95 episodes

Celebrating the RV Lifestyle by Mike and Jennifer Wendland. Tips, travel ideas, RV news and great interviews about the RV Lifestyle.

RV Podcast Mike Wendland

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.4 • 592 Ratings

Celebrating the RV Lifestyle by Mike and Jennifer Wendland. Tips, travel ideas, RV news and great interviews about the RV Lifestyle.

    All about RV Caravan Tours!

    All about RV Caravan Tours!

    Have you ever wondered about RV caravan tours? To find out, listen to our interview of the week with the operations head of Fantasy RV Tours.







    Also this week on the RV Podcast:









    * A massive hatch of billions of creepy crawly bugs is about to invade large sections of the country. Yes, we really mean billions!







    * Love’s truck stops are greatly expanding overnight camping spots at its service centers. The company is adding electric and water hookups for weary RVers.







    * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 490 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.















    Greetings from Florida, where we have spent most of the past three months. This week, we finished a major project: reviewing five Class B models and testing them by driving and actually camping in them. 







    It's been a huge project that has seen us drive thousands of miles, testing out gas and diesel engines, 2-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and 4 x4 models on three different chassis (Ram Promaster, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter), in lengths of 20, 22 and 24 feet. 







    Thanks to Nick Schmidt of Sunshine State RVs for providing us with the units to test. 







    We now look forward to editing five in-depth video reviews on each model and then a sixth video that tells you our favorite features. We'll have it all ready in a few weeks and will release them one at a time over six days. As soon as we have the dates ready, we'll let you know.







    If you're interested in preliminary impressions, you can find them among our posts at  https://community.rvlifestyle.com







    When edited, the full series will be found on our YouTube RV Lifestyle Channel. We invite you to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss any of our videos. We've been releasing new videos several times a week and would love to have you as a subscriber.







    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.







    Don't you love to see the little things RVers do to personalize their rigs? Well, In our RVLifestyle Community recently in the Mods & DIY Tweaks Space, we asked: "If you could give a new RV owner one piece of advice about customization, what would it be?"







    So many gems here!







    Tom suggested installing a Tire Pressure Monitoring System if you don't already have one for peace of mind.







    Heidi said to pay attention to your bed.

    How to Find a Mobile RV Tech

    How to Find a Mobile RV Tech

    This week on the RV Podcast:









    * How to find a Mobile RV Tech to handle your repairs and maintenance needs.







    * The National Park Service’s insistence on using a credit card has resulted in lawsuits and lots of pushback from people being turned away from entry because they wanted to use cash for the fee.







    * What it means if someone leaves a toy frog on your RV… or a rubber alligator…or a flamingo.







    * The best way to hang photos, towel racks, and other items on the walls of your RV without pounding a nail.







    * All this, plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #489 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.















    If you’ve ever been frustrated getting repair or maintenance service for your RV, our interview of the week in this episode is one you’ll find very helpful. We’ll talk to an expert on how a mobile RV Tech can come to your rescue and why that’s a service RVers are turning to more and more these days.







    Spring is officially here! Winter is history. As we’ve been traveling around Florida and the Gulf Coast this past month, we've been seeing more and more spring break RVers coming into the area. Spring weather is very much here. The trees are budding out, flowers are blooming, and the warm weather is a hint at what is slowly making its way up north.







    We are in the midst of a long term project that has us test camping in a number of different Class B RVs. Working with Nick Schmidt and his crew at Sunshine State RVs, we are right now testing out the fourth of what will be five different Class B campervans.







    So far, we have tested a 20 foot model, 22 footers 24 footers gas and diesel models, two-wheel drive RVs, all-wheel drive units and a 4x4. We’ve been in models build on the Promaster, Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter chassis.







    And when we are all done, we will have very detailed, in-depth reviews of each model, showing what we liked and didn't like and eventually picking a winner. We’ll release a video a day on this in a single week next month so stay tuned.







    We’re doing this because so much has changed in Class B RVs, which continue to be the most popular motorhomes being sold today. Technology and design changes since we last had a Class B - about five years ago - have been very impressive.







