Answers to RV Lifestyle Questions…. even the Personal Ones

This week on the RV Podcast:

We have a special edition with this episode of the RV podcast, answering your RV Lifestyle questions…. Even the personal ones. We have a bunch of them that we can't wait to get to and they will form this week’s RV Conversation of the Week.

And we also have the RV News of the Week and Mike & Jen's Storytime about taking our RV in a special stretch of road known as “The Tail of the Dragon.”

You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.

If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.

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RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK – Answers to RV Lifestyle Questions

This week's conversation of the week is with you as we answer a slew of audience questions, including some personal ones about us. We like to do this from time to time because, normally, we can only answer one or two questions each week. So this week, we get to clear out the mailbox.

From “Why did you start this blog?” to “When are you going to quit?” to questions about our professional journey, we're putting it all on the table.

We've been overwhelmed by your curiosity and thoughtful inquiries over the past few months, so it's time to pull back the curtain a bit.

This Q&A format gives us a chance to connect more personally with our readers while addressing the topics you've been most curious about. It's also a wonderful opportunity to highlight the diverse interests of our community.

So join us as we dive into your questions. And remember – no question is too simple or too complex. We're just grateful you're here with us on this journey.

Answers to RV Lifestyle Questions – RV Macerator vs Gravity Dump

QUESTION: I have the option of getting a macerator instead of a gravity dump on the new Class B motorhome we may purchase. What do I need to know about them?  Duane

ANSWER: A macerator pump system grinds waste and toilet paper into a slurry that can be pumped out through a smaller diameter hose (typically 1-inch) rather than the traditional 3-inch gravity dump hose. 

The main advantages of a macerator system are convenience and flexibility. The smaller hose is easier to store and handle than bulky sewer hoses. You can pump waste uphill if needed, and the system allows you to empty tanks from up to 150 feet away through the garden hose-sized pipe. This can be especially helpful at some residential locations or if the dump station is hard to access.

However, there are some important drawbacks to consider:

The system is more complex than gravity dumps, with more parts that can potentially fail. If the maserator stops working, you can't empty your tanks until it's repaired. They also typically take longer to empty tanks compared to gravity – around 5-7 minutes versus 2-3 minutes for gravity dumps.

Maserators require electricity to operate, which means they draw from your battery power. They can also be quite noisy while running. The smaller hose diameter means they can clog more easily if improper items are flushed, and replacement parts tend to be more expensive than gravity system components.

For Class B motorhomes specifically, the space-saving aspect of the smaller hose can be valuable given the limited storage. However, many experienced RVers prefer the simplicity and reliability of gravity dumps despite their bulkier hoses. If you do opt for a macerator, consider having a gravity dump bypass installed as a backup option.

Gooseneck vs Traditional Hitch for Fifth Wheel

QUESTION: We are getting a new fifth wheel. My buddy says I should get a gooseneck hitch, for it's only a truck. What’s the difference between it and a regular fifth-wheel hitch? – Larry

ANSWER: A gooseneck hitch is essentially a ball mounted in your truck bed, similar to what you'd see used for horse trailers. A fifth-wheel hitch, on the other hand, has a larger plate-style connection that looks somewhat like the hitches used on semi-trucks, though smaller.

Here are the key differences:

The fifth-wheel hitch is generally considered better for RV use because:

• It provides more stability during towing
• Creates less noise and movement while driving
• Offers a smoother towing experience overall
• Is specifically designed for RV weight distribution
• Has a tighter turning radius
• Most fifth-wheel RVs come ready to connect to a fifth-wheel hitch

The gooseneck has some disadvantages for RV use:

• You'd need an adapter to connect your fifth-wheel RV to it
• The connection point isn't as stable
• There's typically more chucking (front-to-back movement)
• The turning radius is usually wider with an adapter
• Most insurance companies prefer fifth-wheel hitches for RV towing

While a gooseneck might be tempting because it's usually less expensive and can be stored flat in your truck bed when not in use, I'd strongly recommend going with a proper fifth-wheel hitch for your new RV. The improved stability and safety features are worth the extra investment, especially considering you're towing a new fifth-wheel that represents a significant investment.

