RV Lifestyle RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast you are about to get one of those classic RV retirement stories you stumble across on the road. We are introducing you to a man who, after retiring, hit the road in his RV to chase a passion that had long been just a hobby, learning about and appreciating fine wines.

This week on the RV Podcast: What Truckers Wish Every RVer Knew... Driving advice to RVers How to stay warm in your RV - We have smart RV heating tips, plus a few cold-weather mistakes you definitely want to avoid. A longtime RV parts supplier has filed for bankruptcy: RVers are worried about parts availability. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #573 of the RV Podcast

How Brinkley RV Is Rewriting the Rules of RV Manufacturing -- If you have ever wondered whether anyone inside the RV industry is actually trying to fix the system from the inside, this week's RV Podcast episode is for you. Our Conversation of the Week is a candid, behind-the-scenes talk with one of the owners of Brinkley RV, a company that has been shaking up the industry with bold ideas, modern manufacturing, and an obsession with quality. We dig into what is broken, what Brinkley is doing differently, and why it matters to every RVer out there. Trust me, this is one conversation you will not want to miss. We’ll also have RV and camping news, the social media buzz, and your questions.

RV Hot Skin Explained: It’s a real danger you can’t see! Hidden electrical faults and bad power connections at campgrounds. What the industry is doing to protect you! In a stunning reversal, General Motors abruptly canceled a highly anticipated technological advancement, leaving a top RV manufacturer and dealers reeling.  Colder temps mean mice are looking for a new zip code—and your RV is on the map! Protect your investment (and your sanity) before they move in. We’ll tell you how. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #571 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast: Liz Amazing on RV Defects and the Fight for Consumer Rights We interview Liz Amazing, who has one mission, protect RV owners and hold the industry accountable, no excuses, no hiding, she exposes it all. While the government has closed, the National Parks have mostly stayed open…but at a growing cost Why you do NOT want to cancel your RV insurance while the rig is in storage for the winter All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #570 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. [power press] RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - with Liz Amazing on RV Defects Liz Amazing is a consumer advocate with a YouTube Channel dedicated to helping people who face significant problems with their new RV. Liz regularly features heartbreaking stories of individuals and couples who poured their savings into a new rig only to face one major repair after another, and run into brick walls when trying to get the problems fixed.  Liz lets RV owners tell their stories, sometimes through tears, then approaches the RV dealers and manufacturers seeking solutions, which she often receives. Through her work, Liz has discovered industry trends, advocates for quality improvement, and offers help to those with nowhere to go. In the crowded world of RV YouTube Influencers, Liz has carved out an important niche as a consumer advocate, and we're delighted to have her on the RV Lifestyle today as our guest.  In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by consumers in the RV industry involving quality issues, unregulated practices, and heartbreaking stories of buyers left with defective RVs. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer rights, the role of social media in advocacy, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls when purchasing RVs. Liz emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize quality over profit and offers insights into choosing the right RV and dealer. Liz Amazing on RV Defects Takeaways: Liz Amazing transitioned from a novice camper to a leading RV advocate. She emphasizes the importance of using her platform for good. Many RV buyers face heartbreaking quality issues with their purchases. The RV industry is largely unregulated, leading to poor consumer experiences. Liz highlights the shift in manufacturing practices, prioritizing profit over quality. Social media serves as a powerful tool for consumer advocacy. Buyers often face challenges with buybacks and NDAs from manufacturers. Avoiding mass-produced RVs can reduce the chances of quality issues. Independent RV makers often provide better quality products. Liz encourages consumers to do thorough research before purchasing an RV. RV NEWS OF THE WEEK When Washington Closes, the National Parks (Mostly) Stay Open — But at What Cost? More and more stories are emerging each week of the difficulties the nation's national parks are facing during the continued federal government shutdown. Utah is spending $8,000 a day to keep the visitor centers open at its five national parks, and groups like the Zion Forever Project are collecting donations and paying to print maps, feed rangers, and keep things open for the tourists showing up. At Joshua Tree, a wildfire started in the camping area during the shutdown, but it is now contained. Pinnacles National Park had brownish water coming out of the campsites because a maintenance worker wasn't there to flush the system. The state of Colorado is paying to keep the visitor centers open at the Rocky Mountain National Park. And since none are collecting visitor entrance fees, all anticipate significant budget gaps next year.  