They planned a short RV adventure. It turned into a life-changing journey.

In this episode of The RV Podcast, we sit down with the Shinpaugh family, a family of four who hit the road in 2016 thinking they would travel for a few years. Instead, they quietly built a whole new life on wheels, homeschooling their kids, running their businesses remotely, and making the road their normal.

They share the real story behind going full-time as a family, including:

What surprised them most after their “temporary” RV trip never ended

How they balance work, school, and family life while traveling

The challenges no one talks about, and how those hard moments made them stronger

What it really takes to build a sustainable life on the road as a family

Then we shift gears and break down what just happened at the Florida RV SuperShow, our 14th time attending the biggest RV show in the country.

We cut through the hype and share our two biggest takeaways from the show, including:

• Why Brinkley RV had the best display at the entire show, and why their low-pressure, owner-driven approach stood out
• Why we came away encouraged that real quality still exists in today’s RV market
• The motorhomes and towables that impressed us most, including Grand Design’s Lineage, lighter-weight Coleman fifth wheels, and the futuristic Lightship and Pebble trailers
• We also answer your RV lifestyle questions and catch you up on our latest travels on the road.

This episode is packed with inspiration, industry insight, and real-world RV living, whether you’re dreaming, planning, or already rolling.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our two weekly episodes:

Mondays, RV Podcast News Edition

Wednesdays, Stories from the Road and in-depth interviews

Hey everybody, welcome to the RV Podcast News Edition for Monday, January 19, 2026. I’m Mike Wendland.

This is where we cut through the noise and bring you what’s really happening right now in the RV lifestyle and the RV industry. Five stories this week, and taken together they paint a clear picture.

The RV world is not just changing. It is restructuring.

Let’s get started.

STORY 1. TAMPA SUPERSHOW AND THE MEGA-DEALERS GET EVEN BIGGER

The Florida RV SuperShow wrapped up this weekend in Tampa, and once again it was the Super Bowl of RVing. Huge crowds, massive inventory, and a lot of signals about where the industry thinks things are headed.

One number really stood out.

Lazydays RV, now operating as Lazydays RV powered by Campers Inn, announced it brought more than 450 RVs to the show. Four hundred and fifty units on the grounds. There were over 1,300 new models here. That means Lazydays, if it really bought that many uits - I didnt count them - accounted for a third of the total new units on display.

That is more than confidence. That is making a statement and claiming market power.

It highlights how the biggest RV chains keep getting bigger. Camping World, General RV, Blue Compass, and Campers Inn have all been aggressively buying up smaller dealerships across the country.

In many markets, those big names now sit next to each other, or even across the street from one another.

That kind of saturation creates brutal competition and raises a serious question. How many stores can a market really support?

What we kept hearing in Tampa is that 2026 may be the year underperforming locations start quietly closing.

We already saw a preview late in 2025 when Camping World abruptly shut down its store in Escanaba, Michigan.

For shoppers, this environment cuts both ways. There is more inventory and more choice, but dealers are under pressure to move aging stock. That pressure can work in your favor, if you negotiate wisely.

STORY 2. INFLUENCER FATIGUE. THE MARKETING MODEL IS BREAKING DOWN

Another major theme at the Tampa show had nothing to do with floorplans.

Influencer fatigue.

By our count, there are now at least 500 so-called RV influencers. Probably more. Anyone with a cellphone camera can claim the title, and many have.

For years, manufacturers poured money, free gear, and perks into this system.

But saturation has changed everything.

Behind the scenes, RV manufacturers and marketing teams are saying the influencer model no longer delivers like it once did. They report being flooded with demands for free RVs, guaranteed commissions, and paid travel just to show up.

There are clear signs of a pullback.

Winnebago has ended relationships with some influencers. Keystone RV has done the same.

The issue is trust. When every product is “the best ever,” audiences stop believing any of it.

I overheard it firsthand in Tampa. Outside the influencer building, one man said, “I’d be an influencer too if they gave me free stuff. But since that hasn’t happened, I don’t trust what any of them say. Free stuff and money can buy anything.”

That comment captures the problem perfectly.

STORY 3. TARIFFS ARE HAMMERING MANUFACTURERS, AND ROADTREK MAY BE THE HARDEST HIT

Another major topic of quiet but intense conversation at the SuperShow was tariffs and the damage they are doing to certain RV manufacturers.

