In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life, Stan reflects on the two essential members of his traveling family: Bertie Bea, his 36-foot Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34PA, and Rosie, his dependable Chevrolet Equinox. A recent repair story brought attention to one rig — and made him realize how much the other deserved recognition, too.

Stan shares how each vehicle shapes his life on the road, from long-haul comfort to small-town maneuvering, from mountain passes to grocery runs. Along the way, he talks about the deeper truth of RV life: the rigs and gear we depend on become part of our story — trusted companions who carry us through every mile, memory, and mishap.

Join him for a heartfelt look at life behind the wheel, what these two rigs mean to the Wandering Gypsy RV Life, and a quick preview of his upcoming trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

🔗Links Mentioned in This Episode

🌐 Wandering Gypsy RV Life Website:

https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com

🛠️ TechnoRV — RV Gear I Trust:

Use my affiliate link here: https://technorv.com?Click=12127

📚 Rolling Smooth (Books & RV Guides):

Available through the Wandering Gypsy RV Life website

🔥 Patreon – Join the Campfire Circle:

Get behind-the-scenes videos, bonus episodes, and extras

https://www.patreon.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife

🎙️ Beyond the Chutes Podcast (Doug Simcox):

https://beyondthechutes.show

After a surprise sideswipe at Ocean Lakes Family Campground left Bertie Bea with a few unwanted “beauty marks,” I headed straight to the RV repair capital of the Tiffin world—Red Bay, Alabama, and Belmont, Mississippi. What I found (as always) was an incredible community of small, specialized cottage shops dedicated to keeping Class A motorhomes rolling smooth.

In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, I walk through my three-day repair adventure at Ricky McGee’s Pro Finishes and highlight the talented artisans who make Red Bay a pilgrimage site for Tiffin owners.

We cover the whole ecosystem, including:

• Ricky McGee’s Pro Finishes – expert paint, bodywork, and factory-quality finishes

• Fowler Detailing – deep cleaning, oxidation removal, and that show-stopping shine

• Bunkhouse RV Conversions – custom cabinetry, bunks, and interior transformations

• Precision RV – the slide-out whisperers & roof strip-and-reseal perfectionists

• Brewer Electronics – wiring, audio/video, cameras, satellites & electrical diagnostics

• The Tiffin Service Center – the mothership for major structural and factory repairs

These small-town shops aren’t just businesses—they’re the heartbeat of the Tiffin community. Former Tiffin employees, family-run operations, and master artisans who treat your rig like their own. If you’re a Tiffin owner, this episode is your guide to the Red Bay–Belmont repair and upgrade world.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

🌐 Wandering Gypsy RV Life Website: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com

📸 Follow on Social Media:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

Instagram: https://instagram.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WanderingGypsyRVLife

🔥 Join the Campfire Circle on Patreon: https://patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

🛠️ TechnoRV (Affiliate Link): https://technorv.com?Click=12127

Your source for RV gear, safety, and education.

🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast (Doug Simcox): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondthechutes

📣Support the Show

If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow RV wanderers. Your support keeps this journey rolling smooth.

#WanderingGypsyRVLife #TiffinMotorhomes #RedBayAL #BelmontMS #RVLife #FullTimeRVer #RVMaintenance #RVEducation #TiffinFamily #RVCommunity #ClassARV #RVTravel #RVRepairs #MotorhomeLife #PrecisionRV #FowlerDetailing #BunkhouseRV #BrewerElectronics #TechnoRV #RollingSmooth

In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, I’m coming to you from Bertie Bea at the Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA Holiday during the PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals. My guest is my good friend Doug Simcox, host of Beyond the Chutes and the driver of the well-traveled BTC bus.

Doug just wrapped up a Texas rodeo swing, visiting PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen, Glen Bird, Ronnie Williams, Wild West Ward, and Kelly Clark. Along the way, he collected unforgettable rodeo stories—and a few breakdowns that turned into teachable moments for every RVer and horse hauler.

We talk about:

• Dumping in Lucas fuel treatment after a sketchy fuel stop—and discovering the truck has never run better

• My own MPG jump in Bertie Bea using Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

• A broken belt tensioner at an Arkansas rest area and a Tractor Supply “MacGyver” fix

• A red-hot wheel bearing caught just in time at a Little Rock truck stop

• How rest-area three-card Monte scams target travelers

• Why annual maintenance, inspections, and a good RV GPS matter more than ever

• Real-life RV hazards: shredded truck-tire alligators, roadside debris, and a costly awning scrape at Ocean Lakes

We connect all of this back to the Rolling Smooth series—from maintenance tips to the stories that fill From Breakdowns to Belly Laughs. Doug also shares why preserving rodeo history matters and previews new episodes coming from his Texas run and recent rodeo reunions.

