This week on Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails, we’re talking about the trip that almost went sideways before we even made it to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Halfway to Disney, the truck threw a check engine light and started idling at crazy high RPMs. Instead of turning around, we convinced ourselves it could wait because the vacation was non-refundable and Run Disney weekend was already booked.

Then we pulled into Fort Wilderness and heard a completely different problem — a brutal grinding noise coming from the brake drum. But not every trip turns into a full-blown mechanical adventure. Sometimes the best memories come from slowing down, enjoying the campground, and making the most of the unexpected moments along the way.

The next morning we found ourselves sitting in an AutoZone parking lot getting a free code scan and trying to figure out whether we were dealing with a simple fix… or a financially devastating Disney vacation.

From check engine lights to brake drum chaos, we’re sharing the warning signs we ignored, the roadside troubleshooting that followed, and the reality that every RV trip seems to come with at least one unexpected mechanical surprise.

✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.campingwiththeinnies.com

📸https://www.instagram.com/camping_with_the_innies?igsh=MTNud3JhMm9jeG1yeA==

🔗 https://linktr.ee/Campingwiththeinnies

🎙️ Episode 8 Show Notes

Dog Camping Gear That Actually Works | RV Life with Dogs

If you’ve ever camped with a Shiba… you already know—you’re not in control.

In this episode of Camping with the Innies, we’re breaking down the dog gear we actually use when camping with Monty and Gadget. No gimmicks, no overhyped products—just the gear that’s earned a permanent spot in our setup.

From containment systems to comfort setups, feeding gear, and safety essentials, we’re walking through what works, what doesn’t, and what we’ve stopped bringing altogether.

Whether you’re new to camping with dogs or looking to simplify your setup, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters.

🐾 What We Cover

• The 4 categories of dog camping gear (and how to think about what you bring)
• Why containment is the #1 priority—especially with dogs like Monty & Gadget
• The difference between a dog that settles at camp vs. one that doesn’t (comfort setup matters more than you think)
• Simple, effective feeding and water systems
• How to build a functional campsite setup for your dog
• Nighttime visibility and safety gear you shouldn’t skip
• The “nice-to-have” items that actually make camping more fun

🐕 Gear Categories We Break Down

Containment

• Keeping your dog secure at camp

Comfort

• Beds, blankets, and creating a “home base”

Logistics

• Food, water, bowls, and keeping things simple

Safety

• Visibility, environment awareness, and backup planning

🔥 Our Biggest Takeaway

Camping with dogs isn’t about bringing more gear—it’s about having the right system.

When your dog is:

• Secure
• Comfortable
• Fed and hydrated
• Safe

Everything else gets easier.

🎒 Want to See What We Use?

We’ve got all of our go-to gear listed here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/Campingwiththeinnies

🐾 Follow Along

🌐 Website: https://www.campingwiththeinnies.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies

💌 Got a Question?

Have a product you swear by? Want us to review something on a future episode?

Send it our way—we might feature it on the show.

[email protected]

This week on Camping with the Innies, we’re talking about the camper buying process—and more importantly, where you buy.

From corporate dealerships to Facebook Marketplace meetups, we went through it all before finally landing at a small mom-and-pop shop that completely changed our experience.

We’re breaking down the pros, cons, and lessons learned along the way—so if you’re thinking about buying a camper, this episode might save you some time, money, and frustration.

🌐 campingwiththeinnies.com

📸 Instagram: @campingwiththeinnies

📧 [email protected]

This week on Camping with the Innies, we’re diving into another listener question—this one comes from Greg in South Carolina—and it’s a good one: state parks or RV resorts?

Are you all about quiet mornings, nature trails, and a simple campsite, or do you lean toward full hookups, pools, and planned activities?

We’re sharing our experiences from both sides, the good, the bad, and the things we didn’t expect. From privacy and cost to convenience and crowd levels, we’re talking through what really matters when choosing where to stay. If you’ve ever wondered which type of camping fits your style (or your dog’s), this one’s for you.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming about it, Greg’s question might just help you decide—are you team state park or team resort?

Got a question you want us to cover? Send it our way.

🌐 Website: campingwiththeinnies.com

📸 Instagram: @campingwiththeinnies

📧 Email: [email protected]

New episodes drop regularly with tips, trips, gear talk, and plenty of campfire tales.

Episode Description

Camping with dogs sounds like a great idea… and most of the time, it is.

But no one really talks about the challenges — the barking at night, the new environments, travel day stress, and trying to keep them comfortable and safe in a camper.

In this episode, Kristen joins the show as we talk about what it’s really like camping with dogs — the good, the bad, and the things we’ve learned along the way.

We share our experiences, a few mistakes we’ve made, and tips that can help make your next camping trip with your dog a little smoother.

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your dog camping — or already have — this one’s for you.

