RV Unpacked

CampingWorld
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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. Jul 29

    2027 Model Sneak Peek + RV Drag Racing

    We drag raced two Class A motorhomes at 64 mph, previewed the wildest 2027 RVs at Sneak Peek, then ranked all 10 campground neighbors from best to worst. Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe RV Unpacked is back! This week, Ian and Chris recap their fourth trip to the NHRA drag strip in Sonoma — where two Class A motorhomes topped out at 64 mph and Ian finally broke Chris's undefeated streak. From there they dig into what's actually new for 2027 straight out of Forest River Sneak Peek: Contour appliances taking over the industry, a fresh Surveyor fifth wheel, the short-but-tall full-pro Mirage, and the off-road-ready Forest River Pause with true air suspension. The guys also look ahead to the future of RVing — electric towing, self-charging battery systems, and a brand-new video dropping this weekend on how the RV evolved into what it is today. Then things get competitive with a blind-ranking game: 10 types of campground neighbors, ranked from favorite to most hated. Where does the acoustic guitar guy land? What about the firewood philanthropist? Tune in to find out. Chapters:  00:00 RV Drag Racing at Sonoma  04:25 2027 RV Trends and Sneak Peek  10:29 Forest River Pause Line - New Off-Road Trailer  13:13 The Future of RVs: It's Electric  16:31 Game: Blind Ranking Campground Neighbors #rvunpacked #campingworld #rv #rvlife #rvpodcast #dragracing #nhra #forestriver #forestrivermirage #eddiebauer #forestriverpause #fifthwheel #motorhome #rvshow #hersheyrvshow #camping

  2. Jul 8

    Hot Weather RVs, SPECIAL GUESTS, and a Hero RV Giveaway

    This week, we meet our very first Hero of the Month winner and unveil a game-changing new fifth wheel built to tackle extreme temperatures! Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris sit down with special guest Ben to step inside the brand-new Mesquite fifth wheel—one of the most heavily insulated RVs in the industry, built to conquer extreme summer temperatures. The Mesquite features three-inch vacuum-bonded walls, dual-pane argon gas windows, and triple ACs…  Later in the episode, Chris shares the most rewarding moment of his career as he surprises our first Hero of the Month recipient. We sit down with veterans who run a community non-profit to share their beautiful story and celebrate their brand-new, free RV. This is your all-access pass to the ultimate hot-weather rig and a celebration of true American heroes. Chapters:  00:00 Intro  00:53 Meet Ben & the All-New Mesquite Fifth Wheel  01:29 Inside the Mesquite: Design & Build Quality  11:05 Where to Find the Mesquite & Who It's For  13:00 Introducing Our First Hero of the Month - Krystle Matthews  14:53 Why Krystle Is a Hero  15:37 Serving Women Veterans  24:11 Her Plans for the New RV  28:51 Outro #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #HeroOfTheMonth #VeteranHeroes #RVGiveaway #MesquiteFifthWheel #HotWeatherCamping #FifthWheel

  3. Jun 24

    The Ultimate 4th of July RV Setups!

    Fireworks, stars, mountain ranges — we’re talking RVs with the best views… Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe From travel trailers completely surrounded by windows to massive destination trailers with two-story observation decks, the right floorplan can make your next trip unforgettable.  In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris break down their top picks for the best "viewing" RVs on the market. We cover all the options: What are the best setups for outdoor entertaining? Which RVs serve as the perfect seasonal vacation home without the million-dollar price tag? And how does an 8-foot side patio change the game? RVs mentioned in this episode:  Salem 44ZEN  Hideout Max 31 Sunrise  Cherokee Timberwolf 20OG:  Alliance Paradigm 388SP Grand Design Foundation 42 GD Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK  Sabre 38RVHUNTER Chapters:  00:00 - Intro - Best RVs to Watch Fireworks 01:28 - Destination Travel Trailer: Salem/Wildwood 44ZEN 04:19 - Travel Trailer: Hideout Max 31SUNROOM 06:53 - Hybrid Option: Cherokee Timberwolf 20OG 09:32 - Fifth Wheel: Alliance Paradigm 388SP 12:55 - Overall: Grand Design Foundation 42GD 16:40 - Honorable Mention: Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK 17:49 - Honorable Mention: Sabre 38RVHUNTER 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 #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #RVsWithAView #DestinationTrailer #TravelTrailer #FifthWheel #RVLife #CampgroundView

  4. Jun 10

    How to Buy an RV Park | Risking Everything To Follow a Dream

    Bryce and Nellie share what they learned buying an RV park…  Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe The Park at Swan Valley: https://www.theparkatswanvalley.com/ Jurgy’s On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJurgys   Many RVers consider buying a campground. In this episode, Ian sits down with Bryce and Nellie to discuss their transition from full-time RV travel to campground ownership. They explain the unexpected hurdles of property easements, the process of rezoning agricultural land, and the difficulty of finding the right bank loan. They also detail how they focus on building core family memories through their unique summer camp program at The Park at Swan Valley. Chapters:  00:00 Dreaming of Owning an RV Park 01:24 The Transition: From RVers to Owners  03:41  Financing, Setbacks, and Early Lessons 09:25 Nailing Down the Purchase 14:44 Creating Unique Experiences & Building Community 26:43 Reflections, Motivation & The Bigger Picture #RVPark #CampgroundOwnership #RVLife #CampingWorld #FamilyCamping #RVing

  5. May 27

    Are RV Warranties a Scam?

    Are RV warranties a scam? Here’s how to understand the fine print.  Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris examine the ongoing debate surrounding RV warranties. They break down exactly how these contracts work, what they actually cover, and why so many claims end up denied. The discussion details the three main types of warranties every RV owner needs to understand: manufacturer warranties, supplier components, and extended service contracts. Ian and Chris outline the top five reasons claims face rejection, highlighting factors like missed routine maintenance, normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues, and aftermarket modifications. We'll learn how to navigate the claims process efficiently and how to keep a proper maintenance logbook to support future claims. For those debating whether an extended warranty makes sense for a specific travel style and budget, the episode provides the exact questions to ask the finance office before signing any paperwork. Chapters:  00:00 Check-In: Understanding RV Warranties 01:50 What Is an RV Warranty? 05:05 The 3 Buckets of RV Warranties: Manufacturer, Supplier/Component, and Extended Warranty/Service Contract 12:20 Common Reasons for Warranty Denials 18:59 Should You Buy an Extended Warranty? 21:50 Key Questions to Ask About Extended Warranties 24:30 How to Use Your Warranty Effectively 26:35 Warranty Red Flags and Green Lights 28:35 Check-Out: Are RV Warranties a Scam? Tags:  #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #RVWarranties #RVOwnership #RVMaintenance #RVTips #TravelTrailer #FifthWheel #Motorhome #RVLife

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CampingWorld
  • Show Website
    RV Unpacked

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