RV Unpacked

CampingWorld

Whether you're a full-time traveler, weekend RVer, or just exploring the idea of camping, we break down the latest RV trends, new models, travel tips, and conversations to keep you in the loop — with a few laughs along the way. Join Ian and Chris for RV Unpacked, the go-to podcast for RV enthusiasts who want to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the lifestyle they love.

  1. MAY 13

    "Built Like $#!@"... The Truth About RV Quality

    Are RVs made like junk? In this episode of RV Unpacked, we tackle one of the most common and controversial questions in the industry. Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe We dive into the reality of modern RV manufacturing and explore the fundamental differences between building a standardized passenger vehicle and constructing a house on wheels. The conversation addresses the importance of the final inspection, the vital role of proper dealer preparation, and why regular maintenance is an expected requirement for any owner. The episode also features a session of "RV Quality Court." We examine common RV mishaps—such as a cabinet door falling off on the first trip or sudden water damage—and determine exactly who is at fault: the manufacturer, the dealer, the owner, or simply life on the road. Whether you are shopping for your first camper or looking to protect your current investment, tune in to get a realistic look at RV quality and learn how to navigate the ownership experience. Chapters:  00:00 Check-In – Are All RVs Built Like $#!@?  03:47 Why Negative Stories Dominate Online  07:04 The RV Industry Is NOT the Car Industry  9:26 Where the Industry Needs to Improve 13:50 What Buyers Get Wrong  16:51 How to Protect Yourself When Buying  22:08 RV Quality Court 25:25 Check-Out

    24 min

  2. APR 29

    RV Confidential: How One Brand Turns Customer Feedback into Features

    How does an RV brand stay #1 for over two decades? We're pulling back the curtain on the Keystone Cougar to reveal the secrets behind their legendary success. Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe In this episode of RV Unpacked, Chris Young flies solo and sits down with Keystone Cougar's Product Manager, Scott Taylor, for an exclusive inside look. They unpack the 20-year legacy of the Cougar brand, from its innovative construction and consistent quality to the passionate team that builds America's favorite fifth wheel. Discover who these RVs are truly built for, what makes them different from the competition, and get a sneak peek at what's coming for the 2027 model year! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Keystone Cougar Line 01:05 Meet Scott Taylor, Cougar Product Manager 03:03 Why the Cougar Line Is So Popular 04:43 Who’s Buying Cougar RVs? 07:11 Materials & Construction Innovations 09:05 How Customer Feedback Shapes Cougar 15:56 First Look: 2027 Cougar Models 18:12 Breaking Down the Cougar Lineup 19:48 Rapid Fire Favorites 21:12 RV Hall of Fame 21:57 Scott’s Pick: Cougar 29MBD 23:38 Chris’s Pick: Cougar 364BHL 25:38 Closing Thoughts For more from Camping World, follow us: Facebook: http://facebook.com/campingworld Twitter: https://twitter.com/campingworld Instagram: http://instagram.com/campingworld Reddit: http://reddit.com/r/campingworld/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@campingworld LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/campingworld #KeystoneCougar #RVUnpacked #FifthWheel #RVIndustry #RVLife #CampingWorld #RV

    26 min

  3. APR 22

    The Truth About RV Quality: Consistency, Price, Fundamentals

    What’s the priority when building a $100,000 fifth wheel? For one manufacturer, it’s quality.  Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe In this episode of RV Unpacked, Chris and Ian are joined by special guest Will Miller, General Manager at Forest River's Plant 410, for a candid conversation about what really goes into building a luxury fifth wheel. Will pulls back the curtain on the manufacturing process, dispelling common myths and sharing what customers should actually look for when shopping for a premium RV. We discuss the critical role of company culture, how customer feedback leads to real product changes, and the structural components that separate a high-quality coach from the rest. Plus, we get an exclusive teaser about a brand new, more accessible product line coming for the 2027 model year! 00:00 Intro 03:05 Guest Introduction: Willie Miller - GM of Forest River Plant 410 05:46 Plant 410 RVs 11:37 Understanding Manufacturing and Customer Expectations 14:28 Quality vs. Price in RVs 19:52  2027 New Lineup from Plant 410 21:59 Industry News and Trends 26:28 RV Hall of Fame - Favorite Forest River Plant 410 RV 27:45 Ian’s Pick - 2026 River Ranch 394RKL 29:47 Chris’s Pick - Columbus 384RKH

