Professional bass angler Carl Jocumsen and his wife Kayla pull their Lance 1172 camper with a Ford F450 pickup, with a Falcon bass boat in tow

As Pete and I get closer to retirement we are pretty certain that we’ll spend much of our time on the road in a camper. Until recently, it’s not something we’d ever considered, and we didn’t know much about it until we explored our friends’ rigs. Fortunately, we have a great resource to learn about this lifestyle: The bass wives! I gathered the collective wisdom of Kayla Jocumsen, Debbie Morgenthaler, Becky Iaconelli, Jennifer Lowen, Robin Howell, Kerry Short and Randi Gleason and asked them a handful of critical questions that will inform our future decision making. Rather than keep all of this valuable information to myself I’ve decided to share it. Surely there are tons of people out there with the same questions but without anyone knowledgeable to ask.

I’m still not sure if this will be the right move for me and Pete. From the outside, it seems exciting and fun, but the reality could be a lot of hard work and a bunch of bickering?

As always, we are here to help make fishing and the fishing life easier and fun. I hope these ladies’ answers help you as much they helped us. The only problem is that we aren’t retiring for at least five or six more years -- and hearing their answers confirmed our belief that we want to do this NOW!

HPFC: How did you feel when you first decided to travel on the road.

Kayla Jocumsen – I felt FREE!!!! Free to do anything my mind could think up. Getting to be on the road with your spouse is not something everyone gets the opportunity to do so I was very grateful for that chance!
Debbie Morgenthaler – I felt excited and terrified. It was my first time pulling the boat long distance and was still having gas station anxiety.
Becky Iaconelli - I knew we couldn't stay at hotels or rent houses once we had two small children on the road with us. Estella had just been born and I told Mike the only way I could stay on the road was if we looked into the camper situation. I had been hanging out with all of the families in the campgrounds during tournaments so I knew it could potentially make our lives easier as a family.
Jennifer Lowen - I was excited and nervous at the same time.
Robin Howell - We were so excited to start the journey of being in an RV with a small child! We had traveled 11 years prior, staying in hotels and rentals. Once we had our first child, we were done with staying in other people’s dirt, LOL.
Kerry Short - I felt like it was where I was supposed to be to support my husband in his fishing career.
Randi Gleason - EXCITED. This is something we have wanted to do for years, with COVID and having a safe living quarters kind of forced us into it if I was to stay on the road with Darold.

Pete and I are thinking of being on the road for up to six months at a time. We want to bring our “house” along, which needs to be big enough to contain our massive amounts of “stuff.” We also want to fish any place there is water and the only way to do this is for both of us to drive – he’ll pull the fifth wheel and I’ll pull the boat. There is a lot more to it than get in and put it in drive, right?

Do you pull the rig and if so how did you learn?

Debbie Morgenthaler, wife of Missouri bass pro and guide Chad Morgenthaler, backing their Jasper rig down the boat ramp

Randi Gleason - I do. When we left the dealership, D got us going down the road and once we were on a four-lane out of traffic, D pulled over and put me in the driver’s seat. On that journey home, he taught me what to look for, how to turn with 40 feet of house behind me, safety and braking, and how to park it.
Kerry Short - Yes, I drive. Got behind the wheel and just did it.
Debbie Morgenthaler - Nope, nor do I want to. I did drive it 10 feet the other day while Chad was on the roof trying to deter a big limb from taking out our air conditioner.
Robin Howell - I have driven the rig but typically I don’t do it. When I have done it in the past, I simply take it slow and stay in the slow lane. It’s really just like pulling the boat -- you just go straight and it follows behind.
Becky Iaconelli - I drive the rig. I was scared to at first. Our first event in the camper was the Bassmaster Classic eight years ago at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Mike had to head back into the city for a photo shoot and planned on meeting me back at the campground so we could head to the next tournament at Bull Shoals. I was watching the weather radar and a nasty storm was headed our direction. The kind of storm that swept up Dorothy, so I didn't want to sit tight in a camper and have it hit as we had two small children traveling with us. I buckled the kids in the truck, figured out how to hook up the camper to the truck, unhooked everything and pulled out. I drove by myself through the Ozarks with two little ones and finally got to Bull Shoals. I was able to get a pull-through campsite. I pulled in, plugged in and put the slides out. When Mike got to me, I was so stressed I was sitting on the step drinking a beer. The truck was still hooked up, but the kids were alive and happy. I have been the driver ever since.
Jennifer Lowen - I drive the truck and boat. Bill taught me the basics and then one day at the ramp I conquered the rest. I can drive the 30 foot Jayco Greyhawk motor home if I have to but usually leave it to him.
Kayla Jocumsen - Absolutely! I wanted to learn to drive the rig right away so I was able to put some hours in when Carl needed rest. Team work makes the dream work! There is no better way to learn than just jumping in!

