RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

Fuel prices are skyrocketing, a roadside favorite is under fire, and the RV industry just saw a massive sales drop. In this Monday News Edition, Mike Wendland breaks down the massive jump in diesel and gasoline prices following military strikes in the Middle East. What does a $5.00/gallon reality mean for your summer road trip? We do the math so you don’t have to. Plus, we look at why Buc-ee’s—the "king of the road stop"—has been handed a failing grade by the Better Business Bureau. Is the brand losing its touch with the RV community? In this episode: RESOURCES MENTIONED: ???? RV Budget Tool: Calculate your trip costs at RVLifestyle.com/budget ???? Join the Community: Connect with fellow RVers at RVCommunity.com ????️ Check your VIN: Stay safe at NHTSA.gov Subscribe for more RV news and lifestyle tips! #RVNews #RVLifestyle #FuelPrices #Bucees #RVRecalls #RoadTrip2026

Episode 590 of the RV Podcast Stories from the Road Edition takes you back in time as we share the story of what may have been the very first RV influencer, from 50 years ago. Long before YouTube, social media, and blogs, there were travelers finding ways to tell the story of life on the road, and in this episode, we look at one of those pioneers and why his story still matters today. We also share our RV Trip of the Week to Colorado, one of the most beautiful summer RV destinations in America, with towering mountains, scenic drives, cool temperatures, and unforgettable camping experiences. And we answer a common question from RVers everywhere: How do you control sway, bounce, and that unstable feeling while driving down the road? We talk about what causes it, what gear can help, and what practical steps can make your travels safer and more comfortable. If you love RV stories, practical travel advice, and discovering the people and places that make this lifestyle so special, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more RV Lifestyle content, travel inspiration, and real-world RV advice from Mike and Jen. #RVLifestyle #RVPodcast #RVLiving #RVTravel #StoriesFromTheRoad #ColoradoRVTrip #RVTips #RVSafety

What is really happening in the RV dealership world right now, and what does it mean for RV buyers and owners? We call it The Great RV Dealership Land Grab... Why Bigger isn't Necessarily Better. In Episode 589 of the RV Podcast News Edition, we breakdown the dealership consolidation wave reshaping the RV industry, from Camping World's financial struggles and leadership shakeup to the rapid expansion of Blue Compass, General RV, and Campers Inn. We explain who is winning, who is hurting, and why bigger is not always better when it comes to service, pricing, inventory, and your overall RV buying experience. Also in this episode: fuel prices are spiking just as spring travel season begins, national parks are heading into peak season with fewer staff, and a California county may become the first in the state to officially allow full-time RV living on private property. Join us live for the Spring Prep Workshop on Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM Eastern. Non-members: $10 RV Community members: Free Sign up at https://RVPodcast.com/workshop

If you have ever spent time in campgrounds, you have probably seen them, the friendly “campground cats” who wander from site to site, charming travelers along the way. But what happens when one of those cats chooses you? In this episode of the RV Podcast Stories from the Road, we share the heartwarming true story of Hitch, an orange tabby who walked into a Kentucky campsite last fall and never really left. Janie and Jeff Green were camping with their 13 year old dog, Newman, when a friendly stray appeared, strolled right into their RV, curled up on their bed, and even snuggled beside a very surprised dog. The cat had been living at the campground for nearly two years, relying on passing RVers for food and affection. As winter approached and their departure date grew closer, the bond deepened. The campground host encouraged them to take the sweet little hitchhiker with them. And they did. This is a story about unexpected connections, second chances, and the beautiful surprises that make the RV lifestyle so special. In this episode, we also share: If you love inspiring RV stories, campground life, and the freedom of the open road, this episode is for you. Tell us in the comments: Have you ever met a campground pet that stole your heart? Learn more about our Route 66 RV Travel Guide here: https://rvlifestyle.com/route66 Join our private RV Lifestyle Community: https://rvcommunity.com Visit our central hub for show notes and more: https://rvpodcast.com Subscribe for new RV stories and RV news every week.

