Stayed at a hospital parking lot several years ago. I had come into the town where my great grandfather lived really late that nite. Was awakened at around 2am by a really nice officer who understood my situation but couldn't allow me to stay at hospital. So he had me follow him to the PD lot in town and told me goodnight. Love small town hospitality.
A FedEx driver friend of mine gave us a tip for cleaning bugs off of your rig or truck; slightly damp Bounty dryer sheets. I tried it out and sure enough, it works & doesn't scratch the paint or finish.
Actually found that one of those long-handled sponge mops (the kind that has the built-in slide wringer) and also has a scouring pad sponge cartridge attached, not only makes really quick work of windshield bugs but also comes in handy for serving double duty around other parts of the RV.
I use an 80 grit sand paper. It takes all the bugs off so easily!! I’ve had to repaint the front of the RV only 3 or 4 times so pretty minimal hassle. I have used coke before but usually in a frosted glass with ice. It’s a refreshing beverage. (Tongue in cheek).
4:52 We don't have a camping rig yet, but we do take long, cross-country vacations every year. I use the Garmin to navigate, my wife helps by waking up and telling me to look for a rest stop... usually 2 minutes after I just passed one. 🤣😂🤣😁
Those were 22 minutes of sounds and SIGHTS of freedom indeed! What a breath of fresh air! After months of adjusting as RVers during this pandemic, any full-timers would really appreciate you showing the freedom that's slowly being restored!
Ah the Springs, home of Space Force. Traveling responsibilities are; Person in driver’s seat does everything. Right seat comes into play looking places to stop. That includes our young people if they are sitting in the front. Good video and nice little memory story. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.
Speaking of the sound of freedom. Last summer, we tent camped at the RV park on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington. The F-18’s were doing touch and go’s most of the days we were there, going till about 2100 each evening except one they went to 2300. The end of the airfield was very close to the RV park and it was plenty noisy. It didn’t bother our grand-daughter, niece or myself much, but my poor wife suffered. She had a heck of a time getting to sleep.The one evening we had finally remembered to purchase earplugs for my wife, they made a hard left (port, for you, Phil) turn and flew right back over the RV park, afterburners going full blast. Earplugs didn’t help much. We all laughed about it and joked that they must have known she got the ear plugs. It is, loud or not, as you say, the sound of freedom! Glorious and no bother at all!
I navigate just like you, Stacy! Always telling my hubby how many miles to go before the next turn and etc. Keeping him up to date on how far and if the turn will be left or right...
Hi guys - great information regarding navigation. We travel similar to you. Larry does the driving and I navigate. I let him know what is coming up so he can be in the right lane and no last minute maneuvers. It works well for us. Safe travels 😊💕🇺🇸
Absolutely love your channel and all your content. You are both so friendly and just puts a smile on my face. i laugh with what you joke about and can relate. Thank you for making these and travel safe.
We work together with navigation. So great to see the Academy again (we're active duty AF) we lived there a few years back & will return in the summer of 2022. Finally get to look for our forever home since we will retire in the area!!
Same navigation for us. The right seat takes care of all the planning and nav, left seat drives. We use a lot of satellite imagery in our planning. We plan our entire route, stops, and stays. Always do a walk around and vehicle check before every departure. We're just West of M.C.A.S. Mira Mar, so we hear the sound of freedom quite a lot around here. Take care and safe travels.
We navigate the same as you. My husband usually does the driving because I know the apps on my phone better and the tools for navigation. I let him know about changes in lanes etc ahead of time like you do for Phil. We’ve been doing this for about 44 years . . . So you and Phil are just getting started lol! I usually look for the rest areas etc. so that my husband can get a break from driving and eat if we are near the time of day for a meal. I try to plan ahead for where we are staying at night but this past trip, we didn’t plan ahead. That was iffy because we stopped at a Tennessee State park and the sign at the entrance said that the campground was full - but actually it was’t. We stopped at the ranger station and they helped us find a spot. I hate not knowing where we are staying at night. That makes me a bit anxious.
I am a USAFA graduate. I didn’t know they had an RV campground. Once we retire I will have to return home and check it out. Love your channel. My boss tells me everything!
I was stationed at the USAFA for four years (75-79) as an enlisted man, had no idea they had an RV famcamp. But then I did live in military housing called Douglas Vally. I've learned so much about RVing from y'all, thanks. ;-)
Stacy, my wife is my navigator also, just don’t know what I would do with out her. A lot of similarities to you, thanks so much for your sharing. Gary and Amy
Driver drives and knows the route and has the gps programed. Wife assists with traffic and interchanges but main function is to monitor the route on her cell looking for issues. She is responsible for finding alternate routes if something is closed or if there is an accident in front of us. She found a route to avoid an all lane closure accident we heard on the CB in PA that went through some amish area. Really beautiful. Team driving.
Me too. I usually pull into a rest area so I can call ahead for a campsite or use Allstays. Using an app while driving is too many distractions for me.
We do the same tag-team approach, with me doing most of the driving and my wife doing the navigation and especially letting me know of upcoming turnoffs and exits. And poorly marked lane ends situations! It's worked for us for 40 years, not changing now!
Hi from Florida. Fellow Army Brat married to an Army retiree. Just starting our RV journeys. Love the Boulevard shirt! I also am the navigator, planner and fuel locator.
