This week on the RV Podcast:




* It’s a real danger you can’t see! Hidden electrical faults and bad power connections at campgrounds. What the industry is doing to protect you! RV Hot Skin Explained...



* In a stunning reversal, General Motors abruptly canceled a highly anticipated technological advancement, leaving a top RV manufacturer and dealers reeling. 



* Colder temps mean mice are looking for a new zip code—and your RV is on the map! Protect your investment (and your sanity) before they move in. We’ll tell you how.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #571 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK



Have you ever heard of “Hot Skin.” No, get your minds out of the gutter. We’re talking about a serious electrical safety hazard where the RV's metal exterior, metal frame, or other metal components become electrified with dangerous voltage.



It happens a lot in campgrounds all across the country. It’s typically caused by an improper connection at the power pedestal, and it can give you a serious shock when you touch your RV. Hence. “Hot skin.”



Starting in 2026, the RV industry has been mandated to include a device to protect against this. But bad information, sensationalized reporting by those looking for clickbait and genuine confusion have left many RVers wondering what this means to them and, more specifically, whether it’s going to cost them.



To help us sort this out, we turn to our friend Mike Solol, of RVElectricity.com. No one knows more about RV electricity than Mike and, as it turns out, he’s been working on correcting the issue for years.







This part of the podcast is sponsored by RVOvernights, where you can stay free at farms, wineries, and attractions across the country. Go to RVLifestyle.com/rvovernights and use the promo code "RVLDEAL" to save 40% of the already low $49 annual fee.



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK:







GM Throws Massive Wrench in RV Industry's EV Plans



In a surprising move, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced on October 21st that the company is discontinuing production of the BrightDrop electric van. This comes as Detroit automakers seem to be pulling way back on their EV development.



But this decision has sent shockwaves through the entire RV industry, particularly for one of its largest manufacturers: Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River. 



Coachmen had closely tied its fortunes to this innovative vehicle, showcasing it as the RVEX at the recent Elkhart RV Open House.



The RVEX generated considerable buzz, earning rave reviews for its innovative features, full-paint exterior, and impressive estimated 270-mile range. With a projected MSRP of around $150,000, both Coachmen and its dealers had high expectations for the RVEX's success, noting its unique position in the market.



Its appeal was strong enough for RVBusiness to name it a finalist for RV of the Year.



But GM has blindsided the RV industry and valid...

This week on the RV Podcast: Liz Amazing on RV Defects and the Fight for Consumer Rights




* We interview Liz Amazing, who has one mission, protect RV owners and hold the industry accountable, no excuses, no hiding, she exposes it all.



* While the government has closed, the National Parks have mostly stayed open…but at a growing cost



* Why you do NOT want to cancel your RV insurance while the rig is in storage for the winter



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #570 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.



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RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - with Liz Amazing on RV Defects







Liz Amazing is a consumer advocate with a YouTube Channel dedicated to helping people who face significant problems with their new RV. Liz regularly features heartbreaking stories of individuals and couples who poured their savings into a new rig only to face one major repair after another, and run into brick walls when trying to get the problems fixed. 



Liz lets RV owners tell their stories, sometimes through tears, then approaches the RV dealers and manufacturers seeking solutions, which she often receives. Through her work, Liz has discovered industry trends, advocates for quality improvement, and offers help to those with nowhere to go.



In the crowded world of RV YouTube Influencers, Liz has carved out an important niche as a consumer advocate, and we're delighted to have her on the RV Lifestyle today as our guest. 



In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by consumers in the RV industry involving quality issues, unregulated practices, and heartbreaking stories of buyers left with defective RVs. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer rights, the role of social media in advocacy, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls when purchasing RVs. Liz emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize quality over profit and offers insights into choosing the right RV and dealer.



Liz Amazing on RV Defects Takeaways:




* Liz Amazing transitioned from a novice camper to a leading RV advocate.



* She emphasizes the importance of using her platform for good.



* Many RV buyers face heartbreaking quality issues with their purchases.



* The RV industry is largely unregulated, leading to poor consumer experiences.



* Liz highlights the shift in manufacturing practices, prioritizing profit over quality.



* Social media serves as a powerful tool for consumer advocacy.



* Buyers often face challenges with buybacks and NDAs from manufacturers.



* Avoiding mass-produced RVs can reduce the chances of quality issues.



* Independent RV makers often provide better quality products.



* Liz encourages consumers to do thorough research before purchasing an RV.




RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







When Washington Closes,

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Are Canadian RVers in the U.S. being harassed by American citizens? Are US RVers in Canada being harassed by Canadians? There have been incidents on both sides of the border.



* How to plan a truly epic RV stay - wherever you decide to stop. Expert advice from Wendy Bowyer, who plans all our RV Community gatherings.



* What’s happening at our National Parks during this prolonged government shutdown? It’s not a pretty picture.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #569 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











Free Winterizing Guide



We have a free winterizing guide available for instant download. Yours for the asking at https://rvlifestyle.com/winterize-guide



Harassment reported by both Canadian and U.S. RVers







Today, we're diving into the frosty chill that's settled over the border for RVers like us—Canadian and American alike. The current tensions between Canada are boiling over into the RV Community.  They stem from escalating U.S.-Canada trade and political frictions, amplified by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he wants Canada as the 51st state.



Then, this summer, new U.S. immigration rules—such as stricter visa requirements and enhanced border scrutiny—have shocked Canadian RVers, leading to a sharp drop in northbound travel, with reservations canceled en masse.



Surveys show nearly half of Canadians are now less inclined to visit the U.S. this year, citing not just financial woes but also a growing sense of political alienation from inflammatory rhetoric that paints Canada as an adversary. 



Meanwhile, some American RVers who have headed northward with fewer hesitations have been reporting a definite chill that strains the once-seamless camaraderie of the RV community. 



We’ve been hearing about this all summer. But this week, we received two emails that bring this home in the most powerful way, telling us these tensions are being felt by RVers on both sides of the border - by Canadian RVers visiting in the U.S., and American RVers visiting Canada. 



These sincere and sad emails are an example that words have consequences and that behind every policy tweet may be a family in a Winnebago wondering if the next campsite will feel like home or a battlefield. 



First, this email from Canadian Rvers named Pat, who has been a regular snowbird visitor to the U.S.



