RT43: Is Internet Satellite Right for Your RV?

For many, it's important to stay connected – even when we are in our RV in the middle of nowhere and there is no WiFi or a phone signal to take us online.

Enter satellite Internet.

It allows you to stay connected from just about anywhere you have access to the sky – with a catch or two that you need to consider.

In this episode, Mike Wendland talks about the new satellite Internet system he has with the Zenmaster of full-time RVing – Campskunk. Among other things, Mike and Campskunk talk about:

• What is involved in getting a satellite system for the Internet for an RV
• If satellite Internet is easy to set up and use
• If satellite Internet delivers the same speed you get with a home network
• What doesn't work well with satellite Internet
• The costs of satellite Internet equipment
• How much access to monthly satellite Internet services can cost
• For photos and more how-to info on how we hooked up my system. go to https://rvlifestyle.com/adding-satellite-internet-to-an-rv/

Also in this episode, Mike is joined by his wife, Jennifer, to answer listener questions, he talks about Acadia National Park in Maine and why it should be on your RV bucket destination list, tells you about three great apps to edit photos on your smartphone or tablet, and a lot more!

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Show Notes for Episode #43 July 8, 2015, of Roadtreking – The RV Lifestyle Podcast:

First Things First: Checking In From Maine

The show begins with Jennifer and Mike Wendland checking in from Rockport, Maine, with an update on their current trip and a preview of things to come for the rest of the episode. [spp-timestamp time=”2:10″]

Listener Question: How Can I Find Parts for My RV Awning?

Listener Bob asks about his RV awning and how to find parts for it. With not a ton of details to go on, Mike provides some possible ways to find the parts. [spp-timestamp time=”5:34″]

Listener Question: What Can You Tell Me About Battery Life in a Small RV?

Listener Terry says she is considering purchase of a Roadtrek Zion and has a question about battery life. [spp-timestamp time=”8:30″]

Listener Question: Does My Refrigerator Always Have to Be Perfectly Level?

Listener Marty asks about the importance of keeping a refrigerator level while RVing in his new unit, like when stopping for shopping or dinner. It used to be critical on older units. But most new RVs, being perfectly level is no longer a requirement. [spp-timestamp time=”10:53″]

Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo.
Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. Owner Ray Dwyer has been in the RV business for 44 years and is considered the dean of Class B RVs. Nobody knows more about small motorhomes that Ray and his crew. They have new and used Class B motorhomes in stock from the major manufacturers. When you fly in to buy your RV from Van City, they'll arrange to have you picked up from the airport and will reimburse you $500 toward your airfare. Then, your RV will be fully prepared for travel, complete with full tanks of fuel and propane. After a complete orientation with their staff on your new RV, you can take delivery and set out for home. Dan the Van Man gives the week's specials on the podcast.

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RV News of the Week: Maine National Park Battle, Two RV-Related Deaths

Voters Block Proposed 150,000-Acre Park in Maine: Controversy over a proposed national park in Maine's North Woods continues after voters in adjoining communities rejected referendums that would have been a major step in creating the 150,000-acre park. Those in favor said it would have provided a much-needed boost to the area's economy, while those opposed don't like the idea of so much involvement from the federal government in managing what happens in their area. Proponents say the votes are a setback, but that the issue is not quite dead. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time=”17:34″]

Woman Dies After RV Runs Her Over: A woman was hit and died while helping direct a Type A RV driven by her husband into a truck stop parking spot.  The accident happened at a Flying J in Iowa.  (Read more) [spp-timestamp time=”21:55″]

Camper Shot and Killed by Apparent Stray Bullet: A 60-year-old man was shot and killed Friday by an apparent stray bullet from people target practicing near his campsite. The incident happened in the Rainbow Falls Park area of Pike National Forest in Colorado. Witnesses say they had been hearing a lot of guns being fired around them in the period leading up to the time the man was shot – despite the fact gunfire is prohibited in the area. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time=”23:32″]

This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde, the only name in heat that you need to know for your RV.

The Alde hydronic system brings many features and benefits not found with any other product.

1. Silent Radiant Heat – providing a warm even natural heated interior. Great for pets. (And Humans)
2. Increased Interior Space by combining two systems in one.
3. Efficiency. The whole system draws less than 1 amp on 12V DC and will extend the life of your propane roughly 40% over forced air.
4. Heating on Electric or Gas.
5. Multiple Options and Amenities: Towel Warmers, Floor Heat, Tank Heating, 4 Season Camping, Engine Heat, Driver Comfort,
6. Modern Programable Color Touch Screen Thermostat and Interface
7. Minimal Side-Wall Penetration. Small combined intake and exhaust eliminate big cut outs and sidewall congestion.

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Traveling Tech: Photo Editing Apps Help You Take Pics Like a Pro with Your Smartphone

Chances are you’re taking a lot of photos lately with your smartphone and  a growing number of apps can help you make those quick snapshots look like they were taken by a professional photographer.

