RV Batteries and Battery Tender Our camper is in storage when not in use, so we take the battery with us when we leave it. Now that it’s December, the camper will probably stay in storage for a good 60 days or so. What’s the best way to protect that battery when not in use? ... Read more RV Batteries, Electronic Sway Control, and Harvest Hosts

RV Batteries and Battery Tender Our camper is in storage when not in use, so we take the battery with us when we leave it. Now that it’s December, the camper will probably stay in storage for a good 60 days or so. What’s the best way to protect that battery when not in use? ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/rv-batteries-electronic-sway-control-and-harvest-hosts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more RV Batteries, Electronic Sway Control, and Harvest Hosts</a>

RV Batteries, Electronic Sway Control, and Harvest Hosts

Our daughter Kelly wrote this post about her first music festival camping experience. We had so much fun reading her story that we decided to make a podcast episode out of it. Join us as Kelly gives us her Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping. Tom and Kris Ballard A Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping Summer ... Read more A Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping

Our daughter Kelly wrote this post about her first music festival camping experience. We had so much fun reading her story that we decided to make a podcast episode out of it. Join us as Kelly gives us her Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping. Tom and Kris Ballard A Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping Summer ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/rookies-guide-festival-camping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more A Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping</a>

A Rookie’s Guide To Festival Camping

I know what you’re thinking. Hey Ballards, we bought an RV so we don’t have to use a tent anymore. I get that, but I can easily come up with 5 reasons you need a tent in your RV. You probably aren’t going to need it every time you camp, but you need to keep ... Read more 5 Reasons You Need a Tent With Your RV

I know what you’re thinking. Hey Ballards, we bought an RV so we don’t have to use a tent anymore. I get that, but I can easily come up with 5 reasons you need a tent in your RV. You probably aren’t going to need it every time you camp, but you need to keep ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/5-reasons-you-need-a-tent-with-your-rv/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 5 Reasons You Need a Tent With Your RV</a>

5 Reasons You Need a Tent With Your RV

This was one of the first questions I had when Kris and I took our new camper out for the first time. Can I keep the RV refrigerator on while driving to our destination? It seems to make sense. If you buy an RV with a 2 or 3-way refrigerator, why not turn it on ... Read more Can I Keep The RV Refrigerator On While Driving?

This was one of the first questions I had when Kris and I took our new camper out for the first time. Can I keep the RV refrigerator on while driving to our destination? It seems to make sense. If you buy an RV with a 2 or 3-way refrigerator, why not turn it on ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/can-i-keep-the-rv-refrigerator-on-while-driving/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more Can I Keep The RV Refrigerator On While Driving?</a>

Can I Keep The RV Refrigerator On While Driving?

Trend Number One, Don Is Back We really couldn’t discuss new trends in camping and RVing without Don. He’s been able to get quite a few camping trips in this summer. Kris and I just picked up our new camper in early August. As of this episode, we barely had our first camping trip under ... Read more New Trends In Camping And RVing

Trend Number One, Don Is Back We really couldn’t discuss new trends in camping and RVing without Don. He’s been able to get quite a few camping trips in this summer. Kris and I just picked up our new camper in early August. As of this episode, we barely had our first camping trip under ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/new-trends-in-camping-and-rving/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more New Trends In Camping And RVing</a>

New Trends In Camping And RVing

Do a quick Google search for camping check lists and you’ll be inundated with options. The lists are endless. Everything from clothes for each season to tools for every possible mechanical malaise will be on those lists. But not this one. Consider this a list of what we overlooked. Maybe you can learn from our ... Read more Camping Checklist – 13 Essential Items

Do a quick Google search for camping check lists and you’ll be inundated with options. The lists are endless. Everything from clothes for each season to tools for every possible mechanical malaise will be on those lists. But not this one. Consider this a list of what we overlooked. Maybe you can learn from our ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/camping-checklist-13-essential-items/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more Camping Checklist – 13 Essential Items</a>

