Wandering Gypsy RV Life

by Stan Cromlish

Wandering Gypsy RV Life is your go-to podcast for all things RV living, adventure, and life on the open road. Hosted by Stan Cromlish, this show dives into the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of the RV lifestyle—from the first spark of wanderlust to the reality of full-time travel. Wh ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Staying Connected on the Road – Our Dual Internet Strategy

    Staying Connected on the Road – Our Dual Internet Strategy

    In this episode of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, Stan Cromlish explores one of the most vital topics for RVers and digital nomads: how to stay reliably connected to the internet while traveling full-time. Stan shares his dual-internet setup that combines the power of Starlink satellite internet and cellular service from T-Mobile and Verizon, all powered by a Pepwave Max BR-1 Pro 5G dual-SIM router. Whether you’re working from your RV, streaming in the middle of nowhere, or just trying to maintain a solid Zoom connection, this episode is packed with practical advice and gear recommendations to keep you online. What You’ll Learn: Why campground WiFi often fails and what to use instead How Starlink provides high-speed internet in remote areas The benefits of using multiple cellular networks for redundancy Essential equipment for building a reliable RV internet setup Tips on choosing the best setup for your travel style and connectivity needs Resources & Links Mentioned: 📝 Companion blog post: Read it Here 📶 Tech gear & tutorials: TechnoRV 🛠️ RV internet installs & boosters: Elkhart Satellite Systems Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If this helps you, consider sharing it with a fellow traveler. Until next time—keep wandering, stay connected, and enjoy the journey! 🎙️🚐🌐

  • The Family RV Association (FRVA) – A Must-Join Organization for RVers

    The Family RV Association (FRVA) – A Must-Join Organization for RVers

    In this episode of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, host Stan Cromlish takes a deep dive into the Family RV Association (FRVA)—formerly known as the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA)—and why it’s a must-know for all RV enthusiasts. He shares the organization's history, details on its annual conventions, and his personal experience taking the RV Basics training course. If you’re an RVer looking to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded travelers, and take advantage of exclusive membership benefits, this episode is for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ History of FRVA – How it started in 1963 with 26 founding families and its 2024 rebranding. ✅ Annual FRVA Conventions – What to expect at the Perry, GA (Spring) and Gillette, WY (Late Summer/Fall)events. ✅ RV Basics Course – Why this two-and-a-half-day course is a game-changer for new and experienced RVers. ✅ DIY RV Repairs & Maintenance – Lessons from fixing issues like Schwintek slide problems and front cap separation. ✅ FRVA Membership Benefits – From FRVA University to the tire discount program, discover why membership pays for itself. ✅ The FRVA Community – Meet other RVers through regional chapters and special interest groups like the RV Basics Alumni Chapter. Episode Highlights: 🛠️ RV Education – How FRVA’s training courses helped Stan troubleshoot issues with his Tiffin Allegro Open Road. 🚐 On-Site RV Services – Getting his windshield replaced and slide toppers upgraded at an FRVA convention. 💡 Pro Tips – Why reading your RV manuals and learning basic troubleshooting can save time and money. 👥 Community & Connection – How FRVA conventions turn acquaintances into lifelong friends. Resources & Links: 🔗 Join the Family RV Association: frva.com 🔗 FRVA University: Online training courses for RVers 🔗 RV Basics Course: A must-attend for new and experienced RV owners 🔗 Extend-A-Stay Propane Adapter: Learn More Stay Connected: 📲 Follow the Podcast: Subscribe to Wandering Gypsy RV Life on your favorite podcast platform! 🌎 Follow: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 🚐 Join us on our Wandering Gypsy RV Life adventures—safe travels, and keep wandering! 🚐

