RV Podcast - Stories From The Road

How much below MSRP should you pay for a new RV? Camping World's CEO just gave buyers some revealing numbers, and anyone shopping for a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome should hear them before negotiating.On the company's latest earnings call, CEO Matthew Wagner described discounts of 27 to 30 percent off sticker price as more typical, while saying some competing dealers had advertised discounts of 37 to 40 percent.That raises a question every RV buyer should ask: If those are the discounts, what does the sticker price actually tell you?In this week's RV Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland explains what those comments reveal about RV pricing, how to use that information when shopping, and why the biggest percentage discount doesn't automatically mean the best deal.Those numbers aren't a promise that every model should sell at the same discount. But they are a useful look inside the industry, straight from the head of America's largest RV dealer.WHAT CAMPING WORLD'S LOSS TELLS RV BUYERSThe pricing comments came as Camping World reported a $320 million quarterly loss, a 25 percent decline in new RV sales, workforce reductions, and dealership closures.We put that loss in context. About $287 million was a noncash goodwill impairment, reflecting a markdown in the value of businesses the company previously acquired. Excluding that charge, the company still lost about $33 million.For shoppers, the important question is what these pressures mean at the negotiating table. We discuss why you should compare written, out-the-door prices from at least two dealers, look closely at fees, and arrange financing before walking into the dealership.We also examine Forest River's "Zero Reasons to Wait" promotion. Zero percent interest sounds appealing, but the promotional rate lasts only four months. What happens afterward matters a great deal more over the life of a long RV loan.ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:CAMPGROUND FLOODING AND THE NEED TO LEAVE EARLYRecent floods have forced evacuations and destroyed RVs, including rigs that were their owners' full-time homes. We look at what happened at an Arizona RV resort and the questions every camper should ask about weather alerts, evacuation routes, and insurance coverage.A WINTER FORECAST WITH A WILD CARDThe seasonal outlook favors warmer conditions across much of the North and wetter conditions across the South. But snowbirds still need a freeze plan. We discuss the El Nino outlook, concerns about a polar vortex disruption, and practical preparations for RVs being used or stored in southern states.TOO MANY CAMERAS AT RV SHOWS?Buyers come to RV shows to walk through rigs, open cabinets, stand in showers, and ask questions. Increasingly, they find themselves waiting while content creators film walkthroughs.After 15 years of attending these shows, I share why dealers are complaining, why useful reviews are becoming harder to produce on crowded show floors, and why Jennifer and I are visiting factories to film more thorough walkthroughs.A LITTLE GIRL'S PINK CAMPER WISHWe close with 4-year-old Lennox Powell of Michigan, whose wish for a camper brought a family something more valuable than another appointment on the calendar: a place to spend time together.TELL US ABOUT YOUR RV DEALIf you've bought an RV recently, how far below MSRP did you negotiate? Share the model, model year, and your experience in the comments. Please mention whether your price included dealer fees and whether a trade-in was involved, so other shoppers can make a useful comparison.RESOURCES AND LINKSFull episode transcript and reporting sources:https://RVPodcast.comSelect this episode, open the Transcript tab, and scroll to the bottom for links to our sources.Join Mike and Jennifer's ad-free RV community:https://RVCommunity.comGet our free daily RV Lifestyle newsletter:https://RVLifestyle.com/NewsletterRV travel tips, destinations, and resources:https://RVLifestyle.comSubscribe for the RV Podcast News Edition every Monday and Stories from the Road with Mike and Jennifer every Wednesday.RV Podcast News Edition | Episode 659 | November 9, 2026

