RT34 Roadtreking RV Podcast: How to Cut RV Costs Without Sacrificing Experience

In this episode of the Roadtreking RV Podcast, we learn from an expert how RV travel does not have to break the bank. They don't call Marianne Edwards the Frugal RVer for nothing - after all, she's been out on her latest trip since January and has only spent about $150 on camping fees over the past five months. Most nights, she camps free. That doesn't include other things like gas, supplies, food, etc., but still, it's pretty impressive and besides... Marianne, of the Frugal RV Travel and Boondockers Welcome blog and websites, has some great ideas about cutting costs on all of those things, too! And so will you after listening to this episode, as Marianne guides us toward finding affordable adventure and fun and the wide open spaces that most RVers miss. Among other things, Mike and Marianne talk about: What's more economical - long trips or short trips? What is boondocking? What do you really need to boondock? What is the boondocking RV lifestyle and why is it so appealing to so many?" Who would NOT be suited to boondocking? How do you find boondocking spots?" What is the best way to save money while traveling in an RV? How to boondock safely What is a "Shunpiker" and why you should be one? Also in this episode we have news and info about Walmart parking lot safety, composting toilets, Alaskan travel and advice for traveling with pets. [spp-player] Complete shownotes for episode 34 of the Roadtreking RV Lifestyle podcast: First Things First: It's a Dog's (RV) Life - How We Travel With Our Dog, Tai Roadtreking reader Lee asks how we manage our dog Tai when traveling. Jennifer shares how we help Tai deal with some of his doggie anxieties and other accommodations made to keep the 11-year-old Norweigian Elkhound happy while RVing. We also talk about dog-unfriendly parks and how we keep tabs on Tai when he's in the RV and we are out to dinner or touring a museum. Listener Question: What Do I Need to Know About RVing to Alaska? Click on this pic for Roadtreking's Alaska travel tips! Roadtreking reader Cristian from Seattle is headed to Alaska and wants information about proper preparation for the trip, especially when it comes to tires. Also, he wants info on a center screen door for his RV. Mike notes that the Alaskan Highway is in excellent shape and no special tires are needed for summer travel. He and Jennifer share their Alaska travel experience and this link - Alaska Highway info http://blog.alaskatravel.com/tips-for-driving-the-alaska-highway. For anyone planning on driving to or through Alaska we recommend that your first step is to purchase The Milepost. Also, check out Roadtreking's Alaska RV tips (Read more) Questions: Roadtreking Fan from South Africa Asks About Propane, Composting Toilets A Roadtreking Travel Blog fan named Peter from South Africa asks about two things: our choice of propane and composting toilets. Regarding the composting toilets, Mike has one main thought: forget about it because they are not not nearly as convenient as makers claim. He cites lots of reasons why composting toilets are not for the average RVer. After only two weeks, for example, the contents of the vault will still smell a fair amount like human waste. And sometimes there are "glitches" in the system. The toilet may smell, or you won't get a full two weeks out of the vault. That's on top of even more issues, such as the impact of humidity on the system, ease (or lack thereof) of installation, high costs, and more. Questions: Should My Tires Be Wearing Out This Way? A Roadtreking reader wonders why the tires on his ERA RV are wearing down on their edges, and if it's a common problem. Mike offers up some tips on how to handle the situation, starting with finding another repair shop to work with. [spp-player] 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, complete with full tanks of fuel and propane. After a complete orientation with their staff on your new RV, you can take delivery and set out for home. Dan the Van Man gives the week's specials on the podcast. RV News of the Week: Forest River Recall, More Walmart Violence, Badlands Bickering Forest River RV Recall - Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Georgetown GT335, FR3 FR30, Pursuit 31BD, and 29SB, and 2016 Cardinal CAF3825FL and Tracer TRT270AIR and TRT3200BHT fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, the screws that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism cable may fail