If you do get a fifth-wheel hitch, look for one rated well above your RV's weight and consider features like easy release, automatic locking, and pivot points for smoother towing.

More Answers to RV Lifestyle Questions — Starlink Mini vs Regular Dish

QUESTION: We are convinced it’s time to get Starlink for our RV. What are the differences between the Starlink mini and the regular Starlink? – Kim and John

ANSWER: First, let’s talk price. Starlink is always changing prices so understand that. Right now, as we record this in late February 2025, the Starlink Mini is available for $499 – about 17% off the normal retail price of $599. You can subscribe to the Roam 50GB plan for $50/mo or the Roam Unlimited Plan for $165/mo. As for the Starlink regular dish, it costs $349, considerably less. The monthly service fees are the same, $50 a month for 50 GB of data, $165 a month for Roam Unlimited.

So here’s the benefits of the mini, even though it costs more:

• Much smaller footprint at just 12 inches by 12 inches compared to the standard 20-inch diameter
• Lighter weight at 1.5 pounds versus 9.2 pounds for the standard dish
• Easier to store and transport in your RV
• Uses less power – about 50% less than the standard dish, That’s a big deal when boondocking.
• Can be set up more quickly and in tighter spaces at campgrounds

However, there are some tradeoffs:

• The Mini has slightly lower performance in extreme weather conditions
• Download speeds average around 112 Mbps compared to about 130 Mbps with the standard dish
• May have more difficulty maintaining connection in areas with heavy tree cover
• Currently only works in the continental US, while the standard dish works across North America

For most RVers, the Mini's advantages in terms of portability and ease of setup outweigh the slight performance differences. The compact size is particularly valuable for Class B vans and smaller RVs where storage space is at a premium.

Since you'll typically be moving locations frequently in an RV, having a lighter, more compact system that you can easily set up and take down is often more important than the marginal speed difference. Plus, even the slightly lower speeds of the Mini are still more than adequate for video streaming, video calls, and most remote work needs.

The one exception might be if you frequently camp in heavily wooded areas or plan to travel extensively in Canada or Mexico – in those cases, the standard dish might be worth considering for its stronger signal capabilities and broader coverage area.

Okay.. time for a quick break. When we come back, we’ll tackle the personal questions you’ve sent us.

Answers to RV Lifestyle PERSONAL Questions

QUESTION: How did you two start all this? I gather from listening to a few episodes that Mike was a reporter or anchorman. How did this all unfold?

ANSWER: Our RV Lifestyle blog is the realization of a dream decades in the making. We're living it out like one giant movie, watching North America roll by through the wide expanse of our RV's windshield. We can stop anytime and explore anywhere we want, sharing our adventures through our blog, RV Podcast, YouTube Channel, weekly newsletter, and active social media groups. Along the way, we've authored 22 books and travel guides about the RV Lifestyle.

Our journey has been pure serendipity – those “happy accidents” and “pleasant surprises” that happen by chance along the way. It perfectly describes what we discover each day in our wandering life on the road. It all began when Jennifer and I purchased a used Roadtrek Class B campervan in early 2012, fulfilling years of dreaming. As for me, I started blogging about our travels across North America, our experiences with the RV, and the fascinating people and places we encountered.

My previous career as a journalist had taken me everywhere – across the U.S. and Canada, overseas, covering wars, presidents, the Pope, and even the Queen. I worked for major city newspapers, television stations, and NBC News. At one point, I traveled so frequently that my newspaper ran an ad calling me “one of America's Most-Traveled Reporters.” But that was what we called “parachute journalism” – dropping into an area, covering just one story, and quickly moving on to the next, sometimes after only a few hours.

