RV Miles Podcast

Diesel prices are surging again, and the government’s latest forecast suggests the pain at the pump could continue well into 2027. Plus, THOR Industries is making one of the biggest changes to the way it operates its RV companies in decades, while several manufacturers are making big moves in the high-end fifth-wheel market.

We also take a closer look at the new Brinkley Model R, including its massive independent suspension and the decision to move the air conditioners off the roof. Plus, Ford has recalled more than 223,000 F-150s, Roadmaster has an important Nighthawk tow bar recall, and Wyoming is preparing a new certification requirement for RVs and trailers traveling over Teton Pass.

Let us know what you think about this week’s stories in the comments!

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IMPORTANT LINKS:

⚠️ Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar Recall:
https://www.roadmasterinc.com/content/nw/nighthawk-recall.html?lnk=nighthawk&src=rminc&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sun+Sep+06+2026&utm_campaign=+Roadmaster+Recall+The+Best+Places+to+Find+RV+Parts+Replacement+RV+Decals

▶️ Josh the RV Nerd’s full tour of the Brinkley Model R:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dRR9ZzyvI&t=1s

▶️ The RV Hunter’s full walkthrough of Boundless Recreation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pAwdADKet4&t=3s

THIS WEEK:

⛽ DIESEL PRICES: Diesel has climbed to an average of $6.23 a gallon nationwide, and the latest Energy Information Administration forecast suggests elevated diesel prices could stick around well into 2027.

🏭 THOR RESTRUCTURES AGAIN: THOR Industries is consolidating its North American RV operations under one leadership structure, moving even further away from the decentralized model that has defined the company for decades.

🛠️ BOUNDLESS RECREATION: We have new details about the Boundless Ryde Foundation, including an E-coated chassis, CURT Touring Coil Suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, Michelin tires and a five-year chassis warranty.

🚐 BRINKLEY MODEL R: Brinkley’s new Model R 3710 rides on two massive 10,000-pound MORryde independent suspension units instead of a triple-axle setup. It also eliminates rooftop air conditioners, allowing Brinkley to raise the roof of the RV while keeping the overall height around 13 feet 4 inches. Axiom has already taken a similar approach, and we have some thoughts about the continuing trend toward increasingly enormous fifth wheels.

✨ ALLIANCE AURUM: Alliance RV has finally given a name to its upcoming ground-up luxury fifth-wheel project. The Aurum is scheduled to make its debut in October.

⚠️ F-150 RECALL: Ford is recalling more than 223,000 F-150s because a fuel tank strap may not be properly secured, potentially allowing the tank to leak or even detach.

⚠️ NIGHTHAWK TOW BAR RECALL: Roadmaster has issued a safety recall involving certain Nighthawk tow bars with serial numbers 15000 through 20843. If you own one, check the recall information linked above before towing.

🏔️ TETON PASS: Wyoming is developing a new WY22 Safe Pass program that will require people driving RVs or towing trailers over Teton Pass to complete an annual online self-certification program.

CONNECT WITH RV MILES:

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https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist

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https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 This Week in RV News
01:20 Diesel Prices Keep Climbing
04:20 THOR Industries Restructures Again
07:31 Boundless Recreation & the Ryde Foundation
10:37 Brinkley Model R: Huge Axles & No Rooftop A/C
12:39 Alliance Reveals the Aurum
13:44 Ford F-150 Fuel Tank Recall
14:33 Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar Recall
16:01 New RV Requirements for Teton Pass

#RVMiles #RVNews #RVLife #RVLiving #Camping #FifthWheel #BrinkleyRV #THORIndustries 

Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring this video! Head to https://ag1.yt.link/5vFDx0N to save an extra 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen, AG1
Pro, or AG1 Essentials with code BACK2ROUTINE, for a limited time.

Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about RV destinations—but it should be.

This week, we’re taking you to one of our favorite cities in the country and sharing how to visit Kansas City by RV. Abby grew up in KC, we’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, and we’re covering some of our favorite places to camp, eat, explore, and experience the city.

We start with one of our favorite RV camping options near Kansas City, then head into Independence for Harry S. Truman history before exploring Union Station, Crown Center, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo, the West Bottoms, and more.

And of course, you can’t talk about Kansas City without talking about barbecue. We share two very different KC barbecue recommendations—from the old-school institution Arthur Bryant’s to the more modern Q39—plus one of our favorite spots for live Kansas City jazz.

