For me, RV life isn’t just about wheels on the pavement or chasing miles on a map. It’s about the thrill of the open road, chasing horizons that stretch further than the eye can see, and trusting that the unknown detours will lead to the best stories—and even better memories.
There’s a song that’s always stuck with me—Billy Joe Shaver’s Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me:
“Three fingers whiskey pleasures the drinkers Moving does more than the drinking for me Willy, he tells me that doers and thinkers Say moving’s the closest thing to being free”
That’s it right there. Moving. The freedom to wander. The call of the road.
And then there’s Brother Highway by Ned LeDoux, the song that became the heartbeat of this community:
“The road and I have been like brothers From all the miles and time we’ve spent together Yeah, we’ve seen it all We both seen changes in our time Busted dreams and detour signs We keep rolling on”
That’s what Wandering Gypsy RV Life means to me. The busted dreams and detour signs, the sunsets that sneak up on you, the people you’d never have met if you hadn’t taken the turn off the GPS route. It’s about the miles that tell stories, the roads that become friends, and the firelight that gathers us together to share it all.
This Patreon is more than just support—it’s a campfire circle. It’s a place where the sparks become flames, where the firelight guides us, and where we blaze our own trails. Whether you’re a Wanderer just stepping onto the road or a Founder sitting at the heart of the fire, you’re part of this story.
👉 So come along for the ride. Pull up a chair at the fire. Let’s keep chasing those horizons together, one mile and one story at a time.
Love the stories, tips, and adventures you find here on Wandering Gypsy RV Life? You can help keep the wheels rolling and the campfire burning by joining my community on Patreon.
When you become part of the Campfire Circle, you’ll unlock:
🔥 Early access to blog posts and podcast episodes
🔥 Behind-the-scenes updates and photos from the road
🔥 Exclusive video diaries, live chats, and more
🔥 Autographed copies of my book Rolling Smooth for higher-tier patrons
Your support doesn’t just keep the lights on—it fuels the adventures, the storytelling, and the miles ahead. Whether you join as a Wanderer (free) or step closer to the fire as an Ember, Flame, Bonfire, Trailblazer, or Founding Member, you’ll always have a seat at the circle.
When I started my RV journey in Bessie, my 25-foot Forest River Sunseeker, I didn’t know much about water filtration. Like most beginners, I grabbed a Camco disposable filter off the shelf and called it good. At the time, I figured if it was in every RV aisle across America, it must be what everyone used. But as the miles rolled on and my rigs evolved—from Bessie to Bertha, and now Bertie Bea—I began to realize that not all water filters are created equal.
And let me tell you, after five years of life on the road, I finally found the system that made me comfortable drinking water straight from Bertie Bea’s faucets: the GoBluTech AR3 ELITE Bundle, complete with a 3-stage filtration system, a built-in water softener, three stainless steel quick-connect hoses, and the filters pre-installed. It’s the setup I wish I’d had from the start—and it’s why I’m sharing my journey, so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
The Basics: Types of RV Water Filters
Before we dive into why I chose GoBluTech, let’s take a quick tour of the common RV water filter options:
1. Inline Disposable Filters
Example:Camco RV & Marine Disposable Water Filter w/ Hose Protector
These are the “starter filters” you’ll find in nearly every RV supply store. They attach easily to the hose and offer basic sediment and carbon filtering. They’re inexpensive and disposable—but they’re also limited in effectiveness.
Pros: Cheap, easy to install, low maintenance.
Cons: Minimal filtration, no protection against bacteria or heavy metals, no water softening.
My Take: This was my first filter with Bessie, and while it got the job done, I never felt great about drinking from the tap.
2. Canister-Style External Filters
Example:Camco EVO Premium Water Filter Used With: Bertha (my second RV)
These filters use replaceable cartridges and typically mount externally. They do a better job at removing chlorine, sediment, and some taste/odor issues.
Pros: Better filtration than inline, affordable, multiple cartridge options.
Cons: Still external, single-stage, no softening or advanced purification.
My Take: It was a step up from the disposable, but I still relied on bottled water for drinking. It didn’t solve hard water or dry skin issues either.
3. Triple Canister Systems
Example:Clear Source Mini Triple External Water Filter
Used With: Bertie Bea, until June 2025
Triple canister systems improve on filtration with multi-stage sediment, carbon block, and/or virus filters. They provide much cleaner water, but often lack a softener.
Pros: Great for removing contaminants, long filter life, serious improvement in taste and clarity.
