This week on the RV Podcast, we learn about the RV Lemon Law Myth and how the legal system is stacked against new RV buyers. Plus, we have the RV News of the Week and, in our RV Question and Answer time, we dig into the growing controversy over Battleborn Batteries.

In our conversation of the week, we have the story of an RV accident during a dream trip that took a sudden, life-changing turn, and the lessons one couple learned on the road could help every RVer travel safer and wiser. 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. Podcasts on Christmas Eve next week and New Year’s Eve.. so you can listen or watch as you work through your Holiday preparations. If you want to make 2026 your best RV year ever, this is the moment to do something different. Make 2026 Your Best RV Year Ever We want to invite you to join us inside the RV Lifestyle Community at RVCommunity.com. Now, yes, it is a subscription. And that is exactly why it works. No ads.No spam.No algorithms deciding what you see.No influencers pushing the latest gadget you do not need. Instead, you get authentic resources, exclusive content you will not find anywhere else, and genuine friendships with people who actually understand why someone would happily spend December in an RV in Indiana, bundled up, watching Christmas lights. And 2026 is shaping up to be a big year. We have a brand new app, more free resources for members, expanded meetups across the country, new tools, new courses, new workshops ( our first one is Jan 1 on how to attend and shop at an RV Show) and new ways to connect that we are really excited about. The community keeps growing, but the culture stays the same. Friendly, helpful, drama free, and full of real RVers who get it. Most importantly, it is about connection. Because the RV lifestyle is not just about the rig you drive or the places you go. It is about the people you meet along the way, even if that way happens to include an Arctic blast rolling through Amish country. If you are ready to make 2026 your most confident, connected, and enjoyable RV year yet, we would love to welcome you. Join us at RVCommunity.com. We will save you a seat by the campfire. RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - The RV Accident That Changed Everything Andy and Joanne Larrimore are longtime RVers who, earlier this year, set out on what was supposed to be their biggest adventure yet. They packed up their Class A, hooked up their toad, and rolled out of southeast Massachusetts bound for Florida. The trip started exactly the way RV dreams are supposed to start, sunshine, family time, and a memorable stop at Disney with loved ones in Orlando. But a couple of weeks in, everything changed. Andy came down with a serious upper respiratory infection. Then word came that Joanne’s mom, who was in a nursing home, was not doing well. They made the tough decision to cut the trip short and head back north. Somewhere in South Carolina, the unthinkable happened. Andy blacked out behind the wheel, and their rig crashed. Both Andy and Joanne were med-lifted separately to the hospital. They suffered serious injuries, and the road to recovery has not been easy. Thankfully, they are both doing much better today. And here is the part of their story that really matters, they are not done with the RV lifestyle. The Larrimores have chosen to share what they went through, what they learned, and the lessons that could help every one of us travel safer and smarter. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, preparedness, and why even life-changing setbacks do not have to mean the end of the road. Listen or watch their interview in the podcast players above. This part of the podcast is sponsored by RVOvernights, where you can stay free at farms, wineries, and attractions across the country. Go to RVLifestyle.com/rvovernights and use the promo code “RVLDEAL” to save 40% of the already low $49 annual fee. RV NEWS OF THE WEEK ​Forget Candy Bars—This Iowa Mall Vending Machine Dispenses S

In this episode, we talk with a seasoned RV technician about how to avoid an RV breakdown before it happens. You will learn the most common failure points, the simple checks that catch problems early, and the habits that keep your rig running smoothly and safely. If you want fewer surprises and more confidence on the road, this breakdown prevention conversation is a must-listen. PLUS the News of the Week, Social Media Buzz, and Question of the Week.

Traveling Robert: From a Lounge Singer to an RV YouTube Star -- ​This week on the RV Podcast, you’ll meet a longtime friend who went from being a lounge singer in South Florida to an RVing YouTube star who roams the country. Our guest in the Conversation of the week is Robert Morales, aka Traveling Robert, and you’ll hear the backstory to his RV Lifestyle. Also, the RV News of the Week, Audience Questions, and More.

This week on the RV Podcast you are about to get one of those classic RV retirement stories you stumble across on the road. We are introducing you to a man who, after retiring, hit the road in his RV to chase a passion that had long been just a hobby, learning about and appreciating fine wines.

This week on the RV Podcast: What Truckers Wish Every RVer Knew... Driving advice to RVers How to stay warm in your RV - We have smart RV heating tips, plus a few cold-weather mistakes you definitely want to avoid. A longtime RV parts supplier has filed for bankruptcy: RVers are worried about parts availability. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #573 of the RV Podcast

If you have ever wondered whether anyone inside the RV industry is actually trying to fix the system from the inside, this week's RV Podcast episode is for you. Our Conversation of the Week is a candid, behind-the-scenes talk with one of the owners of Brinkley RV, a company that has been shaking up the industry with bold ideas, modern manufacturing, and an obsession with quality. We dig into what is broken, what Brinkley is doing differently, and why it matters to every RVer out there. Trust me, this is one conversation you will not want to miss. We’ll also have RV and camping news, the social media buzz, and your questions. Watch the YouTube version of the podcast in the player below: You can listen to the podcast in the player below. And scroll down this page for show notes and a textual highlight of the interview, plus links and resources about all the things we talk about. Here comes the Busy Time of the Year... A quick note before we jump into the Brinkley interview. Thanksgiving is almost here, which means Black Friday is hot on its heels. That week is notorious for inbox overload. We get it. Nobody needs more surprise emails cluttering things up. At the same time, we’ve been quietly gathering some genuinely solid insider deals on RV and camping gear, the kind of discounts that only pop up during Black Friday. If you want in, we’ll start sending those picks next week. All you have to do is raise your hand by clicking this link: SEND ME THOSE DEALS! The deals we’ve found are real and they’re focused strictly on RV and camping gear and accessories. If you want them, let us know. If not, all good. RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - How Brinkley RV Is Rewriting the Rules of RV Manufacturing Nate Goldenberg, a founder and part of the ownership team. OK. Now on to the RV Conversation of the week. In this episode we have a really special conversation for you, one that pulls back the curtain on one of the most disruptive forces to hit the RV industry in years. We’re talking about Brinkley RV, the young company that has absolutely shaken up Elkhart with its modern clean designs, next-level build processes, and a relentless focus on quality and customer care. In an industry that has struggled with reputation, trust, and consistency, Brinkley set out to do things differently. And depending on who you ask, they’ve already changed the game. Brinkley was founded by five industry veterans who saw the same problems RV owners have been complaining about for years. Today we sit down with one of them, Nate Goldenberg, a founder and part of the ownership team. Nate didn’t come here to dodge questions. He came ready to talk, and what you’re about to hear is one of the most candid interviews we’ve ever done with an RV Industry leader. We asked him the tough stuff. Quality control. Warranty issues. Dealer service bottlenecks. Product innovation. Growth without sacrificing standards. Even the rumors about whether Brinkley plans to sell or stay independent. And Nate answered them head on. So settle in. Watch or listen with one of the players above. Whether you’re a Brinkley owner, a curious RVer, or someone who just wants a clearer picture of where the industry is heading, this conversation is going to give you a lot to think about.