Have you ever sat around a campfire and said, "I've always wanted to write a book"? Maybe it's a novel, a memoir for your grandchildren, a children's story, or something you learned during a lifetime of work. This week's RV Podcast is about taking that idea seriously, and why your RV might be a wonderful place to begin.Award-winning, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson joins us for a conversation about writing, travel, and finally getting those stories out of your head and onto the page. Kevin has written more than 90 books, many of them while traveling by RV with his wife, Kara. He understands both the inspiration of a changing view and the practical challenges of getting work done on the road.We talk about how travel feeds creativity, why leaving familiar surroundings can help you notice things again, and what it takes to write with limited space, unpredictable internet, and another destination waiting down the highway. Whether your goal is publication or simply leaving your family something meaningful, this conversation offers encouragement to get started.Kevin is known for his Dan Kotler archaeological thrillers and Alex Kayne thrillers. He also hosts the Wordslinger Podcast and brings experience from the independent publishing world, including his work with Draft2Digital. He knows that having an idea is only the beginning. Finding a way to keep showing up for it is where the real work happens.It's also a very personal week for us. Mike's first novel, THE TENTH OF AV, was published November 3, and a lot of it was written in our RV. Jennifer watched the process unfold, campground by campground, through many months of writing, research, and revision. In this episode, we share a little of that story and why this project means so much to me.THE TENTH OF AV introduces investigative reporter Ray Mercer in a thriller involving first-century Jerusalem, time travel, and a dangerous threat in the present. It's the first book in The Last Reporter series, available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. When searching, include my name, Mike Wendland, with the title so you find the right book.You can read the first chapter and learn about the series at LastReporterPress.com. There's also a free Ray Mercer short story, THE SECOND SOURCE, introducing him earlier in his reporting career. If you read the novel, an honest Amazon review would mean a great deal as this new series gets underway.And we haven't forgotten the gear questions! In our RV Question of the Week, we answer a listener who wants to know which cameras we use for our RV Lifestyle videos. So grab a cup of coffee and join us. You don't have to arrive with a publishing plan or a finished outline. Maybe you just have a story you don't want your family to lose. Maybe there's an adventure you've imagined for years. We'd love to hear what you've been thinking about writing, or what you've already started. Tell us in the comments.RESOURCES AND LINKSTHE TENTH OF AV, first chapter and series:https://lastreporterpress.comFree Ray Mercer story, THE SECOND SOURCE:https://lastreporterpress.com/freeKevin Tumlinson and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comThe Wordslinger Podcast:https://wordslingerpodcast.comMike's Cameras:Insta360 Luna Ultra - https://link.amazon/B09ojVVOyCanon M50 Mark II - https://link.amazon/B0g3qjZuOGoPro HERO13 - https://link.amazon/B06UMfel0iPhone 17 Pro Max - https://link.amazon/B0cIVQxt7These are Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through them I receive a small commission.EPISODE SPONSORSWholesale Warranties:https://wholesalewarranties.com/rvlifestyle800-939-2806RV Overnights:https://rvlifestyle.com/rvovernightsUse promo code RVLDEAL for 40% off.

A surprise cash offer has added another twist to the Lippert-Patrick merger battle. Who ends up controlling some of the biggest names in RV components, and what could it mean for parts, competition and the price of your next rig?In this November 2, 2026 RV Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland breaks down the week's stories and what they mean for RV owners:Sharks circle the Lippert-Patrick merger as LCI rejects an unsolicited buyout offer.A law firm seeks Harvest Hosts and Good Sam members over automatic renewals. We explain what its "investigation" means, and why it isn't a government investigation or proof of wrongdoing.Snowbird season meets high fuel prices, with practical ways to manage your travel costs.Electrical fire recalls raise questions before winter storage. Here's why checking your VIN matters.Arizona's Chiricahua takes the spotlight, with a look at its remarkable rock formations and the RV size limits to know before visiting.Find the transcript and source links at https://RVPodcast.com. Open this episode's Transcript tab and scroll to the bottom.GET OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTERRV news, travel ideas, campground information and practical tips:https://RVLifestyle.com/NewsletterPLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTUREExplore our RV travel guides and planning tools:https://shop.RVLifestyle.comCONNECT WITH OTHER RVERShttps://RVCommunity.comA PERSONAL MILESTONEMike's first novel, The Tenth of Av, arrives November 3 in paperback and on Kindle. Read the first chapter and learn more:https://LastReporterPress.comThe RV Podcast News Edition publishes every Monday at 6 a.m. ET. Join Mike and Jennifer on Wednesdays for Stories from the Road, featuring interviews, travel ideas, RV tips and your questions.

What really gets under RVers' skin at a campground? We asked the RV Lifestyle community, and the answers came pouring in: loud music, barking dogs, bright lights, people cutting through campsites, and more.Mike and Jennifer talk about the little things that can turn us into the neighbor everyone is talking about, often without us realizing it. They share practical ways to be a thoughtful campground neighbor, how to handle a noisy campsite nearby, and why a quick look around your own site can make a big difference.Plus, Mike answers a listener's question about a GFCI outlet that trips whenever it rains, and Jennifer offers advice on adding privacy to a seasonal campsite.Have a campground pet peeve of your own? Tell us in the comments. We may share it on a future episode.Join our ad-free RV community: https://rvcommunity.comFind unique RV overnight stays and save 40% with promo code RVLDEAL: https://rvlifestyle.com/rvovernightsSign up for our free RV Lifestyle newsletter: https://rvlifestyle.com/newsletter

