The Camping Crew Podcast

IAmChrisByrne

Hi all

I hope that it is Ok for me to post here. If not please remove.

Myself and a mate Aaron have started a podcast called The Camping Crew. It is an Irish Motorhome and Campervan focused camping podcast. We are 7 episodes into it at this stage and would love you to check it out.

We discuss topics like Camping news, Campsites, Apps, Websites, Camping Products, Tips and Hacks and general camping chat.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Alexa and lots of other podcast players and apps.

We'd love to get your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks
Chris Byrne

jamesd

Subscribed.

IAmChrisByrne

jamesd wrote: »

Subscribed.

Great, thanks James. Hope you enjoy them.

We welcome any suggestions on things to cover.

Benbecul97

Great idea for a podcast fair play!

Just listened to Episode 1 - Welcome and it is interesting.

One thing, it sounded like someone was continually moving their mouse scroll wheel during the recording and it was very distracting to listen to.

IAmChrisByrne

Benbecul97 wrote: »

Great idea for a podcast fair play!

Just listened to Episode 1 - Welcome and it is interesting.

One thing, it sounded like someone was continually moving their mouse scroll wheel during the recording and it was very distracting to listen to.

Thanks for listening Ben. We had some sound issues alright on the first one. They should be resolved now. We are learning as we go but you should see an improvement as you listen to the other episodes.

Benbecul97

IAmChrisByrne wrote: »

Thanks for listening Ben. We had some sound issues alright on the first one. They should be resolved now. We are learning as we go but you should see an improvement as you listen to the other episodes.

Yes, that sound issue is resolved.

Have since listened to Episodes 2 to 7 and have really enjoyed them.

Great idea for a podcast and keep up the good work.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 8 of the podcast was released last night. Let us know what you think.

Benbecul97

IAmChrisByrne wrote: »

Episode 8 of the podcast was released last night. Let us know what you think.

Another very enjoyable podcast - fair play!

Yes, please get an interview with 15/16 year olds to hearing their perspective on camping! Would be very interested in hearing those answers!!

Suggestion for ye. In the Episode summary section, where ye detail the contents of the podcast, could ye include the start/end time for the particular sections?

For example, Camp life: 24:45 - 28:10

This would be especially helpful when relistening to a podcast to find out information on a product recommended, campsite reviewed etc.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

jamesd

Really enjoying the pod casts, listen to them while I mow the lawn and on no 6 now, love the site reviews and good to hear about the sites that suits families.

IAmChrisByrne

jamesd wrote: »

Really enjoying the pod casts, listen to them while I mow the lawn and on no 6 now, love the site reviews and good to hear about the sites that suits families.

Thanks for the nice feedback James. You’ll enjoy episode 8 a lot so as we have an interview with two of the younger members of The Camping Crew.

IAmChrisByrne

We are currently planning future episodes. We have had some really good suggestions so far and are planning to integrate them into the podcasts.

We would love to hear more of your suggested topics and items to cover. You can leave them in the comments here or email us at campingcrewpodcast@gmail.com

Thanks again for listening and the great feedback.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 9 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we have an interview with Jon from Motorhomecraic. We revisit Nore Valley Campsite. We talk Habitation checks, bike covers, bike trailers. We interview Lilly to get a teenagers view of camping. And lots more.

https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

Benbecul97

IAmChrisByrne wrote: »

Episode 9 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we have an interview with Jon from Motorhomecraic. We revisit Nore Valley Campsite. We talk Habitation checks, bike covers, bike trailers. We interview Lilly to get a teenagers view of camping. And lots more.

https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

Just had a listen there!

Interesting to hear the thoughts of a 14 year old! Please interview a 16 year old male/female that is not a member of your extended family and has not been camping since they were a baby. Sure all teenagers are different, but I think it's unrealistic to portray that all teenagers love camping (Aaron mentioned his boy stopped camping at 15). It can be very difficult to coak them along.

Also, with regard to bringing your kids' friends' with you camping, how does that work from a transport perspective (most vans have only 4 seatbelts), from a sleeping-arrangements perspective? Maybe something ye can discuss.

Nice to hear Aaron give the Nore Valley campsite a rating (7/10) and that he previously had a poor experience there. I think ye should both rate all the sites that ye visit. Not all campsites in Ireland are up to scratch and this needs to be called out.

IAmChrisByrne

Benbecul97 wrote: »

Just had a listen there!