We stayed at the same FamCamp, Peregrine Pines, in July! Loved it! It was the first time we'd stayed where we had full hookups. Hope you're enjoying being back on the road.
OMG, Love the NAV portion grin. To cute. I Nav the same way. I pick route (more exp driving), whoever navigates is a co-pilot for everything not driving. Team work. Never an accident, one scary moment. 25 years. 31' 5th wheel, Dodge Diesel Ram 3/4 4x4 full size Quad cab. It is pretty long to drive and navigate for sure. Sometimes I get to be the passenger. I drive big things best. So I end up driving 80% of the time. :( Retired Army Airborne Corps of Engineers, I had lots of exp :D Also thanks for the VET support. Love to see people helping out Vets. We have to stick together. Many need help.
Like you guys, my wife does all the navigating and communicates and potential traffic issues ahead. Works well for us. Much easier for me to concentrate on driving and traffic around me.
We navigate the same as you do!!! We have a few years on you though. We celebrated 42 years this past July. I give Tom the same warnings concerning turns that are coming up, five, then two, then one mile out. People will ask him what route we came in on and he always says he doesn’t know because he just goes where I tell him to go! I do all the trip planning. We have a 41’ DP and a toad so I review the route for low overpasses, steep grades and curves. We prefer to tour small town USA instead of taking the interstates. We normally drive about 200 - 300 miles a day but I keep it open ended like you do. I’ll usually pick two options to stop for lunch so that there are no HANGRIES when we get to our destination. I’ll have two or three final destinations in case the first and second don’t work out. We like to get on the road around 9:00 in the am and get parked by 2:00. That gives me time to relax before I stick dinner in the IP. I use generally use Campendium, Allstays ( for State Parks & COE Parks) and Passport America to find overnight spots. I’ll transfer the destination into iPhone maps to get the general route . I then use the Allstays app to find rest areas along the way as it gives you detailed information about what side of the road they are on, how many truck sites there are, etc. If we are boondocking I will check out the location on Google maps satellite view to check the route into it. If we need fuel I will first use the TSD / EFS app to find discount locations. If there aren’t any then I use Gas Buddy. Maybe we will see you down the road sometime. Take care & stay safe, The Weaving RVer ( I weave on a floor loom, not when I’m driving the rig 😊)
You two always make me smile when I watch your videos. Your positive attitudes make watching you a real pleasure. Stacey, in response to your request about navigation, we do as you do. I navigate and give a heads up about turns and lanes as my husband drives. It works well for us, too. Safe travels! Cheryl from NW Ohio riding in a BT Cruiser.
We've been RV seasonal/occasional. I am self assigned navigator & have traveled 60k miles in 20 years. Works great with no disagreements. Use GPS AND map. Happy travels & long journeys:)
Your right about those bugs. If you let them sit a few days, it can make getting them off a big job, especially if there is no pre-treatment. As soon as I'm set up, I usually presoak the front with warm soapy water, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then it's not too bad of job. Thanks for the video. Happy RV'ing!!
My wife has been the navigator for over 45 years, long before there were GPS available. We have carried a road atlas for years and started using the motor carriers atlas (truckers) for 30 years. We use the 3-330 format, drive 300 to 350 miles and stop between 1500 and 1530. We're normally on the road by 0730. I have a 5 ft Lakeland Gorilla, stuffed animal, that sits behind the wheel on the toad. LOL
Come on CDR!!! No out takes??? You made your first perfect video with no screw ups??? I know better!!! The best part!!! FAM camp was beautiful, can’t wait to visit!
At age 82 I drive my 40ft Monaco and plan my route and the next days drive at least the night before. I clip one page to the outside of a Manila folder with the key turns of the next days route. I use gps on an upgrade large screen, but that only confirms my earlier planning. Btw, this is our 2nd Class A. 2001 with 137,000 miles. Plus we own a home in Michigan and one on Florida but are on the road from 2 months to 6 months a year.... yes I am 82. We tow a Silverado and carry 2 Golden EX Buzzaround mobility scooters. Been in Disney 30x in last 4 years. Ernie
My husband drives, I navigate. We use a Garmin, Google maps, Waze and an atlas. Don't have an rv yet. We live in MD. Our daughter has a guest ranch in WY and our son is currently stationed in FL so we drive to visit them. Love your channel.
As a USAFA grad and retired AF LT. Col. The campground on the Academy ground is great! You however are luckier then us, we never seemed to hit a time when it is not full! Best!
"BFE" -- Took me a second, but I got it. I've been there. Back in my Navy days I was on a ship transiting the Suez canal. It was desert on both sides as far as the eye could see. In the middle of nowhere, there was a town on the Egyptian side of the canal surrounded by lush, green farmland. And that's when I knew I had been by BFE. True story. :)
feraxks when I was in my Intermediate level school in Quantico, we had an Egyptian Officer in the class. He stood up and ask the instructor “ I have lived in Egypt all my life, please to tell me where is BFE”. We laughed for a LONG time. 😂
We navigate just like you do Glenda is watching the GPS and I'm driving. Now when she drives I navigate it is the best way to go. We use Allstays and Garmin is our driving choice. We tag team all our trips.
We use the Garmin 770 RV as well. I drive (DH is legally blind). He is the navigator - does a great job letting me know of upcoming lane changes. I plan our trips using RV trip Wizard, then add to Garmin.