Camping Checklist – 13 Essential Items

Every part of the country has it’s own verbiage for RV’s. Popups vs tent trailers, or toter-home vs motorhome. In our case, you can call it a camper or a travel trailer. Either way, we own it. We only considered used campers when this journey started. That changed 2 years ago at the Green Bay ... Read more Camper Or Travel Trailer? Either Way, We Own It

Every part of the country has it’s own verbiage for RV’s. Popups vs tent trailers, or toter-home vs motorhome. In our case, you can call it a camper or a travel trailer. Either way, we own it. We only considered used campers when this journey started. That changed 2 years ago at the Green Bay ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/camper-or-travel-trailer-either-way-we-own-it/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more Camper Or Travel Trailer? Either Way, We Own It</a>

Camper Or Travel Trailer? Either Way, We Own It

You’re all set up in your campground, tucked in for the night in your RV or tent. The kids have fallen asleep so you decide to do a little cruising on Pinterest or Instagram. And oh, those images. Why doesn’t our camping look like their camping? Nothing is out of place. No piles of overnight bags, ... Read more When Camping Doesn’t Look Like The Pictures

You’re all set up in your campground, tucked in for the night in your RV or tent. The kids have fallen asleep so you decide to do a little cruising on Pinterest or Instagram. And oh, those images. Why doesn’t our camping look like their camping? Nothing is out of place. No piles of overnight bags, ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/camping-doesnt-look-like-the-pictures/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more When Camping Doesn’t Look Like The Pictures</a>

When Camping Doesn’t Look Like The Pictures

Big 5th wheels and diesel pickups is a topic that came from a listener’s question. At the heart of the question is “do we need a diesel pickup to tow a 5th wheel trailer?” The short answer is definitely no, but that doesn’t mean a diesel wouldn’t be an appropriate choice. There are many things ... Read more Tiny Trailers, Big 5th Wheels and Diesel Pickups

Big 5th wheels and diesel pickups is a topic that came from a listener’s question. At the heart of the question is “do we need a diesel pickup to tow a 5th wheel trailer?” The short answer is definitely no, but that doesn’t mean a diesel wouldn’t be an appropriate choice. There are many things ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/tiny-trailers-big-5th-wheels-and-diesel-pickups/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more Tiny Trailers, Big 5th Wheels and Diesel Pickups</a>

Tiny Trailers, Big 5th Wheels and Diesel Pickups

You love to camp, and you love to travel. But finding money for camping and RVing can be as tricky as finding time. We’ll deal with finding time another day. Let’s talk about finding money. Before we start talking about finding more money for camping and RVing, we need to set a target goal. When ... Read more Finding Money For Camping and RVing, Repairing Camping Gear

You love to camp, and you love to travel. But finding money for camping and RVing can be as tricky as finding time. We’ll deal with finding time another day. Let’s talk about finding money. Before we start talking about finding more money for camping and RVing, we need to set a target goal. When ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/finding-money-for-camping-and-rving-repairing-camping-gear/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more Finding Money For Camping and RVing, Repairing Camping Gear</a>

Finding Money For Camping and RVing, Repairing Camping Gear

Helping You Keep Camping and RVing Affordable, Simple And Fun

My pro:  the enthusiasm and knowledge these folks have for camping and are willing to share as free content.
My cons:  1) Tom and Kris with a K (stated MANY times during the podcast) are knowledgeable; however Kris with a K tends to scoff and look down on some of the ways others camp if it&#39;s not the way she thinks it should be done. If someone works his/her butt off so they can afford a fancy RV or camper and then if his/her idea of camping is watching TV, then that&#39;s ok for him/her to do. 
2) I find the segment they do where they look for poorly written online ads and then rip them apart, all the while either laughing or harshly exclaiming, to be not a humorous and kind thing to do-and this judgement is from these folks who say &#39;drug&#39; instead of &#39;dragged&#39;.             3) our 1985 motor home came (from previous owner) with a wall mounted magnetic knife holder and it works fantastic so don’t scoff.

