RV Trash Talk

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.

• 🎂 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 😅

• Favorite must-have RV gear

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

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

"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.

🏡 How We Handle Mail on the Road

• From UPS stores to Amazon Lockers to... Dad's feet in every mail photo

• Tips for general delivery, building relationships with mail services, and the pros/cons of Escapees and other forwarding services

💊 Healthcare on the Road

• Using GoodRx, telemed apps like 98.6, and MinuteClinics to treat issues on the move

• Military retirement perks: the difference between Tricare Prime vs. Tricare Select

• State residency hacks (looking at you, South Dakota 👀) and how it affects insurance

• Why CVS partnerships and forward-planning are a full-timer's best friend

🛠️ "Oh Boy" Moments (aka the Real Talk)

• Broken suspension bolts, cracked frames, and ripped slide-out flooring

• The Winnebago door that kept locking its owners out (twice)

• Screwing a table into your floor... and gouging a path across your brand-new vinyl

• Tech tips: Turn off your water before you leave the rig! (Or enjoy moldy cabinets…)

"I'm just making up swear words outside the RV, dragging a power cord across the road to my parents' house." – Danny

🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join the madness — it's always an adventure with the RV Trash Talk crew.

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.

🎙️ Episode 5 – Finding Fun on a Budget + Our Biggest "Oh Boy" RV Moments

Welcome back to the RV Trash Talk Podcast, where the tanks are full, the drinks are poured, and the mistakes… well, we make 'em so you don't have to.

In this episode, the crew dishes out their favorite budget-friendly apps, travel hacks, and low-cost activities to spice up life on the road — whether you're in Key West, the mountains, or moochdocking in the middle of nowhere.

Then we dive into the good stuff: our latest "Oh Boy" RV moments — from burping black tanks and surprise ant invasions to dragging grills and leaving the stairs down while towing (oops 😬).

🛠️ What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• 🗺️ Best apps for budget travel (like GPS My City and AllTrails)
• 📱 How Facebook groups and Events tabs can uncover hidden local gems
• 🌴 Key West happy hour tips + campground events you shouldn't miss
• 🚽 Toilet paper wars: Costco vs. Charmin vs. RV-safe — we go deep
• 💩 Danny's first-ever poop pyramid clog (and how Jim saved the day)
• 🐜 Ants in the water hose? Jim's got that story covered, too
• 🧯 Real talk on safe travel, backup procedures, and keeping things from crunching when you pull out

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"When life gives you lemons, find someone whose life gave them vodka… and have a party."

Whether you're a seasoned RV tech or a fresh full-timer, this episode is full of laughs, learning, and a whole lot of toilet talk.

🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join the madness — it's always an adventure with the RV Trash Talk crew.

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.

The RV Trash Talk crew is back with updates from across the country — and the Atlantic — sharing their wild stories from recent travels, wild storage fails, hurricane season in the Keys, European adventures, and how to stay social (or not) in RV life.

🌞 Catch Up on the Crew's Whereabouts:

• Rob & Trish: Arizona's blazing September heat, trips to New York and North Carolina, and now enjoying Sedona

• Jim & Amy: Moochdocking in NC, beach time in Savannah, and surviving three hurricanes in the Florida Keys

• Danny & Melissa: Backpacking Europe with kids, McDonald's in Switzerland ($54?!), and a snorkel trip that went way south 🤢

🌀 Hurricane Season Survival:

• What it's really like RVing through hurricanes in Florida

• Must-know tip: Florida State Parks will evacuate all parks statewide — even if the storm isn't hitting your area

• Pro prep talk: filling fresh tanks, securing slide toppers, and anchoring everything

📦 Storage Horror Story:

• $1,100 for "secured" storage that left their RV completely unlocked after a hurricane — including storage bays, door, and power cord swinging in the wind 😬

• They took it back… and the storage place never even noticed 😆

🧳 Europe Adventures:

• London, Ireland (where everyone but Danny got sick), Normandy, and Switzerland

• Pro travel parenting: the kids backpacked with their own gear like champs

• Why European McDonald's slaps harder than ours (seriously)

🧰 RV Tech Talk:

• Rob's Schwintek slideout repairs, miswired systems, and learning Lippert training courses (tip: use their free webinars!)

• Jim's take on hands-on repairs vs. online training — and swapping "extend" with "retract" (oops)

🤝 How RVers Make Friends:

• The social side of full-time life: from isolation to instant besties

• Favorite tools: Nomad Near Me, rallies (Less Junk More Journey, RV Unplugged), and Thousand Trails repeat runs

• Pool bars, bingo nights, pickleball classes, and taco rides as meet-up gold

"We stole our house back... and they still haven't called us." (Yep, still waiting for that RV place to notice it's missing.)

