RV Lifestyle RV Podcast Mike Wendland

This week on the RV Podcast:









* RV Trip Planning with AI is now a reality. We’ll explain in our Interview of the Week about a powerful AI Trip Planner aimed at RVers. 







* It’s finally a buyer’s market for those who want to purchase a new RV. Dealers are anxious and more willing to offer big discounts as their lots remain filled with unsold inventory 







* On Mike and Jen’s Storytime segment at the end of the show, we’ll tell you all about the most embarrassing - and costly - mistake we’ve ever made while RVing.







* Zion National Park plans to ban all large RVs from its popular eastern entrance starting in 2026 in hopes of unsnarling the park’s often massive traffic jams.







* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #501 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.















This has been a very busy week for us:

















* As the podcast is released, we are with 70 of our followers at our Groove and Gather with the Temptations in the heart of Amish Country in Shipshewana. Here we are at our potluck, giving away prizes!











* We spent the last week reviewing three small Class A RVs











* We got Bo microchipped and another - unnecessary but required rabies vaccine - to fill out the proper forms to qualify for the confusing, controversial, and much-criticized new guidelines required by the CDC to bring a dog back to the US if you visit another country with your pet - even Canada.









SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.







In the RVLifestyle Community's Travel, Trips & Tours Space, Cindy was looking for recommendations for campgrounds in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, anywhere between Sault Ste. Marie and the Porcupine Mountains. 







That is such a beautiful camping area and Cindy got several suggestions.







Laurie recommended Indian Lake RV Resort & Campground and the Indian Lake Campground both in Manistique. She said both were clean with very friendly people, beautiful area. And she added her favorite boondocking spot was in the UP's East Lake Hiawatha National Forest.







Kerry recommended the Aune Osborne Campground in Sault Ste. Marie. She said she had recently stayed there, got a spot right on the lake, and could see the ships coming by, and it was just sensational.







And Melissa really liked the Woodland Park Campground in Grand Marais. When she stayed there her site overlooked Lake Superior and it sounds like the location is a great place to go looking for Yooperlite rocks, which you need a good black light flashlight to find, but the lights are sold in town.







(I had to look up Yooperlite rocks to see what they are, and these have this fluorescent glow to them - very cool!)







Also in our Community,

This week on the RV Podcast:









* This is our 500th RV Podcast. For close to 10 years, we’ve been doing this show. This week, we tell you how it all began…and where we’re headed...







* We have some clarification on those controversial new CDC rules on bringing your dog back from Canada and Mexico. But that clarification doesn't mean it still isn’t confusing.







* In our social media buzz segment, we have tips on keeping cool while camping in the summer heat. 







* All this, plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #500 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.























The Latest from the CDC on their new rules for bringing your dog back from Canada and Mexico







As we’ve been reporting, starting August 1 some very detailed and complicated new rules will go into effect for anyone who enters the United States with a dog. 







And while these new rules are aimed at keeping so-called rescue dogs being imported into the US from countries that have high rates of canine rabies, they also affect tourists and RVers who take their dogs with them on vacation to Canada and Mexico and then come back home.







You heard that right. The rules about bringing animals in from nations that have problems with rabies also apply to family pets owned either by Canadians coming to vacation in the US, or US citizens who have traveled to Canada and are returning home.







After almost two weeks of trying, we finally got a written response to our questions from the CDC. The CDC refused to be interviewed and would only respond to written questions, providing us the following information:









* To come back onto the US, your dog must be at least six months old. So if you have a young dog or puppy, even if you left the US with it for your vacation, you can not return to the US with the pup until it is six months old.







* All dogs returning to the US must be microchipped. 







* You must have the dog vaccinated for rabies and have written proof of that and the microchip number from your vet







* Your vet must fill out a form and send it to the USDA.







* Finally, 2-10 days before returning to the US, you must take face and body photos of your dog, complete a CDC Dog import form, note the microchip number on it, identify which port of entry you will use to return to the US and upload it to the CDC, keeping a copy of the receipt they send you back that you can show at the border when you chrome back to the US.









Did you get all that? 







We asked our vet and after checking, his response was “Good God what a mess!







All the forms, all the paperwork seemed overwhelming. 







The CDC recommends you begin getting the documentation done 60-90 days before leaving the country with your pet.







All of those rules must go into effect Aug. 1. If you have not followed them, your dog will not be allowed to return to the US.







Now here’s the rub. Some of the required forms won't be available until after July 15. The rules take affect two weeks later.







The CDC is putting as much of this as they can online. We have two resources they shared.

