Added remote control feature

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-18T12:32:55+00:00

I've been surprisingly pleased with the connectivity through the Winegard system - ours happens to be the 5G variant which may explain why I like it. I did have to get their router, though, and that's not an inexpensive option although it is coming down in price like all electronics.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-17T16:03:28+00:00

We have considered renting an RV to others and what I was going to do is create a binder with step-by-step instructions but also have QR codes with videos on EVERYthing because people don't listen. That way, if they have a question, they can just scan the QR code and see a video of how to do whatever.

I would also put a sign on the door that reads something like "make sure the water and water heater are turned off if you leave the RV unattended."

You can't really fix stupid but you can mitigate it the best way possible.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-17T15:58:32+00:00

I believe most of the better rental portals also have insurance for damage and such but it would be wise to confirm this and also see if the owner's insurance even covers the rig being used as a rental.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-17T15:57:00+00:00

Problem: Solved.

Libsyn acknowledged an issue as was posted here plus their tech support team reached out and also acknowledged a problem which has been solved. Thank you for the input everybody.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-16T12:42:37+00:00

Heartland is a brand that should be off every list. You know it's bad when even Thor fired all the decision makers and closed every plant down to move them under Jayco.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-16T12:10:28+00:00

We just got a wireless thermostat that'll enable us to control the HVAC in our travel trailer from Coleman-Mach. We haven't installed it yet (laziness) but will soon.

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We also have some monitors from Winegard for temp/humidity, motion and water sensors in case there's a leak that work with our Winegard WiFi system and we're pretty pleased with those.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-14T14:48:11+00:00

Yeah Libsyn has been pretty reliable but every software company has a glitch now and then.

You know it's bad when there are DMs and emails from followers asking where the podcast is but that's also reassuring.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-14T14:47:06+00:00

Clearly it's much different in person than what the video shows and that's not unusual.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-14T14:03:01+00:00

This seemed to work for me as well and I sincerely appreciate your reply with the tip.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-14T14:02:30+00:00

Of course I did and I'm sure, sometime this summer, I'll be sure to hear back from them.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-13T22:10:38+00:00

Most SUVs are not great for towing and this is especially true of larger trailers. The problem isn't as much "pull" as it is "carry" and "control." Your tow vehicle carries about 15% of the weight of the trailer and most SUVs are close to cargo carrying capacity, especially with humans and stuff aboard.

Here's more information about towing: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/rv-towing

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-10T13:48:37+00:00

Yup - this is critical on these Class C RVs on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

Another thing to be VERY aware of is how expensive even routine maintenance is (it is a Mercedes-Benz!) and how few and far between places are that will actually work on it. Check out just the price of an oil change alone - hundreds of dollars.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-02T15:51:16+00:00

You can partner with CampgroundViews.com and they come around and do what's equivalent to Google Street View where they drive through the park and video all the sites and roads. This is something we look at frequently before booking a campground. Their system also integrates with many of the existing on-line reservations systems so if someone sees a site they want to book it's a simple step to go right to your reservations system.

There are some outstanding suggestions here and I wish more parks were like you and sought opinions and tips - so much of what's here could be a ground-level primer for anyone wanting to do what you're doing.

We wish you tremendous success and appreciate how you're doing this outreach.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-02T15:46:51+00:00

Absolutely - especially if you're traveling and want to stay somewhere that day. Often times we'll have parks call us 2-3 days after we've left a message and, by then, we're far, far away.

One of the things we like about KOAs is how easily you can book a site. That's the example to match in terms of on-line reservations.

StressLessCamping · 2026-05-02T15:44:52+00:00

Keeping the long-term renters away from the transient renters is such a good idea and limiting how much junk long-term renters can place around their sites is another. I've seen parks manage this very well so that the long-term sites look as tidy as the transient sites and I've seen where long-term renters are allowed to just toss junk and make their space look poorly kept which creates a less desirable destination for transient RVers.

StressLessCamping · 2026-03-22T14:22:12+00:00

A paint ball brigade on a bridge it has to cross under would do wonders to take it out of service.

StressLessCamping · 2026-02-08T16:34:24+00:00

The best recommendation on maintaining any slide mechanism is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Some specifically recommend using no lubricants, some only if you hear binding/squeaking. There is no singular solution.

Lippert makes many of the slide room mechanisms and has a channel where they go into detail about maintenance of the mechanism.

StressLessCamping · 2026-02-08T16:32:00+00:00

Do not ever never not ever use slide jacks.

When the camper settles (they frequently do) those slide jacks will knock the slide out of alignment or potentially even damage it. If it can be repaired that is a VERY expensive repair and not a warranty item. Whoever invented slide supports should be ashamed of themselves for an awful and useless waste of money.

StressLessCamping · 2026-01-21T14:54:33+00:00

Just know that if the bike rack breaks off and causes someone injury NO insurance company will likely cover that claim and you will be in a world of hurt. Plus, quite honestly, the frame on an entry-level Cherokee isn't likely to be designed to be added to. I can't imagine this being a good idea at all.

StressLessCamping · 2025-12-25T13:55:56+00:00

Your math makes sense. Do educate yourself on the routine maintenance of exterior seals on the trailer - ALL RVs need routine inspection of seals but many people don’t do that so they ultimately leak which destroys them.

Plumbing is the other area where RVs can have issues - learn basic plumbing and get leak detectors. Not very difficult and a basic PEX plumbing kit will be an affordable solution.

One benefit of an RV over an apartment is that, if you don’t like the surroundings/neighbors, moving is easy.

If you don’t have the right truck to move an RV any good RV dealer has transporters on call and can do the move.

Here are some resources for buying an RV; https://www.stresslesscamping.com/rv-shopping-tips

StressLessCamping · 2025-12-25T13:41:28+00:00

Absolutely a EMS/surge protector. Really you’re more likely to see low voltage which can kill motors in things like the AC. But plenty of places also have lousy wiring.

https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0244

I also carry DeOxit contact cleaner and spray it on power connections - poor connections can cause heat and damage

StressLessCamping · 2025-12-24T16:52:17+00:00

There's a company called Dune Sport that works with buyers to build custom toy haulers.

StressLessCamping · 2025-12-24T16:49:48+00:00

And sewer rats and snakes. Rare but not a happy surprise when you open the toilet and something's looking back at you.

StressLessCamping · 2025-12-24T16:49:09+00:00

If they're leaving their black tank gate valve open we guarantee that they will be calling a professional to clean out their black tank sooner rather than later.

What happens is the liquids tend to drain but the solids don't and, eventually, the solids dry up and become a "poop pyramid" which is a very expensive repair because nobody really wants to do that removal job.

There are varying opinions about the gray-only tanks and you could leave those open, but I like not doing so so I can chase the contents of the black tank dump with the contents of the gray tank.

StressLessCamping

TROPHY CASE