RV Unpacked

RV Unpacked

By CampingWorldLeisure
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RV Unpacked episodes

  • 2027 Model Sneak Peek + RV Drag Racing

    We drag raced two Class A motorhomes at 64 mph, previewed the wildest 2027 RVs at Sneak Peek, then ranked all 10 campground neighbors from best to worst.

    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    RV Unpacked is back! This week, Ian and Chris recap their fourth trip to the NHRA drag strip in Sonoma — where two Class A motorhomes topped out at 64 mph and Ian finally broke Chris's undefeated streak. From there they dig into what's actually new for 2027 straight out of Forest River Sneak Peek: Contour appliances taking over the industry, a fresh Surveyor fifth wheel, the short-but-tall full-pro Mirage, and the off-road-ready Forest River Pause with true air suspension.


    The guys also look ahead to the future of RVing — electric towing, self-charging battery systems, and a brand-new video dropping this weekend on how the RV evolved into what it is today. Then things get competitive with a blind-ranking game: 10 types of campground neighbors, ranked from favorite to most hated. Where does the acoustic guitar guy land? What about the firewood philanthropist? Tune in to find out.


    Chapters: 

    00:00 RV Drag Racing at Sonoma 

    04:25 2027 RV Trends and Sneak Peek 

    10:29 Forest River Pause Line - New Off-Road Trailer 

    13:13 The Future of RVs: It's Electric 

    16:31 Game: Blind Ranking Campground Neighbors


    #rvunpacked #campingworld #rv #rvlife #rvpodcast #dragracing #nhra #forestriver #forestrivermirage #eddiebauer #forestriverpause #fifthwheel #motorhome #rvshow #hersheyrvshow #camping

    33 min
  • Hot Weather RVs, SPECIAL GUESTS, and a Hero RV Giveaway

    This week, we meet our very first Hero of the Month winner and unveil a game-changing new fifth wheel built to tackle extreme temperatures!


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris sit down with special guest Ben to step inside the brand-new Mesquite fifth wheel—one of the most heavily insulated RVs in the industry, built to conquer extreme summer temperatures. The Mesquite features three-inch vacuum-bonded walls, dual-pane argon gas windows, and triple ACs… 


    Later in the episode, Chris shares the most rewarding moment of his career as he surprises our first Hero of the Month recipient. We sit down with veterans who run a community non-profit to share their beautiful story and celebrate their brand-new, free RV.


    This is your all-access pass to the ultimate hot-weather rig and a celebration of true American heroes.


    Chapters: 

    00:00 Intro 

    00:53 Meet Ben & the All-New Mesquite Fifth Wheel 

    01:29 Inside the Mesquite: Design & Build Quality 

    11:05 Where to Find the Mesquite & Who It's For 

    13:00 Introducing Our First Hero of the Month - Krystle Matthews 

    14:53 Why Krystle Is a Hero 

    15:37 Serving Women Veterans 

    24:11 Her Plans for the New RV 

    28:51 Outro


    #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #HeroOfTheMonth #VeteranHeroes #RVGiveaway #MesquiteFifthWheel #HotWeatherCamping #FifthWheel

    29 min
  • The Ultimate 4th of July RV Setups!

    Fireworks, stars, mountain ranges — we’re talking RVs with the best views…


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    From travel trailers completely surrounded by windows to massive destination trailers with two-story observation decks, the right floorplan can make your next trip unforgettable. 


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris break down their top picks for the best "viewing" RVs on the market. We cover all the options: What are the best setups for outdoor entertaining? Which RVs serve as the perfect seasonal vacation home without the million-dollar price tag? And how does an 8-foot side patio change the game?


    RVs mentioned in this episode: 

    Salem 44ZEN 

    Hideout Max 31 Sunrise 

    Cherokee Timberwolf 20OG: 

    Alliance Paradigm 388SP

    Grand Design Foundation 42 GD

    Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK 

    Sabre 38RVHUNTER


    Chapters: 

    00:00 - Intro - Best RVs to Watch Fireworks

    01:28 - Destination Travel Trailer: Salem/Wildwood 44ZEN

    04:19 - Travel Trailer: Hideout Max 31SUNROOM

    06:53 - Hybrid Option: Cherokee Timberwolf 20OG

    09:32 - Fifth Wheel: Alliance Paradigm 388SP

    12:55 - Overall: Grand Design Foundation 42GD

    16:40 - Honorable Mention: Coleman Legacy 2800SUNDECK

    17:49 - Honorable Mention: Sabre 38RVHUNTER


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    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/campingworld


    #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #RVsWithAView #DestinationTrailer #TravelTrailer #FifthWheel #RVLife #CampgroundView

    20 min
  • How to Buy an RV Park | Risking Everything To Follow a Dream

    Bryce and Nellie share what they learned buying an RV park… 


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe

    The Park at Swan Valley: https://www.theparkatswanvalley.com/

    Jurgy’s On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJurgys

     

    Many RVers consider buying a campground. In this episode, Ian sits down with Bryce and Nellie to discuss their transition from full-time RV travel to campground ownership. They explain the unexpected hurdles of property easements, the process of rezoning agricultural land, and the difficulty of finding the right bank loan. They also detail how they focus on building core family memories through their unique summer camp program at The Park at Swan Valley.


