Episodes

This week, Mike examines a string of reckless incidents in America's national parks, from Yellowstone "tourons" walking across fragile thermal features to dangerous wildlife encounters that could have been avoided. He also questions the RV industry's growing optimism after spending time in Elkhart and seeing signs that manufacturers are still slowing production while inventories remain high. Plus: • An AI-powered fake RV dealership scam targeting buyers on Facebook • Roadtrek's latest owners...

Roadtrek has a new owner, again. In this breaking news episode, Mike examines the sale of Roadtrek from France's Groupe Rapido to Conestogo Partners, a U.S.-based investment group focused on outdoor recreation. Roadtrek has one of the most fascinating histories in the RV industry, from pioneering the Class B motorhome market to surviving bankruptcy and multiple ownership changes. Mike explains what this latest sale means for owners, dealers and the future of one of RVing's most iconic brands. ...

Meet Ron and Barbara Abler: Proof That RVing Has No Age Limit Ron is 87. Barbara is 82. And right now, they're probably somewhere on the road, planning the next trip. In this episode, Mike Wendland sits down with longtime friends of the RV Lifestyle community, Ron and Barbara Abler, to talk about what it actually takes to keep RVing in your 80s. Ron retired three times, from Penn State University in 1995, the Association of American Geographers in 2002, and the International Geographical Union...

This week on the RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland takes a hard look at one of the biggest frustrations facing RV owners today: service department problems at some of the nation's largest RV dealer chains. You'll also hear about the extreme weather that disrupted RV travel from the Great Lakes to Texas, California's new effort to crack down on ghost campground bookings, a major fire-risk recall affecting many Tiffin motorhomes, an important wildlife safety reminder following a Ye...

Episode #625 - RV Insurance Done Right, the New Maintenance Tracker, and Slowing Down on the Road Are you actually covered for life on the road? Matt Jacobs, RV Product Manager at Progressive Insurance, joins Mike to break down the coverage RVers need, the mistakes people make when buying it, and why insurance is one of the topics that comes up most in our Facebook Group. Also this week: the launch of the RV Maintenance Tracker, a one-time-purchase app for logging every service, tire check, an...

This week on the RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland looks at a surprising new trend that may shape the future of camping in America: communities increasingly pushing back against new RV parks and campgrounds. We also cover: • The worst RV sales numbers of the current downturn and why used RVs continue to outperform new inventory. • Why Grand Design and Coachmen are both betting big on luxury Class C motorhomes. • The return of rising fuel prices and what renewed Middle East ten...

Brand-new RVs are being liquidated in the middle of peak camping season, and that's just the beginning. In this week's RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland examines why the RV industry is facing growing challenges, what the newly announced Patrick-Lippert merger could mean for RV owners, and why record Fourth of July crowds created chaos in many National Parks. Also this week: • A look at the latest RV safety recalls • Expanding public campgrounds that could make reservations eas...

For years, we dream about retirement. We imagine freedom, open roads, and finally having the time to do everything we've always wanted. But what happens when that day finally arrives? In this episode of Stories from the Road, Mike and Jennifer share an honest conversation about what they've discovered in the second half of life. After more than 15 years of RV travel, they've learned that retirement isn't really an ending, it's the beginning of a whole new adventure. They talk about slowing dow...

For years, we dream about retirement. We imagine freedom, open roads, and finally having the time to do everything we've always wanted. But what happens when that day finally arrives? In this episode of Stories from the Road, Mike and Jennifer share an honest conversation about what they've discovered in the second half of life. After more than 15 years of RV travel, they've learned that retirement isn't really an ending, it's the beginning of a whole new adventure. They talk about slowing dow...

This week's RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition is packed with practical information to help you travel smarter. Mike explains why slowing RV sales could create exceptional buying opportunities, looks at what will likely be the busiest Fourth of July travel week ever, breaks down where fuel prices are headed, explains the latest Starlink changes affecting RVers, and wraps up with two travel center stories you'll definitely want to know before your next trip. Full Transcript Available with source...

Wall Street has discovered camping. Across America, investment firms, private equity groups, and large corporate operators are quietly buying family-owned campgrounds at an unprecedented pace. The result is changing the camping experience many RVers have enjoyed for decades. In this episode, Mike and Jennifer explore how campground consolidation is reshaping RV travel, from rising campsite rates and resort fees to stricter rules and less personal service. You'll hear from a family campground ...

The RV industry is chasing the wrong generation. While manufacturers court 30-somethings with outdoor TVs and influencer campaigns, the buyers who are actually writing checks right now look nothing like the people in the ads. Last week I sat around a campfire in Hocking Hills, Ohio with 88 members of our RVCommunity. I asked how many had bought a new RV in the past year. Eleven hands went up. A 12th would have, but he was out on a six-mile hike. He was turning 70. That tells you everything the...

