Randi and Darold Gleason Forest River Heritage Glen Elite Fifth Wheel

[Click here to read Part One of my interview with Randi Gleason]

Often when people say or write that they’re “Living the dream,” it seems flippant or facetious. Usually people who are actually doing it don’t have the time or need to talk about it.

I haven’t heard Randi Gleason use that term, but looking at her camping lifestyle online and talking to her about it, it quickly becomes obvious that they truly are “Living the dream.” It’s not just the fact that they’re on the road experiencing the world, but more importantly she and Darold are sharing just about every moment of that dream, the only way they’d consider doing it.

HPFC: How did you and Darold decide to get a camper and go on the road nearly full-time?

Randi Gleason: Covid was the event that caused us to finally pull the trigger on an RV. We had wanted to for years but just couldn't justify the initial cost because it felt like a luxury. We were on the FLW Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit when Covid-19 struck the world. We had just fished our first Bassmaster Classic when rumor was going around about the virus and the day after the Classic, I got a notification to isolate as a cystic fibrosis patient. When I asked for how long, they said possibly 30-60 days. We packed up our VRBO and headed home and tournaments were suspended. We had some hard conversations during that time while isolating from any other human as it was a life-or-death situation for me. One of the topics was him continuing the tournament season. He could leave me at home and then he would have to quarantine away from me each time he returned from a tournament. Or I could go back on the road if we could figure out a way for me to stay isolated and in a sanitary space.

Five days before we headed back out, we pulled the trigger on our fifth wheel and off we went. For D, there was never an option to leave me at home and do this alone. Either we are doing it together or he would continue on at home with his guide business and electronics courses.

HPFC: How many campers/RVs have you had?

Randi Gleason: One. When we initially purchased the resale value wasn't what it is today so I had been looking at layouts for MONTHS to pick the one that worked best for us.

HPFC: What do you currently own?

Randi Gleason: Forest River Heritage Glen Elite.

HPFC: What do you pull it with? Who pulls the 5th wheel and who pulls the boat?

Randi Gleason: I tow the fifth wheel in our dually and D tows the Phoenix Boat with his Toyota Tundra.

HPFC: What do you like best about it?

Randi Gleason: RV LIFE is the best life in my opinion. I love that it's home wherever you park it. To not have to lug clothes and tackle in and out of hotels. You literally roll up, set up shop and you're ready to go.

HPFC: What improvements do RVs need to have in the next 5-10 years?

Randi Gleason: Gosh, they have improved so much. The layouts these days are just incredible. I do see a time coming when you won’t feel the need to renovate (more residential feel) and a time when you can custom pick flooring, wall color, furniture, backsplash at the factory before production. I believe one day this will be the norm and that those terrible factory tires will be a thing of the past.

HPFC: What are some of the best places you’ve been?

Randi Gleason: That would be a long list. Leann Swindle and I do campground reviews on our social channel (Reel RV Wives) because there are so many campgrounds to choose from and we all want to have a good experience when we go RVing.

HPFC: Favorite campgrounds?

Randi Gleason: Top 3: #1 The Regatta on Grand Lake; #2 Torrey Trails RV & Golf Resort in Florida; #3 Moose Hillock in NY.

HPFC: What are your favorite places to go on tour and why?

Randi Gleason: Spending January and February in Florida is amazing. We spent a lot of time near Lake Harris (Leesburg) and there's something about that area's vibe that we love. We ventured south of there this last year and loved it as well. And spending July in upstate New York the last two years has been very special. The rural parts of New York are so beautiful. However, I would not want to be there come wintertime. My mom and aunt often attend tournaments and it’s so fun to explore new places with them.

HPFC: Do you have any favorite places to eat on tour?

Randi Gleason: We generally cook and eat at the RV. That saves a ton on costs and being from Louisiana we like our food a little different than most places. I will confess that I do sample the Thai food in towns, if there is a place. And we do indulge in Kroger sushi from time to time or some authentic Texas BBQ if we come across one. And since we have been to some cities two to three times now, like at the Harris Chain, we have a favorite spot for oysters on the half shell. We typically only eat out for foods we cannot cook at the RV.

HPFC: What are your favorite meals to cook while on the road?