Campground prices have exploded - and the experience hasn't kept up. In this week's RV Podcast News Edition, we're calling it what it is: the Campground Quality Collapse. A brand-new analysis of 609,000 pricing data points across 2,100+ private campgrounds shows the national median nightly RV site rate is now $62.10, up dramatically from pre-pandemic prices of $35 to $45. We'll tell you who's behind it, what corporate consolidation and dynamic pricing mean for your travel budget, and what you can actually do about it. We also dig into the biggest RV industry story of the week: Thor Industries is reorganizing its brands, and Tiffin Motorhomes is now under Jayco's authority. What does that mean for Tiffin owners and buyers? We have the details - including the untold story of Leigh Tiffin's quiet 20-month exit plan. Plus: RV shipments dropped nearly 11% to start 2026, Camping World posted $6.4 billion in sales but saw its stock crater, and Love's Travel Stops just made their rewards program available to all drivers with real fuel savings for RVers. Every story is fully sourced. Show notes and links at RVPodcast.com.

Some journeys change your destination. Others change your life. In this deeply encouraging episode, we share a powerful Story from the Road that reminds us why the RV lifestyle is about more than travel, it is about purpose, healing, and discovering what is still possible. We share Janet McKinney’s remarkable journey after losing her husband and lifelong RV travel partner. Together, they built a life around adventure and the freedom of the road. But when tragedy struck, Janet faced overwhelming grief and an uncertain future. Instead of giving up on the dream they shared, Janet found the courage to keep moving forward. She embraced the road again, discovered renewed purpose, and learned powerful lessons about resilience, hope, and healing along the way. Her story is honest, emotional, and incredibly inspiring, a reminder that even after loss, new beginnings are possible.: Whether you are planning your next trip, navigating life changes, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will speak to your heart. For more information on our workshop about getting your RV ready for spring go to https://rvpodcast.com/workshop To get our RV Travel Guide on Utah National Parks go to https://rvlifestyle.com/utah For information on the RV Community see https://rvcommunity.com

This week's RV Podcast News Edition tackles five stories that cover a lot of ground, starting with a topic the rest of the RV media won't touch: the growing RV homelessness crisis. From Michigan lawmakers debating whether campgrounds can serve as housing solutions, to San Francisco banning large vehicles from city streets, to the quiet erosion of overnight parking at places like Cracker Barrel, this issue is reshaping public policy in ways that affect every RVer on the road. We also dig into a major CNBC investigation revealing how RVs have become a housing safety net in Silicon Valley, where even full-time workers are living in aging rigs on public streets because they have no other option. On the good news front, the National Park Service has officially dropped timed-entry reservation requirements at Yosemite, Arches, and Glacier for 2026. If those parks have been on your list, the reservation window is gone. We break down what that means practically and what to expect when the summer crowds arrive. We also have the full story on Leigh Tiffin's sudden resignation from Tiffin Motorhomes and his move to luxury dealer group NIRVC. He finally broke his silence this week, but the timeline tells a more complicated story: a 20-month negotiation happening behind the scenes, a plant closure affecting 140 workers, and Thor quietly consolidating control over what was once a true family brand. And we close with a look at why 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest RV travel years on record - and why you need to make sure your rig is ready before the campgrounds fill up. Our free Spring Prep Workshop is March 12th at 7 PM Eastern. Details and your free Spring Maintenance Book are at RVLifestyle.com/workshop.

What happens when kids grow up traveling full-time in an RV? At this year’s Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, we met the youngest RV YouTubers we’ve ever encountered, Dean and Gertie from the Dean and Gertie Explore the World YouTube channel. Their story is inspiring, eye-opening, and a powerful example of how the RV lifestyle can transform a family. In this episode of the RV Podcast, we talk with Dean and Gertie about life on the road, roadschooling, and what it is really like growing up in an RV. We also visit with their parents, Jeff and Monica, who made the bold decision to leave the corporate rat race behind and choose a lifestyle focused on freedom, travel, and family connection. You will hear: If you have ever wondered what full-time RV life looks like for families with children, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside.