My pro  and cons IMHO

I am offended that you haven’t offended me yet... just kidding, I found your podcast this morning I think it’s great I’m going to try to binge it this coming weekend. I’m personally the kind of person who believes camp however you want, I camped in a tent growing up but my wife (city slicker) didn’t know what green grass was until she was 30 so we rent a cabin yearly at KOA with our 4 year old (baby steps). Keep up the good work.

I’m offended

Tom and Kris Camping Podcast, RVing and Tent Camping

Kris and I talked in episode 6 about the first of our RV mistakes, buying the wrong travel trailer. We had our choice narrowed down to 2 units. The first, a 21 foot single axle unit with an open floor plan. We both fell in love with it. Although it didn’t have the tandem axles ... Read more 8. Our Biggest RV Mistakes

Kris and I talked in episode 6 about the first of our RV mistakes, buying the wrong travel trailer. We had our choice narrowed down to 2 units. The first, a 21 foot single axle unit with an open floor plan. We both fell in love with it. Although it didn’t have the tandem axles ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/8-our-biggest-rv-mistakes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 8. Our Biggest RV Mistakes</a>

8. Our Biggest RV Mistakes

It may be your first camping trip of the year. It could be your first trip in your new RV. Maybe it’s your first camping trip ever. Let’s make it spectacular. This episode is inspired by you.  We’ll give you our thoughts and ideas to start right. You can count on a few things on ... Read more 32. Make Your First Camping Trip Spectacular

It may be your first camping trip of the year. It could be your first trip in your new RV. Maybe it’s your first camping trip ever. Let’s make it spectacular. This episode is inspired by you.  We’ll give you our thoughts and ideas to start right. You can count on a few things on ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/32-make-your-first-camping-trip-spectacular/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 32. Make Your First Camping Trip Spectacular</a>

32. Make Your First Camping Trip Spectacular

Overland trailers aren’t made for RV parks. They’re made for overlanding, traveling where there’s little or no road. You could be forging a river or two, and climbing steep mountain trails. The point is to travel over unpaved, unimproved roads. I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to Dan and the guys at The ... Read more 35. Overland Trailers and RVs

Overland trailers aren’t made for RV parks. They’re made for overlanding, traveling where there’s little or no road. You could be forging a river or two, and climbing steep mountain trails. The point is to travel over unpaved, unimproved roads. I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to Dan and the guys at The ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/35-overland-trailers-rvs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 35. Overland Trailers and RVs</a>

35. Overland Trailers and RVs

What happens when life gets too hectic to camp? That’s what the camping through chaos episode is about. Don was 4 1/2 when our twin daughters were born. Our small popup would easily sleep all of us, but life was hectic. We both worked full time. We also had a brand new house that needed ... Read more 37. Camping Through Chaos

What happens when life gets too hectic to camp? That’s what the camping through chaos episode is about. Don was 4 1/2 when our twin daughters were born. Our small popup would easily sleep all of us, but life was hectic. We both worked full time. We also had a brand new house that needed ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/37-camping-chaos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 37. Camping Through Chaos</a>

37. Camping Through Chaos

A trick question. Is fiberglass RV siding better than aluminum siding? It’s a trick question because the answer is a big IT DEPENDS. Laminated Fiberglass Sides Laminated fiberglass definitely has some advantages. It’s more aerodynamic, so your fuel economy will be better. It also helps create a lighter weight trailer. And let’s face it, it ... Read more 29. Is Fiberglass RV Siding Better Than Aluminum?