Six Months, No Camper — So He Brought His Work to Camping World We LOVE this story: A man who dropped his camper off at a North Carolina Camping World last April for repairs is STILL waiting for his unit to be fixed, so he decided last week to set up his office at the dealer and call a local news station about it. (And WITN-TV did do a story!). Alex Naoum told the reporter he would have taken his travel trailer somewhere else by now, but in July, when he came to inspect it, he discovered Camping World had damaged his awning, adding another item to fix. Naoum said he decided to set up office at Camping World so they won't forget him; a Camping World official told the station the delay is because they are waiting for parts. Come on now... since July???? DNA Tests Reveal Arkansas Officials Killed the Wrong Bear After Fatal Attack Remember our recent story about a black bear killing a solo camper at the Arkansas Ozark National Forest? Well, it turns out the black bear that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission put down for killing the 60-year-old camper was the wrong bear! And the real killer bear is still on the loose, according to DNA test results. If you are visiting the Ozark National Forest anytime soon, stay vigilant. Michigan Considering Ban on Overnight Campers at Rest Stops Michigan is considering banning all overnight camping at the state's highway rest areas and carpool lots. The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding online pubic hearings this Wednesday on the proposed rule that would define camping as setting up tents, canopies, or shelters, or parking and occupying enclosed, self-contained camping units. That's because they've been having problems with homeless people setting up encampments in rest areas and ride-share lots. This is an issue shared by many other states.  Y’all Come Out Now — Texas State Parks Are Free This Sunday If you are going to be in Texas this Sunday (Nov. 2), entrance to all the state parks is free! The free entrance to the state's more than 90 parks is in honor of Texas State Park Day. We were at Texas' Enchanted Rock State Natural Area earlier this month - and Texas has some beautiful spots! 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. Last week, many in our private RV Lifestyle Community returned from our third and final rally of the year in the Texas Hill Country. We stayed at the Oakwood RV Resort just outside of  Fredericksburg, which is truly one of the friendliest places we have ever stayed. Our group had a great time in Texas and did a lot of things. Some of my favorite activities included a scavenger hunt, a pancake and sausage breakfast, exploring the city, visiting wineries, checking out a local museum, eating some Texas BBQ, and having the most amazing campfires with what I would call a cowboy sing-along. We even went to Luckenbach together for a little Texas Two-Stepping—so much fun! Then, in our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group, we had a question from Reg that caught my eye. Reg asked: Is it a bad idea to lapse insurance while in storage?  Sounds like Reg was trying to save a little money and since his rig is not on the road, wondered if letting his insurance lapse would be a way to do so. Some of the more than 100 people who commented said they did this very thing and had no issues. But most cautioned him not to do it. Some pointed out that if his RV is stolen, or a tree falls on it, hail damages it or someone crashes into it, without insurance, he would be out of luck.  And there are other concerns. Savannah said she once canceled her RV insurance for the winter, but then her insurance company reported this to the state, and the state suspended her registration. So what was supposed to save her a little money ended up costing her $700 to get the plates reinstated. Others said the insurance company also reported them to the state, and then when they tried to get their insurance going again, they had trouble finding a company that would insure them. Rick was one of many who suggested that Reg work with his insurance company instead of dropping it. Rick said some folks in Ohio, where he is based, have classic cars they store in the winter, and their insurance company reduces coverage during that time since the cars aren't on the road. Rob said this is exactly what he does with his RV. When it is in storage he works with his insurance company to reduce the payment. Sounds like that might be the best option for Reg. And hopefully, this post can also help one of you.  RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK QUESTION: From Claude: Can you tell me what the RV CB channel is? I've heard 16 more than any other. ANSWER: There really is no universally used CB radio channels for RVers. Some say still use the old trucker standard of Channel 19, some advocate for 16 but the fact of the matter is that CB radio is just not a very practical tool these days for RVers.  A couple of decades ago, CB radio used to be the lifeline for RVers. Today, it is mostly static. There are a few reasons why: The trucker crowd moved onLong-haul truckers were the backbone of CB chatter. Most of them now use phone-based apps like Trucker Path, Waze, WhatsApp groups, or private radio systems. With fewer truckers talking, the CB channels feel empty. Cell coverage is everywhere nowIn most of North America you can get a phone signal or at least text messaging. That means drivers can call, text, or use online communities for help instead of relying on CB broadcasts. Better navigation and traffic apps replaced real-time chatterApps like Google Maps and Waze show crashes, construction, speed traps, and slowdowns much faster and more accurately than waiting to hear someone mention it on channel 19. Most RVers never learned CB cultureCB talk had its own slang, etiquette, and rhythm. Modern RVers usually skip all that.

