StressLess Camping RV podcast

Tony Barthel, Peggy Barthel
  • 4.8 (211)
  • Places & Travel
  • Weekly

Get the most out of your RV while saving money and enjoying StressLess Camping with our weekly RV and travel podcast. You'll get tips, tricks and fun and unusual destinations plus information from RV industry insiders Peggy and Tony Barthel. We've also got our weekly RV review and more.

  1. 15h ago

    Haunted Route 66: Ghost Stories, Paranormal Encounters and Creepy Roadside Legends - RV podcast episode 383

    Explore the haunted side of Historic Route 66 in this spooky podcast featuring ghost stories, paranormal encounters, haunted motels, eerie roadside attractions, and mysterious legends from America's Mother Road. Gather up a beverage, a snack, and a brave friend and learn about the places where 100 years of route 66 haven't been enough to convince these spirits to move on.  We have this week's podcast along with the notes and all the stories that go with this episode along with discounts, deals, helpful tips and more at our home on the web at https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0383. We really appreciate your likes and shares - thank you for joining us for podcast episode 383.  The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Haunted Places on Route 66 - Episode 383 01:11 - Welcome to our Halloween Episode 02:29 - Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge, Berwyn Illinois 04:00 - Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield Illinois 05:16 - Dana-Thomas House, Springfield Illinois 06:41 - Meramec Caverns, Missouri 07:48 - Fort Blair, Baxter Springs Kansas 09:08 - The Coleman Theater, Miami Oklahoma 11:41 - A message from our sponsors 11:52 - The Natatorium, Amarillo Texas 15:01 - Mineshaft Tavern, Madrid New Mexico 16:27 - Church Street Cafe, Albuquerque New Mexico 18:15 - Oatman Hotel, Oatman Arizona 20:05 - Grand Canyon Caverns, Peach Springs Arizona 21:38 - Amboy, California 22:42 - Calico Ghost Town, Yermo California 24:36 - Colorado Street Bridge, Pasadena California 25:31 - Don't be haunted by dirty holding tanks - use Liquified black tank treatment 26:30 - Question of the week: Have you experienced paranormal activity while camping? 26:50 - Thanks for scaring up time for us

    Haunted Route 66: Ghost Stories, Paranormal Encounters and Creepy Roadside Legends - RV podcast episode 383

  2. Oct 22

    Missouri and Kansas on Route 66 - Episode 382

    This week we share our adventures through Missouri and Kansas, visiting large furniture, movie inspirations, and great food stops along the Mother Road. We start this episode crossing the Mississippi River into St Louis Missouri, and making our way south and west through Kansas. We hope you enjoy while we share the places, people, and — food - on this leg of the trip, while we celebrate 100 years of Americans getting their kicks on Route 66.  And of course, we are doing all this while towing our Mini Lites behind us so that every night we can enjoy — StressLess Camping!  We have this week's podcast along with the notes and all the stories that go with this episode along with discounts, deals, helpful tips and more at our home on the web at https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0382. We really appreciate your likes and shares - thank you for joining us for podcast episode 382.  The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Missouri and Kansas on Route 66 - Episode 382 01:33 - The Arch in St. Louis 02:25 - Anheuser-Busch brewery tour 02:50 - Ted Drewes frozen custard 03:09 - The "Bill Would" roads 03:36 - Route 66 State Park in Missouri - bridge is still out 04:38 - Meramec State Park campground in Sullivan Missouri 05:23 - Meramec Caverns tour 06:42 - Cuba, Missouri 07:18 - Wagon Wheel Motel 07:42 - Missouri Hick's BBQ 08:36 - Second-Largest Rocking Chair 09:03 - Sponsor Break 09:14 - Neon Park - St. Robert Missouri 12:24 - Uranus Fudge Factory - Uranus MO 15:21 - Route 66 Car Museum 20:10 - Being boondock-ready however you want to be with ABC Upfitters 22:46 - Springfield - The Birthplace of Route 66 23:50 - Musical Road in Springfield 24:34 - Lambert's - Not Quite on Route 66 25:51 - Exploring the Bill Would way 26:19 - Gay Parita service station turned to tourist attraction 26:43 - In the cab with Kate 27:24 - Carthage Missouri 28:50 - Joplin Missouri 30:04 - Route 66 meets Yellow Brick Road 30:24 - Luigi's Pit Stop 31:18 - Birthplace of Tow Mater, Galena Kansas 31:43 - Gearhead Curios in Baxter Springs Kansas 32:05 - Rainbow Arch Bridge, Baxter Springs Kansas 32:38 - camping at Baxter Springs City Park 32:59 - Sponsor Break 33:10 - Thank you for getting your kicks with us