I would really like it if you started covering how Canadian snowbirds are navigating going south this year. My husband and I have gone South for years but quite truthfully are a little anxious about doing it this year. There are new rules for Canadians who are staying more than 30 days. We are also concerned about the border and going down there. We have heard some horrendous stories and don't know what to think. For example, one woman spoke of a gun being pointed at her as she drove on the road. There was also the case of the border patrol man who followed someone with an Ontario license plate and screamed at them not to come back to the USA. I think about it everyday because we love going south and we love American friends.

So your kids are grown. You’ve done the 9-to-5. It’s Your Time Now. This week we’ll meet two couples who have made the RV Lifestyle a huge part of their retirement and hear how they are now living the Best Chapter Yet - Retired and Loving RV Life. Plus the RV Industry News, the Social Media Buzz, and a great question from one of our readers on where to get his rig washed. You can read, listen to, or WATCH the podcast right here...



You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK







​As Federal Government Shutdown Continues Squatters Move In Yosemite campground, Thrill Seekers Run Wild​



As the federal government shutdown continues, reports are starting to surface of illegal activities at the nation's national parks - which largely remain open with very few staff. At Yosemite National Park, squatters are taking over the campgrounds and thrill seekers are doing illegal jumps from El Capitan because there is no one to enforce the rules, according to a recent story in SFGate. Nationally, confusion remains. Entrance fees are not being collected, staff remains minimal. ​Here​ is a story by USA Today with the status of the 10 most visited parks.



​New RV Retail Sales Slow, But Industry Shows Signs of Stabilizing​



The RV Industry experienced a 4.67% decline in year-over-year new unit retail sales in August, as reported by our friends at RVBusiness. Sales in all classes - A's, B's, C's, Fifth Wheels, Travel trailers - were down. But the bright spot for the industry is that the decline was less than the negative 8.12% drop in August 2024.



​How about those gas prices?!​



Gas prices are continuing to fall across the country, with the national price of a gallon of gas $3.09 over the weekend, down from $3.21 at the same date last year. California has the highest gas price at $4.66 per gallon, and the lowest is $2.58 per gallon in Oklahoma. AAA is reporting prices are expected to drop more in the weeks ahead.  



RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - Retired and Loving RV Life







So your kids are grown. You've done the 9-to-5. It's Your Time Now. This week we'll meet two couples who have made the RV Lifestyle a huge part of their retirement and hear how they're now living the Best Chapter Yet.



We’re very happy to introduce you to some of our dear friends…Jack and Pam Partain and Jeff and Rita Newmann. We met them both through our RVCommunity.com and just finished traveling through nine states with them for 34 days on a Fantasy RV Tour of the Mississippi River.



These two adventurous couples have traded in the daily grind for the open road, and they're here to share their stories about embracing full-time RV living in retirement.

This week on the RV Podcast:



We have a great interview for you that we’re calling Empty Nest, Open Road: How One Couple Found Freedom in RV Life.



You’ll meet our delightful friends Don and Karen, who share their RV retirement adventures and challenge us all to make every mile count, making friends and memories all across North America.



Plus, we have the pros and cons of an on-demand water heater.. The RV News of the Week, and much more coming up in Episode #567 of the RV Podcast.



You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











We're in New Orleans







 As this podcast is released, we are in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the very end of a 34-day Fantasy RV Tour of the Mississippi River.



We started up in northern Minnesota by Bemidji, Minnesota, where the Mississippi River starts. You could step across it on stones; that's how small it was.



It's a half-mile wide down here where it empties into the Gulf, at the end of the tour. We are making our temporary farewells to a whole bunch of new friends that we have made on this trip.



We're not gonna say goodbye, because the beauty of the RV Lifestyle is that you all see each other down the road in the future. And we're gonna stay in touch. But there is nothing like making friends on a tour like this, where for six weeks we've traveled more than 2,000 miles together. We've had many adventures and a lot of campfire camaraderie, and it's a bit sad to break camp for the final time.



It's fun to go as a group. It really is. But we're pretty excited because we're going to be with another group next.



As we leave New Orleans, we will take our time making our way to Fredericksburg, Texas, and the Texas Hill Country. And that group is our RV community members. Now, if you're not a member of that group, you should be, because it is like no other online forum for RVs that you'll find anywhere.



These are people who want to have fun, make friends, find adventure, share their lives and their interests, and help each other. There's no Facebook nastiness because we are not on Facebook with this community. We're on our own platform with no ads. Check it out at RVCommunity.com



But all that aside, we are having our fall rally in Fredericksburg, and that will start next week. We can't wait to get there and have another adventure.



RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - Freedom in RV Life







Get ready to meet two of the most genuinely joyful people you'll ever encounter. Don and Karen live in New York State but love to chase adventure across North America in their trusty Class C van.



What makes them special isn't just their impressive travel resume, it's the infectious laughter, the playful banter, and the way they light up when sharing stories from the road.



These two prove that retirement isn't about slowing down, it's about shifting into a higher gear. From coast to coast, they've mastered the art of turning strangers into friends at every campground, rest stop, and scenic overlook.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* How RVers Handle Medicare and Insurance Issues on the road



* There is a massive recall of the heavy-duty Ford trucks used by many RVers to haul their trailers and fifth wheels



* The fun story about some RVers who adopted a stray cat they found at a campground. Apparently, it happens all the time!



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 566 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







Our Mississippi River Great River Road Adventure







As this podcast is released, we are on the Mississippi River, about ready to head into Louisiana. We’ve been tracing the river for weeks now on a Fantasy RV Tour, starting in Northern Minnesota, where we could literally hop across the river on stepping stones. As we approach our campsite on the river across from Natchez, MS, today, it’s over half a mile wide.



If you want to follow our adventure, we’re sharing weekly YouTube Videos on our RV Lifestyle Channel.



The best place to follow is on RVCommunity.com, our ad-free online community. We are publishing daily behind-the-scenes reports, complete with photos, and several of those traveling with us are sharing their own reports as well. It’s an awesome trip and we love sharing it wth you. 



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







Ford Issues Massive Recall for Heavy Duty Trucks



Ford Motor Company is recalling 115,539 heavy-duty trucks because the steering column’s upper shaft may detach, causing a loss of steering control. These are the most popular trucks used by RVers to tow trailers and fifth wheels - F-250, F-350, and F-450 from model years 2020 and 2021. More specifically, the recall covers trucks built between Feb. 2019 and Sept. 2020. Ford says only about 1% are affected, and no crashes or injuries have been reported. If you own one of the affected trucks, you should bring it to your local dealer for inspection, and if necessary, they will replace the defective parts on the steering column’s upper shaft.



