Rolling Home

Stealth camping and boondocking are set to experience explosive growth in 2024. We’ll discuss what will fuel the trend in this episode of Rolling Home.

On this edition of Rolling Home, we discuss my son's new van build based on an old 2000 Dodge Ram church passenger van.

If you have listened to this podcast for a long time you know that my shift from a travel trailer to a camper van was precipitated by theft. We’ll talk about some ways you can keep your camper van safe from break-ins or theft in this episode of the Rolling Home Podcast.

So how did your last family RV trip go? Was it stellar, a disaster, or somewhere in between? We’ll talk about those topics and more in this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

You may not know it, but there are some really famous people who are big RVers. What’s more, they are people that you may not expect. One of these people is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. We’ll talk about that and more on this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast!

Sometimes camping comes unexpectedly and without notice. I’ve been camping in my camper van in recent days…in my driveway! We’ll talk about that as well as the advantages of camping in a van in this edition of Rolling Home.

When it comes to RVing and camper van travel road hazards are a part of the adventure. We'll talk about how you can avoid – and possibly minimize – the downside of RVing on this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

We talk about reader comments and their stories of the ups and downs of RV ownership on this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

RV owners are getting younger and consider RVing as a way to pursue their dreams of travel while working from the road, according to the results of a survey by the RV Industry Association. We’ll talk about the state of RVing and what younger RV buyers mean to the health of the RV industry in this edition of Rolling Home.

In Episode 59 of Rolling Home titled, "The beauty and sufficiency of boondocking," I discussed why RVing and van life appeal to campers like me such as the boondocking aspect of it. That’s because boondocking returns campers to a simpler time when self-sufficiency was essential for successful living. I didn’t say much about the health benefits of RVing, and in my case, the self-sufficiency aspect of RV boondocking has on a person’s health. Because no matter how big or small of a rig you travel in there is some aspect of self-sufficiency, right? But RVing and van camping have many great health benefits, as Paul Hemphill of RV Korner reminds us in his insightful article!

We're all guilty of living in the moment. It's all a part of human nature. It's like thinking that this old world started when your life began. Today we'll discuss how that applies to the RV industry and more in this edition of Rolling Home.

Waves brush the shoreline. A gentle breeze rustle leaves in the trees. Fish flop in the lake as hawks soar above in search of their next meal. These are just a few of the sights and sounds of camper van camping and why I love it so much. We’ll talk about that and more on this edition of the Rolling Home podcast.

Today we talk about resolutions for 2023 and how I did on resolutions that I posted in Episode 51 of the Rolling Home podcast.

Working on the road in our Winnebago Travato camper van is unavoidable. In fact, one of the reasons we chose the Travato 59G floor plan was because it was an ideal “office on the road.” Today on Rolling Home we’ll talk about why and how we work efficiently and productively while traveling.

When I started RV van life I had no idea the new “road hazards” I would face driving a converted 21-foot 3500 Ram Promaster van, but they are real for sure. Join me on this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast as I discuss real and perceived RV van life road hazards!

I haven't camped during a hurricane, but I have camped during a storm. It's not a pleasant experience. In this edition of Rolling Home, we'll talk about camping in a storm, or for that matter, a hurricane. If this Podcast sounds a bit different than usual, it's because I recorded and edited it entirely for the first time using the Anchor app.

Most everyone traveling in a small van, SUV, or another vehicle will from time to time need to stop along their route for a quick rest bit of shut-eye. If you're like me when this happens I don't want to pop for a motel room or pay for an RV spot or overnight parking spot when I'll only be occupying the space for a few hours. That's where the need for stealth camping or parking comes in! In this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast, we talk about the pros and cons of stealth camping and parking when traveling.

Whether you are a part-time, full-time, or wannabe van lifer, you got to have tools! You can't expect to take your rig in for adjustment or repair when something goes wrong, and things do go wrong! Today, we'll talk about the best tools to take along as you pursue your van life or RV adventures on this episode of Rolling Home.

If you thought fuel prices that are more than double what they were this time last year are keeping RVers off the road, you would be wrong! An all-electric RV by Winnebago Industries gets a road test with lackluster results. We'll talk about that along with my thoughts on this episode of the Rolling Home Podcast.

If you own an RV, travel trailer, or another style of camper you know of or may have bought your first RV from the “big box” RV retailer. If you bought your RV elsewhere you may have had work done at one. Do these "big box" RV retailers like Camping World get a bad wrap? Are they as bad as some say? We’ll explore that subject in this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

Campers tell KOA that are tired of staying at home, why it takes so freakin’ long to get your camper fixed, and the middle-class aspiration to do #vanlife. We’ll explore these subjects and more in this edition of Rolling Home. Welcome to another edition of the Rolling Home Podcast where I discuss just everything I can think of – and relate to – when it comes to camping and traveling in a small Class B camper van.

