Eric Stark

EZ Grease N Go

EZ Grease-N-Go: A Clean, Easy Way to Grease Your Hitch and Protect Your Tow Rig191 Envy

EZ Grease-N-Go: Hitch Greasing Without the Mess If you’ve ever tried to grease a trailer hitch ball on the road, you know the drill: bulky grease gun, sticky lithium grease, and more product on your hands and clothes than on the ball itself. The founders of EZ Grease N Go had that exact experience during […]

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Coast Storm Watching in an RV

Coast Storm Watching (Safely!): Why It’s Worth the Trip

Coast Storm Watching (Safely!): Why It’s Worth the Trip    There’s nothing quite like standing on a rugged coastline while the sky darkens, waves explode against the rocks, and the wind fills the air with salt spray. Coast storm watching has become a favorite off-season adventure for RVers and road-trippers because you get drama, beauty,

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Weight Distributing Hitch

Weight Distributing Hitches – Why You Need One and Why You Must Maintain It

Why a Weight Distributing Hitch Matters for RVers If you’re towing a travel trailer or toy hauler, a weight distributing hitch (also called a weight distribution hitch) is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can buy. Instead of letting all the tongue weight push down on the back of your tow

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Maintaining your Tow Vehicle

Maintaining Your Tow Vehicle or Motorhome to Avoid Costly Repairs

Maintaining Your Tow Vehicle or Motorhome to Avoid Costly Repairs Maintaining your tow vehicle or motorhome isn’t just about keeping things shiny—it’s about avoiding costly repairs, breakdowns on the side of the road, and vacations cut short. Your RV is your home, but your tow vehicle or motorhome chassis is the engine that makes the

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Kid Friendly RV Activities

Kid-friendly RV activities: Outdoor games, adventures & learning on the road

Kid friendly RV activities Travel days and long campground stays get a LOT more fun when you have a playbook of kid friendly RV activities ready to go. From classic yard games to app-powered nature walks and themed road trips, you can turn almost any campsite into an outdoor playground and classroom. Whether you’re parked

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Battle Born RV Lithium Battery

Lithium RV Batteries and Battle Born Batteries

Lithium RV Batteries for RVs: Why They’re Worth It (Cold-Weather Myths, Setup Tips & Real-World ROI) Thinking about upgrading to lithium RV Batteries? If you value longer life, low maintenance, fast charging, and dependable power for boondocking, lithium (LiFePO4) is a smart move. This guide distills expert insights, clears up cold-weather confusion, and lays out exactly

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Bird Migration Texas

Winter Bird Migrations Safari (Bosque del Apache, NM & Aransas, TX)

Winter Bird Migrations Safari   “Feathers, fog, and a sky that lifts off like confetti.” Why this “Next Stop” belongs on your winter loop If you’ve ever wanted nature to shake the ground before your first cup of coffee, put Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico and Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the

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Ways to Save Money

7 Quirky Ways RVers Cut Costs (That Actually Work)

Money Saving Tips: 7 Oddball Ways RVers Cut Costs  Why “oddball” tips punch above their weight Big upgrades (solar arrays, lithium banks) get the headlines, but small, repeatable behaviors often deliver the best cost-per-effort. These bonus oddball savers are field tricks RVers share at rallies and between campsites—easy to test, cheap to try, and simple

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Full Time RVers

Seeking Advice From Full-Time RVers: How to Learn Faster, Avoid Mistakes, and Travel Smarter

Why full time RVers are gold mines of real-world knowledge When you ask a full-time RVer a question, you’re tapping into thousands of miles of lessons—campground wins, boondocking hiccups, repair shortcuts, and budgeting tricks earned the hard way. Full-timers test gear across climates and seasons. They’ve dealt with wind, weight, water, watts, and where-do-we-sleep-tonight. That

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RV Inverters Comps

RV Inverters, Demystified: How to Choose the Right Brand, Size, and Features (Without the Headache)

RV Inverters How to Choose the Right Brand, Size, and Features If you’ve ever stood in the aisle (or scrolled online) wondering why RV inverters cost $199 at one place and at another $1,499—this guide is for you. We’ll cut through marketing jargon and help you choose an RV inverter that matches your rig, your

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RV Boon Docking

Next Stop: Dark-Sky Stargazing Road Trip (Capitol Reef → Great Basin → Chaco → Big Bend)

Stargazing Road Trip – Capitol Reef → Great Basin → Chaco → Big Bend “Park the rig, kill the lights, and let the Milky Way do the talking.” Why winter? Early sunsets + crisp, dry air = longer, clearer starscapes with fewer crowds. If you’ve already “gone south,” this loop gives you bucket-list skies without