If you love RV life, rodeo stories, and lessons learned the hard way, this episode is right up your alley.

Links Mentioned

Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com

Rolling Smooth Series: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth/

Autographed Books:

How to Enjoy the RV Life – https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/product/rolling-smooth-how-to-enjoy-the-rv-life-without-losing-your-cool-autographed-copy/

Keeping Your Rig Road-Ready – https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/product/rolling-smooth-keeping-your-rig-road-ready/

TechnoRV (affiliate): https://technorv.com?Click=12127

Beyond the Chutes Podcast: https://beyondthechutes.show

The Black Tank Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk1mfl27umU

Patreon – Campfire Circle: https://www.patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

Recorded on location at the Family RV Association’s Greater Eastern Area Rally in Myrtle Beach, SC, this video episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast features Jennifer Schillaci of Learn to RV and RV Roofing Solutions. We dig into practical RV education (not clickbait): community, free learning resources, roof care & inspections, internet on the road, safe water, tank tips, and how to find trustworthy RV techs. If you’re a new RVer or leveling up your full-time rig life, this is for you.

🎧 What you’ll learn

• Learn to RV’s mission: free, family-friendly education & community groups

• FRVA, chapters, and why rallies matter (RV Basics, road-schooling, safety)

• Roof maintenance myths, free inspections at rallies, and member discounts

• Connectivity 101: campground Wi-Fi, Starlink, cellular — pros & cons

• Safety & systems: TPMS, fire suppression, water filtration, tank best practices

• Finding the right tech (and why specialization matters)

• Why RVing isn’t “cheap” — budgeting for maintenance the smart way

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Intro at FRVA GEAR, Ocean Lakes (Myrtle Beach)

01:25 Meet Jennifer: Learn to RV & RV Roofing Solutions

05:40 Free education, communities & closed groups for safety

12:10 Holiday traditions on the road & giving back (Lasagna Love, more)

16:45 Roof care truth: inspections, leaks, and rally services

23:30 Internet on the road: options & realistic expectations

29:10 Safety gear: TPMS, fire suppression, water & tanks

36:00 Finding qualified RV techs & brand specialists

41:20 Chapters, rallies & building real community

47:15 Final takeaways + where to follow

🔗 Helpful links & support

• Learn to RV the Podcast: https://learntorvthepodcast.com
• Wandering Gypsy RV Life website: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com
• TechnoRV (affiliate): https://technorv.com?Click=12127
• Beyond the Chutes podcast (shout-out in episode) - https://beyondthechutes.show
• Patreon (free to follow, optional support): https://www.patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

📚 From the host

Check out my Rolling Smooth series for no-nonsense RV education — written to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay road-ready.

🛠️ Mentioned gear & topics (SEO)

RV roof inspection, RV Roofing Solutions, Learn to RV podcast, FRVA Greater Eastern Area Rally, Ocean Lakes Campground, Myrtle Beach RV rally, RV Basics course, RV internet, Starlink for RV, cellular routers for RV, campground Wi-Fi, TPMS, Proteng, water filtration (GoBluTech), Micro-Air Easy Start, black tank best practices, full-time RV life, fifth wheel, Tiffin Allegro, Newmar fifth wheel, road schooling, Escapees

👍 If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share with a fellow RVer. Drop your questions below — I read every comment!

#RVLife #LearnToRV #FRVA #OceanLakes #MyrtleBeach #RVEducation #FullTimeRV #RVRoofing #RVCommunity #Tiffin #FifthWheel #RollingSmooth #WanderingGypsyRVLife

Ready to discover the heart and soul of the RV lifestyle? In this episode of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan Cromlish shares his journey from RV rally newbie to seasoned attendee—highlighting the camaraderie, learning, and adventure that come with joining RV associations like the Family RV Association (FRVA) and the All-Inclusive Motorcoach Club.

Stan reminisces about his first rally in Tucson, Arizona, unexpected friendships, and the unique flavor of both luxury AIM Club events and the big, bustling FRVA gatherings at places like Pocono Raceway. He also previews the upcoming GEAR Rally in Myrtle Beach, where he’ll be selling books, recording new episodes, and introducing “Management” (aka Mom and Dad) to their first-ever rally adventure.

If you’ve ever wondered why rallies and associations matter—or why you should join the FRVA—this episode is for you. It’s not just about the places you’ll go, but the people who become your road family.

