From Tank Myths To Life On Wheels: Real-World RV Tips, Money Mindset Shifts, And Campground Trends

Attending RV shows this year? Discover what RVers really need to know before attending. John DiPietro shares practical tips for getting the most out of any RV show without getting overwhelmed. Got tank odors? Jim and Rene sit down with Ricky and Chris from Unique Camping + Marine for an honest, occasionally hilarious conversation about holding tank care, common myths, and why this topic matters more than most RVers realize.

In our RV Entrepreneur segment, Rose and Glynn talk with executive coach Tim Winders, who explains how losing everything reshaped his definition of success and led to full-time RV life. Industry expert Bob Zagami wraps up this episode with Marsha Galvin from Normandy Farms Resort, reflecting on the camping season and what guests and campgrounds are focused on next.

Packed with real-world insight, this episode is all about helping you RV smarter, easier, and with fewer surprises.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife151/

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Take your RV dreams to Europe, get real-world solo travel advice, explore expedition-ready vans, and catch up on key RV industry trends.

This week on the RV LIFE Podcast, John talks with Kay and Nick Flint from Fantasy RV Tours about guided RV trips in Europe and Scandinavia. Learn how renting locally, following a scouted route, and traveling with a group can remove the stress of 220-volt power, tight fuel stations, and multiple currencies—while adding new friendships along the way.

Then Jim and Rene sit down with solo full-time RVer and travel agent Katy Jones of Unplugged Travel. She shares lessons from years of work camping in national parks, how she rescues clients when trips go sideways, and why having a human “wizard behind the curtain” still beats DIY and AI for winter storage, security, and long-stay getaways in places like Mexico or Costa Rica.

Next, Rose & Glynn talk with 27 North founder Pavel Bozovic about premium overland rig builds, from marine-grade components and carbon fiber shells to obsessive attention to weight, crosswinds, and braking distance. Pavel offers a simple RV shopping test—call a brand’s helpline—and a candid take on entrepreneurship: why some people are better off as a great number two.

John and Bob close the episode with RV industry news, including RVTI’s push to train the next generation of technicians, KOA’s latest growth and new builds, Italian-built Wingham motorhomes entering the U.S., and Grand Design’s new Omega frame technology.

Guided travel, solo inspiration, premium rigs, and RV industry insights—all in one episode.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife150/

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Ever wondered what campground owners really think of your camping style? Third-generation owner Galen Bailey reveals what makes an ideal camper—from check-in etiquette and site boundaries to speed limits, lights, noise, and trash. Rose and Glynn talk with Alex and Jackie of “Where Is Ajax?” about financial independence, seasons of travel, and their Oh Hi Cards app.

Jim and Rene meet the creators of App My Community, born from one chaotic camping trip. Then John and Bob close with the latest RV industry headlines, dealer trends, and new products, followed by an interview with RV Business publisher Rick Kessler on what’s shaping the market for 2025 and the stories the RV world should be watching next.

Practical campsite etiquette, smarter travel planning, inspiring RV stories, and the latest industry updates—all packed into this episode.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife148/

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Get a peek behind the scenes at Quartzsite, Mexico RVing tips, new RV electrical news, and meet the Netflix actor working on the road.

This week on the RV LIFE Podcast, we’re taking you behind the big tent at Quartzsite. Discover how this legendary desert gathering is like “Burning Man meets an RV show.” John DiPietro talks with Kimmy King, the woman who runs the famous Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show, now celebrating 43 years.

Then we head south of the border for practical, eye-opening tips on RVing in Mexico with longtime caravan leader Paul Beddows—covering safety, border crossings, road conditions, and what first-timers need to know.

Next, Rose & Glynn chat with actress and entrepreneur Cara Ann Marie, who balances Netflix roles and her eco-friendly pet business, Doggy Do Good, all from the road. And Bob wraps up with RV electrical expert Mike Sokol, who explains a major industry safety update coming in 2026.

Travel tips, lifestyle inspiration, income ideas, and essential RV news—all in one episode.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife148/

Connect & Learn More

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

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https://podcast.rvlife.com/contact

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

Making RVing Simple With New Format & New Voices

The RV LIFE Podcast is back with a new season, a fresh format, and new voices. Join Jim and Rene as they introduce merger of the RV LIFE and RV Entrepreneur shows. Our new team of co-hosts now bring you bite-sized segments on travel, lifestyle, income, and RV industry news. They welcome RVE co-hosts Rose & Glynn Willard plus industry insiders John DiPietro & Bob Zagami from The Camper Report. Meet the voices behind the mic and learn how you can share your own campfire stories this season to fulfill our common mission: To Make RVing Simple.

Get Complete Show Notes & Full Transcript
https://podcast.rvlife.com/rvlife147/

Connect & Learn More

• https://podcast.rvlife.com/about
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* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out

RV LIFE Podcast Season 2 will feature new voices of seasoned RVers and industry experts. And we want to hear yours! Share your RV lifestyle tips or fun travel tales for our Campfire Stories segment!

Leave your message now at https://podcast.rvlife.com/contact

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* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out

In this kickoff episode for season 2 of the RV LIFE Podcast, Jim welcomes RV LIFE founder and CEO Andy Robinowitz to share exciting news: The RV LIFE Podcast is merging with The RV Entrepreneur Podcast. Hear the story behind the decision, a look back at each show’s legacy, and what’s ahead for the new combined format.

From RV industry insights to travel tips and inspiring RV entrepreneur profiles, this next chapter promises to bring even more value to your RV lifestyle. Plus, Andy gives an inside look at RV LIFE’s mission to make RVing simple and the tools, community, and innovations that are driving it forward.

NOTE: This will take time. Please stay tuned as we refine the future of the RV LIFE Podcast to better serve you.

Meanwhile, let us know what you think!

RESOURCES:

https://rvlife.com/magazine

https://podcast.rvlife.com

https://therventrepreneur.com

https://www.rvlifenetwork.com/

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* RV LIFE Pro 25% off at check out

In this immersive episode, I (Patti Hunt) am on location at one of the most unique RV campground experiences in the country. Joined by Tonja Lesmeister, co-owner of Firefly Hills and seasoned full-time RVer, the episode explores how this family-run campground blends community, creativity, homesteading, and education into an unforgettable stay for RVers. From whimsical children's spaces and mud kitchens to scenic hikes and local gourmet stops, Firefly Hills offers something for everyone seeking more than just a parking spot.

Guest Bio and Links:

Tonja Lesmeister is the co-owner of Firefly Hills Kentucky, a full-time RVer, and her husband, Troy, designed the campground to reflect their values of community, creativity, and sustainable living.

• Website: fireflyhillskentucky.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fireflyhillskentucky
• Instagram: @fireflyhillskentucky

Key Takeaways:

• Firefly Hills offers full hookups, spacious 70-ft sites, heated bathhouses, and a century-old guest house.
• Unique kid-friendly spaces, such as the Whimsical Woods and Hidden Hangout, feature a mud kitchen, a fairy village, and a paracord web.
• Guests can participate in homesteading activities, including gardening, orchard work, and daily chicken chores.
• The campground emphasizes community with shared fire pits, themed events, and social spaces.
• Nearby attractions include Red River Gorge, underground kayaking, local farms, and unique eateries.

Resources Mentioned:

• RV LIFE Pro trip planning tools
  https://rvlife.com/

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