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.

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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!

What really goes on at a Texas state park campground? In this episode of RV Small Talk, we sit down with April and Katie from Texas Parks and Wildlife to uncover the programs, services and behind-the-scenes work that many campers never realize are available.

We talk about how to choose the best campsite, what to do when a campground appears fully booked, when canceled or no-show sites may become available and why weekend reservations should be made early. We also cover campsite hookups, waterfront camping, boat parking and the differences between quiet, shaded sites and sunny campsites that work better for RV solar.

You will also learn about free activities offered at many Texas state parks, including fishing lessons, kayaking, archery, air rifles, guided hikes and massive astronomy events featuring professional telescopes. Plus, April and Katie explain the conservation work happening behind the scenes to protect shorelines, wildlife and natural areas.

Whether you are planning your first camping trip, searching for the perfect RV campsite or wondering what Texas state parks have to offer beyond hiking and camping, this episode is packed with helpful campground tips.

Thinking about renting an RV before buying one? In this episode of RV Small Talk, PJ and Lindsay dive into the real pros and cons of RV rentals, what first time renters should know, and the red flags to watch for before you hit the road.

Renting an RV can be a great way to try before you buy, test different RV layouts, compare campers, travel trailers, teardrops, motorhomes, Class B vans, and truck campers, and figure out what actually fits your camping style. But it also comes with a learning curve. From walkthroughs and setup to towing, packing, cleaning, campsite hookups, and figuring out someone else’s camper, there are a few things every renter should know before their first RV trip.

PJ and Lindsay talk about why RV rentals can help you make a smarter RV purchase, how to avoid getting overwhelmed, why you should pay close attention during your rental walkthrough, and what signs might mean you should find a different rental. Whether you are brand new to RV camping, trying to decide what camper to buy, or just curious if renting an RV is worth it, this episode is full of honest advice, funny stories, and helpful tips for your next adventure.

We decided to mix things up for this one… PJ and Lindsay went in completely blindfolded with zero prep—and we brought in a surprise guest that longtime listeners are definitely going to recognize.

What starts as chaos (and a little screaming—fair warning 😅) turns into one of those conversations that just feels like home.

Our old friend Clint is back, and a lot has changed. He’s traded the RV world for life out on a Texas ranch, raising cattle, fixing fences, chasing kids, and figuring out what it really means to slow down and build something that lasts. It’s not polished, it’s not easy—but it’s real, and it fits him in a way that just makes sense.

We talk about everything from ranch life and community to overlanding, new RV brands, and what’s been happening back at the shop. Mostly though, it’s just us catching up like no time has passed.

If you’ve been listening for a while, this one’s going to hit you right in the feels.

What happens when a love for coffee meets a passion for community, and gets put on wheels? In this episode, we sit down with Steven and Leilani, the duo behind A MI MANERA Coffee Company, a one-of-a-kind coffee trailer blending culture, creativity, and craft.

From homemade syrups inspired by family traditions to a lowrider-style trailer turning heads across Central Texas, they’re not just serving coffee, they’re building a space where people can slow down, connect, and feel at home. We dive into how a Thanksgiving conversation turned into a full-fledged business, the challenges of launching a mobile coffee shop, and why they’re choosing experience over speed in a fast-paced coffee world.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, or just want to hear a story about doing things your way, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the RV Small Talk podcast, we’re diving into a surprisingly controversial topic: watching movies while camping. Is it ruining the experience… or making it even better?

We’re building a super casual, very real camping movie list—the kinds of movies you actually end up watching in an RV when it’s raining, too hot, or you just want to wind down at night.

Some of the movies we talk about:

Into the Spider-Verse / Across the Spider-Verse
Charlotte’s Web
Bolt (for some reason 😂)
The Blair Witch Project
The Shining
Cabin in the Woods
RV
We’re the Millers
Ernest Goes to Camp
The Parent Trap
50 First Dates
The Proposal
The Long, Long Trailer
Garden State
Cast Away
Into the Wild
Grizzly Man
FernGully

We also get into:

🌧️ What to do when camping plans go sideways (rain, heat, kids… all of it)
🍿 Why movies just hit different when you’re camping
🎬 Easy ways to set up outdoor movie nights (projector, DVDs, downloads, etc.)
🎉 Info about the Texas Tiny Trailer Rally & Truck Camper Rally

Whether you’re totally against screens while camping or secretly love a movie night in the camper… this one’s for you.