    Thanks to Sunshine State RVs in Gainsville, FL, for providing us with the models to test. We can’t wait to share our findings with you.







    Meantime, have you visited our new  RVLifestyle Community? The group is growing daily, and we couldn't be more excited! The RV Lifestyle Community is a friendly place where you can connect with fellow RVers to share tips, ask questions, and share enthusiasm for camping. We have organized topics by groups (which are called Spaces), making it easy to follow topics that interest you.We also do special Livestreams each week where members can interact and ask questions. You can chat with others (should you choose to do so), and there is a private space for our financial supporters to receive exclusive messages and other perks.

    • 47 min
    eBikes for RVers: What you need to know!

    eBikes for RVers: What you need to know!

    This week on Episode #488 of the RV Podcast:









    * What you need to know about eBikes for RVers: Where you can ride them, where you can’t, and why they are so popular.







    * There’s some serious price gouging going on by campgrounds along the path of next month’s total eclipse.







    * GM is recalling 820,000 of some of the most popular trucks for a major safety issue, many if which are used as tow vehicles by RVers.







    * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #488 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.























    RV INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK: Lectric eBikes CEO Levi Conlow















    Recently we asked our RV Lifestyle Community about electric bikes, and nearly 80 percent said they either had one or planned to buy one!







    It is amazing how ebikes and RVing increasingly go hand-in-hand, and there are many reasons why.







    To talk to us a bit about this, along with important things you should know about ebike safety, maintenance, and more, is the CEO of Lectric eBikes, Levi Conlow.







    Summary of the Interview eBikes for RVers







    Levi Conlow, founder of Electric Bikes, discusses the popularity of e-bikes among RVers and why they are a perfect fit for the RV lifestyle.







    He explains that RVers see the potential of using e-bikes to explore campgrounds and nearby areas without the need to tow a vehicle. Levi also highlights the welcoming and supportive community within the RV community as a major factor in the popularity of e-bikes.







    He then discusses the regulations and restrictions on using e-bikes in different states and national parks. Levi explains the different classes of e-bikes and their capabilities. He addresses the weight of e-bikes and the challenges in making them lighter.







    Finally, he talks about the availability of hitch racks for e-bikes and the potential for future innovations in the industry.







    Takeaways about E-Bikes and RVers









    * E-bikes have become popular among RVers due to their convenience and ability to explore campgrounds and nearby areas without the need for a towed vehicle.







    * The RV community's welcoming and supportive nature contributes to the popularity of e-bikes, as RVers share their positive experiences with each other.







    * The regulations and restrictions on using e-bikes vary from state to state and within national parks, but in general, e-bikes are treated the same as bicycles.







    * E-bikes are classified into different classes based on their capabilities, including throttle and pedal assist speeds.







    * The weight of e-bikes is influenced by factors such as motor power, battery size, and frame material, and while there have been improvements, significant weight reduction remains a challenge.







    * Hitch racks for e-bikes have become more readily available, but cost and engineering considerations still pose challenges.







    * The e-bike industry is still in its early stages, and future innovations may include lighter weight designs and improved efficiency.









    And you might want to see what
    Mike Wendland
    full
    false
    40:22



    The best way to find the perfect campsite
    https://rvlifestyle.com/find-the-perfect-campsite-2/
    Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:30:00 +0000
    https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=108793
    This week on Episode #487 of The RV Podcast:

    The best way to find the perfect campsite - how to see it before you book it, no matter where you happen to be

    A Dozen RVers from the RV Lifestyle Community share their favorite campsites. They reveal some hidden gems we bet you’ll want to try.

    Thieves impersonating a Florida business scammed $80,000 out of people who thought they were buying motorhomes. But the RVs never

    • 54 min
    How NOT to Run Out of Meds on an RV Trip

    How NOT to Run Out of Meds on an RV Trip

    This week on the RV Podcast:









    * How NOT to run out of meds on an RV Trip







    * Troubleshooting tips to make RV life easier on the road







    * Another state is considering giving back a state park to the native American tribe they stole it from







    * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #486 of the RV Podcast









    You can watch the full 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 to the fill podcast now through the player below.