The RV industry saw major developments this week — including a shocking leadership change at Tiffin Motorhomes, new RV manufacturer acquisitions, widespread truck and chassis recalls, and growing confusion about national park access. In this week’s RV Podcast News Edition, Mike breaks down what these stories mean for RV owners, buyers, and travelers heading into the 2026 camping season. ???? This Week’s RV News:If you own an RV, plan to buy one, or are preparing for spring travel, these updates could affect your next trip. Live Workshop — Get Your RV Ready for Camping SeasonJoin Mike live for a hands-on session covering systems checks, maintenance, and spring prep. ???? Details: RVPodcast.com/workshop

EPISODE 582: How RV Mail Forwarding Actually Works (Plus Your Top RV Questions Answered) Traveling full-time in your RV doesn't mean your mail has to vanish into thin air. In this episode, we break down exactly how experienced RVers handle mail forwarding so you never miss important documents, packages, or correspondence while you're on the road. In This Episode: Whether you're planning your first RV adventure or you're a seasoned traveler looking to streamline your mail system, this episode gives you the practical, no-nonsense guidance you need. EPISODE RELEASED: February 11, 2026 Got RV questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we might answer them in an upcoming episode! CONNECT WITH US:

This week’s podcast delivers a hard-hitting reality check for RVers.: - We break down a viral insider video from a top RV dealer CEO who openly calls out price gouging, overproduction, copycat designs, and why so many buyers end up upside down faster than they expect. If you are shopping, or even thinking about it, this one matters. - We also cover an RV recall blitz affecting more than 18,000 RVs across multiple brands, including fire risks, fuel leaks, and labeling errors that should have never made it past quality control. - Plus, a growing warning for RV travelers as aging water systems cripple access at Big Bend National Park and other popular National Park destinations. - Our take on Love’s expanding RV hookups, convenient but noisy and pricey - How AI is being used for RV Travel Planning No spin, no fluff, just straight talk about the RV lifestyle. Listen to the Monday News Edition wherever you get your podcasts or at RVPodcast.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Geneva Long, CEO of Bowlus, to talk about legacy, passion, and the unexpected path that led her to revive one of America’s most iconic RV brands. Nearly 100 years ago, the original Bowlus Road Chief helped inspire Airstream and changed the way the world thought about travel trailers. For decades, Bowlus existed mostly as legend. Today, it has been reborn as a luxury, design driven, off grid capable trailer that honors its past while embracing the future. Geneva’s connection to Bowlus began long before she became CEO. As a young girl, she traveled with her parents in a lovingly restored 1935 Bowlus, an experience that sparked a lifelong love for the brand, the open road, and the craftsmanship behind it. That childhood journey stayed with her through a world class education at the Wharton School, and eventually led her back to Bowlus, not as a nostalgic fan, but as the leader guiding its next chapter. We recently did a full walk through review of the stunning modern Bowlus trailer, but after hearing Geneva’s personal story, we knew it deserved its own spotlight. This conversation goes beyond RVs. It is about choosing legacy over convention, passion over the expected career path, and how one family road trip helped bring an American icon back to life.

Starlink has quietly changed its privacy policy, and RVers are pushing back. In this RV Podcast News Edition, we break down what the update means, why it matters, and what RVers should know. We also cover Yosemite’s Firefall without reservations, flat RV industry sales and what that means for buyers, important RV recalls, shifting RV travel trends, Michigan reopening 10 state campgrounds, Costco’s RV buying confusion, and the rise of dynamic pricing at campgrounds. No hype. No influencer drama. Just straight talk for real RVers.

