Beyond the Wheel

Beyond the Wheel
  • 4.7 (36)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast about RV travel, products, manufacturers, destinations, and lifestyle. We explore behind the scenes of everything that makes RV travel possible.

  1. JAN 29

    So You Want to Be an RVer?

    Thinking about becoming an RVer? Already on the road and wondering why it still feels harder than expected?This episode is for you. RV life looks simple from the outside, but the reality hits fast once plans change, weather turns, budgets stretch, and things break. In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we break down what it actually takes to become an RVer and stay sane doing it. This isn’t about what RV to buy or which gadgets to install. It’s about mindset, flexibility, planning, and budgeting for real life on the road. What We Cover in This Episode Flexibility Is the Real Skill Why rigid schedules don’t survive RV life and how learning to plan in pencil makes the experience more enjoyable and far less stressful. Keeping Your Cool When Things Go Wrong From breakdowns to bad weather, things will go sideways. We talk about what actually goes wrong most often and how experienced RVers stay calm while new RVers panic. Planning Without Overplanning How to plan the things that matter like routes, fuel, height, power, and access without killing the fun by over-scheduling every mile and minute. Budgeting for Reality, Not Instagram The real costs of RV life, why budgets should be ranges not fixed numbers, and the expenses nobody mentions when you’re just getting startedIs RV Life Really for You? Honest talk about who thrives in RV life, who struggles, and why there’s no “right” way to do it. Key Takeaways Flexibility matters more than gear Calm decision-making beats control Overplanning creates stress, not safety RV budgets are unpredictable by nature RV life evolves and that’s normal Final Thought Becoming an RVer isn’t about being ready.It’s about being adaptable. Join the Conversation If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s RV-curious or just starting out.Have a “first RV disaster” story? We want to hear it. Follow Beyond The Wheel for more honest conversations about RV life, the industry, and what really happens once you hit the road. The post So You Want to Be an RVer? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post So You Want to Be an RVer? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    36 min

  2. JAN 15

    Why Keeping Your RV Beats Buying New

    Everyone keeps asking us when we’re upgrading.The truth is… we already did. In this episode, Kenny and Sean get real about why they are both still traveling in RVs that are years old and why, for most RVers, keeping what you already own and upgrading it smartly is often a better move than buying brand new. Kenny’s Class A just turned ten years old. Sean’s rig is over five. Between the two of them, they’ve logged thousands of miles, countless repairs, upgrades, and lessons that no sales brochure can teach. This conversation isn’t anti new RVs. It’s pro smart ownership. If you’ve ever felt pressure to trade in your rig because it feels outdated, this episode will change how you look at what you already own. In this episode we cover • Why the RV industry constantly pushes the “upgrade cycle”• How social media makes perfectly good RVs feel old• The hidden costs of buying new that no one talks about• Why knowing your rig is more valuable than owning a new one• How targeted upgrades can outperform a brand new RV• The stress and uncertainty that comes with new ownership• When it actually does make sense to buy new• Why most RVers don’t need a new RV, they need a better version of the one they already have Why this matters RVs are not phones.They are houses that go through earthquakes. New does not automatically mean better. Often it just means unproven. By keeping and upgrading their rigs, Kenny and Sean have built RVs that are tailored to their exact travel style, off grid needs, and comfort. That knowledge, reliability, and confidence is something money cannot buy off a dealer lot. Who this episode is for • RVers feeling pressure to upgrade• Full timers trying to stretch their budget• Weekend campers who love their current rig• Anyone who wants less stress and more time on the road The big takeaway Most RVers do not need a new RV.They need a smarter version of the one they already have. The post Why Keeping Your RV Beats Buying New appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post Why Keeping Your RV Beats Buying New appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    37 min