Dealerships have already been notified about the recall and the fix for the issue. If you are wondering why you haven't received a recall notice from Ford yet, one will be sent sometime next week.



Grand Canyon North Rim to Partially Open This Week



Assuming the government shutdown is averted, today - October 1st - is the day the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is set to partially reopen for the first time since a pair of massive wildfires destroyed many of its beloved buildings this summer.



Highway 67 and Cape Royal Road will reopen today, offering access to scenic places like Point Imperial and Cape Royal.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* The most dangerous part of an RV...Between the Truck and Trailer: Why RV Hitching Is so Dangerous.



* If you drink beer on your camping trip, you’re going to make the mosquitoes very happy.



* The great debate about light pollution and campers who light up their RVs like the Vegas Strip,



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 565 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











Greetings from the Great River Road! 



We're on week three of our 34-day Fantasy RV Tour tracing the Mississippi River all the way from its quiet source in northern Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico. We are now in St. Louis, MO, and we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible journey that's unfolding before us. 



The mighty Mississippi continues to remind us why this river has captured hearts and imaginations for generations. There's something truly magical about following the path of America's great waterway, and St. Louis has proven to be one of our most memorable destinations yet.



We've explored the Amazing Gateway Arch - did you know it is an official U.S. National Park? - strolled through the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden, and even toured the huge Anheuser-Busch Brewery here.



But honestly, the best part of this adventure isn't just the places we're seeing – it's the people we're sharing them with. Our tour group has become like an extended family on wheels. There's nothing quite like the camaraderie that develops when you're exploring new places with fellow travelers who share your passion for the road. 



We've laughed until our sides hurt, helped each other navigate tricky parking situations, and created memories that will last long after we've returned home.



The energy and enthusiasm of everyone on this tour has been absolutely infectious. It's amazing what happens when you bring together people who have chosen adventure and community over staying put.



RVers Crave Community!



This incredible sense of belonging and shared adventure is precisely what we're building every day at RVCommunity.com. 



If you're an empty nester ready to turn the page to your next great chapter, or if you're over 50 and feeling that call of the open road, we want you to know there's a place for you in our community. While our site welcomes RVers of all ages and stages, we especially understand the unique joys and challenges of those who are rediscovering freedom later in life. 



Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or just dreaming of your first RV adventure, RVCommunity.com is where you'll find the support, inspiration, and friendship to make your travel dreams a reality. 



If you are interested in following along, we’re sharing daily updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments inside the community.



And, yes, we have a modest paywall (starting at less than a cup of coffee per month) because ...

This week on the RV Podcast:




* General Motors has developed a system that monitors your driving abilities and reaction times, opening the door to when you stop driving because you may be too old.



* If you are camping in bear country this time of year, our conversation of the week is with an expert who reveals just what you should do when you encounter a bear. This is super important info you need to know.



* Thinking about a washer and dryer for your RV? We’ll tell you what to look for and what to watch out for.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #564 of the RV Podcast.




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







Greetings from the Great River Road… we’re on the second week of a five-week Fantasy RV Tour of the Mississippi River. We started way up in northern Minnesota, where we could literally walk across the river at its source, and we’re headed down to New Orleans, where it empties into the Gulf.



We come to you in this episode from the Quad Cities area, where Illinois and Iowa meet, with the river - now almost half a mile wide - dividing the states. We’ve driven about 800 miles so far and have  seen and experienced so much, from riverboat cruises to a bald eagle sanctuary.



We’ve been doing almost daily reports on RVCommunity.com, our private and ad-free online community, and weekly videos on our RVLifestyle YouTube channel.







But while we’re talking about it and before we get to the RV News of the Week, we want to share why we think you need to be a part of our RV Community.



You know, Life after 50 should be an adventure. After all, you’re not slowing down—you’re just getting started.The RV Lifestyle Community is where RVers over 50 come together to share experiences, trade tips, and live life on purpose. It’s a private, totally ad-free online community that also has really fun in-person rallies and meetups, all aimed at helping empty nesters and retirees find new adventures, real friends, and everything you need to make RV life fulfilling.



We have made so many new friends through this community. In fact, we’re camping right now with a bunch of them on this tour of the Mississippi River we’re taking all month. We’re not trying to “sell” you anything. We’re inviting you to become part of something truly amazing.



In the RV Lifestyle Community, you'll find RVers just like you. Yes, it has a paywall. That’s to keep spammers and scammers out. Plans start for less than a cup of coffee a month. Some things—like true connection—are worth paying for. Check it out at least. Go to RVCommunity.com.



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​GM Patent Would Score Your Driving—And Tell You When It’s Time to Stop​



Ever wonder if someone is too old to drive? General Motors thinks your car might soon have an answer. The company filed a patent for a system that calculates a "driver retirement score"—a d...

This week on the RV Podcast:




* What effect are tariffs having on the RV Industry? In our conversation of the week, we’ll hear straight talk from an industry straight-shooter about the massive RV industry tariff confusion





* With no warning, a Camping World outlet in Michigan has abruptly shut down, causing massive confusion to the blindsided employees and those whose RVs were awaiting service.





* When do you clean your RV? Before you leave the campground or after you arrive home? We’ll share some insight from 600 real RVers who answered the question on our social media platform.





* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 563 of the RV Podcast








You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player above.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player above.



We are at the start of an awesome Fantasy RV Tour that will follow the Mississippi River Great River Road from its source in northern Minnesota down to where it empties in the Gulf south of New Orleans.



We did a Fantasy RV Tour last year of the Canadian Maritimes and were so impressed by the quality of these tours and how they cater to their guests that we couldn't wait to do another. This one will trace this mighty river's 2,500-mile route down across the center of the U.S., and we'll be experiencing the culture, the quisine and the awesomeness of this river which has so shaped the entire country,



We took our time getting up here in Minnesota, traveling across Michigan, up into the UP, then through Wisconsin and into Minnesota, and I have to say, the weather has been horrible.



As we record this podcast episode from our campsite in Bemidji, the sun is shining for the first time in many days. The first few days of this trip brought abnormally cold weather—temps dipping into the 40s—and plenty of rain.  A year ago this week, it was 95 up here.



It was 40 degrees the day we recorded this podcast.



But now the skies have cleared, the sun is shining, the temps are up into the 60s, and as we set out south following the river, we should be finally rolling along in the warm, beautiful Indian summer weather we hoped for.



