Tag: RV Lifestyle

Fixing Bertie Bea’s Water Leak: A Simple DIY Solution

Hey there, fellow Wanderers! Welcome back to The Wandering Gypsy RV Life. If you’ve been following along on Instagram and Facebook, you know that a few weeks ago, we discovered a pesky water leak in Bertie Bea’s bathroom. Well, I’m happy to report—it’s fixed! Let me explain exactly what we did to stop the leak and keep Bertie Bea dry and road-ready.

The Problem: A Pesky Leak in Bertie Bea

Water leaks in an RV can be a nightmare. Not only can they cause structural damage, but they can also lead to mold and other long-term issues if not addressed quickly. When I first noticed water seeping into Bertie Bea’s bathroom, I knew I had to act fast. After some investigation, I found that the leak was coming from the slide rail area—a common trouble spot for many RV owners.

The Solution: Building a Dam

To stop the water ingress, we needed a simple yet effective fix. Here’s what we did:

Rubber dam to block the water on the slide rail.
  1. Identified the Leak Source – We checked the slide rail area and pinpointed where water was sneaking in.
  2. Built a Barrier—We installed a rubber dam between Bertie Bea’s exterior and interior to block future water entry.
  3. Sealed & Tested—After installation, we ran a few tests to ensure that water no longer seeped inside. Success!

Now, Bertie Bea is dry and ready for more adventures—no more surprise puddles in the bathroom!

Lessons from the Road

RV life is full of challenges, but every problem is a learning opportunity. If you’re dealing with an RV water leak, here are a few quick tips:

✅ Act fast – The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get.
✅ Check common leak points – Slide rails, seals, and roof edges are the usual suspects.
✅ Use quality sealants – Investing in the right materials will save you time and money down the road.
✅ Test thoroughly – After a repair, always check for leaks before hitting the road again.

Life on the road isn’t always easy, but it’s always an adventure! Remember, not all who wander are lost. See you on the road!

Back Where It All Began: Travels with Bessie: In Her Own Words

I wrote this back in 2021 after my first year living the RV life from Bessie’s perspective. She was where this adventure began, and what an adventure it has been these past five years. Hope you enjoy this blast from the past.

Hello, my name is Bessie, and I am happy to meet you. I am a 2013 Forest River Sunseeker 2300 recreational vehicle, and since my new owner purchased me in July 2020, my life has improved. My previous owner did not keep up with my maintenance, and I was a little worse off with the wear. When he drove me away from where I had languished, I wondered about him and if he would take good care of me. I soon learned that I was in excellent hands. He was methodical with me, and I wondered why he’d chosen me to take him away from whatever troubled him. I could tell he longed to escape from something but didn’t know what yet.

Stan took me to the nice folks at Quality RV after he purchased me from Halesford Harbour Marine & RV in Moneta, VA on July 15, 2020. Quality RV made sure that I was in tip-top shape, and I was ready to go. They checked my fluids, tires, roof, and appliances and gave me a clean bill of health. I felt terrific and prepared to go, when Stan came at 5:00 am on August 15, 2020 to start his adventure.

Me, blissfully passing the time in the Taylor’s driveway.

That first day, he got to know all my highway idiosyncracies on his way to his dear friends in Cabot, AR, JoeAnn and Gary Taylor. Those first three days were blissful in their driveway except for Onie, the generator. Stan hadn’t gotten the hang of what power items could run while Onie, the Onan Genrator, made electricity and he popped a few of my circuit breakers and Onie’s, too.

“Hey, Onie, what just happened there?” I asked.

“Well, Bessie, our new owner should know not to run the A/C and microwave while I’m making power. He just popped my breaker. I’m sorry, but until he learns, I think this will happen a lot,” Onie replied.

“Yes, it will. What do you think of our new owner?”

“He’s better than our last one. My oil is fresh, and I’ve never felt better! Hope this TLC continues.”

“I think so, too. Look!” I exclaimed. “He’s reading his owner’s manual to find the issue.”

“Found it!” Onie said when Stan reset Onie’s breaker to restore power to me.

“That’s better. I have power again.”

