Beyond The Wheel

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Brett Thomas, General Manager of Hughes Autoformers, to break down the essential (but often overlooked) gear that protects your RV’s electrical system. Brett shares why low voltage is the silent killer of modern RVs, how surge protection really works, and what makes Hughes’ products stand out—like Bluetooth monitoring, replaceable modules, and their soon-to-launch all-in-one power center.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need both a surge protector and a voltage booster, or if you’ve assumed your current gear is “good enough,” this episode will change your thinking—and maybe save you thousands in repairs.

Key Topics Covered:

Listen If:

Special Thanks:

Thanks to listener Joshua Sheahan for introducing us to Brett and making this conversation happen!

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

We hope you enjoyed this video and wish you safe travels, but before you hit the road could you do us a favor and leave us a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform? These ratings help the show get ranked and makes it easier for new listeners to find us. 

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post Protect Your RV Like a Pro: Surge Protectors & Voltage Boosters with Hughes Autoformers appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Davis, the founder and one-man operation behind Hard Impact Designs. Michael shares how frustration with rooftop tent installs led him to invent a game-changing quick-release mounting system. What started as a DIY sketch on graph paper evolved into a durable, multifunctional solution now trusted by overlanders and beyond.

Michael opens up about the startup grind—from prototyping in Atlanta to securing overseas manufacturing, dealing with tariffs, and navigating the patent process solo. He also explains how his mount system, originally built for rooftop tents, now supports everything from recovery boards to road showers and catering carts.

Whether you’re a gearhead, weekend warrior, or aspiring inventor, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insight.

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

We hope you enjoyed this video and wish you safe travels, but before you hit the road could you do us a favor and leave us a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform? These ratings help the show get ranked and makes it easier for new listeners to find us. 

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post Revolutionizing Roof Rack Mounts with Michael Davis of Hard Impact Designs appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this Drivers Edition, Kenny recaps his recent trip to Overland Expo West, where attendance held strong despite expectations of a slowdown. He shares insights on buzzworthy gear like the Jeep/Dometic ARTT rooftop system and weighs in on industry chatter following the Overland Collective merger.

From there, we dive into the real talk on the RV industry’s rebound — wholesale shipments are up, Lazydays service revenue is climbing, and those “COVID campers”? Many are sticking around.

Then we head into the legislative battleground: California’s EV waiver drama, a surprise land sell-off reversal in Congress, and why public-land advocates are gearing up for more fights.

We also break down new RV buyer demographics (hello, Gen Z), why pickleball is outpacing Wi-Fi upgrades, and how the rise of tech-ready rigs is reshaping remote work on the road.

Plus, a rapid-fire news blitz covering campground expansion, record-breaking retail numbers, and a massive RV travel forecast for 2025.

Topics Covered:

Product Spotlight:

Behind the Scenes:

Quick-Hit News:

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time.

The post State of the RV & Overland Industry: From Expo Trails to Tariff Talks appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Episode Summary:
Buying your first RV is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Wheel, we break down everything you need to know to make your first RV purchase a smooth and confident experience. Whether you plan to be a weekend traveler or planning full-time RV life, we share essential tips to help you choose the right rig, avoid costly mistakes, and get the most value for your budget.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Highlights:

Listen Now

Whether you’re buying your first RV or your third, this episode will save you time, money, and frustration. Hit play and let’s get rolling!

Stay Connected

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

The post Tips for Buying Your Next RV appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

We’re back and we’re going there!

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, Kenny and Sean dig into the weird, awkward, and just plain messy questions that every RVer has but might be too embarrassed to ask out loud. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or fresh off the dealer lot, these are the real questions you’ve Googled at 2 a.m. and we’re answering them with no fluff, no shame, and definitely no sugarcoating.

We cover:

 RV Bathrooms

 Power & Hookups

 Travel & Driving

 Campsite Life

 RV Fears & First-Timer Woes

Bottom line: RV life is full of questions — and it’s okay not to have all the answers. We’ve all been there, and we’re here to help you roll forward with confidence.

 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow travelers.

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time.

The post RV Questions You’re Afraid to Ask (But We’re Not) appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheel, we dive into the world of RVing with pets! Whether you’re a full-timer, a weekend warrior, or planning your first trip with your furry co-pilot, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and fun stories from the road. We share invaluable insights on how to make pet travel smoother—from managing anxiety and staying cool in hot weather, to pet safety gear and campground etiquette.

Key Takeaway: RVing with pets isn’t just possible—it can be incredibly rewarding with the right preparation and mindset.

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post RVing with Pets – Tips, Tales & Travel Essentials appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Welcome to this month’s episode of Drivers Edition, where we’re diving into the latest in the world of overlanding, RVs, and camping. We’ve got plenty of exciting news, from events to industry updates, and even a campground spotlight. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered in today’s show.

We talk about the Overland Expo SoCal experience held in Costa Mesa, California, where we saw 19,500 attendees over a two-day period and 303 vendors. The show was a huge success, with many vendors already securing spots for next year.

One downside? A smaller camping area compared to other Overland Expos, but overall, the event exceeded expectations. Many exhibitors praised the high engagement, strong sales, and great turnout, with 70% of attendees being first-timers.