Why we traded in our RVs for a new Brinkley Fifth Wheel







This has been the Maiden Voyage of our brand-new Brinkley Model Z 3100 fifth wheel. It’s handled everything over the 700 miles we’ve traveled so far with not a single issue.



We know this probably caught some of you by surprise, seeing us in this new rig. It happened very fast. But we traded in our Montana Fifth Wheel, which we've had for going on 3 years, and that new Cape Cod motorhome we bought in late spring. 



We explained the new RV to our RVCommunity.com last week, but we realize the switch caught some of you by surprise since you are not community members. In brief, we had no issues with either the Cape Cod or the Montana.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Confessions of a Camp Host: In our conversation of the week, you’ll hear all about the Good, the Bad, and the Wonderfully Weird



* Gas prices are sky high again, but they’re blaming it on a flood at a refinery and say prices should drop again soon.



* How not to get burned out from driving to your next camping spot



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 562 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







Hey, before we get to the news of the week, let’s just take a second to tell you about something we’re really excited about. You know how RVing isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve built with our RV Lifestyle Community.



It’s private, it’s ad-free, and it’s filled with folks just like you — RVers who want to share tips, swap stories, and help each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so it really feels like a campfire conversation that just keeps going.



And yes, it’s a paid community, but honestly… some things are worth paying for. You get a trusted, safe space, and a group of friends who really get this lifestyle.



So if you’ve been looking for a place where you belong, come join us at RVCommunity.com. We’d love to see you there.”



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Labor Day Price Spike? Blame the Midwest Refinery Flood​



If you are from the Midwest and winced at the sudden fuel pump price hike right before Labor Day, we feel your pain! Flooding temporarily closed the Midwest’s largest oil refinery. The result was a sudden 27-cent per gallon price hike everywhere from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, to some parts of Illinois and Indiana. The good news is that the BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana is now operating again. And experts expect prices to drop in the next week.



Overwhelmed and Understaffed: Leaked Report Reveals Strain on U.S. National Parks​



The National Parks Service lost about one-quarter of its workforce this year, and a leaked internal parks report from July 2025 shows, "staff are overwhelmed, conditions are deteriorating, and visitors are being left without the services or protections they count on," says the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group. The effects of the staffing cuts vary and are based on how many employees were lost at a particular location through the government's early retirement offer and probationary employees' cuts. For example, Yellowstone reports no problems, while Yosemite reports a temporary halt to ranger-led tours. Zion reported a reduction in cleaning capabilities and less capacity to respond to emergencies, and Indiana Dunes dropped ranger programming from 575 last year to 100 this year. 



​Lightship’s Self-Propelling Futuristic Travel Tra...

This week on the RV Podcast:




* You’ll meet a legendary retired TV anchorman - Mort Crim, now 90 years old, doing an epic RV journey and exploring campgrounds with his motor scooter. In our conversation of the week, he shares hard-earned wisdom about aging fearlessly and living life to the fullest.



* One of the nation’s biggest RV dealers just had an employee arrested for embezzling $2 million.



* What’s best? A pull-behind trailer or a fifth wheel? Real RVers share their answers.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 561 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







We received an interesting note in response to last week’s podcast that featured an interview with an RVer who came down with the Alpha gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to meat like beef, pork, lamb that is caused by a bite spread by ticks.



Tick Bite episode and Alpha gal follow-up



In Episode 560 of the podcast, we heard how the RVers can never eat meat again because of how dangerously ill he will become… all because of the tick bite.



There is another danger that Alpha gal causes, and that’s what our email notes. It's from Dr. Tony Graham, of Huntsville, AL. He wrote:




Hey guysI just finished listening to the podcast for the week.  I was particularly interested in the segment on Alpha-gal.You might be interested to know that people with the syndrome can no longer have open heart surgery with a conventional approach.  They can not receive heparin, the drug used to prevent blood clotting during the surgery, since it is animal derived.  I won’t bore you with the details, but the procedure has to be done with another drug which is definitely inferior, and often leads to the patient having more problems with bleeding in the peri-operative period and often needing more blood products. Scary disease!  Plus, I tell people I might become suicidal if I thought I might never again get to have a hamburger or a steak!








Before we get to the news of the week, let’s just take a second to tell you about something we’re really excited about. You know how RVing isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve built with our RV Lifestyle Community.



Where RV Stories, Tips, and Friendships Never End



It’s private, it’s ad-free, and it’s filled with folks just like you — RVers who want to share tips, swap stories, and help each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so it really feels like a campfire conversation that just keeps going.



And yes, it’s a paid community, but honestly… some things are worth paying for. You get a trusted, safe space, and a group of friends who really get this lifestyle.



So if you’ve been looking for a place where you belong, come join us at RVCommunity.com. We’d love to see you there.



RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK







​ Mike Wendland full false 53:10 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=112341-podcast&amp;amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> https://rvlifestyle.com/tick-disease/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112310 More Than Lyme Disease: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of Get ready for the Fall RV Show Season: What to expect and why the RV industry is starting to breathe a bit easier Why RV Tires Seem to Have More Blowouts than Cars All this plus Mike and Jen’s RV Storytime coming up in Episode 560 of the RV Podcast More Than Lyme Disease: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of Get ready for the Fall RV Show Season: What to expect and why the RV industry is starting to breathe a bit easier Why RV Tires Seem to Have More Blowouts than Cars This week on the RV Podcast:




* More Than Lyme Disease: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of



* Get ready for the Fall RV Show Season: What to expect and why the RV industry is starting to breathe a bit easier



* Why RV Tires Seem to Have More Blowouts than Cars



* All this plus Mike and Jen’s RV Storytime coming up in Episode 560 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.















The big news for us this week is the release of our epic 30-Day RV Adventure Guide to the Pacific Northwest. This detailed route takes you through the best of Oregon and Washington, weaving in stunning coastal drives, lush forests, and mountain vistas. As a special bonus, we’ve even included an excursion into Vancouver, Canada. Whether you’ve always dreamed of this journey or are planning to return to your favorite spots, this guide makes it effortless to enjoy the very best of the region.



Before we jump into our first segment, we’ve got to tell you - if you’re not already part of our private RV Lifestyle Community over at RVCommunity.com, you’re missing out on some of the best RV conversations anywhere. It’s completely ad-free, it’s friendly, and it’s just full of folks who love swapping tips, sharing travel stories, and helping each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so come say hi at RVCommunity.com.



