RV Small Talk Podcast

What does it take to turn a pre-owned Airstream Basecamp 20X into the perfect off-grid travel trailer? In this episode of RV Small Talk, we sit down with Greg Sharpe to talk about his customized Airstream Basecamp, affectionately named Betty, and the unique reason he needed an RV capable of traveling thousands of miles, carrying valuable artwork, and camping comfortably without relying on traditional RV parks. Greg’s story goes way beyond RVing. After serving in the military, working in technology, and building a company focused on two-factor authentication, he eventually transitioned into preserving the legacy of iconic American artist and designer Vera Neumann. With thousands of original pieces of artwork, vintage scarves, and historic designs to transport to art fairs around the country, Greg needed a better way to travel. That eventually led him to an Airstream Basecamp 20X. But buying the trailer was only the beginning. Greg walks us through the extensive planning behind transforming his Basecamp into a highly capable off-grid RV setup, including upgrading from AGM to lithium batteries, adding a massive portable Jackery power station, designing a system capable of running the RV’s air conditioner and 110V appliances, and installing an automatic transfer switch that allows the trailer to switch between shore power and portable battery power. We also talk about one of the biggest challenges of boondocking and dry camping: staying comfortable without hookups. Greg plans to test the Basecamp's solar, portable battery system, air conditioning, and water capabilities during extended trips while trying to stay away from shore power as much as possible. Along the way, we get into: Why Greg chose an Airstream Basecamp 20X Buying a used Airstream versus a new travel trailer Lithium RV battery upgrades Jackery portable power stations for RV camping Running RV air conditioning while boondocking Solar power and off-grid RV electrical systems Automatic transfer switches for RV power Portable batteries vs permanently installed RV battery banks Managing storage and tongue weight in a small travel trailer Long-distance RV travel Boondocking without shore power Traveling with valuable cargo Why Airstream's vintage design still stands out Vera Neumann's art, fashion, and design legacy Turning the journey itself into part of the adventure Greg originally started traveling in a Mercedes Sprinter van to bring Vera artwork and vintage pieces to art fairs around the country. But after long days behind the wheel, hotel stops, parking challenges, and worrying about valuable cargo left inside the van, he started looking for a way to make the journey more comfortable—not just the destination. The solution became a tow vehicle plus a small travel trailer: enough space to transport what he needed while giving him his own bed, air conditioning, power, and a comfortable place to stop whenever he wanted. And because Greg isn't interested in doing anything halfway, Betty isn't exactly a stock Airstream anymore. If you're researching an Airstream Basecamp 20X, planning an off-grid RV build, upgrading your camper with lithium batteries or portable power, or wondering how much solar and battery capacity you really need for boondocking, this conversation is packed with ideas. Subscribe to Princess Craft RV for more conversations about small travel trailers, truck campers, teardrop trailers, off-grid RV camping, RV upgrades, boondocking, and the people who use their campers in some pretty incredible ways. Airstream Basecamp, Airstream Basecamp 20X, Airstream Basecamp review, used Airstream Basecamp, off grid Airstream, Airstream upgrades, Airstream modifications, RV solar setup, RV lithium battery upgrade, Jackery RV power, Jackery power station, portable power station for RV, RV battery bank, off grid RV power, RV air conditioner battery, boondocking setup, dry camping, RV boondocking, solar powered RV, small travel trailer, off grid travel trailer, automatic transfer switch RV, RV electrical upgrades, Airstream camping, Airstream boondocking, RV solar power, Princess Craft RV, RV Small Talk #Airstream #AirstreamBasecamp #Boondocking #OffGridRV #RVLife #RVSolar #Jackery #TravelTrailer #RVUpgrades #Camping

Making friends at a campground can feel awkward—especially if you’re new to RVing or you’re not naturally outgoing. But camping is actually one of the easiest ways to meet people, and RV rallies make connecting with other campers even easier. In this episode of the Small Talk Podcast, PJ and Lindsay share how to meet people while camping, make friends at an RV campground, and feel more comfortable attending your first RV rally. From campfires and morning coffee to RV classes, volunteering, and simply asking someone about their camper, there are plenty of easy ways to start a conversation without forcing yourself to be the most social person at the campground. They also talk about why RV rallies are great for beginner RVers, how experienced campers help newcomers learn, and why you don't have to attend every activity to feel like part of the group. Whether you're looking for RV camping friends, a camping community, or tips for meeting other RVers, rallies can be a great place to start. Topics include: making friends while camping, meeting people at campgrounds, RV rallies, RV camping for beginners, campground etiquette, RV community, campfire conversations, rally activities, and tips for attending your first RV rally.

Can AI plan a realistic RV camping trip for a family? In this episode of RV Small Talk, PJ and Lindsay test AI as an RV trip planner using real travel requirements, including two RVs, young kids, full hookups, shaded campsites, a four-to-five-hour driving limit, and a nearby town with restaurants, shopping, and family activities. AI recommends two Texas RV camping destinations: Garner State Park near Concan and Fredericksburg with Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. PJ and Lindsay compare the campgrounds, nearby attractions, river activities, museums, shopping, campsite types, pull-through sites, and family-friendly things to do. They also discuss how to use AI for RV trip planning, what information you should include in your prompt, what details still need to be verified, and why AI may be better for destination ideas and flexible itineraries than booking a specific campsite. Whether you are planning your first RV road trip, searching for Texas campgrounds, organizing a family camping vacation, or looking for RV travel tips, this episode shows what AI gets right, what it gets wrong, and whether it can actually help plan your next camping adventure.

That RV might look like the deal of a lifetime, but is it really? In this episode, PJ and Lindsay break down the biggest red flags to watch for when buying a new or used RV. From suspiciously low prices and rushed sales tactics to water damage, limited photos, and questionable DIY modifications, they explain when you should walk away and when you simply need to investigate further. You’ll also learn the green flags of a trustworthy seller, what to inspect before handing over your money, and the differences between buying from a dealership and a private seller. Whether you’re shopping for your first camper or upgrading your current rig, this episode will help you slow down, ask better questions, and avoid an expensive mistake.

We’re sharing our hottest RV camping takes, and some of them might ruffle a few feathers. Do generators ruin the campground vibe? Are outdoor kitchens overrated? Do campers bring way too much gear? And should setting up your campsite really take longer than 30 minutes? PJ and Lindsay debate RV resorts, oversized campers, solar upgrades, rainy camping trips, camping with kids, boondocking, hookups and more. These opinions may be controversial, but they could also help you simplify your setup and enjoy camping a little more. Listen along, then share your own unpopular camping opinion with us!