After Arkansas, we left early on August 17 with Gary helping Stan get me out of their driveway on the hectic Highway 89. It was scary! Stan was still learning how to drive me in those early days of our trip. From Cabot, we went to Shawnee Mission, KS so that Stan could talk stamps with a philatelic friend. We spent the night in another driveway with Onie running so that Acie could keep Stan cool.

It seemed like that first week, we were on a mission. We left Kansas early the next morning and headed towards Nebraska. Stan played audiobooks and followed directions on the new radio he installed so that he could use his phone with it. iPhone and I had many discussions while I followed the directions Stan took.

“Where are we headed, Apple?”

“Don’t call me Apple! My name is Siri!”

“Ok, you don’t have to be cranky about it! Where are we headed, Siri?”

“Looks like Red Cloud, Nebraska, and a cemetery. Wonder why?”

“We will see in about 5 hours unless we stop.”

Stan paid his respect to Don and Velma Stratton in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

In Red Cloud, Nebraska, we drove up to the Red Cloud Cemetery, and as I was looking at the entrance gate, I was glad he had parked and walked in to visit the resting place of USS Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton and his wife, Velma. After about 30 minutes, Stan returned and pointed me towards Kearney, Nebraska where we spent the night in another driveway. And they plugged me in to charge my batteries and save Onie some wear and tear. Stan had a great conversation with a dog training buddy named Tim.

My view of the Archway — Kearney, Nebraska

In Kerney, Nebraska, Stan stopped me at the Archway and the pictures he took were shown to me by Siri.

“The Archway was on the trail to Oregon, and wagon trains passed by here. The stories of the wagons and the people are told in the museum.” Siri remarked to me.

My check engine light came on as we were leaving Kearney. Stan stopped everything and took me to the Ford dealership. The mechanic learned that my oxygen sensor was bad, but I wasn’t pulled in to fix it. I heard Stan calling all over Kearney to find someone who could fix me, to no avail. Finally, he was told that the sensor would not affect anything in my engine and that I was safe to drive. So, Stan told Siri to take him to Wall Drug in South Dakota.

We stopped at the Minuteman RV Park & Lodging in Phillip, South Dakota, for the night. Stan was tired after driving all day. The stay at Minuteman RV Park was the first stop where Onie was quiet the whole night. Stan used ramps to level me, plugged me in to good power, connected fresh water, and hooked up my sewer line. Stan was getting comfortable with everything it took to set me up. Fridge was happy to be running on electricity again.

“Electricity is so much warmer than propane. I was beginning to get frostbite.” Fridge remarked.

“You’re supposed to be cold like me. What’s the big idea?” Acie quipped.

“My insides are supposed to be cold, not my arteries, which are fed by propane. I much prefer electricity to freezing propane.”

“Quit whining, you two. What about me? Stan put corn gas in me and he gave me the knocks and shakes.” I chided and whined.

“Yes, but now he’s giving us the good stuff. I can tell. My insides are purring now.” Onie jumped in to lighten my mood.

“You’re right, but I’m still getting the bad stuff out of my system. You’re lucky you didn’t have to run on that junk.” I griped.

The following day, Stan woke up early and methodically made sure he dumped my black water and gray water tanks in the correct order. Black first, then rinse with the gray water. He would watch others talk about their RV on ‘Jensen.’ They gave excellent advice, and I saw some nice coaches who received about as much TLC as I did during that first year. I was a little jealous of the shine of some of the buses and the length of other coaches in my class, but one thing I knew was that I was loved.

Wall Drug Advertisement in my windshield

Stan finished getting everything disconnected, stored, and ready to travel. Stan let me warm up for 20 minutes while he prepared my interior to travel and make sure Siri knew where we were going. Our destination was Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. The signs on the highway advertised free ice water and 5-cent coffee. We arrived about 10:00 am and Stan had a little difficulty finding a parking spot that could accommodate my size. We finally found a parking spot, and I was parked next to some nice-looking coaches.

I was locked up and we didn’t see Stan for about 2 hours. I guess he enjoyed himself because he had postcards and a few other things when he returned from wherever he was. He pulled out an iPad, which is a bigger Siri, and looked at pictures. There was one of the post offices where he must’ve taken postcards because they left with him and never returned.