Start with Europe.

The Italian manufacturer Wingamm has been trying to bring compact Class B style motorhomes into the U.S. market for at least the last four years. At one point, the tariff hit on a Wingamm imported from Italy was estimated at roughly $70,000.

That nearly killed the effort.

The tariff has since been restructured into a fixed import fee announced in mid-2025, about $9,500 on the Oasi 540.1 and roughly $11,100 on other models. Even so, Wingamm has now turned to crowdfunding to help finance its U.S. market entry.

Canada is being hit even harder.

Many popular Class B vans sold in the U.S. are built in Canada. Tariffs stack up at every step.

A prime example is Leisure Travel Vans.

Their Unity models use Mercedes Sprinter chassis and major components built in Germany, shipped to Canada, assembled there, and then exported to the United States. Tariffs apply to the chassis, the imported parts, and the finished vehicle.

Industry sources say tariffs alone are adding at least $20,000 to the price of a Leisure Travel Vans motorhome. The new Mercedes Benz model that introduced at the show last week was sticker shock on steroids. It’s show price was $272,000. For a B + van. Over a quarter of a million dollars! Yikes. 

And then there’s Class B campervan maker Roadtrek, made in Ontario.

The company has struggled since 2019, following a massive financial scandal involving its previous owners that ended in bankruptcy. Roadtrek is currently owned by a French RV company that took control as part of that restructuring.

Since then, Roadtrek has faced repeated Mercedes Sprinter chassis shortages, production disruptions, a weak market, and the loss of key personnel.

Most recently, Roadtrek lost its longtime National Sales Manager, Mike Williams, widely known across the industry and to customers as “Canada Mike.” He has now joined Sunshine State RVs in Gainesville, Florida, where some are already calling him “Florida Mike.”

That is a significant loss of leadership and visibility for the brand.

At Tampa, the buzz was everywhere. Roadtrek is struggling badly, and many insiders believe the company may be for sale again. Nothing official, but the talk was constant and came from dealers, current employees,  and industry veterans.

Tariffs are a huge reason for all of this pressure.

STORY 4. MORE CONSOLIDATION, MIDWEST AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN LIKELY TO BE SOLD

And speaking of major brands being in play, we’re hearing strong indications of another significant acquisition.

Multiple sources tell us that Midwest Automotive Design, a high-end builder of luxury Class B motorhomes on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, is about to be sold.

The buyer, according to what we’re hearing, is Alliance RV.

Alliance RV was founded in 2019 by industry veterans Ryan and Coley Brady and is best known for its Paradigm line of luxury fifth wheels. The company has built a reputation for high-quality construction and strong customer loyalty.

Midwest Automotive Design is a powerhouse in the luxury van segment. It is known for models like the Passage and Luxe Cruiser and has also built private-label vans for Ultimate Toys, Chinook, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, and American Coach under the REV Group umbrella.

This is not a small boutique operation.

If confirmed, this move would signal Alliance’s expansion beyond towables into the premium motorized market.

It reinforces the larger pattern. The RV industry is entering a major consolidation phase, with strong operators positioning themselves to acquire respected niche brands as costs rise and margins tighten.

STORY 5. ZION NATIONAL PARK WILL RESTRICT LARGE RVS ON A KEY ROUTE

Now an important heads-up for anyone planning a Southwest RV trip.

Zion National Park has announced a major change taking effect June 7, 2026.

Large vehicles will no longer be allowed to travel through the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway, including the famous tunnel.

Vehicles longer than about thirty-five feet, wider than seven feet ten inches, taller than eleven feet four inches, or weighing more than fifty thousand pounds will be prohibited. The long-standing escort system for oversized vehicles is being eliminated.

The Park Service says the road was never designed for modern RVs and that safety concerns drove the decision.

You can still visit Zion, but many large motorhomes and fifth wheels will need alternate routes or off-site parking.

This is a major planning issue for RVers heading west.

BONUS STORY. HONDA OFFICIALLY ENTERS THE RV SPACE WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT TRAILER

And here’s one of those moments when we get to say, we told you so. This is a BONUS STORY THIS WEEK.

Two episodes ago, we reported that Honda was quietly working on something big in the RV space. Now it’s official.