We have the Garmin RV 785, which has the built-in dash cam. So far, so good, after about 3500 miles of use. It updates wirelessly and the Dash Cam also functions as a lane-keeping assistant (LKA) and collision warning. Of course, the collision warning is ALWAYS when somebody cuts in front of us. You know that people merging onto the highway would rather die than pull in behind a motorhome. We put our route into the Garmin the night before and compare what it comes up with to our truck atlas. Then my First Officer serves as the NAV when we're on the road, until she falls asleep . . . about ten miles into the trip. Sound of Freedom passing over head? I didn't know there was a Naval Air Station nearby. 😀 Great episode, as always. Fly Navy.
We are not RV'ers, but we are road trip people. We navigate the same as you and Phil. That way hubby can concentrate on driving and keeping up safe, I say how much longer, next turn, rest stop etc.😊
We do the same as you. My husband drives and I navigate. I also start telling him in advance, usually about 5 miles, what exit he needs to take. He does look at the route the night before also. I also find our stops for gas. We usually plan the week before for night stops.
We travel pretty much the same way you do. My wife does the navigating and I drive. It doesn't matter if we are on our motorcycle, car or pulling our travel trailer.
Greetings from a fellow Veteran and a Part Timer RVer. I’ve gradually convinced my wife that she CAN help with finding our way. She’s learning and locates gas stops for us. Thanks for taking us along on your journey! I recently added an inverter that we can use to run the Microwave without running the generator. BTW - Bug splatter on the RV drives me crazy too.
I am loving your videos. Thank you for sharing. I have found that I like driving on the hwys whenever possible. I love slowing down and taking in the little towns and seeing what they have to offer.
We do it same as you. I navigate every step of the way! I pick our stops, when will get fuel, I even fuel the rig so he can stretch or use restroom etc. when I drive I still navigate! 😂🤷♀️
The wife and I are both retired Air Force and we navigate the exact same way you guys do it. Divide and conquer is our motto! We're getting back into RV-ing and you guys have given us a ton of solid info, Thanks for your time and efforts.
We love the channel and my wife Ali loves all the tips on navigation as she is the copilot on every trip we have gone on. She to calls out the upcoming gas stops and rest stops during all of out trips. It works for us and as we have traveled to the Arctic Circle and back. Keep safe during these times and God Bless
My daughter is a Middle School English teacher, and has a Hank that could be Skullys twin. Her students love how she puts Hank into different poses. I wish I could use the Military campgrounds but don't qualify. They are a great bargain for sure.
Love the useful info the 2 of you give. We are renting RV's for dry runs right now. We about the same...hubby drives, wife navigates. But keep screen and volume up in case she gets distracted, like last time with grandkids. Think we will get the Garmin when we retire and get an RV of our own. Retired AF here, so glad that you also show us the FamCamps. Can't wait to go full time and maybe see you at RVillage meet ups.
After a year of watching and enjoying your videos, I believe this is the first time we saw you and Phil driving down the road. Very nice viewpoint. Thanks.
Hi Phil and Stacy just got done watching tonight’s video, Sandy and I also use the Garmin 770 plus google maps. We pull a 40ft 5th wheel and do just like you guys, I concentrate on driving and Sandy does all of the navigation and planning. It takes a lot of the stress out of driving when she is giving me the heads up on what’s coming up. We very seldom make reservations, Sandy will start planning around noon as to where we will stop for the night or more depending on what we are doing. We try to leave by 9am on travel days and stop by 3 pm. We briefly met you guys at the RVillage rally back in February and look forward to crossing paths again someday. Happy Trails and Safe Travels. Jeff , Sandy and Bandit in the Grey Fox.
We travel as a team, too. Four eyes make for more information and safer travel. Driver plans the route and gets navigator approval. Navigator reads signs and looks for problems. Driver concentrates on the road and traffic but has on-board GPS for reference. Got to order a 780 as the backup is a very old Novi. Yes, left overs are great. Why would you cook one meal when you can do three at the same time? Chicken on a salad makes a lite meal and a nice change. Frozen muffins and scones heat up for a quick breakfast. Could not do without the microwave. Thanks for the Canton COE information. That gives us another option. There is a nice quiet KOA on the East side of OKC and a very nice self service campground in Woodward OK. Do the parks hit you with an extra person charge for Skully?
Well I decided after my copilot "Captain my Golden Retriever" kept me stopping at ever Petsmart Store across Texas that it was best that I do all navigating an trip planning!! Lol 😂 🐶😂 Blessed Travels
Hi Stacy, We loved the video. We have a very similar system on drive days. Carolyn is the driver and I navigate and I let her know when turns are coming 5 to 8 miles ahead and looking for places to stop. Of course, I also pump the fuel and refill DEF when needed...and dump.
We travel a lot like you. I do the bulk of the navigating, husband will check the route. I plug it into our Garmin 770, & I keep him updated for rest stops, possible overnight options just like you. While navigating through cities I keep an eye on our backup camera to see if anyone is in his blind spot for lane changes. I also keep an eye on the weather...hate driving in high winds. Hubbies job is like Phil...getting us there in one piece! Great video.
I do all the planning and the hubby drives. We do go over it together before we leave that way he knows the route. I've been telling him were to go for 30 years too. Lol
Great video! I spent 6 years at the AFA from '67 to '73, in Pine Valley, and loved living there. Going back for a visit is on my bucket list!!! Thanks for sharing.
We use the built-in crazy lady in the dash, but mostly rely on our Rand McNally TDN 70, our phone app and old school trucker dry-erase map booklet. I like using google street view to recon our stopping/resting points (look for no overnight parking and other important signage) I am also not a "rest area" overnight guy, so I like to use my Planet Fitness black card membership for working out, free showers and hydro massages - free wifi. My little secret I'll share with y'all, most all PF locations will allow overnight boondocking for members which is 100X better than noisy rest areas (just ask respectfully for permission ahead of time by phone).
My husband drives and I navigate. Our Garmin is getting old and I use my phone and other apps to make sure we’re on the right roads. He watches the garmin’s screen but I warn of turns, things coming up, etc. No time for napping when we’re going somewhere new!
I am the navigator and use Google maps and a paper state map just in case of a problem. I also tell my partner turns or exits a few miles ahead of time so he can do what’s necessary. I am the planner and he’s the driver. You guys have such great videos together. I also use RV Parky and Trucker path apps to assist. Keep the great videos coming!!
We just left Colorado while boondocking just east of Woodland Park on Forestry land. Yes, we LOVE the Colorado smell of the pines. Smells so fresh. You should try the Manitou Springs Incline, what a killer. But beautiful view.
Navigating is a mix of driver and passenger assisted. I’m the planner and 75% passenger. I set timer on my phone 15 mins before an anticipated turn, merge, exit. and use “down time” to plan activities, restaurants etc. I also ask about gas cause someone forgets to look at the gauge 🤣
We navigate like you. My husband drives and I tell him what exits, lanes he needs to be in , rest stops, cheapest fuel stops, etc. It has always worked well for us.
It’s definitely a team effort with navigating-as a passenger I update settings etc to let driver keep eyes on the road. Plus read speeds, upcoming turns. Nashville is a doozy for lane changes-I live there so I’m good but one of the cities that needs preplanning
We pretty much have the same method you use. I plan all the trips and check out the routes, look at google earth for elevations, and help navigate while my better half is driving. Sometimes the road less traveled is the most fun.
My husband drives and I navigate. We just started camping last year so I need more practice finding gas for a large camper its hard in Virginia most gas stations are tiny and not good turn around options. I have missed two turns so far which my hubby got very stressed. Sometimes those turns come up quick and once I was talking and not paying attention :) That Garmin 890 will be my christmas gift to myself this year!
We just spent 2 1/2 weeks in and around Colorado Springs visiting our daughter and son-in-law(military). Finding campgrounds was has been difficult! We are now near Gunnison, CO and highly recommend Gunnison National Forest!
It's been a while since we stayed there, either tent camping with Scouts or in the trailer, but Pt. Mugu was relatively quiet operations noise wise. But we had winds steady at 35 kts gusting to 50 one night with the Santa Ana winds whipping down the canyon and out over the base. The tent camping was on sand and the rv "park" was a parking lot upgraded with hook-ups, but across the street from the beach.
Stayed at a hospital parking lot several years ago. I had come into the town where my great grandfather lived really late that nite. Was awakened at around 2am by a really nice officer who understood my situation but couldn't allow me to stay at hospital. So he had me follow him to the PD lot in town and told me goodnight. Love small town hospitality.
Not lactating, love it! I'm going to have to remember that one
Wendy Shepard me too Wendy these damn hot flashes wow great saying
A FedEx driver friend of mine gave us a tip for cleaning bugs off of your rig or truck; slightly damp Bounty dryer sheets. I tried it out and sure enough, it works & doesn't scratch the paint or finish.
Add some CocaCola to your wash water helps with the bug guts also.
Actually found that one of those long-handled sponge mops (the kind that has the built-in slide wringer) and also has a scouring pad sponge cartridge attached, not only makes really quick work of windshield bugs but also comes in handy for serving double duty around other parts of the RV.
@@Tony-um2el, the only problem is that friends come over and start licking your windshield.
I’ve use the dryer sheets too. Works great
I use an 80 grit sand paper. It takes all the bugs off so easily!! I’ve had to repaint the front of the RV only 3 or 4 times so pretty minimal hassle. I have used coke before but usually in a frosted glass with ice. It’s a refreshing beverage. (Tongue in cheek).
This on the road, actual stop planning was super helpful… watching it as it happens is reassuring!
“”Get my ears lowered” Haven’t heard that one in a looooooooong time. Thanks for the videos!
4:52 We don't have a camping rig yet, but we do take long, cross-country vacations every year. I use the Garmin to navigate, my wife helps by waking up and telling me to look for a rest stop... usually 2 minutes after I just passed one. 🤣😂🤣😁
Those were 22 minutes of sounds and SIGHTS of freedom indeed! What a breath
of fresh air! After months of adjusting as RVers during this pandemic,
any full-timers would really appreciate you showing the freedom that's slowly being restored!
Ah the Springs, home of Space Force. Traveling responsibilities are; Person in driver’s seat does everything. Right seat comes into play looking places to stop. That includes our young people if they are sitting in the front. Good video and nice little memory story. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.
Speaking of the sound of freedom. Last summer, we tent camped at the RV park on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington. The F-18’s were doing touch and go’s most of the days we were there, going till about 2100 each evening except one they went to 2300. The end of the airfield was very close to the RV park and it was plenty noisy. It didn’t bother our grand-daughter, niece or myself much, but my poor wife suffered. She had a heck of a time getting to sleep.The one evening we had finally remembered to purchase earplugs for my wife, they made a hard left (port, for you, Phil) turn and flew right back over the RV park, afterburners going full blast. Earplugs didn’t help much. We all laughed about it and joked that they must have known she got the ear plugs. It is, loud or not, as you say, the sound of freedom! Glorious and no bother at all!
I navigate just like you, Stacy! Always telling my hubby how many miles to go before the next turn and etc. Keeping him up to date on how far and if the turn will be left or right...
Hi guys - great information regarding navigation. We travel similar to you. Larry does the driving and I navigate. I let him know what is coming up so he can be in the right lane and no last minute maneuvers. It works well for us. Safe travels 😊💕🇺🇸
Thank you for teaching us how to RV! We have learned so much from you. Happy Trails to you!
Absolutely love your channel and all your content. You are both so friendly and just puts a smile on my face. i laugh with what you joke about and can relate. Thank you for making these and travel safe.
We work together with navigation. So great to see the Academy again (we're active duty AF) we lived there a few years back & will return in the summer of 2022. Finally get to look for our forever home since we will retire in the area!!
Same navigation for us. The right seat takes care of all the planning and nav, left seat drives. We use a lot of satellite imagery in our planning. We plan our entire route, stops, and stays. Always do a walk around and vehicle check before every departure. We're just West of M.C.A.S. Mira Mar, so we hear the sound of freedom quite a lot around here. Take care and safe travels.
We navigate the same as you. My husband usually does the driving because I know the apps on my phone better and the tools for navigation. I let him know about changes in lanes etc ahead of time like you do for Phil. We’ve been doing this for about 44 years . . . So you and Phil are just getting started lol! I usually look for the rest areas etc. so that my husband can get a break from driving and eat if we are near the time of day for a meal. I try to plan ahead for where we are staying at night but this past trip, we didn’t plan ahead. That was iffy because we stopped at a Tennessee State park and the sign at the entrance said that the campground was full - but actually it was’t. We stopped at the ranger station and they helped us find a spot. I hate not knowing where we are staying at night. That makes me a bit anxious.
I love Colorado Springs. Was stationed at Fort Carson for two years. Loved it. Beautiful country. God's country!
I am a USAFA graduate. I didn’t know they had an RV campground. Once we retire I will have to return home and check it out. Love your channel. My boss tells me everything!
My husband and I are just beginning RVing. He drives and I am the eagle-eye navigator. We have a favorite place in East Texas. Enjoy life.
That is awesome!
I was stationed at the USAFA for four years (75-79) as an enlisted man, had no idea they had an RV famcamp. But then I did live in military housing called Douglas Vally. I've learned so much about RVing from y'all, thanks. ;-)
We navigate the same way you do it. The passenger is the navigator. It works really well for us!
Stacy, my wife is my navigator also, just don’t know what I would do with out her. A lot of similarities to you, thanks so much for your sharing. Gary and Amy
Driver drives and knows the route and has the gps programed. Wife assists with traffic and interchanges but main function is to monitor the route on her cell looking for issues. She is responsible for finding alternate routes if something is closed or if there is an accident in front of us. She found a route to avoid an all lane closure accident we heard on the CB in PA that went through some amish area. Really beautiful. Team driving.
GO Navy!! Thank you for your service, Our daughter is in the Navy! what a beautiful trip you guys took us on, thank you so much. take care my friends
I do ALL the navigation...all the planning, find fuel and campgrounds....My wonderful husband gets us there safely ❤️
My wife and I Navigate the same way you do..... it works really well for us!
I am the driver, navigator, and designated napper. That's single life for ya.
Single or not... finding a good (let alone a willing) navigator is actually very hard to come by these days!
I recommend trying to avoid doing the napping and the driving at the same time. But that's just me....
True that, same here, if someone dependable comes along, great, if not, that's good too.
Me too. I usually pull into a rest area so I can call ahead for a campsite or use Allstays. Using an app while driving is too many distractions for me.
Ben, do you get into a lot of arguments as to where you want to stop for the night or rest areas traveling by yourself? Lol
We do the same tag-team approach, with me doing most of the driving and my wife doing the navigation and especially letting me know of upcoming turnoffs and exits. And poorly marked lane ends situations! It's worked for us for 40 years, not changing now!
Hi from Florida. Fellow Army Brat married to an Army retiree. Just starting our RV journeys. Love the Boulevard shirt! I also am the navigator, planner and fuel locator.
We stayed at the same FamCamp, Peregrine Pines, in July! Loved it! It was the first time we'd stayed where we had full hookups. Hope you're enjoying being back on the road.
So nice to finally meet you guys. Thanks for stopping by...fun to see our coach in background!! Love AF academy CG!! Stay safe.
OMG, Love the NAV portion grin. To cute. I Nav the same way. I pick route (more exp driving), whoever navigates is a co-pilot for everything not driving. Team work. Never an accident, one scary moment. 25 years. 31' 5th wheel, Dodge Diesel Ram 3/4 4x4 full size Quad cab. It is pretty long to drive and navigate for sure. Sometimes I get to be the passenger. I drive big things best. So I end up driving 80% of the time. :( Retired Army Airborne Corps of Engineers, I had lots of exp :D Also thanks for the VET support. Love to see people helping out Vets. We have to stick together. Many need help.