Then, in this week’s black tank and fresh tank, Jason has some thoughts about just how BIG fifth wheels are becoming after getting a look at the new Brinkley Model R—and one design choice he thinks other RV manufacturers should be paying attention to.

 @JoshtheRVNerd  's tour of the  @BrinkleyRV  Model R: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dRR9ZzyvI

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/424

Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/

HOMECOMING tickets - only a few left: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com

*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726 – Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Welcome to RV Miles Episode 424
01:00 Closing night of Come From Away
02:00 Last call for RV Miles Homecoming
04:00 Why RVers should visit Kansas City
06:00 Kansas City and westward expansion
07:00 Harry S. Truman and Kansas City history
09:00 Jazz, museums, food and KC culture
12:00 Where to camp in Kansas City
14:00 Harry S. Truman National Historic Site & Independence
15:00 Union Station and Crown Center
18:00 Science City and museum reciprocity
19:00 National WWI Museum and Memorial
20:00 Country Club Plaza
21:00 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
23:00 Kansas City’s free streetcar
24:00 Swope Park and the Kansas City Zoo
26:00 West Bottoms and First Fridays
27:00 Kansas City’s changing downtown
29:00 Kansas City barbecue: Arthur Bryant’s
31:00 Modern KC barbecue at Q39
32:00 Live jazz at the Green Lady Lounge
33:00 Black Tank & Fresh Tank
34:00 Are fifth wheels getting too big?
36:00 What Brinkley got right with the Model R
37:00 Abby’s Fresh Tank
38:00 See you next week

Diesel prices have officially hit an all-time record in the U.S., with the national average reaching about $5.90 per gallon — and RVers could be dealing with elevated diesel prices well into fall and winter.

In this week’s RV and camping news, we break down what’s driving the global diesel crunch, why diesel is so much more expensive than gasoline right now, and what it could mean for your upcoming RV travel budget.

Plus, we’re getting our first real look at Boundless Recreation’s new fifth wheel, DRV Mobile Suites is returning under the Jayco Family of Companies, and several completely new RV lines are preparing to debut for the 2027 model year.

Also this week:

• California’s planned ban on disposable one-pound propane cylinders has been blocked by the U.S. Department of Transportation
• A man connected to Carson Pass RV now faces more than 50 felony grand theft charges in an alleged $2.1 million RV fraud scheme
• ATC is launching its first non-toy-hauler fifth wheel
• Axiom RV is expanding with a new luxury fifth-wheel line
• Coachmen has new and returning motorhome products coming for 2027
• Valterra introduces a redesigned portable RV waste tote tank

Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

 @Thatrvtech  's Boundless Recreation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBHauAgnuFQ&t=466s

******************************
Connect with RV Miles: 
RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles
Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles
RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist
Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

00:00 Intro
01:52 Why Diesel Stays Expensive
04:28 Trip Planning Fuel Costs
06:25 Sponsor eTrailer Break
07:12 Boundless Prototype First Look
09:01 DRV Mobile Suites Returns
10:14 New 2027 RV Lines Teased
12:52 Support RV Miles
13:30 Propane Bottle Ban Blocked
16:00 Dealership Fraud Charges
17:32 Valterra Tote Tank Upgrade
19:18 Wrap Up and Subscribe

The Hershey RV Show is looking a LOT more interesting this year. After several years when the show felt heavier on closeouts than big reveals, manufacturers are bringing a surprising number of new RVs and major debuts—including the Forest River Teleos, Tiffin Cornerstone, Brinkley Model R, Winnebago motorhomes, and plenty more.

We break down what’s coming to Hershey, why manufacturers may finally be showing more of their newest products there, and why this year's show could change how we cover RV show season in the future.

Then Brooks Smothers joins us for the return of the See America podcast! The entire new season is available now, featuring the fascinating stories behind destinations and road trips across the country. We preview the Alaska Highway, the massive and mysterious “City” art installation hidden in the Nevada desert, the Spruce Goose, Route 66 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and more.

Plus, we share what’s next for RV Miles Road Tested—including Bowlus, Pebble and Pinnacles National Park—Jason has some takeaways from Overland Expo Mountain West, and later in the show we dig into the painful rise in diesel prices and what it could mean for RV travel.

Find SEE AMERICA here: https://seeamerica.podbean.com/
Or on any podcast app!