Honda has unveiled the Base Station Prototype, an all-new lightweight travel trailer designed by Honda engineers at the company’s U.S. research and development centers in Los Angeles and Ohio.

This is not a rebadged camper. Honda says the Base Station Prototype brings segment-first innovations that only Honda can deliver.

The stated goal is to “democratize outdoor adventures.” In plain English, make RVing accessible to more people.

Honda designed the Base Station to be towed by many of the most popular vehicles in America, including crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, as well as electric vehicles such as the Honda Prologue and Honda’s upcoming 0-Series SUV.

That is a major shift.

Most lightweight trailers still require full-size trucks or large SUVs. Honda is aiming directly at the millions of households that already own smaller vehicles and have been priced out of RV ownership.

Honda also says the Base Station will remain competitively priced in the lightweight travel trailer segment, signaling this is not just a concept vehicle but a serious market entry.

If Honda follows through, this could reshape the entry-level RV market in a very big way.

And as soon as we can see one in person, you know we’ll bring you a full report.

CLOSING

Alright. That’s this week’s RV News Edition of the RV Podcast. 

For links, documents, and deeper background on every story we covered today, be sure to check the show notes on our website at RVPodcast.com. That’s our central hub for everything we do, podcasts, blogs, videos, and our community.

You can also leave us a voice message, comment, question, or tip right there on the site. We read them all, and many of them help shape future episodes.

And a quick reminder that on February 5, I’ll be hosting a live, interactive RV Travel Planning Workshop designed to help you plan smarter trips, avoid costly mistakes, and travel with confidence. You’ll find all the details and registration information at RVPodcast.com/workshop.

That’s your RV Podcast Monday News Edition for Jan. 19, 2026. We’ll be back Wednesday with our Stories from the Road RV Podcast. 

I’m Mike Wendland. Thanks for listening, and until next time, have fun, make friends, and find adventure. Happy Trails.

Lazydays by Campers Inn Brings Over 450 RVs to Tampa Show

https://rv-pro.com/news/lazydays-by-campers-inn-brings-over-450-rvs-to-tampa-show/

Florida RV Trade Association, Official 2026 Florida RV SuperShow Page

https://www.frvta.org/show/florida-rv-supershow/

Winnebago Industries Corporate News and Investor Updates

https://investor.winnebagoind.com/

Keystone RV Company Official Site

https://www.keystonerv.com/

RV Dealers Association of Canada Update on Counter Tariffs

https://rvbusiness.com/rvda-canada-gives-update-on-counter-tariffs-on-u-s-rvs/

How Tariffs Could Impact the RV Industry

https://www.rv.com/rv/how-tariffs-could-impact-the-rv-industry/

Canadian RV Association Statement on U.S.–Canada Tariff Impact

https://www.rvnews.com/crva-issues-update-on-u-s-canada-tariff-impact/

Class B Forum Discussion on Canadian Tariffs

https://www.classbforum.com/threads/canadian-tariffs.654811/

Wingamm Official Website

https://wingamm.com/

Wingamm Oasi 540.1 Model Page

https://wingamm.com/en/oasi-540-1/

Invest in W Motorhome Sales North America (equity crowdfunding on StartEngine)

https://www.startengine.com/offering/wmotorhome

Leisure Travel Vans Official Website

https://leisurevans.com/

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Global Production Information

https://www.mbvans.com/en/sprinter/

Court-Ordered Receivership for Erwin Hymer Group North America (which included Roadtrek)

https://rvldealernews.com/the-court-appointed-receivership-auction-of-erwin-hymer-group-north-america-will-begin-on-tuesday-july-16-and-continue-until-friday-july-19-2019/

How Rapido Group Plotted the Rebirth of Roadtrek https://rv-pro.com/features/how-rapido-plotted-rebirth-roadtrek/ 

Roadtrek Motorhomes Official Website

https://roadtrek.com/

Alliance RV Official Website

https://www.alliancerv.com/

Midwest Automotive Design Official Website

https://midwestautomotivedesign.com/

Midwest Automotive Design About Us Page

https://www.midwestautomotivedesign.com/about-us/

Midwest Automotive Design Luxe Cruiser Model

https://www.midwestautomotivedesign.com/luxury-vans/luxe-cruiser/

REV Group Brand Portfolio

https://www.revgroup.com/our-brands/

Zion National Park to Restrict Large Vehicles on Zion–Mount Carmel Highway Beginning June 7, 2026