    Missouri and Kansas on Route 66 - Episode 382

  3. Oct 15

    Greetings from Route 66 - Chicago to Missouri - RV podcast 381

    This week we share details of our first week touring Route 66 starting in Chicago and working our way toward Missouri. From drive ins to diners to dives to service stations and plenty of neon we recommend you join us here virtually so you can plan your own Route 66 adventure.  We have this week's podcast along with the notes and all the stories that go with this episode along with discounts, deals, helpful tips and more at our home on the web at https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0381. We really appreciate your likes and shares - thank you for joining us for podcast episode 381. The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Getting our Kicks in Illinois on Route 66 - Episode 381 02:32 - Joliet 02:44 - Joliet Prison 04:34 - Castle Car Wash - Al Capone 05:08 - Old Filling Stations 05:59 - Henry's Hot Dogs 07:19 - Home Cut Donuts 08:49 - Sponsor Break 08:59 - The Gemini Giant 10:29 - Polk-A-Dot Drive-In 11:58 - Gardner Illinois Goofy Zoo 12:33 - Tiny diner and jail in Gardner 13:47 - An original section of Route 66 19:04 - Normal Illinois 19:20 - Sprague's Super Service 20:16 - American Giants Museum 22:32 - Sky View drive-in 23:17 - ABC Upfitters help us camp the way we want to camp 25:06 - A day in Springfield, Illinois 25:39 - Big Boy Bob with tattoos in Springfield Illinois 25:53 - Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairgrounds 27:44 - Vintage service stations on Route 66 28:16 - Train stations - no matter where they are 29:16 - Lincoln Home National Historic Site 30:37 - Cozy Dog - the invention of the corn dog 31:13 - Big Ron at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill 31:52 - Whirl-a-Whip in Girard Illinois 32:36 - Driving on original brick Route 66 surface 33:16 - Turkey tracks on Route 66 33:49 - Sponsor Break 34:02 - The last day of driving in Illinois on Route 66 34:20 - Soulsby's Shell Station in Mount Olive Illinois 34:52 - Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston Illinois 37:05 - St Louis-style pizza at IMO's 37:36 - Granite City Muffler Men 38:42 - Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River

  4. Oct 8

    Exploring RV Tech of Tomorrow - Today - RV podcast episode 380

    What is the RV industry doing to make our lives easier, more relaxed and make our camping StressLess? We got to spend a week looking at the newest, most innovative and really unique new products and processes. There's actually a lot that will make our RVing lives better and we can't wait to get into it.  You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0380 The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Episode 380 02:39 - A full check up at ABC Upfitters 04:22 - Innovations we saw at the RV Dealer Expo 05:23 - Air conditioner technology improvements 10:31 - Truma's climate chamber 12:56 - Composites are coming 19:13 - Patrick Industries - a printing marvel 26:31 - Travel trailers with no slides - Tony's dream come true 27:31 - Love that isn't kinky - Air Gear water hoses 29:23 - RV of the week: Rockwood Reserve pickup camper 31:44 - Give us a call some time! 35:32 - Thanks for riding along while we share the latest RV tech

    Exploring RV Tech of Tomorrow - Today - RV podcast episode 380

  5. Oct 1

    RV Gadget Catch-Up - RV Podcast Episode 379

    Discover the latest RV gadgets that can make camping, traveling, and life on the road easier, safer, and more enjoyable. In this podcast, we take a look at some of the new RV gadgets worth considering, what they actually do, and how they can improve your RV experience. Whether you're a full-time RVer, weekend camper, or new to RVing, this episode is packed with ideas for upgrading your rig with the latest RV technology and accessories. Show notes, links and transcripts are available here: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0379

  6. Sep 24

    Fall into RV Maintenance - Episode 378

    This week on the StressLess Camping RV Podcast, we talk about Fall maintenance and shaking off a summer of fun. Whether you're going to winterize and store your rig or just plan to keep on camping on, these easy tips are a great stop on your road to StressLess Camping. You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0378 The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping Chapters: 00:00 - Fall into RV Maintenance - Episode 378 01:56 - ABC Upfitters - good friends, good work 03:39 - Preparing for fall camping, or winter storage 04:09 - Give the outside a good cleaning 04:54 - Remove everything and deep clean 06:02 - Clean slide seals with a mild detergent 06:56 - Check roof and wall seals 08:39 - Vacuum air conditioner vents 09:35 - Cleaning the dirtiest places in your RV 10:19 - clean and maintain the water heater 11:38 - Sanitize the fresh water tank 12:23 - Repack wheel bearings and check brakes 14:11 - Check or charge the RVs battery for winter storage 16:13 - Winterizing tips in our Episode 16:29 - Prime RV - Liquified, Liquishine, and Gravity 18:02 - Our tips for exploring Elkhart, Indiana 18:42 - RV of the Week: Forest River LaCrosse 39FK destination trailer 20:54 - Question of the Week: industry improvements 22:42 - Question of the Week: your off-season tips 22:56 - We get messages 23:10 - Do you like our new website look? 23:49 - Thank you for joining us for Episode 378

