RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

What if one simple weekend could completely change the direction of your life? That is exactly what happened to Julio and his family. In this episode of the RV Podcast, we share the incredible true story of a couple who had never RVed before, took one short weekend trip… and came back completely transformed. Today, they own a Class A motorhome and are building a whole new lifestyle around travel, family, and freedom. If you have ever wondered whether the RV lifestyle is really worth it, this story might be the answer. ???? Plus in this episode: https://rvlifestyle.com/maineThis is one of those stories that reminds you why we travel in the first place. ???? PLAN YOUR NEXT RV TRIPGet our RV Trip Planning Dashboard: ???? https://rvlifestyle.com/tripdashboard ???? JOIN OUR LIVE WORKSHOP (APRIL 16)Campground Reservations Without the Stress ???? https://rvlifestyle.com/workshop Free for RV Lifestyle Community members ???? JOIN THE RV LIFESTYLE COMMUNITYNo ads. No drama. Just helpful RVers. ???? https://rvcommunity.com ???? MORE FROM THE RV PODCASTNew episodes every week: Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Gas prices are spiking - but are RV travelers actually cutting back? We asked our community, got more than 300 responses, and the numbers tell a surprising story. Plus: the RV loan trap that is costing buyers thousands without them knowing it, why Winnebago's latest earnings report matters to every RV owner and buyer, a behind-the-scenes look at the company that builds the insides of your RV and just invested seven figures in a giant design studio, and a new Washington State law that finally clears up a legal headache for fifth-wheel owners. In this episode: All sources and show notes are at RVPodcast.com. Subscribe for two new episodes every week - the Monday News Edition and Wednesday Stories from the Road. Ready to plan your next adventure? Our RV Lifestyle Trip Planning Dashboard gives you everything in one place - routes, budgets, campgrounds, and checklists. One-time $29, no subscription. RVLifestyle.com/tripdashboard

Are long RV drives putting your health at risk? In this episode of the RV Podcast, we take a closer look at something most RVers never think about... the hidden dangers of long driving days. From circulation issues to fatigue, we share practical, real-world tips to help you stay safe and feel better behind the wheel. But that is just part of the story. We also take you along on a beautiful Michigan Lower Peninsula RV adventure, one of our favorite trips. From the Detroit area and world-class stops like The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, all the way up to the Mackinac Bridge, the Tunnel of Trees, and Traverse City, this is a route every RVer should experience at least once. And with fuel prices hitting hard, we also share smart, simple ways to save money at the pump, including apps and strategies we personally use every time we travel. Plus, we highlight a must-have tool that can make every travel day smoother and less stressful. In this episode, you will learn: Helpful Resources Mentioned: https://shop.rvlifestyle.comhttps://rvlifestyle.com/LPhttps://rvlifestyle.com/DepartureGuidehttps://rvlifestyle.com/budgethttps://shop.rvlifestyle.comhttps://RVCommunity.comhttps://RVPodcast.comhttps://www.centerforvein.com/https://www.myopenroads.com/ https://www.loves.com/promos/download-apphttps://www.gasbuddy.com/

This week on the RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, we are covering the stories that actually matter to your life on the road - and we are not pulling punches. TARIFF CHAOS IS HITTING YOUR NEXT RV We dig deep into the regulatory whiplash that is hammering RV manufacturers right now. It starts with a piece of wood you have never heard of - lauan plywood - and expands into a full picture of how cascading tariffs on steel, aluminum, and imported materials are forcing manufacturers to make pricing decisions in the dark. We also cover the composite alternatives some builders are quietly pivoting toward, and why this mess may actually change how RVs are built for years to come. A FLORIDA FAMILY'S RV EXPLODED. HERE'S WHAT EVERY RVer NEEDS TO DO RIGHT NOW. A 32-foot travel trailer in Lecanto, Florida exploded earlier this month, sending two adults and two children to trauma centers with severe burns. The cause is still under investigation. We use this story to share a number that should stop every RV owner cold - how many RV fires happen in this country every single year - and walk you through a practical spring safety checklist you need to complete before your first trip of the season. THE WORLD IS A MESS. AMERICANS ARE GOING CAMPING. Despite economic uncertainty, trade war anxiety, and a broad pullback in international travel, campground operators across the country are reporting strong advance bookings heading into summer. We tell you why right now is actually a great time to be an RVer - and why you need to book your summer sites this week before they disappear. WE COULDN'T FIND THE RIGHT TOOL. SO WE BUILT IT. Jennifer and I looked at every trip planning app on the market - The Dyrt, Campendium, RV Life, AllStays - and none of them did what we actually needed as full-timers. So we built our own. The brand new RV Lifestyle Trip Planning Dashboard just launched this weekend. It is a web-based planning hub built from the ground up for RVers - route mapping, campground logging, your own ratings and notes, rig specs, travel journal, and a searchable history of everywhere you have ever been. All in one place. On every device you own. We tell you the whole story - and there is a full walkthrough video waiting for you at RVLifestyle.com/tripdashboard. A DEALER CLOSED ITS DOORS. CUSTOMERS CAN'T GET THEIR RVS BACK. We close with a consumer warning story out of California that we see play out in this industry several times every year. An RV dealership in Lockeford abruptly shut down, and customers are now telling the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office they cannot recover their money - or in some cases their own rigs. We walk you through the warning signs that were publicly visible before this happened, and give you a practical checklist for vetting any dealer before you hand over a dollar or a set of keys. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Buying a new RV is exciting, but according to veteran RVer Janice Smith, your first stop shouldn't be a cross-country trek. With 34 years of experience and **16 different RVs** under her belt, Janice joins Mike and Jen to reveal her "must-do" ritual for every new rig: the **Shakedown Trip**. In this episode of *The RV Podcast*, we dive into why this short initial trip is the single most important thing you can do to save your future vacation (and your sanity). Janice shares exactly what she looks for, the common "new rig" issues she’s caught, and why even the most expensive units need a trial run. ### ???? In This Episode: * **Stories from the Road:** Janice Smith on the art of the "Shakedown Trip" and her 3-decade journey through 16 RVs. * **Travel Tips:** Essential advice for your next adventure. * **RV Q&A:** We answer your burning questions about the RV lifestyle. * **Destination Spotlight:** An epic guide to the **Blue Ridge Parkway**—a bucket-list drive every RVer needs to experience at least once. **Release Date:** March 18, 2026 **Hosts:** Mike and Jen Wendland - ### ✨ Resources & Links * **Join the RV Lifestyle Community:** https://rvcommunity.com * **RV Lifestyle Store** https://shop.rvlifestyle.com * **RV Trip Budget Planner:** https://rvlifestyle.com/budget *** Ultimate RV Trip Packing List Tool** https://rvlifestyle,com/packingapp ***RV Lifestyle Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway** https://rvlifestyle.com/blueridge **Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit the ???? to join us on the road!** > "The best way to enjoy the road is to be prepared for it." — Janice Smith

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