Everyone knows that researching and buying an RV is a big job - that's why when events come along like next month's America's Largest RV Show, you have to be prepared.

After all, the 47th annual RV show - set for Sept. 16-20 in Hershey, Pennsylvania - will feature 47 different manufacturers showcasing more than 1,300 RVs. That's a lot of RVs. Thirty-three football fields worth of RVs, as a matter of fact.

For this episode of the Roadtreking podcast, we talk to Heather Leach, marketing and education director for America’s Largest RV Show, about how attendees of just about any RV show should prepare for an RV show ahead of time. In fact, the discussion is part of a new feature for the Roadtreking podcast - the RV Calendar. Among other things, Heather and Mike talk about:

How big the show is
How many manufacturers will be on hand
How many RVs will be at the show
If attendees can buy at the show
What other RV-related activities will be going on during the event
What kind of accommodations are available near the show
How much time it will take to see everything
How attendees should pace themselves to not wear out too fast
How to find discounts on tickets

Also in this show we have a tip from Jennifer on staying cool on hot nights, take questions and comments from listeners, report on RV news (including the hiker killed by a bear at Yellowstone last week), offer you some great traveling tech, and an RV Bucket Destination in Colorado. That, and more, on this edition of the Roadtreking podcast.

 

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Show Notes for Episode #48 Aug. 12, 2015 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast:
First Things First: Roadtreking Motorsports and Music Weekend
This week's show kicks off with Jennifer joining Mike to talk about their upcoming weekend adventure at the Roadtreking Motorsports and Music Weekend happening at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan [spp-timestamp time="2:59"]
Jennifer's Tip of the Week: Stay Cool When It's Hot
In this edition of Jennifer's Tip of the Week, she brings you tips to help stay cool during the hot summer nights. It’s the Hopkins 12-volt oscillating fan. It costs about $13 at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1f5jtL0

Among the reasons Jennifer recommends the fan is that it plugs into a 12-volt outlet and doesn't require use of the AC power inverter, which makes it especially handy for boondocking. Also, it oscillates 90 degrees, helps keep the entire vehicle cool and it can be permanently mounted, and stores easily in one of our cabinets. [spp-timestamp time="3:49"]
Listener Feedback: More Tips on Managing Health Care While RVing
A listener named Beth comments on episode 45 of the Roadtreking podcast that featured the topic of managing healthcare while RVing. As a health care professional, she offers a couple of additional tips. [spp-timestamp time="5:24"]
Listener Question: How do Mesh Net Storage Organizers Hold Up?
Next, listener Linda asks about how the  self-adhering mesh net storage organizer http://amzn.to/1KvbPri we talked about two episodes ago are holding up. [spp-timestamp time="9:38"]
Listener Question: Can You Help Me Rent a Roadtrek Popular?
Listeners Doug and Mary Bowers are considering purchasing a Roadtrek, but would like to rent one first. They ask Mike and Jennifer for any tips on renting a Roadtrek Popular specifically. Mike and Jennifer offer some tips. [spp-timestamp time="11:26"]
Listener Question: Can You Offer Any Bedding Storage Tips?
Roadtreking listener George Moran asks for any tips on storing bedding. Jennifer talks about where she and Mike store their bedding. [spp-timestamp time="14:24"]
Listener Question: How Do You Avoid Taking Too Many Clothes on RV Trips?
And listener Charlene asks Mike and Jennifer about how they manage to pack light and not take too many clothes on RV trips. Hint: Laundromats CAN be your friends - if you use Jennifer's tips. [spp-timestamp time="16:35"]

Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo.