In this episode of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, host Stan Cromlish takes a deep dive into the Family RV Association (FRVA)—formerly known as the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA)—and why it’s a must-know for all RV enthusiasts. He shares the organization's history, details on its annual conventions, and his personal experience taking the RV Basics training course. If you’re an RVer looking to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded travelers, and take advantage of exclusive membership benefits, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ History of FRVA – How it started in 1963 with 26 founding families and its 2024 rebranding.

✅ Annual FRVA Conventions – What to expect at the Perry, GA (Spring) and Gillette, WY (Late Summer/Fall)events.

✅ RV Basics Course – Why this two-and-a-half-day course is a game-changer for new and experienced RVers.

✅ DIY RV Repairs & Maintenance – Lessons from fixing issues like Schwintek slide problems and front cap separation.

✅ FRVA Membership Benefits – From FRVA University to the tire discount program, discover why membership pays for itself.

✅ The FRVA Community – Meet other RVers through regional chapters and special interest groups like the RV Basics Alumni Chapter.

Episode Highlights:

🛠️ RV Education – How FRVA’s training courses helped Stan troubleshoot issues with his Tiffin Allegro Open Road.

🚐 On-Site RV Services – Getting his windshield replaced and slide toppers upgraded at an FRVA convention.

💡 Pro Tips – Why reading your RV manuals and learning basic troubleshooting can save time and money.

👥 Community & Connection – How FRVA conventions turn acquaintances into lifelong friends.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Join the Family RV Association: frva.com

🔗 FRVA University: Online training courses for RVers

🔗 RV Basics Course: A must-attend for new and experienced RV owners

🔗 Extend-A-Stay Propane Adapter: Learn More

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🚐 Join us on our Wandering Gypsy RV Life adventures—safe travels, and keep wandering! 🚐

Episode Notes – The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist

🎙️ Episode Title: The Importance of a Pre-Trip Checklist

🚐 Episode Summary:

Before hitting the road, every RVer should have a solid pre-trip checklist to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth journey. In this episode, we’ll walk through the essential steps to prepare your motorhome for travel, from disconnecting utilities to securing slides and properly hooking up a tow car. Plus, I’ll share a lesson learned the hard way—like when I forgot to retract my awning and took out an RV park gate! 😬

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why a pre-trip checklist is essential for safe RV travel

✔️ Key steps to take the night before departure

✔️ The importance of checking fresh water, propane, and power connections

✔️ How to properly stow gear, secure slides, and prepare your RV’s exterior

✔️ The right way to hook up and test your tow vehicle

✔️ A real-life mishap that proves why double-checking your list is crucial

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• A thorough checklist prevents accidents, costly repairs, and unnecessary stress.

• Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your setup can make all the difference.

• Even experienced RVers can make mistakes—so don’t skip those final checks!

📖 Read the accompanying blog post here: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/2025/04/05/pre-trip-checklist-lessons-learned-from-the-road/

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If you love RV life and want more travel tips, stories, and lessons from the road, be sure to subscribe and follow Wandering Gypsy RV Life for more episodes.

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🎶 Not all who wander are lost.

Podcast Show Notes: The Importance of a TPMS for RV Safety

Episode Title: The Essential Guide to Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RV Owners

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we deeply dive into one of the most critical safety tools for RVers: the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Whether rolling down the highway in a motorhome or towing a travel trailer, knowing your tire pressure can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous blowout. We’ll cover why TPMS is essential, NHTSA guidelines for RV tire safety, where to get your RV accurately weighed, and the top TPMS brands available today.

🚐 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why every RVer needs a TPMS for safety and peace of mind.
• How underinflated tires can lead to dangerous blowouts and poor fuel efficiency.
• NHTSA recommendations for proper tire pressure maintenance.
• The best places to weigh your RV for accurate tire pressure adjustments.
• A breakdown of the top TPMS brands, including TST, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and more.
• How temperature changes affect tire pressure and what you should do about it.
• Best practices for tire maintenance to extend the life of your RV tires.

🌎 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire pressure guidelines.
• Escapees RV Club and FRVA International Conventions for RV weighing services.
• Recommended TPMS brands include TST Truck TPMS, TireMinder, EEZ RV Products, and TireTraker.

🔗 Learn More & Connect: For more RV tips, product recommendations, and expert advice, visit our Wandering Gypsy RV Life website.

🎙️ Subscribe & Stay Safe on the Road! Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to our podcast and join the conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with fellow RVers. Safe travels, and remember: Not all who wander are lost.

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#RVLife #TPMS #TireSafety #RoadTripReady #MotorhomeTravel