Reflecting on Six Years of RV Life | Friends, Faith, Failure & Dreams

New RVers, Seasoned Lessons, and the Road to North Sterling

This week on the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan records hands-free while rolling down the road toward North Sterling State Park in Colorado, with a little Garmin GPS commentary along for the ride. In this episode, Stan talks about the difference between being a new RVer and becoming a more seasoned RVer. From learning the difference between 50-amp and 30-amp power to understanding inverters, converters, tanks, water connections, tow cars, and the never-ending movement of a house on wheels, this episode is all about learning your rig one mile at a time. Stan also shares why he started small with Bessie, his first 25-foot Class C motorhome, how Bertha came next, and why Rosie, his 2018 Chevrolet Equinox tow car, eventually became part of the journey. A grocery run in Cody, Wyoming, helped teach one of those classic RV lessons: once the rig is parked, you still need a way to get around. The road to North Sterling adds the perfect backdrop as Stan talks about dirt roads, standing water, gumbo mud, checking Rosie in the turns, and slowing down when the road starts teaching. If you’re a new RVer, this episode is for you. If you’re a seasoned RVer, you’ll probably recognize a few lessons you learned the hard way too. Thanks for riding along on the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast.

Reflecting on Six Years of RV Life | Friends, Faith, Failure & Dreams

Six years ago, I pointed a little 25-foot Class C motorhome named Bessie west and headed out with more enthusiasm than experience. I had no idea how much that decision would change my life. As I drive Bertie Bea from Douglas to Cheyenne, Wyoming, I reflect on the lessons learned from six years on the road. Some came from friendships, some came from failures, and some came from the miles between destinations. In this episode, I share stories about: • Starting the RV journey in 2020 with Bessie • The friendships that have shaped my life • Why mistakes and setbacks often become our greatest teachers • Lessons learned from roof leaks, repairs, and RV ownership • Fishing the Bighorn River with Rowdy and Brian • The Rolling Smooth mindset and how it was developed • Faith, gratitude, and the people who helped along the way • Chasing dreams, embracing failure, and continuing forward This isn't a technical RV episode. It's a windshield conversation about life, reflection, and what six years of RV travel have taught me about resilience, friendship, faith, and purpose. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to chase a dream, start a new chapter, or take a chance on something you've always wanted to do, this episode is for you. Resources & Links 🌐 Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com [https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com] 📚 Rolling Smooth RV Book Series: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth [https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth] 🤠 Cowboys & Cowgirls Rolling Smooth: https://beyondthechutes.show [https://beyondthechutes.show] 📶 TechnoRV: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 [https://technorv.com?Click=12127] ☕ Support the Journey: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife [https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife] Until next time, keep your rig rolling smooth, keep your coffee hot, and remember: sometimes the best repair isn't the one that fixes your RV. It's the one that quiets your mind.

The Camper Every Great Rodeo Cowboy Had: Capri Camper with Pete & Tyson D’Acosta

In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan sits down with Pete and Tyson D’Acosta of Capri Campers for a conversation about one of the most recognizable truck camper brands in the rodeo world. The episode opens with Tilden Hooper sharing what Capri Campers meant to him growing up around rodeo, and why getting his own Capri felt like a sign that he had made it. Pete and Tyson share how they came to own Capri Campers, the company’s roots going back to 1969, and how they have worked to preserve the classic look, Western feel, and simple road-tested design that made Capri a trusted name among cowboys, cowgirls, and Western travelers. They also talk about the difference between the cabover and non-cabover models, why rodeo contestants value sleeping space and showers, what systems are available in the campers, and why Capri has intentionally kept things simple by avoiding unnecessary complexity. This conversation covers rodeo travel, truck campers, RV systems, 30-amp power, solar, generators, freshwater tanks, portable toilets, customer stories, the Yellowstone connection, and why simplicity can be one of the most valuable features on the road. Learn more about Capri Campers at: https://capricamper.com [https://capricamper.com] Visit Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com [https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com] Check out the Rolling Smooth RV Book Series: https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth [https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth] For RV gear that helps you adventure more and worry less, visit TechnoRV through Stan’s affiliate link: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 [https://technorv.com?Click=12127] Listen to Beyond the Chutes: https://beyondthechutes.show [https://beyondthechutes.show] Support the journey: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife [https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife]

Solo RV Travel, Safety, and Finding Your RV Family with Meagan Butler of the FRVA

In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan visits with Meagan Butler, Marketing Manager for Family RV Association, for a real-world conversation about solo RV travel, safety, confidence, long travel days, campground instincts, and the RV community. Meagan shares stories from her own RV journey, including solo travel with teardrop campers, an Airstream Basecamp, and a Winnebago Solis van. She and Stan talk about the difference between towing and driving, why travel days can wear you down, the value of trusting your gut, and why every RVer has to build a travel style that fits their own life. They also discuss Family RV Association rallies, first-timer experiences, RV education, community, roadside assistance, medical and travel assist benefits, and why the word “family” in FRVA really does apply to every kind of RVer. Whether you are a solo traveler, a weekend camper, a full-time RVer, or someone still thinking about getting started, this episode is full of practical encouragement and road-tested wisdom. Learn more at https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com [https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com] Check out the Rolling Smooth RV Book Series: https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth [https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth] TechnoRV affiliate link: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 [https://technorv.com?Click=12127] Beyond the Chutes: https://beyondthechutes.show [https://beyondthechutes.show] Support Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife [https://buymeacoffee.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife] #RVLife #SoloRVTravel #FRVA #FamilyRVAssociation #WanderingGypsyRVLife #RollingSmooth #RVPodcast #RVSafety #RVCommunity

Rodeo Road RV Life with Tilden Hooper | Capri Campers, Blowouts & Rolling Smooth

10-time NFR qualifier and 2-time The American champion Tilden Hooper joins me for a conversation straight from the rodeo road. We talk Capri Campers, Cowboy Christmas routing, family travel, campgrounds, tire blowouts, bent axles, TPMS systems, tools, faith, and the mindset it takes to stay steady when life and the road throw you sideways. Tilden shares stories from years of traveling rodeo country, hauling his family in a travel trailer, running hard between rodeos, and learning RV lessons the expensive way. From sketchy small planes and all-night drives to campground life and roadside repairs, this episode rides right down the centerline between rodeo life and RV life. We also talk about the new Cowboys and Cowgirls Rolling Smooth series with Doug Simcox from Beyond the Chutes, where rodeo travel, RV systems, resilience, and real-world problem solving all come together. And somehow… this marks Episode 50 of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast. Appreciate every single person who’s ridden along on this journey so far. 🔗 Links: Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com [https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com] Rolling Smooth RV Book Series: https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth [https://bit.ly/rollingsmooth] TechnoRV: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 [https://technorv.com?Click=12127] Beyond the Chutes: https://beyondthechutes.show [https://beyondthechutes.show] #WanderingGypsyRVLife #RollingSmooth #RodeoRoad #TildenHooper #CapriCampers #RVLife #FullTimeRV #CowboysAndCowgirlsRollingSmooth #BeyondTheChutes #PRCA #Rodeo #RVTravel #CowboyLife #RVPodcast #BarebackRiding