RV Miles Podcast

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