What size, brand and style do you own?

Robin Howell - We have had quite a few different ones but we are very happy with our current one which is a Montana 40 foot front living fifth wheel.
Kayla Jocumsen - We have a Lance 1172. It’s a 20 foot truck camper that sits in the bed of our F450. We LOVE it!
Kerry Short - We currently have a Lance 1172 double slide truck camper (super nice) that is hauled on a GMC 3500. This allows us the ability to tow the boat and travel together WHICH IS HUGE to us. As you know, we had a fifth wheel, and while it was very nice with a ton of space, we had to double drive and we did NOT like that. In the long run, the extra space just wasn’t worth it and the truck camper is perfect for us. AND you can park a truck camper in soooo many places larger rigs just won’t fit.
Becky Iaconelli - We have a 43 foot fifth wheel. Our first two were Jayco and now we have a Cardinal.
Jennifer Lowen - We have a 30 foot Jayco Greyhawk motor home.
Debbie Morgenthaler - Currently, Grand Design, Reflection 36’ (we've owned six brands and prefer Grand Design).
Randi Gleason - Forest River Wildwood Heritage Glen Elite - 40 foot fifth wheel.

The porcelain throne is one of Pete’s favorite items in our three bathroom home. Are there motor homes with more that one bathroom? Is this something we should consider or might it just take up space we may need for office space?

How many bathrooms do you have and would there be an upside to having another half bath?

Kerry Short - One bath is good for two people.
Kayla Jocumsen - Due to our compact size we only have one small bathroom but it’s plenty big for us!
Jennifer Lowen - We have one bathroom and it wouldn’t be an upside for me as I’d rather have the space.
Debbie Morgenthaler - Only one bath in all the campers we've owned. We don't see a need for an extra half bath, but I guess that would depend upon the layout of the camper and how many people travel in it.
Robin Howell - We have one full bath and a half bath and I definitely recommend that because you will probably have people that stay with you often. They can have their own space, especially at night. Our full bathroom is in our bedroom so that would be a problem for someone that needed to go to the restroom at night.
Becky Iaconelli - Our first had a half bath, We never used it except to store rods and trees I bought along our travels. I have never had one since, I prefer having the room in the living space.
Randi Gleason – We have one. We looked at layouts for months. Actually I stalked websites for years. We knew what was important to us and I think each family has to decide what is important to them. We chose a model with one large bathroom (double sinks, residential shower). There would be a perk to having a half bath when getting ready at the same time but we would rather have that space for a king bed and walk-in closet.

Pete and I rarely, almost never, use the bathtubs in the house except to wash the dog but I wondered if it might be advisable to have a bathtub in our camper.

Do you have a bathtub within your shower and could you imagine being without a bathtub (if you have one)?

