Hey Campfire Embers!
Hey friend,
I hope you’re winning in life right now. And if you’re reading this? You are winning. Period.
We’re the lucky ones. Fortunate to be born in the USA. Fortunate to have options, freedom, and the ability to chase adventure. And this Christmas season, Sara and I have been sitting in that gratitude a little longer than usual.
We hosted Christmas at our house this year — and here’s the win I didn’t see coming.
Our basement is officially “gameafied.” Board games, laughter, trash talk, and hours of fun… without electronics. No screens. No chargers. Just people being present.
That’s the kind of unplugged moment we don’t take lightly anymore.
Sometimes tech makes life easier. Sometimes we hope it will… and it doesn’t.
Which brings me to a $600 RV mistake 👇
🛠️ We Wasted $600 on Airbags — Until This 10-Minute Fix Changed Everything
When we upgraded to our fifth wheel, airbags felt like the smart move. Adjustable. Popular. Everyone recommended them.
Two years later?
- Leaks
- Repairs
- Cheap knockoffs
- Constant checking
Then we switched to Timbren SES.
No air lines. No leaks. No maintenance.
10 minutes to install. And suddenly towing felt solid, predictable, and stress-free again.
We learned a lot the hard way — and I put everything into this post so you don’t have to repeat our mistake.
👉 Read our full story + installation tips:https://ourcampfireunplugged.com/timbren-ses-suspension/
If you’re towing heavy and tired of fiddling with air pressure, this one’s worth your time.
🤖 “ChatGPT Never Maps It Right” — We Agree (Mostly)
Last week we asked if you’re using ChatGPT or AI to plan RV trips.
One reader replied:
“I tried, but it never maps the route correctly — so I just use Google.”
We agree.
ChatGPT does not create maps very well… yet. One day it will.
As FYI - Gemini will create directions...
But here’s the part most people miss — that’s not what it’s best at.
AI shines at:
- Structuring the trip
- Identifying must-see stops
- Finding realistic driving days
- Surfacing hidden gems
- Cutting through fake “honest reviews”
True story — we planned a 17-day Alaska trip in about 15 minutes using ChatGPT. Then we fine-tuned it with maps.
The alternative? 25 browser tabs. Hours of blogs. Conflicting advice. Mental overload.
Let AI do the heavy lifting so your brain can focus on the fun part.
👉 Try RV Travel GPT here:https://chatgpt.com/g/g-679e93b4581c8191be56be409960e399-rv-travel-gpt-ultimate-rv-roadtrip-planner
Use Google Maps for navigation. Use AI for clarity.
That combo is the cheat code.
🎄 Final Thought
This season reminded us how much we already have.
Family around the table. Kids laughing. A house full of noise. And the freedom to build a life we love — on the road and at home.
We don’t take that lightly. And we’re grateful you’re here with us.
Merry Christmas,
Mike 🎄🚐
Our Campfire Unplugged
P.S. If this email helped you, send it to someone who’s buried under trip planning stress or RV upgrade decisions. That’s how this community grows.
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