  3. JAN 1

    Beyond the Wheel – Driver’s Edition Dec 2025

    Steady Sales, Strategic Moves, and a Market Growing Up In this Driver’s Edition episode of Beyond the Wheel, Kenny takes listeners behind the scenes of the RV industry to unpack what’s really happening right now. Using recent shipment numbers, dealer dynamics, and major industry moves, this episode cuts through the noise to explain where the market stands and what it means for buyers, owners, and anyone watching the RV space. This isn’t a boom-and-bust story. It’s a look at an industry maturing, recalibrating, and adapting to a more intentional consumer. In this episode, we cover: Recent RV shipment numbers from the last quarter and what they actually signal Why wholesale shipments and retail sales don’t always tell the same story How buyer behavior has shifted toward payments, value, and long-term ownership Why some RVs are being heavily discounted while others hold firm on price Inventory pressure, floorplan costs, and the reality dealers are managing today What types of RVs are still selling well and why Interior and upholstery trends driven by real-world use, not showroom flash Quiet but meaningful changes in RV build philosophy and serviceability RV technology that genuinely improves the camping experience The Lazy Days shakeup: how Camping World and Campers Inn split the dealership group What dealer consolidation means for consumers, service, and the future of the industry Key takeaways: RV shipments show stability, not chaos Buyers haven’t disappeared, they’ve become more selective Dealer consolidation reflects tighter margins and a more disciplined market The most important RV improvements today are often the least flashy Whether you’re shopping for your next rig, considering upgrades, or just want a clearer picture of where the RV industry is headed, this Driver’s Edition gives you the context you need without the hype. The post Beyond the Wheel – Driver’s Edition Dec 2025 appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post Beyond the Wheel – Driver’s Edition Dec 2025 appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    41 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    When Your Dog Becomes an Author – The Story Behind Belle’s RV Adventures

    In this special episode of Beyond the Wheel, Sean flips the mic and interviews Kenny about the creation of his first children’s book, Belle’s RV Adventures. What started as life on the road with a dog named Belle turned into a children’s book designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love for travel. Kenny shares why he decided to turn Belle’s real RV travels into a story for kids, what the self-publishing process actually looks like, and what surprised him most about becoming a first-time author. This episode pulls back the curtain on the creative process, the emotional side of launching a book, and how storytelling can connect families to the RV lifestyle in a whole new way. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Belle became the main character How real RV travels inspired the story The decision to create a children’s book Lessons learned from self-publishing What this book means for families who love adventure What’s next for Belle’s RV Adventures About the Book Belle’s RV Adventures is a children’s book told from the perspective of Belle, a curious dog who experiences the world from the passenger seat of an RV. The story celebrates travel, discovery, and seeing the world through fresh eyes.  Get the book here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G42HQH59 Don’t Forget If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves RVing, travel, or reading with their kids. The post When Your Dog Becomes an Author – The Story Behind Belle’s RV Adventures appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post When Your Dog Becomes an Author – The Story Behind Belle’s RV Adventures appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    39 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Why FMCA Became FRVA with Doug and Meagan

    Episode Summary:In this episode we sit down with Doug Uhlenbrock and Meagan Butler from the newly renamed FRVA. If you have known FMCA for years and wondered why the name changed or what it means for RV owners, this conversation clears it up. We talk about the thought process behind the rebrand, the challenges of changing a long-standing identity, and how FRVA plans to shape the future of RV community support, events, and member benefits. Doug and Meagan share what the organization has learned from decades of serving RV owners and how they are adapting to a broader and more modern RV audience. Whether you are a long-time member or hearing the name FRVA for the first time, this episode gives context, clarity, and a look at what is coming next. Topics Covered:• Why FMCA changed its name and what FRVA represents• How the rebranding process unfolded behind the scenes• What the updated mission means for current and future members• How RV ownership has changed and what FRVA is doing to stay relevant• New and upcoming programs and benefits• Reactions from long time members and the broader RV community• The future vision for advocacy, education, and events The post Why FMCA Became FRVA with Doug and Meagan appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post Why FMCA Became FRVA with Doug and Meagan appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    45 min

