RV Podcast Mike Wendland

This is the week for the annual Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, the annual wining and dining soiree the RV industry puts on every year to introduce their new models to RV dealers across North America.







That's where we come to you for Episode 466 of the RV Podcast, which features an in-depth interview with Jeff Runels, the President and CEO of Keystone RV, North America's largest manufacturer of towable recreation vehicles.















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 Elkhart RV dealer Open House is held all across the Elkhart region, where 80% of all the RVs sold in the world are manufactured. But Ground Zero is on the sprawling grounds of the RV/MH Hall of Fame where Thor, Keystone RV, Heartland, Jayco, Roadtrek, Grand Design, and many other manufacturers display all their new 2024 models.







The show is closed to the public and open only to dealers, RV salespeople, suppliers, and other industry businesses who make the annual trek to place their orders for the coming year.







There's lots of entertainment and great food and drink, with catered meals, food trucks, and open pit barbecue made by two of the nation's top BBQ chefs.







In past years, the partying sometimes raised some community criticism, though we notice it has toned down a lot over the past couple of shows. The atmosphere this year was much more professional and business was definitely on the front burner.







No wonder because the show will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in orders in three days. It's not unusual for some RV dealerships to order new models by the dozens.







Interview - Jeff Runels, Keystone RV CEO and President















On the podcast, we found an empty Springdale trailer and sat down across from a comfy dinette to interview Jeff Runels, who oversees all aspects from manufacturing to the sale of 19 different RV models.







We've interviewed Jeff several times before. We've always found him to be very open and forthcoming and this interview was no exception.







Jeff called the Elkhart RV dealer Open House event the "Superbowl" equivalent for the industry, noting that collecting direct feedback from the dealers about customer wants and concerns helps manufacturers design models without superfluous features.







"Not only do we get their opinion on all of the new stuff we've come out with, but we get to hear what's going on with their business and what they think is going to happen the next several months, which of course, in this environment is really important," he said. "And so it just kind of helps give us an idea of whether what we've been doing is right or wrong or what they think and kind of gives us an idea of what to prepare for."







He talked in depth about the challenges the industry is facing in these post-Covid years, noting that the industry-wide downturn in sales coupled with today's ever-growing interest rates are causing belt-tightening and adversely affecting consumer confidence.







"I think everybody has been waiting with bated breath on what's going to happen," said Runels. "Are the interest rates going to continue to go up? Are they going to drop off? We haven't seen rates like this since early 2000, late nineties, and so that certainly has affected us. And that plays into, okay, do we need to deconstruct the coaches? Do we need to shrink 'em up because that's wha...

There's a difference between a cheap RV and an inexpensive and affordable RV. We'll help you know the difference and find the best deal with some solid advice.







That's one of the big RV questions we tackle this week in Episode 465 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.















With fall now here, we’re back to our regular 7 PM Eastern time Sunday night “Ask Us Anything” livestream. And to highlight that we’re going to share some excerpts from this past Sunday’s program, especially where we discussed two topics of keen interest to RVer







One - finding an affordable RV and the difference between Cheap and Inexpensive.







And Two - what's the best and most affordable way to start the RV Lifestyle. We answered both in depth on “Ask Us Anything.”















But when someone asked us about recommending the best Internet for an RV, we carefully avoided giving an answer. At least for a couple of weeks, until we have thoroughly tested and evaluated the new state-of-the-art system we had installed in our Montana fifth wheel 10 days ago.







Please check the podcast players above to hear the complete answers.







But we do have some RV news we need to talk about.







RV News of the Week















First, with the return of cold weather, we want to sound an alarm about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. With many campers now starting up their RV furnaces and heating systems on those chilly evenings and cool mornings, we want to stress the need to have your system inspected on a result basis.







The danger is very real. Over the weekend, a pregnant woman and two of her children died from carbon monoxide poisoning inside a camper in Kansas.







They were apparently at a motocross event and overcome by the deadly fumes while sleeping. Officials are still investigating this incident.







In RV Industry news, the annual fall Hershey RV Show ended over the weekend with attendance down from last year.







Business, too, seemed off, with one large dealer claiming their sales were down by 20%.







While people noted lots of enthusiasm and interest, the assessment we’ve heard from industry folks is that the current high-interest rates - from 5.24% for someone with excellent credit to 9.74% - was a deal killer for many.







The next big industry event is next week. We will be heading to Elkhart, IN, on Monday for the annual Dealer Open House event that sees all of the big RV manufacturers showcase their latest models to RV dealers from all across North America.







We'll be doing next week’s podcast from there and look forward to getting a better feel on the latest innovations and RV trends.







But even before that… next Sunday, in fact… Look for the official release of our latest RV travel guide ebook.







It's an RV guide to coastal Maine and will take you on a 7-stop adventure to this awesome region. Our guide tells you the route to take, where to stay, where to eat (lobster!) and what to do. We hope to have it ready for instant download on next Sunday's Ask Us A...