Whether you're braving hurricanes, dealing with slide-outs, or just trying to meet someone at the campground bar — this episode is all about the real, raw, ridiculous (and heartwarming) life on the road.

🎧 Hit play, raise a glass, and catch up with your favorite traveling crew.

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.

The RV Trash Talk crew is back with a laugh-filled update on their summer adventures, road mishaps, favorite apps, and all the Oh Boy moments you could ask for. Whether it's getting sprayed by your own black tank, backing into sketchy gas stations, or finding surprisingly awesome bourbon tours — we've got stories you don't want to miss.

💬 Catch up with the crew:

• Rob & Trish (@Living Like Nomads) hit Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, and the Washington coast

• Jim & Amy (@The Vagabonds) road trip through Mackinac Island, Michigan's UP, and bourbon-trailin' in Kentucky 🥃

• Danny & Melissa (@Four Simple Lives) explore Wisconsin beauty, Packers games, and the joy (and stench) of sewer disasters

😂 Real RV Life Moments:

• Danny's "Black Tank Blowout" 💩

• Gas station near-death clearance fail 😬

• Tire pressure warning on a narrow shoulder

🧰 Gear Talk + Must-Haves:

• Best apps for RV navigation: RV Trip Wizard, Roadtrippers, RV Life, and Google Maps

• TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems): why you absolutely need one

• Roof checks and sealants: what to look for and when to jump on it

🌟 "Didn't Expect It to Be Awesome" Moments:

• Wrigley Field magic ✨

• Maker's Mark distillery tour

• Jackson Hole's adrenaline-pumping Via Ferrata climbing

• Unexpected love for humid, buggy Wisconsin (okay, love is maybe a stretch…)

• Hilarious RV fails (black tank edition)

• Favorite travel stops and hidden gems

• Practical RV tips from certified techs

• Campground comedy and serious travel inspo

Whether you're full-timers, part-timers, or dreaming of the road, this episode delivers laughs, lessons, and a solid dose of reality.

If you've ever lived the RV life, dreamed about it, or just want to laugh with folks who have, this is your show.

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/

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/

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

*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.

In this jam-packed episode of the RV Trash Talk Podcast, your favorite road warriors are back — sharing drinks, stories, and straight-up real talk from the wild world of full-time RV life.

🍷 What's on tap this week? The crew kicks things off by cracking open some drinks and catching up from across the country — from Colorado Springs to Alabama to the outskirts of Chicago. Whether it's box wine or craft whiskey, there's always a story behind the bottle.

🚐 Topics covered:

• The art (and frustration) of backing in big rigs

• Marriage-tested communication tactics (walkie talkies vs. yelling)

• The one product each of us can't live without on the road — from Starlink to fancy gloves to an air fryer MVP

• RV upgrade talk — tankless water heaters, plush mattresses, and the elusive washer/dryer combo

• Thousand Trails: how it's saving our wallets (and sanity)

• Tales from the field: our journey as certified RV techs, including Schwintek nightmares and stove removals

🛠️ Pro tips from the road:

• How to back in like a boss (without your partner threatening to leave you)

• Why Starlink changed the game for full-time families

• How to find and price Thousand Trails memberships (and what the fine print really means)

💬 Quote of the episode:

"It's called GOAL – Get Out And Look. Because if you don't trust your spouse 100%, you better trust your eyes."

If you've ever lived the RV life, dreamed about it, or just want to laugh with folks who have, this is your show.

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/

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/

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

*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.

Welcome to the debut episode of the RV Trash Talk Podcast, where the campfire's always crackling and no RV story is off-limits. Your hosts — Danny & Melissa (4 Simple Lives), Rob & Trish (Living Like Nomads), and Jim & Amy (The Vagabondz) — are diving into all things RV life, from wild campground stories to the journey of becoming certified RV techs.

In this kickoff episode, you'll:

• Meet the full-time RVing crew and hear how it all started

• Get tips and laughs about RV maintenance (including a toilet spray disaster 😬)

• Hear tales of camp etiquette gone wrong, dog poop karma, fridge explosions, and surprise campsite neighbors

• Laugh along with stories of lost steaks, RV dog crimes, and the chaos of recording videos in peace

• Learn how this ragtag crew is kicking off their RV tech careers — and what it takes to turn a wrench and a dream into a paycheck

If you've ever lived the RV life, dreamed about it, or just want to laugh with folks who have, this is your show.

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/

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/

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

*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.