    Fall into RV Maintenance - Episode 378

  7. Sep 17

    What's new at Rockwood-Flagstaff for 2027 - RV podcast 377

    This week we get to speak with Duane Yoder, the Operations Manager for Rockwood and Flagstaff. Duane tells us about some improvements in the RV industry that Rockwood and Flagstaff have implemented. Some are visible, some are more "behind the scenes," and they all help new owners of these travel trailers and fifth wheels become StressLess Campers.  You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0377 The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Inside Rockwood - Flagstaff with Duane Yoder 00:59 - Welcome to Episode 377 with Duane Yoder 01:11 - New product from Prime RV - the makers of Liquified and Liquishine 02:32 - We welcome Rockwood/Flagstaff Operations Manager Duane Yoder 03:42 - Rockwood and Flagstaff are divisions of Forest River 04:35 - Shop your dealer first 05:03 - Brand autonomy within Forest River 07:04 - How Rock/Staff handles the wiring of their products 09:19 - Prioritizing Plumbing 11:22 - Same improvements are more visible than others 14:06 - A rare breed - RV manufacturer who RVs! 14:31 - Rock/Staff lights up your life, or at least your backside 16:29 - Whole-house water filtration 19:02 - The service and parts departments at Rockwood and Flagstaff 20:52 - Pre-delivery inspection 22:42 - Turn up the tunes 26:28 - Tire Pressure Monitoring, the next generation 27:37 - Auto-level is an new option 29:58 - Keeping us in Suspension 31:40 - Hey, Power Pro 36:00 - Lifting the skirt - molding 36:35 - It just keeps getting better and better 37:19 - ABC can install LED rail lights in your travel trailer 41:00 - RV of the Week: Forest River Puma 220FK 44:21 - Question of the Week: Be realistic, or be ridiculous

    What's new at Rockwood-Flagstaff for 2027 - RV podcast 377

  8. Sep 10

    A smarter way to find RV service - Episode 376

    833-FIXED-RV is a new automated telephone number to help you find qualified RV repair professionals wherever you are. This free system puts you in touch with techs easily by reaching out with your questions on your behalf.  You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0376 The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to StressLess Camping episode 376 03:52 - Keeping our waste tanks from becoming overwhelming with Liquified 07:56 - Justin Boggs with 833-FixedRV 08:43 - Company history 09:44 - RV Technician availability and wait times 11:23 - Tony: if you can turn a screw, you should be a tech 12:47 - new RV sales are down, used RVs need more help 14:28 - where to turn when you are far from home 15:40 - How 833FixedRV works for the RVer 18:18 - The service relies on conversational AI 22:31 - The AI controversy 23:59 - The future of troubleshooting 27:21 - No cost to the RVer - the tech pays a referral fee 29:46 - They do the research for you - in a fraction of the time 30:40 - How techs get involved 32:17 - Growing pains happen in any new business 35:14 - Tech-vetting guide 36:26 - Justin shares the most common types of calls 39:00 - What to do in the first hour of a break or breakdown 41:30 - The decision to use AI 43:38 - You have nothing to lose by making a free phone call 44:24 - Who's Sarah? 45:53 - We are happy to learn about 833-FixedRV 47:11 - Weigh Safe hitch makes safe, simple 49:00 - RV of the Week: Flagstaff ePro E191RLS 51:07 - Gadget of the Week: No Pane propane tank handle 53:29 - Question: Do you follow the campground rules? 53:56 - Question of the Week: Is this the end? 55:02 - We appreciate all our supporters

    A smarter way to find RV service - Episode 376
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4.8
out of 5
211 Ratings

About

Get the most out of your RV while saving money and enjoying StressLess Camping with our weekly RV and travel podcast. You'll get tips, tricks and fun and unusual destinations plus information from RV industry insiders Peggy and Tony Barthel. We've also got our weekly RV review and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Barthel, Peggy Barthel
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    386
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anthony B. Barthel dba StressLess Camping
  • Show Website
    StressLess Camping RV podcast

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