A trick question. Is fiberglass RV siding better than aluminum siding? It’s a trick question because the answer is a big IT DEPENDS. Laminated Fiberglass Sides Laminated fiberglass definitely has some advantages. It’s more aerodynamic, so your fuel economy will be better. It also helps create a lighter weight trailer. And let’s face it, it ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/29-is-fiberglass-rv-siding-better-than-aluminum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 29. Is Fiberglass RV Siding Better Than Aluminum?</a>

29. Is Fiberglass RV Siding Better Than Aluminum?

Cruise

This was an important weekend for us. It was the first real camping trip in our recently purchased camper.  In a campground close to home, we could see what our 22 year old slide-in camper was made of. We even had a serious thunderstorm Saturday,the second night. The camper held up well. High and dry, ... Read more 3. Glamping, The Shakedown Cruise, Old Airstreams

This was an important weekend for us. It was the first real camping trip in our recently purchased camper.  In a campground close to home, we could see what our 22 year old slide-in camper was made of. We even had a serious thunderstorm Saturday,the second night. The camper held up well. High and dry, ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/glamping-old-airstreams/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 3. Glamping, The Shakedown Cruise, Old Airstreams</a>

3. Glamping, The Shakedown Cruise, Old Airstreams

Cold Spring Nights Camping season is off and running, but the nights can still be chilly. Higher altitudes and northern parts of the country can easily see nighttime temperatures below freezing well into the summer months. Be sure to bring along extra blankets, sleeping bags and clothing to keep everyone toasty through the night Camping ... Read more 34. Cold Nights, Toys For Kids, Coolers

Cold Spring Nights Camping season is off and running, but the nights can still be chilly. Higher altitudes and northern parts of the country can easily see nighttime temperatures below freezing well into the summer months. Be sure to bring along extra blankets, sleeping bags and clothing to keep everyone toasty through the night Camping ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/34-cold-nights-toys-kids-coolers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 34. Cold Nights, Toys For Kids, Coolers</a>

34. Cold Nights, Toys For Kids, Coolers

Shopping for anything used is always a buyer-beware adventure. Buying a used travel trailer or camper is no different. Today Kris and I will spend some time on buying used. Your Nose and Feet Can Tell You Plenty When Buying a Used RV New and used, Kris and I have bought a few RVs over ... Read more 9. Buying a Used RV – Follow Your Nose and feet

Shopping for anything used is always a buyer-beware adventure. Buying a used travel trailer or camper is no different. Today Kris and I will spend some time on buying used. Your Nose and Feet Can Tell You Plenty When Buying a Used RV New and used, Kris and I have bought a few RVs over ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/9-buying-a-used-rv-follow-your-nose-and-feet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 9. Buying a Used RV – Follow Your Nose and feet</a>

9. Buying a Used RV – Follow Your Nose and feet

Pop-up camp trailers come  in many sizes, but in this episode we’ll talk about an ultra-lite model. Lees-ure Lite is located in B.C. Canada and manufactures a line of light weight camp trailers. We’re talking under 300 pounds light weight. Built on a 600lb axle, that leaves you 0ver 300 pounds for your food and ... Read more 5. Ultra Lite Pop-up Trailers, Toterhome Campers

Pop-up camp trailers come  in many sizes, but in this episode we’ll talk about an ultra-lite model. Lees-ure Lite is located in B.C. Canada and manufactures a line of light weight camp trailers. We’re talking under 300 pounds light weight. Built on a 600lb axle, that leaves you 0ver 300 pounds for your food and ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/5-ultra-lite-pop-up-trailers-toterhome-campers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 5. Ultra Lite Pop-up Trailers, Toterhome Campers</a>

5. Ultra Lite Pop-up Trailers, Toterhome Campers

When Your Dream RV Becomes a Nightmare Today’s feature story helps us define one of our goals here at Tom and Kris Camping. We don’t want to see you stuck with an RV you may  no longer be able to use. We found this story at trivalleycentral.com and it’s worth your time if you are ... Read more 6. The Wrong Way To Buy Your Dream RV

When Your Dream RV Becomes a Nightmare Today’s feature story helps us define one of our goals here at Tom and Kris Camping. We don’t want to see you stuck with an RV you may  no longer be able to use. We found this story at <a href="http://trivalleycentral.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trivalleycentral.com</a> and it’s worth your time if you are ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/6-the-wrong-way-to-buy-your-dream-rv/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 6. The Wrong Way To Buy Your Dream RV</a>

