Beyond The Wheel

Welcome, all, and thank you for joining us today for this very special 200th episode!
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached 200 episodes—time really does fly! Over the years, we’ve had some big names from the RV industry, as well as small startups and everything in between. Today, we’ll be looking back at some of our favorite episodes and moments from the show.

We were at the RVX Show in Salt Lake City, sitting on the floor to record the episode. Since our podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the RV industry, let me share a bit more about why this episode is so special. Typically, we send our guests questions in advance to help them feel at ease, but for this interview with Toby from KOA, we went completely off-the-cuff. There were no prepared questions, and she answered everything without hesitation. The episode is packed with valuable insights into the company. Listen here.

Just a couple of years into the show, FMCA invited us to perform a live version of our podcast at one of their conventions. This was huge for us—it got us in front of an audience for the first time and pushed us out of our comfort zone. This would not be the last live show we did for FMCA, in fact, they made our top list twice on this episode alone for different reasons. Listen here.

This was during the early days of AI making waves, and we had Scott on to talk about his company at a pivotal time. Scott did an amazing job addressing questions and tackling concerns about AI. Listen here.

What I appreciated most about Brett was his transparency—he didn’t hesitate to share what he liked and didn’t like about the company. At one point, he even referred to sales as a “necessary evil.” Listen here.

We had Seth Smith, one of the founders of this nonprofit, on the show to explain how they provide veterans with free overlanding trips for a weekend. The trips include everything they need, even transportation in a vehicle for the weekend. The organization’s goal is to help veterans reconnect with the outdoors and regain a sense of community. Listen here.

We were already in Nevada recording our 100th episode at the Dragonfly Energy Studio when we were introduced to Truckhouse. We felt like celebrities in that studio—everything from the audio to the video was taken care of, and all we had to do was sit down and have a conversation. Plus, they even offered us drinks and snacks!

It’s a beautiful property, and I really enjoyed all the guests we had on. We even did live walkthroughs of RVs that week, with National Indoor RV Center and the REV Group. Explore them here.

This episode was recorded when Sean traveled to the Tampa RV Show, where he met up with Battle Born Batteries and Keystone RV to talk about their partnership to install Dragonfly Energy batteries directly from the factory in Keystone units. He recorded the episode in one of the show units, and you can really feel the energy of the event throughout the conversation. Listen here.

The episode that started it all! We were nervous, but this was the episode that proved our idea for the show was on point. We reached out to SnapPad to be our first guest, and they graciously agreed. The rest is history! Listen here.

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 Beyond the Wheel’s 200th Episode appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In today’s Driver Edition, we share a scary moment from a recent road trip, dive into Flying J’s move toward electrification, and round up some of the top news from the RV world. From high winds to the latest in sustainable RV tech, it’s all here in this action-packed episode!

On a recent trip from Virginia to Washington State, the host shares a close call with severe winds and gusts up to 75 mph while passing through Rawlins, Wyoming. High-profile vehicles, like RVs, are especially vulnerable to these conditions, and Wyoming has strict rules regarding driving in wind warnings. Learn how the host stayed safe by pulling off at a rest area and waited for the storm to pass.

Flying J is making waves in the EV world by adding electric vehicle charging stations at their locations. These new stations are designed for easy access, even for those towing RVs. However, there’s a downside—Flying J is removing some RV spaces to make room for these chargers. The host shares mixed feelings about the changes, as they’ve been a longtime fan of Flying J for quick stops.

The National Indoor RV Center (NIRVC) is stepping up to support those affected by the wildfires in California. They offered free stays for evacuees at their Las Vegas and Phoenix locations. We applaud NIRVC for putting people before profit during this crisis and encourages anyone in need of a safe place to stay to reach out.

Exciting news for RVers interested in sustainability: Pebble, an all-electric RV trailer manufacturer, is set to begin deliveries this spring. The Pebble Flow features some fantastic upgrades, including a 45 kWh lithium battery and a 1.1 kW solar array that can keep you off the grid for up to seven days. Prices range from $109,500 to $175,000 for the top-tier Founders Edition.

Blue Compass RV is continuing its rapid growth by acquiring Airstream of New Mexico, marking their 13th Airstream dealership. With over 100 locations across 33 states, Blue Compass RV is now the fastest-growing RV retailer in the U.S. and the #1 Airstream dealer for five consecutive years.

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been named the Best-in-Category in the recreation sector for 2025 by Franchise Business Review, based on franchisee satisfaction. KOA is recognized as a leader in supporting their franchisees and continues to grow in popularity with RVers nationwide.

Big updates are coming to Harvest Hosts in 2025! A revamped Escapees RV Club website and membership portal will launch in March, offering members an easier way to connect with the community and access resources. Harvest Hosts is also expanding its campground network, partnering with 1,500+ campgrounds across North America, giving members exclusive discounts.

Imagine: A Musical Collaboration with Jeremy Renner” premiered at the opening of Artown, Reno’s largest arts festival. In partnership with the RennerVation Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, six youth (ages 14-16) worked with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to write, record, and produce an original song and music video. The RennerVation Foundation supports foster and at-risk youth, providing opportunities for growth and belonging. The project was hosted by Dragonfly Energy, whose Battle Born Batteries power the mobile studio, enhancing sustainability.

That wraps up today’s episode! Don’t forget to leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show. Thanks for tuning in, and as always, 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 Windy Adventures, EV Charging, and RV News You Need to Know appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In this interview, Aimee Sheckler, a product planner at Winnebago, shares her journey from studying graphic design at Iowa State to discovering her passion for industrial design. She discusses her role at Winnebago, which involves developing floor plans and features for RVs by understanding customer needs and identifying market gaps. Aimee elaborates on the design and development process of Winnebago’s products, particularly the Solis and Solis Pocket RVs, highlighting the importance of customer feedback and thorough testing. She also talks about her recent nomination for the RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award and emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in her field. 

