RV Miles Podcast

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

The RV industry's recovery has been pushed back AGAIN, with the latest forecast predicting continued declines through the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, Winnebago says there may simply be too many RV dealerships for today's market, even as the company manages to increase profits despite falling sales.

Plus, massive flooding across the Southwest has damaged RV parks, washed out highways, and affected several national parks. In Colorado, a dramatic helicopter rescue saved two people and five pets trapped inside an RV swept into a river.

Also in this week's RV and Camping News Roundup: Ford recalls more than 102,000 trucks over faulty speedometers, Roadmaster expands a major tow bar recall affecting nearly 25,000 units, Illinois announces a 40% increase in state park camping fees, and both gas and diesel prices have retreated from recent highs.

******************************
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

#RVMiles #RVNews #RVLife #Camping #NationalParks

00:00 Headlines and Intro
00:45 Four Corners Flooding
01:57 Rescue and Road Closures
03:00 National Parks Flood Impacts
04:16 Sponsor eTrailer
05:02 RV Market Forecast Drops
07:43 Winnebago Strategy Shift
10:46 Ford Speedometer Recall
11:38 Roadmaster Tow Bar Recall
13:08 Illinois Camping Fees Rise
14:43 Fuel Price Update
15:29 Wrap Up

Jason and Abby recap a "Road Tested" trip through California wine country in the all-electric Pebble Flow travel trailer, using Harvest Hosts stops near Glen Ellen, Ukiah (Nelson Family Vineyard), and Redwood Valley (Testa Vineyards). Standout Pebble features include iPad-controlled maneuvering, Magic Hitch auto-coupling, exceptional stabilization, privacy glass, and an optional Jackery 2,000W ground-deploy solar system that helped run A/C in 100+ degree heat! A sudden wildfire near Ukiah forces a reroute as Highway 101 closes, leading to a long scenic drive through Napa and an overnight at a crowded Marin-area RV park where the remote parking feature helps again.

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/427

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/

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 RV extended warranty quote at https://wholesalewarranties.com

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

00:00 Sponsor Blue Ox
00:31 Road Tested Returns
02:05 SEMA Vegas Plans
05:10 Why Pebble Flow Now
06:12 What Is Pebble Flow
08:32 Harvest Hosts Strategy
09:56 Airport Pickup Costco Run
16:03 San Francisco Detour
18:18 Sponsor Break
19:53 First Stop Glen Ellen
22:05 Remote Parking Setup
25:07 Stabilization Game Changer
29:28 Murphy Bed Layout Notes
34:11 Morning Tasting Recap
34:59 Wine Bottle Dilemma
35:44 Glen Ellen Bakery Stop
37:28 Towing Assist Test
38:40 Nelson Vineyard Heat
41:30 Jackery Solar Setup
43:05 Smart Glass Shades
48:31 Ukiah Town Day
53:46 Testa Vineyard Tasting
55:31 Wildfire Escape Route
58:49 Magic Hitch Getaway
01:00:43 Detour to Napa
01:02:38 Night at Marin Park
01:03:21 Worst RV Park Lessons
01:05:30 Charging the Pebble
01:06:11 Bakery Stop and Dumping
01:07:20 Triple Macerator Explained
01:10:30 Airport Parking Scramble
01:12:11 Packing Wine Bottles
01:13:00 Pebble Pros and Cons
01:19:07 Wish List Improvements
01:22:06 More Testing and Features
01:24:24 Tank Check Sponsor Break
01:24:58 RV Industry Outlook
01:30:43 Love's RV Services Update
01:32:19 Lego Prices Rant
01:35:28 Spooky Season Audiobook
01:37:38 Events and Farewell

Recorded live at the 4th annual RV Miles Homecoming in Amana, Iowa, Jason and Abby discuss Choice Hotels acquiring Harvest Hosts, and then take audience questions on how RVing has changed since they started, whether they’re considering a smaller rig, and ideas for a future episode on trip-planning apps and AI-assisted planning. They share the origin story of RV Miles from their 2016 move onto the road and how COVID shifted their work into news coverage, answer questions about composites becoming common RV materials, and address confusing rec.gov campsite length limits.

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/426

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/

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

00:00 Sponsor Blue Ox
00:30 Live From Homecoming
03:41 Harvest Hosts Bought
13:16 Sponsor eTrailer
14:03 Audience Q&A Begins
14:47 How RVing Changed
17:57 Downsizing The Rig
19:10 Trip Planning Apps
23:10 How RV Miles Started
31:45 Composites In RVs
33:29 Rec Gov Site Sizes
37:34 Campground Length Confusion
39:37 Misadventures Make Memories
40:26 Wrong Way in New Mexico
43:14 Fuel Can Hair Disaster
50:13 Favorite Child Joke
51:20 Future of EV Towing
58:09 Tank Check Sponsor Break
58:29 Truck Bed Left Open
01:00:46 RV Automation Breakthrough
01:06:58 Retirement and New Theme
01:08:38 Live Show Farewell

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

A massive new luxury fifth wheel from Alliance, revolutionary RV manufacturing technology, and two new truck campers are just a few of the big announcements from this year's RV Industry Open House in Elkhart, Indiana!

We're taking you inside the show to look at Alliance RV's new Aurum fifth wheel, a new printing process from Patrick Industries that could change how RVs are built, new truck campers from Sage RV and Rockwood, and much more.

Plus, Camping World announces more dealership closures, two families who won lawsuits against Lazydays may never collect their judgments, and important recalls affect thousands of Grand Design fifth wheels and Ram ProMaster vans.

IN THIS WEEK'S RV NEWS:

@alliancerv unveils its ultra-luxury Aurum fifth wheel

New Alliance solar packages and a sneak peek at the Model B

Former Newmar president launches Sage RV truck campers

@RockwoodRVs enters the truck camper market

Patrick Industries introduces revolutionary direct-to-panel printing

Dexter introduces the E-Z Flex STS suspension system

Jackery partners with @PebbleRV on a 2,000-watt portable solar package

Camping World announces four dealership closures

Lazydays customers win lawsuits but may never get paid

Grand Design and Ram ProMaster recalls

New Teton Pass RV certification requirements

Ford Power Stroke class-action lawsuit moves forward

Ram truck sales rebound

LINKS

Watch Tony and Peggy's full Rockwood Reserve video at StressLess Camping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-eNpCRAII

@stresslesscamping

Special thanks to our friends Tony and Peggy at StressLess Camping for sharing their Rockwood Reserve footage! Be sure to check out their full video.

Denver7 Investigation: Lazydays Customers May Never Get Paid:
https://www.denver7.com/news/investigations/families-won-big-against-lazydays-but-may-never-get-paid

Grand Design Reflection Recall:
https://rvbusiness.com/nhtsa-releases-its-most-recent-installment-of-rv-recalls-143/

Ram ProMaster Power Steering Recall:
https://rvbusiness.com/nhtsa-releases-its-most-recent-installment-of-rv-recalls-144/

Check Your RV or Vehicle for Open Recalls:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Wyoming Teton Pass Safe Pass Certification:
https://safepass.wyoroad.info/

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

******************************
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
01:06 Alliance Aurum Debut
04:01 Solar Max Plus
04:40 Alliance Model B
05:14 Warranty Sponsor Break
06:03 New Truck Campers
08:27 Printed Interior Panels
11:40 Dexter Suspension Upgrade
12:59 Jackery Meets Pebble
14:46 Camping World Closures
16:19 Lazydays Lawsuit Fallout
19:07 Major RV Recalls
20:59 Teton Pass Certification
22:23 Truck News Ford Ram
24:02 Wrap Up And Outro

#RVMiles #RVNews #RVIndustry #RVLife #Camping #FifthWheel #TruckCamper #RVTravel

The National Park Service could be headed for a major restructuring that would change how parks across the country are managed.

In this week’s National Parks and public lands news roundup, we break down the proposed “hub and spoke” management model, what it could mean for smaller park units, and why former park leaders are raising concerns.

Also this week:

• Grand Canyon is still recovering from major flash flooding and damage to the North Kaibab Trail
• Investigators say Yosemite’s Dome Fire was started by an abandoned campfire
• A tour company is suing over the new $100 international visitor fee at major national parks
• Major League Baseball has abandoned its idea of staging a game inside Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly is leaving the National Park Service after nearly eight years
• Arches National Park has launched a new shuttle connecting Moab with the park
• Three bears in the Grand Teton/Jackson Hole area were euthanized after becoming conditioned to human food
• Alcatraz Island will temporarily close this fall for major dock repairs

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

******************************
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
00:34 Chiricahua Becomes National Park
01:40 NPS Shakeup
04:00 Grand Canyon Flood Recovery
06:05 Sponsor Break
06:56 Yosemite Fire
07:49 International Fee Lawsuit
09:51 MLB Game Nixed
11:51 Subscribe and Share
12:59 Yellowstone Leadership Change
14:16 Arches Shuttle Launch
15:55 Fed Bear Dead Bear
17:33 Alcatraz Closure
18:25 Wrap Up and Thanks

#NationalParks #NationalParkService #PublicLands #Yosemite #GrandCanyon #GrandTeton #Yellowstone #RVMiles

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

The RV industry is gathering in Elkhart, Indiana, this week to show dealers the newest RVs for the coming model year — but they're doing it against a pretty rough backdrop.

New RV shipments fell another 16.4% in August and are now down 14.2% for the year. We break down what those numbers actually mean, which RV categories are getting hit hardest, and why this year's Elkhart Open House matters so much for manufacturers.

Also in this week's RV and camping news:

• Campground prices have fallen for the third consecutive month
• Gas prices finally stopped climbing, while diesel dropped slightly
• President Trump is considering restrictions on U.S. diesel exports
• Forest River has launched a new financial-services company, including a home-equity product that could let qualified buyers finance an RV using equity in their house
• Ford has temporarily halted F-150 production at its Dearborn Truck Plant because of a supplier shortage

******************************
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

This week, we dive into a few RV-industry-focused topics, including the aftermath of this year's big Hershey RV Show, and some new wild info that has surfaced about the pending Lippert-Patrick merger. Plus, someone hase been poisoning trees on the shores of Lake Tahoe with diesel fuel, and why do campgrounds focus on fees instead of discounts?

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/425

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/

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

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

The Hershey RV Show wrapped with attendance down about 5%, but dealers and manufacturers reported surprisingly strong sales and a positive mood, with demand shifting more toward towables. Major RV debuts included the Brinkley Model R fifth wheel, the return of DRV Mobile Suites, Forest River’s Lucent and Sommar Class B vans and Coachmen Teleos travel trailer, Pleasure-Way’s first travel trailer (Everbound), Winnebago’s compact Elora/Resa Class C, and the ultra-luxury Cornerstone Series 6 diesel pusher; Liquified RV also rebranded as Prime RV and launched the Gravity sewer hose. GM has announced upgraded 2027 half-ton engines and trailering tech, plus teased an 8.3L Duramax “Mongoose” for HD trucks. The FTC clarified all-in price advertising rules for required dealer fees and discounts, Thor discussed affordability and flat 2027 expectations, and fuel prices continued rising.

​ @rvgearandfar : https://www.youtube.com/@rvgearandfar

******************************
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 Hershey Show Highlights
00:42 Sales Mood Check
03:15 Sponsor Message
04:00 Biggest RV Debuts
09:53 Liquified Rebrand
10:32 Mile Markers
11:10 GM Half Ton Upgrades
14:16 Mongoose Duramax Tease
15:31 FTC Pricing Rules
18:07 Thor Affordability Focus
19:37 Fuel Price Surge
20:11 Wrap Up and Thanks

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!

🚽 LIQUIFIED RV TOILET TREATMENT

Liquified is made by RVers for RVers and helps break down waste and toilet paper, fight odors, prevent clogs, and keep tank sensors cleaner.

Save 20% at:
https://liquifiedrv.com

Use code: RVMILES

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:

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

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