Beyond the Wheel

RV camping is changing, and this week we’re looking at three stories that could have an impact on how and where we travel.

First, we dig into the rising cost of camping. We’ve all seen RV resorts charging $100, $150, and even $200 or more per night—but are those prices really becoming the new normal? We look beyond the headlines at what RVers are actually paying, the difference between traditional campgrounds and destination resorts, and when the price of a campsite starts becoming difficult to justify.

Next, we head into the National Forests. The U.S. Forest Service is considering changes to how motorized access is managed on National Forest System lands. The proposal could eventually mean greater access to existing roads and potentially more opportunities for dispersed camping, while still allowing restrictions for safety, environmental protection, maintenance, and other concerns. We discuss why the RV Industry Association supports the general direction of the proposal, what it could mean for RVers and overlanders, and why increased access could also bring some challenges.

Finally, Kenny shares something he recently discovered while overnighting at a Cracker Barrel in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Along with the familiar RV parking, the location has Tesla Superchargers—including a trailer-friendly charging spot that allows someone towing a camper to charge without disconnecting.

And Hattiesburg isn’t alone. Trailer-friendly Tesla Superchargers are appearing at a number of Cracker Barrel locations around the country. Could pull-through charging stations help solve one of the biggest inconveniences of towing an RV with an electric vehicle? And could we eventually see more travel centers designing EV charging areas specifically for vehicles towing trailers?

In this episode:

From campground prices and public-land access to an unexpected glimpse at the future of electric RV travel, there’s a lot happening that could shape how RVers travel in the years ahead.

The post RV Camping Is Changing: Prices, Public Lands & EV Travel appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheel – Drivers Edition, Kenny and Sean catch up on RV news. They discuss changes reshaping the RV industry and their impact on drivers.

Kenny begins the show by sharing his Overland Expo Mountain West experience. He helped with Winnebago’s Drive and Ride event. Attendees had the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the capabilities of Winnebago’s Backcountry Series firsthand. One thing stood out. Most attendees returned with a smile and seemed surprised by what these stock RVs could do.

Then we turn to a story that feels like the end of an era: the apparent end of Winnebago-branded Class A motorhomes. Kenny has traveled more than 175,000 miles in his 2016 Winnebago Vista LX 27N, making this one a little more personal. We discuss what the disappearance of the traditional Winnebago Class A could mean. Additionally, we consider whether changing consumer preferences are reshaping what people picture when they think of an RV.

Those changes come as RV wholesale shipments continue to struggle, with Class A motorhomes seeing an especially significant decline. Are RVers moving away from motorhomes altogether, or are buyers simply gravitating toward smaller Class B and Class C RVs?

We also look at some major restructuring within the RV industry. THOR Industries is reorganizing many of its North American RV companies into two operating groups, while Winnebago Industries is making manufacturing changes of its own. Winnebago Towables production is moving onto the Grand Design manufacturing campus while remaining a separate Winnebago-branded product line, and Winnebago’s Class B production is moving from Lake Mills to Forest City.

What do these moves tell us about where the RV industry is heading? Are manufacturers simply adjusting capacity during a slower market, or are they preparing for an RV market that could look very different in the future?

Also in this Drivers Edition:

We wrap up with a bigger question: What will the typical RV look like ten years from now? Will Class A motorhomes and traditional travel trailers still define RVing? Or is the RV definition already changing?

The post Is the RV Industry Redefining the RV? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Tony and Peggy Barthel, the team behind StressLess Camping.

Tony and Peggy share how StressLess Camping began, what they’ve learned from producing their weekly RV podcast, and how they help RVers make their adventures more enjoyable and less stressful. We also discuss their honest approach to RV reviews, the importance of educating new RV owners, and some of the changes they’ve witnessed throughout the RV industry.

As fellow podcasters and longtime members of the RV community, Tony and Peggy bring a tremendous amount of experience, knowledge, and humor to the conversation. Whether you’re shopping for an RV, planning your next trip, or simply looking for ways to improve your camping experience, there’s something in this episode for you.

It was great sitting down and catching up with our friends Tony and Peggy. Their passion for helping people enjoy the RV lifestyle comes through in everything they do.