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2026/01/zion-national-park-restrict-large-vehicles-traveling-zion-mt-carmel-highway

Zion to Ban Most Large RVs on Mount Carmel Highway

https://www.thetraveler.org/zion-to-ban-most-large-rvs-on-mount-carmel-highway-june-7-2026/

Honda Press Release, Honda Unveils Base Station Prototype

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/honda-unveils-base-station-prototype-a-lightweight-towable-travel-trailer-with-modular-design-smart-technology-clever-packaging-to-democratize-camping

RV Business, Honda Unveils Prototype Base Station Lightweight Camper

https://rvbusiness.com/honda-unveils-prototype-base-station-lightweight-camper/

The Drive, Honda’s Secret Project, A Futuristic Camper Trailer You Can Tow With a CR-V

https://www.thedrive.com/news/hondas-secret-project-a-futuristic-camper-trailer-you-can-tow-with-a-cr-v

Most RVers are doing it wrong. They're tripping breakers, wasting propane, and turning out mediocre meals because nobody ever taught them how to actually use their RV kitchen.

In this week's conversation, RV Kitchen Expert Evada Cooper cuts through the confusion and delivers the insider knowledge you need. Discover which appliances are actually worth upgrading (and which ones are just marketing hype), learn the proven techniques for cooking restaurant-quality meals in your rig, and finally understand how to manage your electrical system so you can cook without constantly resetting breakers.

The game-changer? Evada breaks down exactly why your convection oven is the secret weapon you've been ignoring, and shows you step-by-step how to master it. This isn't theory: it's practical knowledge from someone who's cooked thousands of meals on the road and knows what actually works.

Whether you're tired of eating out, frustrated with your current setup, or just want to expand your mobile cooking skills, this episode delivers real solutions. Stop settling for campground cuisine and start enjoying the meals you deserve.

Key Topics:

• The appliance upgrades that actually matter
• Electrical management strategies for serious cooking
• Convection oven mastery: techniques and timing
• Common RV kitchen mistakes and how to avoid them
• Gourmet meal planning for limited space

Perfect for both new RVers setting up their first kitchen and veterans ready to level up their cooking game.

The RV world always has back-channel stories and simmering controversies, and in this News Edition of the RV Podcast, we break down a couple of those stories and why they matter to RVers.

In Episode 582, we dig into the growing backlash over the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club, where longtime members say a once-beloved community is being hollowed out in the name of profit. We examine what private equity ownership really means for RV clubs and why this story has struck such a nerve across the RV community.

We also take a close look at major shake-ups in RV technician training. The sudden and unexplained departure of the president of the RV Technical Institute has raised serious questions at a time when the industry desperately needs qualified RV service techs. On top of that, we report on the reported sale of the National RV Training Academy in Texas and what it could mean for future RV tech education.

There is more confusion at America’s national parks as new entrance fees for international visitors are causing delays and long lines at park gates. With staffing shortages already stretching the National Park Service thin, we explain what RV travelers should expect and how to plan ahead.

And finally, Marcus Lemonis may be gone from Camping World, but he is still very much in the headlines. An arbitrator has ordered Lemonis to pay more than $14 million in damages tied to his role on the TV show The Profit. We look at what this ruling means and how Camping World may navigate an increasingly competitive RV dealership landscape without him at the helm.

This is the RV Podcast News Edition, released every Monday morning with insider news, industry developments, and issues that directly impact RV owners and travelers. Our main podcast, Stories from the Road, drops every Wednesday with interviews, destinations, and listener questions.

Now let's dive into this week's news.

If you want to see what happens when private equity gets its hands on a beloved RV community, look no further than the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees RV Club. The internet is on fire with member complaints, and the details are jaw-dropping.

Here's what's got everyone fired up: In July 2024, Harvest Hosts acquired the management and operations of Escapees RV Club, including the popular Xscapers subgroup for working-age RVers. What happened next has become a textbook case of how private equity-backed companies can effect beloved community organizations.

Full disclosure: we've been an affiliate of Harvest Hosts for many years, and the company used to be, but no longer is, an advertiser on this podcast. We're also an affiliate of RV Overnights, a Harvest Hosts competitor that sponsors our Wednesday podcast.

