TheRVGeeks.com: How-To RV Video Tips From Long-Term Full-Timers - Passport America Member Spotlight

Peter & John, better known as The RVgeeks, have been full-timing for nearly 12 years, and have been loyal Passport America members almost from the start. Although their "day job" is designing websites for RV parks and campgrounds, most RVers are probably more familiar with their how-to videos. With more than 6.2 million views and nearly 34,000 subscribers, their channel is one of the most popular about RVing on YouTube.

While the Geeks aren't professional technicians, they're very mechanically inclined do-it-yourselfers who have become very proficient in managing RV systems. They've learned a few things the hard way, sharing their techniques so that you don’t have to!

While most of their videos feature their 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire, many of the subjects they cover apply to every class of RV. Their goal is to help other RVers go DIY, saving time & money while experiencing the satisfaction of maintaining their RVs themselves.

The way Peter & John started making how-to-RV videos was very organic. In 2010, they invited a couple of friends to join them on a 10-day road trip through Southern Utah's National Parks. Their friends had no prior RVing experience, but suddenly they were totally hooked! Within a year, they purchased their own RV, also a 2005 Newmar (it had come so well-recommended, it was a natural choice)!

Of course these newbies had a lot of questions for the only other RVers they knew. Since Peter & John were located on the opposite side of the country, they suggested that they make a few videos about how to operate some of the basic systems, then upload them to YouTube for their friends to watch.

But it occurred to them that videos about dumping tanks, sanitizing the fresh water system, hooking up at RV parks, etc might be something other new RVers would appreciate as well. So they created the RVgeeks YouTube channel and started uploading videos. Within a year, their views and subscribers had taken off.

This year, they created their own website, TheRVgeeks.com  to better connect with their viewers. They not only post their video content, but also share their favorite RVing gear (all of which they personally use and recommend). One of their most popular features are their giveaways, where viewers have the opportunity to win hundreds of dollars worth of great equipment for their rigs.

Whether you’re an RV newbie, a wannabe, or a seasoned full-timer like The RVgeeks, their videos will help you get more out of RVing. Visit their website at TheRVgeeks.com or their YouTube channel at YouTube.com/RVgeeks.

New Book Covers the Pros and Cons of Full-time RVing with Children - Passport America Member Spotlight

San Diego, California (Barefoot Running Press, May 13^th, 2014) - Want your kids to experience the freedom of the open road? Jason Robillard, author of several popular running books, and his wife Shelly and their three young children have been living in an RV for three years while they travel the country seeking new adventures. “Must Have Been Another Earthquake, Kids” covers their experiences along with an honest discussion about the pros and cons of full-timing with small children.

Jason tackles all topics, from long, boring drives through the Nevada desert to dealing with black water tanks to managing “sexy time” in a home that transmits the tiniest movements. This book is a necessary resource to any family considering this unorthodox lifestyle.

When planning to hit the road, Jason was dismayed that most of the resources seemed overly positive. “If it were this good, why doesn't everyone do it?” he reasoned. It only took a few weeks to understand: Those resources didn't tell the whole story. Over the next three years, the couple ironed out the difficulties to create a truly awesome experience.

In “Must Have Been Another Earthquake, Kids”, Jason touches on topics unique to parents, both good and bad. He offers practical advice that will help others plan similar journeys. He also discusses the trails and tribulations of their own adventure, often with humorous results.

"This is the best book on RV Living that I've read. Jason makes no effort to hype up or justify this lifestyle. He is objective and brutally honest about every single pro and con. If you’re a curious parent who wants to give your children a healthy worldview, you’ll appreciate Jason’s insights. If you’re seriously thinking of taking your family on the road, you’ll pour over Jason’s detailed logistical tips. Well done!"

-Vanessa Runs, Amazon.com

Printed book available here: http://www.amazon.com/Must-Have-Been-Another-Earthquake/dp/1499226578/ref=zg_bs_16388_71

Kindle version available here: http://www.amazon.com/Must-Have-Been-Another-Earthquake-ebook/dp/B00K6WU1QU/ref=zg_bs_157573011_35

About Jason – Jason has authored several books, including The Barefoot Running Book (Plume, 2012), Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel (Barefoot Running Press, 2013), and The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and Ultramarathons (Skyhorse, 2014.) Jason has been collecting hobbies for years, which have included blogging, ultrarunning, magic, minimalism, building computers, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and mma training among other weird, random things.