Jennifer Lowen - No bathtub. I like a shower.
Randi Gleason - NO. We are not “bath people.” LOL. We have a large soaker tub at home that doesn't get used much and you'd be emptying the gray tank A LOT with a tub in a camper.
Robin Howell - I have never had a bathtub in any of our campers or motorhomes and I have not missed having one.
Debbie Morgenthaler - I love my bath at home but see no need for one in a camper.
Becky Iaconelli - We do not have a bathtub, which is fine with me. The problem was when the kids were little and they took baths still. I had a Rubbermaid container I filled with water in the shower so I could bathe them.
Kayla Jocumsen - This one makes me giggle. No bathtub for us! You’d be so surprised what you don’t actually need once it’s gone!
Kerry Short - Yes, it has a small tub, believe it or not…perfect for a dirty Griff (dog).

I have my head set on have the living space in the back of the RV, but I’ve wiling to have my mind changed.

Front or back living? What are the advantages or disadvantages of each?

Becky Iaconelli - Since we have two bedrooms in our camper there are basically only back living layouts. Our first had a bunk room in the back which was quite spacious for the kids but the living space was way too tiny. Now we have the layout with the smaller single bunk room in the middle and larger living space in the back. Totally works for the four of us. I look forward to someday travelling with just Mike and having the front living space and the huge kitchen since I love to cook.
Debbie Morgenthaler - We have always had a rear living, although we like the idea of front living, it provides a very spacious living room, BUT typically you will lose room in the bathroom, and the bedroom in the form of closet space.
Kerry Short - HA, cab over is the “bedroom.” All the rest is living.
Jennifer Lowen - Back living. Kids are up front, back has a door for privacy.
Randi Gleason - Our model is rear living. WE like that so the living area felt separated. For smaller campers, I personally loved the rear bath option because it made for a great bathroom.
Robin Howell - For two people I love the front living fifth wheel. We have had bunk houses as well as a bedroom in the middle and an upper bunk in the stairway to our bedroom for the boys. However, as they have gotten older and do not travel as much with us, I love the front living and the bedroom in the back. It gives us a lot more daytime living area.

One critical element of setting up a campsite on a fishing trip is choosing an area that is pet-friendly and safe so you don't need to take an emergency visit to the veterinarian when you should be on the water

So you’ve picked your camper and you are ready to go on the road. I need to know how to pick a campsite.

What do you look for when booking a campsite?

Randi Gleason - For us, we look for a site that can accommodate camper plus Phoenix boat and Toyota Tundra on our site. Full hookup and proximity to launch is key. Me and Leann Swindle actually started reviewing campgrounds to help others find places that rock. @ReelRvWives
Debbie Morgenthaler - 50 amp full hookup with large lots for truck and boat, distance to ramp and launch site. Often this doesn't put you in the most desired campground or condition.
Becky Iaconelli - We like to stay close to the water if there is water. I always prefer a full hookup if possible.
Kayla Jocumsen -Full hookup and a beautiful view if possible!
Robin Howell - We look for one that has lots of room since we also have a truck and boat. Hookup with water, electric, sewer, as well as one that doesn’t have trees right next to the cement pad that would prohibit our slides from extending.
Jennifer Lowen - Full hookup and adequate parking for truck and boat, and on the water. When picking a campground try to avoid places that are mostly permanent. These are like little communities and you are an outsider.
Kerry Short - For us, the perfect campsite would be minimum of 30 amp electric service, sewer, water, cable, level concrete parking pad and patio. A site large enough for camper, truck and boat all on the same site. Picnic table, shade with grass for pups, a sunrise or sunset water view, and a clean laundry facility. Most times, you will not get all of these “amenities” and this would be the best of the best. Depending on the rig you get, you will have your own list of requirements.

What’s the first thing you do when setting up at a campsite?