This week on the RV Podcast:









* Those horrific storms and tornadoes keep coming, this time hitting campgrounds crowded with Memorial Day RVers







* We’ll talk about what to do when a Tornado is heading toward your campground







* There’s continuing fallout and confusion over new rules by the CDC about bringing your dog back from Canada or Mexico… and the CDC won't comment on our attempts to get clarification.







* All this plus the RV News of the Week, your questions and Mike & Jen's RV Storytime coming up in Episode #499 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.















We’re just back from a great trip to Arizona, where we toured a new desert development aimed at RVers. We’ll have a full video on these new properties as well as a visit to all the awesome things to do nearby, from the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. Look for that video on Saturday on our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel. We’ll also show you how Rvers are living off grid in the desert with all the comforts of home. 







Our Latest Travel Guide is Now Available- The Ultimate RV Guide to Exploring the Bourbon Trail!















This is an 81-page eBook (not a printed book) leading you on an epic road trip through the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon country. The Bourbon Trail is home to some of the most renowned distilleries in the world, each with its own unique story and flavor profile.







Our RV travel guide features in-depth profiles of the top distilleries, including Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace, and many more. Learn about their histories, the distillation processes, and what makes each bourbon distinct. We also provide insider tips on the best times to visit, must-try tastings, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.







You don’t have to drink alcohol to enjoy this trip. Kentucky is a state of stunning natural beauty, and our guide ensures you won't miss any of it. We've curated a selection of scenic routes that showcase the best of Kentucky's landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to charming small towns and historic landmarks. Along the way, you'll discover hidden gems that only locals know – quaint cafes, artisan shops, historic sites, and breathtaking viewpoints.







Beyond the distilleries, the Bourbon Trail offers a wealth of experiences that will enrich your journey and allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and hospitality of Kentucky.







Check it out now, available for instant download, at: https://rvlifestyle.com/RVBourbon







Fallout and Confusion in the Wake of The CDC’s New Rules on bringing dogs back from Canada and Mexico















Like many others, we’re still confused by a sudden new rule by the CDC that takes effect August 1 and affects tourists and travelers returning to the US from Canada and Mexico. 







We’ve been trying since last week to get clarification from the CDC on this and they basically ...

This week on the RV Podcast:









* Some new Dog Reentry Rules from Canada will make it much more challenging to bring your pet back home to the US. The same goes for Mexico.







* There’s a new scam going around reported by many RVers. They get an email telling them they have to pay a $50 late fee for missing a road toll. If you get that email, don't click on it.







* And in our Mike & Jens Storytime at the end of the podcast, we’ll share why a simple tape measure is a great illustration to jumpstart your RV Lifestyle plans.







* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your RV questions coming up in Episode #498 of RV Lifestyle’s 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.















Well, that didn’t take long! Our Fall Gathering at the Gulf for October has sold out. It took three days. If you want to get on the waitlist, go here and read all about it.







And we’re just three weeks away from our summer Gather and Groove meetup in Shipshewana, IN, in June. A highlight for that gathering will be an Amish dinner followed by a show from the Temptations!















We’re on the road this week, in the Southwest. We’re hitting all the attractions… Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon… and catching some great desert sunsets. We've been updating our social media channels with highlights and have a full video coming in a week or two.







SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.







In the RV Lifestyle Community General Discussions Space, Bud and Sue recently warned everyone about a SCAM. In the scam you get a text message from "SunPass" saying you owe money for tolls, and to avoid a $50 late charge, you have to go to a website to pay immediately. SunPass, is of course a toll road program in parts of the country, generally the east and southeast, and Bud and Sue wanted people to be aware.







Many thanked them for this warning and Sharon said she had just received such a text but it was from a different toll road pass company and she knew it was incorrect because she hadn't been anywhere.







And Joe suggested you still check with your toll road company to make sure no one messed with your account, and he shared a story out of New York where thieves were making fake license plates and using those to fool the automatic toll road stations and get out of paying.







I did a little digging and SunPass issued a statement recently that the company would never text people seeking immediate payment, so thank you Bud and Sue for sharing that!







Also in the RV Lifestyle Community, in the Traveling with Pets Space, Teena asked if anyone put a Dog on Board sticker in their RV when they leave their pets alone?

This week on the RV Podcast:









* Walmart camping: Is it safe to camp at Walmart?







* Do sway bars really help with towing?







* Are YouTube influencers ruining our National Parks?







* All this, plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #497 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. And if you want to read the entire transcript of the podcast - click the CC on the player!























Gathering at the Gulf - Oct. 8-11, Navarre, FL.















Announcing the RV Lifestyle “Gathering At the Gulf,” our fall meetup on the crystal clear waters of Florida’s fabled Emerald Coast, held at an upscale RV resort right on the shore of Santa Rosa Sound in beautiful Navarre, FL.