6. The Wrong Way To Buy Your Dream RV

Let’s get down to truck camper basics here. You’re looking for a few simple things. A light camper that that doesn’t overload a half ton pickup. Basic amenities. A sink, stove and ice box. A dinette or sofa that folds into a bed. A few options like air conditioning, a corner kitchen and a 3 ... Read more 4. Two Budget Pickup Campers, New Show Segments

Let’s get down to truck camper basics here. You’re looking for a few simple things. A light camper that that doesn’t overload a half ton pickup. Basic amenities. A sink, stove and ice box. A dinette or sofa that folds into a bed. A few options like air conditioning, a corner kitchen and a 3 ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/4-two-budget-pickup-campers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 4. Two Budget Pickup Campers, New Show Segments</a>

4. Two Budget Pickup Campers, New Show Segments

There’s an old saying in the business world. It’s what many businesses consider a key to success. That saying is “a foot wide, and a mile deep.” The point is to do only a few things, and do them well. Such is the case with Capri Campers. A Conversation With Pete D’Acosta of Capri Campers ... Read more 7. Affordable Custom Campers By Capri – Interview

There’s an old saying in the business world. It’s what many businesses consider a key to success. That saying is “a foot wide, and a mile deep.” The point is to do only a few things, and do them well. Such is the case with Capri Campers. A Conversation With Pete D’Acosta of Capri Campers ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/affordable-custom-camper-capri-campers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 7. Affordable Custom Campers By Capri – Interview</a>

7. Affordable Custom Campers By Capri – Interview

When Is It Too Cold To Camp? There are two answers for this one. First, when it’s no longer any fun. Second, when it becomes dangerous. WOW! That was quick. Now, let’s spend a little time on these. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, the cold, rain and snow can easily take ... Read more 31. When Is It too Cold To Camp? Camping In Bear Country

When Is It Too Cold To Camp? There are two answers for this one. First, when it’s no longer any fun. Second, when it becomes dangerous. WOW! That was quick. Now, let’s spend a little time on these. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, the cold, rain and snow can easily take ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/31-cold-camp-camping-bear-country/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 31. When Is It too Cold To Camp? Camping In Bear Country</a>

31. When Is It too Cold To Camp? Camping In Bear Country

If you know us at all, you know we love coffee. Good coffee. We’ve even been called coffee snobs a time or two. We buy whole beans, grind them with a bur grinder and use a Bella drip maker for our daily use. We have a few other coffee systems in our kitchen that come ... Read more 28. Taking Coffee To The Extreme. The Beverage episode

If you know us at all, you know we love coffee. Good coffee. We’ve even been called coffee snobs a time or two. We buy whole beans, grind them with a bur grinder and use a Bella drip maker for our daily use. We have a few other coffee systems in our kitchen that come ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/28-taking-coffee-extreme-beverage-episode/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 28. Taking Coffee To The Extreme. The Beverage episode</a>

28. Taking Coffee To The Extreme. The Beverage episode

Let’s Face it, most RV bathrooms are pretty compact. Don jokingly mentioned in a previous show about sitting on the toilet and reaching the microwave. That’s just not as far fetched as it sounds. Kris, Don and I will each give you our thoughts on this one. RV Bathroom Features To Consider Does that tiny sink ... Read more 30. RV Bathrooms. How Much Do You Really Need?

Let’s Face it, most RV bathrooms are pretty compact. Don jokingly mentioned in a previous show about sitting on the toilet and reaching the microwave. That’s just not as far fetched as it sounds. Kris, Don and I will each give you our thoughts on this one. RV Bathroom Features To Consider Does that tiny sink ... <a href="https://www.tomandkriscamping.com/30-rv-bathrooms-how-much-do-you-really-need/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more 30. RV Bathrooms. How Much Do You Really Need?</a>

30. RV Bathrooms. How Much Do You Really Need?

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!