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/423

Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/

HOMECOMING tickets - only a few left: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com

*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

*Get a free quote on an extended RV warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com

*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726 – Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Welcome to RV Miles 423
06:00 What’s Different About the Hershey RV Show This Year?
28:00 Brooks Smothers + See America Returns
30:00 The Alaska Highway
34:00 The Mysterious “City” in the Nevada Desert
40:00 Route 66 Turns 100
44:00 RV Out West
48:00 Black Tank: Record-High Diesel Prices
59:00 Fresh Tank: What Jason Learned at Overland Expo
1:04:00 Abby’s Fresh Tank: Widow’s Bay
1:07:00 RV Miles Homecoming + Wrap-Up

Jason Lippert is back in the RV business just three months after retiring from LCI Industries — this time as CEO of Fun Town RV.  We also look at Camping World’s SEC filings, which show the company has been consolidating stores and reducing its workforce after years of aggressive expansion and dealership acquisitions.

Plus: Alliance RV teases an ultra-luxury fifth wheel, the new Delta X toy hauler, and its first Alliance-branded motorhome; the National RV Training Academy gets a new owner; flash flooding impacts Zion National Park; Kansas raises state park camping fees; and Hipcamp names its best campsites of 2026.

It’s a packed week of RV and camping news.

#RVNews #RVMiles #CampingWorld #Lippert #AllianceRV #RVIndustry #CampingNews

Get a free quote for an RV extended warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com

*Support RV Miles and the weekly news videos: https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers

*Get the latest news, National Park updates, happenings around RV Miles, and more when you sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://RVMiles.com/mailinglist

*It's our only in-person event this year! Join us at HOMECOMING October 7 - 11 in Amana, IA. Seminars, a Rig Crawl, Trivia, Giveaways, Nightly catered meals, time to explore historic Amana, and so much more! https://RVMiles.com/HOMECOMING

00:00 Headlines And Tease
00:45 Jason Lippert Joins Fun Town
04:13 Camping World Shrinks Stores
07:15 Wholesale Warranties Sponsor
08:09 NRVTA Training Academy Sold
09:19 Alliance Open House Preview
12:05 Homecoming Rally Invite
13:01 Zion Flooding Update
14:00 Kansas State Park Fee Hike
15:16 Hipcamp Awards For 2026
17:03 Wrap Up And Membership

Get 30% off at rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout!

A deadly flash flood has devastated parts of Grand Canyon National Park, leaving two people dead, others still unaccounted for, destroying trails and bridges, and severely damaging the Transcanyon Waterline — forcing major water restrictions and lodging closures on the South Rim.

In this week’s national park and public lands news roundup, we break down what happened at the Grand Canyon and what visitors need to know right now.

We’re also covering:

• A major Trump administration proposal that would make it easier for the National Park Service to expand bicycle and e-bike access
• New reporting from Anna Kramer at NOTUS on a proposed Yosemite land deal that could give a private developer direct access through the park
• Wolf activity forcing new tent-camping restrictions at Isle Royale National Park
• Kansas State Parks raising camping and vehicle fees — and eliminating its annual camping pass

We’ll separate the headlines from what the actual rules and proposals say, explain what’s changing, and tell you what matters if you’re planning a national park or camping trip.

#NationalParks #GrandCanyon #Yosemite #RVMiles #CampingNews #PublicLands
Tickets for HOMECOMING are on sale! Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming

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Connect with RV Miles: 
RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles
Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles
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Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

00:00 Headlines
00:54 Grand Canyon Flood Disaster
06:17 Sponsor Message
07:08 E-Bike Rules Overhaul
13:59 Yosemite Private Road Push
17:13 Isle Royale Wolf Restrictions
18:47 Kansas State Park Fee Hikes
20:04 Support And Sign Off

This week in national parks and public lands news:

• What’s actually happening with the proposed border security project at Big Bend
• A second barrier going up at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• 11 hikers rescued after flash flooding at Bryce Canyon
• The search for a missing 71-year-old hiker at Canyonlands
• New National Park Service rules for electric scooters, hoverboards, Segways, and other micromobility devices
• A historic Sierra National Forest cabin reopens
• Vandals cause extensive damage at several Oregon state parks
• The National Park Service celebrates its 110th birthday
• A new NPS partnership with Google Arts & Culture brings virtual national park tours online

Get 20% off Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com with code RVMILES

Tickets for HOMECOMING are on sale! Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming

******************************
Connect with RV Miles: 
RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles
Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles
RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist
Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

00:00 Intro
00:28 Sponsor Message
01:16 NP News Format Returns
05:11 Big Bend Border Review
09:34 Organ Pipe Second Wall
10:34 Bryce Canyon Flood Rescue
11:43 Canyonlands Missing Hiker
13:06 New E-Scooter Rules
14:54 Oregon Parks Vandalism
15:45 NPS Turns 110
17:45 Wrap Up and Thanks

In this episode, we dig into two big questions RVers love to debate: should you really be using a diesel fuel additive, and where should RVers be allowed to park overnight?