  6. 11/09/2025

    When Things Go Wrong While RVing

    Even the most seasoned RVers know — things will go wrong eventually. In this episode, Kenny and Sean share their personal stories of roadside disasters, mechanical failures, and how they handled them without losing their cool (well, mostly). Kenny recounts his recent breakdown that left his RV immobile after a locked brake caliper destroyed his rear axle. Sean chimes in with his own tales of mishaps and misadventures from the road. Together, they dive into what it really takes to stay calm, safe, and sane when your home on wheels decides to quit rolling. Topics Covered: What happened during Kenny’s major brake failure and tow experience Sean’s stories of unexpected mechanical breakdowns How to safely manage roadside emergencies Why patience, humor, and preparation are key to surviving RV life Key Takeaway:RVing isn’t about if something will go wrong — it’s about how you handle it when it does. From breakdowns to busted axles, these are the moments that test your resolve and remind you why community, preparation, and flexibility matter most. Have your own RV breakdown story? Share it with us — your experience might just make it into a future episode! The post When Things Go Wrong While RVing appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post When Things Go Wrong While RVing appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    46 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    More People Living in RVs — But Not Traveling

    In this episode of Beyond the Wheel, Kenny and Sean dive into a growing trend that’s reshaping RV life: people living full-time in RVs without traveling. The image of the open road is what we all think of when we picture RV life, but for hundreds of thousands of people, that’s not the reality anymore. Since 2021, the number of Americans living full-time in RVs has nearly doubled — climbing from about 240,000 to close to half a million. For some, it’s a smart financial move in a housing market that’s gone off the rails. For others, it’s a lifestyle choice built around simplicity, minimalism, or just staying close to work or family. Kenny and Sean break down why so many are choosing to stay put, what life actually looks like in a stationary RV, and how the RV industry might adapt to serve this growing community. The RV lifestyle is evolving. It’s not just about freedom of the road anymore — it’s about freedom from crushing housing costs. Whether it’s by choice or necessity, stationary RV living is here to stay, and it’s reshaping what “RV life” really means. The post More People Living in RVs — But Not Traveling appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post More People Living in RVs — But Not Traveling appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    51 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    Hershey RV Show & State of RVing – What the Numbers Really Mean

    In this episode of Beyond the Wheel: Drivers Edition, Kenny and Sean dive into the 2025 Hershey RV Show attendance numbers and talk with you about what those numbers really say about the RV industry right now. We break down: Why attendance dipped slightly from 2024 but still beat 2023. What dealers and manufacturers are saying about sales and consumer confidence. Which RVs sold well at Hershey—and which ones didn’t move as quickly. A full Market Watch segment on the state of RVing in 2025—including interest rates, shipment data, market size projections, and where the industry is headed. Whether you’re a buyer, dealer, or just an RV enthusiast, this episode will help you understand where RVing stands now and what’s next. Key Topics Covered Hershey RV Show 2025 Attendance: 2025: 45,813 visitors 2024: 47,075 visitors 2023: 45,535 visitors Dealer & Manufacturer Reactions: PRVCA: “Mixed bag as far as sales … some record shows, others flat.” Winnebago Industries: Motorized RVs strong, towables steady. Ember RV: “Record-breaking show … quality attendees ready to buy.” What’s Selling vs. What’s Not: Motorized rigs slightly outperform towables. Mid-range price points see steady interest; high-end rigs hit by financing costs. Market Watch: State of RVing 2025 Shipments up 14% in Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024. Market projected to hit $50B by 2030. Interest rates & consumer confidence remain headwinds. Growth expected in value RVs, off-grid features, and lighter towables. Looking Ahead: What to expect in 2026 & beyond: affordability, innovation, and market stability. Why You Should Listen If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy an RV, or you’re curious about the future of the RV market, this episode brings you the numbers, the reactions, and the big-picture analysis you need to make sense of it all. Resources & Links Hershey RV Show Attendance Report RVIA Shipment Reports RV Industry Trends 2025 The post Hershey RV Show & State of RVing – What the Numbers Really Mean appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post Hershey RV Show & State of RVing – What the Numbers Really Mean appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    46 min
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4.7
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

A podcast about RV travel, products, manufacturers, destinations, and lifestyle. We explore behind the scenes of everything that makes RV travel possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond the Wheel
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Wheel