Dave Helgeson

Dave Helgeson
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Dave Helgeson has been around travel trailers his entire life. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership long before the term “RV” had been coined. He has served in every position of an RV dealership with the exception of bookkeeping. Dave served as President of a local chapter of the RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association), was on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college and was a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. He and his wife Cheri operated their own RV dealership for many years and for the past 29 years have managed RV shows. Dave presents seminars at RV shows across the country and was referred to as "The foremost expert on boondocking" by the late Gary Bunzer, "The RV Doctor". Dave and his wife are currently on their fifth travel trailer with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications on his own unit.

When boondocking, do you have a backup plan if something fails in the RV?

Self-reliance is part of the attraction for many who RV: the ability to go where you want, when you want, taking care of your...

Alternative power and gadget suggestions when hookups are not available

By Dave Helgeson Are you a free spirit that likes to travel without advance reservations? Do you just show up at an RV park or...

Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 4: What’s holding you back?

By Dave Helgeson My wife and I are in the age bracket that places us at increased risk for severe illness if we were to...

Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 3: Freedom and civility

By Dave Helgeson Last week we celebrated Independence Day and the freedom we enjoy in the United States. One of the freedoms we enjoy as...

SoftStartRV installation tips and first impressions

By Dave Helgeson Flattening the curve is a phrase we have all become familiar with during the COVID-19 outbreak. The principle behind flattening an epidemiological...

Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 2: Stops along the way

By Dave Helgeson In my last entry (Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 1: Why?) we looked at the definition of boondocking (dispersed camping on...

Customized shelving for your RV cabinets

By Dave Helgeson How many wardrobe closets, tall overhead cabinets and floor-to-counter storage areas does the average RV really need? Evidently plenty – based on...

Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 1: Why?

By Dave Helgeson I have touted the many benefits of boondocking for years. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, I have discovered even more reasons to choose...

Is it safe to leave a deposit with an RV dealer?

By Dave Helgeson RVtravel.com recently posted a message from a reader which was titled, “Is novice RV buyer being 'taken' by dealer? Your input requested.”...

Save money when buying LED lighting for your RV

By Dave Helgeson Conserving 12 volt power is one of the many fundamentals of becoming a seasoned boondocker. Replacing the incandescent lights in your RV...

Find that RV dump station!

By Dave Helgeson Freedom is the name of the game for boondockers: freedom to go where you want, when you want, no reservations and no...