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Beyond the Wheel

Beyond the Wheel

Written by: Beyond the Wheel
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 A podcast about RV travel, products, manufacturers, destinations, and lifestyle. We explore behind the scenes of everything that makes RV travel possible. Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The State of Camping in 2026 – What the KOA Report Really Tells Us

    The State of Camping in 2026 – What the KOA Report Really Tells Us
    Apr 30 2026

    Camping isn’t slowing down—but it is changing.

    In this episode, Kenny and Sean break down the latest findings from the 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report by Kampgrounds of America and talk through what these shifts actually mean for RVers, campground trends, and the future of the industry.

    This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how—and why—people are choosing to camp today.

    Read the Full KOA Report

    http://koa.uberflip.com/i/1544394-2026-koa-camping-and-outdoor-hospitality-report/57?

    What We Cover in This Episode

    Camping Is Still Huge—But Stabilizing

    • Over 50 million households are camping
    • The post-pandemic surge didn’t collapse
    • Is this the new normal for the industry?

    Why People Camp Has Changed

    • Shift from budget travel → mental reset
    • Rise of “unstructured outdoor wellness”
    • Are RVers actually unplugging… or just relocating their lifestyle?

    The Rise of Glamping

    • Nearly 1 in 3 campers are glamping
    • Many new campers start here
    • Is glamping feeding RV ownership—or replacing it?

    Renting vs Owning

    • More campers are choosing rentals over ownership
    • Flexibility is becoming more important than commitment
    • What this could mean for RV sales long-term

    Slower, Longer Travel

    • Fewer trips, longer stays
    • Shift toward more intentional travel
    • Impact on campgrounds, fuel, and how people use their RVs

    A Generational Divide

    • Younger campers:
      • Experience-driven
      • Renting and glamping
    • Older campers:
      • Ownership-focused
      • Returning to camping

    Are we looking at two completely different camping worlds?

    Campgrounds Are Changing

    • More resort-style amenities
    • Higher prices across the board
    • Less middle ground between budget and luxury

    Is this pushing more RVers toward boondocking?

    What This Means for the RV Industry

    • Are manufacturers building for the right buyer?
    • Does the future lean toward:
      • Smaller rigs?
      • More flexible setups?
      • Rental-friendly designs?

    Key Takeaway

    Camping isn’t declining—it’s evolving.

    The biggest shift isn’t how people camp…
    it’s why they camp.

    Join the Conversation

    Are you seeing these changes where you camp?

    • Are campgrounds getting more expensive?
    • Are you noticing more glamping setups?
    • Would you rent an RV instead of owning one?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear what you’re seeing out there.

    Listen & Follow

    If you enjoy episodes like this, be sure to:

    • Subscribe to Beyond The Wheel
    • Share with a fellow RVer
    • Leave a review—it helps more people find the show
    The post The State of Camping in 2026 – What the KOA Report Really Tells Us appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.

    The post The State of Camping in 2026 – What the KOA Report Really Tells Us appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.
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    50 mins
  • RV Service: Where to Go, What to Choose, and What It Really Costs

    RV Service: Where to Go, What to Choose, and What It Really Costs
    Apr 15 2026
    RV service is one of those topics every RVer deals with, but few feel fully prepared for. In this episode, we break down the real-world options available when something goes wrong, or when it is time for routine maintenance. From traditional service centers to mobile techs, DIY repairs, and new players entering the space, this is a practical, no-nonsense look at what works, what does not, and how to make the right call when it matters most. What Sparked This Episode The conversation starts with recent news from Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores expanding into RV battery and tire service. This shift signals a potential change in how RVers handle service on the road, especially when speed and convenience matter. The Reality of RV Service RVs combine the complexity of a home and a vehicle, which means more systems and more opportunities for things to fail.Common challenges include: Long wait times at service centersParts shortagesScheduling delaysBeing displaced from your RV during repairs Knowing your options before something breaks can save time, money, and frustration. Service Option #1: Traditional RV Service Centers (Dealers & Shops)Best for: Major repairs and warranty work Pros: Certified techniciansAccess to manufacturer support and partsRequired for many warranty repairs Cons: Long wait times (often weeks or months)Higher labor costsLess urgency due to high volumeMay require leaving your RV behind When to use it: Structural issues, slide problems, or complex electrical systemsWarranty-covered repairsDiagnostics that require specialized tools Service Option #2: Mobile RV TechniciansBest for: Convenience and faster turnaround Pros: They come to youOften quicker schedulingMore personalized serviceOpportunity to learn during the repair Cons: Limited to smaller or mid-level repairsMay not handle warranty claimsSkill level variesParts sourcing can delay completion When to use it: Appliance issues, plumbing, or electrical fixesOn-the-road breakdownsProblems you want handled quickly without moving your RV Service Option #3: DIY RepairsBest for: Cost savings and control Pros: Lowest costImmediate turnaroundBuilds knowledge and confidenceFull control over quality Cons: Risk of mistakesPotential to void warrantiesRequires tools and timeNot all repairs are DIY-friendly When to use it: Routine maintenanceSimple fixes like fuses, filters, or minor electrical issuesSituations where you are remote or off-grid New Option: Service at Travel CentersCompanies like Love’s are introducing: Battery replacementTire service for RVs Why it matters: Nationwide locationsPotential for no-appointment serviceDesigned specifically for travelers Pros: Fast and convenientEasy access along major routes Cons: Limited scope of servicesStill new, consistency may varyNot specialized beyond basic repairs Warranties and Service StrategyUnderstanding how warranties affect your options is critical. Considerations: Manufacturer vs extended warrantiesRequired service locationsPre-authorization requirementsReimbursement vs direct billing Pros of using a warranty: Significant cost savings Cons: Longer wait timesLimited flexibilityMore paperwork and approvals Real-world takeaway:Sometimes it is faster and less stressful to pay out of pocket rather than wait on warranty approval. How to Decide: A Simple FrameworkAsk yourself: How urgent is the issue?Can I safely drive?Is it covered under warranty?Do I have the skills and tools? Quick breakdown: Urgent + simple → Mobile tech or travel centerComplex + warranty → Service centerSimple + confident → DIY Pro Tips from Experience Build a relationship with a reliable mobile techLearn your RV’s core systems (12V, water, propane)Carry essential spare partsStay ahead with preventative maintenanceDocument everything for warranty claims Key TakeawayThere is no single “best” option for RV service. The most experienced RVers use a mix of service centers, mobile techs, and DIY depending on the situation. The more you understand your options, the less stressful RV ownership becomes. Join the Conversation Share your RV service stories with us! Have you used a travel center like Love’s for RV service yet? The post RV Service: Where to Go, What to Choose, and What It Really Costs appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post RV Service: Where to Go, What to Choose, and What It Really Costs appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.
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    48 mins
  • What’s REALLY Happening in the RV Market Right Now? (2026 Update)