After leaving daily journalism, I wanted to revisit those places and discover what I'd missed. Our RV became the perfect vehicle for this new chapter, and together with Jennifer and our Norwegian Elkhounds, we set out to explore. First with Tai, and after his passing, with Bo, who's known nothing but RV life since he was a puppy. Our blog launched in March 2012, and we've covered over 300,000 miles since then.

Our journalistic background has taught us that every place has a story to tell. We wander, engage with locals, and capture our experiences through photos and videos. Often, we find ourselves with more stories than we can possibly share. Now in our 13th year of traveling, our enthusiasm hasn't waned – if anything, it's grown stronger with each passing mile.

Our adventure shows no signs of slowing down. We still approach each trip with the excitement of newcomers, eager to discover what lies around the next bend. This is our story, and it continues to unfold with each passing day.

When will Mike & Jen Quit the RV Lifestyle?

QUESTION: I know you guys are in your sixties or seventies. Isn’t it getting close to retirement time for you two? – Randi

ANSWER: Yes, we are indeed in our 70s, but our relatively good health and enthusiasm for the RV lifestyle keep us going strong. We wake up each morning excited about the day ahead, motivated by new destinations to explore and fresh adventures to share with our community. There's something energizing about helping fellow RVers discover amazing places and navigate their own journeys.

Our calendar is actually quite full through 2025, with lots of trips planned, three big rallies, a long north-to-south cross-country trip in the fall, and more than a few special projects we're developing for our RV Lifestyle community. As long as we can continue safely operating our RV and maintaining the pace of content creation that our audience has come to expect, we plan to keep at it.

Sure, we know we'll eventually need to slow down a bit – that's just part of life's journey. But for now, we're blessed with good health, a wonderful support team, and a deep passion for what we do. Each new place we visit and every person we meet along the way adds another chapter to our ongoing adventure.

After all, age is just a number, and as long as we're able to inspire others to embrace the RV lifestyle and share the beauty of North America's highways and byways, we'll keep rolling along. The road ahead still calls to us just as strongly as it did when we started this journey back in 2012.

How Many RVs Have Mike & Jen Had?

QUESTION: How many different RVs have you owned through the years and what is your favorite? Gary and Zoe

ANSWER: Our first RV was a Coleman pop-up camper, and then we moved to a 13-foor Shasta trailer. We took our kids camping every weekend as they grew up. 

As they became teenagers and preferred hanging with their friends, we tented for years.

In 2012, as we said earlier, we bought our first Class B campervan. Several others followed, then we got B+ vans, Class C RVs, another trailer along the way that we hauled on a family trip up and down the Rockies, and then fifth wheels. We currently have a 45-foor Montana High Country Fifth Wheel that we call our “condo on wheels.”

All told over more than 45 years of camping, we have had 10 different RVs. 

And don't forget two or three tents, too.

As to our favorite, It’s pretty hard to pick one. The ones we probably enjoyed the most were our B+ vans – which are really Class C motorhomes, B+ is just a marketing term – and our current Montana fifth wheel. But we also really had a ball in those first campervans a decade ago.

What are the Most Common RV Lifestyle Questions?

QUESTION: What are the most common questions you have received over the years? – Jason

ANSWER: We get so many questions that to answer this one, we need to categorize them. And most fit into one of five categories. Based on years of experience writing about RVs and interacting with the RV community, here are the most frequently asked questions about recreational vehicles:

The first category of common questions revolves around choosing an RV: “What type of RV should I buy?” This includes questions about Class A motorhomes versus Fifth Wheels, Class B campervans versus travel trailers, and which size is most appropriate for different travel styles. Related to this are questions about whether to buy new or used, and what brands are most reliable.

We never answer that question because every person is different. We urge them to visit RV shows, rent several of them to see what fits them best and that buying used is almost always the best deal.