Interesting to hear the thoughts of a 14 year old! Please interview a 16 year old male/female that is not a member of your extended family and has not been camping since they were a baby. Sure all teenagers are different, but I think it's unrealistic to portray that all teenagers love camping (Aaron mentioned his boy stopped camping at 15). It can be very difficult to coak them along.

Also, with regard to bringing your kids' friends' with you camping, how does that work from a transport perspective (most vans have only 4 seatbelts), from a sleeping-arrangements perspective? Maybe something ye can discuss.

Nice to hear Aaron give the Nore Valley campsite a rating (7/10) and that he previously had a poor experience there. I think ye should both rate all the sites that ye visit. Not all campsites in Ireland are up to scratch and this needs to be called out.

Thanks again for the feedback. We do plan to interview a range of people, including older teenagers over future episodes. This part of the podcast is quite popular.

We’ll cover off bringing family and friends soon too as well. That a good suggestion also.

I’m in two minds about rating or scoring the campsites on the podcast as a lot of other places do that. I was happy just to speak of my experience (good or bad) on that particular visit. I’ll have a chat about it offline with Aaron. It usually takes a few visits though to give a fully informed rating.

db

I've just listened to the first two podcasts and it seems like the only criteria for rating campsites is whether you have to pay for showers. Please consider the all-in price for camping including children and older teenagers, awning, electricity, dogs etc. While the cost per night for a couple or small family can be quite reasonable, a larger family with older kids can cost > €50 per night at some of these campsites with free showers.

IAmChrisByrne

db wrote: »

I've just listened to the first two podcasts and it seems like the only criteria for rating campsites is whether you have to pay for showers. Please consider the all-in price for camping including children and older teenagers, awning, electricity, dogs etc. While the cost per night for a couple or small family can be quite reasonable, a larger family with older kids can cost > €50 per night at some of these campsites with free showers.

Thanks for the feedback DB. Keep listening to the newer episodes. The shower bit is just a running joke between Aaron and I and we talk about it less and less. We don’t really base our like or dislike of a campsite on this one thing.

When we speak about the campsites we speak from our own experience. You are right though some campsites do add on to the price for every little thing and it can get very expensive.

jamesd

Love the camp site reviews, have 2 kids myself and interested in the recommendations.

Tacitus Kilgore

Enjoying the podcast, keep them coming, thanks for making it!

IAmChrisByrne

Thanks for the comments guys. We enjoy making them and the positive feedback is great.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 10 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we give a shout to Ally, Joe and Ben for their feedback & suggestions. We chat about our recent visit to Bayview Dungarvan. We discuss Ridge Monkeys, camping apps, camping with additional family members, campsite checks before you head home and Camping Hacks

https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 12 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we discuss clamping in Bundoran #Donegal, Brittany Ferries Pont Aven sailings being delayed. Camping at Festivals. Lough Arrow Camping Park in #Sligo. Lots of new Camping hacks. Spend priority, van names and safety.
#CampingHacks #Motorhome #Campervan #Vanlife #Camping
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 13 of our podcast has just gone live. It’s available on most podcast platform's.

Itineoman

Subscribed today and binge listened to the last four podcasts in the car. It really feels like listening to a live radio programme. Love the range of topics covered and interviews. Very informative and accessible. Look forward to the next podcasts. Well Done and keep 'em coming

IAmChrisByrne

Itineoman wrote: »

Subscribed today and binge listened to the last four podcasts in the car. It really feels like listening to a live radio programme. Love the range of topics covered and interviews. Very informative and accessible. Look forward to the next podcasts. Well Done and keep 'em coming

Thanks for subscribing and listening @Itineoman

Glad your enjoying them.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 14 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we interview Kieran form the Phoenix Club. We talk Vango Airbeam pumps, accessories stores, arriving to campsites and facing doors.

#CampingHacks #Motorhome #Campervan #Vanlife #Camping
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 15 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.
On this Episode we discuss Aarons recent visit to Lough Ennell Co West Meath. Visibility in Left Hand drive Motorhomes. Wild camping by any other name. Advice for first time buyers and an interview with Aoife of Cara Motorhomes
#CampingHacks #Motorhome #Campervan #Vanlife #Camping
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

Rigor Mortis

Really good interview with Aoife I thought. Great work lads

IAmChrisByrne

Two episodes in one week folks

Episode 16 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.