Like you guys, my wife does all the navigating and communicates and potential traffic issues ahead. Works well for us. Much easier for me to concentrate on driving and traffic around me.
My husband is the driver and I am the navigator giving him all the info you give Phil. We also use all stays.
My wife does the same for me. She maps it out the roads,fuel stops and rest areas. Works great for us also.
She also maps out the RV parks for the whole trip before we leave.
We have a 40’ 5th wheel. We drive just like you. My husband drives and I navigate. It has worked great for 49 years!
Love it!!
We navigate the same as you do!!! We have a few years on you though. We celebrated 42 years this past July. I give Tom the same warnings concerning turns that are coming up, five, then two, then one mile out. People will ask him what route we came in on and he always says he doesn’t know because he just goes where I tell him to go!
I do all the trip planning. We have a 41’ DP and a toad so I review the route for low overpasses, steep grades and curves. We prefer to tour small town USA instead of taking the interstates. We normally drive about 200 - 300 miles a day but I keep it open ended like you do. I’ll usually pick two options to stop for lunch so that there are no HANGRIES when we get to our destination. I’ll have two or three final destinations in case the first and second don’t work out. We like to get on the road around 9:00 in the am and get parked by 2:00. That gives me time to relax before I stick dinner in the IP.
I use generally use Campendium, Allstays ( for State Parks & COE Parks) and Passport America to find overnight spots. I’ll transfer the destination into iPhone maps to get the general route . I then use the Allstays app to find rest areas along the way as it gives you detailed information about what side of the road they are on, how many truck sites there are, etc. If we are boondocking I will check out the location on Google maps satellite view to check the route into it. If we need fuel I will first use the TSD / EFS app to find discount locations. If there aren’t any then I use Gas Buddy.
Maybe we will see you down the road sometime. Take care & stay safe,
The Weaving RVer ( I weave on a floor loom, not when I’m driving the rig 😊)
You two always make me smile when I watch your videos. Your positive attitudes make watching you a real pleasure. Stacey, in response to your request about navigation, we do as you do. I navigate and give a heads up about turns and lanes as my husband drives. It works well for us, too. Safe travels! Cheryl from NW Ohio riding in a BT Cruiser.
We've been RV seasonal/occasional. I am self assigned navigator & have traveled 60k miles in 20 years. Works great with no disagreements. Use GPS AND map. Happy travels & long journeys:)
We navigate exactly the same way you do! I repeat the exit number a couple of times and update when it's a left or right turn.
Your right about those bugs. If you let them sit a few days, it can make getting them off a big job, especially if there is no pre-treatment. As soon as I'm set up, I usually presoak the front with warm soapy water, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then it's not too bad of job. Thanks for the video. Happy RV'ing!!
Very true!
My wife has been the navigator for over 45 years, long before there were GPS available. We have carried a road atlas for years and started using the motor carriers atlas (truckers) for 30 years. We use the 3-330 format, drive 300 to 350 miles and stop between 1500 and 1530. We're normally on the road by 0730. I have a 5 ft Lakeland Gorilla, stuffed animal, that sits behind the wheel on the toad. LOL
Come on CDR!!! No out takes??? You made your first perfect video with no screw ups??? I know better!!! The best part!!! FAM camp was beautiful, can’t wait to visit!
There were a ton of screw-ups....mostly mine. Stacy is just making me look good! LOL
At age 82 I drive my 40ft Monaco and plan my route and the next days drive at least the night before. I clip one page to the outside of a Manila folder with the key turns of the next days route. I use gps on an upgrade large screen, but that only confirms my earlier planning. Btw, this is our 2nd Class A. 2001 with 137,000 miles. Plus we own a home in Michigan and one on Florida but are on the road from 2 months to 6 months a year.... yes I am 82. We tow a Silverado and carry 2 Golden EX Buzzaround mobility scooters. Been in Disney 30x in last 4 years. Ernie
New to the RV world, what do you use to plan your stops?
@@rogerhines9096 need more specific question. Use my email "An80yoopinion@gmail.com".... stop for night or destination or?
My husband drives, I navigate. We use a Garmin, Google maps, Waze and an atlas. Don't have an rv yet. We live in MD. Our daughter has a guest ranch in WY and our son is currently stationed in FL so we drive to visit them. Love your channel.
BFE !!! I can sure tell you have Navy in your backgrounds! Love to watch your adventures!!! Stay Safe!!!
As a USAFA grad and retired AF LT. Col. The campground on the Academy ground is great! You however are luckier then us, we never seemed to hit a time when it is not full! Best!
We love it there and always look forward to going back!
"BFE" -- Took me a second, but I got it. I've been there. Back in my Navy days I was on a ship transiting the Suez canal. It was desert on both sides as far as the eye could see. In the middle of nowhere, there was a town on the Egyptian side of the canal surrounded by lush, green farmland. And that's when I knew I had been by BFE. True story. :)
feraxks when I was in my Intermediate level school in Quantico, we had an Egyptian Officer in the class. He stood up and ask the instructor “ I have lived in Egypt all my life, please to tell me where is BFE”. We laughed for a LONG time. 😂
Wow, someone else who 'did the ditch'. Cruised thru on USS America in 1981, twice. After 3 mos sailing IO it was back to Norfolk.