I was more than a little scared looking at the Bighorn Sheep at my door.

We left again. This time, it was for Badlands National Park, where I saw some beautiful but scary sights. We drove through the park and stopped at some overlooks, but what I remember most is the Bighorn sheep that was meandering down the road. He glanced at me and then stared at me. Those curled horns looked like they could go through my fiberglass exterior if he considered it. We stopped, which made me even more nervous. Stan used Siri to take pictures and he set Siri’s destination as Mount Rushmore.

August 21 was a long day. Siri and I passed the time in conversation.

“Hey, Siri. Where are we headed?” I asked.

“We’re heading to Mount Rushmore, a National Monument with the carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt,” Siri responded.

“Wonder why he wants to go there?”

“I think it’s because there’s something special about the place for him. But I don’t know what it is.”

“How long until we get there?”

“Three hours and fifteen minutes according to my map. But he’s getting tired, according to iWatch.”

“His heart rate is slowing. He’s tiring after all the exertion from the day.” iWatch interrupted Siri and me.

“Looks like we’re stopping. My gas tank is reading 1/2 full.” I said.

Stan filled me up and had Siri dial a number. I heard him make a reservation at Heartland RV Park. About an hour later, we stopped there and spent the night. He plugged me in and filled up my water tank.

The following day, I saw the most incredible sight: Mount Rushmore. We spent a few hours there. Siri showed me all the pictures of what she saw. They were incredible.

Siri showed me this image.

“How many people were there?” I asked Siri.

“Looked like thousands and most were wearing masks like Stan,” Siri replied.

“Why?”

“I keep seeing NEWS releases of a respiratory virus named COVID-19. It’s killed 165,000 in the United States, and the CDC recommends wearing a mask.”

“Sounds like it’s dangerous.”

“It is and I hope Stan can stay safe. He must wash his hands whenever he goes in and out somewhere.”

“I’ll ensure I keep him in hot water,” Suburban said.

“That will help,” Siri replied.

“Let’s all do our part to help him be safe and enjoy his trip.”

We left Mount Rushmore and headed for the Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer, SD. From miles away, I could see the granite carvings of a horse and a man. The closer we got, the better the view.

View through my windshield.

“Who was Crazy Horse?” I asked.

“He was a Sioux War Chief who contributed directly to General Custer’s defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn because of his delay of General Crook at the Battle of Rosebud Creek.”

“Wow!”

We spent about an hour here, and then we were off again.

“Where are we going, Siri?”

“Looks like a place called Devil’s Tower.”

“Sounds kinda scary.”

“Well, it was scary in a movie called Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

“How long until we get there?”

“Two hours.”

We passed a sign with a horse and a cowboy that read, “Welcome to Wyoming.” After another hour, I could see a round spire rising out of the landscape in the distance.

My Devil’s Tower View

“Is that Devil’s Tower?” I asked.

“Yes, it is.” Siri replied.

“It looks so small.”

“Well, we are still 20 miles away from it. You will be surprised how tall it is when we get closer to it.”

I was. It was huge. We spent about an hour here. I watched Stan walk up the trail and after a while he returned. He pulled out his National Park book and added several more stamps from the day. The KOA at Devil’s Tower was full, so we kept going. We stopped in Gillette, Wyoming, at the High Plains Campground.

I was plugged in, and Jensen came on for a little while. Stan used the stove and oven to cook himself a steak and french fries.

We left Gillette the following day, Sunday, August 23, and we drove to Cody, Wyoming where Stan set me up like we were going to be staying a while. He plugged me in and connected the water, sewer, and a wire for Jensen.

Little did I know that this was just the end of the first week of a twelve-week adventure. The Ponderosa Campground was my resting place for the week. Stan hardly left me because he was either on the phone or on Apple.

MacBook helping Stan do his job

“Apple, what is Stan doing?” I asked.

“I’m MacBook Pro, not Apple. And he’s doing complex calculations and programming to keep fuel in your tank and keep seeing all those beautiful sights he just mentioned to his manager.” MacBook replied.

