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Episode Description
This week on the RV Podcast:
* Just HOW MUCH would you pay for an RV campsite? $200? $300? $400? You won't believe how expensive it has become
* Starlink’s entire global network pretty much collapsed for hours last week, causing reliability concerns for what had been pretty much a trouble-free online source for RVers
* Talk about scary! A mountain lion attacked a four-year-old girl while she was hiking with her parents out west last week. The dad saved his daughter, but she had to be airlifted to a hospital.
* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 557 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.
RV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Starlink's Global Blackout Leaves RVers and Ukraine Military in the Dark
A growing number of RVers rely upon Starlink to stay connected while traveling, but last Thursday the satellite system was down for several hours world-wide. The company said the rare blackout was "due to failure of key internal software services that operate the core network" and was quickly fixed. Starlink is used by 140 countries, including Ukraine, where the outage affected combat operations.
Packed Parks, Empty Coffers: Oregon Parks anticipates 14% shortfall by 2027
Despite raising its fees, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is anticipating a 14% budget shortfall by 2027 and is seeking the public's input as it works to develop new ways to fund its parks. Oregon Parks is one of the most visited in the country, experiencing record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. The state has an online survey, and those who complete it can enter a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit.
Hero Dad Fights Off Cougar That Attacked His 4-Year-Old on Popular Trail
A family hike turned terrifying when a cougar pounced on a 4-year-old near Hurricane Ridge's Victoria Overlook in Olympic National Park. The child's father immediately pursued the animal, heroically forcing it to release his child. The child was airlifted to a medical center and released the next day. And rangers hunted down the animal and euthanized it.
Mountain Lion Kills Colorado's Reintroduced Wolf
Speaking of big cats, last week, the state provided an update on the cause of death of two wolves that were part of its efforts to reintroduce gray wolves back to the state. The wolf found dead at Rocky Mountain National Park died from a mountain lion attack, and a second wolf's death was traced to injuries from a foothold trap used for coyote control. Other reintroduced wolves died after crossing into Wyoming, where at least one was shot, but others do remain alive and free in Colorado.
Mike Wendland full false 32:43 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=112146-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-thefts/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112113 This week on the RV Podcast: To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year. In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, when the free-spirited serendipity approach to RV travel doesn’t work All this plus RV Tips, the News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 556 of the RV Podcast This week on the RV Podcast: To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year. In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, This week on the RV Podcast:
* To Catch a Thief: An RV Dealer Fights Back Against RV Thefts
* Two National Parks have been so devastated by wildfires they have shut down for the rest of the year.
* In Mike and Jen’s Storytime, when the free-spirited serendipity approach to RV travel doesn’t work
* All this plus RV Tips, the News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 556 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.
We got the fifth wheel fixed. The skirting that came loose on the dreadful stretch of I-69 in Michigan was replaced and reinstalled.
We’re accessorizing our new Embassy RV Cape Cod Class C motorhome and already planning some upgrades - We want to add solar, seat belts to the lounge chairs and an on/off switch to that pesky always-on 360-degree camera monitor that causes parasitic drain to the batteries.
Meanwhile, we wrote a post on our private RVCommunity.com the other day I thought I’d share on the podcast.
It has to do with the huge Caravan RV show held every September in Dusseldorf, Germany. I think it has arguably become the most influential RV show in the world, eclipsing even Hershey and Tampa.
I've been reading about some of the new models to be introduced, and this one - called "The RV of the Future" caught my eye.
It's from German manufacturer Knaus and it's called the Boxtime, a very compact little van on the Fiat Ducato chassis that comes in under 20 feet. It features what's called a "transformational bathroom" that uses a fake wall that holds the sink and the mirror that switches between shower and bath.
You can use it as a restroom with the wall in position, or it becomes a full shower room by swinging the wall to the side so that it covers the toilet. This way, in the same footprint, you get a full shower and you don't have to worry about splashing water on everything else, because everything else is safely tucked away behind the wall.
Other manufacturers have also tinkered with this design, and I’m sure we'll eventually see more US RV makers using it. But in terms of innovation and design, this unit - and the Italian-made Wingham, which is now being sold in the U.S. - make most American-made RVs look old and outdated. European styling and design are years ahead of what we’re seeing from our North American manufacturers.
RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK
When Bretz RV & Marine had a Brinkley trailer stolen from its Billings, Montana, store, the family-owned dealership didn't just file a claim with their insurance and sit back.
No, they decided to fight. Bretz paired up with the truck dealer down the street and issued a $20,000 reward, set up a hotline, named names, showed pictures of the stolen rig, the stolen truck, and the guy accused of taking it and put it all together to the tune "Bad Boys" made popular by the show "Cops" in a 58-second reel. Mike Wendland full false 44:34 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="https://rvlifestyle.com/?powerpress_embed=112113-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> https://rvlifestyle.com/beating-the-heat-protecting-your-rv-from-summer-stress/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112062 This week on the RV Podcast: Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should drive around it, not through it. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #555 of the RV Podcast This week on the RV Podcast: Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should dri... This week on the RV Podcast:
* Beating the Heat: Protecting Your RV From Summer Stress
* Wildfires roar through two national parks, causing campground evacuations and destroying an iconic hotel
* The health dangers of wildfire smoke and why you should drive around it, not through it.
* All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #555 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.
RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK
Jen: Today, we’re diving into a hot topic—literally! We’re talking about how to keep your RV in top shape during scorching summer trips. We’ve had our fair share of sweaty adventures, so we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about the systems that get stressed in hot weather and how to avoid those pesky problems.
Mike: Oh yeah, Jen, remember that time in Texas when it felt like we were camping on the sun? Our AC was working overtime, and we learned some hard lessons. Let’s break it down for our listeners so they can stay cool and keep their RVs happy.
The RV Air Conditioning System
Jen: First up, the air conditioning system. Mike, you know how much we rely on that AC when it’s 100 degrees outside. It’s like the heart of the RV in summer, but it takes a beating.
Mike: Totally. The compressor and fans are grinding away to keep us cool, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a broken AC or a tripped breaker. I remember when we didn’t clean the filters regularly—yep, rookie mistake. The airflow got so bad, it was like the AC was just blowing warm air.
Jen: So, here’s what we do now to keep it running smoothly. We set the AC to a reasonable temp, like 75 or 80 degrees, to avoid overworking it. We also clean those filters every month during summer trips. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Mike: And don’t forget shade! Parking under trees or using reflective window shades makes a huge difference. We got these silver thermal curtains last year, and it’s like night and day inside the RV. Oh, and a surge protector is a must—saved us when the campground power got wonky.
Jen: Pro tip: Get your AC serviced before the season starts. Check the refrigerant and clean the coils. It’s worth the investment to avoid a sweaty breakdown.
The RV Refrigerator
Mike: Next up, the fridge. Jen, tell ‘em about that time we thought we could just throw warm groceries in there and call it good.
Jen: Oh, Mike, that was a disaster! In hot weather, our RV fridge was struggling to keep up, and we ended up with some spoiled milk. Lesson learned: pre-cool the fridge before loading it by turning it on the night before you leave for a trip. And when it comes time to pack the next day, don’t pack it to the brim.
Mike: That’s because ventilation is key. Give some space between items, especially at the back of the fridge. A lot of RVers add a small fan back there to help the cooling unit breathe. And make sure the exterior vents are clear of dirt and bugs. Check them before each trip.
Jen: We also started using a portable cooler for drinks. It means fewer door openings, which keeps the fridge colder. And if it’s really hot, we crank the fridge setting up a notch.