Polarr has been a popular Web-based program for a while now, but an app made just for iOS-based devices is now available. Claiming to be a “pro photo editor for everyone,” users can tweak and edit photos using all kinds of available settings. A number of almost endless edits can be made to a photo with even more options using a $4.99 in-app purchase. The basic version is free.

Photo Editor by Aviary benefits by now being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud – the same company behind the popular Photoshop program for computers. It allows users to make beautiful photos in seconds with 100 plus professionally designed filters, creative stickers and frames and touch-up tools. It also has adjustable settings such as sharpness and brightness. The basic version is free for iOS and Android with available in-app purchases.

And if you’re looking for something a bit less complex, try the mobile version of Pixlr. The fun, powerful photo editor makes it easy to quickly crop, rotate and fine-tune any picture. In fact, the makers of the app claim Pixlr delivers more than 2 million combinations of free effects, overlays, and borders to edit images, even in in poor lighting conditions. The app is free for iOS and Android with in-app purchases available. [spp-timestamp time=”27:50″]

This part of the podcast is brought to you by Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Being an RV owner, I spend a lot of time on the road. However, I still like to keep tabs on what’s going on at home. With the Canary Home Security system, I can check on the house while I’m gone. Easy to set up and even easier to use, Canary is a complete home security system in one device.
Complete with built-in sensors, it’s programed to learn your habits and adapts to your home over time. Canary's motion-activated sensors automatically start recording whenever it senses movement.
Should it detect something out of the ordinary, it will send an instant notification to your smartphone, allowing you to stream HD video and high-quality audio of your home in real time.

The best thing is, you never worry about missing a notification! Trusted friends, family and/or neighbors can be your backups and added within the settings to receive alerts.
Protect the people and places you care about most. Turn your home into a smart home with tech savvy accessories that help you stay connected while on-the-go. Visit your local Verizon retailer today to check out the Canary Home Security system!

Visit Roadtreking.com/vzw for stories about how technology can enhance and improve your life.

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RV Bucket List Destination: Maine's Acadia National Park

Roadtreking Listener Larry checks in with some tips on things (not all on a map) to check out at Maine's Acadia National Park (Read more)

Mike adds additional detail and thoughts on Acadia. He also mentions two great camping options and here are the links:

• Blackwoods Campground: Open all year. Reservations recommended, May 1st to October 31st. Call National Recreation Reservation Service at 877-444-6777.
• Seawall Campground: Open Memorial Day to September 30. Reservations recommended at 877-444-6777. Also first come, first served. One vehicle, six people, and two small tents or one large tent are allowed at a campsite. Designated campsites accommodate trailers up to 35 feet. Neither campground has utility hookups. From early spring to late fall, the campgrounds provide comfort stations, cold running water, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, and water faucets. Showers and a camping supply store are within 1/2 mile of both campgrounds. [spp-timestamp time=”32:44″]

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This part of the podcast is brought to you by Leisure Time RV, serving central Florida and the Internet from Winter Garden, Fla..

Now is the time to check out the NEW ZION at Leisure Time RV:

1. Front wheel drive w 280HP, V-6 fuel-efficient engine;
2. Has stability program including: Wind assist; Sway assist; Drift compensation; Also has electronic stability control & Hill start Assist;
3. 5-Passenger seating (including driver);
4. Open center aisle for storage of larger items and has twin queen bed;
5. Sleek exterior aerodynamic design;
6. Galley features 5 cu ft Refrigerator;
7. Interior permanent bathroom with outside shower;
8. Power steps for driver, passenger and side entry;
9. Solid surface countertop in galley;
10. Leisure Time RV has them in stock NOW!- Come see our Elegant White and Platinum Silver Units.

Main Topic: Campskunk and Mike Talk Satellite Internet While RVing

Mike is joined by Campskunk to discuss the pros and cons of satellite Internet – a way to stay connected to the world when you're trying to disconnect from the world. [spp-timestamp time=”41:04″]

Please Subscribe and Give Us a Rating and Review!

Many listeners are asking how they can subscribe, review and rate the Roadtreking Podcast on iTunes. With a new podcast like this, those reviews and ratings are really important to be able to show well in the iTunes listings. So if you can, I’d sure appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave me your review.

Here’s how:

First, open up the iTunes app on your computer or mobile device. Click on Podcasts up on the top
> From the iTunes Podcasts page, use the “Search Store” field up at the top right corner of the page. Type in Mike Wendland or Roadtreking RV Podcast.
> Click on the logo image of the Roadtreking RV Podcast on the search return page
> From there (see photo above), you can…

1) Subscribe

2) Choose and Click on a star (1-5) that reflects your rating. Five stars means you really like it, one star not so much.

3) Leave a written review.

Thanks to all for the kind reviews we’ve received so far. That got us noticed by Apple/iTunes as “New and Noteworthy.” I appreciate every review!

And remember, you can appear in future episodes. Ask a question or voice your comments about RV topics by clicking the Leave Voicemail tab on the right side of this page here at Roadtreking.com. You can then use the microphone on your computer to record your words.

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