RVers tend to be handy. Maybe you consider yourself a pro at DIYs, religiously log your rig’s maintenance, and your storage bays are loaded with tools for any scenario. If so, you understand that if you weren’t handy before buying an RV, you better GET handy!
However, sometimes when RVing, you need expert help. This is a consideration for many of Fantasy RV Tour’s guests — how do you handle a setback on the road during a tour, especially if you are in a remote area?
Worry-Free RV Adventures
The ability to travel independently but with the support of a group is a huge advantage when you embark on a tour with Fantasy RV.
All tours are led by Ambassadors, couples who have taken the tour multiple times and are trained to assist you. Through their years of experience, they bring technical expertise and know-how about RV support along your route.
You’ll meet several Ambassadors on your journey with Fantasy RV:
- WagonMaster or RallyMaster: This couple will lead your RV adventure, whether you are part of a Caravan or a site-specific rally. They ensure everything runs smoothly from coordinating travel logistics to sharing insights about destinations.
- TailGunner: Acting as the support and safety guide, the Tailgunner follows the group, assisting with mechanical issues, navigation, and any unexpected situations. They ensure no one is left behind, offering peace of mind so you can fully enjoy the adventure.
“Stuff is going to go wrong. It’s always better to have a group around you to help. Your Ambassadors, especially your TailGunner, are another set of eyes, hands to get a job done, or there just to talk it through,” said Mark Haselton, a former Fantasy RV Tours Ambassador who served with his wife Kara.
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An Ambassador’s Story
In 2016, Mark and Kara Haselton embarked on a 62-day Alaskan tour with Fantasy RV. And, as they say, the rest is history!
The couple quickly jumped onboard to become Ambassadors, traveling to Fantasy RV’s headquarters for training. The Haseltons’ first assignment was to fill the Tailgunner role on the same Alaskan tour they had just taken. Eventually, the pair served as Wagonmaster/Rallymaster for several trips, including Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes, and Washington DC among others.
Fantasy RV’s method of filling Ambassador roles with previous customers is not by accident. This gives these couples a unique perspective to help others, as they have literally driven the same paths before!
“I don’t think anything could be more scary for an RV owner to break down on a dirt road in Alaska or the Yukon, but Tailgunners specifically are trained to help. We’ve been in your shoes, we get it, and we’re there for you,” Mark explained.
Tailgunners: Unsung Heroes
Tailgunners have a special role in a Fantasy RV Tours’ caravan. It’s their duty to follow the group to make sure everyone is safe, so it’s important for them to get to know all the travelers and their rigs.
“We’re there to make sure guests have a great experience and can travel worry-free. That means preventing possible problems if we can,” Mark said.
For instance, Tailgunners assign parking spots and take daily walks of the campground, checking for anything that might look “off” such as broken tow bars or flat tires.
Then, as you leave for your next destination on the route, your Tailgunner will be waving goodbye. This is more than just being friendly; this is a final check as you head back out on the road — “We are looking for awnings, slides, or doors that may be open, and we are listening. If something doesn’t sound right on your rig, we’re going to mention it to you. We’re an extra set of eyes and ears looking out for you on your adventure.”
After guests are on the road, Tailgunners walk the campground a final time to make sure nothing is forgotten at sites. Think dump hoses, Y-splitters, extension cords, etc.
To help keep track of guests, Tailgunners use check-in sheets and a radio system. As they follow behind the group, Tailgunners carry road hazard supplies and are prepared for any situation — from driving the guest to a spot where they can get cell service to coaching a guest how to change a fuse or to simply listen in a stressful situation.
“A lot of times, when we would encounter an RVer in a tight spot, they just needed a friendly ear. We’d sit down together and make a sandwich while they waited for a service tech. It helps to know you’re not alone on the road.”
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Fantasy RV to the Rescue!
Mark recalls a situation in Nova Scotia during a Canadian Maritime tour.
A guest was traveling by herself in a 40-foot diesel pusher with a tow car. She broke down, called her extended warranty company, and found herself completely overwhelmed. A fellow traveler called the Haseltons to alert them to her location.
Mark remembered how overwhelmed the guest was: “When we arrived, she was sitting in her motorhome reading a book. She was out of her comfort zone and unsure what to do to get back on the road. It was our job to help.”
He made several phone calls on her behalf, locating a local service center for big rigs. A tech arrived within 15 minutes, discovered a hole in the fuel pump, and arranged for a tow to the shop where parts were overnighted.
Thanks to the quick thinking of her Tailgunner, in just three days the guest was back on the road living her RV adventure!
Mark’s Tips for Prepping for a Fantasy RV Tour
In their 5.5 years as Ambassadors, the Haseltons saw a few reoccurring tech issues. Mark suggests the following for those about to embark on their first tour:
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Prep for your pre-tour call
Before each tour, you will run through a checklist with your Wagonmaster/Rallymaster. This is to help make sure your rig is ready for the trip. Consider your tires’ age, battery life, etc. Now is the time to upgrade or make repairs, if needed.
- Think about purchasing a spare serpentine belt
“Definitely a repair we saw time and time again!” Mark remembered. Don’t forget to obtain the routing instructions, too.
- Carry spare fuel filters
This is also a common repair the Haseltons saw on the road. It’s cheap “insurance” to carry one (or several) spare fuel filters, especially if your RV takes a special type.
- Rest easy
Ultimately, allow yourself to relax knowing that if something MAJOR would happen to your rig, your Ambassadors are familiar with the big cities along your route and know who to call.
Get Your RV Ready For Your Next Road Trip With These 7 Easy Tips!
Getting ready for the open road doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With just a few simple steps, you can make sure your RV is road-trip ready and set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free adventure. From tire checks to system tests, these 7 easy tips will help you hit the highway with confidence.
Check out the quick video below for a walkthrough of each tip—because worry-free travel starts with a well-prepped rig and the peace of mind that comes with support from our expert Ambassadors!