    31 min

  4. APR 15

    No More Boring Bunkhouses! Ian and Chris Debate 2026’s Best Family Fifth Wheels

    Who says you have to sacrifice luxury to bring the whole family along?  Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe Models In This Episode: Cougar 29MBD: https://cwrv.link/2026cougar29mbd Montana 397FB: https://cwrv.link/2026montanahighcountry397fb Eagle SLE 28BHU: https://cwrv.link/2026eaglesle28bhu Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT: https://cwrv.link/2026colemanlegacy3000loft Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43: https://cwrv.link/2025wildwoodroost43 In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian Baker and Chris dive into how manufacturers are re-engineering the family fifth wheel for 2026. They explore a new era of RV design where bunkhouses have evolved into innovative lofts, dedicated "gamer" rooms, and multi-level living spaces that feel more like high-end apartments than camping trailers. From better safety features like built-in guardrails and "non-Lego" ladders to secret tech like projector screens and dedicated homework stations, the guys debate which of these 2026 floor plans sets the new standard for life on the road. Are you Team Cougar, Montana, Eagle, Coleman, or Roost? Drop a comment below and let us know which family rig you’d choose for your next cross-country trip! Chapters:  0:00 — Intro: Spring Break & the "Bunk Bed Magic" 05:21 — Keystone Cougar 29MBD: How to fit 3 beds in a short rig 09:48 — Keystone Montana 397FB: The ultimate mobile gaming & homework station 13:37 — Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU: Quality meets affordability for grandparents 17:05 — Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT: Why kids (and Ian) love the projector room 23:49 — Forest River Wildwood Roost43: A "SoHo Apartment" with a spiral staircase 30:12 — RV Hall of Fame: The Coleman Loft vs. The Roost 43 30:38 — Ian's Pick: Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT 32:15 — Chris's Pick: Forest River Wildwood Roost43 35:41 — Check Out: Love for Air Fryers #RVLife #FifthWheel #FamilyCamping #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #Bunkhouse #KeystoneRV #Jayco #ColemanRV

    37 min

  5. APR 8

    Are Small Toy Haulers the Most Versatile RVs? (Plus More Small Trends & Accessories)

    They say great things come in small packages. From powerful, pint-sized batteries to feature-packed RVs under 30 feet, the world of toy haulers is getting a major upgrade. Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe Models In This Episode: Campsite Reserve 23TS: https://cwrv.link/2026campsitereserve23ts Coleman 13T: https://cwrv.link/2026coleman13t Salem FSX 180RTK: https://cwrv.link/2026salemfsx189rtk Think you need a massive rig to have a garage on wheels? Think again. The latest small toy haulers are more versatile and innovative than ever, packing incredible features into compact, state-park-friendly floorplans. In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris explore the "small is better" trend, from new battery technology to their favorite toy haulers under 30 feet. They debate which models offer the best layouts, features, and overall value for every type of adventurer. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Small Toy Haulers 04:05 – Campsite Reserve’s New Model: 23TS 08:07 – The Keystone Coleman 13T 12:59 – Traditional Toy Hauler: Grey Wolf 18RR 15:59 – Higher-End Option: East to West Alta 2400KTH 19:05 – Shorter & Affordable Toy Hauler: Salem FSXL 23:07 – RV Hall of Fame: Best Small Toy Haulers 23:35 – Chris’s Pick: Campsite Reserve 23TS 25:22 – Ian’s Pick: Coleman 13T 28:50 – Checkout: Tell Us Your Favorite Toy Hauler!