    Testing out a few Class Bs







    We're back in Florida for a little bit. We'll be doing some testing of a few Class Bs - yes, you read that right - Class Bs - for the next few weeks.







    We're doing this in cooperation with Nick Schmidt, of Sunshine State RVs in Gainsville, FL. The project came about after we ran into Nick at last January's RV Supershow in Tampa. Nick is an old friend, going back for over a decade now. He runs one of the top Class B dealerships in the country and he remembers our roots, when we first started out.







    Back then, and for the first several years of our RV lifestyle, we were strictly in Class Bs. We moved on from that to B+ vans, Class C motorhomes, and Fifth Wheels.







    Nick suggested we take another look at Class Bs, so we're up on all the new production features and technology on today's B vans. We thought that sounded like a great idea. So we'll be checking out five or six of them over the next few weeks, doing short camping trips with them and seeing what's new.







    We just got the first one we will be reviewing - a Coachmen Nova.















    That's the unit we are testing this week above. If you can look closely, you'll see Bo checking it out just inside the open door.







    We'll keep you up to date on this fun project as it develops. 







    Summer RV Lifestyle Gathering is Sold Out







    We sold out our Summer "Groove and Gather Meetup in Amish Country with the Temptations happening June 11-14 in Shipshewana, IN, but you can still get on the waiting list - all the info is in our new Community.







    And if you haven't joined us over there yet, why not give it a try? MUCH nicer than Facebook... just go the https://community.rvlifestyle.com







    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.







    Over in our RVLifestyle Community's Troubleshooting space, we asked folks to share a unique hack they've used to keep their rig functioning.







    Frederick recommended two things that he said made the RV much easier to manage: The LevelMatePRO to determine the most level spot on the campsite when they drive in and then to assure they are level. He also recommended Mopeka tank sensors to monitor propane usage. Great tips!

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Lemon Law Attorney Says You’re Crazy to Buy a New RV

    Lemon Law Attorney Says You’re Crazy to Buy a New RV

    Show Notes for Episode #485  of The RV Podcast







    This week on the RV Podcast:









    * One of the nation’s top Lemon Law Attorneys says RVers are Crazy to buy a new RV. He says it's because of an insidious legal provision many dealers make you sign.







    * There’s a lot of disappointment by RVers as the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has decided to reduce the number of RV camping spots this year to make way for more car parking.







    * We have the dates for our spring/summer RV Lifestyle Meetup - June 11-14 - and will announce the details and ticket sales Thursday evening in a special livestream on our new RV Lifestyle Community







    * All this plus the RV News of the Week, the Social Media Buzz, and your questions coming up in Episode #485 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.















    Heads up! This is the week we open ticket sales for our Spring/Summer RV Lifestyle Gathering.







    The dates are June 11-14, and complete details will be announced in a special Livestream on our RV Lifestyle Community at 7 PM EST Thursday, Feb. 22. If you are already a member of the community, you will see it in the main feed and under the Events tab. If you are not yet a member, now's the time to join! Just go to https://community.rvlifestyle.com







    We are really excited about this and think it will be one of our most fun-filled meetups yet! Without giving away the details, I will share the theme: It's a "Groove and Gather!")  







    Tune in to the Livestream Thursday to learn why we are calling it that. It's going to be great!







    We’ve been back in Michigan for the past 10 days and you know what that means… it’s time to hit the road again. We’re off this week... Headed to Florida and the Gulf Coast, among other places. We’ll be doing lots of livestream videos and on-location reports.







    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.







    In our RV Lifestyle Community, we've added several new Spaces for people with common interests to connect. Topics include digital nomads, RVs for sale, Crafters Corner, and the RV Cooking Exchange.







    In this last category, the RV Cooking Exchange, one conversation that caught my eye started with the question, "What are your must-have RV kitchen gadgets or appliances?"