RV PODCAST NEWS EDITIONEpisode 586 - January 26, 2026Hey everybody, welcome to the RV Podcast News Edition. I’m Mike Wendland, and this is where we cut through the press releases, the hype, and the corporate spin to talk about what is really happening in the RV world. Now, quick programming note. If you are listening to this later in the week, we are watching a massive winter snow and ice storm that has affected campgrounds, travel plans, and even caused park closures across large parts of the country. Winter storm Fern has affected a huge swath of the country, 2,300 miles long, from Texas all the way to the East Coast. Ten states have reported more than a foot of snow. Many areas reported in excess of a half inch of ice. In some areas, an inch was reported, bringing down tree limbs across power lines. Well over a million customers have lost electric power and some may be without it for a week or more because of infrastructure damage and terrible road conditions. And as the snow, ice, and sleet slowly move off the eastern coast today, a massive cold front of arctic air is plunging much of the nation to dangerously cold temperatures. In the south, where temps rarely go below freezing, single-digit readings are being reported this morning. Obviously, this has affected many thousands in the RV Community. Fulltimers, even snowbirds who thought they were escaping the worst of winter in the mod south, are struggling to stay warm and keep the water running. The full affect of this storm is still be assessed but from everything we’ve been able to learn, RVers in the affected areas are reporting frozen water pumps at many campgrounds, propane shortages in the most affected areas and in some cases, no power. We’ve had reports from dozens of RVers impacted by the snow and overall, most say they are getting by. Most laid in plenty of bottled water, extra food, and made sure they had full tanks of propane and extra fuel for generators. One RVer - John, who lives in his Alliance fifth wheel in Missouri - said his biggest challenge was all the snow and ice piled on top of his slide out. He says the frigid air behind the snow isnt going to allow much melting and he is planning to get a ladder to clear the snow off. In Arkansas, a full-time couple - Sarah and Jim - said they wish they followed their friend’s advice to haul their Jayco south towards Florida. “We have gone through two tanks of propane so far and the roads are so bad we can’t get out to get them filled.” Her campground still has electricity but she said the lights have flickered and she expects she’ll have to switch to generator power as the ice on the power lines is not melting. Perhaps the best assessment came from Ted, a Tennessee fulltimer, who lives in a fifth wheel on his own property along the Tennessee River.. “Most of us know what to do,” he said. “We can handle a week without power. We have a full fresh water tank and I have a 100 gallon propane tank to supplement the tanks in our rig. So we’re dressed in heavy clothes and have extra blankets on the bed. This too shall pass.” Let’s hope soon. Sop the storm dominates the RV news this week. But coming up, RVers are demanding a real voice with manufacturers, not a hand-picked group of industry insiders, and the response to that idea has been overwhelming. We will look at why campground reservations feel harder than ever to get, even as more parks are built. We will take a closer look at what is really happening in state parks, where long overdue upgrades are coming with some real tradeoffs. We will talk about used RV prices finally settling back toward reality. And we will have a little fun calling out how RV manufacturers keep copying each other’s ideas, sometimes so closely it is honestly laughable. Before we get started…. a quick word about the RV Lifestyle Community at RVCommunity.com. If you are tired of ads, algorithms, and social media drama, this is different. It is a private, ad free community built...

They planned a short RV adventure. It turned into a life-changing journey. In this episode of The RV Podcast, we sit down with the Shinpaugh family, a family of four who hit the road in 2016 thinking they would travel for a few years. Instead, they quietly built a whole new life on wheels, homeschooling their kids, running their businesses remotely, and making the road their normal. They share the real story behind going full-time as a family, including: What surprised them most after their “temporary” RV trip never ended How they balance work, school, and family life while traveling The challenges no one talks about, and how those hard moments made them stronger What it really takes to build a sustainable life on the road as a family Then we shift gears and break down what just happened at the Florida RV SuperShow, our 14th time attending the biggest RV show in the country. We cut through the hype and share our two biggest takeaways from the show, including: This episode is packed with inspiration, industry insight, and real-world RV living, whether you’re dreaming, planning, or already rolling. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our two weekly episodes: Mondays, RV Podcast News Edition Wednesdays, Stories from the Road and in-depth interviews

