RV Miles Podcast

The federal government has declared foreign-made power inverters a national security threat — and the new restrictions could eventually affect some of the biggest names in RV solar and portable power.

Plus, Battle Born’s parent company has purchased competitor Dakota Lithium at a pretty interesting moment for the brand.

Ram is making some major changes to its trucks, including more payload for the 2500 and the end of automatic stop/start on the Hemi.

We’ve also got an RV toilet conversion that lets you basically abandon your black tank, an all-electric furnace that can run through your existing ductwork, and one of the old-school satellite internet companies that RVers used before Starlink has filed for bankruptcy.

And somehow, none of that is the craziest story this week — because a Montana hiker impaled himself completely through the torso with a trekking pole…and then hiked ten miles out of the mountains with the pole still sticking out of him.

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 Preview
01:01 FCC Inverter Crackdown
04:10 Battle Born Owner Buys Rival
05:53 Impaled Hiker Survival
07:25 Sponsor Break
08:14 Ram Recall and Upgrades
10:47 GM CarPlay Reversal
12:26 Membership Pitch
12:53 Electric Furnace Upgrade
14:37 Dry Flush Toilet Kit
16:27 HughesNet Bankruptcy
17:35 Camping History Documentary
18:46 Homecoming Rally and Farewell

With smart meters more available and power rates rising, are campgrounds going to stop including the cost of electricity in your nightly stay? Jason takes a look at the issues involved. Plus misconceptions about RV manufacturers eliminating propane, and debunking some misleading headlines. In the interview portion, Remote Vans CEO Daryn Hillhouse joins us, along with new President Andrew Cooley, to talk about RV quality, pricing pressures, dealer relationships, and improving the customer buying and service experience.

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/420
*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
*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 Intro
03:49 Campground Power Fees
08:48 Sponsor
09:34 Propane Removal Trend
15:33 Tank Check
17:52 Remote Vans Interview
52:32 Wrap Up And Thanks

Get 30% off your new RV mattress at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout. 

Abby fills in for Jason and covers major RV and camping headlines: two U.S. Forest Service employees were held at gunpoint for nearly 15 hours in California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest; catastrophic flooding again hit the Texas Hill Country; a new Elkhart County manufacturer launches with The RV Hunter and That RV Tech advising; Remote Vans names Storyteller Overland co-founder Andrew Cooley as president; and Starlink rolls out a more efficient V5 dish while also changing Roam rules, including a 30-day limit abroad and treating the U.S. and Canada as one region.

00:00 Abby Takes Over
00:37 Forest Service Hostages
02:15 Texas Hill Country Flooding
03:17 RV Mattress Sponsor
04:02 Boundless Recreation Debut
05:47 Remote Vans New President
07:29 Starlink V5 Dish
08:40 Starlink Roam Changes
10:01 Wrap Up And Support

In this episode, a candid conversation with Ben Hirsch, COO of Campers Inn RV, about RV industry overstocking driven by the “bullwhip effect,” how volatile pricing can hurt trade-in values, and how inconsistent production schedules and frequent floorplan changes can impact build quality, and the challenge of balancing affordability with quality. Plus, Starlink updates, including a new dish, simplified US/Canada residency rules, and a new one-month international limit affecting Mexico. 

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/418
*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 RV Matress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout
*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 Intro
01:33 Starlink Updates
06:30 Mile Markers Plug
08:40 Sponsor Break
10:13 Ben Hirsch Interview
45:33 Tank Check
45:59 Weather Impacts Camping
47:34 Pause Trailer in Death Valley
53:07 Board Game Price Shock
01:04:46 Handheld Fan
01:07:05 Episode Wrap

This week, catastrophic flooding in Missouri forced hundreds of campers to be rescued, including more than 200 young campers and counselors airlifted out by Black Hawk helicopters after the Black River rose to record levels in the middle of the night.

We’ve also got a scary rockfall incident on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, gas prices ticking back up, and new RV sales continuing their long slide.

Plus, campground planning tools are seeing record traffic, KOA has been named one of the most profitable franchise brands in the country, and major hotel companies are moving even deeper into glamping and outdoor hospitality.

Camping may still be about getting outside, but more than ever, it’s also big business — and sometimes, a serious safety story.

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

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

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

00:00 Flooding Rescue
02:47 Glacier Rockfall Scare
03:26 Sponsor
04:35 Fuel Prices Rise
04:57 New RV Sales Slump
06:01 Campground Views Boom
06:48 Homecoming Rally Invite
07:23 KOA Franchises
08:54 Hotels Enter Glamping
10:01 Wrap Up

In this episode, we turn to your comments to cover three polarizing issues and try to find some common ground. Should campers be penalized for reserving public campground sites they don’t use? Should RV parks let long-term transient workers for AI data centers take over? Should RVers leave lights on all night?

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/418
*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 a free quote on an extended service plan 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 Intro
02:56 Homecoming Rally Plug
06:09 Empty Reserved Sites Debate
25:51 Sponsor Break
27:32 Workers Filling RV Parks
37:46 Docking Lights
44:34 Tank Check 
44:58 Flash Flooding
47:37 AI for Live Captions
52:03 Sexist RV Marketing Rant
01:05:54 Wrap Up

*Get 30% off your next RV Mattress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout*

This week, some new RV debuts from  @WinnebagoRVs ,  @GrandDesignRVTeam , and @alinercamping  show us where things may be headed next — smaller motorhomes, fewer propane systems, more electric appliances, new materials, and some very different ideas about what buyers actually want.

Plus, a major dealer says the industry keeps overbuilding RVs and then liquidating them in peak season, data center workers are filling up campgrounds, and more.

The RV Business article from Ben Hirsch at  @CampersInnRV : https://rvbusiness.com/ben-hirsch-were-liquidating-new-rvs-in-peak-season-again/

The  @MattsRVReviews  video on the Grand Design Lineage Series E: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2Tc-cl2GI&t=1s

The RV Industry history of RVing documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGJQejdpetg&t=7s

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

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

00:00 Headlines

00:37 Dealers vs Overproduction

02:59 Winnebago Elora & Resa

05:44 Sponsor

06:35 Grand Design Lineage

08:19 Aliner Scout 15

09:38 Coachmen Composite Floors

11:09 Dometic Electric Heater

12:15 Data Center Campers

13:32 RVIA America 250 Film

14:48 Wrap Up

In this final summer mini-episode of the RV Miles Podcast, we share how bringing meals into national parks can help RVers stay later, avoid crowds, and enjoy sunsets and the blue hour. We suggest easy, flexible meal ideas, including tacos, one-pan sausage and veggie skillet meals; make-ahead soup or chili; no-cook “adult Lunchables" and more.

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/417
*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 RV mattress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout. 
*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 Intro
01:45 Stay Late Strategy
02:57 Fourth Of July Banter
05:16 Easy Meal Mindset
06:01 Taco Bar Dinner
10:23 Skillet Meal Favorite
14:18 Sponsor Break
15:52 Soup And Chili
18:44 No Cook Options
18:54 Charcuterie Picnic
22:04 Salads And Pasta
26:21 Sponsor Break
27:22 Picnic Setup Tips
30:51 Lights, Water, and Fire
36:30 Coolers And Food Safety
37:48 Leave No Trace Cleanup
40:15 Final Thoughts And Farewell

This week on RV Miles, California begins its crackdown on campsite no-shows, new data shows what RV sites and campgrounds really cost right now, used RV values continue to rise, and new RV shipments are down again. Plus, Ford sees a major quality turnaround, Rossmonster debuts an adventure van, Canyonlands closes The Needles district due to wildfire danger, and one RV owner gets their motorhome seized over stolen corn.

Get free shipping on orders over $99 at Etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

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

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

00:00 Headlines And Intro
00:48 California No Show Crackdown
03:13 Sponsor eTrailer
04:00 What Campgrounds Cost Now
05:30 Rossmonster Loft Debut
07:37 Used Values Up New Shipments Down
09:32 Bike Friendly Campground App
10:26 Ford Quality Rebound
12:08 National Park Emergency Closures
13:12 Stolen Corn RV Impounded
14:36 Wrap Up And Newsletter

In this mini episode of the RV Miles podcast, Jason and Abby revisit past RV mythbusting segments from earlier episodes to see what still holds up, including whether you should buy an RV from Camping World, whether RV-specific toilet paper is necessary, and misconceptions about using Drano in RV plumbing (including cautions around waterless Hepvo traps). They also debunk bags of water with pennies to deter flies, discuss mixed claims about Irish Spring soap or dryer sheets for mice, and recommend sealing entry points, and dismiss the idea that you must be under 30 feet to camp in national parks.

*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/416
*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
*Start your worry-free trial of Travlfi at https://travlfi.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 Blue Ox Sponsor
00:33 Myth Busting Returns
03:16 Old Segments
05:26 Camping World Myth
16:25 Sponsor Break
17:54 RV Toilet Paper
18:32 Drano And Traps
20:06 Pennies Bag Flies
22:14 Mice Deterrents
26:16 National Park Length
28:05 Ice In Black Tank
29:49 Sponsor
30:50 Nitrogen In Tires
32:55 Flamingo Swingers
37:36 Mythbusting 3 Highlights
39:06 Wrap Up