Happy Camper Radio

Skip and Daniel are outside their residential properties in Snellville, Georgia with a special announcement.

Skip recently returned from the Grand Design North Florida Rally in Glen St. Mary, while Daniel and his wife Deidre spend time vacationing in California. In this episode, Skip talks about the importance of winterizing your RV. As cold weather and freezing temperatures move in, many of us will begin the process of winterizing our equipment. Taking time to flush the waterlines and replace it with RV antifreeze will protect your delicate equipment throughout the cold winter months.

With the brisk temperatures moving in, now is an excellent time to begin planning your fall camping trips. Nothing beats a warm and relaxing campfire to wind down the evening. As you gather with family and friends to share some treasured moments, safety is first and foremost. In this episode, Skip takes time to review some important tips when it comes to building a campfire, as well as what you can do to keep your kids safe.

Following two devastating hurricanes that wrecked havoc on the southeastern U.S., residents are now picking up the pieces and attempting to rebuild their lives. It's never too late to put together an emergency supply of food and other essentials. Camping equipment can be tremendously useful in these trying times. Listen in, as Daniel explains how he reached out to a familiar friend who was caught up in the wrath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Camping has long been a way for many of us to escape the hassles of everyday life. It's a breath of fresh air that is so often needed. As election day fast approaches, political discussions are getting more intense, leading to unnecessary stress in our lives. It's the one issue you won't normally find at a campground. In this episode, Skip explains why he avoids the topic among friends and close associates, and keeps his focus on the life he enjoys the most.

Skip just returned from a ten day camping adventure that spanned over six states. While the weather was not in his favor most of the time, he did enjoy camping with family in his home state of Pennsylvania. Listen in as he shares his experience at four separate destinations along his journey.

Skip and Daniel are in the studio on the 4th of July, just hours before Skip heads out to his next camping destination. In this episode, we talk about the importance of firework safety and keeping your pets indoors at this festive time of year. Daniel is back following a tubing adventure on the Chattahoochee River in north Georgia.

Long distant travel comes with many challenges. Nobody wants to arrive at their camping destination completely exhausted after a long day behind the wheel. Many interstate rest areas provide travelers the ability to take a break and relax a bit before getting back on the road. However, is a public rest stop the ideal choice for overnight camping? Skip shares his thoughts on the matter. Daniel drops by the Bald Ridge Creek Campground for a day trip. Wait until you hear what happens when his motorized remote control speed boat dies on Lake Lanier.

Camping offers many great opportunities for those who want to get away from the hassles of everyday life. Whether its a weekend away, or a week long vacation, many folks make the best of their RV living by decorating and adding a personal touch to their camping life. In this episode, Skip and Daniel talk about ways to enhance your both your campsite, and camping experience.

Heavy rain and high winds have a history of destroying not only equipment, but the camping spirit we have grown to love and appreciate. Rather than pulling the plug and breaking camp for good, many people are transitioning to RV life. In this episode, Skip and Daniel discuss the benefits of an RV lifestyle and what potential owners should consider before making that important purchase.

The Happy Camper Radio Show is on the road this week in Brunswick, Georgia. Skip and Daniel are in town for the 2024 Grand Design SEGA Rally. Joining us at camp this week is our good friends Jody and Heidi Bates from Massachusetts. We were honored to have Jody and Heidi on the program last year in Episode 248.

Listen in as Skip and Daniel prepare to hit the road for the upcoming Grand Design SEGA Rally in Brunswick, Georgia. Just back from a recent camping trip on Lake Sidney Lanier, Skip talks about some recent additions to his RV.

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.

While visiting his home state in recent weeks, Skip expectantly found himself the victim of credit card fraud. It's a growing crime that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Following a search of the Internet, Skip quickly discovered how criminals are capable of scanning your credit card data from inside your wallet, without you even knowing. In this episode, we'll provide you with some useful information to help protect your finances while on vacation, or when traveling hundreds of miles from home.

In tough financial times, people are looking for ways to save money both at home and on the road. There are several ways to cut the budget. in Episode 258, Skip shares some of the ways he's been able to cut costs at home. which allow him to save extra cash for future camping trips.

In this special episode, Skip and Daniel take time to reflect upon ten great years of camp talk radio. Join us as we celebrate this very special occasion. Hear some audio clips of our very first show, as well as Daniel's first appearance in Episode 4.

In Episode 256, we welcome former park ranger and book author Rose McHenry back to the show. Rose shares with us her exciting journey through Death Valley National Park in California. Listen in as she describes the many sights and adventures one can expect when visiting Death Valley, and why it would be a perfect destination for you and your family.

Terry Broussard of Spot2Night is back on the show with some exciting updates. If you're looking for that last minute camping destination, or, planning ahead to a future trip, the Spot2Nite app is your one stop shopping location. In this episode, Terry explains how simple it is to create a profile using the Spot2Nite app, and how to complete your camping reservation in real time. 