Learn more about the Robillards here - 

http://robillardadventures.com/press/

PA Member Spotlight - Moving On With Margo Blog

This is my 18th year traveling full-time and my fourth year as a "solo." My enthusiasm for the RV lifestyle really shows when you read one of my eBooks or visit my blog. It is a lifestyle that brings out the best in people. I have owned and operated two businesses, authored 18 eBooks (6 about the RV lifestyle), created a weekly blog, written articles for other RV lifestyle resources, and managed to sneak in a couple of years of homeschooling. Whatever your passion, do it on the road...that is my motto. 

There are so many more young people and single women enjoying the lifestyle today than ever before. They discovered that there are no downsides to life on the road. I see RVs pulling 25-foot trailers with all the tools of their trade, toy haulers carrying their favorite playthings, rodeo competitors living in high style with their horses, and the list goes on.  

Life on the road is catching on in a big way. Record-breaking sales of new and used RVs are making the news.

Even if you only travel during the summer, or spend the winter in a warm place, the RV lifestyle opens a completely new world to you. Now you can spend those months visiting new and exciting places rather than be stuck in one place all season. Anytime it gets boring, move on.

The RV social life is not based on the size of your rig, or the cut of your clothes. Your neighbor can become your best friend, inviting you to outdoor activities, drinking parties, or long conversations. You can also easily isolate yourself and find friendship only when you want it. You are the captain of your rig, total control over your environment, in command in every way.

My blog, MovingOnWithMargo.com, highlights the RV lifestyle with posts that put you in the driver's seat. Once you really see the big picture, the fear dissipates and a clearer vision emerges. 

I blog about maintenance procedures that you can handle yourself to keep your RV running smoothly. Look for driving tips, helpful insights on living a comfortable lifestyle, saving money on the road, where to find work, the latest RV fads, and more ... new posts every Friday. Even RV lifestyle superstars stop by for a chat now and then. Find out about tiny homes on wheels, Tincan Tourists, and vintage Airstreams. 

My goal is to make the RV lifestyle seem friendly, interesting, adventurous, and safe, all at the same time. Take your family with you, or travel solo, it is there waiting. Spend your leisure time on the water, on the greens, on the dance floor, or watching the sunset ... maybe all in one day. It is all up to you. 

Margo Armstrong
MovingOnWithMargo.com
margo@MovingOnWithMargo.com

Postcards from Chicks Without Bricks - New Book Written Specifically for RVing Women

You may not have heard yet, but just before Christmas, a brand new book was released, written specifically for RVing Women.

"There is very much a lack of information geared specifically to RVing ladies, which is truly unfortunate since RVing women are a unique blend of nature, nurture, ingenuity and grit. Their stories are full of emotion, adventure, intrigue, suspense and guts. And so 12 of us got together and said, 'Let's fix this. Let's create a sort of Chicken Soup for the RVing Ladies Soul.' Postcards from Chicks Without Bricks came together so seamlessly, I knew it was meant to be." says Kimberly Travaglino who serves as both the book's editor and the contributing author of "When the S#^T Hits the Man", one of the books 25 original stories.

The book is a blend of heartwarming, humorous, inspirational and motivational stories. The contributors, referred to as "The Chicks" each add their own unique voice as they spin their true tales of RV Travel and adventures on wheels. The release of Postcards from Chicks Without Bricks brimming with fascinating tales, coupled with full color images, has been met with rave reviews from readers.