Most everyone who has an RV, travel trailer or another style of camper has heard of Camping World. Many may have bought their first RV from the “big box” RV retailer, or at a minimum purchased supplies and/or had repair work done at Camping World. Why does it seem that everyone loves to hate Camping World? We’ll explore that subject and more in this edition of Rolling Home.

Who doesn't love coffee? Well, actually a lot of people I've found don't like or drink java juice – but for those who do – join me on this edition of the Rolling Home Podcast to discuss the various ways I have found to make coffee while camping off-grid in my camper van.

Why is boondocking so appealing to campers like me? I think one reason is that boondocking returns campers to a simpler time when self-sufficiency was essential for successful living. We’ll discuss why you should consider boondocking with your camper on this edition of Rolling Home.

$4, $5, $6, how high will they go? For leisure and full-time van life and RV owners soaring fuel prices are a real concern, and when coupled with rising inflation – may change the landscape and nature of travel for months and years to come. We'll talk about that and more on today's edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

Electric this, electric that, it seems that all we hear about today is about cars, trucks, delivery vans and such are going electric. Did you know that Winnebago was actually a pioneer in manufacturing a generator-less RV that debuted on its 2019 Travato Class B  camper vans? We’ll talk about that and more on today’s edition of the Rolling Home Podcast!

There’s a growing community of homeless and displaced people moving into their vehicles because they can’t pay their rent and other bills. It’s a growing problem for many communities. We’ll discuss why and how it’s impacting recreational RV travel on today’s edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

Traveling with my dog in our camper van is a joy! Not only is Milo a great companion, but he loves to explore just like we do. However, traveling with a pet requires preparation and intentionality. Join me on this edition of Rolling Home as we discuss how to travel with your pet in a camper van or RV.

Today on the Rolling Home Podcast, we'll talk about a great new resource I have discovered for RVers and van lifers, why camping in a van is cool, and some initial details about my son's upcoming camper van build. Join me today as we tackle these topics and perhaps a few more on this edition of Rolling Home!

It seems every year after struggling to stay cool in my camper van during the heat of the summer, it's winter and my attention turns to deploying strategies to stay warm. When it comes to heating a camper van in the winter there are lots of options. First, I'll review what the traditional options are that require propane and other heating sources. We'll talk about that and more on today's edition of Rolling Home.

Today on the Rolling Home, we'll talk about water: how I use it, how I get it, and how I conserve it when traveling and camping in a camper van. Join me to discuss all things water on the Rolling Home Podcast!

Welcome to the first episode of the Rolling Home Podcast for 2022!

What the year 2021 was for the camping and campervan community. Not only did the industry experience unprecedented sales – and for that matter, a backlog in delivery of units.

What's more, there continued to be a surge of people building out new, used, and existing vans they owned to create anywhere from permanent homes, camper vans, or weekend getaway vehicles.

I have never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions, but just for fun, I'll share 10 things that I plan to do in 2022.

While the popularity of RVs has remained relatively steady for many years, the past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in sales and usage, according to industry reports. In 2020 RV sales are said to have increased by more than 20 percent. I have my theories which I explore in this edition of Rolling Home on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everybody!

Today we talk about practical (and economical) Christmas gifts for the camping enthusiast. These are not only camping products I recommend but those that I use when camping in my 2019 Winnebago Travato 59G camper van. Join me today for another edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

Inevitably, if you own an RV or camper van you'll have to address the issue of winterization at some point. In this edition of Rolling Home, I discuss my simplistic way of winterizing our Winnebago Travato 59G camper van during fellow 59G owner Klint Roberts' method. I'll also discuss general aspects of winterization and why you might not need or want to winterize at all. Join me today on another edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

As leaves turn and fall and winter approaches, is it time to put away the RV until spring? Of course not! In this episode of the Rolling Home Podcast, we discuss why year-round camping – four-season camping – may very well be the best camping of all. While it takes some preparation and planning, the rewards of solitude and beautiful scenery are just a few of the many rewards.

A quick Google search brings all sorts of information on boondocking. Today in this episode of Rolling Home I'll summarize what others say about boondocking, as well as give you tips for boondocking from personal experience. Join me today as we enjoy selected readings from what I call the "Boondocker's Bible."

