From a campground revival in upstate New York to smarter towing, RV dealership growth, and vintage Airstream restoration, this episode delivers practical insight, business perspective, and a strong reminder that craftsmanship and community still matter in RV life.

• Discover how a new owner is renovating a classic New York campground, building community, and creating rally weekends for modern RVers.
• Learn practical towing advice on fifth wheels, sway control, hitch setup, and the maintenance mistakes that can cause major trouble.
• Hear how one Canadian dealership grew through customer-first service and why destination camping is rising again.
• See why vintage Airstream owners wait years for expert restorations that bring craftsmanship and old trailers back to life.

John talks with John Thatcher about buying Shady Oaks Camping Resort in Plattsburgh, New York, renovating an older campground, and building a strong seasonal camping community.

Then Jim and Rene sit down with towing expert Dave Helgeson for practical advice on fifth wheels versus travel trailers, sway, hitch setup, and must-do brake and bearing maintenance.

Rose and Glynn speak with Keith Barrick about growing one of Canada’s fastest-growing RV dealerships, customer-first sales, and launching a new destination resort project.

Plus, Bob talks with Jim Roy of Silver Moose Restorations about custom Airstream rebuilds, long waitlists, and the craftsmanship behind every restoration.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife158/

Connect & Learn More

• https://facebook.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://instagram.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvlifemovement

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* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out

From the 3,000-mile Great River Road adventure to smarter Pacific Northwest RV planning, healthier habits on the road, and a bold new electric trailer concept, this episode blends travel inspiration, practical lifestyle advice, and a look at where RV innovation may be headed next.

• Explore the Great River Road and how RVers can turn a 10-state Mississippi route into a flexible trip full of food, history, and river towns.
• Learn why the Pacific Northwest deserves more time on your itinerary, plus practical tips for weather, mountain passes, and planning.
• Hear how Jake and Sarah of Active RV Life built a wellness platform to help RVers stay strong enough to enjoy the lifestyle.
• Get a first look at Evo Trex and its power-generating PG5 trailer, designed to blend electric camping, backup power, and active towing assist.

John talks with Alan Hamry about the Great River Road, a 3,000-mile route following the Mississippi River through 10 states, packed with river towns, scenic drives, food, music, and history.

Then Jim and Rene welcome back Brooks Smothers of RV Out West to share why the Pacific Northwest is one of the most rewarding RV regions in the country, and how to plan for weather, reservations, and mountain travel.

Rose and Glynn sit down with Jake and Sarah of Active RV Life to discuss the health challenges many RVers face, and how they built a business around helping people stay mobile, capable, and consistent on the road.

Plus, Bob talks with Stella Qin of Evo Trex about the PG5, a futuristic trailer concept combining electric capability, onboard power generation, and a new approach to off-grid camping and towing.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife157/

Connect & Learn More

• https://facebook.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://instagram.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvlifemovement

Special Discount Codes: Click Link & Use Code
* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out

Travel inspiration, roadside kindness, entrepreneurial reinvention, and industry innovation all come together in this episode of the RV LIFE Podcast.

• Explore why 2026 is the once-in-a-lifetime year to drive Route 66, as the legendary “Mother Road” celebrates its 100th anniversary with events and celebrations across the historic highway.
• Meet a skoolie couple known as the “Angels of the Highway” who travel the country offering donation-based roadside assistance through their nonprofit.
• Hear how one solo RVer reinvented her life at 62, learning to tow an Airstream, working remotely, and building new income streams through travel writing and photography.
• Discover how mobile RV service and technical education are evolving, with programs helping more women build careers in the RV industry.

John talks with Alan Wininger about the upcoming Route 66 Centennial, the history behind America’s most famous highway, and how RVers can plan their own trip along the nearly 2,500-mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Then Jim and Rene share the remarkable story of Martian and Mouse, founders of Journey of a Spirit’s Mechanic, a nonprofit providing donation-based roadside assistance to stranded travelers while living full-time in their skoolie and spreading kindness across the country.

Rose and Glynn sit down with Deborah Dennis, a solo RVer who began RVing at 62 with no towing experience while working remotely as a UX designer, and who has since expanded into travel writing, photography, and other creative pursuits on the road.

Plus, Bob chats with Jessica Ryder, founder of Pull Through Sites Mobile RV Service and a board member of the RV Women’s Alliance, about the rapid growth of mobile RV repair, technical education programs for women, and the new “Chassis to Classy” project building a custom RV designed and assembled by women.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife156/

Connect & Learn More

• https://facebook.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://instagram.com/rvlifepodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvlifemovement

Special Discount Codes: Click Link & Use Code
* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out