The second major category concerns costs: People frequently ask about the true cost of RV ownership, including not just the purchase price but also insurance, maintenance, campground fees, fuel expenses, and depreciation. Many want to know about financing options and whether RVing is really less expensive than traditional travel.

The answer to that is that for vacations and weekend getaways, RVing is always less expensive than air travel, hotels, and eating out. For full-time or most-time use, the RV Lifestyle is about the same or maybe just a little cheaper and living in a sticks-and-bricks house.

The third common area is about practical operation: “How hard is it to drive/tow an RV?” is a very frequent question. People want to know about special licenses needed, how to handle backing up, and what kind of vehicle they need for towing. They also ask about learning to operate RV systems like waste tanks, electricity, and propane.

We do our best to answer specific questions, but in general, searching YouTube will provide very detailed answers to all those questions and do so in show and tell fashion. We have done videos on all those topics on our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel.

Technical questions make up the fourth category: Common queries include how to maintain RV batteries, what size generator is needed, how to winterize an RV, and how to handle routine maintenance. People often ask about solar power options and internet connectivity while traveling.

That’s where we direct people to become members of our RVCommunity.com That’s where real RVers will help. 

The fifth category involves lifestyle questions: These include how to find campgrounds, whether it's possible to RV year-round, how to handle receiving mail, what it's like living in small spaces, and whether it's suitable for families or pets. Many ask about working remotely from an RV and staying connected while on the road.

We share our experiences on all this, gently explaining that every person’s RV is different and their experience level is different. We have hundreds of articles on all these topics from our RVLifestyle.com blog. Just search on the topic, and they’ll usually find several articles about their very question.

Why Are Mike & Jen So Positive?

QUESTION: We love the way you guys are so transparent about the RV Lifestyle. You show the ups and downs and don’t try to sugarcoat things. But even after things like your wrecked tailgate the other day, you seem so positive. How do you stay so upbeat all the time? – Ellie

ANSWER: Our positive outlook on the RV lifestyle comes naturally because of the incredible experiences it brings us each day. Traveling across North America in our RV has enriched our lives in so many ways – from the friendships we've formed at campgrounds and rallies to the breathtaking places we discover around every bend. Having Bo along with us adds another layer of joy to our adventures.

One of the most rewarding aspects is helping others realize their own RV dreams. Whether it's through our guides, videos, or personal interactions, seeing people embrace this lifestyle and find their own path to happiness is truly fulfilling. And while we're out exploring, we get to witness firsthand how welcoming and wonderful the RV community really is.

Sure, RV life comes with its share of challenges – from mechanical issues to weather complications – but they pale in comparison to the rewards. Every morning brings a new opportunity to experience something amazing, whether it's a stunning sunrise over the desert, a moose sighting in the northern woods, or simply sharing coffee with fellow travelers swapping stories about the road.

Despite what headlines might suggest, our travels constantly remind us that the world is still full of good people and beautiful places. It's hard not to be optimistic when you're living a life that lets you wake up in a new location whenever you choose, surrounded by nature and endless possibilities for adventure.

RV News of the Week

The U.S. Forest Service is cutting 3,400 new hires and the National Parks Service is cutting 1,000 under the Trump Administration's plan to cut federal spending. The administration IS permitting 5,000 seasonal workers to be hired by the park service, but when combined with the new cuts, the move is causing concern about summer staffing.

The RV Industry is anxiously monitoring the impact newly announced tariffs by the Trump Administration will have on its industry manufacturing costs. A 25-percent tariff on all aluminum and steel imports was recently announced, then Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on countries that currently limit U.S. exports or subsidize their own industries, and the pauses on tariffs with Mexico and Canada come up again March 1. Stay tuned!

Camping and even entering an Arizona state park is about to cost a lot more starting Feb. 25. Vehicle entry fees will now be between $10 and $30 per vehicle (depending on location) – before it was as low as $7, camping fees will range from $25 per night for “rustic” sites with no water or electrical hook-ups to $75 per night for oversized sites with full hookups while before it was $15-$50.