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RV Awnings

RV Awnings Made Simple: Patio Awnings & Slide-Out Toppers (What to Buy, Why It Matters, and How the Big Brands Compare)

RV Awnings Made Simple RV awnings do more than look good. The right setup expands living space, protects the coach, and keeps you moving—rain or shine—without costly surprises. Below is a straight-talk guide to why awnings matter, which brands lead the U.S. market, what to avoid, and how to choose between electric vs. manual mechanisms

RV Awnings Made Simple: Patio Awnings & Slide-Out Toppers (What to Buy, Why It Matters, and How the Big Brands Compare) Read More »

Mudflap Fuel App Saves Money

Mudflap Fuel App for RVers: How to Cut Diesel Costs on Every Trip

Mudflap Fuel App for RVers: How to Cut Diesel Costs on Every Trip If you run a diesel motorhome or tow vehicle, the Mudflap fuel app can feel like finding a “secret menu” for discounted fuel. Originally built for truckers, Mudflap has grown into a nationwide network of independent and major-brand truck stops offering instant

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RV Hacks

Ten Creative RV Hacks Can Make Life on the Road Easier and More Enjoyable

Ten Creative RV Hacks That Can Make Life on the Road Easier and More Enjoyable When you live or travel in an RV, space and efficiency become more valuable than ever. Every inch counts, and every clever idea can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. That’s where a few smart RV hacks come in

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Hughes Power Watchdog Power Center

Hughes Power Watchdog Voltage Boosters with Surge Protection

Hughes Power Watchdog 30 & 50 Amp Voltage Booster Power Center ( Formerly Hughes Autoformer) The Hughes Watchdog Power Center is the all-in-one RV power protection system with surge protection, voltage boosting, WiFi/Bluetooth monitoring, and automatic recovery—built to keep your RV safe anywhere you travel. Key Features: Voltage Boosting Technology: Automatically boosts low park voltage

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Heatline RV Heating Cable

Money Saving Tips – Heatline Heating Cable Can Save Money and Reduce Headaches

  How Heatline RV Heating Cables Save You Money and Protect Your RV from Frozen Water Lines When winter rolls in, one of the biggest challenges RVers face is keeping their water lines from freezing. A frozen water line can quickly turn an enjoyable winter trip into a costly and stressful situation. Whether you’re camping

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RV Winter Destinations

Top 10 Winter RV Destinations for Snowbird RVers

  Top 10 Winter RV Destinations for Snowbird RVers When the temperatures drop up north, RVers hit the road in search of warmer weather, sunshine, and new adventures. Winter is “snowbird season,” and thousands of RV travelers flock to the southern states for long-term stays, festivals, and affordable camping. Whether you want beaches, desert boondocking,

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Your RV Is Talking

Your RV is Talking—Are You Listening? Understanding the Sounds, Smells, and Signs of Trouble

Your RV Is Talking—Are You Listening? Understanding the Sounds, Smells, and Signs of Trouble Every RV has a voice. It might not speak in words, but if you’ve spent any time on the road, you know exactly what that means. A strange rattle in the back. A faint whiff of propane. A flickering light that

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Southern Arizona

Why Southern Arizona is the Ultimate Winter Escape for RVers

Why Southern Arizona is the Ultimate Winter Escape for RVers As the days grow shorter and the first snowflakes begin to  fall, a mass migration begins across North America. The snowbirds, a flock of thousands of RVers, turn their wheels toward a single destination: the warm, sun-drenched landscape of Southe rn Arizona. For those of

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Full Time RV Life

Mail, Meds, and Money: Mastering the Essential Logistics of Full-Time RV Life

Mastering Full-Time RV Life: Logistics, Mail, Meds, and Money: The appeal of the open road is the promise of freedom: chasing sunsets, exploring national parks, and leaving the routine behind. But for the true Smart RVer, that  freedom isn’t found in chaos—it’s built on a foundation of solid organization. The biggest challenge for anyone transitioning

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Visit Cambridge WI

Discover the Charm of Cambridge, Wisconsin: A Hidden Gem for RV Adventurers

Discover the Charm of Cambridge, Wisconsin: A Hidden Gem for RV Adventurers Nestled in the heart of southern Wisconsin, Cambridge, WI is a quaint village that beckons RV travelers with its blend of small-town charm, rich history, and abundant outdoor recreation. If you’re cruising the Midwest in your RV, seeking a spot where history whispers

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Madison WI

Exploring Madison, Wisconsin: A Capital City with Small-Town Charm

Exploring Madison, Wisconsin: A Capital City with Small-Town Charm Nestled between two sparkling lakes in south-central Wisconsin, Madison is a city that effortlessly blends the vibrancy of a state capital with the warmth of a close-knit community. Known for its progressive spirit, rich cultural scene, and outdoor lifestyle, Madison consistently ranks as one of the best places

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RV Furnace Repair and Step by Step Guide

Essential RV Furnace Maintenance Before Winter Hits!

