RV Miles Podcast

The National Park Service could be headed for a major restructuring that would change how parks across the country are managed.

In this week’s National Parks and public lands news roundup, we break down the proposed “hub and spoke” management model, what it could mean for smaller park units, and why former park leaders are raising concerns.

Also this week:

• Grand Canyon is still recovering from major flash flooding and damage to the North Kaibab Trail

Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

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00:00 Headlines

#NationalParks #NationalParkService #PublicLands #Yosemite #GrandCanyon #GrandTeton #Yellowstone #RVMiles

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The RV industry is gathering in Elkhart, Indiana, this week to show dealers the newest RVs for the coming model year — but they're doing it against a pretty rough backdrop.

New RV shipments fell another 16.4% in August and are now down 14.2% for the year. We break down what those numbers actually mean, which RV categories are getting hit hardest, and why this year's Elkhart Open House matters so much for manufacturers.

Also in this week's RV and camping news:

• Campground prices have fallen for the third consecutive month

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/425

Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

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The Hershey RV Show wrapped with attendance down about 5%, but dealers and manufacturers reported surprisingly strong sales and a positive mood, with demand shifting more toward towables. Major RV debuts included the Brinkley Model R fifth wheel, the return of DRV Mobile Suites, Forest River’s Lucent and Sommar Class B vans and Coachmen Teleos travel trailer, Pleasure-Way’s first travel trailer (Everbound), Winnebago’s compact Elora/Resa Class C, and the ultra-luxury Cornerstone Series 6 diesel pusher; Liquified RV also rebranded as Prime RV and launched the Gravity sewer hose. GM has announced upgraded 2027 half-ton engines and trailering tech, plus teased an 8.3L Duramax “Mongoose” for HD trucks. The FTC clarified all-in price advertising rules for required dealer fees and discounts, Thor discussed affordability and flat 2027 expectations, and fuel prices continued rising.

​ @rvgearandfar : https://www.youtube.com/@rvgearandfar

Diesel prices are surging again, and the government’s latest forecast suggests the pain at the pump could continue well into 2027. Plus, THOR Industries is making one of the biggest changes to the way it operates its RV companies in decades, while several manufacturers are making big moves in the high-end fifth-wheel market.

We also take a closer look at the new Brinkley Model R, including its massive independent suspension and the decision to move the air conditioners off the roof. Plus, Ford has recalled more than 223,000 F-150s, Roadmaster has an important Nighthawk tow bar recall, and Wyoming is preparing a new certification requirement for RVs and trailers traveling over Teton Pass.

Let us know what you think about this week’s stories in the comments!

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IMPORTANT LINKS:

⚠️ Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar Recall:

▶️ Josh the RV Nerd’s full tour of the Brinkley Model R:

▶️ The RV Hunter’s full walkthrough of Boundless Recreation:

THIS WEEK:

⛽ DIESEL PRICES: Diesel has climbed to an average of $6.23 a gallon nationwide, and the latest Energy Information Administration forecast suggests elevated diesel prices could stick around well into 2027.

🏭 THOR RESTRUCTURES AGAIN: THOR Industries is consolidating its North American RV operations under one leadership structure, moving even further away from the decentralized model that has defined the company for decades.

🛠️ BOUNDLESS RECREATION: We have new details about the Boundless Ryde Foundation, including an E-coated chassis, CURT Touring Coil Suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, Michelin tires and a five-year chassis warranty.

🚐 BRINKLEY MODEL R: Brinkley’s new Model R 3710 rides on two massive 10,000-pound MORryde independent suspension units instead of a triple-axle setup. It also eliminates rooftop air conditioners, allowing Brinkley to raise the roof of the RV while keeping the overall height around 13 feet 4 inches. Axiom has already taken a similar approach, and we have some thoughts about the continuing trend toward increasingly enormous fifth wheels.

✨ ALLIANCE AURUM: Alliance RV has finally given a name to its upcoming ground-up luxury fifth-wheel project. The Aurum is scheduled to make its debut in October.

⚠️ F-150 RECALL: Ford is recalling more than 223,000 F-150s because a fuel tank strap may not be properly secured, potentially allowing the tank to leak or even detach.

⚠️ NIGHTHAWK TOW BAR RECALL: Roadmaster has issued a safety recall involving certain Nighthawk tow bars with serial numbers 15000 through 20843. If you own one, check the recall information linked above before towing.

🏔️ TETON PASS: Wyoming is developing a new WY22 Safe Pass program that will require people driving RVs or towing trailers over Teton Pass to complete an annual online self-certification program.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 This Week in RV News

#RVMiles #RVNews #RVLife #RVLiving #Camping #FifthWheel #BrinkleyRV #THORIndustries 

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Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about RV destinations—but it should be.