“These entertaining traveling stories will inspire and gently challenge you to live life in the moment, reconsider the value of family, and learn by direct experience. Three cheers for living small, slow, and mobile!” Wendy Priesnitz, Editor of Life Learning Magazine

For a sneak of the book, check out the book's trailer:

Kimberly Travaglino is the author of "How to Hit the Road", a comprehensive step by step guide for making your family's full time RV dreams a reality. She also serves as the Editor of Fulltime Families Magazine, a company that supports risk takers, pioneers, and enlightened families blazing their own path across the country. For a free gift from Kimberly - Click Here

PA Member Spotlight - Technomads Chris & Cherie Search for Internet

Chris & Cherie of Technomadia.com have been full time RVing since 2006. But unlike a lot of full time RVers, they are still of working age and run their software development & technology consulting business from wherever they are parked.

As internet is absolutely essential for them to work remotely, they decided to develop a mobile app to help them find bandwidth. A frequent problem they had was that there was no easy way to know upfront if a campground they were considering booking would have decent internet.

Sure, some park's advertise WiFi, but if the WiFi was not suitable enough - would they be able to connect via their various cellular data sources? Sure, they could go and check their carriers maps online (they personally travel with Verizon & AT&T), but this was slow and cumbersome. And of course, if they had no internet to begin with, they had no way to get online to check which direction to head to find signal. 

So they developed Coverage? - an app that overlays all of the major cellular carriers coverage maps, so they could quickly tell where there might be connectivity.

The maps are stored on the device, so they could get the information even when they had no signal. It's been an app that plays an important role in their own high-tech travels, and has been a decent seller in the app store for fellow frequent travelers and mobile bandwidth enthusiasts.

And as long-time Passport America members, the technomads first consult the Passport America app to see what 1/2 pricing camping options might be on their route - and then consult Coverage? to see what to expect for cellular signal.

Also by Technomadia: The Mobile Internet Handbook - US RVer Edition (http://www.technomadia.com/internet)- a guide to mobile internet options, and helping RVers decide what gear & plans they really need to meet their internet needs as they travel. 

More info:

You can get more information about the app, including a video demo, at: http://www.twostepsbeyond.com/apps/coverage
The app is available in the App Store at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coverage/id388815949?mt=8&at=10l4Cf&ct=PA

About Cherie & Chris: http://www.technomadia.com/start-here

Learn More About Fulltime Families

HOW TO LIVE IN A HAMMOCK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

 Do you love camping?  Is it a bummer to head home on Sunday night?  To go back to your regularly scheduled and hectic life? Soccer practice, homework, house cleaning, lawn work… wouldn’t it be nice to be able to just relax in a shady hammock all day?

If you answered “yes” keep reading because in a few paragraphs I’m going to tell you how you can make this a reality.

Do you know, that right now, there are thousands of families who are on perpetual camping trips?

I know, ‘cause I’m one of them.  My family fell in love with camping 5 years ago and 3 years ago we decided to go on a permanent vacation.

This lifestyle is commonly referred to as full time rving or full timing for short.  Now, before you tell me the full timing is for retirees, you are only partly right.  Yes, there are a lot of retirees on the road, but parents who’ve decided to change their priorities and take their children on the road are growing numbers.

Fulltime Families is the company that supports the fulltime rv aspirations and ambitions of these trendsetters.

In our monthly magazine, we share timely, pertinent information for making a living on the road, and then making every dollar go as far as it can!

On our website and facebook group, we share the tips and hidden treasures that make fulltime exploration of this great country an American Adventure!

In our weekly Road Rebelles Radio Show, we share our daily triumphs, tribulations and trials!

Twice a year at our FtF Family Reunions, we share the best of times with you with our jam-packed, family friendly rv rallies!

And while all this is of great use to our thousands of members… you are still trying to figure out how to get yourself out of this stuffy office and into that breezy blissful hammock.

Well, for you, we have “How to Hit the Road” the indispensible guide for making your family’s full time rv dreams a reality! 

Whether you were surfing the web looking for a way to get your life off hold or whether you just stumbled across the post – the cat’s now out of the bag.

You don’t have to be rich or retired to take your family on a permanent vacation!  You just need a map and now you’ve found it!  So clickhere and let your adventure begin!

Kimberly Travaglino is the author of “How to Hit the Road”, a comprehensive step-by-step guide for making your family’s full time RV dreams a reality.  She also serves as the Editor of Fulltime Families Magazine, a company that supports risk takers, pioneers, and enlightened families blazing their own path across the country.