As I have gotten involved in van life, van camping, and in a broader sense the RV lifestyle, I have discovered one thing in common among a lot of RVers and campers and adventuresome is they are essentially living or seeking a contemplative life. According to Webster’s Dictionary, contemplation means “looking back thoughtfully at something for a long time.” Often, when we think of this word, spiritual monks and nuns in peaceful poses quickly come to mind. Unfortunately, contemplation is a lost art in today’s fast-paced world. We live driven by exhausting activities and grueling tasks that rule and enslave us. We talk about that in today's edition of Rolling Home.

In this episode of Rolling Home, we discuss the story of a California couple who decided to lease their house instead of selling it to head out on their RV adventure. Unfortunately, they got caught up in the pandemic eviction moratorium and now have used up most of their savings in an attempt to save their property.

Along with Winnebago, Airstream stands as one of the most iconic RV manufacturers that ever existed. While Airstream's unique aluminum "silver bullet" design is immediately recognizable to much of the public, its history isn't. Today on Rolling Home we explore Airstream's history from its humble beginnings in the 1920s to innovations that drives the company today.

Americans love a success story, and especially when central characters in the story succeed in spite of seemingly overwhelming odds. Such is the case with Winnebago, the manufacturer of affordable and innovative recreational vehicles (RVs). I thought it would be fun to take a look at Winnebago, the company that built my 2019 Travato 59G, to learn more about the iconic company’s history and path to success. Join me today as we look at how Winnebago changed the RV industry and become a household name on this edition of Rolling Home.

RV travel has been around for more than 100 years, and fascinating history it is! In this episode of Rolling Home, we talk about the origins of RV travel and how generations of Americans have taken to the road for fun and adventure. Join me for a historic look at RV history and how it has shaped modern RVs and camper vans.

In today's episode, we discuss the horrific trend of death on the road and why violence against RVers may be on the increase. I share some tips about how to stay safe while traveling in unfamiliar areas. Join me for another edition of the Rolling Home Podcast.

In this edition of Rolling Home I do a review of a portable laptop stand which I picked up for the paltry sum of $10 at TJ Max. We unbox it and check out whether it is worthy of taking along on camper #vanlife. Join me for another edition of Rolling Home!

Well, this is awkward, my second YouTube "Podcast" within a week! In this episode of Rolling Home I try out my "new" GoPro camera to record my second venture into the world of YouTube. It's nothing fancy, but I talk about how I power off-grid boondocking in my 2019 Winnebago Travato 59G camper van. Fortunately, the Travato makes it easy with 200 watts on onboard solar, which I supplement with a 100-watt portable Renogy fold-up unit. With the exception of powering and air conditioner or microwave – which require my onboard generator – my set-up powers pretty much everything, I need when traveling. Join me today for another edition of Rolling Home!

Vintage tech can be super cool, and in this edition of Rolling Home we get up close and personal with one of Union Pacific's "Big Boy" locomotives, No. 4014. It is a massive machine that must be seen in person to really be appreciated. Union Pacific built 25 Big Boys during the Great Depression.

The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds, according to Union Pacific. The frames were "hinged," or articulated, to allow them to negotiate curves. They had a special wheel arrangement: four wheels on the leading set of "pilot" wheels, which guided the engine; eight drivers; another set of eight drivers; and four wheels that supported the rear of the locomotive, according to Union Pacific.

In December 1961, Union Pacific retired the train. It had traveled 1,031,205 miles in 20 years. Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., in 2013 and restored it. Since 2019, the train has gone on tour, allowing the public to view it.

This is the video version of the Rolling Home Podcast, which can be found on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, and many more platforms. Please consider liking, following, and subscribing! Visit http://rollingforhome.wordpress.com for more information and previous podcasts.

I guess I'm pretty particular when it comes to my stuff, especially when it's new and it is as expensive as a camper van. In this episode of Rolling Home we'll discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to getting your RV repaired. Email me about your experiences at rollingforhome@gmail.com.

When it comes to entertainment while traveling commercially built RV's typically have you covered. Heck, even most folks who build out a van or other platform include a small TV in their plan, or at a minimum, plan to use their computer or tablet device for those times when they want to relax by watching a favorite TV show or catch a movie.

While our camper van has numerous options for occasional entertainment, it is our built-in over-the-air TV that perhaps gets the most usage. It's just so convenient. I've also added another TV to our bedroom area, which comes in handy to watch after settling in for the night or to catch the early-morning news before getting out of bed for the day.

But sometimes over-the-air TV doesn't cut it or just isn't available. That's when streaming services come in, but what if you don't have a strong enough signal to stream a movie or TV show? These days we're in luck because a lot of services allow temporary downloads. The trick to that is deciding before your trip to download a few movie or TV options for remote playback.

We'll discuss that in today's edition of Rolling Home!