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.

    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
    What happens when you combine a Tiny Home and an RV?

    What happens when you combine a Tiny Home and an RV?

    This week on Episode 483 of the RV Podcast:









    * What happens when you combine a Tiny Home and an RV? We’ll take you on a tour of one.







    * Famed Football Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to drive his RV out to California and live in it for a few months so he can be close to his team as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.







    * Why the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has become a must-attend RV bucket list event







    * All this plus the Social Media Buzz, the RV News of the Week, and your RV questions coming up in Episode #483 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.















    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, Christy wrote that she is going to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, and she was able to get her RV spot upgraded to the Presidential Campground. Christy asked if anyone in the group had gone before and if they had tips.







    What I loved about this post was it was so friendly and helpful, with many others sharing they will be there! Roy was there last year and will be there this year but in a different campground. Same with Bud and Sue - this will be their second time going to the balloon fiesta. Another member, Wendi, is also going, as is Terry - who will also be in the presidential compound - the same one as Christy.







    Barbara, who used to live in Albuquerque and attended many times, urged everyone to be on the field for the morning launches and evening glows. She shared how unique this event is and gave tips about food vendors and restaurants to try.  















    I really loved the friendly, helpful conversation and connection that went on in this thread - it is one of the many things I really like about our new community.







    Also, in the community, we had Lynda, who is planning to head to either North or South Carolina, ask for campground recommendations. She is looking for something close to a town, with electric bike trails, full hook-up, and woods - and she's 34 feet long.







    Dennis suggested she check out PirateLand Camping Resort at Myrtle Beach. He said it is a great location, full hookups, can handle long rigs, and is a better price than the nearby state park. 







    Randall said a friend just recommended Falls Lake State Campground near Durham, NC. His rig is 45 feet, and he has a tow vehicle, and the park can accommodate him. He will be heading there soon and will let her know how it is.







    Meanwhile, over in our RVLifestyle Facebook group, not that long ago we had Jean ask: Can we talk alligators for a minute? I'm from the southwest, heading to Florida. I know about the behaviors of coyotes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, but I'm about to spend a significant amount of time in Florida, so what do I need to know about alligators to keep my dogs safe?

    • 51 min
    The company that started the Van Life Movement 50 years ago!

    The company that started the Van Life Movement 50 years ago!

    Greetings from sunny Florida, where we're spending a couple of weeks decompressing from the Florida RV Supershow and editing the videos we shot of all the new RVs.







    It's sunny this week, albeit a bit cool (60 degrees F). Last week was warmer - in the 70s - but foggy and cloudy. We'll take the sun any day.







    This week in Episode 482 of the RV Podcast:









    * Inside info on a new development in the Southwest where RVers can buy their own multi-acre RV property. 







    * A look at the RV company that started the whole van life movement - half a century ago!







    * News about an RV company that instituted a very successful 4-day work week for its employees with no change in productivity or their pay.







    * All this, plus the Social Media Buzz, the RV News of the Week, and your questions coming up in Episode #482 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.















    Update: Growth continues in our new RV Community!















    It's been a month and a half or so since we launched our new RV Lifestyle Community, and the growth has continued, averaging almost 200 new members every day!







    We've added new Spaces to talk about all the various RV Lifestyle interests and have been doing wonderfully interactive live stream videos for our members, often bringing in special guests to share their unique expertise.







    Most importantly, a real sense of community has developed, with members making friends, using the instant chat feature, and sharing trip ideas, campground recommendations, travel routes, and troubleshooting tips. And all of this with none of the mean-spirited negativity that is found on Facebook.







    We invite you to come check it all out. It's absolutely free and we're sure you will love it. It's very welcoming and unlike anything you've experienced in Big Tech Social Media.







    Join us by going to: 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.







    In our RVLifestyle Community, in the space called Traveling with Pets, Bonnie had a great tip. She recommends buying booties for your dog if you are going to the Southwest because of goathead spurs. Goathead spurs look like little, well, goat heads, and they are nasty!







    Bonnie said they are common in inland lakes in the Southwest and Bonnie's poor dog had these painful, spiny spurs cut into its paws and it was terrible. So her solution was doggie booties! She put these on her pup's paws and it made a huge difference. (Bonnie even shared a picture of her dog in the booties to demonstrate).







    Kathi must have been in the same part of the country because she said recently her little dog hopped out of the truck, walked about two feet and laid down unable to keep going because these things had cut so badly into its paws. Kathi said she will be ordering some.

    • 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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