    Lisa wrote that she was not sure how she ever lived without her Ninja Air Fryer! She has the version with the grill setting and said she can cook a perfect chicken breast or filet mignon and it is super easy to clean. Despina is a woman after my own heart because she said she can't live without her French Press to make her morning coffee. Ann mentioned her cocktail glass is her RV must-have, along with aluminum foil, because they like to do a lot of cooking on an outside grill over the campfire. Jean said her must-have is a griddle for pancakes.

    • 46 min
    5 Tips on How to Plan a Truly Epic RV Trip

    5 Tips on How to Plan a Truly Epic RV Trip

    This week on Episode 484 of the RV Podcast:









    * How to plan a truly epic RV trip - 5 tips from a couple who have road trip planning down to an art form.







    * The Buc-ee’s mega gas station chain is rapidly expanding… if only they were more RV-friendly!







    * Looking for a good excuse to get outside this month? The Great Backyard Bird Count is almost here, and it needs your help.







    * All this, plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #484 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.















    Interview: How to Plan a Truly Epic RV Trip















    Liz and Jim Cahalan are planning to take a bucket list RV trip out West this summer and fall, starting from their home in Texas, heading north through Colorado, hitting Glacier National Park, then heading west to Mt. Rainier National Park, and down the coast of Washington, Oregon and California, then east through Arizona and New Mexico, returning to their home just outside San Antonio, Texas.







    This is a dream trip, a little more than 10 weeks long, 5,641 miles. They are bringing along their 3 boxers, pulling a 37-foot Fifth Wheel with their truck. So how did they plan it? That is our topic today in the RVLifestyle podcast.







    5 RV Trip Planning Tips from the Cahalans:









    * Know Your Must-Sees 







    * Slow Down and Take your Time







    * Use a Route Planner







    * Check your Campgrounds Carefully







    * Google Nearby Activities & Adjust Nights Accordingly









    List or watch the podcast in the players above for all the details.







    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.







    In our RVLifestyle Community, we recently had a post in the e-Bikes space from Joan. Joan wrote that she loves e-biking and is always looking for campgrounds that offer opportunities for good, safe, and fun bike trails. Her favorites so far are Tiger Fun Resort in Breckenridge, CO, Sun Outdoors Bay Harbor in Petoskey, MI, and Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL.







    So Joan asked for recommendations, and what I love about the community is this thread does not disappear, as it would on Facebook, but it stays up so people can continue to use it as a resource and add new suggestions. 







    Some recommendations that caught my eye include one from Lisa, who recommended a trail just outside the gates of the Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort in South Carolina. She said you can ride to the beach or anywhere on the island and do not need a car.







    Patty recommended trails on Jekyll Island, GA. She said you can ride all over the island on bike trails, and it is beautiful. 







    A couple of people recommended the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail outside the national park in Michigan - and there were many other helpful campground and trail suggestions.







    Also, in the community, in the Mods and DIY Tweaks space,

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
592 Ratings

592 Ratings

DeanCHS1980 ,

Trailer Tire Talk - Thanks!

Thank you for your “fair and balanced” discussion of trailer tires. Thank you for referring to the phrase “china bombs” as derogatory. It is. Yes, most trailer tires are made in China. Most of those tires are just fine. I have towed over 30,000 miles in 6.5 years on two sets of tires made in China. I purchased them from my local tire store/mechanic that recommended them. I always keep them covered when not traveling. I always check the psi before leaving home and leaving the campground and I added a TPMS this past year. I replace my tires at about 4 years and they look brand new when I replace them. Maintenance and replacement due to age are very important.

OhioMike1965 ,

This used to be a podcast.

I started listening to this podcast when it was a true podcast. You didn’t need to go to a video to understand everything they’re talking about. This podcast has now changed into a YouTube video in audio format. I originally subscribed to this podcast because I could listen to it while I was working. I can’t watch a YouTube video while working. Now unsubscribing because a good majority of the podcast is now video and I only listen in audio.

Winnifred165 ,

Jennifer

Thinking of you and Jennifer. Hope she’s feeling better soon.

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