RV Hot Skin Explained: It’s a real danger you can’t see! Hidden electrical faults and bad power connections at campgrounds. What the industry is doing to protect you! In a stunning reversal, General Motors abruptly canceled a highly anticipated technological advancement, leaving a top RV manufacturer and dealers reeling.  Colder temps mean mice are looking for a new zip code—and your RV is on the map! Protect your investment (and your sanity) before they move in. We’ll tell you how. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #571 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast: Liz Amazing on RV Defects and the Fight for Consumer Rights We interview Liz Amazing, who has one mission, protect RV owners and hold the industry accountable, no excuses, no hiding, she exposes it all. While the government has closed, the National Parks have mostly stayed open…but at a growing cost Why you do NOT want to cancel your RV insurance while the rig is in storage for the winter All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #570 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. [power press] RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - with Liz Amazing on RV Defects Liz Amazing is a consumer advocate with a YouTube Channel dedicated to helping people who face significant problems with their new RV. Liz regularly features heartbreaking stories of individuals and couples who poured their savings into a new rig only to face one major repair after another, and run into brick walls when trying to get the problems fixed.  Liz lets RV owners tell their stories, sometimes through tears, then approaches the RV dealers and manufacturers seeking solutions, which she often receives. Through her work, Liz has discovered industry trends, advocates for quality improvement, and offers help to those with nowhere to go. In the crowded world of RV YouTube Influencers, Liz has carved out an important niche as a consumer advocate, and we're delighted to have her on the RV Lifestyle today as our guest.  In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by consumers in the RV industry involving quality issues, unregulated practices, and heartbreaking stories of buyers left with defective RVs. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer rights, the role of social media in advocacy, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls when purchasing RVs. Liz emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize quality over profit and offers insights into choosing the right RV and dealer. Liz Amazing on RV Defects Takeaways: Liz Amazing transitioned from a novice camper to a leading RV advocate. She emphasizes the importance of using her platform for good. Many RV buyers face heartbreaking quality issues with their purchases. The RV industry is largely unregulated, leading to poor consumer experiences. Liz highlights the shift in manufacturing practices, prioritizing profit over quality. Social media serves as a powerful tool for consumer advocacy. Buyers often face challenges with buybacks and NDAs from manufacturers. Avoiding mass-produced RVs can reduce the chances of quality issues. Independent RV makers often provide better quality products. Liz encourages consumers to do thorough research before purchasing an RV. RV NEWS OF THE WEEK When Washington Closes, the National Parks (Mostly) Stay Open — But at What Cost? More and more stories are emerging each week of the difficulties the nation's national parks are facing during the continued federal government shutdown. Utah is spending $8,000 a day to keep the visitor centers open at its five national parks, and groups like the Zion Forever Project are collecting donations and paying to print maps, feed rangers, and keep things open for the tourists showing up. At Joshua Tree, a wildfire started in the camping area during the shutdown, but it is now contained. Pinnacles National Park had brownish water coming out of the campsites because a maintenance worker wasn't there to flush the system. The state of Colorado is paying to keep the visitor centers open at the Rocky Mountain National Park. And since none are collecting visitor entrance fees, all anticipate significant budget gaps next year.  Six Months, No Camper — So He Brought His Work to Camping World

This week on the RV Podcast: Are Canadian RVers in the U.S. being harassed by American citizens? Are US RVers in Canada being harassed by Canadians? There have been incidents on both sides of the border. How to plan a truly epic RV stay - wherever you decide to stop. Expert advice from Wendy Bowyer, who plans all our RV Community gatherings. What’s happening at our National Parks during this prolonged government shutdown? It’s not a pretty picture. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode #569 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. Free Winterizing Guide We have a free winterizing guide available for instant download. Yours for the asking at https://rvlifestyle.com/winterize-guide Harassment reported by both Canadian and U.S. RVers Today, we're diving into the frosty chill that's settled over the border for RVers like us—Canadian and American alike. The current tensions between Canada are boiling over into the RV Community.  They stem from escalating U.S.-Canada trade and political frictions, amplified by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he wants Canada as the 51st state. Then, this summer, new U.S. immigration rules—such as stricter visa requirements and enhanced border scrutiny—have shocked Canadian RVers, leading to a sharp drop in northbound travel, with reservations canceled en masse. Surveys show nearly half of Canadians are now less inclined to visit the U.S. this year, citing not just financial woes but also a growing sense of political alienation from inflammatory rhetoric that paints Canada as an adversary.  Meanwhile, some American RVers who have headed northward with fewer hesitations have been reporting a definite chill that strains the once-seamless camaraderie of the RV community.  We’ve been hearing about this all summer. But this week, we received two emails that bring this home in the most powerful way, telling us these tensions are being felt by RVers on both sides of the border - by Canadian RVers visiting in the U.S., and American RVers visiting Canada.  These sincere and sad emails are an example that words have consequences and that behind every policy tweet may be a family in a Winnebago wondering if the next campsite will feel like home or a battlefield.  First, this email from Canadian Rvers named Pat, who has been a regular snowbird visitor to the U.S. I would really like it if you started covering how Canadian snowbirds are navigating going south this year. My husband and I have gone South for years but quite truthfully are a little anxious about doing it this year. There are new rules for Canadians who are staying more than 30 days. We are also concerned about the border and going down there. We have heard some horrendous stories and don't know what to think. For example, one woman spoke of a gun being pointed at her as she drove on the road. There was also the case of the border patrol man who followed someone with an Ontario license plate and screamed at them not to come back to the USA. I think about it everyday because we love going south and we love American friends. It will be a long cold winter without them. I would love some input. Then, a day later, we received this email, from a Tracy - U.S. RVer who spent time in Canada: We are on the final weeks of a four month journey from Texas that included travel to the Canadian maritime provinces and Newfoundland. While we met many nice people along the way, we also encountered some angry Canadians who felt that it was their job to make sure we knew how angry they are at the U.S. and those of us live there and they were quick to offer unsolicited opinions. We certainly feel the need for a welcoming community more than ever and y