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Website
• 👍 Facebook
• 📸 Instagram
• ▶️ YouTube
• 🔥 Patreon – Join the Campfire Circle
• 🛠️ TechnoRV Gear (Affiliate)
• 🤠 Beyond the Chutes Podcast

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow wanderer. Until next time, keep your rig rolling smooth and your coffee hot!

Guitarist and TKO Artist Management veteran Mark Sissel hops on the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast to swap road stories that span decades—36 years riding the LeDoux brand and 27 years at TKO. We dive into the real-deal moments behind the music: the 2021 San Antonio ice storm that inspired “Cards in San Antone,” Chris LeDoux’s headset-mic freedom and on-stage pranks, dodging flying Copenhagen cans, hauling a bucking machine into the Houston Astrodome, and keeping traditions alive at the Silverton during the NFR. Mark also pulls back the curtain on his work with Toby Keith, and we tip our hats to the incomparable Mac McAnally.

Stan shares a very… ahem… memorable RV black-tank mishap, and together we connect the dots between tour life and life on the road in a coach—where you make it work, keep moving, and meet good people everywhere. Plus, a nod to our licensed theme, “Brother Highway” by Ned LeDoux.

Audio note: This conversation was recorded over Zoom, and a cranky mic gave us some raspy, muffled moments. Thanks for rolling with a little extra road noise—this one’s worth the ride.

💻 Visit wanderinggypsyrvlife.com for more stories, photos, and videos from the road.

🛠️ Check out TechnoRV gear through my affiliate link: https://technorv.com?Click=12127 — they’ll help you adventure more and worry less.

🔥 Join the Campfire Circle on Patreon for behind-the-scenes extras and bonus content: Patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

🤠 And be sure to listen to my good friend Doug Simcox on the Beyond the Chutes podcast for incredible rodeo stories and cowboy history.

📘 Don’t miss my book series, Rolling Smooth: Real Lessons From the Road, available now at wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/rollingsmooth—your guide to keeping your rig road-ready and your adventures rolling.

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.

Gear & Resources Mentioned

• Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RVs & horse trailersShop TechnoRV (affiliate): https://technorv.com?Click=12127
• Wandering Gypsy RV Life: stories, photos, videos, and bloghttps://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com
• Patreon — Campfire Circle (video extras & behind-the-scenes):https://patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife
• 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.

#RVLife #SuperC #HorseTrailer #EquineTravel #TPMS #RodeoLife #CowboyChristmas #BeyondTheChutes #MountainCoveFarms #RoadSafety #FullTimeRV #FifthWheel #TireSafety #BearingFailure #PreTripInspection #WanderingGypsyRVLife

Hey there, fellow Wanderers—welcome back to the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, where the road is long, the coffee’s hot, and the stories are always real.

In this episode, I take you along for a couple of weeks of adventure on the road:

🚐 Leaving Kick Back Ranch in Ramer, Alabama

🛑 A rough overnight at Jones RV Park in Norcross, Georgia

🎣 Fishing with Mike and Rowdy in Cherokee with River’s Edge Outfitters

🎰 A lucky night at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino

🌶 Entering Management’s Secret Chili in the KOA Cook-Off (and taking 2nd place!)

💻 A work/play stop in Chattanooga to edit my Ned LeDoux interview & build Patreon

🤠 Landing at the 11th Annual Mountain Cove Cowboy & Cowgirl Reunion for storytelling, laughter, and cowboy camaraderie

I also share the heart behind my new book, Rolling Smooth: How to Enjoy the RV Life Without Losing Your Cool. When I started RVing in 2020, I was as green as spring grass—I didn’t know the difference between a water pump and a generator, or how to prevent 30-amp power from tripping a breaker. This book is my way of giving others a starting point —a roadmap to the basics, with encouragement to stay calm when things don’t go as planned.

🔗 Links & Resources:

👉 Join the Wandering Gypsy Campfire Circle on Patreon for bonus content & video extras: patreon.com/WanderingGypsyRVLife

👉 Shop RV gear I use through my affiliate partner TechnoRV: TechnoRV.com

👉 Check out Doug Simcox’s podcast Beyond the Chutes – a deep dive into rodeo history & cowboy storytelling: beyondthechutes.show

👉 Follow my adventures:

• 🌐 Blog: wanderinggypsyrvlife.com
• 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife
• 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wanderinggypsyrvlife
• 🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@wanderinggypsyrvlife
• 🎙 Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, & everywhere you listen.

#RVLife #FullTimeRV #WanderingGypsyRVLife #RollingSmooth #RVLiving #TravelPodcast #RVerStories #CampfireStories #RodeoLife #BeyondTheChutes #WesternLifestyle #TechnoRV #RVCommunity #VanLife #CowboyCulture #PatreonCommunity #RoadTripUSA