Robin Howell - We always try to arrive at the campground before dark so that we don’t have problems backing into our campsite.
Kayla Jocumsen - Set up the entire rig and go through your checklist to make sure nothing is missed and you don’t have to backtrack later!
Randi Gleason - Check the pedestal to make sure it's a 50 amp outlet. As newbies, we once set up and leveled, only to realize the campground office accidentally put us in a 30 amp site. So we had to break it all down and load back up and move to another site. Do that once and you will always check the pedestal FIRST, LOL.
Becky Iaconelli - Everyone has a job. It gets things done quicker. I unhook the camper from truck and get it leveled, slides out. Mike handles the water, electric and sewer hookups. One kid takes the dog and the other starts pulling out the fencing. We all have something to do and then set up is done in less than 30 minutes and we get to move on with our day. If set up or take down is daunting or a pain in the butt you may start to hate the process.
Jennifer Lowen - First thing we worry about is making sure we can get the camper leveled.
Kerry Short - One of the first things I do is “police the site” for anything the dogs could get in trouble with. Also, make sure you are aware of the native trees/plants/shrubs and that they are pet friendly and not poisonous. Several years ago, Josey had an encounter with oleander that involved an emergency vet visit!
Debbie Morgenthaler - You usually rent a site unseen, so looking for hazards or problems with the site BEFORE trying to set up.

choose your campsite carefully on a fishing trip to avoid having to move your RV or deal with unruly neighbors

Which campsites are the best and why?

Becky Iaconelli - Concrete pads are best because they tend to be level. Gravel would be my next choice. When it rains it is a disaster if you are just on grass but dirt and mud is the price of camping, LOL.
Robin Howell - Level, cement and full hook ups are always the best.
Randi Gleason - Every campground is different. Start keeping a book of all the campgrounds and their maps and circle the sites you'd want for the next time. We do usually love an end site because you often don't have a neighbor on one side.
Debbie Morgenthaler - The ones with no screaming kids next door, or late night, drunk asses that love their campfire.
Jennifer Lowen - Waterfront campsites are the best. Just being on the water makes everything better.
Kerry Short - The best sites are the ones that work best for you and your equipment and that are far, far away from others camping!!
Kayla Jocumsen - The longer the better! Also, you will almost always want to have full hookup no matter how long you are staying. Use Google Maps to see what the sites look like from above!

Their points seem obvious now that I’ve read them, but would you have thought of these criteria?

Do you only camp when you travel to fishing events? If not, where have you gone that you would suggest others should definitely visit.

Debbie Morgenthaler - Mostly just fishing events, but we recently stayed at Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort. Pricey, but great campground.
Kerry Short - Yes and no - Most of our camping involves fishing but we go to out of the way places before and after fishing events. Just look at the map or the POI along the way and see if you can get Pete to stop! Kevin still won’t turn off of I-40 to see the meteor landing site on the way out west!
Randi Gleason - Because our fishing events have kept us on the road quite a bit, we haven't been to many places that do not involve fishing. Between pre-fishing and then the events, we have only spent four weeks at home in 2021 and it's almost August. I recently had a work conference in south Houston and brought the RV. We do stay on the road between events so we get to stay at other places and lakes.
Jennifer Lowen - Yes, we travel other than tournaments. Upstate New York is a must see as well as Yellowstone National Park.
Robin Howell - We have also gone on several trips, even staying on Lake Guntersville where we live but just on the other end. I definitely recommend doing that and not just using it for work. I think you tend to enjoy it more that way.
Kayla Jocumsen - We do a bit of traveling in between events! Yellowstone National Park is a MUST SEE!
Becky Iaconelli – No, we try to travel in the camper whenever possible. It is awesome to explore the country while always making it back to your own home each night. We did a month-long trip in the fall and went all the way up the Northeast. We stay in the camper between tournaments and find places to explore. As the kids have gotten bigger, we have found that we all love to hike together. Our favorite trips involve full on hiking days and then a nice campfire at night.

The first of many stops on our long list will be the meteor landing so we can take pictures for Kerry Short.

Second will be Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been there but Pete hasn’t and I’m willing to take one for the team. The ladies are right -- everyone should experience its vast beauty.

Next week I’ll post Part Two, more tips and tricks and items you can’t live without.