RV Unpacked

Water doesn't ask permission, it just sends invoices. In this episode, we reveal the five most commonly missed maintenance items that can silently destroy your RV and your budget.

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In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris dive deep into the near and dear topic of RV maintenance. It's the unsexy but essential work that prevents camping disasters and saves you a fortune. The guys break down the five most frequently neglected areas on an RV, from the "silent budget assassin" on your roof to the proper way to care for your batteries. 

Plus, get the latest on industry news, including fluctuating gas prices, Honda's new base station prototype, and Airstream's powerful new off-grid electrical system. And finally, see which single-axle trailer gets inducted into the RV Hall of Fame as the Jayco J-Flight 172DB goes head-to-head with the ultra-versatile Coleman 13T.

Chapters: 

00:00: Introduction

01:05: Check In: RV News

05:07: The Five Most Important RV Maintenance and Safety Checks

08:59: #5 Batteries and Charging Systems

11:10: #4 Maintaining and Preventing Issues with Water

14:10: #3 Bearings, Brakes, and Suspension Maintenance

18:17: #2 Tire Maintenance

25:38: #1 Roof and Exterior Sealant Maintenance

33:40: Creating a Maintenance Calendar

40:56: RV Hall of Fame: Single Axle Travel Trailer

42:34: Chris’s Pick: Jayco Jay Flight SLX 172DB

44:22: Ian’s Pick: Keystone Coleman 13T

47:09: Check Out: Maintenance is the New Luxury

We're live from the 2026 Florida RV SuperShow with an episode packed with industry secrets, major product debuts, and insider advice that you won't hear anywhere else.

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From brand new luxury travel trailers to a complete redesign of an industry icon, the Florida RV SuperShow does not disappoint. In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris sit down with the leaders behind Montana fifth wheels, Keystone RV, and Rockwood/Flagstaff to get the inside scoop. We ask the tough questions: What really defines quality? What are the most underrated features buyers overlook? And where is the industry heading in 2026 and beyond?

This is your all-access pass to the biggest show of the year.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:26 Check In: RV News

04:03 Nick Ebenroth, Product Manager of Montana

14:10 Jeff Runels, President and CEO of Keystone RV

24:42 Karl Miller, General Manager of Flagstaff and Rockwood

36:01 RV Hall of Fame: Best of Show

36:36 Ian’s Pick: 2026 Forest River Flagstaff Classic 404CRK

37:54 Chris’s Pick: 2026 Forest River Vibe 3400XL

40:19 Check Out: RV Shows

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RV Show season is here! Here’s what you need to know… 

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Hundreds of RVs, massive displays, high energy, and "show special" prices — it's all exciting, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise and know if you're actually getting a good deal?

In this episode of RV Unpacked, Ian and Chris give you a complete playbook for conquering your next RV show. They break down everything from the homework you need to do before you go, to the secret negotiation tactics that dealers don't always expect.

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Timestamps:

00:00 New Year, New Resolutions

03:10 Check In: Industry News 

07:55 Getting Into RV Show Season

09:47 Budgeting for Your RV Adventure

12:19 Navigating RV Shows Effectively

18:18 Navigating Towability and Weight Considerations

19:58 Understanding RV Construction and Quality

21:37 Defining a Good Deal in RV Purchasing

25:17 The Importance of Post-Purchase Support

28:04 Key Numbers to Know When Buying an RV

33:20 Negotiation Strategies for RV Buyers

38:00 Navigating RV Show Decisions

40:01 Avoiding Costly RV Purchase Mistakes

42:48 Understanding RV Features and Limitations

44:27 Maximizing Your RV Show Experience

45:56 RV Hall of Fame: Couples Off-Grid Campers

47:45 Ian's Choice: Forest River No Boundaries 18.2

49:28 Chris’s Choice: Ember Touring Edition 2300MLL

53:07 Check Out: Try Your RV Before a Big Trip

Before you step into a dealership, Ian and Chris have a few tips to share… Join us on this RV buying guide packed with tons of helpful information to help you get the right RV.

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From defining your "use case" to understanding the critical numbers of your tow vehicle, they break down the essential first steps you need to know. Learn the floor plan features to avoid (you'll never look at a U-shaped dinette the same way again), how to spot construction quality at a glance, and why you need to budget for more than just the RV itself.

They also cover critical safety checks, what to look for on the roof and in the slides, and how to manage your expectations to ensure a great dealer experience. This is the ultimate guide to making a smart, confident first RV purchase.

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00:00 Introduction and Check-in

02:25 Check In: Eddie Bauer Fifth Wheel

05:44 What to look for in a new RV

07:20 Towing Compatibility

12:36 RV Layout

19:36 Storage and Functionality Considerations

23:56 Evaluating Appliances and Features in RVs

26:04 Assessing Weight and Cargo Expectations

28:50 Tankless Water Heater Considerations

30:17 RV Weight and Cargo Expectations

34:00 RV Maintenance and Service Expectations

41:52 RV Hall of Fame:

42:35 Chris's Pick: Campsite Reserve 26CJ

44:08 Ian's Pick: Coleman 17B

47:36 Check Out: RV Coverages

A shuttle bus, a dream, and zero construction skills. Now they're one of the biggest names in the van life community...