Be sure to listen to the StressLess Camping RV Podcast, follow Tony and Peggy on social media, and visit StressLessCamping.com for their podcast, honest RV reviews, travel stories, tips, campground information, events, and more.

Website: StressLessCamping.com

Podcast: Available through the StressLess Camping website and your favorite podcast app

Social Media: StressLess Camping on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stresslesscamping/ 

Subscribe to Beyond The Wheel wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on social media for more conversations with the people, companies, and innovators moving the RV and outdoor industries forward.

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The post StressLess Camping with Tony and Peggy Barthel appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

What if your rental vehicle wasn’t just a way to get to the adventure, but was part of the adventure itself?

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Ryan Koss of Skybreaker Overland to talk about a different approach to exploring Western Canada. Skybreaker Overland rents fully equipped expedition trucks designed to take travelers beyond traditional campgrounds and into some incredible off-grid destinations.

Ryan shares how his own experiences traveling the world helped inspire Skybreaker Overland and why he believes slowing down and enjoying the journey can completely change the way you travel.

We also dive into what makes these expedition trucks different from a traditional RV, where travelers can take them, what someone should expect when renting one, and some of Ryan’s favorite places to explore around Vancouver Island and Western Canada.

Visit Skybreaker Overland to learn more about their expedition trucks, rental options, and available adventures.

Follow Beyond The Wheel Podcast for more conversations with the people, companies, and innovators shaping the RV, overland, and outdoor industries.

The post Skybreaker Overland: Why the Adventure Starts Before You Arrive appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

What if the biggest safety upgrade for your RV wasn’t a new braking system or backup camera, but your cookware?

Eric Leblanc, founder of Angel Guard Cookware, joins us on this episode of Beyond The Wheel to discuss an innovation that challenges something we’ve all taken for granted for generations: cookware that sits on a burner and relies on gravity to stay in place.

Eric responded to preventable kitchen-burn emergencies when children pulled hot liquids from a stove and sustained injuries. Those experiences inspired him to create something that could help prevent similar accidents before they happen.

The result is Angel Guard, the world’s first locking cookware system designed specifically for RVs. Its patented quarter-turn locking system securely fastens pots and pans to the burner grate. This helps prevent cookware from sliding or tipping during travel, on uneven campsites, or during everyday cooking. When finished, the cookware unlocks in seconds for cleaning and storage.

During our conversation, we discussed:

Whether you travel in a motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, van, or care about making your kitchen safer, this conversation offers an interesting look at how one innovation could change the way we think about cooking on the road.

Learn more:

Angel Guard Cookware

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d appreciate it if you’d subscribe to Beyond The Wheel, leave a review, and share this episode with another RVer who enjoys discovering innovative products that make life on the road safer and more enjoyable.

The post Angel Guard Cookware: The Safety Innovation That Could Change Every RV Kitchen appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

The RV industry may be experiencing a slowdown in sales, but that doesn’t mean companies are standing still. In this Driver’s Edition of Beyond the Wheel, Kenny and Sean take a closer look at the biggest RV industry stories from the past month and explains what they could mean for RV owners, shoppers, manufacturers, dealers, and the future of RVing.

• Retail RV sales continue to decline. Is this simply a market correction, and could it actually be a great time to buy?

• Patrick Industries and Lippert announce plans to merge, creating what would become one of the largest suppliers in the RV industry. We discuss the potential benefits, concerns, and what it could mean for RV manufacturers and consumers.

• Airstream continues investing in employee training, manufacturing improvements, product development, and quality despite softer sales. Is this the right strategy during a slower market?

• Outdoor hospitality continues to thrive. KOA earns recognition as one of the Top 50 Most Profitable Franchises while hotel brands continue investing in glamping and outdoor accommodations. What does this say about the future of camping?

• Blue Compass keeps expanding and is once again recognized as the world’s top Airstream dealer. We discuss dealership consolidation and whether independent RV dealers can continue to compete.

Finally, we connect all of these stories together and ask an important question:

With the Hershey RV Show just around the corner, this may be one of the most important times in recent years to watch where the industry is headed.