This week on the RV Podcast, we’ll meet two couples who have made the RV Lifestyle a huge part of their retirement and hear how they are now living the Best Chapter Yet. Plus the RV Industry News, the Social Media Buzz, and a great question from one of our readers on where to get his rig washed. You can read, listen to, or WATCH the podcast right here...

This week on the RV Podcast: We have a great interview for you that we’re calling Empty Nest, Open Road: How One Couple Found Freedom in RV Life. You’ll meet our delightful friends Don and Karen, who share their RV retirement adventures and challenge us all to make every mile count, making friends and memories all across North America. Plus we have the pros and cons of an on-demand water heater.. The RV News of the Week, and much more coming up in Episode #567 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast: How RVers Handle Medicare and Insurance Issues on the road - with an expert AND RVer. There is a massive recall of the heavy-duty Ford trucks used by many RVers to haul their trailers and fifth wheels The fun story about some RVers who adopted a stray cat they found at a campground. Apparently, it happens all the time! All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 566 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast... Between the Truck and Trailer: Why RV Hitching Is so Dangerous. If you drink beer on your camping trip, you’re going to make the mosquitoes very happy. The great debate about light pollution and campers who light up their RVs like the Vegas Strip, All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 565 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast: General Motors has developed a system that monitors your driving abilities and reaction times, opening the door to when you stop driving because you may be too old. If you are camping in bear country this time of year, our conversation of the week is with an expert who reveals just what you should do when you encounter a bear. This is super important info you need to know. Thinking about a washer and dryer for your RV? We’ll tell you what to look for and what to watch out for. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 564 of the RV Podcast.

This week on the RV Podcast: What effect are tariffs having on the RV Industry? In our conversation of the week, we’ll hear straight talk from an industry straight-shooter about the massive RV tariff confusion With no warning, a Camping World outlet in Michigan has abruptly shut down, causing massive confusion to the blindsided employees and those whose RVs were awaiting service. When do you clean your RV? Before you leave the campground or after you arrive home? We’ll share some insight from 600 real RVers who answered the question on our social media platform. All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 563 of the RV Podcast

This week on the RV Podcast: * Confessions of a Camp Host: In our conversation of the week, you’ll hear all about the Good, the Bad, and the Wonderfully Weird * Gas prices are sky high again, but they’re blaming it on a flood at a refinery and say prices should drop again soon. * How not to get burned out from driving to your next camping spot * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 562 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. Hey, before we get to the news of the week, let’s just take a second to tell you about something we’re really excited about. You know how RVing isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve built with our RV Lifestyle Community. It’s private, it’s ad-free, and it’s filled with folks just like you — RVers who want to share tips, swap stories, and help each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so it really feels like a campfire conversation that just keeps going. And yes, it’s a paid community, but honestly… some things are worth paying for. You get a trusted, safe space, and a group of friends who really get this lifestyle. So if you’ve been looking for a place where you belong, come join us at RVCommunity.com. We’d love to see you there.” RV NEWS OF THE WEEK ​Labor Day Price Spike? Blame the Midwest Refinery Flood​ If you are from the Midwest and winced at the sudden fuel pump price hike right before Labor Day, we feel your pain! Flooding temporarily closed the Midwest’s largest oil refinery. The result was a sudden 27-cent per gallon price hike everywhere from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, to some parts of Illinois and Indiana. The good news is that the BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana is now operating again. And experts expect prices to drop in the next week. Overwhelmed and Understaffed: Leaked Report Reveals Strain on U.S. National Parks​ The National Parks Service lost about one-quarter of its workforce this year, and a leaked internal parks report from July 2025 shows, "staff are overwhelmed, conditions are deteriorating, and visitors are being left without the services or protections they count on," says the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group. The effects of the staffing cuts vary and are based on how many employees were lost at a particular location through the government's early retirement offer and probationary employees' cuts. For example, Yellowstone reports no problems, while Yosemite reports a temporary halt to ranger-led tours. Zion reported a reduction in cleaning capabilities and less capacity to respond to emergencies, and Indiana Dunes dropped ranger programming from 575 last year to 100 this year.  ​Lightship’s Self-Propelling Futuristic Travel Tra...

