RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

Mike Wendland
  • 4.4 (648)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    The RV World is Changing Fast: Here's What You Need To Know

    Episode 600 of the RV Podcast is here, and we are marking the milestone with a packed episode. Mike and Jennifer are on the road near Gainesville, Florida, prepping for their spring rally with RVCommunity.com members in St. Augustine, and they have a lot to share. First, Love's Travel Stops has been quietly building something big for RVers. Full hookups, dog parks, and campgrounds were just the start. Now Love's is offering tires and batteries to RVers who need them on the road. Jim Wheeler, Love's Director of RV Operations, joins us to explain why Love's keeps expanding its commitment to the RV community. Then Mike and Jennifer make the case for New Mexico as one of the most underrated RV destinations in America. Carlsbad Caverns, Roswell, Santa Fe, Taos, and the remote Gila region - this is not a drive-through state. It rewards the RVers who actually stop. Jennifer shares her first-night campsite setup routine, the simple approach that avoids the frustration of trying to do too much when you are tired and just arriving somewhere new. And Tom from Arizona asked about cargo carrying capacity - and the answer may surprise you. This is one of the most misunderstood numbers in all of RVing, and ignoring it can affect your braking, your tires, and your safety every mile you drive. Six hundred episodes. Twelve years. We are just getting started. Show notes and links at RVPodcast.com

    38 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Is Glamping Forcing RVers Out? Plus Used RV Prices Drop and New TPMS Rule

    Is glamping quietly pushing RVers out of campgrounds? That is the question we are tackling in this week’s RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, and the answer may change how you plan your next trip. Across North America, more campgrounds are replacing traditional RV sites with cabins, yurts, and high-end glamping units. It is changing availability, pricing, and even the overall camping experience. We break down what is really happening and what it means for RVers. But that is just one of the big stories this week. We also cover a major shift in the RV market and a new safety requirement that is long overdue. Here is what is in this episode: 00:00 Welcome and our journalism standards 01:06 Campground reservation workshop invite 02:11 TPMS will be required on all towable RVs by 2028 05:52 Why morning light matters more than ever after 60 10:04 Used RV prices are dropping, what it means for buyers and sellers 13:26 Is glamping forcing RVers out of campgrounds? 19:37 Wrap up and key takeaways 19:54 RV Trip Planning Dashboard and resources If you are an RVer, a future buyer, or someone planning trips this season, this episode will help you understand where things are heading and how to stay ahead of the changes. ???? Join our live workshop: How to Get Campground Reservations Without the Stress Register at RVPodcast.com/workshop ???? Plan your trips smarter with our RV Lifestyle Trip Planning Dashboard: RVLifestyle.com/tripdashboard As always, every story is sourced and verified. Full show notes are available at RVPodcast.com.

    21 min

  3. APR 8

    When RV Life Goes Wrong: The “Best Bad Luck” Story You Need to Hear

    They thought RV life would be freedom and adventure… Instead, they got breakdowns, detours, and the kind of bad luck you can’t make up. In this episode, we talk with a full-time RV couple who say they have the “best bad luck” of anyone they’ve ever met. From mechanical failures to unexpected setbacks, their journey is filled with moments most influencers never show. But here’s what makes their story powerful… They didn’t quit. They adapted. They laughed. And they kept going. This is the side of RV life you don’t see on Instagram, the real-life challenges, the frustrating moments, and the lessons that only come when things go wrong. It's part of this week's episode 598. Also this week: Our Trip of the Week is an epic road trip - California's Pacific Coast Highway. We break it down for you ,so you don't break down. And in our question of the week, we discuss whether it's too late for summer campground reservations. Here are links to the respurces we share: The RV Lifestyle Travel Planning Center - https://rvlifestyle.com/plan Wholesale Warranties - https://wholesalewarranties.com/rvlifestyle RV Overnights - https://rvovernights.com/rvlifestyle The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Coast Highway - https://rvlifestyle.com/pacificcoasthighway The RV Reservations April 16 workshop - https://rvlifestyle.com/workshop Questions or comments to Mike & Jen: Use the cntact link at https://rvpodcast.com