@@cirrus820travelers9 I've actually done both ditches -- Suez and Panama, multiple times each.
We navigate just like you do Glenda is watching the GPS and I'm driving. Now when she drives I navigate it is the best way to go. We use Allstays and Garmin is our driving choice. We tag team all our trips.
We use the Garmin 770 RV as well. I drive (DH is legally blind). He is the navigator - does a great job letting me know of upcoming lane changes. I plan our trips using RV trip Wizard, then add to Garmin.
We have the Garmin RV 785, which has the built-in dash cam. So far, so good, after about 3500 miles of use. It updates wirelessly and the Dash Cam also functions as a lane-keeping assistant (LKA) and collision warning. Of course, the collision warning is ALWAYS when somebody cuts in front of us. You know that people merging onto the highway would rather die than pull in behind a motorhome. We put our route into the Garmin the night before and compare what it comes up with to our truck atlas. Then my First Officer serves as the NAV when we're on the road, until she falls asleep . . . about ten miles into the trip. Sound of Freedom passing over head? I didn't know there was a Naval Air Station nearby. 😀 Great episode, as always. Fly Navy.
We are not RV'ers, but we are road trip people. We navigate the same as you and Phil. That way hubby can concentrate on driving and keeping up safe, I say how much longer, next turn, rest stop etc.😊
We do the same as you. My husband drives and I navigate. I also start telling him in advance, usually about 5 miles, what exit he needs to take. He does look at the route the night before also. I also find our stops for gas. We usually plan the week before for night stops.
We travel pretty much the same way you do. My wife does the navigating and I drive. It doesn't matter if we are on our motorcycle, car or pulling our travel trailer.
A Letchworth hat and Mustang shirt. Two of my alma matters in one episode!
Liked the dashcam footage and especially the info posted at the bottom of the screen.
Greetings from a fellow Veteran and a Part Timer RVer. I’ve gradually convinced my wife that she CAN help with finding our way. She’s learning and locates gas stops for us. Thanks for taking us along on your journey! I recently added an inverter that we can use to run the Microwave without running the generator. BTW - Bug splatter on the RV drives me crazy too.
I am loving your videos. Thank you for sharing. I have found that I like driving on the hwys whenever possible. I love slowing down and taking in the little towns and seeing what they have to offer.
Love that!
I’m the passenger navigator! It really help to get hubby to know when he has to get over.
That's fun with the Skellie. We do something similar with a demon child. He was even the ring bearer in my daughters wedding. LOL ... all in fun.
We do it same as you. I navigate every step of the way! I pick our stops, when will get fuel, I even fuel the rig so he can stretch or use restroom etc. when I drive I still navigate! 😂🤷♀️
The wife and I are both retired Air Force and we navigate the exact same way you guys do it. Divide and conquer is our motto! We're getting back into RV-ing and you guys have given us a ton of solid info, Thanks for your time and efforts.
Thanks for your service! Glad we could out in some way.
We love the channel and my wife Ali loves all the tips on navigation as she is the copilot on every trip we have gone on. She to calls out the upcoming gas stops and rest stops during all of out trips. It works for us and as we have traveled to the Arctic Circle and back. Keep safe during these times and God Bless
My daughter is a Middle School English teacher, and has a Hank that could be Skullys twin. Her students love how she puts Hank into different poses. I wish I could use the Military campgrounds but don't qualify. They are a great bargain for sure.
We love our “Next Exit” on the Interstates... for our stops...
Love the useful info the 2 of you give. We are renting RV's for dry runs right now. We about the same...hubby drives, wife navigates. But keep screen and volume up in case she gets distracted, like last time with grandkids. Think we will get the Garmin when we retire and get an RV of our own. Retired AF here, so glad that you also show us the FamCamps. Can't wait to go full time and maybe see you at RVillage meet ups.
We have always had the passenger doing the navigation and will continue to do so.
After a year of watching and enjoying your videos, I believe this is the first time we saw you and Phil driving down the road. Very nice viewpoint. Thanks.
Hi Phil and Stacy just got done watching tonight’s video, Sandy and I also use the Garmin 770 plus google maps. We pull a 40ft 5th wheel and do just like you guys, I concentrate on driving and Sandy does all of the navigation and planning. It takes a lot of the stress out of driving when she is giving me the heads up on what’s coming up. We very seldom make reservations, Sandy will start planning around noon as to where we will stop for the night or more depending on what we are doing. We try to leave by 9am on travel days and stop by 3 pm. We briefly met you guys at the RVillage rally back in February and look forward to crossing paths again someday.
Happy Trails and Safe Travels.
Jeff , Sandy and Bandit in the Grey Fox.
We travel as a team, too. Four eyes make for more information and safer travel. Driver plans the route and gets navigator approval. Navigator reads signs and looks for problems. Driver concentrates on the road and traffic but has on-board GPS for reference. Got to order a 780 as the backup is a very old Novi. Yes, left overs are great. Why would you cook one meal when you can do three at the same time? Chicken on a salad makes a lite meal and a nice change. Frozen muffins and scones heat up for a quick breakfast. Could not do without the microwave. Thanks for the Canton COE information. That gives us another option. There is a nice quiet KOA on the East side of OKC and a very nice self service campground in Woodward OK. Do the parks hit you with an extra person charge for Skully?