This week, Daniel's wife Deidre Pitts joins us in the studio. Deidre just returned from an exciting weekend at the Indian Springs State Park in central Georgia. Listen in as she shares stories from her very first car camping adventure, and explains what it's like to camp from inside the hatchback of a vehicle, with a sleeping bag and a handful of camping accessories. By the way, this was a weekend getaway for the ladies, so Daniel was forced to stay home.

Never one to let an extended weekend go to waste, Daniel takes full advantage of President's Day, and returns to North Carolina to continue hiking the Bartram Trail. In addition to several stunning photographs he took along his journey, Daniel finally had an opportunity to break-in his brand new backpacking tent from REI. Listen in as he talks about his adventure, including the discovery of an ancient school bus parked along the trail.

In Episode 252, Jonathan Schloo, founder and inventor of CarGenerator tells us how you can transform your car, truck or SUV into a working generator. Listen in as Jonathan explains how your vehicle can produce electricity while it's running idle. CarGenerator can provide electricity at home during emergencies, and at camp where electrical service is normally unavailable.

This is one of our shorter episodes but very entertaining at the same time. This week, Skip and Daniel are taking their show on the road. Join us as we check out the latest models of RVs on display at the 2023 Atlanta Camping and RV Show. This was a fun-filled event and a great way of spending time with folks who share a passion of outdoor living. It's one episode you'll definitely want to watch on the Happy Camper Radio YouTube channel.  https://youtu.be/ahiqTPvc5M4 Code: NT1VAUQV4CDHKBRX

If you're an RV owner, this is one episode you won't want to miss. This week, Gabriel Muñoz of “Kleen Tank on the Road No. 3” joins us on the program to discuss the importance of keeping your RV holding tanks properly maintained. Listen in, as Gabriel shares some interesting facts relating to RV gray and black water tanks, and things you can do to prevent serious problems later down the road. It's a very informative show that will surely benefit anyone who travels and vacations in an RV. Gabe and his wife Alissa are also proud members of the Grand Design family.

As time progresses, each one of us will age to the point where camping and vacation travel will become a bit more challenging. Many of us were brought up to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature. For a lot of us, camping is a family tradition. As we watch our loved ones grow with age, there will come a time when we will need to step forward and help them with mobility related issues. In this episode, Skip's brother Rick joins us on the show to discuss handicap accessibility at the campground, and the importance of lending a hand to keep the camping spirit alive within them.

In the summer of last year, Skip purchased a 2022 Grand Design Transcend Xplor RV. In doing so, he quickly became a proud member of the Grand Design family of RV owners. During the past several months, he's had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people who share a love of friendship and spending time in the great outdoors. In this episode, Jody and Heidi Bates from Putnum, Connecticut join us to talk RV living, and to show off their Grand Design travel trailer which they proudly refer to as "The Bates Motel".     Show less

How particular are you about the city water found at your campsite? While many of us assume that the water supplied to the campground is free of harmful contaminates, some folks take extra precaution by installing a water filter on their fresh water intake hose. City water is always great for showering and washing dishes. However, some campers prefer bottled water for cooking and human consumption purposes. In Episode 247, Skip and Daniel weigh-in with their thoughts.

Have you ever wondered if owning an RV would be right for you? Before making that huge investment, there a simple and affordable way to experience RV living. In this episode, Stellar Watson of RVezy joins us to talk about renting. Find out how easy it is to connect up with owners willing to rent their RV for your next vacation getaway, and how RVezy can assist you in the process.

No one likes camping when the weather gets ugly. Keeping the family occupied with quality entertainment is what helps us all get through these difficult moments. In this episode, Skip explains the benefits of owning a DVD movie library, and where to shop for great bargains.

Many campgrounds throughout the world look for repeat business from individuals and families like yours. To achieve long term relationships with customers, campground owners and operators need constructive feedback. It's so important to let these businesses know your personal thoughts and experiences. In this episode, Skip explains why he takes the time to fill out comment cards at each camping destination; offering both positive ratings, as well as identifying areas that need improvement.

Freezing temperatures can have detrimental effects on recreational vehicles. With the cold weather moving in, Skip begins the process of wintering his RV, while making plans for some exciting road trips in 2023. Meanwhile, Daniel has some other ventures in mind. He dropped by this week to show off his new backpacking tent from REI.

Screenwriter, playwright and Ringo Award-nominated comic creator Brent Lengel joins us on the show to talk about his journey on the Appalachian Trail. Brent has lived his life by the motto: "If there's something crazy you want to do, first go do it...and then write about it." Skip and Daniel are back from their recent camping trips with great stories to share.

Is the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.