Room2Roam is your guide to RV travel adventures off the beaten path. Learn how to turn your land into a money-making opportunity by hosting RVers seeking unique, off-grid escapes. Get tips on RV hosting, chat with fellow hosts and RVers, and discover the latest on RV life from the CurbNTurf community.
Popular articles
FREE TO DOWNLOAD,
FREE TO USE.
How to leverage technology for telling your story through social media
Nathan Gwilliam is the founder and CEO of PodUp, a company designed to help individuals create, grow, and monetize podcasts. He shares his background as a serial entrepreneur and discusses his journey into podcasting after selling adoption.com. He emphasizes the importance of publishing content regularly to achieve financial freedom, a lesson he learned from digital marketing expert Russell Brunson.
Nathan talks about his challenges with multiple technologies required for podcasting, which led him to develop PodUp. The platform integrates over 35 modules to simplify podcast production, editing, and distribution. Features include a high-end recording studio, AI-powered editing tools, guest management, live streaming, SEO optimization, and monetization options.
Nathan offers advice for aspiring podcasters, highlighting the need for compelling content, effective marketing strategies, and a clear monetization plan from the start. He shares various growth strategies, such as leveraging YouTube ads, collaborating with influencers, and using lead magnets to build an email list. Nathan also underscores the importance of owning one's platform to avoid issues with de-platforming on social media.
For RV convention attendees, Nathan offers a 30-day free trial of PodUp with a coupon code and a free 7-day challenge course to help users launch their podcasts. See the end of this day’s article for a VIP link to access the code.
Digital marketing expert and content creator on traveling with children
Gretchen Watson, or "The Mindful Nomadic," shares her journey and experiences as a full-time RVer and digital marketer. Gretchen, who travels with her husband and five children, transitioned to RV life after her husband’s job required extensive travel. Initially unfamiliar with RV living, they adapted and have been on the road for five years in a 2018 KZ Sportsmen travel trailer.
Gretchen discusses the challenges and adjustments of RV living, emphasizing the importance of planning, budgeting, and choosing the right RV to suit their needs. She also highlights the benefits of homeschooling on the road, where education becomes hands-on and enriched by travel experiences.
As a digital marketer, Gretchen shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful social media influencer. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, planning, and the willingness to adapt content to attract and retain followers. She primarily focuses on working with brands that align with the RV lifestyle, helping them gain exposure through her social media channels. Gretchen also advises aspiring influencers to be patient, dedicated, and strategic in their approach, understanding that success in social media marketing requires time and effort.
Gretchen's story underscores the rewards of RV living and social media marketing, offering practical advice for families considering full-time travel and those looking to build a career as influencers.
https://themindfulnomadic.com/
Sharing their story of building an RV park from scratch
Bryce and Nellie Jurgy, RV enthusiasts and new RV park owners of the Park at Swan Valley, share their journey into full-time RV living. They began their RV adventures due to a health scare that shifted their perspective. Bryce and Nellie started a YouTube channel to document their adventures, which included visiting all 50 states. They describe their transition from creative agency and law firm jobs to full-time RV living, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and creating memories.
Their journey included buying a 1979 Chevy van and then upgrading to an RV to explore the country while documenting their experiences on YouTube. They faced challenges, including the rigors of travel with a newborn and the pressure of producing content, which led them to slow down and appreciate the journey more.
Their travels inspired them to create "The Park at Swan Valley," an RV park in Idaho, to provide a restful and immersive camping experience. They aim to create a community-centric environment, offering various amenities and activities. The park is strategically located near the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, providing easy access to outdoor adventures.
Bryce and Nellie also discuss their upcoming family summer camp event to provide families with a memorable and adventure-filled experience. Activities include river rafting, lake days, and yoga. They emphasize the importance of community, adventure, and creating lasting memories through their park and events.
https://www.theparkatswanvalley.com/
How to get shore power without plugging into an outlet
Jonathan Schloo, an inventor and serial entrepreneur, shares his journey and the innovative CarGenerator solution. Jonathan, who transitioned from running a tech company to full-time RVing, created CarGenerator to provide reliable AC power for RVs and homes using a vehicle. CarGenerator is a lightweight, portable device that generates power by connecting to a vehicle's battery, offering a backup solution that can keep essential home appliances running during power outages. Jonathan's inspiration came from his own RVing experiences, where he faced power shortages despite having solar panels. He invented CarGenerator to use his vehicle's existing engine to generate power. The device can recharge RV batteries, run lights, water pumps, and other small appliances and connects easily to a vehicle using standard outlets for power output. It's environmentally friendly, quieter, and more efficient than traditional gas generators, eliminating the need to carry and store gasoline and reducing the risk of spills and fumes.
