Wandering Gypsy RV Life

Wandering Gypsy RV Life

di Stan Cromlish
Tempo liberoVIaggi e luoghi
Stagione 2

Make 'Em Put New Tires On It: Rodeo Road RV Lessons with Kye Todd

PRCA music director Kye Todd spends his summers going rodeo to rodeo, and this year he traded motel rooms for a used travel trailer. Sitting outside at Kick Back Ranch and Event Center, Kye and Stan talk about what that switch really looked like: a blowout on the maiden voyage, fiberglass issues, soft spots in the floor, and a bed lift that quit. They also talk about the best part, his wife Haylee riding along all summer and working from the road. Kye shares hard-won lessons for anyone buying a used RV. Make the dealer put new tires on it. Push back when something isn't right, because when you say "see you later," they start dealing. And remember that tires can look decent and still be dry rotted from sitting in the sun, so check their age, not just the tread. They also cover why Kye now trusts a TPMS that actually works, why he keeps his fresh tank full instead of trusting campground water pressure, and how a handful of motel nights can add up to a camper payment. Plus, how Kye got into rodeo music, his fall run through Florida, and his advice for young rodeo hands: go learn from somebody who has been doing it. Guest: Kye Todd, PRCA music director Recorded at Kick Back Ranch and Event Center, Ramer, Alabama TechnoRV, home of the RoadTech TPMS. Kye now runs: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 I'm a TechnoRV affiliate and may earn a commission if you use my link. Rolling Smooth RV book series: https://rvrollingsmooth.com Beyond the Chutes podcast: https://beyondthechutes.show Kick Back Ranch and Event Center: https://kickbackranch.net Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com Support our journey: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife Safe travels, my friends, and remember: not all who wander are lost.
S2 · E38
10 ott 2026
24:45

Indiana Wrap-Up — Three Rallies, Good People, and Back on the Road

Three RV rallies, a pantry makeover, some mighty good salsa, and plenty of people worth remembering. As Bertie Bea, Rosie, and I head out of Goshen, Indiana, toward Dayton, Ohio, come along for a windshield conversation to close out the trip. I’m looking back at the Forest River Owners Group, Grand Design, and Montana Owners Group rallies at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds—and the RV community that made the stay memorable. Along the way, I revisit conversations with Michael Kilbourne of TechnoRV, Jered Burnett of Cool RV Everything, and Jennifer Schillaci. There’s a visit to the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame, more usable pantry space thanks to Dave at Custom RV Furniture, a replacement part from Bontrager’s, and a tank-cleaning story involving a buddy who shall remain nameless. And yes, we’re talking E&S Market salsa, Yoder’s Meats, and the entertainment that comes with watching a campground fill up for the weekend. Grab a cup of coffee and ride along for one last look back at Goshen. Explore more and support the show: Wandering Gypsy RV Life Rolling Smooth RV Book Series Rolling Smooth Mindset Buy Me a Coffee Amazon Storefront Shop TechnoRV Beyond the Chutes Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a commission when you purchase through my TechnoRV affiliate link, at no additional cost to you. Safe travels, my friends, and remember: not all who wander are lost.
S2 · E37
19 set 2026
9:45

200,000 RV Miles: What the Road Teaches You | Jeret Burnett

Nine years of full-time RV living—and an estimated 200,000 miles on his current rig—have taught Jeret Burnett that experience comes from using your RV, learning how it handles, and asking for help when you need it. Stan sits down with Jeret of Cool RV Everything for a candid conversation about life as a traveling RV vendor, 500-to-700-mile driving days, Stan’s 300-mile rule, campground entertainment, backing into difficult sites, boondocking, minor repairs, and the routines that keep life on the road moving. They also discuss why practical RV education matters, especially for travelers who may only take their rigs out a few times each year. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s gaining enough knowledge and confidence to make the next good decision. Real RV life. Real lessons. Real adventures. Learn more: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com Explore the Rolling Smooth books: https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth Support Our Journey: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife Safe travels, my friends, and remember: not all who wander are lost.
S2 · E36
12 set 2026
43:36

