This week on the RV Podcast:
You’ll meet a legendary retired TV anchorman – Mort Crim, now 90 years old, doing an epic RV journey and exploring campgrounds with his motor scooter. In our conversation of the week, he shares hard-earned wisdom about aging fearlessly and living life to the fullest.
One of the nation’s biggest RV dealers just had an employee arrested for embezzling $2 million.
What’s best? A pull-behind trailer or a fifth wheel? Real RVers share their answers.
All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 561 of the RV Podcast
You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.
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We received an interesting note in response to last week’s podcast that featured an interview with an RVer who came down with the Alpha gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to meat like beef, pork, lamb that is caused by a bite spread by ticks.
Tick Bite episode and Alpha gal follow-up
In Episode 560 of the podcast, we heard how the RVers can never eat meat again because of how dangerously ill he will become… all because of the tick bite.
There is another danger that Alpha gal causes, and that’s what our email notes. It’s from Dr. Tony Graham, of Huntsville, AL. He wrote:
Hey guysI just finished listening to the podcast for the week. I was particularly interested in the segment on Alpha-gal.You might be interested to know that people with the syndrome can no longer have open heart surgery with a conventional approach. They can not receive heparin, the drug used to prevent blood clotting during the surgery, since it is animal derived. I won’t bore you with the details, but the procedure has to be done with another drug which is definitely inferior, and often leads to the patient having more problems with bleeding in the peri-operative period and often needing more blood products. Scary disease! Plus, I tell people I might become suicidal if I thought I might never again get to have a hamburger or a steak!
Before we get to the news of the week, let’s just take a second to tell you about something we’re really excited about. You know how RVing isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve built with our RV Lifestyle Community.
Where RV Stories, Tips, and Friendships Never End
It’s private, it’s ad-free, and it’s filled with folks just like you — RVers who want to share tips, swap stories, and help each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so it really feels like a campfire conversation that just keeps going.
And yes, it’s a paid community, but honestly… some things are worth paying for. You get a trusted, safe space, and a group of friends who really get this lifestyle.
So if you’ve been looking for a place where you belong, come join us at RVCommunity.com. We’d love to see you there.
RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK
Hitting the Road This Labor Day? Here’s When to Drive (and When to Stay Parked)
If you are among the estimated 7.4 million RVers camping this Labor Day Weekend, AAA issued its annual suggestions of the best – and worst – times to hit the road. Recommendations? Travel before 1 pm Thursday, before noon Friday and before 10 am Saturday. Worst travel times for the trip home are noon-5 pm Sunday and 1-4 pm Monday.
Ex-General RV Center Worker Accused of Stealing $2M Through Identity Fraud
A former employee at General RV Center in Wixom, MI, is facing felony charges for allegedly embezzling more than $2 million. The 56-year-old woman is accused of accessing the company’s computer system to issue checks to a person whose identity she stole. She would then cash these checks and take the money.
Sequoia National Park Pot Bust: 2,300 Plants, a Gun, and a Toxic Mess
More than 2,300 full-grown marijuana plants and about 2,000 pounds of trash were removed in Sequoia National Park after an illegal marijuana farm was discovered. NPS rangers and BLM special agents also found a semi-automatic pistol and several hazardous chemicals, including one banned from the U.S. since 2009. The operation caused significant damage to the land, and posed a public safety risk. Agents have battled well-organized drug trafficking organizations in the area for years.
Cracker Barrel Gets a Makeover—And Not Everyone’s Lovin’ It
In case you missed it, Cracker Barrel—a go-to overnight stop for RVers—just rolled out a whole new look. The classic logo with the man in overalls leaning on a barrel is gone, replaced by a cleaner, text-only “Cracker Barrel” design. The Southern comfort food chain is also shaking up its menu and launching a new campaign called “All the More.” The change didn’t go over well with everyone and the company’s stock plunged nearly $100 million after the rollout.
RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK with Mort Crim
Mort Crim was a senior editor and anchor of the evening news at WDIV-TV in Detroit from 1978-1997, much of those years overlapping the 20 years I worked at WDIV-TV there as an investigative reporter.
