We've all heard the term “workamping” during our RV travels and – if you're anything like us – probably wondered what it really is like to be a workamper.
Sure, we could refer you to some general description from the Internet, but why do that when we can bring you someone who actually has worked as part of the so-called Amazon Camperforce? And that's why for this episode of the Roadtreking podcast, we talk to Will Triplet, a seasoned workamper who fills us in on what it's like to earn your keep (and then some) as a workamper. Among other things, Will and Mike discuss:
- What is Amazon's Camperforce?
- What happens when you're part of Amazon's Camperforce?
- What campground fees Amazon covers through the program
- Where Amazon distribution centers using workampers are located?
- Why Amazon likes older workampers
- How long shifts can be
- How much workampers make per hour
- The duties performed by workampers in Amazon distribution centers
Also in this episode, Jennifer's Tip of the Week about food storage in an RV, answer listener questions about dash cams and boondocking, RV and travel news of the week, and a lot more!
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Show Notes for Episode #47 Aug. 5, 2015 of Roadtreking – The RV Lifestyle Podcast:
First Things First: Checking In from Georgia
Jennifer and Mike open the show by talking about their current trip to Georgia, including one aspect of the south that really “bugs” them. [spp-timestamp time=”2:53″]
Jennifer's Tip of the Week: RV Food Storage
In this edition of Jennifer's Tip of the Week, she brings you some tips about storing food she and Mike bring along, which they prefer to dining out.
Jennifer offers tips for storing bananas, berries, celery, and other produce.
Jennifer mentions a link to some ideas she's collected and found online over the years (http://faithtap.com/3050/25-food-storage-tips ) [spp-timestamp time=”5:00″]
Listener Question: How Can I Play Dash Cam Videos on My Computer?
A listener named Tommy ordered the same Windshield Witness dash cam that Mike has and wants to know how the videos recorded on the camera’s SD card can be played in a computer. Mike explains. [spp-timestamp time=”6:59″]
Listener Question: I Want to Know More About Boondocking. Can You Help?
Another Roadtreking listener named Sue asks about boondocking and camping off the grid, specifically how to find spots and be safe. Mike and Jen describe their experiences (never a problem) and offer lots of resources.
Here’s a review they did some years back of apps that help them – https://rvlifestyle.com/apps-websites-help-find-perfect-boondocking-spot/
Here’s Campskunk’s 10 most beautiful boondocking sites – https://rvlifestyle.com/ten-most-breathtaking-boondock-spots/
And here’s a link to Boondocking 101 in which we devoted an episode of this podcast to discussing the ins and outs of boondocking – https://rvlifestyle.com/39
Then there’s Boondocker’s Welcome, an awesome membership site that maintains an always updated list of great spots to boondock – https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/affiliate/3774 [spp-timestamp time=”10:25″]
Listener Question: Can You Help Me Find Answers to RVing Questions?
And listener Lil is a new RVer and wants to know where to find answers to the many questions she has about RVing. Mike and Jennifer say one of the best resources is the Roadtreking Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/ [spp-timestamp time=”15:16″]
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: B.C. City Opens to RVs, Sleeping Bear Dunes Hit by Storm, RV Loans
British Columbia City Opens Arms to RVers: A note of congratulations to the town of Mission, British Columbia, as reported by our friends at overnightrvcamping.com, after local officials recognized the value of being an “RV-Friendly” city and rescinded a law that banned overnight RV parking at businesses, including the city's Walmart. [spp-timestamp time=”19:07″]
Mother Nature vs. (Sleeping) Bear: Rough weather over the past weekend devastated camping areas near one of Michigan's most popular recreational areas – the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Three lines of storms raked across northwest Lower Michigan Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. Each storm produced segments of damaging winds. Numerous areas of trees on power lines is the situation in northern Michigan Sunday night.
Especially hard hit were Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor and numerous spots in Leelanau County. Grand Traverse County also has widespread power outages on Sunday evening.
The following areas within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be closed until further notice: The Philip A Hart Visitor Center in Empire; Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive; the Dune Climb; Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail; Glen Haven Historic Village; and DH Day Campground. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time=”21:45″]
WSJ Looks at RV Loans: The Wall Street Journal had an interesting story about RV loans. The story talks about how RV loans compare with car and truck loans and also provides some insight into how lenders view potential RV loan recipients. (Read more) [spp-timestamp time=”24:23″]
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.
- Silent Radiant Heat – providing a warm even natural heated interior. Great for pets. (And Humans)
- Increased Interior Space by combining two systems in one.
- 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.
- Heating on Electric or Gas.
- Multiple Options and Amenities: Towel Warmers, Floor Heat, Tank Heating, 4 Season Camping, Engine Heat, Driver Comfort,
- Modern Programable Color Touch Screen Thermostat and Interface
- Minimal Side-Wall Penetration. Small combined intake and exhaust eliminate big cut outs and sidewall congestion.
Traveling Tech with Paul Ulreich, Verizon's Uber User
Mike introduces a new Roadtreking feature in which Paul Ulreich, Verizon's Uber User, talks about tech that will be useful for travelers. For this week, Ulreich talks about LifeProof protective cases for smartphones and tablets and the Belkin Netcam that streams live video to your connected devices. [spp-timestamp time=”28:38″]
This part of the podcast is brought to you by Verizon, the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network
Off the Beaten Path: North Tonawanda, New York
Listener Tom Burkett reports on North Tonawanda, New York, and Herschell Carousel Factory Museum. http://www.carrouselmuseum.org/ in North Tonawanda, New York, a historic Erie Canal town midway between Niagara Falls and Buffalo, an easy 15-minute drive from either city. [spp-timestamp time=”33:16″]
This part of the podcast is brought to you by Leisure Time RV, serving central Florida and the Internet from Winter Garden, Fla..
Leisure Time RV, a family-owned dealership in Winter Garden, Florida, near Orlando has been in business for 45 year and is consistently among the top Roadtrek dealers in North America. They have a full line of the Roadtrek inventory as well as travel trailers and used RVs. Jennifer and I have visited Leisure Time RV and we know the staff and we are very impressed by the honesty, integrity and first rate service we found there. They sell to customers all across the country, wich tells you that they know how to deal. They also offer unparalled RV service and if you are looking for Roadtrek parts, call Leisure Time RV because they also carry a full line of parts which they ship out nationwide..
Main Topic: Will Triplet, Experienced Workamper with Amazon's Camperforce
Will Triplet, an RVer who has workamped his way across America, joins Mike to talk about what it's like to be a workamper. Triplet most recently was a part of Amazon’s CamperForce Program http://www.amazonfulfillmentcareers.com/opportunities/camper-force/ [spp-timestamp time=”38:01″]
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…
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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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