Jen and I really like Harvest Hosts and have used it many times. But this story still needs reporting. Because it illustrates what happens when big money gets involved in startups and independent businesses.

First, you need to understand that Harvest Hosts is no longer a small, founder-funded RV startup. It is a private equity-backed platform designed to grow, consolidate, and eventually deliver a strong return to investors. In 2021, it reportedly received about $37 million in growth capital and it has been growing and expanding ever since.

One of the most biggest acquisitions wasin 2024, when it bought the Escapees Club, which was a family run club started in 1978 by Joe and Kay Peterson, two full-time RVers who were traveling with their family and wanted a way to stay connected with others living the nomadic lifestyle. It grew and grew, was later turned over to Peterson family relatives who eventually sold Harvest Hosts. 

There was worry and grumbling from members simmering for a long time but most recently, just before Thanksgiving, it turned in to a dumpster fire. According to reports from members and a detailed timeline compiled by concerned community members, Harvest Hosts terminated the Xscapers convergence director and other Escapees staff just two days before the scheduled Thanksgiving convergence. That’s what they called their gatherings - convergences. They told attendees they'd still have a place to park but the event would no longer have a host or the Xscapers brand attached to it. Imagine planning your entire holiday around an event, traveling to the location, and then being told the people running it were just fired.

But it gets worse. Harvest Hosts then cancelled several future Xscapers convergences and meetups, seemingly everything except the one annual Bash event, often with little or no notice, according to Facebook group posts. For context, these convergences and gatherings were the main draw to the club for many members. The community-focused events, where working-age RVers could connect with others living the nomadic lifestyle, were what made Xscapers special. Members had planned their entire travel schedules around these gatherings.

The pricing controversy adds insult to injury. An email from Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland promised "we're not changing the price of an Escapees membership, it's still just $49.95" while simultaneously announcing that Escapees would be folded into a $179 All Access membership bundle. Angry members called this classic bait-and-switch language designed to confuse them about what they're actually getting.

When members started speaking out about what was happening, things took an even darker turn. Members report that Harvest Hosts began actively censoring and deleting complaints in the online groups they now control. Long-time community members said they were being banned. According to member accounts, they're even banned members from the public Facebook page simply for voicing their concerns about how the company is handling criticism.

The complaints on Trustpilot paint an even darker picture. One review states that Harvest Hosts has "decimated" the community and fired loyal Escapees employees, calling it a "classic Manhattan Private Equity gut job" backed by Stripes, LLC. The review notes that "the only thing harvested here was the goodwill of a 40-year-old club." Stripes was the equity group that handled that private equity investment into Harvest Hosts.

Adding fuel to the fire, Harvest Hosts hired Chris Smith as Senior Director of Community & Events, someone who members point out oversaw the worst membership decline in FMCA history during his eight years as Executive Director & CEO there. Members are questioning why leadership with that track record is now running their organization, especially given the mass cancellations and firings that followed his arrival.

Long-time Escapees members feel completely betrayed. This wasn't just any RV club. Escapees was founded in 1978 by the Petersons and for over 40 years, it built a reputation as a member-first club where volunteers ran regional chapters and gatherings felt like family reunions. 

In their acquisition announcement, Harvest Hosts explicitly promised to retain Escapees employees, continue community events including "Xscapers Convergences," support Facebook groups, and be "good and earnest stewards of the Escapees and Xscapers brand." 

The controversy highlights a growing and troubling trend in the RV industry: venture-capital-backed companies buying beloved community organizations and strip-mining them for profit. Members on online forums say Harvest Hosts has essentially gutted Xscapers and taken away the big thing that made it worth joining. 

The pattern is clear: cancel the expensive community events that members loved, fire the staff who built relationships with those members, silence anyone who complains about it, and then act surprised when the core community revolts. As members point out, the people Harvest Hosts has made the angriest are precisely the community leaders and engaged members who made Xscapers worth joining in the first place.

As one community member put it: "What kind of company cancels a paid Thanksgiving event that has been planned for months, that many people built their holiday plans around and traveled to, with just days' notice? A company that is making poor business decisions for profit and doesn't realize they are destroying the asset they've purchased with their own hands."

