RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

Mike Wendland
  • 4.5 (709)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 1d ago

    It's Official: An RV Buyers Market - But Don't Get Fooled by the "Deals"

    It is officially an RV buyer's market. New RV sales are falling, dealer inventories remain high, and manufacturers are cutting forecasts. For RV shoppers, that means something we have not seen in quite a while: real negotiating leverage. But a buyer's market does not automatically mean every RV is a good deal. In this week's RV Podcast News Edition, we dig into what is happening at RV dealerships, why so many 2026 models remain unsold, what buyers should be paying attention to with financing, and how to make sure a huge advertised discount really is a bargain. We also look at why the arrival of the new 2027 models could put even more pressure on dealers to move older inventory. Also this week: America's Largest RV Show is coming to Hershey, with the new 2027 RVs arriving while dealers are still trying to clear unsold 2026 inventory.Wildfire danger is growing across the West, bringing campground closures, campfire bans and some important evacuation lessons for RV travelers.The Farmers' Almanac has issued its 2026-27 winter forecast. We take a somewhat skeptical look at just how much RV travelers should trust it.Quicksand in a National Park? A 22-year-old hiker sank shoulder-deep into glacial mud at Glacier National Park and needed four friends to pull her out.If you are shopping for an RV, traveling through wildfire country, planning a trip to Hershey, or just trying to stay on top of what's happening in the RV lifestyle, we've got a lot to talk about this week. And remember: We source our news stories. You'll find links to the original reporting and additional information on the show notes page at RVPodcast.com. Look for the Transcript tab and scroll to the bottom. Subscribe and join us every Monday for the RV Podcast News Edition, and every Wednesday when Jennifer joins me for Stories from the Road, with RV tips, questions, advice and conversations about the RV lifestyle. REMINDER: There are just two days left to save 20% on our new ebook, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement. The early-bird discount ends Wednesday, August 12. Get it at https://RVLifestyle.com/RetirementGuide

  2. 6d ago

    The RV Gear We'd Buy Again, and the Stuff We'd Never Waste Money On Again

    After years of RV travel, thousands of camping nights, and more gear than we'd like to admit, we've finally learned an important lesson: the most expensive gadgets aren't always the ones that improve your RV lifestyle. In this episode, Mike and Jennifer share the RV purchases they'd happily buy again tomorrow, along with the products they wish they'd skipped entirely. From washer and dryers, lithium batteries, solar power, mattresses, dash cams, air fryers, and cordless tire inflators to gravity chairs, countertop ice makers, RV toilet paper, and black tank chemicals, this is an honest conversation about what actually delivers value and what simply takes up space. You'll also hear practical advice about black tank maintenance, how much water really matters, and why buying gear based on someone else's camping style can be an expensive mistake. Plus, Jennifer answers a listener who is afraid of driving a large RV if her husband can't, and Mike offers advice to longtime RVers wondering if it's time to downsize from their Class A motorhome. Whether you're shopping for your first RV or your fifth, this episode will probably save you money, storage space, and a few buying regrets.

  3. Aug 3

    Will Camping World's $100 Million Cut Hurt RV Service?

    Camping World is cutting another $100 million in costs. What does that mean for RV owners? In this week's RV Podcast News, Mike Wendland looks beyond the headlines to explain why Camping World's latest announcement could matter the next time you need service for your RV. Also this week: Camping World lowers its sales forecast as the RV market continues to softenA tariff break brings some welcome news for RV manufacturersWhy your next RV trip could cost hundreds of dollars more than last summerHow RVs are helping families displaced by the devastating Texas floodsMore than 200 outdoor recreation businesses urge Congress to invest in America's aging campgrounds before lawmakers leave WashingtonIf you own an RV, are thinking about buying one, or simply want to stay informed about what's happening across the RV lifestyle, this weekly news roundup is for you. FREE CHAPTER Download a free chapter from our new ebook, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement: ???? https://rvlifestyle.com/FreeChapter

  4. Jul 29

    RVing in Retirement: What to Expect at Every Age

    Retirement isn't the end of the adventure. For many RVers, it's just the beginning. In this episode of the RV Podcast, Mike and Jennifer Wendland celebrate the release of their new book, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement: What to Expect at Every Age, and share some of its most valuable lessons. They discuss what RV life typically looks like through each stage of retirement, from the Bucket List Years to the Sweet Spot, the Adjustment Years, and beyond. Along the way, they explain the 330 Rule for more enjoyable travel, how to choose an RV based on the physical work it requires, how to prepare for unexpected medical issues while on the road, and why having a sense of purpose is one of the biggest keys to enjoying this lifestyle for decades. If you've ever wondered whether your best RV years are still ahead of you, this episode is for you. Learn more about the new book at: https://rvlifestyle.com/retirementguide And don't forget to subscribe to our free Daily RV Newsletter at: https://RVLifestyle.com/Newsletter

  5. Jul 27

    Tourons Gone Wild! National Park Chaos, RV Scam Alert & Who Owns Roadtrek Now?

