This week on the RV Podcast: Liz Amazing on RV Defects and the Fight for Consumer Rights
We interview Liz Amazing, who has one mission, protect RV owners and hold the industry accountable, no excuses, no hiding, she exposes it all.
While the government has closed, the National Parks have mostly stayed open…but at a growing cost
Why you do NOT want to cancel your RV insurance while the rig is in storage for the winter
All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #570 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.
[power press]
RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - with Liz Amazing on RV Defects
Liz Amazing is a consumer advocate with a YouTube Channel dedicated to helping people who face significant problems with their new RV. Liz regularly features heartbreaking stories of individuals and couples who poured their savings into a new rig only to face one major repair after another, and run into brick walls when trying to get the problems fixed.
Liz lets RV owners tell their stories, sometimes through tears, then approaches the RV dealers and manufacturers seeking solutions, which she often receives. Through her work, Liz has discovered industry trends, advocates for quality improvement, and offers help to those with nowhere to go.
In the crowded world of RV YouTube Influencers, Liz has carved out an important niche as a consumer advocate, and we're delighted to have her on the RV Lifestyle today as our guest.
In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by consumers in the RV industry involving quality issues, unregulated practices, and heartbreaking stories of buyers left with defective RVs. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer rights, the role of social media in advocacy, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls when purchasing RVs. Liz emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize quality over profit and offers insights into choosing the right RV and dealer.
Liz Amazing on RV Defects Takeaways:
Liz Amazing transitioned from a novice camper to a leading RV advocate.
She emphasizes the importance of using her platform for good.
Many RV buyers face heartbreaking quality issues with their purchases.
The RV industry is largely unregulated, leading to poor consumer experiences.
Liz highlights the shift in manufacturing practices, prioritizing profit over quality.
Social media serves as a powerful tool for consumer advocacy.
Buyers often face challenges with buybacks and NDAs from manufacturers.
Avoiding mass-produced RVs can reduce the chances of quality issues.
Independent RV makers often provide better quality products.
Liz encourages consumers to do thorough research before purchasing an RV.
RV NEWS OF THE WEEK
When Washington Closes, the National Parks (Mostly) Stay Open — But at What Cost?
More and more stories are emerging each week of the difficulties the nation's national parks are facing during the continued federal government shutdown. Utah is spending $8,000 a day to keep the visitor centers open at its five national parks, and groups like the Zion Forever Project are collecting donations and paying to print maps, feed rangers, and keep things open for the tourists showing up.
At Joshua Tree, a wildfire started in the camping area during the shutdown, but it is now contained. Pinnacles National Park had brownish water coming out of the campsites because a maintenance worker wasn't there to flush the system. The state of Colorado is paying to keep the visitor centers open at the Rocky Mountain National Park. And since none are collecting visitor entrance fees, all anticipate significant budget gaps next year.
Six Months, No Camper — So He Brought His Work to Camping World
We LOVE this story: A man who dropped his camper off at a North Carolina Camping World last April for repairs is STILL waiting for his unit to be fixed, so he decided last week to set up his office at the dealer and call a local news station about it. (And WITN-TV did do a story!). Alex Naoum told the reporter he would have taken his travel trailer somewhere else by now, but in July, when he came to inspect it, he discovered Camping World had damaged his awning, adding another item to fix.
Naoum said he decided to set up office at Camping World so they won't forget him; a Camping World official told the station the delay is because they are waiting for parts. Come on now... since July????
DNA Tests Reveal Arkansas Officials Killed the Wrong Bear After Fatal Attack
Remember our recent story about a black bear killing a solo camper at the Arkansas Ozark National Forest? Well, it turns out the black bear that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission put down for killing the 60-year-old camper was the wrong bear! And the real killer bear is still on the loose, according to DNA test results. If you are visiting the Ozark National Forest anytime soon, stay vigilant.
Michigan Considering Ban on Overnight Campers at Rest Stops
Michigan is considering banning all overnight camping at the state's highway rest areas and carpool lots. The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding online pubic hearings this Wednesday on the proposed rule that would define camping as setting up tents, canopies, or shelters, or parking and occupying enclosed, self-contained camping units. That's because they've been having problems with homeless people setting up encampments in rest areas and ride-share lots. This is an issue shared by many other states.
Y’all Come Out Now — Texas State Parks Are Free This Sunday
If you are going to be in Texas this Sunday (Nov. 2), entrance to all the state parks is free! The free entrance to the state's more than 90 parks is in honor of Texas State Park Day. We were at Texas' Enchanted Rock State Natural Area earlier this month - and Texas has some beautiful spots!
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.
Last week, many in our private RV Lifestyle Community returned from our third and final rally of the year in the Texas Hill Country. We stayed at the Oakwood RV Resort just outside of Fredericksburg, which is truly one of the friendliest places we have ever stayed. Our group had a great time in Texas and did a lot of things.
Some of my favorite activities included a scavenger hunt, a pancake and sausage breakfast, exploring the city, visiting wineries, checking out a local museum, eating some Texas BBQ, and having the most amazing campfires with what I would call a cowboy sing-along. We even went to Luckenbach together for a little Texas Two-Stepping—so much fun!
Then, in our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group, we had a question from Reg that caught my eye. Reg asked: Is it a bad idea to lapse insurance while in storage?
Sounds like Reg was trying to save a little money and since his rig is not on the road, wondered if letting his insurance lapse would be a way to do so. Some of the more than 100 people who commented said they did this very thing and had no issues. But most cautioned him not to do it.
Some pointed out that if his RV is stolen, or a tree falls on it, hail damages it or someone crashes into it, without insurance, he would be out of luck.
And there are other concerns.
Savannah said she once canceled her RV insurance for the winter, but then her insurance company reported this to the state, and the state suspended her registration. So what was supposed to save her a little money ended up costing her $700 to get the plates reinstated.
Others said the insurance company also reported them to the state, and then when they tried to get their insurance going again, they had trouble finding a company that would insure them.
Rick was one of many who suggested that Reg work with his insurance company instead of dropping it. Rick said some folks in Ohio, where he is based, have classic cars they store in the winter, and their insurance company reduces coverage during that time since the cars aren't on the road.
Rob said this is exactly what he does with his RV. When it is in storage he works with his insurance company to reduce the payment.
Sounds like that might be the best option for Reg. And hopefully, this post can also help one of you.
RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK
QUESTION: From Claude: Can you tell me what the RV CB channel is? I've heard 16 more than any other.
ANSWER: There really is no universally used CB radio channels for RVers. Some say still use the old trucker standard of Channel 19, some advocate for 16 but the fact of the matter is that CB radio is just not a very practical tool these days for RVers.
A couple of decades ago, CB radio used to be the lifeline for RVers. Today, it is mostly static. There are a few reasons why:
The trucker crowd moved onLong-haul truckers were the backbone of CB chatter. Most of them now use phone-based apps like Trucker Path, Waze, WhatsApp groups, or private radio systems. With fewer truckers talking, the CB channels feel empty.
Cell coverage is everywhere nowIn most of North America you can get a phone signal or at least text messaging. That means drivers can call, text, or use online communities for help instead of relying on CB broadcasts.
Better navigation and traffic apps replaced real-time chatterApps like Google Maps and Waze show crashes, construction, speed traps, and slowdowns much faster and more accurately than waiting to hear someone mention it on channel 19.
Most RVers never learned CB cultureCB talk had its own slang, etiquette, and rhythm. Modern RVers usually skip all that.