RV Community, Safer Travel, and Showing Up | Michael Kilbourne of TechnoRV

What makes the RV community special—and how can better education help travelers make safer decisions? In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, I sit down with Michael Kilbourne, owner of TechnoRV, during the Grand Design RV Rally in Goshen, Indiana. Michael and I talk about: • Why RVers continue pursuing meaningful trips despite rising travel costs • The importance of businesses remaining present in the communities they serve • How customer service and education distinguish TechnoRV • What RV travelers and the equine community can learn from each other • Tire-pressure monitoring, RV-aware navigation, propane safety, and trip planning • Why technology supports good decisions but never replaces the human element • How the journey often becomes a bigger story than the destination We also discuss the growing connection between RV travel, rodeo, and the equine world—and why helping people understand the risks, equipment, and lifestyle matters. My True North remains simple: Keep People Educated and Safe. Michael and TechnoRV have supported my work as I’ve shared RV lessons, safety information, and life on the road. I’m proud to serve as a TechnoRV brand ambassador. LINKS Wandering Gypsy RV Life https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com TechnoRV https://technorv.com?Click=12127 Rolling Smooth RV books https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth Support Our Journey https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife Beyond the Chutes https://beyondthechutes.show AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE I am a TechnoRV brand ambassador. The TechnoRV link above is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. As always, my opinions and editorial decisions remain my own. #WanderingGypsyRVLife #TechnoRV #RVLife #RVTravel #RVCommunity #RVSafety #RVPodcast #GrandDesignRally #RollingSmooth
S2 · E35
5 set 2026
27:25

Know Your Outs Before You Commit the Rig | Margin Preserves Choices

A safe entrance means very little if your RV cannot safely get back out. After an Airstream trailer was destroyed in a collision with a train in Minot, North Dakota—while its occupants thankfully escaped safely—Stan reflects on the importance of situational awareness before committing an RV to a railroad crossing, fuel lane, narrow road, crowded parking lot, or difficult campground entrance. Traveling with 36-foot Bertie Bea, a four-foot towbar, and 20-foot Rosie means Stan cannot simply back out when a route becomes blocked or a turn proves too tight. Every fuel stop requires looking beyond the pump: Is the canopy high enough? Can the motorhome complete the turn? Will the tow car track safely? Is there another exit if the planned one becomes blocked? This episode explores why RV travelers should: Wait until the entire rig can clear railroad tracks Know the complete path before entering a confined space Understand their rig’s height, length, turning radius, and tail swing Refuse to let another driver’s impatience control a safety decision Investigate the situation before surrendering their options Preserve an off-ramp whenever possible Remember that an uneventful outcome does not make an unsafe decision safe Margin is more than extra time. It is room to observe, stop, think, and change the plan before a difficult situation becomes an emergency. Before you commit the rig, ask one simple question: Do I know how I’m getting out? Keep people educated and safe. LINKS Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com Rolling Smooth RV Books: https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth Support Our Journey: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife TechnoRV — Adventure More. Worry Less: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 Disclosure: The TechnoRV link is an affiliate link. Wandering Gypsy RV Life may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Beyond the Chutes: https://beyondthechutes.show #WanderingGypsyRVLife #RVLife #RVSafety #KnowYourOuts #RollingSmooth #MarginPreservesChoices #SituationalAwareness #RailroadSafety #MotorhomeLife #RVTravel #RVPodcast #KeepPeopleEducatedAndSafe
S2 · E34
29 ago 2026
18:39

From Covered Wagons to Modern RVs | Exploring the RV/MH Hall of Fame with Jennifer Schillaci

How did RV travel evolve from covered wagons and early roadside campers into the modern motorhomes we know today? In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, I’m joined by my friend Jennifer Schillaci of Learn to RV for a conversation recorded at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. Jennifer and I talk about the history preserved inside the museum, the surprising connections that hold the RV community together, factory tours, RV manufacturing, quality versus production speed, and the stories that can disappear when nobody takes the time to preserve them. We also discuss life as traveling content creators, the friendships built at rallies and industry events, and why adventures are usually better when shared with a friend—even if I still travel with my three favorite people: me, myself, and I. Come along as we connect the covered wagons of America’s westward migration with the modern RV lifestyle and explore the people, vehicles, and stories that helped shape life on the road. FEATURED GUEST Jennifer Schillaci Learn to RV https://learntorv.com EXPLORE MORE Wandering Gypsy RV Life https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com Rolling Smooth RV book series https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth RV/MH Hall of Fame https://www.rvmhhalloffame.org TechnoRV https://technorv.com?Click=12127 Beyond the Chutes Podcast with Doug Simcox https://beyondthechutes.show If you enjoyed the episode, follow or subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow traveler. Real RV life. Real lessons. Real adventures. Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through an affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
S2 · E33
22 ago 2026
15:46

When Bertie Bea Gets a Vote | RV Safety and the Next Good Decision

Episode summary One broken anti-billow mechanism changed Stan’s travel plans—and created a genuine GO/NO-GO decision. After arriving in Milton, West Virginia, Stan discovered that the vanity-slide topper on Bertie Bea had lost its only positive anti-billow restraint. Rather than normalize the risk or let the itinerary dictate the answer, he stopped for the night, consulted Precision RV Repair, and waited for daylight. The next morning added severe weather, route decisions, a temporary non-destructive mitigation, a human-factors reminder, and an unexpected leveling-jack warning during the rainy drive to Elkhart. This episode shows the Rolling Smooth Mindset in practice: separate mitigation from repair, investigate alarms without inventing diagnoses, preserve off-ramps, and make the next good decision as the evidence changes. Resources Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com Rolling Smooth RV Book Series: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth TechnoRV: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 Beyond the Chutes: https://beyondthechutes.show Disclosure The TechnoRV link is an affiliate link. Wandering Gypsy RV Life may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
S2 · E32
15 ago 2026
16:29