• Would you buy an RV today or wait another year?
• Do you think the Patrick/Lippert merger is good for the industry?
• Will glamping create the next generation of RV owners?
• What story do you think will have the biggest impact over the next few years?

Leave your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear your perspective.

If you enjoy Beyond the Wheel, be sure to subscribe so you never miss future interviews, Driver’s Edition episodes, and conversations about everything happening in the world of RVing.

The post The Biggest RV Industry Stories from the Last Four Weeks appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

What happens when you combine the maneuverability of a camper van with the interior space and flexibility of a Class C motorhome?

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel Podcast, we welcome Amelia Sheckler from Winnebago to discuss one of the company’s newest innovations, the all-new Winnebago Elora/Resa.

Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the vehicle’s development, explaining the design philosophy behind the Elora/Resa and how Winnebago created a motorhome that blends the compact footprint of a camper van with the comfort and functionality of a Class C. We also discuss the engineering decisions, innovative layout, sleeping capacity, storage solutions, and why this compact RV feels much larger than its exterior dimensions suggest.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a camper van or a small Class C is the better choice, this episode offers a fascinating look at a vehicle designed to deliver the best of both worlds.

• Amelia Sheckler’s role at Winnebago
• The inspiration behind the new Elora/Resa
• Is it a camper van or a Class C? Understanding the differences
• How a cutaway chassis differs from a traditional van chassis
• European design influences behind the Elora/Resa
• Exterior dimensions and overall footprint
• Interior layout and how it creates a surprisingly spacious feel
• Large windows and maximizing natural light
• Sleeping arrangements and passenger capacity
• Storage solutions and cargo space
• Ram 3500 chassis and vehicle specifications
• Why the Elora/Resa is designed for both everyday driving and extended travel
• Who the ideal Elora/Resa owner is
• What makes this platform different from other compact RVs

• Approximately 20 feet long for exceptional maneuverability
• Built on the Ram 3500 chassis
• Seating for up to six passengers
• Sleeps up to four people
• Residential queen bed conversion
• Compact exterior with Class C interior advantages
• Large panoramic windows for outstanding visibility and natural light
• Designed to blend van accessibility with greater interior comfort

Interested in learning more about the all-new Winnebago Elora and Resa? Explore floorplans, features, specifications, photos, and more on Winnebago’s official product page:

Winnebago Elora & Resa: https://www.winnebago.com/models/elora-resa-family

Amelia Sheckler is the product design manager at Winnebago for the Elora/Resa and joins us to share the story behind the development of the all-new Elora/Resa, offering insights into the design process, engineering decisions, and the vision for this exciting new addition to the Winnebago lineup.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with the people shaping the future of the RV and outdoor recreation industries.

Follow Beyond The Wheel Podcast for more interviews with manufacturers, engineers, innovators, and outdoor industry leaders.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you on the next episode.

The post Inside Winnebago’s All-New Elora/Resa with Amelia Sheckler appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Stephanie Whittington, Senior Product Manager at Winnebago, to discuss one of the most anticipated adventure vehicles to hit the market: the all-new Winnebago ARKA.

Stephanie shares the story behind the ARKA’s development, the growing adventure truck segment, and how Winnebago designed a vehicle capable of taking travelers farther off the grid while still delivering the comfort and convenience RV owners expect.

From heated floors and hydronic heating to a massive lithium battery system and true four-wheel-drive capability, the ARKA is designed to be a self-contained basecamp for adventure.

In This Episode

• Senior Product Manager for Winnebago’s Backcountry Adventure Portfolio

• Oversees:

• How her passion for camping, hiking, skiing, and full-time RVing influences product development

• Winnebago’s first entry into the growing Adventure Truck category

• Designed for travelers who want to venture far beyond traditional campgrounds

• Combines off-road capability with premium residential comfort

• Built as a true off-grid basecamp for extended adventures

• Growing demand for more independence from campgrounds

• Customer feedback drove much of the vehicle’s development

• Designed for adventurers graduating from:

• Four years of development and testing before launch

• Built on the Ram 5500 diesel chassis

• Available in:

• True four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing

• Zero-torsion frame design allows the coach and chassis to flex independently on rough terrain