    Chapters: 

    00:00 Dreaming of Owning an RV Park

    01:24 The Transition: From RVers to Owners 

    03:41  Financing, Setbacks, and Early Lessons

    09:25 Nailing Down the Purchase

    14:44 Creating Unique Experiences & Building Community

    26:43 Reflections, Motivation & The Bigger Picture


    #RVPark #CampgroundOwnership #RVLife #CampingWorld #FamilyCamping #RVing

    32 min
  • Are RV Warranties a Scam?

    Are RV warranties a scam? Here’s how to understand the fine print. 


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris examine the ongoing debate surrounding RV warranties. They break down exactly how these contracts work, what they actually cover, and why so many claims end up denied.

    The discussion details the three main types of warranties every RV owner needs to understand: manufacturer warranties, supplier components, and extended service contracts. Ian and Chris outline the top five reasons claims face rejection, highlighting factors like missed routine maintenance, normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues, and aftermarket modifications.

    We'll learn how to navigate the claims process efficiently and how to keep a proper maintenance logbook to support future claims. For those debating whether an extended warranty makes sense for a specific travel style and budget, the episode provides the exact questions to ask the finance office before signing any paperwork.


    Chapters: 

    00:00 Check-In: Understanding RV Warranties

    01:50 What Is an RV Warranty?

    05:05 The 3 Buckets of RV Warranties: Manufacturer, Supplier/Component, and Extended Warranty/Service Contract

    12:20 Common Reasons for Warranty Denials

    18:59 Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?

    21:50 Key Questions to Ask About Extended Warranties

    24:30 How to Use Your Warranty Effectively

    26:35 Warranty Red Flags and Green Lights

    28:35 Check-Out: Are RV Warranties a Scam?


    Tags:  #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #RVWarranties #RVOwnership #RVMaintenance #RVTips #TravelTrailer #FifthWheel #Motorhome #RVLife

    31 min
  • "Built Like $#!@"... The Truth About RV Quality

    Are RVs made like junk? In this episode of RV Unpacked, we tackle one of the most common and controversial questions in the industry.


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    We dive into the reality of modern RV manufacturing and explore the fundamental differences between building a standardized passenger vehicle and constructing a house on wheels. The conversation addresses the importance of the final inspection, the vital role of proper dealer preparation, and why regular maintenance is an expected requirement for any owner.


    The episode also features a session of "RV Quality Court." We examine common RV mishaps—such as a cabinet door falling off on the first trip or sudden water damage—and determine exactly who is at fault: the manufacturer, the dealer, the owner, or simply life on the road.


    Whether you are shopping for your first camper or looking to protect your current investment, tune in to get a realistic look at RV quality and learn how to navigate the ownership experience.


    Chapters: 

    00:00 Check-In – Are All RVs Built Like $#!@? 

    03:47 Why Negative Stories Dominate Online 

    07:04 The RV Industry Is NOT the Car Industry 

    9:26 Where the Industry Needs to Improve

    13:50 What Buyers Get Wrong 

    16:51 How to Protect Yourself When Buying 

    22:08 RV Quality Court

    25:25 Check-Out

    25 min
  • RV Confidential: How One Brand Turns Customer Feedback into Features

    How does an RV brand stay #1 for over two decades? We're pulling back the curtain on the Keystone Cougar to reveal the secrets behind their legendary success.


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Chris Young flies solo and sits down with Keystone Cougar's Product Manager, Scott Taylor, for an exclusive inside look. They unpack the 20-year legacy of the Cougar brand, from its innovative construction and consistent quality to the passionate team that builds America's favorite fifth wheel. Discover who these RVs are truly built for, what makes them different from the competition, and get a sneak peek at what's coming for the 2027 model year!


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Keystone Cougar Line

    01:05 Meet Scott Taylor, Cougar Product Manager

    03:03 Why the Cougar Line Is So Popular

    04:43 Who’s Buying Cougar RVs?

    07:11 Materials & Construction Innovations

    09:05 How Customer Feedback Shapes Cougar

    15:56 First Look: 2027 Cougar Models

    18:12 Breaking Down the Cougar Lineup

    19:48 Rapid Fire Favorites

    21:12 RV Hall of Fame

    21:57 Scott’s Pick: Cougar 29MBD

    23:38 Chris’s Pick: Cougar 364BHL

    25:38 Closing Thoughts


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    #KeystoneCougar #RVUnpacked #FifthWheel #RVIndustry #RVLife #CampingWorld #RV

    26 min
  • The Truth About RV Quality: Consistency, Price, Fundamentals

    What’s the priority when building a $100,000 fifth wheel? For one manufacturer, it’s quality. 