We use a Garmin RV 890 for navigation with our Wolfpack 25pack12 toy hauler. Works great.
Very cool!
My husband drives and I navigate. It works!
We navigate exactly like you two. I can’t imagine it working any other way!
It is great to see how other people plan stops on the road as that can be challenging when in a rv. Great video like always thank you for sharing!
my wife loves to help plan the routes we take. i really do appreciate her input and she loves telling where to go....lol.
Well I decided after my copilot "Captain my Golden Retriever" kept me stopping at ever Petsmart Store across Texas that it was best that I do all navigating an trip planning!! Lol 😂 🐶😂 Blessed Travels
Hi Stacy, We loved the video. We have a very similar system on drive days. Carolyn is the driver and I navigate and I let her know when turns are coming 5 to 8 miles ahead and looking for places to stop. Of course, I also pump the fuel and refill DEF when needed...and dump.
We travel a lot like you. I do the bulk of the navigating, husband will check the route. I plug it into our Garmin 770, & I keep him updated for rest stops, possible overnight options just like you. While navigating through cities I keep an eye on our backup camera to see if anyone is in his blind spot for lane changes. I also keep an eye on the weather...hate driving in high winds. Hubbies job is like Phil...getting us there in one piece! Great video.
I do all the planning and the hubby drives. We do go over it together before we leave that way he knows the route. I've been telling him were to go for 30 years too. Lol
Glad to see you On The Road ! Drive safe.
Thank you both for taking us a long on your trip. Learning so much from you all. Safe travels.
Great video keep enjoying your journey! Stay safe and healthy!
Great video! I spent 6 years at the AFA from '67 to '73, in Pine Valley, and loved living there. Going back for a visit is on my bucket list!!! Thanks for sharing.
We use the built-in crazy lady in the dash, but mostly rely on our Rand McNally TDN 70, our phone app and old school trucker dry-erase map booklet. I like using google street view to recon our stopping/resting points (look for no overnight parking and other important signage) I am also not a "rest area" overnight guy, so I like to use my Planet Fitness black card membership for working out, free showers and hydro massages - free wifi. My little secret I'll share with y'all, most all PF locations will allow overnight boondocking for members which is 100X better than noisy rest areas (just ask respectfully for permission ahead of time by phone).
My husband drives and I navigate. Our Garmin is getting old and I use my phone and other apps to make sure we’re on the right roads. He watches the garmin’s screen but I warn of turns, things coming up, etc. No time for napping when we’re going somewhere new!
I am the navigator and use Google maps and a paper state map just in case of a problem. I also tell my partner turns or exits a few miles ahead of time so he can do what’s necessary. I am the planner and he’s the driver. You guys have such great videos together. I also use RV Parky and Trucker path apps to assist. Keep the great videos coming!!
We just left Colorado while boondocking just east of Woodland Park on Forestry land. Yes, we LOVE the Colorado smell of the pines. Smells so fresh. You should try the Manitou Springs Incline, what a killer. But beautiful view.
I got the Garmin 890 from Techno RV. No more 1 lane roads in West Virginia surprises.
Navigating is a mix of driver and passenger assisted. I’m the planner and 75% passenger. I set timer on my phone 15 mins before an anticipated turn, merge, exit. and use “down time” to plan activities, restaurants etc. I also ask about gas cause someone forgets to look at the gauge 🤣
OMG....I can't believe you said BFE!!! TOO FUNNY!! Isay that all the time!! I🤣🤣❣
We navigate like you. My husband drives and I tell him what exits, lanes he needs to be in , rest stops, cheapest fuel stops, etc. It has always worked well for us.
It’s definitely a team effort with navigating-as a passenger I update settings etc to let driver keep eyes on the road. Plus read speeds, upcoming turns.
Nashville is a doozy for lane changes-I live there so I’m good but one of the cities that needs preplanning
We pretty much have the same method you use. I plan all the trips and check out the routes, look at google earth for elevations, and help navigate while my better half is driving. Sometimes the road less traveled is the most fun.
My husband drives and I navigate. We just started camping last year so I need more practice finding gas for a large camper its hard in Virginia most gas stations are tiny and not good turn around options. I have missed two turns so far which my hubby got very stressed. Sometimes those turns come up quick and once I was talking and not paying attention :) That Garmin 890 will be my christmas gift to myself this year!
We just spent 2 1/2 weeks in and around Colorado Springs visiting our daughter and son-in-law(military). Finding campgrounds was has been difficult! We are now near Gunnison, CO and highly recommend Gunnison National Forest!
Go Air Force and always enjoy watching you guys! Keep the videos coming!
Navy has no team this year....sigh! LOL
@@todayissomeday Our Service Academy's may not always be the best but they make us all proud!
We navigate the same as you two do. Nice job running in the altitude!!!
It's been a while since we stayed there, either tent camping with Scouts or in the trailer, but Pt. Mugu was relatively quiet operations noise wise. But we had winds steady at 35 kts gusting to 50 one night with the Santa Ana winds whipping down the canyon and out over the base. The tent camping was on sand and the rv "park" was a parking lot upgraded with hook-ups, but across the street from the beach.
Rockin’ that Mustang Shirt. I absolutely love the Navy Pride that Drips from both of you!
We are Navy to the core!
Wichita Falls, TX is a quiet little part of Texas I lived there for three years, Thanks for sharing