  • The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist

    The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist

    Episode Notes – The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist 🎙️ Episode Title: The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist 🚐 Episode Summary: Before hitting the road, every RVer should have a solid pre-trip checklist to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth journey. In this episode, we’ll walk through the essential steps to prepare your motorhome for travel, from disconnecting utilities to securing slides and properly hooking up a tow car. Plus, I’ll share a lesson learned the hard way—like when I forgot to retract my awning and took out an RV park gate! 😬 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why a pre-trip checklist is essential for safe RV travel ✔️ Key steps to take the night before departure ✔️ The importance of checking fresh water, propane, and power connections ✔️ How to properly stow gear, secure slides, and prepare your RV’s exterior ✔️ The right way to hook up and test your tow vehicle ✔️ A real-life mishap that proves why double-checking your list is crucial 🔑 Key Takeaways: • A thorough checklist prevents accidents, costly repairs, and unnecessary stress. • Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your setup can make all the difference. • Even experienced RVers can make mistakes—so don’t skip those final checks! 📖 Read the accompanying blog post here: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/2025/04/05/pre-trip-checklist-lessons-learned-from-the-road/ 🚍 Join the Journey! If you love RV life and want more travel tips, stories, and lessons from the road, be sure to subscribe and follow Wandering Gypsy RV Life for more episodes. 🔗 Follow Us On Social Media: 📌 Facebook: @WanderingGypsyRVLife 📌 Instagram: @WanderingGypsyRVLife 📌 YouTube: @WanderingGypsyRVLife 🎶 Not all who wander are lost.

  • The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners - A Must Have Tool

    The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners - A Must Have Tool

    Podcast Show Notes: The Importance of a TPMS for RV Safety Episode Title: The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners Episode Summary: In this episode, we deeply dive into one of the most critical safety tools for RVers: the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Whether rolling down the highway in a motorhome or towing a travel trailer, knowing your tire pressure can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous blowout. We’ll cover why TPMS is essential, NHTSA guidelines for RV tire safety, where to get your RV accurately weighed, and the top TPMS brands available today. 🚐 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why every RVer needs a TPMS for safety and peace of mind. How underinflated tires can lead to dangerous blowouts and poor fuel efficiency. NHTSA recommendations for proper tire pressure maintenance. The best places to weigh your RV for accurate tire pressure adjustments. A breakdown of the top TPMS brands, including TST, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and more. How temperature changes affect tire pressure and what you should do about it. Best practices for tire maintenance to extend the life of your RV tires. 🌎 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire pressure guidelines. Escapees RV Club and FRVA International Conventions for RV weighing services. Recommended TPMS brands include TST Truck TPMS, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and TireTraker. 🔗 Check out the companion blog post: Read it Here 🔗 Learn More & Connect: For more RV tips, product recommendations, and expert advice, visit our Wandering Gypsy RV Life website. 🎙️ Subscribe & Stay Safe on the Road! Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to our podcast and join the conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with fellow RVers. Safe travels, and remember: Not all who wander are lost. 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: Wandering Gypsy RV Life Instagram: @wanderinggypsyrvlife YouTube: @WanderingGypsyRVLife #RVLife #TPMS #TireSafety #RoadTripReady #MotorhomeTravel

  • The Road to Recovery and a New Beginning

    The Road to Recovery and a New Beginning

    In this episode, Stan shares a pivotal moment in his RV journey—a tale of resilience, unexpected challenges, and new beginnings. He takes us back to 2021 when he traveled in his beloved RV, Bessie, exploring Texas and planning to visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. However, an unfortunate fall led to serious injuries, an unexpected hospital stay, and a cross-country recovery trip. Through the support of family and friends, he navigated the challenges, ultimately leading to a major upgrade in his RV lifestyle. This episode highlights the unpredictability of full-time RV life and the lessons learned. Key Takeaways: • RV Life Comes with Surprises: You never know what obstacles the road will throw your way, from mechanical issues to personal injuries. Flexibility and resilience are key. • Mind Over Matter: Stan’s philosophy of pushing through challenges with mental toughness helped him endure significant pain and an extended recovery period. • The Importance of Community: Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow RVers, having a support system can make all the difference in times of need. • Upgrading with Experience: After realizing his needs had changed, Stan transitioned from Bessie to Bertha and eventually to Bertie Bea, finding his ideal home on wheels. • Freedom of the Open Road: The journey that began in 2020 with remote work continues to evolve, allowing Stan to travel across 28 states in his dream RV. Mentioned in This Episode: • Bessie: 2013 Forest River Sunseeker 2300 (Stan’s first RV) • Bertha: 32-foot Forest River Sunseeker (Stan’s second RV) • Bertie Bea: 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA (Stan’s current RV) • Hill Country Memorial Hospital, Fredericksburg, TX • Dr. Romanick – Orthopedic Surgeon in San Antonio • Kick Back Ranch & Jerry Todd’s Tough Love Advice Connect & Follow: • Subscribe to The Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast for more stories from the road. • Follow Stan’s travels and RV adventures at https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com • Have an RV story to share? Email us or leave a review! 🚐✨