Hey everybody, welcome to the RV Podcast News Edition for Monday, January 19, 2026. I’m Mike Wendland. This is where we cut through the noise and bring you what’s really happening right now in the RV lifestyle and the RV industry. Five stories this week, and taken together they paint a clear picture. The RV world is not just changing. It is restructuring. Let’s get started. STORY 1. TAMPA SUPERSHOW AND THE MEGA-DEALERS GET EVEN BIGGER The Florida RV SuperShow wrapped up this weekend in Tampa, and once again it was the Super Bowl of RVing. Huge crowds, massive inventory, and a lot of signals about where the industry thinks things are headed. One number really stood out. Lazydays RV, now operating as Lazydays RV powered by Campers Inn, announced it brought more than 450 RVs to the show. Four hundred and fifty units on the grounds. There were over 1,300 new models here. That means Lazydays, if it really bought that many uits - I didnt count them - accounted for a third of the total new units on display. That is more than confidence. That is making a statement and claiming market power. It highlights how the biggest RV chains keep getting bigger. Camping World, General RV, Blue Compass, and Campers Inn have all been aggressively buying up smaller dealerships across the country. In many markets, those big names now sit next to each other, or even across the street from one another. That kind of saturation creates brutal competition and raises a serious question. How many stores can a market really support? What we kept hearing in Tampa is that 2026 may be the year underperforming locations start quietly closing. We already saw a preview late in 2025 when Camping World abruptly shut down its store in Escanaba, Michigan. For shoppers, this environment cuts both ways. There is more inventory and more choice, but dealers are under pressure to move aging stock. That pressure can work in your favor, if you negotiate wisely. STORY 2. INFLUENCER FATIGUE. THE MARKETING MODEL IS BREAKING DOWN Another major theme at the Tampa show had nothing to do with floorplans. Influencer fatigue. By our count, there are now at least 500 so-called RV influencers. Probably more. Anyone with a cellphone camera can claim the title, and many have. For years, manufacturers poured money, free gear, and perks into this system. But saturation has changed everything. Behind the scenes, RV manufacturers and marketing teams are saying the influencer model no longer delivers like it once did. They report being flooded with demands for free RVs, guaranteed commissions, and paid travel just to show up. There are clear signs of a pullback. Winnebago has ended relationships with some influencers. Keystone RV has done the same. The issue is trust. When every product is “the best ever,” audiences stop believing any of it. I overheard it firsthand in Tampa. Outside the influencer building, one man said, “I’d be an influencer too if they gave me free stuff. But since that hasn’t happened, I don’t trust what any of them say. Free stuff and money can buy anything.” That comment captures the problem perfectly. STORY 3. TARIFFS ARE HAMMERING MANUFACTURERS, AND ROADTREK MAY BE THE HARDEST HIT Another major topic of quiet but intense conversation at the SuperShow was tariffs and the damage they are doing to certain RV manufacturers. Start with Europe. The Italian manufacturer Wingamm has been trying to bring compact Class B style motorhomes into the U.S. market for at least the last four years. At one point, the tariff hit on a Wingamm imported from Italy was estimated at roughly $70,000. That nearly killed the effort. The tariff has since been restructured into a fixed import fee announced in mid-2025, about $9,500 on the Oasi 540.1 and roughly $11,100 on other models. Even so, Wingamm has now turned to crowdfunding to help finance its U.S. market entry. Canada is being hit even harder. Many popular Class B vans sold in the U.S. are built in...

Most RVers are doing it wrong. They're tripping breakers, wasting propane, and turning out mediocre meals because nobody ever taught them how to actually use their RV kitchen. In this week's conversation, RV Kitchen Expert Evada Cooper cuts through the confusion and delivers the insider knowledge you need. Discover which appliances are actually worth upgrading (and which ones are just marketing hype), learn the proven techniques for cooking restaurant-quality meals in your rig, and finally understand how to manage your electrical system so you can cook without constantly resetting breakers. The game-changer? Evada breaks down exactly why your convection oven is the secret weapon you've been ignoring, and shows you step-by-step how to master it. This isn't theory: it's practical knowledge from someone who's cooked thousands of meals on the road and knows what actually works. Whether you're tired of eating out, frustrated with your current setup, or just want to expand your mobile cooking skills, this episode delivers real solutions. Stop settling for campground cuisine and start enjoying the meals you deserve. Key Topics: Perfect for both new RVers setting up their first kitchen and veterans ready to level up their cooking game.