Building an RV Destination | Lundy McKittrick’s Vision for Huckleberry Hideaway

When I visited Huckleberry Hideaway Cabins and RV Resort in Minden, Louisiana, Lundy McKittrick and I talked for nearly an hour. The first half of that conversation became an earlier podcast episode, but as I looked back through the footage, I realized there was another story hidden in the second half that deserved to stand on its own. This isn’t really about campsites. It’s about vision. Lundy shares what goes into building an RV destination from the ground up. We talk about gravel, road design, campsite geometry, hiking trails, future expansion, golf carts, cabins, glamping, and all the little decisions most of us never think about when we pull into a campground. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a place where RVers want to come back year after year, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation. 🌐 Wandering Gypsy RV Life https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com 📚 Rolling Smooth RV Book Series https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth ☕ Support Our Journey https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife 🛒 Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/stanc 📡 TechnoRV (Affiliate Link) https://technorv.com?Click=12127 🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast with Doug Simcox https://beyondthechutes.show #RVLife #RVTravel #CampgroundLife #HuckleberryHideaway #Louisiana #FullTimeRV #Motorhome #Camping #WanderingGypsyRVLife
S2 · E31
1 ago 2026
18:22

Questions Became Answers | Why Good RV Diagnosis Starts with Margin, Not Assumptions

Last week, we talked about building margin. This week, I had the opportunity to live it. After several unusual symptoms began showing up in Bertie Bea, I decided to arrive in Red Bay early instead of rushing from one appointment to the next. What followed wasn’t a week of throwing parts at problems. It became a lesson in slowing down, asking better questions, trusting the right experts, and discovering that symptoms are not diagnoses. From a chassis inspection and hydraulic repairs to airflow improvements and a handful of simple fixes, every question that week gradually became an answer. More importantly, I was reminded that sometimes the best repair isn’t the one that just fixes your RV… it’s the one that quiets your mind. In this episode, we talk about: Why building margin leads to better decisions The danger of assuming the worst Why symptoms are not diagnoses The value of finding the right expert How reducing uncertainty makes the next good decision obvious Why peace of mind may be the most valuable repair you’ll ever make Whether you own an RV, tow horses, or simply enjoy the journey, this week’s lesson reaches far beyond the campground. Support Our Journey ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife 📚 Rolling Smooth RV Book Series https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth 🌎 Wandering Gypsy RV Life https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com 🧭 Rolling Smooth Mindset https://rollingsmoothmindset.com 🛒 TechnoRV (Affiliate Link) https://technorv.com?Click=12127 🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast https://beyondthechutes.show Because in the end, the goal isn’t to eliminate every future problem. The goal is to reduce uncertainty enough that the next good decision becomes obvious. #RVLife #RVMaintenance #Tiffin #RedBay #RollingSmooth #TravelPodcast
S2 · E30
25 lug 2026
14:04

Sometimes That’s the Work: Why Margin Creates Better Decisions

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it feels like someone walked over to the chessboard of your life and moved six pieces all at once? This week was one of those weeks. Maintenance schedules changed. Travel plans shifted. New work opportunities appeared. Decisions had to be made before circumstances made them for me. At first, it felt like I hadn’t accomplished much. Then I realized something. Sometimes the most important work we do isn’t something we can hold in our hands. Sometimes the work is simply making thoughtful decisions before life forces us into desperate ones. In this episode, we continue exploring the Rolling Smooth Mindset by looking beyond financial margin and into something even more valuable: Margin creates options. Whether you’re driving across Wyoming in dangerous winds, adjusting RV travel plans, managing maintenance, or navigating everyday life, having room to think often makes the difference between reacting in panic and responding with wisdom. We’ll talk about: Why margin creates better decisions Why consistency matters more than perfection Don’t confuse urgency with importance Don’t pour concrete in panic Thoughtful progress over perfect outcomes Why sometimes… that’s the work Because the goal was never to create a perfect trip. The goal is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep making the next good decision. Episode Links 🌐 Wandering Gypsy RV Life https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com 📚 Rolling Smooth RV Book Series https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth ☕ Support the Journey https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife 🛒 Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/stanc 🚍 TechnoRV https://technorv.com?Click=12127 🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast https://beyondthechutes.show #WanderingGypsyRVLife #RollingSmoothMindset #RVLife #FullTimeRV #RVTravel #RVLiving #MotorhomeLife #RVCommunity #RVSafety #DecisionMaking #Margin #ThoughtfulProgress #DontPourConcreteInPanic #Consistency #AdventureMore #LifeLessons #TravelSmarter #KeepRollingSmooth
S2 · E29
18 lug 2026
12:29
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