At 90 years old, this legendary journalist embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience that inspires us all. He has never let life slow him down.
Since leaving Detroit, Mort has continued to live with purpose and passion—practicing journalism, taking the helm of Paul Harvey’s nationally syndicated radio show, inspiring audiences as a speaker, penning his memoir, and embracing the RV lifestyle with enthusiasm. But his latest adventure is perhaps his most remarkable yet: a 6,300-mile RV journey across America.
What makes Mort’s story so extraordinary isn’t just the miles he’s covering, but the grace with which he’s navigated life’s challenges. Having faced multiple cancer battles himself and the heartbreaking loss of two beloved wives to the same disease, Mort has chosen to meet each new day with unwavering determination and joy.
His vitality is infectious—this remarkable man maintains impressive physical fitness and travels in style aboard his candy apple red Winnebago Travato, exploring campgrounds on his trusty motorscooter with his cherished companion, Groucho the cat, by his side.
Through video reports on his Facebook page, Mort generously shares not only his journey but his hard-earned wisdom about life, aging, and the beautiful connections we can make with one another. His adventure reveals something profound: despite what divisive headlines might suggest, the people he’s meeting across our great nation share far more common ground than differences.
Today, Mort joins us to share the inspiration behind this incredible odyssey, what he’s discovering about America, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about embracing life fully, no matter your age. His story reminds us that adventure, growth, and wonder don’t have expiration dates—they’re available to us at every stage of life.
Be sure to watch or listen to the interview in the players above.
SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer
Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.
In our RVLifestyle Community, the Buzz this past week was mini-meet-ups. Since my last report, we have had members meet to share a meal in Ohio and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We also had members camping together at a member’s dairy farm in Ontario, and meeting for dinner, dry camping, and breakfast in Lansing. Michigan. So much fun! We have one more meetup coming up this week in Minnesota, and I can’t wait to hear how that goes.
Then, in our Facebook Group, we had a question from Tom that caught my eye. Tom wrote:
“Currently pulling a travel trailer. Thinking about getting a 5th wheel. What are the pros and cons of a 5th wheel?”
This conversation created quite the buzz, and this is a question that comes up often. So I went through the comments and compiled 5 pros and 5 cons to share with you – in case it could help someone.
First let’s get into five pros.
1. Fifth Wheels pull better. Over and over, people said they experienced zero trailer sway and didn’t even notice when a big rig passed, making them prefer Fifth Wheels.
2. Fifth Wheels are more maneuverable. Many said they are easier to back into and get into tight spaces.
3. You have way more storage in a Fifth Wheel – generally speaking.
4. If you are tall, Fifth Wheels have higher ceilings in the living area. (Not necessarily in the bed area).
5. Fifth Wheels often have more luxurious features, because there are not the same weight concerns as travel trailers, generally speaking.
Now the cons:
1. Fifth wheels typically require a bigger (more expensive truck) because they are typically heavier.
2. Because of the way Fifth Wheels connect in the bed of the truck, you will lose bed storage in your truck. For some this is a real problem.
3. Fifth Wheels have more steps – which could be an issue for people with mobility issues.
4. Fifth Wheels are typically higher, longer and heavier which may limit where you camp.
5. Fifth Wheels are typically more expensive than travel trailers. This is not always so (think Airstreams), but in general, this is true.
So lots of pros and cons to consider when comparing Fifth Wheels to Travel Trailers, and like so many things, it may boil down to personal preference. But for those trying to decide, we hope this list helps.
RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK
QUESTION: From Malcomb: Newbie RV owner here. Heading to Fiesta Key Florida for Labor Day. How easy is it to replenish the 40 gal propane tank locally and any idea how long a full tank lasts for daily showers and cooking?
ANSWER: You’ll have no trouble refilling a 40-lb propane tank near Fiesta Key. There are several RV parks, hardware stores, and gas stations in the Keys that offer propane. Many people use local U-Haul centers, Tractor Supply, or even campgrounds in the area. Fiesta Key Resort itself may have refill or exchange service on-site, so check with the campground office first.