Randi Gleason: We literally cook just as if we are at home - pork chops and rice and gravy, grilled shrimp/chicken/steak on the Traeger, chicken and dumplins, etc. Something special we love is frying some fresh caught fish outside. We had our first taste of walleye this year and it's spectacular. And when we have a fire at the campsite, roasting Down Home Sausage over it is a treat.

HPFC: Horror stories?

Randi Gleason: Our craziest moment on the road was when I had a blowout on the fifth wheel going 75 on I-40. D was about 3 cars ahead of me and by the time I navigated to the right shoulder and could call him, he was nearly a mile ahead. He had to reverse on the narrow shoulder with trucks and cars passing at 80+ mph.

Our blowout was on the driver's side and often times when you have a blowout on a RV it does some damage to the underbelly. It did and a piece of tire ripped out all our electrical and water lines from that side and most of them were wrapped around the wheel's axle. We were on our way to a tournament. Thankfully a state trooper came to move traffic over to the left lane because no one was yielding as D tried to untangle the mess under the camper. The Trooper recommended a local tire crew to come help us and a place just a few exits up who would stay open late for us to get us a new tire on. That night we parked up with no electricity or water due to the lines being ripped out. We used our cell phone lights to dress and see our way around. We laid in bed searching for RV repair places and started dialing at 8am. Thank the Lord for a repair shop along the route that said to come there and they would help us. Within 6 hours, Lakeshore Custom RV completely rewired water and electrical lines on the entire drivers side of the RV and had us set to go. If you know the state of wait times for RV repair, you'd understand what a God-send those guys were. We replaced the new factory tires with upgraded, more durable tires the following week.

HPFC: You have health concerns – how do you make sure that you don’t run into emergency situations on the road?

Randi Gleason: Well, I have. This year alone has included multiple ER visits, a surgery, an urgent care, all on the road. Two things I make sure of: I have a Nationwide PPO insurance plan and I know which facilities are in my network when I get to a city. From there, you just have faith and roll with it. Kidney stones aren't for the faint of heart and being on the road led me to a specialist who has helped tremendously.

HPFC: You also work from the road – how have you set up your RV for that?

Randi Gleason: We had some fun in of the offseason and we retrofitted an office where the dining area used to be. That gives me dedicated workspace. I've made a custom zoom background so D doesn't have to hide when I'm doing virtual appointments and trainings. I also try to make sure I have great internet service wherever I may be in the USA. I treat my workday with the same focus while I'm on the road just as I did from my home office.

HPFC: How have you modified/outfitted your RV for your dog Rowdy?

Randi Gleason: That boy just needs his fresh cooked foods, his friends (toys), his favorite Yamaha blankie, and snuggles and he is fine.

HPFC: Does he ride with you or with Darold on the road?

Randi Gleason: He rides with D because he insists on sitting in my lap when I drive. He will politely sit in his car seat in D’s truck but for some reason he won’t in my truck and wants to be in my lap.

HPF: How do you keep the RV so clean?

Randi Gleason: It always looks spotless. Girl, no way. It’s been the greatest test of my days of a pack rat. I feel like I’m always reducing clutter to keep things orderly and clean. You come by on day 3 of a tournament and you'll see it can be a hot mess express, just like anything else.

HPFC: You obviously keep yourself busy. What are some guilty pleasures when you have a moment to relax?

Randi Gleason: When I just need an hour to unplug, I’ll watch crime shows on TV. I love documentaries. Sometimes when D gets in my truck after a long haul, he will hear a show pick back up and look at me like I’m crazy. I keep him on his toes. Husbands better watch out- we’ve watched too many crime shows.

HPFC: What’s a lake/river/location you haven’t been yet but want to go?

Randi Gleason: The Florida Keys

HPFC: I know you can’t bring your RV, but when are you coming on an international fishing trip with us?

Randi Gleason: I'll go for the snacks, D can do the fishing, lol.

Whatever you do Darold, keep catching those bass and Randi thank you for all the tips. Pete and I are counting on your expertise and your friendship when we transition to the RV way of life in the not-so-far-away future.

We hope to camp near you and become “sunset junkies” just like you.