Hey there, Fellow Wanderers. If you’ve been following my adventures with Bertie Bea and Rosie, you know the road is full of surprises—some breathtaking, some hilarious, and some you’d rather not repeat. Today, I want to share a story that’s all too familiar for many RVers, and explain why a dashcam is now one of my most trusted travel companions.

The Day Bertie Bea Got Sideswiped

It was a typical morning at Ocean Lakes Campground. I’d just pulled out of my site and parked Bertie Bea in a spot where I could hook up Rosie, my trusty tow car, before heading south to Florida. That’s when it happened—a fellow RVer, maybe distracted or just in a hurry, sideswiped Bertie Bea. Thankfully, the driver stopped, and we exchanged insurance info right there. No drama, just two travelers dealing with an unfortunate mishap.

But here’s the thing: accidents like this don’t just happen on highways. They can occur anywhere—crowded campgrounds, fuel stops, rest areas, you name it. And when they do, it’s easy for stories to get muddled or memories to fade. In the heat of the moment, even the most honest folks can forget a detail or two.

Why a Dashcam Is an RVer’s Best Friend

That’s where having a reliable dashcam comes in. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard from fellow travelers about close calls, hit-and-runs, or plain old misunderstandings that turned into headaches because there was no proof of what really happened. 

With a dashcam, you have a silent witness riding shotgun. When Bertie Bea was sideswiped, my dashcam caught the whole thing—clear as day. I was able to send the footage straight to the other driver’s insurance company and the claims adjuster. No confusion, no back-and-forth, just the facts. It made the whole process faster, easier, and a lot less stressful.

Protecting Yourself—And Others—On the Road

It’s not just about protecting yourself from dishonest drivers. Sometimes, a dashcam can help prove your innocence if you’re wrongly accused, or even help another traveler by capturing an incident they didn’t see coming. In crowded campgrounds, with kids, pets, and expensive rigs everywhere, having video evidence is worth its weight in gold.

I’ve made it my policy to keep dashcams rolling at all times. Bertie Bea has one, and Rosie actually has two—front and rear—because I want to be covered no matter what happens, where. Whether I’m cruising down I-95 or backing into a tight spot at a rally, I’ve got peace of mind knowing I can always show exactly what happened if things go sideways.

My Recommended Dashcam: Garmin Dash Cam X210

If you’re wondering what dashcam I trust, I highly recommend the Garmin Dash Cam X210 from TechnoRV. It’s easy to install, super reliable, and has crystal-clear video—day or night. Plus, TechnoRV is a family-run business that genuinely understands the needs of RVers. (Full disclosure: this is an affiliate link, so if you decide to pick one up, it helps support the Wandering Gypsy RV Life at no extra cost to you.)

Don’t Hit the Road Without One

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from years on the highway and in campgrounds, it’s that preparation beats panic every time. A dashcam isn’t just a gadget—it’s a layer of protection for you, your rig, and your peace of mind. 

So before you head out on your next adventure, do yourself a favor: make sure you’ve got a dashcam rolling. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Safe travels, and I’ll see you down the road!