At some point, however, things changed. It became as important to take as much of your home with you when trying to, in fact, get away from home. Things like full hookups became a necessity. As such, the number of possible RV destinations seemed limited, the original intent of RVing somewhat lost.

But no more.

New technology such as lithium-ion batteries that recharge themselves and solar panels that convert the sun's energy to power for RVs are returning the RV lifestyle to its original intent, giving RVers a whole new world to once again explore - AND allowing for comforts like air-conditioning in the middle of the desert. It's the best of both worlds - new and old.

Jennifer and I experienced this during our recent 15-state journey to the western United States. We plugged in exactly twice during almost two months of travel. We talk about what it was like on this week's Roadtreking podcast.

We also have a special announcement about the availability of such features on Roadtrek motorhomes.

Also on this episode, we talk to Paul Ulreich, Verizon's "Uber User," about headsets and portable speakers; we answer a bunch of listener questions' and we get an Off the Beaten Path report about Maryland's coast and a lot more!

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Show Notes for Episode #41, June 24, 2015, of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast:

First Things First: Roadtrek Announces Availability of Alt-Energy Packages

The show begins with Jennifer joining Mike from their Michigan home after a 15-state journey across the country in their RV. Jennifer raves about how energy independent they are thanks to the electrical system in their Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL. You can read Mike's blog post about it here: https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-trip-report-im-energy-independent-and-can-go-where-i-want/  [spp-timestamp time="1:53"]

Mike also announces that Roadtrek is rolling out lithium-ion batteries and new solar packages that will allow extended off-the-grid camping capabilities https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/permalink/477258052433179/ [spp-timestamp time="9:46"]

Listener Question: Can You Help Me Solve an RV Refrigerator Problem?

Listener Larry asks about running an RV refrigerator on DC versus AC power. He has an efficiency problem on DC and Mike suggests a simple fix that can is demonstrated in the linked video and the stream of our Roadtreking Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/permalink/457873987704919/ [spp-timestamp time="13:03"]

Listener Question: Any Suggestions for Continuing Piano Lessons While RVing?

Listener Randy is learning to play the piano and wants to take along a keyboard and stay in touch with his instructor. Mike and Jennifer offer up some suggestions. [spp-timestamp time="17:14"]

Listener Question: Can You Help Me Boondock Along the Pacific Coast?

A listener wants to boondock on the Pacific coast for up to a month at a time. We suggest where to check - Boondockers Welcome https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/affiliate/3774 [spp-timestamp time="20:27"]

Listener Comment: Another Place Bans Overnight RV Parking

Listener Paul notes another place that has banned overnight parking for RVs. [spp-timestamp time="21:59"]

Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo.

Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. Owner Ray Dwyer has been in the RV business for 44 years and is considered the dean of Class B RVs. Nobody knows more about small motorhomes that Ray and his crew. They have new and used Class B motorhomes in stock from the major manufacturers. When you fly in to buy your RV from Van City, they'll arrange to have you picked up from the airport and will reimburse you $500 toward your airfare. Then, your RV will be fully prepared for travel,