The situation is being discussed across Reddit, RV forums, and has even found its way into Google's AI overviews. Despite Harvest Hosts' apparent attempts to censor and ban critics, other members are making it clear: they will not be silenced or ignored. 

The controversy highlights a growing and troubling trend in the RV industry: venture-capital-backed companies buying up everything in sight. Over the past 20 years, private equity firms like Bain Capital, Alliance Holdings, American Industrial Partners, and others have acquired some of the biggest names in RV manufacturing, dealerships, and services - including Heartland, REV Group, Fleetwood, Monaco, Roadtrek, Grand Design, Lazydays RV Center, and yes, Camping World. Investment banking firm Jackim Woods & Co. has tracked more than 65 private equity transactions in the RV sector over the last two decades. 

The goal is always the same: buy a mid-size company as a "platform investment," then triple or quadruple its size over 5-6 years through acquisitions and cost-cutting. While some of these deals have created jobs and improved operations, the Harvest Hosts takeover of Escapees shows the bumpy road this consolidation wave can create- when community and culture become subservient to profit margins and "operational efficiency."

Sources:

• Community member timeline and documentation: Facebook groups and posts tracking the controversy - https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=excapers%20escapees
• Member reports of event cancellations and censorship: Facebook group discussions - https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=excapers%20escapees
• RVForums.com discussion: https://rvforums.com/threads/harvest-hosts-buys-escapees-rv-club.18663/
• Trustpilot reviews: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/harvesthosts.com

Reddit complaints https://www.reddit.com/r/FullTiming/comments/1pnhrr3/escapees_dying_after_harvest_host_purchase/

• RVBusiness coverage: https://rvbusiness.com/harvest-hosts-takes-lead-mgt-role-in-escapees-rv-club/
• Harvest Hosts acquisition announcement (July 2024): https://www.harvesthosts.com/blog/harvest-hosts-acquires-escapees-rv-club
• Harvest Hosts 2025 changes announcement: https://www.harvesthosts.com/blog/harvest-hosts-unveils-exciting-enhancements-for-2025-expanded-membership-options-and-seamless-access-to-rv-travel-benefits

Mystery Surrounds Sudden Exit of RV Training Institute President Curt Hemmeler

Meanwhile, In Elkhart Indiana, there is a lot of insider talk wondering what happened at the RV Training Institute, a trade group aimed at providing training to RV technicians. After the unexpected and sudden departure of its President, Curt Hemmeler, late last month.

In mid-October 2025, RVTA issued a brief statement confirming that Curt Hemmeler was no longer with RVTI, thanking him for his contributions and announcing that Sharonne Lee and Bryan Ritchie would provide interim oversight during the transition. RVB The announcement was characterized as an "unexpected leadership transition."

Hemmeler had been with RVTI since December 2018, nearly seven years. He is the first and only president the group has ever had and was very well liked. Under his leadership, RVTI had grown significantly, with more than 23,000 individuals accessing the RVTI Learning Management System and over 7,000 newly certified RV technicians, with annual growth rates of 20-26%

No reasons were given for the departure, but it’s pretty clear this was NOT voluntary on Hemmeler’s behalf. What stands out in this story is the complete lack of explanation. In an industry where Hemmeler had been so visible and clearly successful is unusual and raises questions. 

One report on RV News said Hemmeler declined to say he resigned and would not comment further, citing advice from his legal counsel. 

The industry desperately needs more RV techs. Just before the departure announcement, Hemmeler had been actively expanding Spanish-language certification options and developing partnerships with campground associations and colleges.

The lack of an explanation on why such a high profile leader was removed and why a shroud of secrecy has enveloped this has spurned all sorts of rumors. And rumors are not good. The RVTA is too important to the industry to handle something like this so bush league.

Source:

RV News: https://www.rvnews.com/rv-technical-institute-director-leaves/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Has the National RV Traning Academy Texas been sold?

On a related matter regarding another place where RV Techs are trained, I’m told by reliable industry sources that The National RV Training Academy Texas has been sold. 

The school trains RV service technicians and RV Inspectors, as well as RV owners interested in learning how to maintain the various systems of their recreational vehicles.

The official announcement has not yet been made but the new owner is said to be Heavy Equipment Colleges, of Las Vegas, which is a similar training facility that concentrates on the construction industry and teaches students how to maintain machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. It has training across the country in several locations.