CarGenerator also serves as an emergency power source for homes, capable of running essential appliances like furnaces and refrigerators during outages, providing power for up to 85 hours on a full gas tank, depending on the vehicle. Jonathan shared his experience securing a $100,000 deal on the TV show Dragon’s Den, which helped validate and promote CarGenerator. The product range has expanded to include models with different power capacities, catering to various needs. Jonathan mentioned ongoing developments, including enhancing compatibility with lithium batteries and solar generators, aiming to support longer off-grid adventures by providing reliable backup power when solar panels are insufficient. CarGenerator offers a practical and innovative solution for RVers and homeowners seeking reliable power sources, addressing common frustrations with traditional generators and providing a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient alternative. For more information, viewers are encouraged to visit the CarGenerator website and explore the various models and support resources available.
Finding hidden gems of Small Town America and how to connect with local activities and events
Mike Anderson, a full-time web designer and travel enthusiast, shares his journey and insights. Mike, the founder of bestsmalltownsinamerica.com and travelinggatherings.com, began his RV adventure by purchasing and converting a shuttle bus into a tiny home. His experiences living in the bus and later transitioning to a Class A RV highlight the joys and challenges of full-time RV living.
Mike's passion for small towns inspired him to create bestsmalltownsinamerica.com, a website dedicated to exploring and promoting the charm of small towns across the U.S. He aims to document and share the unique aspects of these towns, helping drive traffic to local businesses and tourism. His other venture, travelinggatherings.com, focuses on listing and promoting events for RVers, providing a centralized platform for discovering activities and gatherings.
Mike discusses his love for small-town America, his entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of community within the RV lifestyle. He encourages others to embrace the flexibility and freedom that RV living offers, sharing memorable experiences and practical advice for those considering a similar path.
https://bestsmalltownsinamerica.com/
Inspiration for starting a mobile career while traveling with young children
Brooke Happe shares her journey as a full-time RVer and entrepreneur. A former physical therapist, Brooke transitioned to RV life after a life-altering event and now runs "Be Happe Design," a company focused on handcrafted crocheted and knitted hats. Brooke and her family, including her husband, who works remotely, and their three children, sold everything to live full-time in an RV in June 2019. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's "why" when embarking on RV life, balancing travel, homeschooling, and running a business.
Brooke's business began with a buy-one-give-one model, donating hats to hospitals. After her son was hospitalized, she shifted to donating proceeds to Child Life Services, which supports children undergoing medical treatments. Her business, which has grown to include a team of 14 women, focuses on high-quality, handcrafted beanies made in the USA. Brooke advises aspiring RVers and entrepreneurs to focus intensely on one aspect of their business and perfect it before expanding.
Maintaining mental health while RVing full-time
Nicole Kania shares her experiences as a full-time RVer living in a self-converted schoolie with her husband Ed and their dog Harley. They transitioned to full-time RV life after being inspired by a documentary and decided to take the leap during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Nicole, a remote counselor, discusses the balance of working from the road and exploring new places, highlighting their daily routine and challenges, such as mechanical issues with their 1999 bus.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of having a solid relationship and good communication when living in close quarters, recommending alone time to maintain mental well-being. For solo travelers, she advises making intentional social connections to avoid loneliness. Nicole also shares insights from her counseling practice, noting the impact of isolation on mental health and the importance of deliberate, quality interactions with loved ones.
The conversation concludes with advice on maintaining authenticity in social media, balancing portraying real experiences without oversharing. Nicole encourages RVers to be mindful of their audience and maintain personal boundaries while sharing their journeys.
Getting the most out of RV short trips with careers that require you to stay at a home base
Jesse and Kara Vincent share their experiences as "Weekend Warriors" in the RV community. Jesse, a school teacher, and Kara, who works in an RV dealership, emphasize making the most of limited leisure time. They discuss their two trailers: a fifth wheel for RV parks and a Bean Teardrop trailer for boondocking adventures. They stress the importance of stocking and cleaning the trailer to minimize prep time for short trips.
Jesse and Kara offer practical advice for getting the most out of quick trips, such as maintaining a ready-to-go setup and avoiding overcomplicating the process. They suggest new RVers rent an RV to test the lifestyle before committing to buying one. They also highlight the importance of choosing the right type of RV for the intended camping style, whether staying in RV parks or boondocking.
Their YouTube channel, Jaunt Junkies, documents their RV adventures, product reviews, and RV tours, providing valuable insights and tips for fellow RV enthusiasts. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining a YouTube channel, including consistent posting and handling video production. They share their success with affiliate marketing and the benefits of monetizing their content through YouTube.