I was thrilled to be on this adventure with my owner and new friends, MacBook and Siri, and my old friends, Onie, Acie, Suburban, Fridge, Stove, and Oven. They would make this trip memorable and enjoyable in so many ways.

Navigating a Tight Turn Into an RV Park: Avoiding the Curb-Jump Mistake

The entrance to the Boomtown Casino RV Park in beautiful Biloxi, Mississippi

Pulling into an RV park should be smooth, but making a tight turn with a large motorhome and tow car can quickly become challenging. In a recent experience with Bertie Bea and Rosie, I learned firsthand how easy it is to misjudge a turn.

After waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, I started my turn—but I turned too early. As a result, Bertie Bea’s rear wheels jumped the curb, and we came dangerously close to clipping a sign. It was a reminder that even experienced RVers must stay mindful of turn timing and surroundings.

Avoiding the Early Turn Trap

Large motorhomes don’t turn like standard vehicles. Their long wheelbase means that if you turn too soon, your rear wheels and tow vehicle may cut the corner too sharply. To avoid this:

• Pull forward more than you think before turning – It’s better to take the turn wide than to risk hopping the curb.

• Use your mirrors – Keep an eye on both your motorhome’s rear and your tow car to ensure they clear obstacles.

• Adjust as you go – Slow turns give you more control and allow for quick corrections.

Always Check Your Surroundings

Before committing to a turn, take a quick scan of the entrance:

• Are there curbs, poles, or signs nearby? As I learned, even a slight miscalculation can bring you too close to an obstacle.

• What’s the traffic situation? Vehicles behind you may not expect a wide swing, so be aware of your surroundings.

• How wide is the entrance? Some RV parks have tight clearances that require extra precision.

Lessons Learned

This experience with Bertie Bea and Rosie was a great reminder that even seasoned RVers can make simple mistakes. The key is to stay patient, take it slow, and double-check your turn radius before committing. Next time you’re pulling into a park, remember: wider is better than tighter, and patience beats curb damage every time.

Safe travels, and may your turns always be smooth!

Ensuring Power on the Go: The RVI Towed Battery Charger and Keeping Your Connector Secure

The maiden voyage of Bertie Bea and Rosie using a Blue Ox Towbar and the RVI Toad Battery Charger

For many RVers, towing a vehicle, or “toad,” behind their motorhome is common. It offers convenience once you’ve parked your rig, allowing you to explore the surrounding area without moving the motorhome. However, keeping the toad’s battery charged while towing can be challenging, especially on long trips. That’s where the RVI Towed Battery Charger comes in as a game-changer.

Why the RVI Towed Battery Charger is Essential

When towing a car behind your motorhome, auxiliary braking systems, like those made by RVi, often draw power from the towed vehicle’s battery. Over time, this constant drain can deplete your car’s battery, leading to frustrating delays when you arrive at your destination and find your toad’s battery dead. The RVI Towed Battery Charger solves this problem by keeping the battery topped off while you drive, ensuring your toad is ready to go when you are.

This intelligent charger pulls power from the motorhome and feeds it to the toad’s battery. It’s efficient, simple to install, and protects against overcharging, making it a must-have for anyone towing a vehicle regularly. It eliminates the worry of arriving at your destination only to deal with a dead battery, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels.

Don’t Forget the Connector Between the Motorhome and Towed Vehicle

The existing connector on my 2018 Chevrolet Equinox had corroded and was not configured correctly to power the RVI Toad Battery Charger, resulting in a consistently dead battery.

Another crucial element in the towing setup is the connector between your motorhome and the towed vehicle. This connector relays power, signals for lights, and sometimes braking data between the two vehicles. Without a secure connection, you risk losing critical functions like brake lights, turn signals, or the ability to charge the toad’s battery through the RVI charger.

During my drive up to Long Pond, PA, and the Penn Coachmen 2024 Rally, the battery in my 2018 Chevrolet Equinox died after three hours of being towed. I found that my ‘toad’ connector was not wired correctly and was not charging the battery enough using the RVI Towed Battery Charger. At the 2024 Penn Coachmen Rally, I got help rewiring a brand-new connector with the charge line in the correct place to the front of the Equinox and tested it. All my lights worked, and the battery charged.