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







The "Splurgecation" Trend is Taking Over RV Travel 



Here's a fascinating shift in how people are approaching RV travel in 2025 – and it might surprise you! According to major industry reports, 63% of travelers say they will take fewer trips in 2025 but spend more per trip, focusing on one big annual RV adventure rather than frequent weekend getaways. 



They're calling these "splurgecations," and campers are willing to splurge on upgraded experiences, premium campgrounds, and adventure activities like ziplining, guided tours, and fine dining What's really interesting is the rise of passion-driven travel - instead of just picking a famous destination, more travelers are choosing trips based on their interests like baseball stadium tours, brewery crawls, historical sightseeing, or outdoor adventure travel. It's like the RV community is saying, "If we're going to do this, let's make it count!" The trade-off makes sense too - quality over quantity, and with inflation hitting everything, people are being more strategic about their travel budgets.



​No More Limp Mode: Big Win for Diesel RVers and Truck Owners​



RVers who drive diesel motor homes or diesel pickup trucks will be excited to hear that manufacturers will no longer be allowed to program severe, immediate power loss when diesel exhaust fluid runs low or a DEF sensor fails, beginning with 2027 models.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Pack Your Camper: The Night Sky is calling! There's an amazing meteor show going on up there this week that provides a great excuse to go camping.



* Budget cutbacks, staff shortages, and visitor pressure are all combining to seriously stress our National Parks this summer. Protests have started.



* Protecting your property from campground thefts. Real RVers share their solutions.



* In Mike and Jen’s Storytime… when your camping plans don’t go as expected, it’s time to pivot.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 559 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Bridge 1, RV 0: Michigan's Langley Covered Bridge Closed Again After Another RV Blunder



The Langley Covered Bridge in Southwest Michigan is closed yet again—thanks to another driver who didn’t believe the “low clearance” signs. Despite multiple warnings that the historic bridge is only 8.5 feet tall, a 10-foot-tall motorhome tried to make it through. It didn’t end well. The RV slammed into the height limiter, ripping off the sleeper section and completely wrecking the vehicle.



Earlier this summer, the road commission added even more warning signs after a string of similar accidents in recent years. Now, the 282-foot bridge will stay closed for up to two weeks while crews rebuild the height limiters. 



The Langley Covered Bridge is in St. Joseph County, near Centreville, Michigan, on the Indiana border.



It spans the St. Joseph River and is the longest remaining covered bridge in Michigan at 282 feet. Built in 1887, it’s a popular historic site—but also a notorious trouble spot for over-height vehicles that ignore the clearance signs.



Low clearance bridges like this are more common than many RVers realize—there are thousands across the U.S., especially in older towns, rural backroads, and historic sites. Accidents happen far too often, and they’re almost always avoidable.



The key is knowing your RV’s exact height (including rooftop accessories like AC units or satellite dishes) and planning your route accordingly. A dedicated RV or truck-specific GPS like the Garmin RV 795 can warn you about upcoming low clearances, and an old-school trucker’s road atlas lists them by location. Combined, they can save you from a very expensive mistake—not to mention keep your rig in one piece.



Canada wildfire smoke blankets the Midwest, triggering public health alerts



Smoke from Canadian wildfires has taken over the skies across a huge swath of the U.S. again, prompting health alerts across Michigan and the wider Midwest and causing lots of people to stay indoors and cancel outdoor plans - like we did with a camping trip last week. Officials warn the fine particulates from smoke are nearly ten times more toxic than regular pollution, potentially impacting everyone’s heart and lung health—even if you’re “healthy.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* The Last Trip: A Husband’s Powerful Message After THE Unexpected Loss of his wife during an RV Trip





* That Massive wildfire near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is STILL uncontrolled and is now the single worst wildfire in the entire nation.





* RVers share the weirdest things they’ve seen in a campground - would you believe a pet kangaroo?





* All this plus the RV News of the Week, Mike & Jen’s Storytime, and your questions coming up in Episode #558 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Grand Canyon's Megafire Now Largest of 2025 & So Intense, It Creates Its Own Weather​



The fire still burning through the north rim of the Grand Canyon is now officially the largest wildfire of 2025, a megafire, so hot it is creating its own weather patterns. The fire, which has created "fire clouds," has torched more than 116,500 acres as of Sunday and is about 12 percent contained, according to InciWeb. The north rim is closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, and the fire is still out of control and growing in size.



​Distressed Camper Nope—Just a Lone Guy Belting Out Nickelback​



Rescue teams rushed to help what they thought was a camper in distress in British Columbia, but it turns out those screams were from a guy rocking out to Nickelback in the middle of the woods. The man was solo camping in the Boulderfields, singing his heart out, when two nearby hikers called 911 after hearing what they described as “repeated cries." Members of a Search and Rescue crew were practicing nearby, so they brought in the drone team and enlisted two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers only to find the solo camper singing away, blissfully unaware.



​Birthday Camping Trip Ends in Deadly Explosion at Maine Campground​



Two friends celebrating a birthday by camping together at the Power Horn Family Camping Resort in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, were tragically killed after their camper exploded from a suspected propane leak. The women, ages 57 and 58, smelled a rotten, garlic-like odor in the camper so they opened the windows and lit a candle to mask the smell. But fire officials believe the bad odor was likely caused by a liquid propane leak which ignited when the candle was lit. 



​Father And Daughter Camping Trip Ends with Horrific Violent Attack and Father in Intensive Care​



A 58-year-old Georgia father remains in intensive care after suffering severe injuries durin...

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Just HOW MUCH would you pay for an RV campsite? $200? $300? $400? You won't believe how expensive it has become



* Starlink’s entire global network pretty much collapsed for hours last week, causing reliability concerns for what had been pretty much a trouble-free online source for RVers



* Talk about scary! A mountain lion attacked a four-year-old girl while she was hiking with her parents out west last week. The dad saved his daughter, but she had to be airlifted to a hospital.



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 557 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







Starlink's Global Blackout Leaves RVers and Ukraine Military in the Dark​



A growing number of RVers rely upon Starlink to stay connected while traveling, but last Thursday the satellite system was down for several hours world-wide. The company said the rare blackout was "due to failure of key internal software services that operate the core network" and was quickly fixed. Starlink is used by 140 countries, including Ukraine, where the outage affected combat operations.



​Packed Parks, Empty Coffers: Oregon Parks anticipates 14% shortfall by 2027​



Despite raising its fees, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is anticipating a 14% budget shortfall by 2027 and is seeking the public's input as it works to develop new ways to fund its parks. Oregon Parks is one of the most visited in the country, experiencing record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. The state has an online survey, and those who complete it can enter a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit.



