Happy Camper Radio

Skip is back from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he attended his very first Grand Design Rally. Listen in as he describes his stay at Sun Outdoors, where hundreds of Grand Design RV owners gathered for this annual event.

Losing your keys while on a camping trip is a dreaded thought. Unless you rely on a spouse or family member to carry a spare set, the cost of hiring a locksmith can be a serious pain in your wallet. In Episode 278, Skip explains why he keeps an emergency set of keys on hand, and how he gain quick access to his truck and RV in the event the doors are locked.

When traveling to and from a camping destination, one should always expect the unexpected. As an RV owner, we know the importance of checking the air pressure in each of our tires before hitting the road. Just as important, is the messy and time consuming task of re-packing your RV wheel bearings on an annual basis. In this episode, Skip explains why this should be considered a crucial part of your RV maintenance schedule.

In this episode we take a close look at camping memberships. There are many out there, but are they really worth it? Do they save you money, or, do they end up costing you more in the long run. Skip share some of the ways he's been able to save big on camping destinations, and explains why he avoids entering into long term contracts.

In Episode 275, Skip and Daniel are delighted to have former National Park Ranger and book author Rose McHenry back on the show. Listen in as Rose shares more great memories, including a sneak preview of her upcoming book: "Tales of a Rogue Ranger".

For weeks, Skip has talked about wanting to repair some damage to his RV. As opposed to reaching out to the dealership, he decided to take on this project himself, not knowing for sure what he was getting into. In this episode, he shares all the details of his successful repair efforts, along with the inspiration his grandfather gave him many years ago.

To kick of the new year, the Happy Camper Radio Show is now coming to our YouTube channel in high-quality 4K Resolution. During the Christmas break, Skip took the time to retrofit the studio with professional 4K video cameras. In Episode 273 Skip and Daniel talk about the importance of doing your camp inventory to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for that first camping trip of 2024.

Camping can be both a fun and adventurous experience. However, parking your RV outside your residence when not in use can be problematic when it comes to dealing with local ordinances. Even worse, issues can intensify if your "sticks and bricks" are governed by a local Homeowner’s Association (HOA). In this episode, Daniel shares some unfortunate roadblocks he encountered when creating a designated parking area for his pop-up camper, which prompted Skip to take a second look at where he parks his RV.

Is it safe to run your RV refrigerator while traveling? Some campers say they've been doing it for years with no problem. There are a variety of opinions on this subject. The last thing any of us need is to have our RV refrigerators break down during travel. Skip shares his experience and explains what he does to keeping perishable foods cold on a long distance trip.

In Episode 270, Skip reflects back on his two recent camping trips. After leaving Port St. Joe, Florida, it was off to the cold and brisk temperatures in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As campers, we often times are unaware of our campground connections until we arrive at our site. Will you have enough cables, cords and hoses to make those connections? Listen in as Skip explains the importance of having the necessary equipment to connect to shore power, sewer and water supply.

Skip and Daniel are on the road this week at the Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort in Port St. Joe, Florida. Join us as we relax by the campsite. The weather was picture perfect and it was a great opportunity to get away and spend some time in the Sunshine State.

Camping is a great way build family unity and create fond memories that will last generations. At the Happy Camper Radio Show, we're always delighted to welcome members of our family into the studio. In this episode, Daniel's sister Alecia Pitts joins us on the show for the first time. Listen in as she shares some of her memories of camping with mom, dad, and of course, her older brother Daniel.

Most RV owners are unaware of the solid waste buildup that generates inside their holding tanks. Back flushing periodically helps eliminate some of this buildup. However, both black and gray water tanks should be professionally serviced once a year. In this episode, Tina and Jeff Arnold from Kleen Tank of Eastern Florida gives us an in-depth description of the tank cleaning process, and what RV owners are shocked to find after their holding tanks are professionally cleaned.

DOD Outdoors is one of the largest camping gear brands in Asia, selling premium camping gear that's built to last. In this episode of Happy Camper Radio, we are delighted to have Brent Beery on the show who is launching this very popular brand in North America.

Think of how exciting it would be to back your RV into a quiet forest setting, complete with full-hookups and no one around but yourself and the beauty of nature that surrounds you. In this edition of Happy Camper Radio, we'll be talking with the owner of this very private campsite. Hear why she and her husband chose to create such a perfect setting for those wishing to escape the sometimes-crowded world of camping.

On the Happy Camper Radio Show, we just never know when a surprise guest will call in to the program. As Skip and Daniel were long waiting on a scheduled caller for a pre-recorded interview, Daniel secretly arranges for a special call from someone close and dear to his heart. In Episode 264, we speak with Daniel's mom "Patricia Pitts" who shares her love of camping and raising a family to appreciate the same.

In this episode of Happy Camper Radio, we are joined by Andrew Livingston of Marion Outdoors and Resupply in Virginia. Andrew is better known by his trail name "Coach” and is an experienced hiker and backpacker. Listen in as Coach Livingston shares an in depth look into the world of backpacking, the advance preparation for a hike, and the type of gear suitable for a long-distance journey.

When you've been to a campground that offers a host of amenities and a hospitality like no other, you'll definitely make it a point to come back. Last week, Skip and his family returned to the Beechnut Family Campground in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Listen in as Skip talks with Beechnut owner Todd Tolbert. See why the Beechnut Family Campground is the place to stay when visiting the town of Mt. Airy...the home and birthplace of Andy Griffith.

In this episode, Thomas Vaughn of CamperAlerts.com joins us on the show to talk about a convenient and economical way to monitor campground and campsite availabilities. CamperAlerts.com take the worry and hassles of checking select sites on a regular basis, and alerts you when one of your favorite select sites become available.

Skip knows better than anyone that rain will not only destroy your valuable camping equipment, but your camping spirit as well. Regardless of when and where you plan to go camping, you should never underestimate a change in weather. In this episode, we discuss ways to protect your gear from the brutal forces of mother nature.