With nine days to go before the first episode of the “RV Unplugged” reality show goes live on YouTube, the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) is detailing its season one contestants.
The school collaborated with popular bloggers and video creators promoting the RV lifestyle. The reality show pits contestants against each other and the clock to overcome unique challenges in hopes of receiving a $10,000 cash prize.
Season one contestants include:
Phil and Stacy Farley with You, Me and the RV – Captains of the Red and Blue Teams, the Farleys are husband and wife competing against each other. RVing in a Tiffin 33AA RED motorhome, the Farleys are experienced boondockers who enjoy camping at state and national parks, as well as sites operated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Working with their 164,000 followers, the couple has raised more than $130,000 for organizations serving military veterans. To connect with the Farleys, click here.
Mike and Susan Scarpignato with RV Blogger – Traveling around America in their 37-foot THOR Challenger motorhome, Mike and Susan Scarpignato are the founders of RV Camping magazine and the RV Blogger website. They also developed a YouTube channel to share tips, product reviews and details of their travels. To connect with the Scarpignatos, click here.
Dave and Tanya Villa with Let’s Turn it Up World – Sharing the same birthday, Dave and Tanya Villa founded two YouTube channels to showcase a variety of domestic and international travel videos. Relative newcomers to RVing, they launched as full-time RVers in 2021 with their two cats in a Winnebago EKKO Class C motorhome. They have already visited 30 states in their RV. To connect with the Villas, click here.
Chris and Martha Peters with Venturesome Couple – After RVing for 15 years, Chris and Martha Peters said they are dedicated to seeking thrills and adrenaline-pumping activities. They love to camp anywhere, whether in an RV resort, boondocking in out-of-the-way places, or “moochdocking” with friends. The Peters travel in an Alliance Paradigm 340RL fifth wheel with their 6-year-old rottweiler. To connect with the Peters, click here.
Chris and Katrina Bellofatto with Our Everyday Getaway – Chris is a retired ironworker and cancer survivor. Katrina worked as a wedding and event florist at the White House for two administrations. With more than six years of part-time experience, the Bellofattos began full-time RVing in December with their 2018 Holiday Rambler Endeavor Class A diesel. To connect with the Bellofattos, click here.
Howard and Katelyn Newstate with Newstate Nomads – Howard and Katelyn Newstate have traveled extensively across North America in their RV. They also spent 125 straight days boondocking in their 2019 Winnebago Navion Class C motorhome. Katelyn is a former television reporter and anchor. Howard is a former Hollywood cinematographer and producer. They are touring with three dogs. To connect with the Newstates, click here.
Ryan Miller with Millers in Motion – A former professional golfer from Texas, Ryan Miller runs an international special events company on the road. His wife, Lauren, is a physician assistant who likes to compete at horse shows. Together, the Millers started full-time RVing in February 2022 in their brand-new Grand Design Solitude 390RK-R fifth wheel. To connect with the Millers, click here.
Aaron and Chris Willers with Irene Iron Travels – When Aaron and Chris Willers first started RVing, they lived in a van using a roof-top tent. They have since upgraded to a 2022 Outdoors RV Titanium 22FQS travel trailer, which they share with their Basenji puppy. The Willers produce a weekly online video show distributed to their 42,000 subscribers. To connect with the Willers, click here.
Ben and Charity DeVries with Grateful Glamper –
Some people like camping under exactly five stars. That’s Ben and Charity DeVries, who founded Grateful Glamper to promote the finer side of outdoor living. One of their biggest fears is staying in hotels, so glamping suits them just fine. The family maintains a blog and YouTube channel creating content about their travels and lessons learned on the road. Their weekly live show is popular with their 140,000 subscribers. To connect with the DeVries, click here.
The nine-part RV Unplugged series begins March 11 and concludes May 6 at a special boondocking rally. There are enough tickets available for 150 RVs to participate in the rally and watch the final episode live on a giant outdoor screen.
“Contestants face challenges that will test their mental and physical abilities, all while camping in their RVs. From cooking and building to exploring and surviving, the competition will be intense,” said Tony Flammia, NRVTA director of sales and marketing, who produced and directed the video series.
“Informational videos are everywhere you look, but RV Unplugged will be the first hybrid game show and reality show to spotlight the lifestyle and people who are living it,” he added. “This action-packed series will be full of shocking twists and drama as contestants compete through rigorous trials to win survival basics and a chance to stay in the game.”
For more information about RV Unplugged, click here.sit . A one-minute trailer can be seen here.
