By Amethel Parel-Sewell
We rolled into the Sun Outdoors campground in Chula Vista, California with the cautious excitement of explorers going into unknown territory. It was our first Pleasure-Way (PW) rally and we weren’t sure what we were getting into. Was it going to be a laid-back meet-up or a jam-packed boot camp? Would we need know a secret handshake to fit in?
The first thing we noticed was the pristine, clean location with its beautiful views of the San Diego Bay. We knew we’d meet fellow adventurers who probably loved their PW van as much as we love our 2021 Lexor, The Light Chaser. But we didn’t realize just how wonderful this experience would be. Over four days, we met kindred spirits. We learned more about our camper van than we had in four years. And we made memories we’ll cherish for years to come. Ken even says he finally understands how our electrical system works (cue round of applause).
and other swag in hand, we were ready to go!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned road warrior, here are six reasons to put a Pleasure-Way rally on your bucket list:
1. Community & Connection
About 160 Pleasure-Way owners came together from across the country. A couple even drove across the country from New York! During sessions, dinners, an ice cream social, and moments in between, we connected with people who understand the freedom that van life brings, as well as its quirks and challenges.
One of our favorite people we met was our camp neighbor, Dian Thomas, a media personality and author who once wowed Johnny Carson with her camping hacks. Her book, Roughing It Easy, has sold over a million copies. This was her fourth PW rally. We bonded over our love of photography, van life, and the fun of discovering the mysteries of the world — one campsite at a time.
We also enjoyed dinner with Stacey and Jeff Lamb, first-time attendees like us. They said their favorite parts of the rally were meeting Phil Nickel, the dinners, getting to know people, and the activities. Stacey said, “After being a teacher for more than 30 years, I loved learning more . . . about our van. I didn’t know how much I didn’t know, and our PW Ascent is going to be happier for a lot longer now.”
And then there were Jocelyn Bonner and James Grimm, also first-time attendees. We had deep convos about travel, the importance of community, and the joy of finding diverse, like-minded people. When I asked Jocelyn about her favorite part of the rally, she simply said: “Phil Nickel’s house call.” Who is Phil Nickel and why is everyone talking about him?
2. House Calls from the Legend Himself:
Phil Nickel
Phil is the guy at Pleasure-Way. He’s been with the company since its beginnings 35 years ago and is beloved in the community. He went campsite to campsite, answering questions, fixing things with his magic toolkit, spreading knowledge and good will like a wizard.
electrical and battery system. He also made me cry!
When Phil came to see us and The Light Chaser, he patiently answered our questions and demystified our electrical and solar system. He helped us finally settle the Great Propane Debate: should you drive with your propane on? Phil says nope. Hard pass. Don’t do it!
But what struck me most wasn’t his technical expertise; it was his warmth. He genuinely wanted to hear our story. I even teared up sharing how my lifelong love of vans started with my father. After we became American citizens, my dad believed it was his patriotic duty to take us to every contiguous U.S. state. And we did it, summer after summer, state by state. Van life isn’t just about rigs and routes — it’s also about your roots.
Phil’s ability to put people at ease and connect with heart is special. Having access to someone like him is rare and it made us feel even more proud to be part of the PW family.
3. Education from Experts
(Learn What You Missed in the Manuals)
In addition to Phil’s encyclopedic knowledge, we learned from others throughout the rally. From maintenance basics to clever hacks, the Tech Talks and Q&As were full of lightbulb moments. Note to self: you must decalcify the water heater annually, or else! Also, use WD-40 Silicone, not regular WD-40, for door and awning mechanisms. Why? It repels dirt instead of attracting it. Who knew?
new Pleasure-Way models to explore.
The friendly, knowledgeable folks from La Mesa RV brought several shiny new Pleasure-Way models to explore. While we love our 2021 Lexor, we’ll admit the new widebody Plateau XLTS had us side-eyeing the envious amount of storage (mostly for our photography gear), the spa-like enclosed shower, and other fancy features.
The “Gadget Share” was a van life show-and-tell at its best. People brought their favorite tools and gear, from security cameras to cabinet hinges, then the best gadgets were selected by judges. Our picks? Ken’s favorites were a Camco EvoFlex2 compact flexible water hose and a Noco Boost 2000A battery jump starter. Mine was an Etenwolf cordless air pump that doubles as a power bank. Yes, we’re van life geeks and we won’t apologize for it.
“Pete” William Berry, a technician from Truma, shared pro tips on water heaters and air conditioning units. It was all chill (see what I did there?) until he announced that he brought a limited number of new Truma air conditioners for sale with on-site installations during the rally. Ken looked at me like he was a kid in a candy shop. This brings us to . . .