We’ve reached out to get official confirmation and details on what all this means to the NRVTA students but have not heard back yet. Our sources say an announcement is expected soon.

Sources:

https://heavyequipmentcollege.edu/

https://nrvta.com/

National Park Entrance Delays 

We're getting reports now about the effect the stiff new entrance fees for non-U.S. residents are having on our national parks. According to the Washington Post, that question is causing longer wait times to enter parks and is leading some foreign tourists to turn away at the gates.

Here's what's happening. As of January 1st, international visitors aged 16 and older now pay an extra $100 per person on top of regular entrance fees at 11 of America's most visited parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion. The nonresident annual pass also jumped from $80 to $250.

To enforce this two-tiered pricing, park rangers must verify residency status and check IDs for every visitor 16 and older. That means asking about citizenship, reviewing documents like passports or driver's licenses, and sometimes dealing with language barriers.

The problem? This is happening during a severe staffing crisis. The National Park Service has lost 24 percent of its permanent workforce since January 2025, nearly 4,000 people. With fewer rangers on duty and thousands more visitors needing ID verification, entrance lines are backing up significantly.

Tour operators near parks like Yosemite report that many international visitors arrive unaware of the changes, leading to delays and confusion at entrance stations. Some are turning around rather than paying the unexpected surcharges.

For RV travelers planning park visits: buy passes online in advance at Recreation.gov, have your government-issued photo ID ready, arrive early, and expect longer wait times at popular parks.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/01/09/national-parks-immigration-checks/

Marcus Lemonis ordered to pay $14 million for damaging business people he supposedly was helping

Marcus Lemonis may no longer be running Camping World - He quit as CEO Jan 1 to become the new CEO if the revitalized Bed, Bath and Beyond, which is trying to rebound from bankruptcy - but his personal style of running things as a celebrity CEO has landed him in some hot water.

He was just ordered by an arbitrator to pay more than $14 million to a group of business owners whose companies appeared on the CNBC TV show he hosted called"The Profit,"

In fact, of the roughly 100 businesses featured on "The Profit," more than 50 filed lawsuits, engaged in mediation talks, or settled with Lemonis and NBCUniversal over the harm they say they endured.

Last week, an arbitrator found that Lemonis violated the terms of a 2021 settlement barring him from making statements that could harm their reputations, according to documents filed in New York state court. The documents were filed as part of a petition to confirm the arbitration award after a 30-day payment deadline lapsed.

The business owners said Lemonis ran afoul of the settlement terms when he spoke about them negatively over the span of roughly a year, starting in November 2021.

The arbitrator, retired judge Ariel Belen, concluded in a 98 page ruling that Lemonis' "disdain for the respondents, complete disregard to his obligations in the settlement agreement, and apparent lack of concern for the harm suffered by respondents were all put on full display during the arbitration hearing."

While he was CEO of Camping World, Camping World significantly expanded its RV dealership footprint to over 200, but the company faced a lot of accusations of aggressive sales tactics, undisclosed fees (like "dealer prep"), high-pressure selling, misleading warranty/service contracts, and issues with quality/repairs, leading to numerous consumer complaints and lawsuits. 

It will be interesting to see how Camping World, without Lemonis at the helm handles a wave of new competitive pressure these days from a bunch of other aggressive and acquisition-minded RV dealership chains like Blue Compass, General RV and Campers Inn, to name a few.

Source: https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/bed-bath-beyond-ceos-trash-talk-could-cost-him-millions/91285388

And that’s it for this week's RV Podcast News Edition. 

Before we go, let me ask you whether you are planning your 2026 RV adventures? 

If so, I want to invite you to join me for my comprehensive RV Trip Planning Workshop, where in a live, one-hour interactive presentation, I'll walk you through the exact system Jen and I use to create unforgettable travel experiences. It will be livestreamed Feb 5, 2026 at 7 PM Eastern Time.

If you are a member of our RVCommunity.com, it’s free. The cost for non members is $10. You can RSVP at RVPodcast.com/workshop

This isn't about following influencer hotspots or checking boxes at overcrowded destinations. Instead, you'll learn how to design trips that match your interests, your budget, and your pace. We'll cover everything from route planning and campground selection to budgeting strategies and timing your travels to avoid crowds. 

