Happy Camper Radio
185 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratingsThe Happy Camper Radio Show is a family oriented camping podcast. Our focus is on building and maintaining family unity in an outdoor recreational environment. Call us with your camping questions at 404-537-CAMP.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
HCR-24-279 Grand Design Owners Rally Myrtle Beach
April 01, 2024 11:48 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBSkip is back from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he attended his very first Grand Design Rally. Listen in as he describes his stay at Sun Outdoors, where hundreds of Grand Design RV owners gathered for this annual event.
HCR-24-278 I'm Camping and I Lost My Keys. Now What?
March 19, 2024 19:35 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBLosing your keys while on a camping trip is a dreaded thought. Unless you rely on a spouse or family member to carry a spare set, the cost of hiring a locksmith can be a serious pain in your wallet. In Episode 278, Skip explains why he keeps an emergency set of keys on hand, and how he gain quick access to his truck and RV in the event the doors are locked.
HCR-24-277 Tires, Brakes and Wheel Bearings
March 09, 2024 19:30 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBWhen traveling to and from a camping destination, one should always expect the unexpected. As an RV owner, we know the importance of checking the air pressure in each of our tires before hitting the road. Just as important, is the messy and time consuming task of re-packing your RV wheel bearings on an annual basis. In this episode, Skip explains why this should be considered a crucial part of your RV maintenance schedule.
HCR-24-276 Camping Memberships. Are They Worth it?
February 23, 2024 00:50 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this episode we take a close look at camping memberships. There are many out there, but are they really worth it? Do they save you money, or, do they end up costing you more in the long run. Skip share some of the ways he's been able to save big on camping destinations, and explains why he avoids entering into long term contracts.
HCR-24-275 Camp Conversations With Rose McHenry
February 04, 2024 03:59 - 29 minutes - 40 MBIn Episode 275, Skip and Daniel are delighted to have former National Park Ranger and book author Rose McHenry back on the show. Listen in as Rose shares more great memories, including a sneak preview of her upcoming book: "Tales of a Rogue Ranger".
HCR-24-274 RV Repairs. Save Money By Doing It Yourself
January 26, 2024 02:56 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBFor weeks, Skip has talked about wanting to repair some damage to his RV. As opposed to reaching out to the dealership, he decided to take on this project himself, not knowing for sure what he was getting into. In this episode, he shares all the details of his successful repair efforts, along with the inspiration his grandfather gave him many years ago.
HCR-24-273 Camping Preparation Tips For 2024
January 14, 2024 14:30 - 28 minutes - 52.5 MBTo kick of the new year, the Happy Camper Radio Show is now coming to our YouTube channel in high-quality 4K Resolution. During the Christmas break, Skip took the time to retrofit the studio with professional 4K video cameras. In Episode 273 Skip and Daniel talk about the importance of doing your camp inventory to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for that first camping trip of 2024.
HCR-23-272 RV Storage: Dealing With Local Laws and Ordinances
December 18, 2023 15:56 - 25 minutes - 46.8 MBCamping 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 park...
HCR-23-271 RV Refrigerators: Options For Use While Traveling
December 08, 2023 02:07 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBIs 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.
HCR-23-270 Camping From Summer to Winter
November 23, 2023 19:21 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-269 On The Road in Port St. Joe, Florida
October 16, 2023 16:53 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBSkip 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.
HCR-23-268 Daniel's Sister Alecia Pitts Joins Us In The Studio
September 11, 2023 00:10 - 29 minutes - 40 MBCamping 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.
HCR-23-267 Kleen Tank of Eastern Florida
August 27, 2023 13:30 - 33 minutes - 60.7 MBMost 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.
HCR-23-266 DOD Outdoors: Popular Camping Gear Brand in Asia Comes to North America
August 21, 2023 00:06 - 27 minutes - 49.6 MBDOD 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.
HCR-23-265 The Wilds RV Camp In Washington State
August 12, 2023 00:34 - 28 minutes - 39 MBThink 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.
HCR-23-264 Daniel's Mom Patricia Pitts Joins Us On The Show
August 05, 2023 11:34 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBOn 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.
HCR-23-263 Andrew "Coach" Livingston of Marion Outdoors Talks Backpacking
July 29, 2023 17:15 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-262 Skip and Family Return To Mt. Airy, North Carolina
July 21, 2023 18:47 - 31 minutes - 58.5 MBWhen 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.
HCR-23-261 CamperAlerts.com
July 03, 2023 03:30 - 23 minutes - 32 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-260 Protecting Your Precious Gear
June 24, 2023 18:47 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBSkip 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.
HCR-23-259 Credit Card Fraud
May 29, 2023 16:22 - 27 minutes - 38 MBWhile 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 ho...
HCR-23-258 Save Now, Camp Later
May 09, 2023 23:57 - 30 minutes - 56.7 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-257 Skip and Daniel Celebrate 10 Years of Happy Camper Radio
April 23, 2023 00:19 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-256 Rose McHenry Shares Her Journey Through Death Valley National Park
March 23, 2023 19:48 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-255 Realtime Camping Reservations With The Spot2Nite App
March 17, 2023 21:41 - 24 minutes - 34 MBTerry 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.
HCR-23-254 Car Camping
March 07, 2023 16:27 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBThis 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.
HCR-23-253 Daniel Revisits The Bartram Trail in North Carolina
February 25, 2023 10:05 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBNever 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.
HCR-23-252 CarGenerator
February 14, 2023 20:34 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBIn 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.
HCR-23-251 Skip and Daniel Visit The 2023 Atlanta Camping and RV Show
February 02, 2023 21:54 - 16 minutes - 23 MBThis 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 Code: NT1VAUQV4CDHKBRX
HCR-23-250 Kleen Tank on the Road No. 3
January 25, 2023 03:55 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBIf 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. Gab...