    What’s REALLY Happening in the RV Market Right Now? (2026 Update)
    Apr 2 2026
    If you’ve been watching the RV market lately, you’ve probably noticed things feel a little different.Inventory is shifting. Prices are stabilizing. And there’s a lot of mixed messaging about whether now is a good time to buy, sell, or wait. But before we even hit the main topic, this episode starts with a couple of real-world conversations from the road and the campground that set the stage for everything happening in the industry right now. Pre-Show Conversations Disney’s Fort Wilderness Changes Sean shares his recent experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and what he’s seeing on the ground. We talk about: The evolving feel of Fort WildernessOngoing updates and constructionThe upcoming Lakeshore Lodge and how it could reshape the campground experience It’s a great real-world example of how even iconic campgrounds are evolving to meet changing traveler expectations. Hanging Out with James from The Fit RV We also talk about a recent visit and YouTube video collaboration that Kenny did with James from The Fit RV. James gave Kenny a shop tour as Kenny interviewed him on what it takes to build a shop at your home and how he uses his shop to create products such as the Americanizer. Shop tour video: https://www.thefitrv.com/blog/tour-the-fit-rv-shop-or-just-hang-out-for-an-hour/ In This Episode Once we jump in, we break down what’s actually happening across the RV industry in 2026. No hype. No doom and gloom. Just a clear look at the trends shaping the market right now. We cover: The latest RV shipment numbers and what they really meanWhy motorhomes and towables are moving in different directionsWhat major manufacturers like Winnebago Industries, Thor Industries, and REV Group are seeingHow campgrounds and camping styles are evolvingThe growing divide between younger and older RVersWhat all of this means if you’re thinking about buying or already own an RV Key Takeaways The RV market is not crashing, but it is rebalancing after the COVID boomMotorhomes are holding stronger than towables, especially at higher price pointsManufacturers are shifting toward a lower volume, higher margin strategyCamping demand remains strong, but how people camp is changingYounger campers are driving growth in glamping and high-end RV resorts, while older RVers tend to stick with more traditional and budget-conscious travel A Shift in Camping Culture One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is how different generations approach camping. Younger travelers are more focused on the experience. They’re choosing visually appealing destinations, upgraded campgrounds, and higher-end RV resorts that are easy to share on social media. Meanwhile, many longtime RVers are sticking with a more traditional approach, focusing on value, simplicity, and familiarity. Camping isn’t just about getting away anymore. For a lot of people, it’s about how that experience looks and feels. What This Means for You If you’re thinking about buying: You may have more negotiating power than in recent yearsInventory is improvingFinancing still plays a major role in affordability If you already own an RV: Values are holding better than expectedEspecially for motorized units The market hasn’t slowed down. It’s just become more selective. Episode Sources & Industry Data • RVIA February 2026 Shipment Reporthttps://www.rvia.org/reports-trends/rv-shipment-reports/2026-02/february-rv-shipments-top-29000-motorhomes-22 • RV Industry Trends & Newshttps://gorvrentals.com/blog/latest-rv-news-march-2026 • Thor Industries Market Updatehttps://www.rvnews.com/thor-industries-swings-to-profits-in-quarter/ • RV PRO News Feedhttps://rv-pro.com/news/ • Winnebago Market Coveragehttps://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/winnebago-revenue-rises-as-price-hikes-counteract-lower-sales-volume-31fc174f • REV Group / Industry Analysishttps://www.investors.com/news/rv-sales-thor-industries-earnings-tho-stock-rev-group-outlook-revg-stock-wgo/ • MarketWatch Industry Insighthttps://www.marketwatch.com/story/winnebagos-stock-rockets-to-biggest-gain-in-45-years-as-younger-buyers-eye-rvs-f489854d • The Dyrt Camping Trendshttps://thedyrt.com/press/four-out-of-five-campers-increase-camping-frequency-during-retirement/ • Glamping Trends Overviewhttps://www.glampingshow.us/magazine/younger-camper-trends/ Listen & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who’s thinking about RV life or already living it. Because right now, the RV market isn’t throwing a tantrum… it’s just growing up a little.The post What’s REALLY Happening in the RV Market Right Now? (2026 Update) appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.The post What’s REALLY Happening in the RV Market Right Now? (2026 Update) appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.
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    50 mins
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