Have you attended an RV Rally? An RV rally is one of the best ways to come to understand your RV better, learn how to set up and take down camp more efficiently, and to make lifelong friends who will always bring a smile to your camping travels.







That's what we talk about this week in Episode 464 of the RV Podcast, recorded live at the Montana Owners Club National Rally in Goshen, IN. Attended by owners of the luxury Montana brand of fifth wheels, this 8-day-long event brought more than 400 campers to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds for seminars, socializing and sight-seeing.







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















If you prefer an audio file, you can listen on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the player below:















Updates and Feedback







From Joe - Right now, my biggest problem is the process of trading up from our 2021 Coachmen Prism Elite 24DSE (which we love love love!), to something with a little more space, a little towing capacity, and a little more CCC.  We’ve zeroed in on either the Entegra Esteem 27U or the Thor Quantum KW29.  If I trade my Prism to a dealer that has an RV we want, the process is easy and there’s a HUGE sales tax benefit.  But the trade offers are pretty low. If I sell it myself, I get top dollar, but the process is time consuming and it has huge sales tax consequences. 







From Michelle - I have wanted to travel full time in an RV for many years, but my health was too poor to do so.  Now that things are headed in the right direction I’m ready to start making plans.  I came across your FB group searching for travel groups. 







My biggest RV-related problem is deciding on the layout/features for my RV.  I want to make sure I get something that I can live in for at least a year; since I plan to rent out my home while I travel.  I’m going to be doing my traveling primarily by myself, so I also need to learn as much about setting a camper up, maintaining it, and trouble shooting as possible before I take my first trip.  There’s so much to learn!!  Thanks for adding me to your group.  I look forward to learning from you all.







SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group:







One thing I'd like to share with you today are some ways people use the RVLifestyle Facebook group for every stage of trip planning.







John recently retired and he and his wife are planning a trip out West next year pulling their Fifth Wheel. His dream vacation would be to head out without reservations, staying a few days here, a week there, basically traveling according to what interests them, without a rigid reservation schedule.







He asked; Is this way of traveling even possible?







A few said no, make reservations.







Others said it depends on where you're going and what time of year.







But the majority of the more than 125 responses said as long as you remain flexible, realize you may not get the nicest campsite at some places, and stay open to using options like Harvest Hosts or boondocking on federal land, you definitely can make it work.







Then people, a little further along in their planning, ask questions like Dawn. 

With cooler temperatures and fewer people, a fall camping trip should be at the top of every RVer's bucket list before the camping season comes to an end.







That's what we talk about this week on Episode 463 of the RV Podcast, along with:









* Should you use cruise control when towing an RV?







* A woman in Georgia dropped off her RV for repair. When she picked it up she found it trashed because squatters had been living in it. 







* If you are in elk country, give them a wide berth  It’s mating season and they can become extremely aggressive.







* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #463 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 file, you can listen on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the player below:















Updates and Feedback







We have some feedback to share:







We had a very nice email from a follower named Gary, who emails us:







Hey there. As children, our family had 3 different RVs touring the Midwest and west coast. I decided to purchase a class C and expose my family to some fun and excitement.  Nothing better than jumping in the RV and driving, pulling over whenever it's time for a beer. We don't make reservations, unless it's beach camping in so-cal. Then it's a must. Driving around Nevada, Arizona, California, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. There are hundreds of Mom and Pop "sleepy hollows" RV parks tucked away along the path. One stands out called "Friendly RV Park" in Weed, California. Which isn't so friendly. Laminated signs everywhere, they hate children and pets.  Even asking you to take pics of poop and its owner and submitting them to the office. WOW!!!  Anyway that's the worst place we have encountered in 9 years of RVing. In my opinion it's better than traveling by plane, or car. More fun and gives us time to bond with the kids. It's a learning experience plus it's a blast.- Gary







Then… there’s this note from Despina:







In case no one else has recommended the podcast “FieldTrip” to you I thought I would.  As you drive from one place to another you will enjoying listening to this fantastic podcast. It’s a journey through the past and the future of Yosemite, Glacier, Everglades, White Sands and Gates of the Arctic National Parks. The Washington Post reporter, Lillian Cunningham’s excellent description of the parks creates a visual picture as you listen. Hopefully you and Jennifer will find it as fascinating as Peter and I. - Despinia







NOTE: This is not an app. If you search for an app called that, you’ll get something about psychedelic drugs and tripping out. Those are not the kind of trips we recommend. There used to be a travel app called Field Trip but it was discontinued a while back. This is a podcast from the Washington Post, so search for it under your favorite podcast app. It is quite good.







SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group:







One post that really got people talking last week was from Marilyn. She asked: "When towing should I use cruise control?"







More than 435 responded and the answers were really all over the place!







Some said yes,

This week we offer a detailed guide to choosing the best RV Internet for you. For RVers, there is no one solution for everyone. And this week, we detail all the options available.