This week on the RV Podcast: Are Canadian RVers in the U.S. being harassed by American citizens? Are US RVers in Canada being harassed by Canadians? There have been incidents on both sides of the border. How to plan a truly epic RV stay - wherever you decide to stop. Expert advice from Wendy Bowyer, who plans all our RV Community gatherings. What’s happening at our National Parks during this prolonged government shutdown? It’s not a pretty picture. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #569 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. Free Winterizing Guide We have a free winterizing guide available for instant download. Yours for the asking at https://rvlifestyle.com/winterize-guide Harassment reported by both Canadian and U.S. RVers Today, we're diving into the frosty chill that's settled over the border for RVers like us—Canadian and American alike. The current tensions between Canada are boiling over into the RV Community.  They stem from escalating U.S.-Canada trade and political frictions, amplified by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he wants Canada as the 51st state. Then, this summer, new U.S. immigration rules—such as stricter visa requirements and enhanced border scrutiny—have shocked Canadian RVers, leading to a sharp drop in northbound travel, with reservations canceled en masse. Surveys show nearly half of Canadians are now less inclined to visit the U.S. this year, citing not just financial woes but also a growing sense of political alienation from inflammatory rhetoric that paints Canada as an adversary.  Meanwhile, some American RVers who have headed northward with fewer hesitations have been reporting a definite chill that strains the once-seamless camaraderie of the RV community.  We’ve been hearing about this all summer. But this week, we received two emails that bring this home in the most powerful way, telling us these tensions are being felt by RVers on both sides of the border - by Canadian RVers visiting in the U.S., and American RVers visiting Canada.  These sincere and sad emails are an example that words have consequences and that behind every policy tweet may be a family in a Winnebago wondering if the next campsite will feel like home or a battlefield.  First, this email from Canadian Rvers named Pat, who has been a regular snowbird visitor to the U.S. I would really like it if you started covering how Canadian snowbirds are navigating going south this year. My husband and I have gone South for years but quite truthfully are a little anxious about doing it this year. There are new rules for Canadians who are staying more than 30 days. We are also concerned about the border and going down there. We have heard some horrendous stories and don't know what to think. For example, one woman spoke of a gun being pointed at her as she drove on the road. There was also the case of the border patrol man who followed someone with an Ontario license plate and screamed at them not to come back to the USA. I think about it everyday because we love going south and we love American friends. It will be a long cold winter without them. I would love some input. Then, a day later, we received this email, from a Tracy - U.S. RVer who spent time in Canada: We are on the final weeks of a four month journey from Texas that included travel to the Canadian maritime provinces and Newfoundland. While we met many nice people along the way, we also encountered some angry Canadians who felt that it was their job to make sure we knew how angry they are at the U.S. and those of us live there and they were quick to offer unsolicited opinions. We certainly feel the need for a welcoming community more than ever and your words remind us all that we all share that need to be “ seen, known and valued”.  God’s blessings to you. Mike and Jennifer's Response: There are always a few bad apples on both sides of the border. Every country has people with short tempers or poor judgment, and both Canada and the U.S. are no exception. But those isolated incidents don’t reflect the vast majority of folks you’ll meet on the road. Most Canadians and Americans alike are friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming to RVers, often going out of their way to offer directions, share travel tips, or strike up a friendly chat at the campground. Unfortunately, social media can make it seem worse than it is. It’s full of rumor-filled posts, secondhand stories, and exaggerated accounts that are hard to verify. The truth is that these online “he-said, she-said” tales often spread far beyond their reality. RV travel remains one of the best ways to explore both nations, meet wonderful people, and experience local hospitality firsthand. Don’t let a few bad actors or misleading online chatter keep you from hitting the road and enjoying the journey. RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK No Pay, No Rangers, No Rules: National Parks Continue to be Caught in Shutdown Fallout As the federal government shutdown continues yet another week, we're now seeing reports of non-profits fundraising to provide food and other basics for employees at Zion National Park. And at the Grand Canyon, community groups have started a food pantry for their park employees. At Rocky Mountains National Park, volunteers are organizing to pick up trash. At Yellowstone, reports say the bear jams are becoming more of an issue without rangers to keep folks safely moving. And with no one to collect entrance fees at any of the parks, some reports show the National Parks Service is losing as much as $1 million per day. If you're heading out know visitor centers are generally closed, some parks are closed and confusion still reigns. Ford Issues Major Recall for Nearly 292,000 Pickups Over Rearview Camera Glitch Attention Ford pickup owners: There is another recall. Nearly 292,000 pickup trucks from the 2020-2022 model years are being recalled because of discrepancies with a rearview camera image that will not display properly causing a reduced view for the driver in certain conditions. The F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F450 SD models are affected. Letters should be mailed out Oct. 20. Popular South Padre RV Park Shutting Down for Year-Long Renovation A popular 577-site RV park on South Padre Island, Texas, will close for the next year as it undergoes $12 million in improvements. Isla Blanca Park will modernize the RV sites' electrical, water, and wastewater infrastructure, and will realign two streets to improve traffic flow and create another row of RV spots for the popular destination. Less Red, More Meh: Fall Foliage Takes a Hit This Year Drought and unusual weather is causing muted fall colors in much of the country. The best fall colors require rain in August, then sunshine with warm days and cool nights in September. But September provided hot days and warm nights in much of the country, and reports show as much as 40 percent of the country is in a drought. RV Pulled Over, But It’s the Cargo That Shocked Police—44 Small Dogs An RV was stopped in Pennsylvania as it drove through Berks County after someone reported seeing a large number of dogs inside. When police stopped the driver and opened the doors, 44 small terrier-type dogs were discovered, many dirty, matted and shaking. They were turned over to the local Animal Rescue League for care and placement. RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK This week we’re doubling up with our Conversation of the Week and Social Media Buzz. That’s because the Wendy Bowyer - the person who usually brings us the Buzz - is also our chief event planner for all our RV Community gatherings. She’s a pro at spotting the perfect campground, finding local gems, and turning any RV stay into a truly memorable adventure. So when we were together last week in Texas for one of our rallies, we couldn’t resist asking her to share some of her best-kept secrets. Listen or watch the interview in the players above. RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK: QUESTION: My daughter flushed my husband's glasses into the RV black tank. Any recommendations to get them out? - From Haley ANSWER: Oh no, Haley, that’s a tough one! Unfortunately, once something like glasses goes into the black tank, there’s really no easy way to fish them out. The tank contents, design, and narrow valve system make retrieval nearly impossible without a full tank removal—which usually isn’t worth it. Your best bet is to let it go - literally. Empty the tank as usual, and if the glasses don’t come out at the dump station, they’ll probably stay lodged at the bottom. If you really want them back, an RV service center could drop the tank and clean it out—but that’s a messy, labor-intensive job that’ll cost a whole lot more than replacing the glasses. So, in short, write this one off as a funny RV-life story to tell around the next campfire!