As for how long a full 40-lb tank will last, we’re potentially talking months given the light use you describe. If it’s just cooking daily meals and a couple of quick RV showers a day, you could expect it to last anywhere from 8-10 weeks at least, maybe longer. And if you are connected to electricity in the campground, use electric to power the water heater. Do that and just use propane for cooking and you’ll be good till well into the new year. The thing that uses propane the fastest is the furnace. But in Fiesta Key, Florida, your furnace will not be an issue.
And now it’s time for…
Mike: Have I told you that I have a nighttime nickname for Jennifer when we’re camping?
Jen: Okay let’s get that out of the way. He calls me the “Princess in the P,” which I suppose is fair since I do appreciate when things are… well, just right.
Mike: chuckles Just right? Jen, you once made me re-level the RV because the tea in your mug was tilted at what you called “an unacceptable angle.”
Jen: That was a perfectly reasonable request! But today’s story is about the time we learned why a level camping spot isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential for a good night’s sleep. Tell them about the state park, Mike.
Mike: Oh boy, this was a doozy. We pulled into this beautiful state park – gorgeous views, perfect weather, friendly neighbors. Everything looked perfect until we tried to set up camp. The campsite was basically built on the side of a small mountain.
Jen: I’m not exaggerating when I say our B+ van looked like it was doing yoga. The whole thing was tilted at what felt like a 30-degree angle.
Mike: Now, I pride myself on my leveling skills. I’ve got blocks, I’ve got ramps, I’ve got the fancy bubble levels. I spent a good hour playing RV Tetris, stacking blocks under different wheels, backing up, pulling forward, checking levels, repeat.
Jen: Poor Mike was out there sweating in the heat, and I kept watching the level and saying things like, “It’s still not quite right,” and “I think the bathroom door is swinging open by itself now.”
Mike: The bathroom door WAS swinging open by itself! That should have been our first clue. But I was determined. “I can fix this,” I kept saying. Famous last words.
Jen: We finally got it to what Mike called “close enough” – which, let me tell you, is not a phrase in my vocabulary. But it was getting late, and we were both tired, so we decided to make the best of it.
Mike: That’s when the real adventure began. Tell them about bedtime, Princess.
Jen: laughs Oh my goodness. So I put on my favorite silky nightgown – you know, the really smooth, slippery one that feels like wearing a cloud. In our slightly tilted RV, with our heads positioned higher than our feet because of the angle…
Mike: She basically turned into a human slinky.
Jen: I’d get all comfortable, pull up the covers, start drifting off to sleep, and then… makes sliding sound whoooosh! I’d slowly slide down the bed until my feet were pressed up against the bedroom wall.
Mike: The first time it happened, I thought maybe she was just getting comfortable. The second time, I started to worry. By the fifth time, I was trying not to laugh.
Jen: It was like being on the world’s most boring water slide! I’d scrunch myself back up to the pillow, get cozy again, and within ten minutes – slide, slide, slide – back down to the wall.
Mike: By morning, we were both exhausted. Jen had probably traveled about fifty feet total, just sliding back and forth two feet at a time down the bed.
Jen: The moral of our story, dear friends, is this: never underestimate the importance of a level RV. Your sleep, your sanity, and your dignity depend on it.
Mike: And maybe pack cotton pajamas instead of silk ones when you’re camping on uneven ground.
Jen: Or invest in a really good leveling system. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Mike: These days, we take our time finding level spots, and if we can’t find one naturally, we make sure we’re REALLY level before calling it a night.
Jen: Because nobody wants to wake up with their feet against the wall and their pillow on the floor. Well, nobody except maybe circus performers.
Mike: So remember, fellow RVers: take the time to level properly, choose your sleepwear wisely, and always listen to your Princess – even if she seems a little picky about that bubble being perfectly centered.
Jen: That’s this week’s podcast. Happy trails, everyone! And may all your camping spots be beautifully, perfectly level.
Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?
On this RV Lifestyle Travel blog, our RV Podcast and our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel, we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time. CLICK HERE to go to it directly.
