Rolling Smooth: How to Enjoy the RV Life Without Losing Your Cool – Book One
Rolling Smooth: How to Enjoy the RV Life Without Losing Your Cool is your go-to guide for navigating the open road with confidence and a sense of humor. Written by full-time RVer Stan Cromlish of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, this book blends real-life stories with practical advice to help you embrace the highs and handle the lows of RV living. From learning the ropes of campground life to overcoming black tank fiascos, Rolling Smooth is equal parts entertainment and education. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or planning the big full-time leap, this book offers valuable insights, road-tested tips, and a reminder that even the roughest roads can lead to beautiful destinations.
This companion page hosts all the useful links, checklists, downloads, and tech recommendations mentioned throughout the book—organized by chapter to help you keep rolling smooth, wherever your journey takes you.
Towable RV Maintenance Decision Matrix from Chapter Three
| System/Component | What to Check | Frequency | Why It Matters |
| Tow Vehicle | Tires, brakes, fluids, hitch, electrical | Before each trip | Prevents breakdowns and ensures safe towing |
| Trailer Tires | PSI, tread, age, sidewalls | Before each trip & replace every 5 years | Avoids blowouts |
| Wheel Bearings & Hubs | Grease & inspect | Annually or 10–12k miles | Prevents overheating and wheel loss |
| Suspension | Springs, shackles, bushings | Annually | Maintains ride quality and safety |
| Electrical | Lights, outlets, battery | Before each trip | Keeps systems functional |
| Appliances | Fridge, stove, water heater | Before each trip | Ensures comfort on the road |
| Propane System | Tanks, regulator, hoses | Annually | Prevents leaks and fire hazards |
| Air Conditioners | Filters, cooling function | Seasonally | Comfort in hot climates |
| Generator (if used) | Run under load, oil change | Monthly use or seasonally | Keeps backup power ready |
| Water/Sanitation | Hoses, tank sanitation | Before each trip | Ensures safe water supply |
| Storage Prep | Tires, battery, covers, seals | At storage start & mid-season | Reduces deterioration |
Cellular Internet vs. Starlink from Chapter Four
| Feature | Cellular Internet | Starlink High Performance |
| Speed | 50–100 Mbps in good areas | 100–200 Mbps in ideal conditions |
| Coverage | Best in cities/towns; weak in remote areas | Strong in remote areas with clear sky view |
| Reliability | Can drop in rural areas or at crowded events | Can drop with obstructions or severe weather |
| Setup | Always on with Pepwave | Requires dish and power; mine is permanently mounted |
| Cost | Monthly plan cost varies; hardware investment upfront | Higher hardware cost; steady monthly fee |
| Best Use | Backup connection, travel days, urban coverage | Primary connection in rural and boondock spots |
Internet Decision Matrix from Chapter Four
| Feature / Consideration | Campground WiFi | Starlink Satellite Internet | Cellular Internet |
| Speed Potential | 1–20 Mbps typical; can be faster at well-equipped parks | 100–200 Mbps down, 15–30 Mbps up in ideal conditions | 50–100 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up in strong coverage areas |
| Reliability | Varies greatly; often poor during peak usage | High in open areas with clear sky; weather & obstructions can cause brief outages | High in cities/towns; can drop in remote or overloaded tower areas |
| Coverage Area | Only at the park you’re staying in | Anywhere with clear view of the sky in service area | Nationwide where cellular towers exist |
| Setup / Effort | None beyond logging in; may require going to common area | Portable dish requires setup; permanent mount is plug-and-play | Always on with mobile hotspot or router |
| Best Use Case | Casual browsing, checking email, light social media | Primary connection in rural/remote areas | Primary or backup in urban/suburban areas; mobile use while driving |
| Monthly Cost | Often included in campsite fee | $150–$250 (hardware + $150+ service) | $50–$150+ per line depending on plan/data cap |
| Hardware Cost | None | $599–$2,500 depending on dish model & mount | $0–$1,000+ for hotspot or router + antennas/boosters |
| Strengths | Free/low cost, easy access | High-speed in remote areas, unlimited data | Flexibility, mobility, redundancy with multiple carriers |
| Weaknesses | Slow, congested, insecure | Needs power & open sky, higher cost | Coverage gaps in very remote areas, potential data caps |
Pros and Cons of Full Time RVing from Chapter Five
| Category | Pros | Cons |
| Freedom & Flexibility | – Wake up in a new location as often as you want. – Change your travel plans on a whim. – Chase good weather, events, or personal interests. | – Constant decision-making about where to go next. – Travel fatigue from always being on the move. |
| Scenery & Experiences | – Access to national parks, remote boondocking spots, small towns, and big cities. – Exposure to a wide range of cultures and communities. | – Sometimes you have to pass up great spots because of size restrictions, lack of hookups, or timing. |
| Community | – RV rallies, campground neighbors, and online RV groups create a sense of belonging. – Friendships form quickly and often become lifelong bonds. | – Relationships can be transient—people move on to their next destination. – Occasional loneliness if traveling solo or without planned meetups. |