This week on the RV Podcast, we’ll meet two couples who have made the RV Lifestyle a huge part of their retirement and hear how they are now living the Best Chapter Yet. Plus the RV Industry News, the Social Media Buzz, and a great question from one of our readers on where to get his rig washed. You can read, listen to, or WATCH the podcast right here...

Don Vizkowski, a retired RV enthusiast, along with his wife Karen, shares their journey of transforming retirement into adventure on the open road. They discuss how RV life has enriched their post-retirement years, emphasizing the joy of making friends and memories along the way. Don recounts spontaneous road trips to quirky destinations and the importance of community at campgrounds. They chat about the flexibility RV travel offers and their dreams of exploring more of the U.S., highlighting the freedom that comes with embracing an empty nest.

This week on the RV Podcast: How RVers Handle Medicare and Insurance Issues on the road - with an expert AND RVer. There is a massive recall of the heavy-duty Ford trucks used by many RVers to haul their trailers and fifth wheels The fun story about some RVers who adopted a stray cat they found at a campground. Apparently, it happens all the time! All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 566 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast... Between the Truck and Trailer: Why RV Hitching Is so Dangerous. If you drink beer on your camping trip, you’re going to make the mosquitoes very happy. The great debate about light pollution and campers who light up their RVs like the Vegas Strip, All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 565 of the RV Podcast