​Hero Dad Fights Off Cougar That Attacked His 4-Year-Old on Popular Trail​



A family hike turned terrifying when a cougar pounced on a 4-year-old near Hurricane Ridge's Victoria Overlook in Olympic National Park. The child's father immediately pursued the animal, heroically forcing it to release his child. The child was airlifted to a medical center and released the next day. And rangers hunted down the animal and euthanized it.



​Mountain Lion Kills Colorado's Reintroduced Wolf ​



Speaking of big cats, last week, the state provided an update on the cause of death of two wolves that were part of its efforts to reintroduce gray wolves back to the state. The wolf found dead at Rocky Mountain National Park died from a mountain lion attack, and a second wolf's death was traced to injuries from a foothold trap used for coyote control. Other reintroduced wolves died after crossing into Wyoming, where at least one was shot, but others do remain alive and free in Colorado.



Mike Wendland full false 32:43 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=112146-podcast&amp;amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-thefts/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112113 This week on the RV Podcast: To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year. In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, when the free-spirited serendipity approach to RV travel doesn’t work All this plus RV Tips, the News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 556 of the RV Podcast This week on the RV Podcast: To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year. In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, This week on the RV Podcast:




* To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts



* Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year.



* In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, when the free-spirited serendipity approach to RV travel doesn’t work



* All this plus RV Tips, the News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 556 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







We got the fifth wheel fixed. The skirting that came loose on the dreadful stretch of I-69 in Michigan was replaced and reinstalled.



We’re accessorizing our new Embassy RV Cape Cod Class C motorhome and already planning some upgrades - We want to add solar, seat belts to the lounge chairs and an on/off switch to that pesky always-on  360-degree camera monitor that causes parasitic drain to the batteries.



Meanwhile, we wrote a post on our private RVCommunity.com the other day I thought I’d share on the podcast.



It has to do with the huge Caravan RV show held every September in Dusseldorf, Germany. I think it has arguably become the most influential RV show in the world, eclipsing even Hershey and Tampa. 



I've been reading about some of the new models to be introduced, and this one - called  "The RV of the Future" caught my eye. 



It's from German manufacturer Knaus and it's called the Boxtime, a very compact little van on the Fiat Ducato chassis that comes in under 20 feet. It features what's called a "transformational bathroom" that uses a fake wall that holds the sink and the mirror that switches between shower and bath. 



You can use it as a restroom with the wall in position, or it becomes a full shower room by swinging the wall to the side so that it covers the toilet. This way, in the same footprint, you get a full shower and you don't have to worry about splashing water on everything else, because everything else is safely tucked away behind the wall.



Other manufacturers have also tinkered with this design, and I’m sure we'll eventually see more US RV makers using it. But in terms of innovation and design, this unit - and the Italian-made Wingham, which is now being sold in the U.S. - make most American-made RVs look old and outdated. European styling and design are years ahead of what we’re seeing from our North American manufacturers.



RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK







When Bretz RV & Marine had a Brinkley trailer stolen from its Billings, Montana, store, the family-owned dealership didn't just file a claim with their insurance and sit back.



No, they decided to fight. Bretz paired up with the truck dealer down the street and issued a $20,000 reward, set up a hotline, named names, showed pictures of the stolen rig, the stolen truck, and the guy accused of taking it and put it all together to the tune "Bad Boys" made popular by the show "Cops" in a 58-second reel. Mike Wendland full false 44:34 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=112113-podcast&amp;amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> https://rvlifestyle.com/beating-the-heat-protecting-your-rv-from-summer-stress/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112062 This week on the RV Podcast: Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should drive around it, not through it.  All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #555 of the RV Podcast This week on the RV Podcast: Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should dri... This week on the RV Podcast:




* Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress



* Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel



* The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should drive around it, not through it. 



* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #555 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK







Jen: Today, we’re diving into a hot topic—literally! We’re talking about how to keep your RV in top shape during scorching summer trips. We’ve had our fair share of sweaty adventures, so we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about the systems that get stressed in hot weather and how to avoid those pesky problems.



Mike: Oh yeah, Jen, remember that time in Texas when it felt like we were camping on the sun? Our AC was working overtime, and we learned some hard lessons. Let’s break it down for our listeners so they can stay cool and keep their RVs happy.



The RV Air Conditioning System



Jen: First up, the air conditioning system. Mike, you know how much we rely on that AC when it’s 100 degrees outside. It’s like the heart of the RV in summer, but it takes a beating.



Mike: Totally. The compressor and fans are grinding away to keep us cool, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a broken AC or a tripped breaker. I remember when we didn’t clean the filters regularly—yep, rookie mistake. The airflow got so bad, it was like the AC was just blowing warm air.



Jen: So, here’s what we do now to keep it running smoothly. We set the AC to a reasonable temp, like 75 or 80 degrees, to avoid overworking it. We also clean those filters every month during summer trips. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.



Mike: And don’t forget shade! Parking under trees or using reflective window shades makes a huge difference. We got these silver thermal curtains last year, and it’s like night and day inside the RV. Oh, and a surge protector is a must—saved us when the campground power got wonky.



Jen: Pro tip: Get your AC serviced before the season starts. Check the refrigerant and clean the coils. It’s worth the investment to avoid a sweaty breakdown.



The RV Refrigerator



Mike: Next up, the fridge. Jen, tell ‘em about that time we thought we could just throw warm groceries in there and call it good.



Jen: Oh, Mike, that was a disaster! In hot weather, our RV fridge was struggling to keep up, and we ended up with some spoiled milk. Lesson learned: pre-cool the fridge before loading it by turning it on the night before you leave for a trip. And when it comes time to pack the next day, don’t pack it to the brim.



Mike: That’s because ventilation is key. Give some space between items, especially at the back of the fridge. A lot of RVers add a small fan back there to help the cooling unit breathe. And make sure the exterior vents are clear of dirt and bugs. Check them before each trip.



Jen: We also started using a portable cooler for drinks. It means fewer door openings, which keeps the fridge colder. And if it’s really hot, we crank the fridge setting up a notch.

This week on the RV Podcast: A special report… when an RV Park Floods: A Firsthand Report



You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







This week, we’re releasing our weekly podcast a day early and changing up the normal podcast format in the wake of the devastating loss of life and the terrible flooding in Texas which claimed dozens of lives. So many are still missing, and among those victims are many RVers and campers who thought they were going to spend an idyllic Fourth of July weekend in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.