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In this episode, Ian and Chris sit down with Manny and Hope, the creators behind the massively popular Beer Run Bus and Builders Blueprint YouTube channels.

Manny and Hope share their incredible story, from teaching themselves how to use a saw on top of Home Depot buckets to building high-end, custom vans for clients. They reveal the biggest obstacle every first-time builder faces, the one thing you should always splurge on, and the simple, game-changing piece of advice that took them from struggling beginners to savvy professionals.

Plus, they give us a sneak peek into their most ambitious project yet: a completely custom, off-grid travel trailer built from the ground up.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own van or just love a great success story, you don’t want to miss this.

Timestamps

00:00 Check In: Coleman Legacy 2400REX

02:35 The Journey of Van Conversions

02:35 Introducing BeerRunBus

05:41 Building a Community and Sharing Knowledge

07:39 Challenges and Lessons in Van Life

09:28 Essential Tips for Van Conversions

12:01 The Challenges of Van Life

13:37 Advice for Aspiring Van Builders

14:30 Learning from Mistakes

17:03 Favorite Modifications in Van Conversions

19:13 Working Together as a Team

19:45 Resources for Van Building

20:39 RV Reviews and Industry Trends

22:53 Building a Custom Trailer

27:39 RV Hall of Fame: Top Pick for Class B Van

29:07 Ian's Pick: Freedom Elite 17D Pop-Top

30:39 Chris's Pick: Winnebago Revel

35:04 Check Out: RV Refrigerators

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The cold weather is here, and hosts Ian and Chris are breaking down the absolute essentials for winter RV safety and comfort—plus, sharing their top holiday gift ideas for the RVer in your life!

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In this episode of RV Unpacked, Chris and Ian dive deep into critical safety features like ABS Brakes, sharing Ian’s experience seeing them tested and explaining why they’re a non-negotiable feature for safer towing. They also cover practical winterizing tips, from heat tape and insulation to the critical use of RV Skirts to prevent frozen lines.

Then, they switch gears to the holidays, offering a full list of high-value gifts that every camper will love.

If you’re preparing for cold-weather camping or shopping for an RVer, this episode is packed with essential advice and inspiration!

00:51 Check in: ABS Brakes and Tire Pressure Monitoring

04:16 Winter Camping

10:17 Winter Tip: Skirt your RV

11:12 Winter Tip: Heating RV

12:40 Gearing up for the Holidays

14:31 Christmas Gifts for RVers

15:01 Experiences: Campground Stays

15:46 Organizational Products

16:24 Cooking Appliances for RVers

18:53 Coffee Appliances

19:41 Stocking Stuffers for RVers

22:12 RV Hall of Fame: Mid Tier Class C’s

22:59 Chris's Pick: Forester by Forest River

24:24 Ian's Pick: East to West College Avenue

28:39 Check Out: Winterize Your RV

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Nobody critiques an RV interior like Trish Suhr—and today, she’s holding nothing back.

In this episode of RV Unpacked, Trish joins Chris and Ian to break down the design trends that actually work, the ones that drive her crazy (looking at you, zebra shades and blue lights), and the simple changes that could transform every RV interior overnight.

From storage and lighting to skylights, pet features, vent placement, and functional flow, Trish calls it like she sees it—and offers real fixes that RV makers should be paying attention to.

If you care about how your RV looks, feels, and functions, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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00:16 Check In: 2026 Keystone Coleman 13T

04:17 Introducing Trish Suhr

07:18 How Trish Joined Camping World

10:15 Collaboration and Learning in RV Design

13:17 Trish’s Design Philosophy

18:06 Sneak Peek at Exciting 2026 Model

21:49 Trish’s Quick Tips for Tidy Travelers

23:38 Smart Storage Solutions for RV Life

26:07 Essential RV Organization Tips

28:53 What’s New for 2026 RV Design

34:34 Current Trends in RV Design

39:18 RV Hall of Fame: Best Designed RV Spotlight

44:54 Check Out: Inside the RV Toolbox

If you’ve ever wondered who’s really behind the Camping World curtain… It’s us! Chris and Ian. Two dudes who grew up camping and now have the chance of a lifetime to travel the country and tell you about our favorite RVs. We’re going deep on this one—with core memories from childhood camping, how we started filming, plus a black tank horror story to rule them all. 

You’ll also hear our early picks for standout 2026 RVs — including a wild Grand Design destination trailer — and watch two fifth wheels go head-to-head in our first-ever RV Hall of Fame shootout!

Have a question or topic for a future episode? Drop it in the comments!

00:00 RV Unpacked Introduction

01:28 RV News Weekly Recap

05:02 Meet Your Hosts: Ian Baker and Chris Young

18:49 Ian and Chris' Favorite RV Memories

27:39 Ian and Chris' Camping Horror Stories

45:40 RV Hall of Fame

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