| Cost of Living | – Can be less expensive than owning a sticks-and-bricks home (no property taxes, downsized possessions). – Flexibility to adjust expenses based on location and travel pace. | – Fuel costs fluctuate and can be high for long hauls. – RV maintenance and repairs can be unpredictable and expensive. |
| Home Maintenance | – In many brand-specific service centers (Tiffin in Red Bay, AL; others in Elkhart, IN), you can live in your RV while it’s being worked on. – Easier to manage projects because your “home” is right there. | – Coordinating repairs while living in your RV can disrupt daily life. – Limited space to work around major projects. |
| Mechanical Reliability | – You learn to be more self-reliant and resourceful. – A stocked tool kit can solve many small issues on the spot. | – Breakdowns in remote areas can be stressful, costly, and time-consuming. – Some repairs require specialized parts or skills not available nearby. |
| Downsizing & Minimalism | – Forces you to prioritize what really matters. – Less clutter, fewer unnecessary purchases. | – Limited storage means you can’t always carry specialty gear, hobbies, or seasonal items. – Letting go of sentimental possessions can be difficult. |
| Connectivity | – With the right setup (Starlink, cellular, boosters), you can work and stream from almost anywhere. – Opportunity to disconnect when you choose. | – Remote areas can have zero service, even with multiple internet options. – Weather or terrain can affect satellite connectivity. |
| Lifestyle Balance | – Opportunity to integrate travel, hobbies, and work into daily life. – Ability to slow down and appreciate the journey. | – Constant planning for routes, fuel, reservations, and maintenance can be mentally exhausting. |
| Nature & Adventure | – Immediate access to hiking, fishing, paddling, or whatever outdoor activities you enjoy. – Every day has potential for new adventures. | – Weather can dictate your plans. – Wildfire smoke, hurricanes, and storms can force sudden reroutes. |
| Independence | – No landlord, no HOA, no mortgage. – Total control over where and how you live. | – All responsibility for maintenance, logistics, and safety is yours. – No one else to blame when something goes wrong. |
Pros and Cons of Part-Time RV Living from Chapter Five
| Category | Pros | Cons |
| Flexibility | – No pressure to constantly be on the move. – Keep a traditional home base for stability. | – Travel limited to vacation days, holidays, and weekends. – Less ability to chase good weather year-round. |
| Costs | – Lower fuel and campground expenses compared to full-time travel. – Less wear and tear from constant road use. | – Still have to maintain and insure your RV year-round. – Storage fees if not kept at home. |
| Home Comforts | – Full access to a permanent home when you want it. – More room for hobbies, storage, and entertaining. | – Transitioning between home and RV can feel like packing for a trip each time. |
| Maintenance | – Systems get a break between trips. – Easier to schedule major repairs when you’re not traveling. | – Idle systems can fail from lack of use. – More pre-trip preparation needed. |
| Travel Mindset | – Each trip feels like a special getaway. – Less burnout from constant travel planning. | – Harder to develop the “travel rhythm” that makes RV life smooth. – Less immersion in RV community. |
| Depreciation | – Slower mileage-based depreciation. – Can extend the life of your RV over more years. | – Age-based depreciation still happens even when parked. |
| Lifestyle Balance | – Ability to blend RV travel with a stable home life, career, or family commitments. | – Harder to fully immerse in the RV lifestyle culture. |
| Storage & Packing | – More space at home for seasonal gear and personal belongings. | – Packing/unpacking for every trip can be time-consuming. |
Helpful Links and References from Chapter Eight
RV Purchasing Tools
- RV Trader – Browse thousands of new and used RVs nationwide.
- RVT.com – Another large marketplace for buying and selling RVs.
- NADA Guides (J.D. Power) – Check RV values before you buy or sell.
- PPL Motor Homes – Large RV consignment dealer with listings and photos.
RV Trip Planning
- RV Life Trip Wizard – Plan routes, find campgrounds, and avoid low clearances.
- Campendium – Find campsites, RV parks, and boondocking spots with reviews.
- Allstays Camp & RV – Comprehensive campground and overnight parking database.
- Harvest Hosts – Overnight stays at wineries, breweries, farms, and attractions.
- Recreation.gov – Book U.S. federal campgrounds, permits, and tours.
RV Organizations
- Family RVing Association (FMCA) – Member benefits, rallies, and training.
- Escapees RV Club – Advocacy, community, mail forwarding, and education.
- Xscapers – Escapees community for working-age and remote-working RVers.
- Good Sam Club – Discounts on camping, fuel, and products.
RV Products and Services
- TechnoRV – RV electronics, safety products, and training.
- Motorhome Tires – Nationwide mobile RV tire installation.
- Precision RV Repair – RV repair specialists in Mississippi and beyond.
- Proteng Fire Suppression – Automatic fire suppression systems for RVs.
- TST Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems – TPMS products for RV safety.
General Travel & Lifestyle Tools
- GasBuddy – Find the cheapest fuel prices on the road.
- iOverlander – Free camping, water, propane, and dump station locations.
- Roadtrippers – Plan scenic routes and find attractions along the way.