    This week, Mike examines a string of reckless incidents in America's national parks, from Yellowstone "tourons" walking across fragile thermal features to dangerous wildlife encounters that could have been avoided. He also questions the RV industry's growing optimism after spending time in Elkhart and seeing signs that manufacturers are still slowing production while inventories remain high. Plus: • An AI-powered fake RV dealership scam targeting buyers on Facebook • Roadtrek's latest ownership change and what we do, and don't, know about Conestogo Partners • Major wildfires closing Minnesota's Boundary Waters and affecting summer travel • New investments aimed at easing congestion in America's national parks Stay informed with practical RV news and analysis you won't hear anywhere else. Helpful Links • CampBuddy Setup & Departure Checklist https://rvlifestyle.com/campbuddy • Join Our Free Daily Newsletter https://rvlifestyle.com/newsletter • Florida RV Travel Guides https://rvlifestyle.com/allflorida • RV Lifestyle Community https://community.rvlifestyle.com

  6. Jul 22

    Roadtrek Sold Again! Will This Finally Be Its Forever Home?

    Roadtrek has a new owner, again. In this breaking news episode, Mike examines the sale of Roadtrek from France's Groupe Rapido to Conestogo Partners, a U.S.-based investment group focused on outdoor recreation. Roadtrek has one of the most fascinating histories in the RV industry, from pioneering the Class B motorhome market to surviving bankruptcy and multiple ownership changes. Mike explains what this latest sale means for owners, dealers and the future of one of RVing's most iconic brands. The episode also covers the end of the Westfalia experiment in North America, the uncertain market facing RV manufacturers today, and why this ownership change comes at such an interesting time for Canadian-built RVs. Could this finally be the long-term home Roadtrek has been searching for? More details can be found at RVLifestyle.com/roadtrek-sold-again For more RV news and practical RV lifestyle advice, visit RVLifestyle.com and subscribe to our free daily newsletter at RVLifestyle.com/Newsletter.

  7. Jul 22

    Meet Ron and Barbara Abler: Proof That RVing Has No Age Limit

    Meet Ron and Barbara Abler: Proof That RVing Has No Age Limit Ron is 87. Barbara is 82. And right now, they're probably somewhere on the road, planning the next trip. In this episode, Mike Wendland sits down with longtime friends of the RV Lifestyle community, Ron and Barbara Abler, to talk about what it actually takes to keep RVing in your 80s. Ron retired three times, from Penn State University in 1995, the Association of American Geographers in 2002, and the International Geographical Union in 2016. Barbara spent her career as a professor of geography at the University of North Carolina before retiring from the federal government in 2005. They bought their first RV, a Roadtrek Clas B, in 2018, and haven't slowed down since, traveling this past year from their home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin all the way to California, with stops at RV Lifestyle rallies in Fredericksburg, Texas, St. Augustine, Florida, and Empire, Michigan. They talk candidly about the health scares and mechanical breakdowns that come with life on the road, how their travel style has changed since 2018, and what they'd tell any retiree who thinks they might be getting too old for another adventure. Jennifer is off this week recovering from knee replacement surgery, we hope to have her back at the mic soon. Also in this episode: Mike shares the new RV Maintenance Tracker app, plus listener questions on flat towing versus tow dollies and choosing between solar and a generator for boondocking. Got a question for a future episode? Send it through the CONTACT link at https://RVPodcast.com. Sign up for the free RV Lifestyle newsletter: https://RVLifestyle.com/newsletter Check out the RV Maintenance Tracker: https://RVLifestyle.com/maintenance

  8. Jul 19

    RV Service Nightmare? The Truth About the Big RV Chains

    This week on the RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland takes a hard look at one of the biggest frustrations facing RV owners today: service department problems at some of the nation's largest RV dealer chains. You'll also hear about the extreme weather that disrupted RV travel from the Great Lakes to Texas, California's new effort to crack down on ghost campground bookings, a major fire-risk recall affecting many Tiffin motorhomes, an important wildlife safety reminder following a Yellowstone bison attack, and why catalytic converter thefts are once again targeting RV owners across the country. Every story in this episode is fully researched, independently sourced, and explained in plain English, along with practical takeaways you can use to travel smarter and more safely. Complete source links are available in the transcript tab above. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps other RVers discover the show and supports the work we do every week to keep you informed. The RV Trip Dashboard we talked about is at RVLifestyle.com/TripDashboard Thanks for listening, and as always... Happy Trails

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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Wendland
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 RV Podcast - Stories From The Road
  • Show Website
    RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

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