• Integrated inclinometer system through Winnebago Connect

• Designed for remote campsites, trailheads, and backcountry exploration

Stephanie explains how the ARKA balances ruggedness with luxury, including:

• Heated hydronic floors

• Four independently controlled heating zones

• Continuous hot water

• Single-fuel design powered entirely by diesel

• Spacious interior with premium materials

• Large refrigerator and ample counter space

• Innovative hidden bath design

• Massive shower for a vehicle of this size

• Twin bed configuration

• Queen bed configuration

• King bed configuration

• North-south sleeping layout

• Molded roof design allows occupants to sit up comfortably in bed

• Large windows and sky hatch for stargazing

Standard Overland Package Includes:

• 8.4kWh Lithionics lithium battery

• Expandable to 16.8kWh

• EcoFlow Power Hub

• 3.6kW inverter

• 800 watts of roof-mounted solar

• Expandable to 1,200 watts of solar

• Three-alternator charging system

• Ability to recharge from 10% to 100% in less than two hours of driving

• Elwell Timberline 2.0 hydronic heating system

• Heated floors

• Heated tanks and plumbing

• 20,000 BTU DC air conditioner

• R-15 roof and floor insulation

• R-12 wall insulation

• Rated for temperatures from -10°F to 120°F

• Full-height rear gear garage

• Modular U-shaped lounge and dinette system

• L-track cargo tie-down system

• Flexible storage for:

• Additional storage inside the crew cab

• Tow rating up to 15,000 pounds

• Ideal for:

• Ram 5500 Diesel Chassis

• Adventure Truck Platform

• True 4WD with Low Range

• 60-Gallon Fresh Water Capacity

• Up to 16.8kWh Lithium Battery Capacity

• Up to 1,200 Watts Solar

• Heated Floors

• Four-Season Capability

• 15,000-Pound Tow Rating

• Up to 26’7″ Overall Length (Crew Cab)

To learn more about the Winnebago ARKA click here:

https://www.winnebago.com/models/arka

The post Inside the All-New Winnebago ARKA with Stephanie Whittington appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel Podcast, we sit down with Sean Petterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Supersede. We discuss a material that could change the way RVs, trailers, boats, and even homes are built.

Sean shares how his experience building innovative products led to the creation of Supersede, a structural panel made from recycled plastic designed to replace traditional plywood. We discuss the challenges of water damage, weight reduction, sustainability, supply chain issues, and what it takes to convince manufacturers to move away from materials they’ve relied on for generations.

Topics covered include:

• Why Supersede was created
• The limitations of traditional plywood in RV construction
• The use of recycled plastic in structural applications
• Waterproof and rot-proof building materials
• Weight savings and efficiency benefits
• Sustainability and recycling initiatives
• Adoption challenges within the RV industry
• Future applications beyond RVs and trailers
• What the future of RV construction may look like

Learn more about Supersede:

Supersede Official Website

Supersede manufactures structural sheathing products made from recycled plastics designed to be waterproof, rot-proof, termite-resistant, and fully recyclable. The company’s focus is on providing sustainable alternatives to traditional wood-based building materials.

Connect with Beyond The Wheel Podcast

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The post Supersede: Could Recycled Plastic Replace Plywood in RVs? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

This week on Beyond The Wheel, Kenny and Sean dive into what they’re seeing across the RV industry as the 2026 travel season ramps up. From shifting buyer behavior and changing campground trends to the rise of off-grid adventure rigs, this episode explores where the RV market stands right now and where it may be headed next.

The conversation covers everything from dealer inventory and financing pressures to reservation fatigue, dry camping growth, and whether RVs are becoming too complicated with modern technology. Kenny also shares thoughts from recent time spent around the all-new Winnebago ARKA and the growing demand for true adventure-focused RVs.

Topics in this episode include:

The episode also includes predictions for where the industry could be heading next, including affordability concerns, younger buyers entering RVing differently, and whether simpler RVs may eventually make a comeback.

Questions discussed during the show:

Thanks for listening to Beyond The Wheel. If you enjoy the show, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with fellow RVers and travelers.

Safe travels.

The post Driver’s Edition – State of the RV Market & Industry Trends appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.