On the drive back home, I did not have to worry about my car’s battery dying, and when I arrived at my evening campsite, Rosie started right up.

A word of advice: Before hitting the road, double-check the connector to ensure it’s securely plugged in. Inspect it for any wear, corrosion, or loose wires that could cause a disconnect while driving. Testing your lights and brake signals before departing is also a good idea to ensure everything functions properly.

A loose or damaged connector can affect the battery charging and create a safety hazard if your brake lights or turn signals fail to work. Make it part of your routine to inspect and secure the connection between your motorhome and toad before every journey.

Conclusion: Smooth Travels with RVI and a Secure Connector

Combining an RVI Towed Battery Charger and a reliable connector between your motorhome and toad vehicle ensures your travels are worry-free. The charger keeps your toad’s battery topped off, while an adequately maintained connector ensures that all systems work in sync. Together, they provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the road ahead without unnecessary breakdowns or electrical issues.

Whether you’re headed out for a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, these small steps can make a big difference in keeping your towed vehicle and motorhome running smoothly.

Penn Coachmen Rally 2024 at Pocono Raceway: Two Weeks of Speed, Safety, and Camaraderie

Penn Coachmen Rally Friends and I parked for two weeks of fun-filled rally activities.

The Penn Coachmen Rally 2024 was an unforgettable two-week experience at the iconic Pocono Raceway, one of NASCAR’s only independently owned tracks. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the setting provided a thrilling mix of motorsports excitement, valuable education, and community bonding.

A Heart-Racing Experience: Driving an 800hp Stock Car

The highlight for many was the chance to get behind the wheel of an 800-horsepower stock car and feel the raw power on the same track where NASCAR legends race. The Pocono Raceway’s unique “Tricky Triangle” was no match for RVers’ enthusiasm to push their limits. We received expert instruction on handling the car, from banking in the turns to the straightaways, where the adrenaline indeed kicked in. There’s something surreal about accelerating on a track where you usually only see professional drivers—an exciting experience that had everyone buzzing.

The Stock Car Racing Experience at the Tricky Triangle – Pocono Raceway

RV Tools and Fire Safety Tips from the Pros

Safety and preparedness were central themes during the rally. Gary Cipa, Steve Raye, and Eric Britz gave invaluable RV tool and fire safety presentations, informing us on best practices for staying safe on the road. Their tips, drawn from years of experience, covered everything from essential tools to keep in the rig to strategies for preventing and responding to fires. Their practical advice resonated with every attendee, ensuring we could all leave feeling more secure on our future RV adventures.

Non-Lethal Self-Defense with Byrna

One particularly intriguing demonstration was of the Byrna, a non-lethal self-defense weapon ideal for RV travelers. The Byrna shoots chemical irritant projectiles, giving RV owners peace of mind while traveling or camping in unfamiliar areas. Watching the demonstration and being able to shoot a Byrna was both eye-opening and comforting, knowing there is an effective but non-lethal protection option. For anyone spending long stretches in their RV like we do, knowing you’re prepared for any situation is reassuring.

Dining in the Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA

Stan’s Whatchamacallit Stew simmering for a rally meal

One of the best parts of the rally was the camaraderie among friends, especially during dinners. My 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA became our “Dining Hall,” where eleven of us gathered for a delightful evening meal. The final night’s highlight was Gillian Raye’s famous Chicken & Rice dish—hearty, flavorful, and the perfect comfort food after a long day of rally activities. The shared meals fostered a sense of community and brought everyone together, reminding us that the best memories often come from time spent with good friends over great food.

Two Weeks of Fun, Friendship, and Learning

From the thrills on the track to the practical lessons in safety and security, our two weeks at the Penn Coachmen Rally were packed with fun, education, and bonding. The Pocono Raceway provided the perfect backdrop for a well-rounded event that catered to both the need for excitement and the desire for deeper connections with fellow RVers.