This week on the RV Podcast: * You’ll meet a legendary retired TV anchorman - Mort Crim, now 90 years old, doing an epic RV journey and exploring campgrounds with his motor scooter. In our conversation of the week, he shares hard-earned wisdom about aging fearlessly and living life to the fullest. * One of the nation’s biggest RV dealers just had an employee arrested for embezzling $2 million. * What’s best? A pull-behind trailer or a fifth wheel? Real RVers share their answers. * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 561 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 received an interesting note in response to last week’s podcast that featured an interview with an RVer who came down with the Alpha gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to meat like beef, pork, lamb that is caused by a bite spread by ticks. Tick Bite episode and Alpha gal follow-up In Episode 560 of the podcast, we heard how the RVers can never eat meat again because of how dangerously ill he will become… all because of the tick bite. There is another danger that Alpha gal causes, and that’s what our email notes. It's from Dr. Tony Graham, of Huntsville, AL. He wrote: Hey guysI just finished listening to the podcast for the week.  I was particularly interested in the segment on Alpha-gal.You might be interested to know that people with the syndrome can no longer have open heart surgery with a conventional approach.  They can not receive heparin, the drug used to prevent blood clotting during the surgery, since it is animal derived.  I won’t bore you with the details, but the procedure has to be done with another drug which is definitely inferior, and often leads to the patient having more problems with bleeding in the peri-operative period and often needing more blood products. Scary disease!  Plus, I tell people I might become suicidal if I thought I might never again get to have a hamburger or a steak! Before we get to the news of the week, let’s just take a second to tell you about something we’re really excited about. You know how RVing isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve built with our RV Lifestyle Community. Where RV Stories, Tips, and Friendships Never End It’s private, it’s ad-free, and it’s filled with folks just like you — RVers who want to share tips, swap stories, and help each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so it really feels like a campfire conversation that just keeps going. And yes, it’s a paid community, but honestly… some things are worth paying for. You get a trusted, safe space, and a group of friends who really get this lifestyle. So if you’ve been looking for a place where you belong, come join us at RVCommunity.com. We’d love to see you there. RV LIFESTYLE NEWS OF THE WEEK ​ Mike Wendland full false 53:10 RVers Beware: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of https://rvlifestyle.com/tick-disease/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:05:00 +0000 https://rvlifestyle.com/?p=112310 More Than Lyme Disease: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of Get ready for the Fall RV Show Season: What to expect and why the RV industry is starting to breathe a bit easier Why RV Tires Seem to Have More Blowouts than Cars All this plus Mike and Jen’s RV Storytime coming up in Episode 560 of the RV Podcast More Than Lyme Disease:

