2023

HCR-23-272 RV Storage: Dealing With Local Laws and Ordinances

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. Download

HCR-23-271 RV Refrigerators: Options For Use While Traveling

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. Download

HCR-23-270 Camping From Summer to Winter

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. Download

HCR-23-269 On The Road In Port St. Joe, Florida

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. Download

HCR-23-268 Daniel’s Sister Alecia Pitts Joins Us In The Studio

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. Download

HCR-23-267 Kleen Tank of Eastern Florida

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. Download

HCR-23-266 DOD Outdoors: Popular Camping Gear Brand in Asia Comes to North America

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. Download

HCR-23-265 The Wilds RV Camp In Washington State

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. Download

HCR-23-264 Daniel’s Mom Patricia Pitts Joins Us On The Show

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. Download

HCR-23-263 Andrew “Coach” Livingston of Marion Outdoors Talks Backpacking

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. Download

HCR-23-262 Skip and Family Return To Mt. Airy, North Carolina

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. Download

HCR-23-261 CamperAlerts.com

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. Download

HCR-23-260 Protecting Your Precious Gear

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. Download

HCR-23-259 Credit Card Fraud

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. Download

HCR-23-258 Save Now, Camp Later

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. Download

HCR-23-257 Skip and Daniel Celebrate 10 Years of Happy Camper Radio

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. Download

HCR-23-256 Rose McHenry Shares Her Journey Through Death Valley National Park

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. Download

HCR-23-255 Realtime Camping Reservations With The Spot2Nite App

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. Download

HCR-23-254 Car Camping

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. Download

HCR-23-253 Daniel Revisits The Bartram Trail in North Carolina

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. Download

HCR-23-252 CarGenerator

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. Download

HCR-23-251 Skip and Daniel Visit The 2023 Atlanta Camping and RV Show

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
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HCR-23-250 Kleen Tank on the Road No. 3

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. Download

HCR-23-249 Camping and Handicap Accessibility

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. Download

HCR-23-248 Grand Design Owners Jody and Heidi Bates, and the Bates Motel

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”. Download

HCR-22-247 Fresh Water Resources

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. Download