A bill to prevent things like golf courses, pickleball courts and hotel-style lodges from being developed in Florida state parks is moving its way through the Florida legislature. The bi-partisan bill is being carefully followed by many campers and outdoor enthusiasts and is a response to a plan the Florida governor announced – then withdrew- last year after much public uproar.

A tree crashed on to an RV camping near the Nevada County Fairground in California, nearly slicing the RV in two. A woman and her two dogs were trapped inside before being rescued by the Nevada County Consolidated Fire Department. Miraculously, there were no injuries.

This week, Wendy Bowyer is under the weather with the flu. So we gave her a Bye Week to recover. She’ll be back next week.

Why RVCommunity.com is your RV Tribe

But meantime, when it comes to RV Social Media, THE place you need to go is our RVCommunity.com.

Are you searching for your RV tribe? Well, look no further than RVCommunity.com—because the journey is always better together!

Picture this: You’re connecting with RVers online who share your passions—from boondocking under the stars to swapping campfire recipes, capturing stunning landscapes through your lens, or even traveling with your four-legged co-pilots. With over two dozen specialized groups, there’s a space for everyone. Best of all? No ads. No distractions. Just real conversations and genuine friendships.

But that’s not all! Join us at three exclusive rallies every year, held in breathtaking locations across North America. Share stories, learn from experienced travelers, and create unforgettable memories—because RVing is about the people you meet along the way.

Plus, you’ll get direct access to Mike and Jennifer—with regular livestreams, instant chat, and meetups, both regional and national. Here, you’re not just joining a community—you’re becoming part of an RV family.

So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or living life on the road full-time, there’s a place for you at RVCommunity.com. And guess what? Membership starts for less than the price of a cup of coffee each month!

So, why wait? Your tribe is waiting. Find them today at RVCommunity.com—where RVers don’t just meet, they become lifelong friends.

Because the best part of the journey is who you share it with!

MIKE AND JEN’S STORYTIME  – We drove the Tail of the Dragon in an RV

We’ve taken our RV to some great places: going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Park, up to the top (and down again) of Pikes Peak in Colorado, through the Great Plains, The Nebraska Sand Hills, Deserts, and Seashores.

But one of the most memorable was an accident – US 129 on our route to the Smoky Mountains and the Bryson City area of North Carolina. The roadsigns say US129 and we just thought it was another road.

But its real fame, to those who know it best, is the 11-mile stretch called the Tail of the Dragon.

We didn't intentionally choose US 129 on our route to the Smoky Mountains and the Bryson City area there. Our GPS system put us on that road. Fortunately, we were in a small Class B RV at the time.

It's known for its 318 curves and is slightly downhill if you’re traveling from Tennessee as we were.

We didn't see any other RVs on the day we drove it.

The road is very scenic, bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. There are no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

The fact that there is such a thing as the “DragonTail Death map” says it all. How many accidents happen on the tail of the dragon? On the Tennessee side of the Tail of the Dragon, there were a total of 165 crashes in 2020 and 2021, 123 of which involved motorcycles, including nine fatalities – all motorcyclists.

It is not a road for the squeamish. We drove our 23-foot-long van white-knuckled as motorcyclists sped all around us. We pulled into every scenic overview to calm the heart rate. Everyone was friendly, and the motorcyclists said we deserved a special patch.

Truthfully, it wasn’t That bad. Whenever I saw a bunch of bikers coming up behind me, I tried to pull over onto the shoulder so they could easily pass.

If I knew ahead of time that I was heading into the Tail of the Dragon in my RV, I probably would have tried to find an alternate route. But we were in it, and at the end of those 11 miles, we were exhilarated.

We did a video on our experience and you can see that below.

The lesson from our encounter with the Dragon: Just because GPS sends you that way, doesn’t mean it’s always the best route. A paper map would have shown us all those curves on …. The Tail of the Dragon.