    29 min

  6. APR 1

    RV Build Quality | How To You Know If Your RV Was Built Right

    Can one hour in an RV really tell you if it’s built right? We find out... Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe Full Cougar Article: https://rvbusiness.com/i-heard-a-great-big-rustle-cougar-rests-under-womans-rv/ Whether you’re buying a six figure RV or your first entry-level camper, quality matters. RVs construction gets its fair share of criticism, and it’s something every buyer should have on their radar to make sure their RV is what they expected.  Is it ready? Is it ready to work? Is it ready to be worked on? Is it ready for you? Those four questions go a long way when you’re at the dealership. In this episode Chris and Ian break down exactly what you should be looking for and asking about, no matter the price tag. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction 01:38 Good RV Construction 04:00 Is the RV Ready? 05:28 Is the RV Ready to Work? 19:30  Is the RV Ready for You? 23:36 Is the RV Ready to Be Worked On? 29:17 RV Industry News 32:51 RV Hall of Fame - Best RV Construction Improvement 34:00 Chris’s Pick - Composite Panels 35:37 Ian’s Pick - Solar For more from Camping World, follow us: Facebook: http://facebook.com/campingworld Twitter: https://twitter.com/campingworld Instagram: http://instagram.com/campingworld Reddit: http://reddit.com/r/campingworld/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@campingworld LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/campingworld #campingworld #RVquality #RVconstruction #rvlife #buyinganRV #RVunpacked #RVpodcast

    38 min

  7. MAR 25

    How The RV Hunter Built His Dream Fifth Wheel

    We're thrilled to welcome The RV Hunter, who went from being a top-performing RV salesman to a beloved online personality, sharing his passion and knowledge for RVs with millions. Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe We're talking with social media powerhouse The RV Hunter about the creation of his custom 38RVHUNTER Sabre, his backstory, and more. He reveals his non-negotiable features, the design challenges he faced, and the secret TV feature he's never seen before.  Learn what it really takes to develop a new RV floorplan with one of the industry's top manufacturers and get a sneak peek at the model designed for families and couples who refuse to compromise. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Industry Check-In: Latest RV News 04:16 Meet Hunter Megowen: From RV Sales to @thervhunter 12:32 Understanding What RV Buyers Really Need 16:13 How to Find the Right RV for Your Lifestyle 19:18 Inside the 2026 Sabre 38RVHUNTER 27:01 Where RV Design & Quality Are Headed 30:18 Designing an RV for Families and Couples 32:14 Memorable Family Camping Trips 37:30 Hunter’s Best Advice for Buying an RV 42:22 RV Hall of Fame: Best Family-Friendly Features 43:20 Ian’s Pick: Why Table Space Matters 44:47 Chris’s Pick: Half Bath vs. Second Entry 47:43 Wrap-Up & Where to Find Hunter Tags #TheRVHunter #RVdesign #Sabre #ForestRiver #RVtour #CampingWorld

    48 min

  8. MAR 18

    RV Budget Secrets: How To Make Your Trips Cost Less

    Make your dollars go further with every trip. Check these tips for saving on food, travel, and camping.  Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe If you want to stretch your adventure budget further, Ian and Chris are back again to give their favorite ways to save while still experiencing fantastic RV trips.  Learn how to save on FOOD: We dive into the significant cost difference between cooking yourself and dining out. Learn our top strategies for budget-friendly meal prep, easy campsite recipes, and making your food budget work for you. TRAVEL: Your biggest variable cost is fuel. We share our proven tactics for saving at the pump, including why moving less saves you more, the benefits of staying longer, and how to plan your trips to minimize driving. CAMPGROUNDS: Your nightly rate is a key lever in your budget. We discuss how to find affordable campsites, what to look for in a budget-friendly park, and the essentials of boondocking to take advantage of free stays. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:19 Check In: RV News and Industry Updates 08:35 How to RV on a Budget 20:45 Boondocking Essentials 29:00 Slow Travel - Move Less, Save More, Enjoy More 35:42 RV Hall of Fame: Best Budget Camping Meal? 36:33 Chris’s Pick: Walking Taco 38:16 Ian’s Pick: PB&J Sandwiches 40:51 Check Out: What is Your Best Budget Meal? #campingworld #RVbudget, #RVlife, #campingonabudget, #savemoneytravel, #RVtravel, #boondocking, #RVtips, #budgettravel

    41 min
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About

Whether you're a full-time traveler, weekend RVer, or just exploring the idea of camping, we break down the latest RV trends, new models, travel tips, and conversations to keep you in the loop — with a few laughs along the way. Join Ian and Chris for RV Unpacked, the go-to podcast for RV enthusiasts who want to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the lifestyle they love.

Information

  • Creator
    CampingWorld
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CampingWorld
  • Show Website
    RV Unpacked

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