In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, I’m coming to you from Bertie Bea at the Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA Holiday during the PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals. My guest is my good friend Doug Simcox, host of Beyond the Chutes and the driver of the well-traveled BTC bus.

Doug just wrapped up a Texas rodeo swing, visiting PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen, Glen Bird, Ronnie Williams, Wild West Ward, and Kelly Clark. Along the way, he collected unforgettable rodeo stories—and a few breakdowns that turned into teachable moments for every RVer and horse hauler.

We talk about:

• Dumping in Lucas fuel treatment after a sketchy fuel stop—and discovering the truck has never run better

• My own MPG jump in Bertie Bea using Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

• A broken belt tensioner at an Arkansas rest area and a Tractor Supply “MacGyver” fix

• A red-hot wheel bearing caught just in time at a Little Rock truck stop

• How rest-area three-card Monte scams target travelers

• Why annual maintenance, inspections, and a good RV GPS matter more than ever

• Real-life RV hazards: shredded truck-tire alligators, roadside debris, and a costly awning scrape at Ocean Lakes

We connect all of this back to the Rolling Smooth series—from maintenance tips to the stories that fill From Breakdowns to Belly Laughs. Doug also shares why preserving rodeo history matters and previews new episodes coming from his Texas run and recent rodeo reunions.

If you love RV life, rodeo stories, and lessons learned the hard way, this episode is right up your alley.

Links Mentioned

Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com

Rolling Smooth Series: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth/

Autographed Books:

How to Enjoy the RV Life – https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/product/rolling-smooth-how-to-enjoy-the-rv-life-without-losing-your-cool-autographed-copy/

Keeping Your Rig Road-Ready – https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/product/rolling-smooth-keeping-your-rig-road-ready/

TechnoRV (affiliate): https://technorv.com?Click=12127

Beyond the Chutes Podcast: https://beyondthechutes.show

The Black Tank Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk1mfl27umU

Patreon – Campfire Circle: https://www.patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

Recorded on location at the Family RV Association’s Greater Eastern Area Rally in Myrtle Beach, SC, this video episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast features Jennifer Schillaci of Learn to RV and RV Roofing Solutions. We dig into practical RV education (not clickbait): community, free learning resources, roof care & inspections, internet on the road, safe water, tank tips, and how to find trustworthy RV techs. If you’re a new RVer or leveling up your full-time rig life, this is for you.

🎧 What you’ll learn

• Learn to RV’s mission: free, family-friendly education & community groups

• FRVA, chapters, and why rallies matter (RV Basics, road-schooling, safety)

• Roof maintenance myths, free inspections at rallies, and member discounts

• Connectivity 101: campground Wi-Fi, Starlink, cellular — pros & cons

• Safety & systems: TPMS, fire suppression, water filtration, tank best practices

• Finding the right tech (and why specialization matters)

• Why RVing isn’t “cheap” — budgeting for maintenance the smart way

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Intro at FRVA GEAR, Ocean Lakes (Myrtle Beach)

01:25 Meet Jennifer: Learn to RV & RV Roofing Solutions

05:40 Free education, communities & closed groups for safety

12:10 Holiday traditions on the road & giving back (Lasagna Love, more)

16:45 Roof care truth: inspections, leaks, and rally services

23:30 Internet on the road: options & realistic expectations

29:10 Safety gear: TPMS, fire suppression, water & tanks

36:00 Finding qualified RV techs & brand specialists

41:20 Chapters, rallies & building real community

47:15 Final takeaways + where to follow

🔗 Helpful links & support

• Learn to RV the Podcast: https://learntorvthepodcast.com
• Wandering Gypsy RV Life website: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com
• TechnoRV (affiliate): https://technorv.com?Click=12127
• Beyond the Chutes podcast (shout-out in episode) - https://beyondthechutes.show
• Patreon (free to follow, optional support): https://www.patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

📚 From the host

Check out my Rolling Smooth series for no-nonsense RV education — written to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay road-ready.

🛠️ Mentioned gear & topics (SEO)

RV roof inspection, RV Roofing Solutions, Learn to RV podcast, FRVA Greater Eastern Area Rally, Ocean Lakes Campground, Myrtle Beach RV rally, RV Basics course, RV internet, Starlink for RV, cellular routers for RV, campground Wi-Fi, TPMS, Proteng, water filtration (GoBluTech), Micro-Air Easy Start, black tank best practices, full-time RV life, fifth wheel, Tiffin Allegro, Newmar fifth wheel, road schooling, Escapees

👍 If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share with a fellow RVer. Drop your questions below — I read every comment!

#RVLife #LearnToRV #FRVA #OceanLakes #MyrtleBeach #RVEducation #FullTimeRV #RVRoofing #RVCommunity #Tiffin #FifthWheel #RollingSmooth #WanderingGypsyRVLife

Ready to discover the heart and soul of the RV lifestyle? In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan Cromlish shares his journey from RV rally newbie to seasoned attendee—highlighting the camaraderie, learning, and adventure that come with joining RV associations like the Family RV Association (FRVA) and the All-Inclusive Motorcoach Club.

Stan reminisces about his first rally in Tucson, Arizona, unexpected friendships, and the unique flavor of both luxury AIM Club events and the big, bustling FRVA gatherings at places like Pocono Raceway. He also previews the upcoming GEAR Rally in Myrtle Beach, where he’ll be selling books, recording new episodes, and introducing “Management” (aka Mom and Dad) to their first-ever rally adventure.

If you’ve ever wondered why rallies and associations matter—or why you should join the FRVA—this episode is for you. It’s not just about the places you’ll go, but the people who become your road family.

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Website
• 👍 Facebook
• 📸 Instagram
• ▶️ YouTube
• 🔥 Patreon – Join the Campfire Circle
• 🛠️ TechnoRV Gear (Affiliate)
• 🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow wanderer. Until next time, keep your rig rolling smooth and your coffee hot!