This week on the RV Podcast: * More Than Lyme Disease: The Hidden Tick Disease You’ve Never Heard Of * Get ready for the Fall RV Show Season: What to expect and why the RV industry is starting to breathe a bit easier * Why RV Tires Seem to Have More Blowouts than Cars * All this plus Mike and Jen’s RV Storytime coming up in Episode 560 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. The big news for us this week is the release of our epic 30-Day RV Adventure Guide to the Pacific Northwest. This detailed route takes you through the best of Oregon and Washington, weaving in stunning coastal drives, lush forests, and mountain vistas. As a special bonus, we’ve even included an excursion into Vancouver, Canada. Whether you’ve always dreamed of this journey or are planning to return to your favorite spots, this guide makes it effortless to enjoy the very best of the region. Before we jump into our first segment, we’ve got to tell you - if you’re not already part of our private RV Lifestyle Community over at RVCommunity.com, you’re missing out on some of the best RV conversations anywhere. It’s completely ad-free, it’s friendly, and it’s just full of folks who love swapping tips, sharing travel stories, and helping each other out. We’re in there every day ourselves, so come say hi at RVCommunity.com. RV NEWS OF THE WEEK The "Splurgecation" Trend is Taking Over RV Travel  Here's a fascinating shift in how people are approaching RV travel in 2025 – and it might surprise you! According to major industry reports, 63% of travelers say they will take fewer trips in 2025 but spend more per trip, focusing on one big annual RV adventure rather than frequent weekend getaways.  They're calling these "splurgecations," and campers are willing to splurge on upgraded experiences, premium campgrounds, and adventure activities like ziplining, guided tours, and fine dining What's really interesting is the rise of passion-driven travel - instead of just picking a famous destination, more travelers are choosing trips based on their interests like baseball stadium tours, brewery crawls, historical sightseeing, or outdoor adventure travel. It's like the RV community is saying, "If we're going to do this, let's make it count!" The trade-off makes sense too - quality over quantity, and with inflation hitting everything, people are being more strategic about their travel budgets. ​No More Limp Mode: Big Win for Diesel RVers and Truck Owners​ RVers who drive diesel motor homes or diesel pickup trucks will be excited to hear that manufacturers will no longer be allowed to program severe, immediate power loss when diesel exhaust fluid runs low or a DEF sensor fails, beginning with 2027 models.

This week on the RV Podcast: * Pack Your Camper: The Night Sky is calling! There's an amazing meteor show going on up there this week that provides a great excuse to go camping. * Budget cutbacks, staff shortages, and visitor pressure are all combining to seriously stress our National Parks this summer. Protests have started. * Protecting your property from campground thefts. Real RVers share their solutions. * In Mike and Jen’s Storytime… when your camping plans don’t go as expected, it’s time to pivot. * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 559 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 ​Bridge 1, RV 0: Michigan's Langley Covered Bridge Closed Again After Another RV Blunder The Langley Covered Bridge in Southwest Michigan is closed yet again—thanks to another driver who didn’t believe the “low clearance” signs. Despite multiple warnings that the historic bridge is only 8.5 feet tall, a 10-foot-tall motorhome tried to make it through. It didn’t end well. The RV slammed into the height limiter, ripping off the sleeper section and completely wrecking the vehicle. Earlier this summer, the road commission added even more warning signs after a string of similar accidents in recent years. Now, the 282-foot bridge will stay closed for up to two weeks while crews rebuild the height limiters.  The Langley Covered Bridge is in St. Joseph County, near Centreville, Michigan, on the Indiana border. It spans the St. Joseph River and is the longest remaining covered bridge in Michigan at 282 feet. Built in 1887, it’s a popular historic site—but also a notorious trouble spot for over-height vehicles that ignore the clearance signs. Low clearance bridges like this are more common than many RVers realize—there are thousands across the U.S., especially in older towns, rural backroads, and historic sites. Accidents happen far too often, and they’re almost always avoidable. The key is knowing your RV’s exact height (including rooftop accessories like AC units or satellite dishes) and planning your route accordingly. A dedicated RV or truck-specific GPS like the Garmin RV 795 can warn you about upcoming low clearances, and an old-school trucker’s road atlas lists them by location. Combined, they can save you from a very expensive mistake—not to mention keep your rig in one piece. Canada wildfire smoke blankets the Midwest, triggering public health alerts Smoke from Canadian wildfires has taken over the skies across a huge swath of the U.S. again, prompting health alerts across Michigan and the wider Midwest and causing lots of people to stay indoors and cancel outdoor plans - like we did with a camping trip last week. Officials warn the fine particulates from smoke are nearly ten times more toxic than regular pollution, potentially impacting everyone’s heart and lung health—even if you’re “healthy.