Cons: External setup, no softening, bulkier, and still some complexity in setup.
My Take: This was the first time I noticed a real difference in water taste and clarity, but it didn’t address hard water. I still had issues with dry skin and buildup on fixtures.
Why I Switched to GoBluTech AR3 ELITE
In June 2025, during the Tiffin Allegro Club “Riding the Range” Rally, I stopped by the TechnoRV booth and struck up a conversation. That conversation led me to the GoBluTech AR3 ELITE Bundle—and I’ve never looked back.
Here’s why it stands head and shoulders above every filter system I’ve used:
✅ True 3-Stage Filtration
Sediment Filter: Catches rust, dirt, and other particles.
Carbon Block Filter: Removes chlorine, VOCs, taste, and odor.
Nano Filter: Captures bacteria, cysts, heavy metals, and viruses.
This isn’t just about clear water—it’s about safe water.
✅ Built-in Water Softener
This feature is an absolute game-changer. Not only does it protect my plumbing and appliances, but it’s also drastically reduced my dry skin problems on the road. My water finally feels soft, and I can tell the difference in everything from showers to coffee.
✅ High-Quality Components
Stainless Steel Quick Connects – Leak-proof and easy to set up.
Braided Stainless Steel Hoses – Durable and built for the road.
All Filters Pre-Installed – No hassle when setting it up.
TechnoRV made the install process incredibly smooth, and I had it up and running within minutes of parking.
✅ Peace of Mind
Since installing the GoBluTech system, I don’t even question if I should drink the water anymore. I fill up my bottle straight from the faucet in Bertie Bea. It tastes better than bottled water, and I know it’s clean and safe.
That peace of mind is priceless.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Clean, safe water on the road isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer like me, your water system is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
I’ve been through the ranks—from disposable filters to canister systems—and the GoBluTech AR3 ELITE Bundle is the system I trust with my health, my comfort, and my rig.
If you’re ready to make the switch, grab it from TechnoRV here:
Your skin, your plumbing, and your taste buds will thank you.
Bonus Tip:
Pair your filter system with a stainless steel hose shark, quick connects, and a solid pressure regulator. You’ll be fully protected from campground surprises and on your way to the best water you’ve ever had on the road.
Blowouts, Bearings & Bull Riders: TPMS Truths from the Beyond the Chutes Super C — Live at Mountain Cove
byStan Cromlish
Recorded on location inside Doug Simcox’s custom Super C (the Beyond the Chutes Bus) at the 11th Annual Mountain Cove Cowboy & Cowgirl Reunion at beautiful Mountain Cove Farms Resort in Chickamauga, Georgia. This special round-table features Doug Simcox of Beyond the Chutes and his co-host/partner Sam Swearingen—retired saddle bronc rider, longtime stock contractor, and rodeo producer—swapping real roadside stories and hard-won lessons about keeping rigs (and horses) safe on the highway.
What you’ll hear
Sam’s rodeo road life: from broncs to stock contracting—and the nightmarish run that chewed through 11 tires before he ever reached the arena.
Why TPMS matters (RV & equine trailers): heat, pressure, and the early warnings that save tires, bearings, fenders, wiring—and sometimes your day.
Bearing failures & fire risk: how rising temps show up on sensors before you lose a hub (and how that protects expensive horses and gear).
Cold snaps & PSI drops: Stan’s real-world pre-trip where falling morning temps triggered low-pressure alerts on all ten tires.
Walk-arounds that work: quick routines, saved time, and the “data beats guesswork” mindset for safer travel.
Black tank bloopers: comic relief with clogged gates, mislabeled flush ports, and why “education beats excavation.”
Expandable setups: configuring multiple trailers, adding sensors later, and pairing layouts for duals, fifth wheels, and living quarters horse trailers.
Guests
Doug Simcox — Host of the Beyond the Chutes podcast; owner of a Super C, a long-haul tower, and storyteller.
Sam Swearingen — Co-host/partner on Beyond the Chutes; former PRCA/IPRA saddle bronc rider, stock contractor & rodeo producer.
Beyond the Chutes Podcast: rodeo history, legends & cowboy storytelling
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you—it helps keep the coffee hot and the wheels turning.
If today’s chat helped you adventure more and worry less, follow/subscribe, drop a review, and share this episode with a friend who tows—especially anyone hauling horses.
Music Credit
Theme: “Brother Highway” by Ned LeDoux — officially licensed for the Wandering Gypsy RV Life.
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