Understanding Your RV Furnace: A Guide to Function and Diagnosis Welcome! This information is designed to give you a foundational understanding of how a typical RV furnace operates, helping you to better diagnose any issues you may encounter. While there are many different models, they all share a similar core function. Most RV furnaces operate

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Harnessing the power of the sun

Harnessing the Sun: A Practical Guide to RV Solar Panels

RV Solar Panels and Harnessing The SunFor RVers chasing adventure across wide-open highways and off-grid campsites, one modern upgrade is shining brighter than the rest—solar panels. Not long ago, these systems were considered a luxury. Today, they’ve become a staple for full-timers, weekend warriors, and anyone looking to reduce generator time and gain true energy

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Exploring Bishop CA

Exploring 4 Cities Near Bodie Ghost Town

Exploring Bodie Ghost Town and 4 Nearby Cities Welcome to the Next Stop section of The Smart RVer Podcast! I’m Eric Stark, your host, and today we’re diving into four fantastic cities—Bishop, Bridgeport, Gardnerville, and Mammoth Lakes—that serve as perfect bases for RVers exploring Bodie Ghost Town. Nestled in California’s Eastern Sierra, Bodie is a

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Lithium Batteries Upgrade

Upgrading RV Batteries to Lithium: A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading to Lithium Batteries in Your RV: A Comprehensive Guide Today we’re exploring the upgrade from traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries to lithium batteries in your RV. As of July 2025, this switch is gaining traction among RVers for its efficiency and longevity. However, it’s not a simple swap—let’s break down the key considerations to

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Driving At Night Save Cash

Traveling in an RV at Night: Safety Tips, Precautions, and Money-Saving Benefits

Traveling at Night in an RV: Safety Tips, Precautions, and Money-Saving Benefits for The Smart RVer Welcome to The Smart RVer Podcast website! I’m Eric Stark, your host, and today, as we roll into July 2025, we’re exploring nighttime RV travel. While the starry roads offer a unique adventure, driving after dark comes with challenges—but

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RVing After Dark Safe Arrivals

RVing After Dark: Tips for Safe and Comfortable Night Arrivals

RVing After Dark: Tips for Safe and Comfortable Night Arrivals for The Smart RVer There’s nothing quite like hitting the road in your RV, watching the sun dip below the horizon as the miles roll by. But while evening driving can be peaceful, arriving at your destination after dark can turn even the most seasoned

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Tips for RV Maintenance

Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You)

Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You) RV ownership is a gateway to freedom, adventure, and unforgettable road trips—but it also comes with a responsibility that’s easy to forget when the sunsets are glowing and the wheels are turning: maintenance. Staying on top of RV Maintenance isn’t just

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RV Checklist

Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You)

 RV Maintenance Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You) RV ownership is a gateway to freedom, adventure, and unforgettable road trips—but it also comes with a responsibility that’s easy to forget when the sunsets are glowing and the wheels are turning: maintenance. Staying on top of RV Maintenance

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RV LED Lights

Upgrading to LED Lights in Your RV: A Bright Idea for Smart RVers

Upgrading to LED Lights in Your RV: A Bright Idea for Smart RVers Why Switch to RV LED Lights? If you’re still running incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, you’re paying in battery drain, heat, and hassle. RV LED lights deliver the same or better brightness while using far less energy and producing much less heat—perfect for

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Nampa Idaho

Nampa Idaho

Welcome to Nampa, Idaho Nampa, Idaho, the third-largest city in the state with a population of over 100,000, is a vibrant hub in the Treasure Valley, just 20 miles west of Boise. Founded in 1886 by Alexander and Hannah Duffes, Nampa grew from a railroad stop along the Oregon Short Line into a bustling agricultural and

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RV Summer Maintenance is a must for all RVers

Summer RV Maintenance Checklist: 8 Pitfalls to Fix Before You Hit the Road

Summer RV Maintenance Checklist: 8 Pitfalls to Fix Before You Hit the Road As temperatures climb and campgrounds fill up, many RVers focus on trip planning and forget the unglamorous stuff: summer RV maintenance. But skipping a few “boring” checks can turn a dream vacation into a week on the shoulder of a hot highway.

