RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

Mike Wendland
  • 4.4 (633)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

RV Lifestyle's RV Podcast – Learn. Travel. Connect. Grow.

  1. 1D AGO

    RV Industry Tariff Chaos, A Family Burned Out of Their RV, & We Built a Tool You've Been Waiting For

    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: RV Lifestyle Trip Planning Dashboard: https://RVLifestyle.com/tripdashboardRVCommunity.com membership: https://RVCommunity.comRV Industry Association tariff updates: https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/latest-tariff-developmentsU.S. Fire Administration RV Fire Data: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/where-fires-occur/snapshot-rv-fires.htmlNational Park Service RV Fire Safety: https://www.nps.gov/articles/p52-rv-fire-safety-101.htm

    30 min

  2. 6D AGO

    New RV Owners Are Skipping This (and It's Costing Them)

    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

    37 min

  3. MAR 16

    RV Fuel Prices EXPLODE: The $1,000 Hit + Why Buc-ee’s Just Got an “F”

    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: 00:00 - Intro & RVCommunity.com01:15 - Fuel Price Hammer: The real cost of an 8,000-mile trip05:40 - Buc-ee’s Flunks: Why the BBB gave them an "F"10:12 - RV Industry Crisis: New and Used sales are cratering13:25 - Major Recalls: Ford, GM, Newmar, and Grand Design (Do-Not-Drive!)17:50 - Google Maps Gemini AI: A new co-pilot for RVers?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

    24 min

  4. MAR 11

    Meet the Original RV Influencer, 50 Years Ahead of His Time

    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

    41 min

  5. MAR 9

    Is Big Necessarily Better? RV Dealership Consolidation is on Roll

    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

    30 min

  6. MAR 4

    The Campground Cat Who Refused to Say Goodbye

    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: Our Trip of the Week, Route 66 in its Centennial YearWhy this is the perfect year to drive the Mother RoadDetails about our brand new 217 page RV Lifestyle Guide to Route 66Our RV Question of the WeekAnd how you can be part of our private RV CommunityIf 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.

    40 min

  7. MAR 2

    Wall Street Took Over Your Campground. And Your RV Brand. And Your Dealership.

    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.

    27 min

  8. FEB 25

    RV Travel After Your Spouse Dies

    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.: Our RV Trip of the Week destination suggestion to inspire your next adventureAnswers to your RV questionsPractical RV lifestyle tips and insightsEncouragement for wherever your journey takes youWhether 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

    39 min
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About

RV Lifestyle's RV Podcast – Learn. Travel. Connect. Grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Wendland
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 RV Podcast - Stories From The Road
  • Show Website
    RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

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