This week, we’re taking you to one of our favorite cities in the country and sharing how to visit Kansas City by RV. Abby grew up in KC, we’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, and we’re covering some of our favorite places to camp, eat, explore, and experience the city.

We start with one of our favorite RV camping options near Kansas City, then head into Independence for Harry S. Truman history before exploring Union Station, Crown Center, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo, the West Bottoms, and more.

And of course, you can’t talk about Kansas City without talking about barbecue. We share two very different KC barbecue recommendations—from the old-school institution Arthur Bryant’s to the more modern Q39—plus one of our favorite spots for live Kansas City jazz.

Then, in this week’s black tank and fresh tank, Jason has some thoughts about just how BIG fifth wheels are becoming after getting a look at the new Brinkley Model R—and one design choice he thinks other RV manufacturers should be paying attention to.

 @JoshtheRVNerd  's tour of the  @BrinkleyRV  Model R: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dRR9ZzyvI

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/424

Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/

HOMECOMING tickets - only a few left: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com

*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

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00:00 Welcome to RV Miles Episode 424

Diesel prices have officially hit an all-time record in the U.S., with the national average reaching about $5.90 per gallon — and RVers could be dealing with elevated diesel prices well into fall and winter.

In this week’s RV and camping news, we break down what’s driving the global diesel crunch, why diesel is so much more expensive than gasoline right now, and what it could mean for your upcoming RV travel budget.

Plus, we’re getting our first real look at Boundless Recreation’s new fifth wheel, DRV Mobile Suites is returning under the Jayco Family of Companies, and several completely new RV lines are preparing to debut for the 2027 model year.

Also this week:

• California’s planned ban on disposable one-pound propane cylinders has been blocked by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

Mile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

 @Thatrvtech  's Boundless Recreation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBHauAgnuFQ&t=466s

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00:00 Intro

The Hershey RV Show is looking a LOT more interesting this year. After several years when the show felt heavier on closeouts than big reveals, manufacturers are bringing a surprising number of new RVs and major debuts—including the Forest River Teleos, Tiffin Cornerstone, Brinkley Model R, Winnebago motorhomes, and plenty more.

We break down what’s coming to Hershey, why manufacturers may finally be showing more of their newest products there, and why this year's show could change how we cover RV show season in the future.

Then Brooks Smothers joins us for the return of the See America podcast! The entire new season is available now, featuring the fascinating stories behind destinations and road trips across the country. We preview the Alaska Highway, the massive and mysterious “City” art installation hidden in the Nevada desert, the Spruce Goose, Route 66 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and more.

Plus, we share what’s next for RV Miles Road Tested—including Bowlus, Pebble and Pinnacles National Park—Jason has some takeaways from Overland Expo Mountain West, and later in the show we dig into the painful rise in diesel prices and what it could mean for RV travel.

Find SEE AMERICA here: https://seeamerica.podbean.com/

Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/423

Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/

HOMECOMING tickets - only a few left: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com

*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001

*Get a free quote on an extended RV warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com

*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES

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00:00 Welcome to RV Miles 423

Jason Lippert is back in the RV business just three months after retiring from LCI Industries — this time as CEO of Fun Town RV.  We also look at Camping World’s SEC filings, which show the company has been consolidating stores and reducing its workforce after years of aggressive expansion and dealership acquisitions.

Plus: Alliance RV teases an ultra-luxury fifth wheel, the new Delta X toy hauler, and its first Alliance-branded motorhome; the National RV Training Academy gets a new owner; flash flooding impacts Zion National Park; Kansas raises state park camping fees; and Hipcamp names its best campsites of 2026.

It’s a packed week of RV and camping news.

#RVNews #RVMiles #CampingWorld #Lippert #AllianceRV #RVIndustry #CampingNews

Get a free quote for an RV extended warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com

*Get the latest news, National Park updates, happenings around RV Miles, and more when you sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://RVMiles.com/mailinglist

*It's our only in-person event this year! Join us at HOMECOMING October 7 - 11 in Amana, IA. Seminars, a Rig Crawl, Trivia, Giveaways, Nightly catered meals, time to explore historic Amana, and so much more! https://RVMiles.com/HOMECOMING

00:00 Headlines And Tease

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A deadly flash flood has devastated parts of Grand Canyon National Park, leaving two people dead, others still unaccounted for, destroying trails and bridges, and severely damaging the Transcanyon Waterline — forcing major water restrictions and lodging closures on the South Rim.

In this week’s national park and public lands news roundup, we break down what happened at the Grand Canyon and what visitors need to know right now.

We’re also covering:

• A major Trump administration proposal that would make it easier for the National Park Service to expand bicycle and e-bike access

We’ll separate the headlines from what the actual rules and proposals say, explain what’s changing, and tell you what matters if you’re planning a national park or camping trip.

#NationalParks #GrandCanyon #Yosemite #RVMiles #CampingNews #PublicLands

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00:00 Headlines