In This Episode

• The best parts of camping with dogs
• Common challenges (and how to handle them)
• Travel day vs campground struggles
• Keeping your dogs safe and comfortable
• Tips for first-time dog campers

Connect With Us

🌐 Website

https://www.campingwiththeinnies.com

📸 Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies

Listener Question

Have a camping question or topic you want us to cover?

📧 Email us at:

[email protected]

Sometimes the best trips are the ones that don’t go according to plan.

What started as a trip to Florida’s Space Coast for a road race quickly changed when the race was rescheduled due to a scheduled rocket launch… that later ended up getting canceled anyway.

Instead of heading south, we pivoted and turned the weekend into a birthday trip for Kristen. We packed up the camper and headed to CreekFire RV Resort just outside Savannah, Georgia, and spent the weekend exploring the historic streets of downtown Savannah.

In this episode, we talk about our stay at CreekFire RV Resort, walking through Savannah’s famous historic squares, and why sometimes the best RV trips are the ones that happen after your plans completely change.

In This Episode

How a rocket launch changed our travel plans

Turning the weekend into a birthday trip for Kristen

Our stay at CreekFire RV Resort

Campground amenities and overall experience

Walking around Historic Downtown Savannah

What surprised us about Savannah

Would we go back?

Campground We Stayed At

CreekFire RV Resort – Savannah, GA

https://www.creekfirervresort.com/

CreekFire is a full-service RV resort just outside Savannah featuring full hookup sites, a pool, lazy river, clubhouse, and easy access to downtown Savannah.

Places Mentioned

Historic Savannah, Georgia

https://www.visitsavannah.com/

Savannah is known for its historic squares, Spanish moss-covered oak trees, walkable downtown, and vibrant riverfront.

Connect With Us

🌐 Website

https://www.campingwiththeinnies.com

📸 Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies

🎧 Podcast

https://rss.com/podcasts/set-up-tear-down-tips-trips-campfire-tails/

Listener Questions / Contact

Have a camping question or a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode?

📧 Email us at:

[email protected]

We’d love to hear from you!

Listen & Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps other campers and RV travelers find the show.

What’s the real difference between towing with and without a weight distribution hitch?

In this episode of Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails, we answer our first listener question about towing a travel trailer and understanding weight distribution hitches.

Zack from Massachusetts wrote in asking how weight distribution affects towing safety — and whether it really makes a difference on the road.

We break down:

• What happens when you tow without a weight distribution hitch
• Rear squat and front axle unloading
• How tongue weight impacts steering and braking
• How a properly set up hitch improves stability
• Choosing the right weight distribution hitch for your setup
• Why setup matters more than brand

This episode is based on personal experience and real-world towing. As always, consult your travel trailer owner’s manual and your hitch manufacturer’s instructions for your specific setup.

If you’re new to towing or just want to better understand your rig, this episode will help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

📬 Connect With Us

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @campingwiththeinnies

Website: www.campingwiththeinnies.com

Follow along on Instagram to see our travels as they happen.

⭐ Enjoying the Show?

Follow the podcast and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts — it helps other campers find us.

Coastal Camping, River’s End Campground & Traveling with Dogs

In this episode of Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails, we talk about camping on Tybee Island, staying at River’s End Campground, and what it’s really like traveling and camping with dogs during a busy event weekend.

Recorded after returning home, Tim and Kristen reflect on their recent coastal camping trip with Monty and Gadget. We focus on campground life, the dog-friendly atmosphere, and how River’s End feels when the island is buzzing with activity.

The Run Fest 5K was part of the weekend — and yes, the dogs ran too (no PRs were harmed in the making of this episode) — but this conversation is less about racing and more about day-to-day camp life, slowing down under the awning, and navigating a lively campground with two Shiba Inus.

If you enjoy honest camping conversations, real travel experiences, and stories about camping with dogs, this episode is for you.

Connect With Us

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @camping_with_the_innies

🌐 Website: www.campingwiththeinnies.com

Follow along on Instagram to see our travels as they happen.

Enjoying the Podcast?

Follow the show and leave a rating

— it helps other campers find us.

Welcome to the very first episode of Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails.

In this episode, Tim kicks things off by sharing how camping became part of his life — from early island camping trips and tent adventures, to fifth wheels, DIY camper builds, and eventually settling into their current setup.

You’ll hear how the idea for this podcast came together, why honest and realistic camping conversations matter, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. Tim also introduces the real stars of the show — Monty and Gadget, two Shiba Inus who make every trip more entertaining (and unpredictable).

We also look ahead to upcoming trips, including coastal camping at Tybee Island and a space-inspired adventure near Cape Canaveral.

Whether you’re setting up, tearing down, or just dreaming about your next trip, this episode marks the beginning.

If you’ve got questions, topic ideas, trip suggestions, or your own campfire tails to share, we’d love to hear from you.

You can email us anytime at:

[email protected].

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/camping_with_the_innies/