RT47: What It’s Really Like to Be a Workamper for Amazon

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! [spp-player] 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. [spp-player] 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. Numer