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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is a rule not a rule? When is vital camping gear not vital? This week we are pleased to be joined by Tony and Tina from TNT RVing to talk a little bit more about campground rules, and opine about gear and gadgets that some people think are vital and other people think are a waste of precious storage space.

You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0375

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 podcast episode 375 with special guests!

02:09 - You can advertise on the StressLess Camping website and podcast

03:21 - Is there a grey area in campground rules?

03:51 - Do you follow campground rules? Do you even read them?

04:31 - Rule: RV washing. Is there a grey area?

09:33 - Rule: Campfires

12:59 - Rule: Speed Limits

14:54 - Rule: Rugs

16:49 - What's essential in an RV - from the manufacturer?

18:12 - Essential: Toilets

18:35 - Essential: Ovens?

22:46 - Essential appliances - something for everyone

25:12 - Dinettes versus theater seats

29:12 - Amenities versus size

29:47 - Surprise! We have shopping tips!

34:04 - Let's slide into this topic

38:02 - What small appliances are essential to you?

42:01 - TNT is upgrading their upfit at ABC Upfitters

44:58 - Recipe of the Week: Beef and Broccoli

45:29 - Questions of the Week

We are camped long-term - well, long term for us anyway at at campground. We are going to talk about the rules of etiquette for campgrounds. Luckily, we haven't seen any bad campers where we are, but we have seen them in our travels. Sometimes its just a matter of realizing there are rules, and other times there are people who just don't want to follow them.

Tony has an RV review to share with us, another world premier of a brand new travel trailer.

You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0374

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 - StressLess Camping RV Podcast Episode 374 - Campground Etiquette

01:09 - We are Tony and Peggy, and we are camping!

01:45 - Book your RV Basic Training Camp today!

02:27 - ABC Upfitters for reliable service and quality

03:17 - Being outside is hard hahaha

03:51 - The long, long trailer stay

04:58 - Why are there rules of campground behavior?

06:18 - The Golden Rule

07:17 - Leave No Trace

07:56 - Painted rocks: cute, or litter?

08:32 - Not just in the campground

08:49 - Texas Parks and WIldlife's "Seven Cs of Camping"

09:06 - Fewer rules in open spaces

09:20 - No matter where, do not interrupt someone hooking up or setting up camp

09:53 - Checklists make for StressLess Camping

10:16 - Respect. Find out what it means to — us.

11:05 - Site Boundaries - "You kids stay off my lawn"

12:13 - Arrive before dark - not just a rule, it's also StressLess Camping

12:40 - Don't be too bright

16:30 - Please don't feed the animals

17:40 - Shhhhhh

18:37 - Beware the early bird

20:36 - Mom said you have to share

21:50 - Smoke gets in your eyes - and in your lungs, your clothes, your RV…

23:24 - Don't be a litterbug

24:10 - Ghosting is ghoulish

25:28 - Woof, woof

26:26 - Don't poo-poo the rules

27:03 - Are you a "camp flirt?"

28:43 - Did we miss any of the rules?

29:04 - Towing safely with our Weigh Safe hitch

29:45 - RV of the Week: Forest River Teleos travel trailer

32:29 - Question of the Week: Which campground rule is most important to you?

33:40 - tongue tangles

This week we are doing something a little bit different - we want to show you our experience at a rally. Specifically, the Forest River Owners Group - or FROG - rally. Come along with us and see what the first few days of the rally looks like from our perspective!

You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0373

The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping.

We've driven hundreds of miles, but inside the Mini Lite we're right where we were last week! This week we are back in the kitchen, for more tips for cooking and organizing in a small RV kitchen. Last week we did some cooking, and missed the chance to tell you about storing, organize, and utilizing our RV kitchen.

Tony shares this week's RV of the week, and Peggy tested a gadget.

You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0372

Chapters:

00:00 - The StressLess Camping RV Podcast Episode 372

01:04 - Welcome to the StressLess Camping Podcast

01:17 - An update on the Coleman Mach Everest RV AC

03:00 - Check your hitch pin!

04:03 - Keeping our Cool with ABC Upfitters

06:00 - Someone's in the kitchen

08:54 - Clear bins for small kitchen organization

09:32 - portable, non-breakable, and microwave-safe wheat straw dishes

11:02 - Ideas for storing leftovers

13:23 - Cuisinart battery-operated blender

14:15 - Food storage in a small kitchen

14:29 - Other kitchen gadgets

18:15 - The best coffee solution for RVs - or even home!

19:42 - Food storage - didn't we cover this already??

20:21 - paper towel bar - over the cabinet

21:10 - testing food temperature

23:01 - Trash Talk - disposing of waste in the small kitchen

25:29 - We hope these hints helped

26:13 - clean your grey tanks with Liquified tank cleaner

27:12 - RV of the Week: Forest River Crusader 2Suite is too sweet

28:10 - Gadget Report: BLU Technology tank sanitizer

39:09 - Question of the Week: Will you please share your small kitchen tips?

39:24 - We appreciate you all. Please like, share, and subscribe

The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping.