by Mike Wendland
All about the RV Lifestyle – News, Tips, Trip and camping resources
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Publishing Since
10/7/2014
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April 16, 2025
<br /> This week on the RV Podcast:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * RV Tire Maintenance. When do you replace them? How do you maintain them?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * We all have seen the lists on what to bring on an RV Trip. But in the Social Media Buzz segment, we’ll tell you what NOT to bring, the things real RVers say are a total waste of space.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * How to sanitize your RV freshwater system for the new camping season. We’ll give you a concise step by step guide.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * And in Mike and Jen’s storytime, the Tale of the Tape Measure… or how to get off the fence of indecision.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * All this and more coming up in Episode 543 of the RV Podcast<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For a video version of the podcast, watch below:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For an audio version, listen through your favorite podcast app or via the player below: We have another giveaway for you. If you travel with pets we’re giving away two prizes:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Countdown for our Sweepstakes - just a few days left!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> We are very happy to work again with WAGGLE. And for this sweepstakes, they are giving away TWO prizes! The first winner gets a Waggle Pet Monitor, which sends alerts to your phone if the temperature inside your RV becomes unsafe for your pet. The second winner gets an RV Mini Cam that lets you check 360-degree video from inside your RV. It has two-way audio and motion tracking so you can visibly monitor the inside of your RV from wherever you are on your phone.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Just go to <a href="http://rvlifestyle.com/sweepstakes" data-wpel-link="internal">RVLifestyle.com/sweepstakes</a> to enter. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> We’ll announce the winners on April 20, 2025. You can also get a great discount if you don't want to wait and choose to purchase either device. Details at <a href="https://rvlifestyle.com/sweepstakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">https://rvlifestyle.com/sweepstakes/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://rvlifestyle.com/sweepstakes/" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener" data-wpel-link="internal"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> RV NEWS OF THE WEEK<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/up-and-down-gas-prices-reverse-course/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Gas Prices Falling — Just in Time to Hit the Road!</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Gas prices are coming down even though this is the time of year they usually go up. AAA says the reason is that OPEC is increasing oil production much more than expected. Prices nationwide are $3.22 per gallon currently. Last year at this time they were $3.61.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/04/more-10-percent-national-park-service-workforce-has-left" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">National Park Service Purge? 1 in 8 Workers Take Trump Admin Offer </a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/04/more-10-percent-national-park-service-workforce-has-left" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer"></a>An estimated 12.5% of the NPS's workforce took one of the three Trump administration offers to resign or retire early. How this will impact park visitors is not immediately clear, but the National Parks Conservation Association, which is collecting these numbers, says it is greatly concerned.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.weitzlux.com/firm-news/grand-design-rv-lawsuit/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Grand Design & Winnebago Slammed with Class Action Over ‘Deceptive’ Frames: Owners Demand Justice</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The frame flex debate just ratcheted up a notch with a class action lawsuit being filed against Winnebago Industries and Grand Design, claiming the company not only knew the frames were deceptive but marketed them deceptively. The suit is seeking a recall and monetary and punitive damages on behalf of the thousands of owners whose lives were "upended."<br />
April 9, 2025
<br /> This week on the RV Podcast:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * We talk about Tariffs and RV Price Hikes: A Big RV Dealer tells us what to Expect in 2025<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * How to Make Sure Nothing Breaks on Your First Big RV Trip of the New Season<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * In Mike & Jen’s storytime, we share the story of The Gray Dream: Our First RV.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Our Sweepstakes is Back! Find out what Waggle has for you.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 542 of the RV Podcast<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - RV Price Hikes - Tariffs<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nations around the world, massively impacting global trade. A base 10% tariff on a number of countries goes into effect April 5, and higher tariffs on "worst" offenders such as China go into effect April 9.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> What does this mean for the RV Industry? <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> To help us better understand, our guest today is Mike Coyle, COO of <a href="https://kunesrv.com/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Kunes Auto & RV Group's RV Division</a>. Kunes has 12 RV dealerships across the Midwest with inventory spanning major brands. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> We urge you to watch or listen to the conversation with one of the players above. But for those who prefer text, here is a synopsis:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In this interview, Coyle emphasizes that while most RVs are American-made, many components—such as electronics and specialty parts—are imported and could be affected by tariffs, potentially leading to slight cost increases and production delays.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Coyle anticipates modest price hikes for new model year 2026 RVs, estimating increases in the range of 3–6%. However, he clarifies that these have not yet materialized and are still under discussion among manufacturers. Current inventory, particularly 2025 models, is not subject to these potential increases, making it a favorable time for consumers to purchase.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Despite concerns in the media about market downturns and rising costs, Coyle remains optimistic. He notes that consumer sentiment may be more influenced by fear and speculation than by actual market conditions. So far, Kunes RV has not seen a drop in demand; in fact, 2025 has been strong, with sales growth continuing through the early months.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Coyle also points out that most RV dealerships, including Kunes RV with its 40+ locations, are well-prepared with inventory and are focused on customer care and competitive pricing. While he hasn’t yet seen consumers rushing in to beat the potential tariff-related price hikes, he suggests it may become a smart marketing angle for some dealers.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Looking at the broader picture, Coyle believes it’s currently a buyer’s market. After a few tough years for the industry—particularly following the COVID-era demand surge and subsequent inventory challenges—dealers are motivated to move inventory. This makes it an ideal time for consumers to buy or trade in, especially before any possible cost increases hit.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, he advises RV owners to get their vehicles serviced early in the season to avoid potential delays caused by parts shortages, which could be exacerbated by the new tariffs.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In summary, while some component price increases and minor delays are likely,
April 2, 2025
<br /> This week on the RV Podcast:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Why do Class B RVs cost so much… are the high-end ones really worth a quarter of a million dollars?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * If you're headed to the Big Bend National Park in Texas, be aware that you’re not alone. hundreds of Federal troops are now patrolling there - on foot and in armored vehicles.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * RV Travel Tips to make your drive less tiring and more enjoyable<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * All this plus the RV News of the Week and Mike & Jen’s RV Storytime coming up in Episode 541 of the RV Podcast<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/03/27/military-troops-armored-vehicles-deployed-to-big-bend-national-park/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/03/27/military-troops-armored-vehicles-deployed-to-big-bend-national-park/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">The U.S. Military is deploying up to 500 troops and armored vehicles to patrol Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area for surveillance and intelligence gathering.</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> About 200 troops from the Army’s 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo. — a trained combat unit — are already on the ground in and around Big Bend. That number is expected to grow to some 500 in coming weeks, Troops will patrol both on foot and in armored vehicles known as Strykers. The 19-ton vehicles are well-suited for navigating rugged terrain. Big Bend sits on the Mexican border and is large and rugged - some 800,000 acres in size - the size of Rhode Island.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/la-county-deputies-clear-rv-storage-lot-taken-over-by-squatters/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Dozens of homeless people broke into a Black Series RV storage lot outside LA and started living in travel trailers valued at $40,000-$100,000 each</a>. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The squatters trashed the RVs, leaving piles of garbage outside, and even set some rigs on fire before they were evicted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff last week.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-traffic/2025/03/28/azdot-unpaid-toll-fines-text-message-arizona/82693877007/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-traffic/2025/03/28/azdot-unpaid-toll-fines-text-message-arizona/82693877007/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Did you get a text from a company saying you have unpaid toll road charges?</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Don't click that link - it is most likely a scam. Numerous stories on this scam appeared last week in newspapers around the country, all saying the texts have a link that if clicked, could download malware into your device.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/03/27/arches-national-park-fiery-furnace-closed/82688973007/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/search-safety-issues#recall" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Thor Motor Company is recalling 4,251 motor homes because the slides could extend when moving due to a parking brake malfunction.</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> A variety of models built between 2023-2026 are affected. Letters should be mailed to owners by May 5.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://thedyrt.com/press/camping-report/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Solo campers are dramatically increasing</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The percentage of campers who camp alone increased for the third consecutive year. Nearly a third of campers (30.6%) said they camped alone at least one night in 2024, according to <a href="https://tracking.us.nylas.]]" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer"></itunes:summary> <itunes:author>Mike Wendland</itunes:author> <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType> <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit> <itunes:duration>34:54</itunes:duration> <rawvoice:embed><iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=111321-podcast&amp;amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></rawvoice:embed> </item> <item> <title>RV Voting Controversy, Closed Campgrounds and RV Roof Issues</title> <link>https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-voting-controversy/</link> <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:05:00 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=111296</guid> <description>This week on the RV Podcast: Do RVers who claim residence in states like South Dakota even though they really don't live there, have an undue influence on local elections? There’s a major RV Voting controversy brewing. What you need to know about RV roof maintenance - tips from an expert before you head out In Mike & Jen’s Storytime, the tale about Jennifer’s stay in a haunted Montana Hotel All this plus your RV questions coming up in Episode 540 of the RV Podcast</description> <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/rv_lifestyle/content.blubrry.com/rv_lifestyle/RV540.mp3" length="24589615" type="audio/mpeg" /> <itunes:subtitle>This week on the RV Podcast: Do RVers who claim residence in states like South Dakota even though they really don't live there, have an undue influence on local elections? There’s a major RV Voting controversy brewing. </itunes:subtitle> <itunes:summary><
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