The RV industry's latest buzzwords are "resilience," "stabilize" and "rightsize." But what do they mean for those of us who buy, own and travel in RVs?In the October 26, 2026 RV Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland looks past the corporate language to explain what the latest reports from Winnebago, Dometic and the RV Industry Association mean for your next purchase and the rig you already own.Also this week:CUMMINS RECALL... AGAIN: A new L9 fuel hose recall includes some hoses installed during earlier recall repairs. What diesel pusher owners should check.DEF RELIEF: Updated software could ease frustrating engine slowdowns, but are motorhomes and Ram pickups included?RVS BECOME HOMES: Donated travel trailers give hurricane survivors a place to live while rebuilding.YELLOWSTONE ANIMAL RESCUES: A missing horse, a terrier lost for 34 days, and a mustang living with bison. Plus practical lessons for anyone traveling with pets.We also cover a Grand Design Imagine safety chain recall.RESOURCESFull transcript and story source links:https://RVPodcast.comSelect this episode, open the Transcript tab and scroll to the bottom.Check your RV for recalls:https://www.nhtsa.gov/recallsFor the Cummins recall, also contact a Cummins dealer with your engine serial number.Plan your next trip with the RV Trip Dashboard:https://RVLifestyle.com/TripDashboardGet our FREE daily RV Lifestyle newsletter:https://RVLifestyle.com/NewsletterJoin our private RV community:https://RVCommunity.comSubscribe for the Monday News Edition and Wednesday's Stories from the Road with Mike and Jennifer.Have a question or a story to share? Use the Contact link at https://RVPodcast.com.

Mice do not wait for winter to move into your RV. As nights turn cold, a parked RV can look like the perfect place to nest. And it takes only a tiny opening for a mouse to get inside.This week, Mike and Jennifer talk about where mice get in, how to find the gaps, and what actually helps keep them out. They also discuss the products and folk remedies that may not be worth your money.Plus, our new guide, The Ultimate Canadian Maritimes RV Road Trip, is now available in print and digital. And we answer your questions about crossing into Canada with dogs and food, and whether to leave your RV plugged in between trips.In this episodeWhy mice head for RVs in the fallHow small an opening a mouse can squeeze throughWhere to look for entry pointsWays to seal gaps and discourage miceWhat to know about mothballs and cleanupTaking dogs and food across the Canada-U.S. borderRV battery care during storageLinks and resourcesThe Ultimate Canadian Maritimes RV Road TripPrint and digital editions:https://shop.rvlifestyle.com/products/the-ultimate-canadian-maritimes-rv-road-tripMechanic's wheeled creepers (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/47wFteEKeeping mice out of your RVVictor: How mice fit through small spaces: https://www.victorpest.com/articles/how-do-mice-fit-in-such-small-spacesVictor: How to keep mice out of your RV: https://www.victorpest.com/articles/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-your-rvUniversity of California IPM: House mouse pest notes: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7483.htmlOrkin: Steel wool and copper mesh for rodent control: https://www.orkin.com/ask-orkin/steel-wool-rodent-controlUniversity of Florida IFAS: The facts about mothballs: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI289CDC: About hantavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/index.htmlNational Park Service: Hantavirus facts and cleanup guidance: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/upload/Hantavirus-fact-sheet-and-light-infestation-cleaning-guidanceJune2025-508c.pdfCrossing the border with dogs and foodCanada: Traveling with pets, food or plants: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/travelling-pets-food-plantsCanada: Bringing animals and pets to Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/petsCanada: Bringing food into Canada for personal use: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-safety-consumers/bring-food-personal-useCDC: Bringing a dog into the United States: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.htmlCDC: Dogs entering from rabies-free or low-risk countries, including Canada: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/rabies-free-low-risk-countries.htmlUSDA APHIS: Traveling from the United States to Canada with pets: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-canadaMore from RV LifestyleRV Podcast show notes: https://RVPodcast.comRVOvernights: https://rvlifestyle.com/rvovernightsUse promo code RVLDEAL for 40% off.Wholesale Warranties: https://www.wholesalewarranties.com/rvlifestyleOr call 800-939-2806.RV Lifestyle newsletter: https://rvlifestyle.com/newsletterRules and recommendations can change. Check current government guidance and your RV and battery manufacturers' instructions before your trip or storage period.