Our guests are Chris and Cherie from the Mobile Internet Resource Center. Last week, they shared the pros and cons of using Starlink in your RV. We continue the discussion this week in Episode 462 with a breakdown of all the other options, from cellular to Wi-Fi.







Also in this episode:









* What it’s like when a Tornado touches down right next to your campsite







* The Best State Parks in Every State







* The RV News of the Week and your questions









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.















Update:







Hurricane Warning







As this episode is released on Aug. 30, 2023, there’s a Hurricane coming - the first of the year for the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to strengthen into a major, Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, perhaps early Wednesday, the day this podcast is released. As we record this episode, it looks like it is heading to the Big Bend region of Florida.







If you are camping there, we hope you got out of town as soon as you heard the predictions. And for everyone else along the Gulf Coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, as well as those on the Atlantic coasts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, pay attention to the weather. This is expected to be a very active year. Hurricane season runs to November. Move out of the area as soon as the forecasts have you in the target zone.







Complicating this situation is news of contaminated gas distributed and sold in the areas affected by this storm over the past few days.







RV Lifestyle Feedback















COMMENT: Everyone keeps talking about Buc-ee's and how they’re so cool. But I don’t think I’ve heard you and Jennifer talk about it. We tow a 26-foot trailer. Is it worth pulling in? - Lawrence







ANSWER: We are not big fans of Buc-ee's. They are too big and too crowded. There’s no space for RV parking and they are really aggressive in making sure people gas up, shop and then move along. Someone just posted on our Facebook group the following. “My wife was at the Calhoun location and had filled up, bought a few things and walked the dogs. She was traveling in our minivan. She tries to stop and get a few hours sleep when traveling from Fl to Ky. Security guard came up to the van and told her she could not park and sleep there which we have done many many times even in the coach. He said it was a new policy. No loitering. That was at 2 am!!!”







Seriously? We’ve heard other similar reports. That’s not very RV-friendly. So we don’t stop at Buc-ee's. And for you, towing a 26-foot trailer, I think you’d find it challenging to get in and out of a gas pump, let alone find a place to park if you want to shop or go in to eat.







SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on our
Mike Wendland
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1:02:19



The Pros and Cons of Starlink for RV Travelers
https://rvlifestyle.com/starlink-for-rv-2/
Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:10:00 +0000
https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=103626
Starlink for RV use has become a major source of Internet connectivity. But as good as the system is, there are pros and cons to consider before RVers should totally rely on it.

Starlink for RV use has become a major source of Internet connectivity. But as good as the system is, there are pros and cons to consider before RVers should totally rely on it.
Mobile Internet Resource Center.







In the interview segment of the podcast, they explain where Star

It's been another devasting year for North American forests, with careless campfires too often being the cause of uncontrolled wildfires. What's the best way to have a campfire in the woods?







That's what we talk about in our RV Podcast interview of the week with a spokesperson for the intra-agency task force charged with fighting the catastrophic wildfires that have been so much in the news these days.







Also this week, we report on:









* A terrible highway tragedy killed five people when a tire blew on their RV on I-91 in Pennsylvania, causing it to veer into an oncoming semi.







* Expert tips on keeping your RV roof in good shape







* Plus the RV news of the week, travel tips and your RV questions…all coming up on Episode 460 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.















Updates







The dog days of summer are here with us full swing across most of the nation. But fall is right around the corner. Be sure and make your fall travel reservations as soon as you can, as autumn has emerged as a very popular camping time. 







I just looked at our calendar, and September and October are filled with RV shows, rallies, and fall camping getaways. And with two weeks left in August, we still have time for a nice getaway that we plan to take in just a couple of days.







Hershey - We're not going this year. Instead, we're doing the Elkhart Dealer Open House.







Our video on our new Montana High Country fifth wheel went live this weekend and we’ve had a great response. There were lots of questions,,, like what tow vehicle we use. It's the same as before, our 2021 Ford Heavy Duty F-250 diesel.







Others wanted to know if we still have our Class C Leisure Travel Vans Unity FX. Yes, we do, and we use it for shorter trips.







There were a couple of questions about what happened to the Arcadia 32-foot fifth wheel we had been using. We traded it in for the Montana High Country.







And more than a few wanted to know how Bo liked it. Just fine. He doesn't like riding in our Class C motorhome so when we're driving to new locations in the fifth wheel, he gets to ride in the truck. And he likes the extra room and windows.







Another question we have been getting a lot has to do with our property at the Woodlands in Tennessee and whether it is for sale. Yes, it is, but we’re in no rush and probably should be more intentional about listing it for sale.







And although we have had a lot of interest, we insist that anyone we sell actually visit the property. We were amazed at how many wanted to buy sight unseen, just based on our videos. We think it needs an in-person inspection. We haven't been as aggressive as we should be in selling it, but if you are a serious buyer… use the contact form at the top of this page to reach us.







SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group:







Schools may be back in many places around the country, but that doesn't mean it isn't still hot and humid. Dealing with humid weather is what Kayleigh posted about last week. Kayleigh is new to RVing, living in a camper in Florida and asked,