To learn more about Winnebago and all their RV’s check out their website here. 

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!

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 Winnebago’s Aimee Sheckler on RV Innovations & the Future of Design appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

Today, we’re excited to take you on a journey into the world of SeaSucker—where innovation, outdoor adventure, and sustainability meet. SeaSucker has been making waves in the world of outdoor and automotive accessories with their unique, vacuum-mounted products that allow gear to be securely attached to vehicle surfaces—no permanent modifications required. This revolutionary technology provides the ultimate in convenience and versatility for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re an RV owner, overlander, cyclist, or adventurer.

But that’s not all! SeaSucker is also deeply committed to sustainability. Their products are crafted with eco-friendly materials, including recycled ocean plastics, helping reduce waste and support ocean conservation efforts. In this episode, we’ll dive into the details of how SeaSucker integrates cutting-edge technology with a commitment to protecting our planet.

We’ll also explore one of their standout innovations—their reusable cups, designed and crafted in-house with a proprietary UV-resistant material formula. These cups are built to endure even the harshest outdoor conditions, making them the perfect companion for your next adventure.

Join us as we uncover the creative engineering, forward-thinking sustainability practices, and versatile solutions behind SeaSucker’s products that are changing the game for adventurers, RVers, and gear enthusiasts everywhere. Whether you’re looking to maximize your gear-carrying capacity or reduce your environmental footprint, SeaSucker has something special in store for you.

“So we are a family owned outdoor, automotive, marine and now newly RV aftermarket company. And the super cool thing is we do manufacture everything in house 100% from A to Z.” – Ryan Roberts Domestic Sales Manager

To see more SeaSucker Products check out their website here.

To see their products in action, check out their YouTube Channel here.

(00:01:00) Introduction to SeaSucker 

(00:04:46) Popular Products 

(00:09:57) Manufacturing Process 

(00:11:06) Surface Requirements 

(00:12:38) Quality Control 

(00:14:38) Where to Buy 

(00:15:44) Product Maintenance 

(00:20:05) New Products 

(00:26:07) Warranty and Popular Kits 

(00:29:45) Unique Features 

(00:31:55) Bike Rack Specifications 

(00:33:53) Website and Customer Support 

(00:34:40) Purchasing Options

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 SeaSucker: From Oceans to RVing, Sustainable and Versatile Mounting Innovations appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In today’s episode, we dive into Deadbeat Campers, a revolutionary service designed to help campground owners identify and prevent “deadbeat” campers from entering their parks. By utilizing this platform, campground owners can maintain a quiet, family-friendly environment while safeguarding their property and revenue.

Join us as we discuss how the Deadbeat Campers system works, including the step-by-step process for reporting troublesome guests who:

This innovative system empowers campground owners to deny entry to problematic individuals, recover owed fees through booking services, and deter future incidents.

Our guest, Don Parent, Co-Founder of Deadbeat Campers, shares insights into the challenges of launching this platform. Learn how they partnered with state-level camping associations to bring this invaluable tool to RV campsites across the country.

By implementing Deadbeat Campers, campground owners gain access to a shared network of information about troublesome guests, ensuring a safe and peaceful experience for all campers.

This campground rating and accountability system offers campground owners peace of mind, protecting their business and enhancing the guest experience. Campgrounds using this service can:

If you own or manage a campground and want to learn more about Deadbeat Campers or sign up for the service, click here to visit their website.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how Deadbeat Campers is transforming the camping and RV industry by promoting accountability and ensuring campgrounds are safe havens for all!

(00:01:00) Deadbeats Product Overview 

(00:05:13) Working with Online Booking Companies 

(00:09:50) Approaching Franchise Campgrounds 

(00:13:53) Fee Structure and User Participation 

(00:19:33) Reasons for Being Listed 

(00:23:06) Marinas and RV Parks Similarities 

(00:25:27) Expanding to Canada 

(00:31:04) Future Plans for Deadbeatcampers.com

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 Deadbeat Campers: Protecting Campgrounds from Problematic Guests appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

In today’s episode, Kenny and Sean dive into their recent trip to Walt Disney World, focusing on their stay at the Fort Wilderness Campground. They share their thoughts on the campground’s cleanliness, amenities, and Sean’s experience with an RV rental for the trip to Disney. Find out what he thought about the size of the small motorhome and hear their top tips for picking up an RV rental when you arrive.

The conversation also highlights the joys and challenges of RV life during the holiday season, from campground experiences to navigating busy travel times.

But that’s not all! Kenny also shares his off-roading adventure at Gulch’s Off-Road Park, where he enjoyed unique camping opportunities and connected with the welcoming off-roading community.

Next, the conversation turns to some important industry news:

We talk about Battle Born Batteries all the time, and now’s the perfect time to upgrade your RV’s power system with their Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals:

 Over 25% OFF on Battle Born Batteries
 Introductory Pricing on the all-new Battle Born Smart Batteries

Their Smart Lithium Batteries are packed with cutting-edge features to elevate your RV setup:

Whether you’re upgrading to a standard Battle Born Battery or making the leap to the Smart version, don’t miss out on this limited-time offer to save and power up your RV with the latest in lithium technology.

 Shop now and save big!

Articles Mentioned in This Episode:

Take care all and safe travels! 

Have a question for us? Want to request a particular guest on the show? Leave us a message down in the comment section or through our Contact Us page. 

Take care all and safe travels!

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 Disney World, RV Rentals, and Off-Road Adventures!  appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.