On this Episode we discuss Aarons recent visit to Strand Camping in Doonbeg Co Clare. We have an interview with Amanda from Strand Camping.

We begin our camping in mainland Europe series by discussing preparations for camping abroad.

We have two listener product reviews to share and listener follow up discussion on Wild camping and Campsite prices in Ireland

https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

Gandorf

As a potential future camper van owner have been listening to the podcasts and really enjoyed them. It's great to get the Irish perspective rather than a bunch of Americans banging on about airstreams.

As a newbie would be really interested in pros/cons of different camper vans / motorhomes. Maybe some reviews of popular / available models for those not in the know. Love the idea of a Volkswagen California type setup but god they're so expensive! Maybe a section on camper conversions for us in the cheap seats?

Looking forward to the section on Europe as that's part of the dream. Keep up the good work.

Alkers

Gandorf wrote: »

As a newbie would be really interested in pros/cons of different camper vans / motorhomes. Maybe some reviews of popular / available models for those not in the know. .

Might not be practical to do reviews of specific models but you could talk about the pros and cons of the various sizes and layouts e.g. VW / bongo sized, bed over cab, rear fixed bed etc

IAmChrisByrne

Thanks Gandorf and Alkers for listening to the podcasts and for your posts and suggestions. Aaron and I really appreciate it. We will certainly bring up this topic on an episode very soon.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 17 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now in all the usual podcast apps.
We discuss Aarons recent visit to Seal Caves in Achill. Using the Amazon Fire Stick in your van. More in our camping abroad series. Motorhome layouts and more.
Please feel free to suggest topics that you’d like covered on the podcast.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew
#CampingHacks #Motorhome #Campervan #Vanlife #Camping

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 18 of The Camping Crew podcast is out in all the usual podcast apps. We chat to Stef about buying a second hand motorhome
We discuss Aarons recent visit to Strandhill Campsite Sligo and more.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 19 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.
We discuss Aarons visit to Cong. Offsite camper facilities. Water meter hose attachment. Campsite abroad tips. Payload explained.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

PhilipJ

Hi Guys
Just listening to the podcast, its great on ep 3 at the minute. perhaps look at the self build conversions, there are some company's around the country who specialise in this.

IAmChrisByrne

PhilipJ wrote: »

Hi Guys
Just listening to the podcast, its great on ep 3 at the minute. perhaps look at the self build conversions, there are some company's around the country who specialise in this.

Thanks for the feedback PhilipJ. We hope to interview a company soon that does the conversions. And then talk with someone that has done a conversion themselves.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 20 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.
We discuss Aarons visit to Ballinacourty Co Tipp. Offsite camper facilities. Camping hacks. Motorhome parking. Full cost of purchasing a motorhome.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

PhilipJ

IAmChrisByrne wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback PhilipJ. We hope to interview a company soon that does the conversions. And then talk with someone that has done a conversion themselves.

Brilliant, the VRT issue after conversion, seems to be a lot of confusion and unkowns in terms of cost and how its calculated etc...

dory

Just listened to four episodes, well done! Looking forward to to hearing the rest. I've subscribed on Spotify.

As has been mentioned above, the sound is an issue at the beginning. In one it's perfect when you're out and about interviewing someone in Blarney, then sounds like you're underwater in the studio. I listened to 20 and 19 first, then decided to start from the beginning. If I'd randomly stumbled upon your podcast I wouldn't have listened past episode 1 due to the sound. Just something to keep in mind, would be a shame to put people off.

IAmChrisByrne

Thanks for the feedback Dory. We were really finding our feet at the start regarding the sound quality. It does get better as you listen as we changed the mics and recording computers. We actually don’t record in a studio but at home over Skype. Aaron is in Co Tipp and I’m in Co Waterford. Hopefully the content will keep people listening (fingers crossed).

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 21 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.
We discuss Aarons visit to Tree Grove. Chris’s visit to Strand Camping. A new site. The kindness of campers. Getting away. Changes to your van.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

Bawnmore

I binged this on a drive back from Dublin to Galway earlier in the week and I must say I really enjoy it. Nearly up to to the latest episode now. We have access to a camper, but mainly use a tent and the campsite reviews are definitely opening our eyes to a lot of campsites we wouldn't have tried before. Keep it up!

IAmChrisByrne

Bawnmore wrote: »

I binged this on a drive back from Dublin to Galway earlier in the week and I must say I really enjoy it. Nearly up to to the latest episode now. We have access to a camper, but mainly use a tent and the campsite reviews are definitely opening our eyes to a lot of campsites we wouldn't have tried before. Keep it up!