RV CONVERSATION  OF THE WEEK - RV Park Floods







The flooding in Texas happened along the Guadalupe River and swept away everything in its way, including RVs and the people sleeping in them at several RV parks, including the HTR TX Hill Country Campground, Riverside RV Park, and the Blue Oak RV Park. The Guadalupe River flooded quickly, catching everyone by surprise, and many campers are still missing.



As we record this podcast, responders are still searching for the missing. Desperate relatives, emergency responders, relief agencies, and search and rescue teams from across the nation are in Texas.



For RVers and campers, this tragedy has hit hard. We’ve all heard of the children’s camps where cabins occupied by children were swept away,



In the RV Parks, there was also terrible devastation. And it happened so quickly. 



We have two reports from one of the many RV parks and camps that were destroyed by the floods. The first is a report from WOAL News, the NBC affiliate owned by Sinclair Broadcasting in San Antonio. They have done an amazing job covering this tragedy, and we want to play for you an interview they posted on YouTube with the owner of the Blue Oak RV Park. Every RV there was swept away.



On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, a camper named Jake Richards was spending the Fourth of July weekend wth his wife at the Blue Oak RV Park. He filed a first-person account that shows just how fast tragedy can happen.



Jake and his wife survived. His account is harrowing and I read it now in its entirety. Pay special attention to his closing words:



My wife and I have been staying at Blue Oak RV Park in Kerrville, TX. Our spot was on the elevated second level of the park about 150-200 yards away from the river. I happened to be awake around 4:30am when I heard screaming outside. I rushed outside to see the flood beginning… pic.twitter.com/vyaGGhjQin— Jake Richards (@Jake_Me_Away) July 6, 2025



The flooding in Texas is the latest in what, to us, seems to be the worst weather year we have ever experienced. It was just a few weeks ago that another devastating flood hit Kentucky, causing massive destruction and loss of life. We all remember the floods of North Carolina last year, and it seems like every day for the past couple of months, we’ve seen huge swaths of the Midwest, the Deep South, and the Plains under tornado watches and warnings.



As we’ve seen, RVs, because they are not permanent homes and don't have foundations, are particularly vulnerable to dangerous weather. Thus, there is a responsibility to be very weather aware.



Normally,

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Elkhart’s RV Manufacturing Industry took a big media hit last week over RV Quality Problems involving continued recalls over manufacturing problems and so-called “Serial Recalls.”



* Over 7 Million Americans are expected to be camping over the big Fourth of July Holiday period



* Is propane safe in an RV? Do RV lithium batteries pose a fire risk? We’ll debunk some myths.



* All this plus your RV questions and Mike & Jen’s storytime, coming up in Episode #553 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Red, White, and Vroom! 7 Million Americans RV for the 4th​



Happy 4th of July to our fellow Americans, and if you are marking the nation's birthday celebration with an RV trip, you aren't alone. New data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) indicates that nearly 7 million people plan to celebrate Independence Day with an RV trip, and this year you can count Jen and I in the mix as we hit the road with our new Cape Cod!



​RV Goes Up in Flames — Fire Officials Say Mice May Be to Blame​



Add fire risks as another reason to keep mice far from your RVs. An RV in Idaho caught on fire and the state fire marshal's office says the likely cause is mice. The Montana Fifth Wheel was completely destroyed in a blaze caused by an electrical failure.



​End of an Era: Lance Camper Leaves REV Group, Returns to Private Ownership​



The iconic Lance Camper now has a new owner. REV Group sold the California-based Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation to Vision Kore Inc., marking REV Group's exit from non-motorized trailers to focus on motorized RV brands such as Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, American Coach, Midwest Automotive Designs, and Renegade RV. The sale returns Lance to private ownership.



​Yellowstone tourists Watch Helplessly as Bison Falls Into Scalding Spring​



Horrified tourists watched helplessly as a bison fell into near-boiling water at Yellowstone National Park's hot spring at Midway Geyser Basin near Old Faithful. Tourists watched and photographed the incident, saying the animal walked near the edge and fell in, its lifeless body still visible in the spot hours later.



​Oregon Parks to Out-of-Staters: Pay Up​



Add one more charge to out-of-state visitors to Oregon's state parks. First a 25% surcharge was added to out-of-state ...

This week on the RV Podcast:




* Gas vs Diesel for RVs and the one mistake you do NOT want to make



* A Senate bill proposes selling federal land to lower the national debt. Some fierce opposition is trying to keep that land available for public use.



* In the Social Media Buzz this week, RVers were discussing Mayflies, also known as Fish Flies. When they hatch each summer around the Great Lakes, all we can say is keep your mouth shut unless you want some extra protein.



* All this plus your questions and Mike and Jen’s storytime coming up in Episode #552 of the RV Podcast




You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







We have some exciting news to share with you this week – we’ve added a new rig to our family! We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new Embassy Cape Cod motorhome, which joins our beloved Montana Fifth Wheel. 



While the Montana will continue to be our home base for tours and extended stays, the Embassy Cape Cod is going to open up a whole new world of adventure for us. This compact beauty is perfect for those off-the-beaten-path boondocking spots where our fifth wheel just can’t venture. 



We can’t wait to explore more remote locations and discover hidden gems that were previously out of reach!



Mark your calendars for this Saturday, when we’ll be sharing a complete interior and exterior walkthrough of our new Embassy Cape Cod on our YouTube RV Lifestyle Channel. You’ll get to see all the features that make this motorhome perfect for off-grid adventures, and we’ll share why we chose this particular model for our boondocking escapades.



RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Epic Miscalculation: RV Rental Tries to Squeeze Through 7-Foot Tunnel, Fails Spectacularly​



Let’s start the RV News of the week with a painful lesson on why it’s important to pay attention to road signs about overpasses and tunnels.  An RV rental driver tried to squeeze through a downtown Tampa tunnel and got stuck - literally. The Cruise America rental almost made it, but couldn't quite squeeze through the 7-foot high clearance. Talk about every RVer's nightmare! 



​Public Lands on the Chopping Block: Unlikely coalition unites to oppose sell-off in proposed budget bill​



The latest version of the U.S. Senate reconciliation budget bill includes the potential sale of more than 2 million acres of federally owned land in Western states to help provide housing and pay off the federal debt. For sale would be land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service that meets certain conditions. While some Republican senators have long argued for some...