Exciting news: Kenny will be attending every Overland Expo this year and will be located at the Winnebago booth. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Kenny will also be at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, from April 10th to 13th at the WeatherTech Raceway. It’s a fun mix of biking and camping, and I’ll be working at the Winnebago booth again—so don’t miss it!

RV shipments have seen a 6% increase compared to February 2024, with a significant jump in towable RVs, although motorhome shipments are down. We’ll dive into the latest numbers and what they mean for the RV industry.

Camping season is on the horizon, and we’ve got some updates on campsites. The U.S. Forest Service offers 4,000 campsites, and the Corps of Engineers has 425 in Pennsylvania. However, there are some troubling updates from Yosemite National Park, including a halt in reservations and staff layoffs. We’ll cover how these changes might affect your summer camping plans.

Many Canadian RVers are rethinking their southern trips due to rising costs and trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. We’ll talk about how these factors are impacting the RV travel market for Canadian retirees, including new U.S. policies set to go into effect soon.

There’s been a lot of buzz around Lazydays RV’s recent restructuring. With Camping World purchasing five of their locations, we break down what’s really happening with the company and how they’re undergoing a major rebranding campaign.

If you’re looking for a great campground to check out this spring, we’ve got the winner of Campspot’s Best Campground of the Year Award – Verde Ranch RV Resort in Verde, AZ. We dive into what makes this Arizona resort stand out, from stunning red rock landscapes to its great amenities and discounts for weekly stays.

That’s it for today’s episode! If you enjoyed the show, we’d love for you to leave us a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and reach more listeners.

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

The post Overland Expo SoCal Recap & Big Changes in the RV World appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

On today’s episode, we’re diving into everything you need to pack for a successful first trip in your RV. Whether you’re a brand-new RV owner or just getting ready for your first adventure, packing can feel overwhelming. What do you really need to bring? What’s essential, and what can you leave behind?

We know the feeling of double-checking lists and worrying that you might forget something important. That’s why we’re here to share our must-have RV essentials—the items we personally never travel without. We’ll explain why each one is important, how it can make your trip smoother, and even a few things people often overlook until it’s too late.

From water and sanitation to roadside safety, campfire must-haves, and entertainment for rainy days, we’re covering it all. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, this episode will help ease the stress of feeling unprepared.

And the best part? After listening, you can copy and paste our complete packing list to create your own checklist—so you’ll be ready for anything on your upcoming RV trips!

So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s talk about packing like a pro for your RV adventure! 

Water & Sanitation

Power & Electrical

Tools & Maintenance

Campfire & Outdoor Gear

Kitchen & Cooking Supplies

Bedroom & Comfort

Bathroom & Hygiene

Roadside & Emergency

Clothing & Personal Gear

Waste Management

Entertainment & Memories

Tech & Electronics

Essentials & Documents

Items Often Forgotten

Quick Tips to Avoid Overpacking:

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post RV Packing Made Easy: Essentials for First-Time Travelers appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Planning RV travel? We’ve got you covered with the best apps to make your travels smoother, safer, and more fun! In this episode, we break down our must-have RV apps for navigation, camping, fuel savings, entertainment, and more. Whether you’re looking for the best boondocking spots, ways to save on gas, or the top pet monitoring tools, we’ve got recommendations that will upgrade your RV lifestyle.

The best navigation and route-planning apps for RVers
How to find safe overnight parking and boondocking locations
Apps that help you save money on fuel
Connectivity tools for staying online on the road
Apps for pet safety and RV temperature monitoring
Top entertainment and audiobook apps for long drives

 Navigation & Route Planning: Google Maps, Garmin Drive, RV Life, Copilot
 Camping & Overnight Parking: Harvest Hosts, iOverlander, RV Parky, Campendium, KOA, Passport America
 Dump Stations & Water Fill-ups: iOverlander, SaniDumps
 Pet Safety: Waggle, TempStick
 Fuel Savings: GasBuddy, TSD Open Roads, Pilot & Loves apps
 Weather Apps: Weather Channel, AccuWeather
 Connectivity & Power Monitoring: SpeedTest, Victron, Micro Air Easy Touch
 Maintenance & Repair: YouTube (the ultimate how-to resource!)
 Entertainment: Audible, Libby, Netflix, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Jeep Badge of Honor

Did we miss your favorite RV app? Let us know! Leave us a comment or connect with us on social media.

Before you scroll down to our sponsors or jump off the page, could you do us a favor and leave us a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform? These ratings really help the podcast grow and reach a larger audience. Thank you and safe travels!

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post Must Have Apps for RV Travel appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In today’s episode, we dive into the world of RV discount programs and membership clubs! They break down their personal experiences with popular memberships, sharing insights on how to maximize savings while traveling. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, this episode will help you decide which memberships are worth your investment.

The best RV discount clubs to save on campground fees
How membership perks can help you cut costs on fuel, propane, and roadside assistance
The differences between Passport America, KOA, Good Sam, FMCA, and more
How Harvest Hosts offers a unique overnight camping experience
Hidden benefits of memberships like AARP, Escapees, and Winnebago GoLife Perks

Try Passport America with an exclusive 4-month bonus when you use this link https://passportamerica.com/l/btwp#top 

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.  

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

Take care all and we will catch you next time. 

The post RV Discounts & Membership Clubs – Which Ones Do We Use & Recommend? appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.