Again, to register, go to RVPodcast.com/workshop

In this episode’s conversation, we’ll hear from a fulltime RV couple who happen to also be fitness and healthy living experts. They’ll share some startling information for us… How the RV Lifestyle Can Wreck Your Health. But how a few simple tweaks in your daily habits can do an amazing Before and After transformation for you.

We had some fun using AI to do a before and after exaggeration image for us. But… what we learn this week is pretty eye-opening.

We were very interested in what they said about how we can actually do some things that counteract the effects of aging

And we were struck by what happens after you sit behind the wheel of an RV for a few hours.

Plus, we’ll share a Destination of the Week suggestion for you - the Kofa Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. And we answer a question about camping availability oin Florida in February.

We're excited to launch a brand new podcast to keep you informed faster.

The RV Podcast News Edition drops every Monday morning at 6 AM with the latest developments in the RV industry, camping world, National Parks, and everything affecting the RV lifestyle. 

This edition, Episode 580, covers What;'s Changing for RVers in 2026:

From the controversial new "America First" pricing at National Parks that triples annual pass costs for international visitors, to Ford's game-changing 700-mile range extender concept for the F-150 Lightning, to the reality that lithium power systems are becoming baseline equipment rather than luxury upgrades as new alternatives to lithium are about to head to market, this episode gives you everything you need to know about what's happening right now. 

Our main show, the RV Podcast: Stories from the Road, continues every Wednesday morning with the deep dives, interviews, and travel stories you've come to expect. Complete show notes with links to all sources are available at RVPodcast.com, your hub for everything we do: blogs, community access, videos, and all our podcast episodes going back almost 12 years.

Hetre are links to the main topics we discuss:

National Parks 2026 Changes:

• Department of Interior Announces Modernized National Park Access: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable-national-park-access
• Higher Fees for Nonresidents: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/us/snplus/news/2026/01/02/changes-to-access-to-the-country-s-national-parks-kicked-off-in-the-new-year--including-higher-fees-for-nonresidents
• Three Big Changes for National Parks: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/3-big-changes-americas-national-080141812.html
• What Visitors Should Know: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/visitors-national-parks-2026-free-days-digital-passes/story?id=128845389

RV Industry Forecast:

• RVIA Market Expected to Trend Upward in 2026: https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/rv-market-expected-trend-upward-2026
• RVIA Forecasts Modest Growth: https://camperreport.com/rvia-forecasts-modest-growth-heading-into-2026/
• Current RV Industry News and Trends: https://crowsurvival.com/current-rv-industry-news-and-trends/

RV Technology and Innovations:

• RV Industry 2026: Used RV Values Reset + New Tech: https://www.bishs.com/blog/rv-industry-2026-used-rv-values-reset-new-tech-new-brands-and-big-buyer-shifts/
• Current RV Industry News and Trends January 2026: https://crowsurvival.com/current-rv-industry-news-and-trends/

New Products and Brand Expansion:

• The Hottest RVs and RV Shows of 2026: https://blog.campingworld.com/news/the-hottest-rvs-and-shows-of-2026/

Camping Trends:

• Camping Trend Predictions 2026: https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2025/camping-trend-predictions-2026/
• Top 12 Camping and Hiking Trends: https://meetglimpse.com/trends/camping-hiking-trends/
• Australia's Camping Boom Expected to Skyrocket: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/australias-camping-boom-expected-to-skyrocket-in-2026-revolutionizing-domestic-travel/
• KOA Annual North American Camping Report: https://koa.com/north-american-camping-report/

RV Shows and Events:

• RV Show Calendar 2026: https://www.rvlifemag.com/rv-show-calendar-2026-usa-events/
• Florida RV SuperShow 2026: https://www.frvta.org/show/florida-rv-supershow/
• Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show 2026: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/rv-shows-and-rallies/quartzsite-2026

In this episode, we speak with an RVer who took more than 5,000 travel photos on her smartphone in just one year. She shares a surprisingly simple and creative way to turn those forgotten images into organized, meaningful memories you will actually enjoy, share, and keep for years to come.

Plus, we will dive into the RV News of the week, including a look at a major and costly change to national park admission fees for visitors from outside the U.S.

And in our Question of the Week, we’ll talk about tow/haul mode and why it's such a great feature for Rvers towing travel trailers and fifth wheels.