This week on Episode 551 of the RV Podcast: 



We introduce you to our friend Tom McAlister, who is an avid RVer with a profitable hobby: He flips RVs. You'll learn how he does it and tour his latest. Plus, the RV News of the Week, the Social Media Buzz, Your RV questions and Mike and Jen’s RV Storytime.



You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.







RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​Indiana Governor Applauds Halt to CA Emissions Rules That Threatened New Motor Home Sales​



This shouldn’t come as a big surprise but Indiana's governor is praising the end to the Biden Administration's Clean Air Act Waiver that gave California the ability to force new sales of heavy-duty vehicles, like trucks and RVs, to be zero emission this year. Many in the RV industry felt this would effectively ban the sale of new motor homes in California and other states that followed their standards. With Indiana producing 90 percent of America's RVs, the Hoosier state had much at stake had it remained in place.



​License Plate Snapped, Ticket Mailed: Colorado’s New Radar System Goes Live Soon​



Just because you don’t see a cop in Colorado, it doesn't mean that you can’t be ticketed! The Colorado Department of Transportation recently installed its first photo radar cameras, which it will use to ticket those who speed in high-risk work zones. The camera snaps a picture of a vehicle's license at one place and again at a second place and analyzes whether the person is speeding. If the vehicle is going more than 10 miles per hour above the designated speed, a speeding ticket will be issued. The program will soon start on Hwy 119 near Boulder.



​He Got Too Close: Another Tourist Gored by Bison in Yellowstone National Park​



The tourons just keep a comin’... This time it was a New Jersey tourist got too close to a bison at Yellowstone National Park last week and was gored. This is the second person injured by a bison this year, and it comes after Yellowstone reported last month as the busiest month of May EVER on record. 



​Two Campers Found Dead on Isolated Isle Royale National Park​



There’s quite the mystery up in the middle of ake Siperior surrounding two campers were found dead at Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. The bodies were found at South Lake Desor campground, and the NPS is not providing any details about the cause of death on the remote island park, which has wolves and moose. Some suspect foul play is involved, however, as the FBI was called in. Others speculate it was a murder suicide. But why the unusual secrecy?  Almost a week after the bodies were found, the government isn't saying a thing.

This week on the RV Podcast:




* The Unspoken Rules for RVers at Truck Stops and Rest Areas



* Robots working at an RV campground? Coming next year to a new park in North Carolina



* Real RVers share Real Tips that work on keeping mice out of your camper



* And in Mike and Jen's Storytime, the perfect boondocking spot...that wasn't




For a video version of the podcast, click below:







For an audio version, listen below:







RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







WARNING to Ford Drivers: Backup Camera Defects Prompt Massive Recall​



If you have a Ford F-truck series beware Ford is recalling more than 1 million vehicles across all its lineups because of backup camera issues. The backup camera may freeze up, and the defect affects 2021-2025 models. 



​Camping Like You’ve Never Seen: Robots to Serve Cocktails and Clean Campsites at New NC Resort​



A futuristic robotic campsite is being built in Beaufort, N.C. where Tesla Optimus robots will walk around the campground picking up trash, other robotic arms will make and serve coffee and mixed drinks, and gigabit speed WiFi will be everywhere. The first 80 campsites are expected to open in 2026. Named Hidden Beach RV Resort, the campground owners say it will be the most technologically advanced RV and glamping resort in the world.



​24 Abandoned Campfires Discovered in Colorado’s National Forests​



It seems this would go without saying, but if you are camping in a national forest and have a campfire, put it out when you're done. Colorado firefighters found 24 abandoned campfires in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grassland over the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Thankfully, they were able to put them all out.



​Ticks Invade Couple’s Trailer After Provincial Park Hike​



A Canadian couple had the nightmare experience of discovering dozens of ticks in their travel trailer, many crawling or latching on their back, neck, and face all night, after a short walk with their dogs in a provincial park in eastern Alberta. The couple is sounding the alarm to beware of ticks and take precautions wherever you go (they had no idea Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park was infested), which is great advice to all of us exploring nature throughout North America.



​Canada’s Wildfires Rage Out of Control — Midwest Chokes on Smoke



Massive, raging wildfires in western and central Canada have caused large-scale evacuations in parts of that country and triggered air quality advisories for large sections of the Midwest. Hazy, smoke-filled skies were bad throughout the weekend in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan,

Welcome to Episode 549 of the RV Podcast. 



We've all seen the headlines and watched the dramatic YouTube videos warning about crime and danger in the RV lifestyle, but how much of this is actually based in reality? 



After receiving a deeply concerning email from a couple whose travel dreams were nearly crushed by sensationalized fear-mongering, we decided it was time to have an honest conversation about safety on the road. 



Today we're diving into the real statistics, separating the legitimate concerns from the manufactured panic that's keeping good people from living their dreams. 



Whether you're already on the road or still planning your escape, this episode will give you the facts you need to travel confidently and safely.



We’ll get into it in just a bit.



You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.







If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.











RV NEWS OF THE WEEK







​New Florida KOA Shuttered by State’s Highway Plan​



Florida's KOA Holiday Campground in Panama City Beach is closing just over a year after opening because Florida plans to expand the nearby highway. The state purchased the KOA land through its power of eminent domain for the continuation of the U.S. Highway 98 expansion project, leaving the devastated KOA owners unsure of what is next.



​California Governor Vows Legal War as Senate Moves to Axe Controversial Emissions Waivers​



The RV Industry is carefully watching what happens to a bill that Senate Republicans just passed, and is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, to revoke three vehicle emissions waivers created by California that aim to prohibit the sale of new gas powered vehicles by 2035, reduce tailpipe emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as limit smog pollution from trucks by creating stricter emissions standards. (The later rules would affect motor home sales in California and all states that follow California's waiver.) California's Governor has vowed to sue to keep the emissions in place, so the issue is far from over.



​Nature’s Finest! USA Today Reveals the 10 Best State Parks in America​



Everyone who loves a spectacular state park will want to check out USA Today's 10 Best State Parks! First place was New York's Letchworth State Park, second was Florida's Blue Spring State Park, third was Minnesota's Gooseberry Falls State Park, and fourth was one of our favorites, Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park​.



​Utahraptor State Park Is Now Open for Adventure!​



Speaking of state parks, Utah's much-anticipated Utahraptor State Park is now officially open! The park has 67 campsites and is located 15 miles northwest of Moab National Park.



RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK







This week we're talking about crime and RV life because of a really troubling email we got from a couple.