The RV world always has back-channel stories and simmering controversies, and in this News Edition of the RV Podcast, we break down a couple of those stories and why they matter to RVers. In Episode 582, we dig into the growing backlash over the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club, where longtime members say a once-beloved community is being hollowed out in the name of profit. We examine what private equity ownership really means for RV clubs and why this story has struck such a nerve across the RV community. We also take a close look at major shake-ups in RV technician training. The sudden and unexplained departure of the president of the RV Technical Institute has raised serious questions at a time when the industry desperately needs qualified RV service techs. On top of that, we report on the reported sale of the National RV Training Academy in Texas and what it could mean for future RV tech education. There is more confusion at America’s national parks as new entrance fees for international visitors are causing delays and long lines at park gates. With staffing shortages already stretching the National Park Service thin, we explain what RV travelers should expect and how to plan ahead. And finally, Marcus Lemonis may be gone from Camping World, but he is still very much in the headlines. An arbitrator has ordered Lemonis to pay more than $14 million in damages tied to his role on the TV show The Profit. We look at what this ruling means and how Camping World may navigate an increasingly competitive RV dealership landscape without him at the helm. This is the RV Podcast News Edition, released every Monday morning with insider news, industry developments, and issues that directly impact RV owners and travelers. Our main podcast, Stories from the Road, drops every Wednesday with interviews, destinations, and listener questions. Now let's dive into this week's news. Harvest Hosts vs. Escapees: A Membership Meltdown StoryIf you want to see what happens when private equity gets its hands on a beloved RV community, look no further than the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club. The internet is on fire with member complaints, and the details are jaw-dropping. Here's what's got everyone fired up: In July 2024, Harvest Hosts acquired the management and operations of Escapees RV Club, including the popular Xscapers subgroup for working-age RVers. What happened next has become a textbook case of how private equity-backed companies can effect beloved community organizations. Full disclosure: we've been an affiliate of Harvest Hosts for many years, and the company used to be, but no longer is, an advertiser on this podcast. We're also an affiliate of RV Overnights, a Harvest Hosts competitor that sponsors our Wednesday podcast. Jen and I really like Harvest Hosts and have used it many times. But this story still needs reporting. Because it illustrates what happens when big money gets involved in startups and independent businesses. First, you need to understand that Harvest Hosts is no longer a small, founder-funded RV startup. It is a private equity-backed platform designed to grow, consolidate, and eventually deliver a strong return to investors. In 2021, it reportedly received about $37 million in growth capital and it has been growing and expanding ever since. One of the most biggest acquisitions wasin 2024, when it bought the Escapees Club, which was a family run club started in 1978 by Joe and Kay Peterson, two full-time RVers who were traveling with their family and wanted a way to stay connected with others living the nomadic lifestyle. It grew and grew, was later turned over to Peterson family relatives who eventually sold Harvest Hosts. There was worry and grumbling from members simmering for a long time but most recently, just before Thanksgiving, it turned in to a dumpster fire. According to reports from members and a detailed timeline compiled by concerned community members, Harvest Hosts...

In this episode’s conversation, we’ll hear from a fulltime RV couple who happen to also be fitness and healthy living experts. They’ll share some startling information for us… How the RV Lifestyle Can Wreck Your Health. But how a few simple tweaks in your daily habits can do an amazing Before and After transformation for you. We had some fun using AI to do a before and after exaggeration image for us. But… what we learn this week is pretty eye-opening. We were very interested in what they said about how we can actually do some things that counteract the effects of aging And we were struck by what happens after you sit behind the wheel of an RV for a few hours. Plus, we’ll share a Destination of the Week suggestion for you - the Kofa Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. And we answer a question about camping availability oin Florida in February.

We're excited to launch a brand new podcast to keep you informed faster. The RV Podcast News Edition drops every Monday morning at 6 AM with the latest developments in the RV industry, camping world, National Parks, and everything affecting the RV lifestyle. This edition, Episode 580, covers What;'s Changing for RVers in 2026: From the controversial new "America First" pricing at National Parks that triples annual pass costs for international visitors, to Ford's game-changing 700-mile range extender concept for the F-150 Lightning, to the reality that lithium power systems are becoming baseline equipment rather than luxury upgrades as new alternatives to lithium are about to head to market, this episode gives you everything you need to know about what's happening right now. Our main show, the RV Podcast: Stories from the Road, continues every Wednesday morning with the deep dives, interviews, and travel stories you've come to expect. Complete show notes with links to all sources are available at RVPodcast.com, your hub for everything we do: blogs, community access, videos, and all our podcast episodes going back almost 12 years. Hetre are links to the main topics we discuss: National Parks 2026 Changes: RV Industry Forecast: RV Technology and Innovations: New Products and Brand Expansion: Camping Trends: RV Shows and Events: