Van•Nois•Seur Podcast

Ep 15 Jared McCauslin CEO of Vandoit

In this episode, Hank Strange chats with Jared McCauslin, CEO of Vandoit, about the growth of Van Life and its impact due to COVID-19. They delve into the popularity of Van Duet, advantages of buying a Ford transit from Vandoit, and the versatility of their vans. The episode also features discussions on the Move model, aluminum frame pros & cons, cost and financing options, and the future of van life. (0:00) Introduction and guest introduction: Jared McCauslin, CEO of Vandoit (6:02) Discussion on the growth of Van Life and the impact of COVID-19 (8:33) Audience interaction and discussion on the growth of Van Life (15:24) Popularity and visibility of Van Duet on the road (20:13) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs (21:39) Benefits of buying a Ford transit from Vandoit (24:09) Versatility and modularity of Vandoit's vans (30:07) Learning curve of driving a larger vehicle and practicality of Vandoit's vans for families (41:49) Discussion on the Move model (52:08) Advantages and disadvantages of the aluminum frame in the van (1:02:48) Listener question: Cost and financing options for Vandoit RVs (1:06:19) The future of van life and Class B vans according to Jared McCauslin (1:12:53) Closing remarks and thanks from Hank Strange

Ep 14 Justin Humphreys Airstream VP of Sales

In this episode, Hank Strange talks with Justin Humphreys, VP of sales at Airstream, about the iconic brand and the rise of class B RVs. They explore the unique features of the Airstream Atlas and discuss the company's approach to quality control and customer feedback. Also, they delve into the impact of social media on customer feedback and the future of renewable batteries and electric vans in the RV industry. (0:00) Introduction and guest Justin Humphreys, VP of sales at Airstream (6:17) Discussion on the iconic Airstream brand and the rise of class B RVs (13:04) Introduction of the Airstream Atlas and its unique features (21:37) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs (24:40) Discussion on Airstream's quality control measures and customer feedback (27:45) Airstream's approach to customer complaints and dealership relationships (32:14) The role of social media in customer feedback and quality control at Airstream (51:58) Hank Strange discusses the Range Line and its impact on the RV market (57:15) Discussion on the future of renewable batteries and electric vans in the RV industry (1:04:28) Wrapping up with final thoughts from Justin Humphreys and upcoming events (1:06:32) Outro by Hank Strange

Ep 13 Jason of Ham Radio 2.0

In this episode, Hank Strange and guest Jason delve into the world of ham radio, its intersection with RV culture, and its role in events like Burning Man. They discuss vehicle capabilities for off-road travel, the necessity for self-sufficiency during extended van trips, and where to source RV supplies. The duo also talks about balancing skills, time, and money in van builds, and promotes the upcoming More Expo in Springfield, Missouri. (0:00) Introduction and overview of the episode with Jason (2:43) Introduction to Hank Radio 2.0 and Hank's journey to getting his ham radio license (7:22) Discussion on the intersection of ham radio and RV culture (26:36) Burning Man experiences and Ham Radio (36:40) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs (44:30) Understanding vehicle capabilities for off-road travel (51:26) The need for self-sufficiency in a van for extended trips (1:00:03) Where to buy RV and van supplies and market trends (1:04:16) The balance between skills, time, and money in van builds (1:07:59) Promoting the upcoming More Expo in Springfield, Missouri (1:09:50) Closing remarks and gratitude for the listeners

Ep 12 Mark Howlett COO of Truma North America

In this episode, Hank Strange chats with Mark Howlett from Truma about the company's evolution, their commitment to customer service, and the importance of system redundancy. They delve into the efficiency of propane in RVs, the future of standardization in the industry, and the benefits of electrification. They also explore the challenges of DIY RV builds and the potential for new consumer-direct products. The episode concludes with a discussion about Truma's partnership with Aldi US and potential meet-up at the Tampa show. (0:00) Introduction and guest, Mark Howlett's role at Truma (6:09) Truma's connection to the United States and evolution of products (14:26) Importance of service, customer support, and system redundancy in RVs (20:14) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs (22:54) Efficiency of propane in RVs and introduction to Truma's new diesel-powered system (28:26) Importance of maintenance and cost of upgrading in RV safety (33:19) Future of standardization and over-engineering in the RV industry (43:27) Benefits of electrification and design philosophy in RVs (49:37) Challenges and considerations for DIY RV builds and safety regulations (57:04) Potential for new consumer-direct RV products and impact of market demand on product development (1:02:21) Truma's partnership with Aldi US, new products, and potential meet-up at the Tampa show (1:08:17) Wrapping up the episode and future plans

Ep 11 Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RV

In this episode, Hank Strange and guest Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RVs discuss new RV models and features showcased at the Elkhart Open House. They address audience questions about wheelchair lifts in Class B RVs, introduce the Storyteller Overland, and preview the upcoming Rex Rover from 27 North. They also share maintenance tips for RV owners and discuss the benefits of the Sunshine State Elite Club. (0:00) Introduction and Guest: Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RVs (5:54) Main Topic: New RV models and features at the Elkhart Open House (13:37) Audience Question: Accommodating a wheelchair lift in Class B RVs (18:55) Sponsor: Sunshine State RVs (20:49) New Addition: Storyteller Overland at Sunshine State RVs (28:44) Quality Control and Brand Overview with Nick Schmidt (33:27) Upcoming RV shows and opportunities to see new models (44:05) Preview: The upcoming Rex Rover from 27 North (49:46) 2024 Coachmen Beyond: Available options and features (1:04:28) Future Plans for Van Upgrades (1:07:53) Maintenance Tips for RV Owners (1:15:24) Sunshine State Elite Club and its benefits (1:16:54) Conclusion and Preview of the Next Episode