Dec. 1, 2025

FRVA Rolling Roots: Where Families On the Move Find Belonging

FRVA Rolling Roots: Where Families On the Move Find Belonging

Sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions

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You've seen them at campgrounds — groups of RVers who seem to know each other, swapping stories around campfires, hosting potlucks, planning their next adventure together. They're part of something bigger than a weekend camping trip. They've found their people. And they did it at an RV rally.

But if you're a younger RVer, especially one traveling with kids, you might assume those clubs and rallies aren't for you. After all, most RV organizations seem designed for retirees with motorhomes, right?

Not anymore.

There's a shift happening in the RV world, and it's creating space for families who've been overlooked for far too long. This isn't just another club. It's a community that travels with you, benefits that actually pay for themselves, and rallies where your kids are welcomed instead of tolerated.

What This Episode Is About

In this special episode of Learn To RV: The Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the Family RV Association (FRVA)—formerly known as FMCA. If you've never heard of it, or if you assumed it wasn't relevant to your family, this conversation will change your perspective.

This isn't just a casual chat about an RV club. Jennifer sits down with Doug Uhlenbrock, FRVA's newly elected Executive Director, to discuss where this member-owned organization is headed. Then Kevin and Patrice McCabe from the hit show RV There Yet? TV join the conversation to share why they've partnered with FRVA and what they see as the future of this community.

But the real highlight? A major announcement that's been two years in the making. One that could fundamentally change how families connect at FRVA events.

This episode is essential listening if you're:

  • Looking for an RV community that understands your lifestyle
  • Tired of feeling like the only young family at RV gatherings
  • Curious about FRVA but unsure if it's right for towable owners
  • Wanting member benefits that actually save you money
  • Interested in attending RV rallies with meaningful education and activities
  • Hoping to connect with other families who homeschool or work remotely
  • Wondering why FMCA changed its name
  • Ready to find your people in the RV world

What You'll Learn: More Than Membership

FRVA has been around since 1963, making it the oldest RV owners association in the country and possibly in the world. But age doesn't mean outdated. This organization is evolving to welcome every type of RVer, from weekend warriors to full-timers, from fifth wheels to class As.

You'll discover when FRVA actually started welcoming towables (hint: it's longer than most people realize). Learn about member benefits that go beyond discounts, including a Medical & Travel Assist program that could literally save your trip if an emergency strikes far from home.

We dive into questions families like yours really have:

  • What's the real difference between FMCA and FRVA, and does it matter?
  • Can you really save money with FRVA membership, or is it just another expense?
  • What happens at these conventions, and are they worth attending?
  • How does a member-owned organization work differently from other RV clubs?
  • Why have there been so few families at FRVA events, and what's being done to change that?

Hear about the Perry, Georgia, convention coming this March. The theme is "Changes in Latitudes," and the party wouldn’t be complete without a Jimmy Buffett tribute band and exclusive opportunities for first-timers. Plus, learn what the McCabes are bringing to this FRVA event and how this opens up possibilities for families with kids.

And if you stick around until the end, you'll hear Jennifer announce something that's been in the works for two years — an exciting new chapter specifically designed for families who've felt like outsiders in traditional RV clubs.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This episode goes beyond the surface of what RV membership organizations offer. It's a candid conversation about building inclusive communities, creating space for underrepresented RVers, and why having a place to belong matters when you're constantly on the move.

Whether you're already an FRVA member curious about the organization's direction, someone who's never heard of FRVA before, or a family who's been searching for your tribe on the road, this conversation offers insights you won't find anywhere else.

You'll walk away understanding not just what FRVA is, but why it might be the missing piece in your RV journey. And you'll discover how we’re working to ensure the next generation of RV families has a seat at the table.

Where to Listen and How to Connect

Ready to learn what FRVA can offer your family? Download this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

For exclusive behind-the-scenes content and extended conversations, join our Patreon Campfire Crew. You'll get bonus episodes, early access to new content, special merch, and deeper connections with our community. Choose from three different Campfire tiers, each offering unique benefits designed to enhance your Learn To RV: The Podcast experience.

Then continue the conversation in our Learn To RV: The Podcast Community on Facebook. Share your own experiences with RV clubs and organizations using #LTRVCommunity, ask questions about FRVA membership, and discover how other families are finding their people on the road.

For more resources on building community while traveling, connecting with other RV families, and finding your place in the RV world, explore the articles and guides at learntorv.com.

Visit frva.com to explore membership options and upcoming events. Want to watch Kevin and Patrice's adventures? Check out RV There Yet? TV or visit their YouTube channel for entertaining and educational content about life on the road.

The Real Message

You don't have to navigate RV life alone. You don't have to settle for clubs that don't quite fit your family's needs. And you certainly don't have to feel like an outsider in a community that should welcome you with open arms.

The RV lifestyle is richer when you're connected to others who understand the unique joys and challenges of living on the road. From late-night campfire conversations to emergency roadside assistance, from learning how to fix your plumbing to finding someone who'll watch your kids so you can explore a new town, community makes everything better.

FRVA is evolving to become more inclusive, more family-friendly, and more relevant to younger RVers. But change doesn't happen without people willing to step up and create space for those who've been left out. This episode introduces you to some of those people. The question is: are you ready to be part of what comes next?

Wherever you're parked right now, there's a community waiting to welcome you. People who understand your lifestyle, appreciate your journey, and want to connect beyond superficial campground small talk. FRVA might just be the bridge to finding them.

Sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions

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