Camping isn’t slowing down—but it is changing.

In this episode, Kenny and Sean break down the latest findings from the 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report by Kampgrounds of America and talk through what these shifts actually mean for RVers, campground trends, and the future of the industry.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how—and why—people are choosing to camp today.

 http://koa.uberflip.com/i/1544394-2026-koa-camping-and-outdoor-hospitality-report/57?

Camping Is Still Huge—But Stabilizing

Why People Camp Has Changed

The Rise of Glamping

Renting vs Owning

Slower, Longer Travel

A Generational Divide

Are we looking at two completely different camping worlds?

Campgrounds Are Changing

Is this pushing more RVers toward boondocking?

What This Means for the RV Industry

Key Takeaway

Camping isn’t declining—it’s evolving.

The biggest shift isn’t how people camp…
it’s why they camp.

Join the Conversation

Are you seeing these changes where you camp?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear what you’re seeing out there.

Listen & Follow

If you enjoy episodes like this, be sure to:

The post The State of Camping in 2026 – What the KOA Report Really Tells Us appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

RV service is one of those topics every RVer deals with, but few feel fully prepared for. In this episode, we break down the real-world options available when something goes wrong, or when it is time for routine maintenance. From traditional service centers to mobile techs, DIY repairs, and new players entering the space, this is a practical, no-nonsense look at what works, what does not, and how to make the right call when it matters most.

The conversation starts with recent news from Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores expanding into RV battery and tire service. This shift signals a potential change in how RVers handle service on the road, especially when speed and convenience matter.

RVs combine the complexity of a home and a vehicle, which means more systems and more opportunities for things to fail.
Common challenges include:

Knowing your options before something breaks can save time, money, and frustration.

Service Option #1: Traditional RV Service Centers (Dealers & Shops)
Best for: Major repairs and warranty work

Pros:

Cons:

When to use it:

Service Option #2: Mobile RV Technicians
Best for: Convenience and faster turnaround

Pros:

Cons:

When to use it:

Service Option #3: DIY Repairs
Best for: Cost savings and control

Pros:

Cons:

When to use it:

New Option: Service at Travel Centers
Companies like Love’s are introducing:

Why it matters:

Pros:

Cons:

Warranties and Service Strategy
Understanding how warranties affect your options is critical.

Considerations:

Pros of using a warranty:

Cons:

Real-world takeaway:
Sometimes it is faster and less stressful to pay out of pocket rather than wait on warranty approval.

How to Decide: A Simple Framework
Ask yourself:

Quick breakdown:

Pro Tips from Experience

Key Takeaway
There is no single “best” option for RV service. The most experienced RVers use a mix of service centers, mobile techs, and DIY depending on the situation. The more you understand your options, the less stressful RV ownership becomes.

Join the Conversation

The post RV Service: Where to Go, What to Choose, and What It Really Costs appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

If you’ve been watching the RV market lately, you’ve probably noticed things feel a little different.
Inventory is shifting. Prices are stabilizing. And there’s a lot of mixed messaging about whether now is a good time to buy, sell, or wait.

But before we even hit the main topic, this episode starts with a couple of real-world conversations from the road and the campground that set the stage for everything happening in the industry right now.

Sean shares his recent experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and what he’s seeing on the ground.

We talk about:

It’s a great real-world example of how even iconic campgrounds are evolving to meet changing traveler expectations.

We also talk about a recent visit and YouTube video collaboration that Kenny did with James from The Fit RV. James gave Kenny a shop tour as Kenny interviewed him on what it takes to build a shop at your home and how he uses his shop to create products such as the Americanizer.

Shop tour video: https://www.thefitrv.com/blog/tour-the-fit-rv-shop-or-just-hang-out-for-an-hour/

Once we jump in, we break down what’s actually happening across the RV industry in 2026. No hype. No doom and gloom. Just a clear look at the trends shaping the market right now.

We cover:

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is how different generations approach camping.

Younger travelers are more focused on the experience. They’re choosing visually appealing destinations, upgraded campgrounds, and higher-end RV resorts that are easy to share on social media.

Meanwhile, many longtime RVers are sticking with a more traditional approach, focusing on value, simplicity, and familiarity.

Camping isn’t just about getting away anymore. For a lot of people, it’s about how that experience looks and feels.