    46 min

  4. APR 6

    Sneaky Campground Fee Tricks, RV Consignment Scam, Diesel Nears $6, RV Luxury Tax, China RV Boom

    Campgrounds are pulling tricks you need to know about. A California RV fraud case just got a lot bigger - and a lot worse. Diesel prices are doing something that historically makes RVers cancel trips. A state just tried to quietly hit motorhome buyers with a tax that has nothing to do with luxury. And there's a new campervan from the other side of the world that might just change how you think about where this industry is heading. Cuttrnt RV stories that matter because they affect your life on the road. Emmy Award-winning journalist Mike Wendland breaks it all down on this week's RV Lifestyle Podcast Monday News Edition - the longest-running weekly RV lifestyle podcast in the U.S. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday at RVPodcast.com. Got a tip, comment, or question? Reach us through the contact link at RVPodcast.com.

    37 min

  5. APR 1

    A First RV Trip That Turned Into a Whole New Life (Julio Interview)

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

    40 min

  6. MAR 30

    RV Loan Traps, Winnebago's Comeback, and What Our Own Fuel Price Poll Really Tells Us

    Gas prices are spiking - but are RV travelers actually cutting back? We asked our community, got more than 300 responses, and the numbers tell a surprising story. Plus: the RV loan trap that is costing buyers thousands without them knowing it, why Winnebago's latest earnings report matters to every RV owner and buyer, a behind-the-scenes look at the company that builds the insides of your RV and just invested seven figures in a giant design studio, and a new Washington State law that finally clears up a legal headache for fifth-wheel owners. In this episode: The RV Loan Trap: how dealer financing really works, and how to protect yourselfWinnebago is back in the black - and here is why that matters to youPatrick Industries debuts a massive digital design studio in ElkhartWashington State fixes the fifth-wheel length measurement messOur community fuel price poll results: nearly two-thirds are not cutting backAll sources and show notes are at RVPodcast.com. Subscribe for two new episodes every week - the Monday News Edition and Wednesday Stories from the Road. Ready to plan your next adventure? Our RV Lifestyle Trip Planning Dashboard gives you everything in one place - routes, budgets, campgrounds, and checklists. One-time $29, no subscription. RVLifestyle.com/tripdashboard

    26 min

  7. MAR 25

    The Hidden Risk of Long RV Drives, Plus a Perfect Michigan Trip and Fuel-Saving Tips

    Are long RV drives putting your health at risk? In this episode of the RV Podcast, we take a closer look at something most RVers never think about... the hidden dangers of long driving days. From circulation issues to fatigue, we share practical, real-world tips to help you stay safe and feel better behind the wheel. But that is just part of the story. We also take you along on a beautiful Michigan Lower Peninsula RV adventure, one of our favorite trips. From the Detroit area and world-class stops like The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, all the way up to the Mackinac Bridge, the Tunnel of Trees, and Traverse City, this is a route every RVer should experience at least once. And with fuel prices hitting hard, we also share smart, simple ways to save money at the pump, including apps and strategies we personally use every time we travel. Plus, we highlight a must-have tool that can make every travel day smoother and less stressful. In this episode, you will learn: The real health risks of long RV driving days and how to avoid themA step-by-step Michigan RV route packed with incredible stopsSimple ways to save on diesel and gas while travelingA proven system to make departure day easier and stress-freeHelpful Resources Mentioned: RV Lifestyle Planning Center Store https://shop.rvlifestyle.comMichigan Lower Peninsula Adventure Guide https://rvlifestyle.com/LPUltimate RV Departure Day Checklist https://rvlifestyle.com/DepartureGuideBudget Planning app. https://rvlifestyle.com/budgetRV Trip Planning Dashboard https://shop.rvlifestyle.comJoin our private RV Lifestyle Community https://RVCommunity.comLeave us a message or question https://RVPodcast.comCenter for Vein Restoration https://www.centerforvein.com/Open Road fuel discount https://www.myopenroads.com/ Loves Travel App https://www.loves.com/promos/download-app Gas Buddy https://www.gasbuddy.com/

    30 min

  8. MAR 23

    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
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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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