4. Access to Road-Ready Upgrades
(Without Leaving Your Campsite!)
Learning about RV upgrades is one thing — getting one installed at your campsite with a discounted rally special? Now that’s next level.
Take the Truma Aventa Eco. It’s much quieter and more efficient. And unlike our factory-installed Dometic unit, which only runs on shore power or the generator, the Aventa can run on battery power for short stretches. That’s a game-changer when you’re boondocking in hot weather, especially if you’re the kind of wild soul who willingly ventures into the desert heat (guilty as charged).
our original, loud Dometic unit for the new, quieter Truma Aventa Eco.
Pete did the whole install in just a few hours while we sipped coffee, and I worked on this blog post. No long-distance drives to a shop or leaving The Light Chaser behind for days. Pete made quick, efficient work of swapping out our loud AC unit with the quieter Aventa Eco. Just like that, our van could chill . . . quietly. Now we have an AC unit that doesn’t require us to SCREAM OVER IT WHEN WE’RE JUST TRYING TO HAVE A NORMAL CONVERSATION. We’re ready for our favorite spots at Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, or wherever the sun decides to flex.
5. Travel Inspiration for Days
Van rallies aren’t just about where you’ve been—they spark dreams of where you’ll go next. Learning about people’s favorite destinations, campgrounds, and off-the-beaten-path adventures was another highlight of the rally. We met Paul and Becky Zenthoefer from Colorado. They shared their favorite campground in Phoenix, Arizona where they spend their winters. They’ve been to over 15 rallies and will keep going to more simply because they enjoy meeting new people.
Dian told us about her three-month, 15,000-mile solo journey across the U.S. and Canada. She said, “I participated in the Rally by the Sea for a trip to Newfoundland . . . . I love this kind of travel because I learn so much and meet so many fascinating people.”
You never know who you’ll meet, or how it will inspire your next great adventure.
6. It’s Fun and Relaxing
hosted by PW or La Mesa RV.
Beyond all the fun learning and socializing, Ken and I savored some quiet time to relax and reflect. Thanks to the delicious dinners catered by Sun Outdoors and hosted by PW or La Mesa RV, we didn’t have much to cook or clean. This gave us more time to savor the sunsets across the San Diego Bay with sweeping strokes of orange, pink, and purple.
We strolled past rows and rows of PW vans. We had never seen so many in one place! It felt like a family reunion of rigs, and if you listened closely enough, you might hear them sharing their own stories about long winding roads and the humans who care for them.
One night, we circled around the campfire with our Dian and our son, Paz, who stopped by for gooey, golden s’mores. The fire danced and kept us warm as the coastal breeze rustled through the trees. After the rally, Dian wrote to us, “The highlight was meeting you and Ken and being neighbors at the rally. I really enjoyed hearing your stories and chatting around the fire with both of you and Paz. What a darling boy.”
Across from our campsite stood an arcade (one of the cleanest we’ve ever seen). Nostalgia hummed as we played skee-ball and other arcade classics, and collected tickets for prizes. But the best prizes came from the rally: Pleasure-Way t-shirts, hats, and other coveted swag. There were surprise giveaways handed out for fun distinctions, like who owned the oldest PW, or who owned the most PWs over the years. That last honor went to Gary and Marilyn Warren, who are proudly on their third PW.
I asked the Warrens why they stayed loyal to PW. They said, “Quality of materials and the great quality of the build . . . PW quality is superior . . . . (and) their warranty and customer service. No other company comes close, and we also always enjoy seeing PW representatives at the rallies.” They also revealed, “We attended the first Break on the Bay in San Diego in 2024. We really had no intention of trading but after seeing some of the major improvements . . . on the ‘24 models, we decided to trade. That was the best decision . . . . We love our 2024 Plateau TS!
Some at the rally arrived earlier or stayed longer to explore San Diego’s many gems, such as the historic Balboa Park or Cabrillo National Monument, and, of course, the beaches.
Just Do It!
We came to the rally like curious explorers in unfamiliar territory. By the end, we realized: this wasn’t uncharted land at all. It was a home away from home—built not of walls, but of shared passions and campfire conversations.
If you have a Pleasure-Way van, don’t miss out on the rally experience. You’ll leave with a full heart, new friends, a smarter rig, and a longer list of places to explore. Maybe you’ll leave with a new air conditioner or even a new PW! You’ll be reminded that van life is about so much more than the van. It’s about the people, the stories, and the unexpected magic that happens when dreamers and wanderers gather in one place.
If you spot us in The Light Chaser gleaming under the desert sun or tucked into an alcove of trees, come say hello. We’ll swap stories or travel tips. Or better yet, we’ll see you at a Pleasure-Way rally.