The Benefits of FMCA Membership: More Than Just Rallies

This rally wouldn’t have been possible without the FMCA and the Penn Coachmen Chapter. FMCA membership offers so much more than just discounts and roadside assistance. It’s about joining a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for RVing. Chapter rallies like this one are an excellent way to meet new people, learn from seasoned RVers, and share tips and stories. FMCA’s international rallies are even more expansive, allowing members to connect with a global community of RV enthusiasts while enjoying the benefits of educational seminars, exhibitions, and entertainment.

If you’re not already an FMCA member, consider joining for the opportunity to be part of a supportive and active RV community. The friendships and experiences from chapter rallies, like the one we just enjoyed, are truly priceless.

The Penn Coachmen Rally 2024 at Pocono Raceway perfectly blended education, entertainment, and camaraderie. Whether it was the thrill of driving a stock car, learning vital RV safety tips, or enjoying delicious meals with great company, these two weeks will be remembered for years. Here’s to more rallies, friendships, and adventures on the open road!

Discover the Best Part of RV Life: The Family Motor Coach Association

If you’ve ever hit the road in an RV, you know the journey isn’t just about the miles or the destinations. It’s about the community you find along the way. For me, joining the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) in August 2020 was one of my best decisions. It’s not just a membership; it’s a lifeline to the best part of RV living.

FMCA Assist: A Lifesaver on the Road

One of the biggest perks of being an FMCA member is FMCA Assist, a program that offers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services. If you’re 75 miles or more from home and face a medical emergency, FMCA Assist will get you the care you need and can even help transport your RV back home. This benefit alone makes the membership worth every penny.

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park – April 2021

I wish I’d remembered this when I fractured my wrist and kneecap after tripping over a speed bump in April 2021. Instead of relying on my 80-year-old parents to drive my motorhome from Texas to North Carolina, FMCA Assist could have handled everything. It’s a service you hope you never need, but you’ll be glad you have it if the unexpected happens.

Hill Country Memorial Hospital – Fredericksburg, Texas – Surgery to repair fractured wrist from a fall – FMCA Assist could have been useful if I’d remembered to use it.

Learn the Ropes with FMCA University and RV Basics

RV Basics Instructors and the author at the 107th International FMCA Convention in GIllette, Wyoming (l-r Eric, Steve, Stan (author), and Gary)

When I first started RVing, I knew little about keeping my rig in top shape. That’s where FMCA University came in, offering courses on everything from RV maintenance to safe driving tips. Thanks to their seminars, online resources, and hands-on training, I’ve learned to troubleshoot and fix minor issues on my motorhome, Bertie Bea, as I navigate the highways and byways of America. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie, FMCA University and RV Basics has something to teach you. I’ve learned a lot from the knowledgeable instructors of the RV Basics program offered at the International Conventions.

Legendary Conventions and Lifelong Friendships

However, the real magic of FMCA lies in the camaraderie of its conventions and rallies. The international gatherings, like the upcoming one during March 2025 in Perry, Georgia, are more than just events; they’re reunions of the road. Imagine thousands of RVs gathered in one place, each with its own story, adventure, and history etched in sun-faded decals. Walking through the rows of rigs, you feel part of something bigger—a reminder that while the road may be long, you’re never alone.

At my first rally in Tucson in March 2022, I met two couples who quickly became some of my closest friends. That’s the beauty of FMCA rallies: they bring strangers together, and by the end of the week, you’ve made friends who feel like family. You’ll leave looking forward to the next gathering, knowing that your FMCA family will be at every turn of the road.

More Than a Membership—It’s a Lifestyle

FMCA isn’t just about the benefits, though they are substantial. It’s about embracing the RV lifestyle with a group of people who get it. It’s about sharing experiences, swapping tips, and knowing you have a network of fellow travelers ready to lend a hand. So, if you’re on the road, consider joining the FMCA. It might be the best decision you make on your RV journey across these wonderful United States.

If you are new to RVing or a seasoned pro, the FMCA is the best move you can make whether you’re in a Class A, Class B, or Class C motorhome, fifth-wheel, or travel trailer. You owe it to yourself to check out the FMCA (www.fmca.com)