Diesel prices have soared past $6 a gallon, but are RVers canceling their trips and parking their rigs? Not according to our latest RV Lifestyle survey.In this week's RV Podcast News Edition, Mike Wendland reports on what hundreds of real RVers are saying about record-high diesel prices. We received 372 comments, and among roughly 300 people who directly answered our question, an overwhelming majority said they're either continuing to travel as planned or making adjustments to keep their RV adventures alive.But that's just the beginning of this week's RV news.ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:RV Dealer Scandal: A major RV dealership chain disappears, leaving families with more than $2 million in court judgments and serious questions about RV quality, dealer accountability, and consumer protection. We examine the investigation into Lazydays and what every RV buyer should know before signing a purchase agreement.Massive Class B Recall: More than 265,000 Ram ProMaster vans are being recalled because of a potential power steering failure. If you own a camper van built on a ProMaster chassis, including certain Winnebago models, you'll want to hear this warning.Lithium Battery Fire Warning: The National Park Service is warning about lithium-ion battery fires after incidents at national parks. What RVers need to know about safely charging e-bikes, portable power stations, and other battery-powered equipment.Animals Get Their Own Overpass: We finish with some encouraging news from Colorado and California, where massive wildlife crossings are helping elk, deer, mountain lions, and other animals cross busy highways safely. One Colorado project has already been credited with reducing wildlife collisions by more than 90%.IN THIS EPISODE:Why high diesel prices aren't stopping most RV travelersHow RVers are adapting to higher fuel costsThe ProMaster recall affecting Class B motorhomesThe Lazydays investigation and RV consumer protectionsLithium battery fire preventionNew wildlife overpasses making highways saferHELPFUL LINKS:RV Podcast show notes, transcript, and complete news sources:https://RVPodcast.comCheck your RV or camper van for recalls:https://www.nhtsa.gov/recallsOur newly updated RV Trip Dashboard:https://RVLifestyle.com/TripDashboardJoin our RV Lifestyle Community:https://RVCommunity.comGet our FREE daily RV Lifestyle newsletter:https://RVLifestyle.com/NewsletterABOUT THE RV PODCASTHosted by veteran journalist Mike Wendland, the RV Podcast brings you two episodes every week.Mondays: The RV Podcast News Edition, the latest news and developments affecting RV owners and the RV lifestyle.Wednesdays: Stories from the Road with Mike and Jennifer Wendland, featuring RV travel adventures, interviews, practical tips, and answers to listener questions.Subscribe and join us as we explore the RV lifestyle, the people who live it, and the stories that matter.

They grew up camping together. Then life took them in different directions. Decades later, two sisters are finding their way back to each other, and back to the campground.In this week's RV Podcast, meet Joyce and Susan. One sister kept camping throughout her life. The other returned after losing her husband. Now she travels with caravans, takes solo trips, and shares camping adventures with her sister.We sat down with them outside their rigs at our RVCommunity Fall Rally in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Their story is about family, friendship, starting over, and finding the confidence to get back on the road.Also in this episode:Jennifer shares her experience with knee replacement recovery and what to consider before recovering in an RV.How late can you camp before winterizing? Mike explains how temperature, time, and your rig's heating affect that decision.Planning a Florida winter getaway with our Florida Adventure Guide Bundle.Have you returned to camping after years away, or started traveling again after losing someone? Share your story in the comments.LINKSComplete show notes: https://RVPodcast.comJoin our camping community: https://RVCommunity.comFlorida Adventure Guide Bundle: https://RVLifestyle.com/allfloridaOur daily newsletter: https://RVLifestyle.com/newsletterRVOvernights: https://RVLifestyle.com/rvovernightsUse promo code RVLDEAL for 40% off.Wholesale Warranties: https://WholesaleWarranties.com/RVLifestyle

The Federal Reserve says another interest rate hike is likely this year, and the RV industry is already hurting. Camping World sold 16 percent fewer new RVs and says it is "not satisfied with the result." Here is what higher rates mean if you are thinking about financing an RV.Also this week:Hurricane Isaias and Tropical Storm Rachel close campgrounds on the Gulf Coast and in Southern CaliforniaTrump's red diesel order: why the White House pitch and the fine print don't match, and the latest diesel pricesThor Industries flags the Patrick-Lippert merger as a business riskArizona's Chiricahua is about to become America's 64th national park, and what RVers need to know about the 29-foot limitFree daily newsletter: https://rvlifestyle.com/newsletterShow notes and full transcript: https://rvpodcast.comOur community: https://rvcommunity.comRV Trip Budget Buddy: https://rvlifestyle.com/budgetbuddyMike's free short story, THE SECOND SOURCE: https://lastreporterpress.com/free

Three RVCommunity members wrote a song about life on the road and the feeling of finally pulling into your own driveway. They first played it at a campfire at our Smoky Mountains rally. Hear how it came together, the love story behind it, and the whole song, which you can download free.Also: an End-of-Season RV Shutdown Workshop reminder, why coming home after a long trip can feel like a letdown, and why your furnace drains your batteries on cold nights.Links:Download the song: https://rvlifestyle.com/songhttps://RVLifestyle.com/Workshop https://RVCommunity.com https://WholesaleWarranties.com/RVLifestyle https://RVLifestyle.com/rvovernights (code RVLDEAL)