Overall, Jesse and Kara's story showcases the joys and practicalities of part-time RVing, offering inspiration and guidance for those balancing full-time jobs with a love for adventure.
RV Interior Designer and Renovation Expert
Alice Zealy, a master designer and founder of Rain2Shine Ventures, shares her journey and expertise in RV design and renovation. Alice, a full-time RVer for four years, transitioned from a background in architecture and various jobs to founding her own business. She started Rain to Shine Ventures after renovating her own RV and sharing her progress on social media, which led to a surge of interest and requests for her design services.
Alice emphasizes the importance of functionality and style in her designs, prioritizing each client's unique needs. She works on a wide range of projects, from full gut renovations to minor modifications, customizing RVs to fit her clients' lifestyles, whether they need workstations for remote jobs or specific features for pets and children. Her process involves detailed virtual and in-person consultations to understand clients' needs and provide accurate estimates.
Alice's passion for RV living is evident as she discusses the personal benefits, such as freedom, reduced living costs, and a minimalist lifestyle. She highlights the importance of planning and prioritizing when considering RV life, offering practical advice and resources on her blog for those interested in the transition. Her business also supports DIYers with advice and guidance on renovations and decorating.
Alice's projects showcase her talent for creating beautiful, functional RV spaces that reflect her client's unique needs and preferences. She offers a special promotion for RV convention attendees, providing a free phone consultation for those who mention the event. Alice's story and expertise provide valuable insights and inspiration for anyone considering or currently living the RV lifestyle.
https://www.rain2shineventures.com/
Remote connectivity Specialist
Jess Jorgensen, a tech enthusiast and founder of Go Roam Tech, shares her journey and expertise in enabling RV travelers to stay connected on the road. A former telecom executive, Jess transitioned to full-time RV life with her husband and two dogs, leveraging her corporate tech knowledge to create solutions for stable internet connectivity in RVs.
Jess emphasizes the importance of having reliable internet for those who work remotely while traveling. She shares her experience managing power and connectivity issues, such as utilizing a rooftop omnidirectional antenna and a ruggedized router to ensure stable connections. Her setup includes LTE services from multiple carriers and Starlink to provide seamless internet access, even in remote locations.
Jess's company, Go Roam Tech, offers consulting services and tailored packages to help RVers achieve reliable internet connectivity. She provides a comprehensive solution that combines Starlink and LTE services, ensuring continuous and stable internet access regardless of location. Her services include a live test and setup call to ensure everything works correctly and ongoing support to address connectivity issues
Jess highlights the flexibility and benefits of her technology, allowing RVers to maintain their lifestyle without compromising their work. She shares success stories of clients who have significantly enhanced their lives by staying connected while traveling, such as a healthcare IT professional and an insurance broker who now operates a mobile office. She offers a free month of service if you mention the RVConvention.
(Bonus Episode) Full-Time Travelers: The Mortons on Recurring Plot
Tom and Caitlin Morton are full-time RVers and content creators known as "The Mortons on the Move." They discuss their journey from corporate jobs and a stationary life in Michigan to embracing full-time RV living starting in 2015.
Initially, they planned it as just a 1-2 year sabbatical, but quickly fell in love with the travel lifestyle. They share insights on the challenges of downsizing, letting go of accumulated possessions and the cathartic process of minimizing their belongings to fit the RV life. Tom and Caitlin emphasize the importance of slow travel - staying places longer than expected, being spontaneous, and finding adventures off the beaten path.
Over the years, their RV travels and sharing that journey online have evolved into a professional content creation business. They've produced videos and documentaries like "RV Nomads" and "Go North" about their Alaskan travels and even joined the cast of the TV show "The RVers." They want to educate, inspire, and entertain their audience about RV travel and living through stunning cinematography and practical how-to tips.
Tom and Caitlin share advice for aspiring or new full-time RVers: expect and prepare for mechanical issues, research to get the proper towing setup, and, most importantly, slow down and allow flexibility in your travels to discover unplanned gems. They've continued to evolve their RV lifestyle, building an off-grid camp in Michigan, trying overlanding with a truck camper, and finding the right balance between stationary home bases and extended travel periods.
https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/
Sign up for VIP to access RV Convention 2024 for a year.
Sign up for the VIP for free to access any promotions our speakers may offer (most offers will expire on 6/30/24). Also, when you sign up for VIP, you’ll get access to all the RV Convention 2024 content for one year. You can sign up for RV Convention 2024 VIP here.
Also, feel free to follow RV Cast; most of this content will be added starting July 1, 2024. You can follow RVCast here.