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Insurance Audit

Money Saving Tip – Time to Do an RV Insurance Audit

Insurance Quote Time to do an RV Insurance Audit “Imagine saving enough on insurance to fund a weekend at Yellowstone!” Auditing your RV insurance annually is a smart way to cut costs while ensuring you’re adequately covered for your adventures. Here’s an expanded look at how RVers can save money by reviewing their insurance policy

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How to RV Like A Boss

Boondocking Like a Boss: How to Master Off-Grid RV Life

Boondocking Like a Boss: How to Master Off-Grid RV Life For many RVers, freedom on the open road isn’t complete without a little off-grid adventure. There’s just something magical about waking up to a mountain sunrise or desert silence with no one else around—no reservations, no neighbors, and no hookups. That’s boondocking, or dry camping,

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RV Prepared for Anything

The #1 Thing That’s Robbing RVers of the Joy They Were Promised—And How to Fix It

RV Preparedness: You’ve pictured it a hundred times—rolling into a quiet campground, leveling the rig, brewing that first cup of coffee while the sun rises over the mountains. That’s the RV life you were promised. But if we’re honest, a lot of RVers aren’t feeling that dream. Instead of freedom, they’re feeling stress. Instead of

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RV Brake Maintenance

Mastering RV Brake Maintenance: Ensuring Safety on the Road

RV Brake Maintenance Today we’re hitting the brakes—literally. We’re talking RV brake maintenance for travel trailers and motorhomes. Brakes aren’t the sexiest topic, I get it, but they’re the unsung heroes that keep you, your rig, and everyone else on the road out of trouble. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a big Class

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Easy RV Fixes

Sprucing Up Your Rig: Cosmetic Fixes and Light Repairs for the RV DIYer

Sprucing Up Your RV: Cosmetic Fixes and Light Repairs for the RV DIYer  “Hey there, Smart RVer crew! Today we’re rolling up our sleeves for some hands-on action. We’re talking cosmetic fixes and light repairs—those little projects that make your RV feel like home and keep it running without breaking the bank. Whether your rig’s

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RV Maintenance

Gear Up for Less: Saving Money on RV Maintenance and Upgrades

RV Maintenance Hello, RV explorers! Keeping your rig in top shape doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Repairs, upgrades, and gear can add up fast, but with some clever strategies, you can save serious cash while ensuring your home-on-wheels is ready for the road. Here’s how to keep your RV adventures thriving on a budget.

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Snap-On vs Icon Wrenches

Money Saving Tip – Icon Wrenches vs Snap On Wrenches

Harbor Freight Icon vs. Snap-On Wrenches: A Quality Comparison When it comes to hand tools, mechanics and DIY enthusiasts often debate whether high-end tools like Snap-On wrenches are worth the premium price or if budget-friendly alternatives like Harbor Freight’s Icon wrenches can compete in terms of quality and performance. This comparison breaks down the key

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Tow Capacity Guide

Towing Capacities – Does The Math Add Up with Your Truck and Trailer?

How much weight can my vehicle tow? The good news is it’s easy to determine your vehicle’s tow capacity. Typically, this information can be found within the sticker on your driver’s side door frame. The rating on the sticker should determine what kind of Towable RV you can safely tow. Remember, when deciding how heavy

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Mentone The Smart RVer

Shadows of the Past: Towns That Once Were, Mentone Alabama

Mentone, AL This time, we’re delving into the past and exploring the historic town of Mentone in the great state of Alabama! Mentone’s charm lies in its ability to preserve the essence of small-town mountain life. Whether it’s the echo of children’s laughter from summer camps, the memories of quiet mornings in a mountain cabin,

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Freightliner Windshield Cover

Freightliner S2RV Solid Black 100% Block Out Super C Windshield Covers

Freightliner M2 & S2RV 100% Solid Block Out Windshield Cover https://youtu.be/qr-Pq1_1gEM?si=YjH5BFuoGc8U3MYe Freightliner Windshield Cover – Sunpro Manufacturing offers a specialized Windshield Cover designed for Freightliner M2 & S2RV Chassis, particularly for Super C RV owners. This Weather Max Windshield Cover offers many features and benefits: Sun and Weather Protection: The cover is designed to block out

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Garmin In Reach Explorer GPS

Garmin In Reach Explorer

Handheld Satellite Communicators with GPS Navigation Rugged handheld satellite communicators enable two-way text messaging via 100% global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required) Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center Track and share your location with family and friends Pair with compatible mobile devices using the free Earthmate® app for access to downloadable maps¹, U.S. NOAA

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WhereSafe GPS Tracker

RV Envy – WhereSafe GPS Trackers

Save 10% Using This Link And Coupon Code Smartrver10 How WhereSafe Works WhereSafe is real-time tracking technology and not less reliable SMS-based location by request services.  WhereSafe is always tracking and will notify you of issues IF you need to know, so you don’t have to constantly monitor. The WhereSafe smartphone app keeps in constant contact with

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