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Chris and Ian are joined by special guest Will Miller, General Manager at Forest River's Plant 410, for a candid conversation about what really goes into building a luxury fifth wheel.


    Will pulls back the curtain on the manufacturing process, dispelling common myths and sharing what customers should actually look for when shopping for a premium RV. We discuss the critical role of company culture, how customer feedback leads to real product changes, and the structural components that separate a high-quality coach from the rest.


    Plus, we get an exclusive teaser about a brand new, more accessible product line coming for the 2027 model year!


    00:00 Intro

    03:05 Guest Introduction: Willie Miller - GM of Forest River Plant 410

    05:46 Plant 410 RVs

    11:37 Understanding Manufacturing and Customer Expectations

    14:28 Quality vs. Price in RVs

    19:52  2027 New Lineup from Plant 410

    21:59 Industry News and Trends

    26:28 RV Hall of Fame - Favorite Forest River Plant 410 RV

    27:45 Ian’s Pick - 2026 River Ranch 394RKL

    29:47 Chris’s Pick - Columbus 384RKH

    32 min
  • No More Boring Bunkhouses! Ian and Chris Debate 2026’s Best Family Fifth Wheels

    Who says you have to sacrifice luxury to bring the whole family along? 


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    Models In This Episode:


    Cougar 29MBD: https://cwrv.link/2026cougar29mbd

    Montana 397FB: https://cwrv.link/2026montanahighcountry397fb

    Eagle SLE 28BHU: https://cwrv.link/2026eaglesle28bhu

    Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT: https://cwrv.link/2026colemanlegacy3000loft

    Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43: https://cwrv.link/2025wildwoodroost43


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian Baker and Chris dive into how manufacturers are re-engineering the family fifth wheel for 2026. They explore a new era of RV design where bunkhouses have evolved into innovative lofts, dedicated "gamer" rooms, and multi-level living spaces that feel more like high-end apartments than camping trailers.

    From better safety features like built-in guardrails and "non-Lego" ladders to secret tech like projector screens and dedicated homework stations, the guys debate which of these 2026 floor plans sets the new standard for life on the road.


    Are you Team Cougar, Montana, Eagle, Coleman, or Roost? Drop a comment below and let us know which family rig you’d choose for your next cross-country trip!


    Chapters: 

    0:00 — Intro: Spring Break & the "Bunk Bed Magic"

    05:21 — Keystone Cougar 29MBD: How to fit 3 beds in a short rig

    09:48 — Keystone Montana 397FB: The ultimate mobile gaming & homework station

    13:37 — Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU: Quality meets affordability for grandparents

    17:05 — Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT: Why kids (and Ian) love the projector room

    23:49 — Forest River Wildwood Roost43: A "SoHo Apartment" with a spiral staircase

    30:12 — RV Hall of Fame: The Coleman Loft vs. The Roost 43

    30:38 — Ian's Pick: Coleman Legacy 3000LOFT

    32:15 — Chris's Pick: Forest River Wildwood Roost43

    35:41 — Check Out: Love for Air Fryers


    #RVLife #FifthWheel #FamilyCamping #RVUnpacked #CampingWorld #Bunkhouse #KeystoneRV #Jayco #ColemanRV

    38 min
  • Are Small Toy Haulers the Most Versatile RVs? (Plus More Small Trends & Accessories)

    They say great things come in small packages. From powerful, pint-sized batteries to feature-packed RVs under 30 feet, the world of toy haulers is getting a major upgrade.


    Subscribe to Camping World on YouTube: https://cwrv.link/CWYTsubscribe


    Models In This Episode:

    Campsite Reserve 23TS: https://cwrv.link/2026campsitereserve23ts

    Coleman 13T: https://cwrv.link/2026coleman13t

    Salem FSX 180RTK: https://cwrv.link/2026salemfsx189rtk


    Think you need a massive rig to have a garage on wheels? Think again. The latest small toy haulers are more versatile and innovative than ever, packing incredible features into compact, state-park-friendly floorplans.


    In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris explore the "small is better" trend, from new battery technology to their favorite toy haulers under 30 feet. They debate which models offer the best layouts, features, and overall value for every type of adventurer.


    Chapters:

    00:00 – Intro: Small Toy Haulers

    04:05 – Campsite Reserve’s New Model: 23TS

    08:07 – The Keystone Coleman 13T

    12:59 – Traditional Toy Hauler: Grey Wolf 18RR

    15:59 – Higher-End Option: East to West Alta 2400KTH

    19:05 – Shorter & Affordable Toy Hauler: Salem FSXL

    23:07 – RV Hall of Fame: Best Small Toy Haulers

    23:35 – Chris’s Pick: Campsite Reserve 23TS

    25:22 – Ian’s Pick: Coleman 13T

    28:50 – Checkout: Tell Us Your Favorite Toy Hauler!

    30 min

About RV Unpacked

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Whether you're a full-time traveler, weekend RVer, or just exploring the idea of camping, we break down the latest RV trends, new models, travel tips, and conversations to keep you in the loop — with…