Thanks for the great feedback Bawnmore. Delighted to hear that you are enjoying them. Feel free to suggest anything that you’d like us to cover.

IAmChrisByrne

Episode 22 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.
We discuss Aarons visit to Parsons Green. Jamie give us a campsites owners view. Dingle driving tips. Vanderlust interview. Camping in the rain and driving sweets.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

IAmChrisByrne

‪Episode 23 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now.‬
‪We discuss our visit to Dunmore East. Not overnighting in Phoenix Park. Tent repairs. Motorhome camper toolbox and securing stuff when travelling.‬
‪https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew ‬

IAmChrisByrne

‪Episode 24 of The Camping Crew podcast is out now. AFrames & WiFi. On this episode we discuss Stickers, Willowbrook Glamping, overnighting in Dublin, A-Frame towing, campsite WiFi and doing you duty.‬
‪https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew ‬

IAmChrisByrne

‪Episode 25 of our Podcast is available now. We chat about Tyre Maintainance we chat to Nigel from Charles Camping and we tell you how to get hold of our van stickers‬
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew

rustynutz

Well done on the podcasts, really enjoyable I have listened to them all over the last few weeks. Just to clarify on something Aaron said on one of the recent podcasts on the 3.5 ton gvw and licence requirements. My understanding is that on a normal B car license you can only drive a vehicle that has an overall weight, (GVW)including passengers, fuel and payload of 3.5 tons. Aaron was suggesting that the empty weight of his camper was 3.5 ton, and he was over the weight limit once it was loaded. If that was the case his Gross Vehicle Weight would be greater than 3.5 ton and he would require a C1 or C licence.
There is a lot of confusion over this generally and it would be good to clear it up once and for all as I believe a lot of people are currently driving around in vehicles unaware that they dont have the correct license to drive them. On a side note, a bus or coach licence doesn't allow you drive a motorhome over 3.5 ton either, only a C1 or C (rigid truck) licence covers motorhomes.

IAmChrisByrne

rustynutz wrote: »

Well done on the podcasts, really enjoyable I have listened to them all over the last few weeks. Just to clarify on something Aaron said on one of the recent podcasts on the 3.5 ton gvw and licence requirements. My understanding is that on a normal B car license you can only drive a vehicle that has an overall weight, (GVW)including passengers, fuel and payload of 3.5 tons. Aaron was suggesting that the empty weight of his camper was 3.5 ton, and he was over the weight limit once it was loaded. If that was the case his Gross Vehicle Weight would be greater than 3.5 ton and he would require a C1 or C licence.
There is a lot of confusion over this generally and it would be good to clear it up once and for all as I believe a lot of people are currently driving around in vehicles unaware that they dont have the correct license to drive them. On a side note, a bus or coach licence doesn't allow you drive a motorhome over 3.5 ton either, only a C1 or C (rigid truck) licence covers motorhomes.

Thanks for for the great feedback and information @RustyNutz we really appreciate your post and we will definitely bring this important topic up soon on the podcast.

Chris & Aaron

Alkers

rustynutz wrote: »

Well done on the podcasts, really enjoyable I have listened to them all over the last few weeks. Just to clarify on something Aaron said on one of the recent podcasts on the 3.5 ton gvw and licence requirements. My understanding is that on a normal B car license you can only drive a vehicle that has an overall weight, (GVW)including passengers, fuel and payload of 3.5 tons. Aaron was suggesting that the empty weight of his camper was 3.5 ton, and he was over the weight limit once it was loaded. If that was the case his Gross Vehicle Weight would be greater than 3.5 ton and he would require a C1 or C licence.
There is a lot of confusion over this generally and it would be good to clear it up once and for all as I believe a lot of people are currently driving around in vehicles unaware that they dont have the correct license to drive them. On a side note, a bus or coach licence doesn't allow you drive a motorhome over 3.5 ton either, only a C1 or C (rigid truck) licence covers motorhomes.

Just to +1 on this, the license is related to the maximum permissible load on the vehicle - what it's actual load is (empty or completely overloaded) is irrelevant.

IAmChrisByrne

‪Episode 26 of The Camping Crew Podcast is available now. We chat about ‬Driving Licenses, cleaning house, Desert House, antennas and more.
https://anchor.fm/the-camping-crew