HCR-23-249 Camping and Handicap Accessibility
January 19, 2023 02:44 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBAs 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 ...
HCR-23-248 Grand Design Owners Jody and Heidi Bates, and the Bates Motel
January 10, 2023 05:49 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBIn 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...
HCR-23-247 Fresh Water Resources
January 04, 2023 08:27 - 26 minutes - 48.2 MBHow 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.
HCR-22-246 RV Renting With RVezy
December 24, 2022 01:43 - 27 minutes - 49.6 MBHave you ever wondered if owning an RV would be right for you? Before making that huge investment, there a simple and affordable way to experience RV living. In this episode, Stellar Watson of RVezy joins us to talk about renting. Find out how easy it is to connect up with owners willing to rent their RV for your next vacation getaway, and how RVezy can assist you in the process.
HCR-22-245 DVDs, Board Games and Puzzles; Quality Camping Entertainment When The Weather Is Bad
December 13, 2022 03:24 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBNo one likes camping when the weather gets ugly. Keeping the family occupied with quality entertainment is what helps us all get through these difficult moments. In this episode, Skip explains the benefits of owning a DVD movie library, and where to shop for great bargains.
HCR-22-244 Campground Comment Cards
December 04, 2022 17:36 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBMany campgrounds throughout the world look for repeat business from individuals and families like yours. To achieve long term relationships with customers, campground owners and operators need constructive feedback. It's so important to let these businesses know your personal thoughts and experiences. In this episode, Skip explains why he takes the time to fill out comment cards at each camping destination; offering both positive ratings, as well as identifying areas that need improvement.
HCR-22-243 Parking and Winterizing Your RV
November 26, 2022 20:05 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBFreezing temperatures can have detrimental effects on recreational vehicles. With the cold weather moving in, Skip begins the process of wintering his RV, while making plans for some exciting road trips in 2023. Meanwhile, Daniel has some other ventures in mind. He dropped by this week to show off his new backpacking tent from REI.
HCR-22-242 Interview With Appalachian Trail Hiker Brent Lengel
October 26, 2022 17:06 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBScreenwriter, playwright and Ringo Award-nominated comic creator Brent Lengel joins us on the show to talk about his journey on the Appalachian Trail. Brent has lived his life by the motto: "If there's something crazy you want to do, first go do it...and then write about it." Skip and Daniel are back from their recent camping trips with great stories to share.
HCR-22-241 Gas Prices and It's Effect on Camping
October 13, 2022 12:08 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MBIs the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.
HCR-22-241 Gas Prices and It's Effect on Camping
October 13, 2022 12:08Is the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.
HCR-22-241 Gas Prices and It's Effect on Camping
October 13, 2022 12:08Is the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.
HCR-22-241 Gas Prices and It's Effect on Camping
October 13, 2022 12:08Is the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.
HCR-22-240 Great Camping Requires Rest and Relaxation
October 03, 2022 13:35Adequate rest is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself tired and wore out ahead of an upcoming camping trip, you'll be spending more time in the sleeping bag than you will enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this episode, Skip talks about his experience in preparing for an upcoming trip, and the importance of being well rested before arriving at your camping destination.
HCR-22-240 Great Camping Requires Rest and Relaxation
October 03, 2022 13:35Adequate rest is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself tired and wore out ahead of an upcoming camping trip, you'll be spending more time in the sleeping bag than you will enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this episode, Skip talks about his experience in preparing for an upcoming trip, and the importance of being well rested before arriving at your camping destination.
HCR-22-240 Great Camping Requires Rest and Relaxation
October 03, 2022 13:35 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBAdequate rest is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself tired and wore out ahead of an upcoming camping trip, you'll be spending more time in the sleeping bag than you will enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this episode, Skip talks about his experience in preparing for an upcoming trip, and the importance of being well rested before arriving at your camping destination.
HCR-22-240 Great Camping Requires Rest and Relaxation
October 03, 2022 13:35Adequate rest is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself tired and wore out ahead of an upcoming camping trip, you'll be spending more time in the sleeping bag than you will enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this episode, Skip talks about his experience in preparing for an upcoming trip, and the importance of being well rested before arriving at your camping destination.
HCR-22-239 Cell Phones and Camping
September 12, 2022 23:21 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBIs your cell phone controlling every aspect of your life? Do you find it necessary to stay in touch with the office, relatives, friends and people in the outside world while away on a camping trip? While many of today's modern devises provide other useful purposes, keeping up with current events outside the campground can pull you away from the quality time you need with your loved ones. In this episode we'll take a look at the pros and cons of keeping your phone turned on and strapped to yo...
HCR-22-238 Trouble Down The Road
August 30, 2022 17:39 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBAn emergency roadside assistance membership is priceless. The last thing any of us want to experience is a mechanical failure or breakdown while traveling to or from our camping destination. In this episode, Skip explains the trouble he went through when his truck battery died on the way home from a recent camping trip, and who he called to assist him in getting back on the road.
HCR-22-237 Skip Talks About His Recent Visit to Duckett Mill Campground
August 16, 2022 18:20 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBSkip is wasting no time booking camping trips now that he has an RV. He just returned from his second visit to Lake Sidney Lanier in north Georgia. For once, rain and thunderstorms were not an issue. Listen in as he shares his thoughts and experience of camping at the Duckett Mill campground. Find out what other destinations are on the horizon.
HCR-22-236 Skip Shares Memories of His First RV Trip on Lake Lanier
July 28, 2022 03:37 - 24 minutes - 44 MBBack from his first four-day camping trip on Lake Sidney Lanier, Skip and Daniel bring their show to you from the comforts of Skip's brand new 2022 Grand Design RV. While weather conditions were not the most favorable, it did not put a damper Skip's plans to get away and relax.