The market hasn’t slowed down. It’s just become more selective.

• RVIA February 2026 Shipment Report
https://www.rvia.org/reports-trends/rv-shipment-reports/2026-02/february-rv-shipments-top-29000-motorhomes-22

• RV Industry Trends & News
https://gorvrentals.com/blog/latest-rv-news-march-2026

• Thor Industries Market Update
https://www.rvnews.com/thor-industries-swings-to-profits-in-quarter/

• RV PRO News Feed
https://rv-pro.com/news/

• Winnebago Market Coverage
https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/winnebago-revenue-rises-as-price-hikes-counteract-lower-sales-volume-31fc174f

• REV Group / Industry Analysis
https://www.investors.com/news/rv-sales-thor-industries-earnings-tho-stock-rev-group-outlook-revg-stock-wgo/

• MarketWatch Industry Insight
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/winnebagos-stock-rockets-to-biggest-gain-in-45-years-as-younger-buyers-eye-rvs-f489854d

• The Dyrt Camping Trends
https://thedyrt.com/press/four-out-of-five-campers-increase-camping-frequency-during-retirement/

• Glamping Trends Overview
https://www.glampingshow.us/magazine/younger-camper-trends/

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who’s thinking about RV life or already living it.

Because right now, the RV market isn’t throwing a tantrum… it’s just growing up a little.

The post What’s REALLY Happening in the RV Market Right Now? (2026 Update) appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

There’s a lot of noise out there about RV life, and not all of it is true. In this episode of Beyond The Wheel Podcast, we’re busting some of the most common RV myths and sharing what life on the road actually looks like. From where you stay, to who you meet, to the real costs involved, this is a reality check for anyone curious about RVing.

Whether you’re RV-curious or already rolling down the highway, this episode separates fact from fiction.

What We Cover in This Episode

Who This Episode Is For

Connect With Us

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who still thinks RV life only happens in campgrounds.

See you down the road.

The post RV Myths Busted appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Thinking about becoming an RVer? Already on the road and wondering why it still feels harder than expected?
This episode is for you.

RV life looks simple from the outside, but the reality hits fast once plans change, weather turns, budgets stretch, and things break. In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we break down what it actually takes to become an RVer and stay sane doing it.

This isn’t about what RV to buy or which gadgets to install. It’s about mindset, flexibility, planning, and budgeting for real life on the road.

What We Cover in This Episode

Flexibility Is the Real Skill

Why rigid schedules don’t survive RV life and how learning to plan in pencil makes the experience more enjoyable and far less stressful.

Keeping Your Cool When Things Go Wrong

From breakdowns to bad weather, things will go sideways. We talk about what actually goes wrong most often and how experienced RVers stay calm while new RVers panic.

Planning Without Overplanning

How to plan the things that matter like routes, fuel, height, power, and access without killing the fun by over-scheduling every mile and minute.

Budgeting for Reality, Not Instagram

The real costs of RV life, why budgets should be ranges not fixed numbers, and the expenses nobody mentions when you’re just getting startedIs RV Life Really for You?

Honest talk about who thrives in RV life, who struggles, and why there’s no “right” way to do it.

Key Takeaways

Final Thought

Becoming an RVer isn’t about being ready.
It’s about being adaptable.

Join the Conversation

If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s RV-curious or just starting out.
Have a “first RV disaster” story? We want to hear it.

Follow Beyond The Wheel for more honest conversations about RV life, the industry, and what really happens once you hit the road.

The post So You Want to Be an RVer? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Everyone keeps asking us when we’re upgrading.
The truth is… we already did.

In this episode, Kenny and Sean get real about why they are both still traveling in RVs that are years old and why, for most RVers, keeping what you already own and upgrading it smartly is often a better move than buying brand new.

Kenny’s Class A just turned ten years old. Sean’s rig is over five. Between the two of them, they’ve logged thousands of miles, countless repairs, upgrades, and lessons that no sales brochure can teach. This conversation isn’t anti new RVs. It’s pro smart ownership.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to trade in your rig because it feels outdated, this episode will change how you look at what you already own.