Imagine mile after mile of pristine, white sparking beaches and crisp Emerald-colored water. Smell the warm salt air. Feel the ever-so-gentle breeze following off the Gulf and hear the gentle purr of the waves swishing against the shore.







The location is in the Florida Panhandle, halfway between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. Navarre Beach is our entry to the National Island National Seashore. It is a place of unspoiled natural beauty that truly stands apart. It is the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the United States that runs for 160 miles from east to west.







We will be camping just minutes from this breathtaking spot in the luxurious Santa Rosa Waterfront RV Resort located right on the bay and just minutes from the pristine sandy beaches.







October is Florida’s most beautiful time of the year. Gone is the humidity of summer. The days are comfortably warm, the nights pleasantly cool. 







Sign up and get more info now at https://rvlifestyle.com/fall24















SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.







In the RVLifestyle Community's Troubleshooting Space, Jon asked if sway bars would help control his trailer  with high winds. Recently he white-knuckled it all the way home in 30 MPH winds and did not want to repeat that experience, so he asked about options.







Bob and Roxy told Jon they have used a Reese Strait Line active sway control and weight distribution kit on their travel trailer and it helped a lot.







Randall said his family has learned sway bars on a travel trailer is a must. 







And Ari and Jesse said they have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch with sway bars and they often don't even know their 30-foot Airstream is behind them - even on windy days and even with big trucks passing.







So I think Jon got his answer!







Meanwhile, in the General Discussions Space, Traci was on a road trip and was going to stop at a
Mike Wendland
full
false
56:56



Tourons, TechTalk & Tales from the Road
https://rvlifestyle.com/tourons-techtalk-tales-from-the-road/
Wed, 08 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000
https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=109472
This week on the RV Lifestyle RV Podcast:

In the interview of the week segment, tech talks about lithium batteries, how to replace your existing AGM or wet cell batteries, how to pair lithium with an inverter, and what you need for wiring.

Yellowstone National Park just reopened for the new season and already, there’s been a touron incident - a tourist moron who dangerously messed with the wildlife.

And we introduce a new segment at the end of the podcast - Mike & Jen’s storytime, in which we share a tale and lesson we’ve learned from our many years on the road. This week, we talk about the time we were robbed!

All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #496 of the RV Podc

This week on the RV Podcast:









* In the interview of the week, we have practical RV driving tips from an expert on operating, backing up, and navigating mountains and steep hills in an RV.







* A Massachusetts couple dropped off their RV to get repaired. The dealer then moved the RV to an unsecured parking area down the street, where it was then stolen. The dealer basically shrugged and said it wasn't their problem. We’ll explain in the news of the week.







* Good News! The National Parks Service has abandoned its plan to remove the wild horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park thanks to public pressure.







* Plus the latest in RV recalls and your questions coming up in Episode #495 of the RV Podcast









You can watch the video version on 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.



















SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - Wendy Bowyer















Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.







In the RVLifestyle Community General Discussions Space, Angelina asked Where do you store your shoes and how do you keep the bed up so you can store things under it? 







For the bed up question, Lynnette suggested she get stronger hydraulic arms to make this easier to lift - sounds like a simple and relatively inexpensive fix. And for the shoes, many weighed in. Scott suggested Angelina try hanging canvas shoe pockets along the base of the bed. He said this could easily store about a dozen pairs. Kathy said they use white racks from Walmart that are meant for kitchen cabinets but work great on the shelf that runs along the foot of her bed. And Ari and Jesse suggested getting a shoe organizer, one that could hang over a door.







This next question in our RVLifestyle Community was in the Apps & Planning Tools Space and I have to admit it - I was the one who asked this question. In last week's podcast I learned that I could get a 10-cent per gallon discount by using the Love's App and I wondered what other good fuel apps I was missing out on.







So many good suggestions in this thread, had to share them with you. Many recommended Gas Buddy to see which nearest station had the best price. Several people pair that with Upside, which is an app where you scan your fuel receipts and to get cash back for just buying what you would normally buy. I thought that one was super interesting.







One person said he is getting $1 per gallon off the first three fill ups by using the Chevron app. Others that came up often included Shell, Costco, Kroger, and Good Sam's for Pilot and Flying J. The diesel users often recommended Open Roads.







Meanwhile, over on our RVLifestyle Facebook Group, Ro asked, What do people think is best for putting down the black tank to break up waste material? Ro tried a few things, but was still searching for what is best. This question comes up a LOT but there are also common recommendations.







Many say they use Unique RV Digest or Happy Camper with great success. Many have homemade mixtures,