Ticks are having a banner year across much of North America, and that has outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and RVers paying close attention. Most people know about Lyme disease. But far fewer have heard of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a tick-borne condition that can suddenly make you allergic to red meat and trigger severe, even life-threatening allergic reactions. In this episode of the RV Podcast, we revisit one of the most important health interviews we've ever done. RVer Fred Church shares th...

This week's RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition covers five important stories every RVer should know about. First, a major recall affects more than one million Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, including many popular tow vehicles used behind motorhomes. Owners are being advised to park affected vehicles outside due to a potential fire risk, even when the ignition is off. We also look at new vehicle restrictions at Zion National Park that will prevent many larger motorhomes and fifth wheels from usi...

What should every RVer carry in their first aid kit? What medical emergencies are most common on the road? And when is a health issue serious enough to seek immediate help? This week on Episode 616 of the RV Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Richard Raborn, a retired physician, lifelong RVer, and member of our RV Lifestyle Community. Dr. Raborn shares practical, real-world medical advice for RV travelers, including how to prepare for health emergencies, what medications and supplies belong in your R...

What happens when trusted RV influencers, battery manufacturers, dealers, and content creators collide? In this week's RV Lifestyle Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland takes a deep dive into two of the most talked-about controversies in the RV industry right now, including the Battle Born Batteries lawsuit against popular YouTube reviewer Will Prowse and the growing questions surrounding the Wingman Wisdom/Bish's RV dispute. But this episode goes beyond the headlines. Mike shares his perspect...

Summer heat can be tough on RVs. If you've ever wondered why your RV air conditioner struggles to keep up, why your refrigerator doesn't seem as cold as it should be, or what you can do to improve performance during hot-weather camping, this episode is for you. Mike and Jennifer welcome Will Troyer, Director of Product Management for GE Appliances' Recreational Living Division, for an in-depth conversation about RV cooling systems. Will explains how RV air conditioners and refrigerators work,...

Welcome to the June 1, 2026 Monday News Edition of the RV Lifestyle Podcast. I'm Mike Wendland, and this week we have a show that every RV owner needs to hear before they hit the road this summer. We start with a story that I believe goes a long way toward explaining one of the biggest problems facing the RV industry right now: quality control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just released the May 2026 recall report, and it covers nearly 15,000 RVs across more than a dozen se...

This week on the RV Podcast, it's Questions From the Road. We're answering listener questions about RV life, travel planning, campground strategies, RV technology, and some personal behind-the-scenes questions as well. After more than 15 years on the road, we've learned a few things, sometimes the hard way, and in this episode we share honest, practical answers drawn from real RV experience. Topics include: • Trip planning and travel routines • RV tech and connectivity • Campground and rou...

This week on the RV Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland digs into four stories every RVer should be paying attention to. First up: Is Camping World really in trouble? Rumors of bankruptcy exploded online after comparisons were made to the collapse of marine retailer West Marine. Mike separates the facts from the fear and explains what’s really happening inside the RV industry right now. Then, Yosemite National Park is becoming a crowded mess. Reservation systems are gone, traffic is piling up,...

Should you buy a used RV instead of a new one? This week on Episode 610 of the RV Podcast, Mike and Jennifer talk with Tom MacAllister, an avid RVer who flips RVs as a hobby and has developed a sharp eye for spotting both bargains and disasters. Tom explains why many first-time RVers may actually be better off buying used, especially in today’s market where new RV prices continue to climb and depreciation hits hard the moment a rig leaves the lot. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to inspec...

Good morning, and welcome to the RV Lifestyle Podcast Monday News Edition. I'm Mike Wendland - journalist, multi-Emmy Award-winning reporter, and a guy who's been living the RV lifestyle for more than 15 years. This week, something a little different. Over the past few months, we've been getting a steady stream of listener questions and feedback about some bigger, harder topics. Not just "where should I camp next" stuff. Real questions about the state of the RV industry, about prices, about qu...

Last week, Jennifer and I got brutally honest about some of the dumbest, most expensive, and most embarrassing mistakes we've made in 15 years of RVing. We talked about broken gear, costly blunders, rookie mistakes, and the kind of RV disasters that make you want to crawl under the camper and hide. And wow... did that strike a nerve. RVers from all over the country wrote in with stories of their own. Bent tailgates. Sewage explosions. Torn awnings. Backing disasters. Fuel mistakes. Near misses...

Most RV buyers think the negotiation is over when they sign the paperwork. It’s not. In this week’s RV Podcast News Edition, Mike exposes the hidden RV sales tax trap that can cost owners thousands of dollars for years after buying their rig, even if they negotiated a huge discount. Some states tax you on the ORIGINAL MSRP, not what you actually paid. And almost nobody warns buyers before they sign. But that’s just the beginning. Also in this episode: • A new bipartisan bill in Congress cou...