In this episode we cover

• Why the RV industry constantly pushes the “upgrade cycle”
• How social media makes perfectly good RVs feel old
• The hidden costs of buying new that no one talks about
• Why knowing your rig is more valuable than owning a new one
• How targeted upgrades can outperform a brand new RV
• The stress and uncertainty that comes with new ownership
• When it actually does make sense to buy new
• Why most RVers don’t need a new RV, they need a better version of the one they already have

Why this matters

RVs are not phones.
They are houses that go through earthquakes.

New does not automatically mean better. Often it just means unproven.

By keeping and upgrading their rigs, Kenny and Sean have built RVs that are tailored to their exact travel style, off grid needs, and comfort. That knowledge, reliability, and confidence is something money cannot buy off a dealer lot.

Who this episode is for

• RVers feeling pressure to upgrade
• Full timers trying to stretch their budget
• Weekend campers who love their current rig
• Anyone who wants less stress and more time on the road

The big takeaway

Most RVers do not need a new RV.
They need a smarter version of the one they already have.

The post Why Keeping Your RV Beats Buying New appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this Driver’s Edition episode of Beyond the Wheel, Kenny takes listeners behind the scenes of the RV industry to unpack what’s really happening right now. Using recent shipment numbers, dealer dynamics, and major industry moves, this episode cuts through the noise to explain where the market stands and what it means for buyers, owners, and anyone watching the RV space.

This isn’t a boom-and-bust story. It’s a look at an industry maturing, recalibrating, and adapting to a more intentional consumer.

Whether you’re shopping for your next rig, considering upgrades, or just want a clearer picture of where the RV industry is headed, this Driver’s Edition gives you the context you need without the hype.

The post Beyond the Wheel – Driver’s Edition Dec 2025 appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this special episode of Beyond the Wheel, Sean flips the mic and interviews Kenny about the creation of his first children’s book, Belle’s RV Adventures.

What started as life on the road with a dog named Belle turned into a children’s book designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love for travel. Kenny shares why he decided to turn Belle’s real RV travels into a story for kids, what the self-publishing process actually looks like, and what surprised him most about becoming a first-time author.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the creative process, the emotional side of launching a book, and how storytelling can connect families to the RV lifestyle in a whole new way.

In This Episode, We Cover:

About the Book

Belle’s RV Adventures is a children’s book told from the perspective of Belle, a curious dog who experiences the world from the passenger seat of an RV. The story celebrates travel, discovery, and seeing the world through fresh eyes.

 Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G42HQH59

Don’t Forget

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves RVing, travel, or reading with their kids.

The post When Your Dog Becomes an Author – The Story Behind Belle’s RV Adventures appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Episode Summary:
In this episode we sit down with Doug Uhlenbrock and Meagan Butler from the newly renamed FRVA. If you have known FMCA for years and wondered why the name changed or what it means for RV owners, this conversation clears it up. We talk about the thought process behind the rebrand, the challenges of changing a long-standing identity, and how FRVA plans to shape the future of RV community support, events, and member benefits.

Doug and Meagan share what the organization has learned from decades of serving RV owners and how they are adapting to a broader and more modern RV audience. Whether you are a long-time member or hearing the name FRVA for the first time, this episode gives context, clarity, and a look at what is coming next.

Topics Covered:
• Why FMCA changed its name and what FRVA represents
• How the rebranding process unfolded behind the scenes
• What the updated mission means for current and future members
• How RV ownership has changed and what FRVA is doing to stay relevant
• New and upcoming programs and benefits
• Reactions from long time members and the broader RV community
• The future vision for advocacy, education, and events

The post Why FMCA Became FRVA with Doug and Meagan appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Even the most seasoned RVers know — things will go wrong eventually. In this episode, Kenny and Sean share their personal stories of roadside disasters, mechanical failures, and how they handled them without losing their cool (well, mostly).

Kenny recounts his recent breakdown that left his RV immobile after a locked brake caliper destroyed his rear axle. Sean chimes in with his own tales of mishaps and misadventures from the road. Together, they dive into what it really takes to stay calm, safe, and sane when your home on wheels decides to quit rolling.

Topics Covered:

Key Takeaway:
RVing isn’t about if something will go wrong — it’s about how you handle it when it does. From breakdowns to busted axles, these are the moments that test your resolve and remind you why community, preparation, and flexibility matter most.

Have your own RV breakdown story? Share it with us — your experience might just make it into a future episode!

The post When Things Go Wrong While RVing appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.