First, we talk about a public library in Maine that found itself unexpectedly listed as an overnight camping spot on iOverlander. That leads us into a bigger conversation about free overnight parking, responsible boondocking, the “freeloader” label, and whether more towns should be creating low-cost or free spaces for RV travelers instead of simply putting up “No Camping” signs.

Then, we’re joined by fuel chemist Jessica Crabtree from Power Service to break down what diesel additives actually do. We talk cetane, lubricity, CP4 fuel pump failures, cold-weather gelling, biodiesel, water and microbial growth, injector deposits, and why the diesel coming out of the pump may not always be ideal for modern engines.

Plus, we talk about Winnebago’s latest production cuts, a new RV tailgating experience at Soldier Field, the increasingly frustrating state of package delivery, and a whole lot more.

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/422
*Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers
*Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/
*HOMECOMING tickets are on sale: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

Support our Sponsors:
*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com
*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001
*Get 30% off your next mattress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES
*Get a free quote on an extended RV warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com
*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID  437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Sponsors
01:16 Episode Preview
01:42 Welcome Back Updates
03:28 Library Parking Debate
18:24 Sponsor Break
19:51 Diesel Additives Interview
37:51 Tank Check
38:16 Winnebago Plant Closures
41:57 Soldier Field Tailgate RVs
45:53 Shipping Delivery Frustrations
53:43 Listener Survey Thanks
56:19 Episode Wrap

The future of gas-powered Class A motorhomes just got a whole lot clearer — and the company stepping in to save the segment probably isn’t one you would have guessed.

Plus, while the RV industry continues to struggle overall, one manufacturer just posted its three best sales months ever, used RV values are actually up double digits, and campground owners are fighting back over the credit card fees you pay every time you book a campsite.

And Hershey is less than a month away, where we’re expecting a radically different new travel trailer from Forest River — and it looks like the show may have accidentally revealed a brand-new Brinkley fifth wheel before Brinkley did.

All that and more in this week’s RV Miles news.

Get 20% off Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com with code RVMILES

Tickets for HOMECOMING are on sale! Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming

******************************
Connect with RV Miles: 
RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmiles
Shop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmiles
RV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist
Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

00:00 Headlines Preview
00:48 Gas Class A Chassis Saved
03:45 Sponsor Message
04:40 Campground Card Fee Fight
08:34 Homecoming Rally Invite
09:12 Alliance Defies Downturn
11:35 Used RV Values Rise
12:26 Hershey Show Sneak Peeks
12:42 Forest River Teleos Debut
15:33 Brinkley Model R Rumors
17:00 Wrap Up And Thanks

Is the traditional summer camping season starting to shift?

New travel data shows growing interest in September and October trips as travelers look to escape extreme summer heat, peak-season crowds, and higher prices. In this episode, we dig into why fall and shoulder-season camping may be becoming a bigger part of the RV travel calendar — and what that could mean for campgrounds that traditionally close their gates in October.

Plus, we follow up on the FCC's new rules affecting foreign-made connected inverters and what they could mean for RV solar, batteries, portable power stations, and other connected power equipment. We also debate campgrounds charging separately for electricity, share the wild story of a hiker who walked 10 miles after being impaled by a trekking pole, and look at an incredibly detailed experiment showing what really happens inside your RV black tank when you use the flush system.

All that and more on this week's RV Miles Podcast.

The black tank video from  @RVTIPSANDTRAVELS : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZfzZTONwho&t=3s

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/421
*Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers
*Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/
*HOMECOMING tickets are on sale: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

Support our Sponsors:
*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com
*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001
*Get 30% off your next mattress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES
*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID  437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE00:00 

00:00 Intro
00:47 Welcome Back
05:47 Are Foreign-Made RV Inverters Being Banned?
18:13 Campgrounds Are Starting to Charge for Electricity
27:26 Why RVers Are Moving Their Trips to Fall
43:05 Hiker Walks 10 Miles After Being Impaled
47:49 Do RV Black Tank Flushes Really Work?
51:57 Are We Still “Real” RVers?
55:27 The New Little House on the Prairie
58:08 RV Miles Homecoming & Closing