Episode Details

It is officially an RV buyer's market. New RV sales are falling, dealer inventories remain high, and manufacturers are cutting forecasts. For RV shoppers, that means something we have not seen in quite a while: real negotiating leverage.

But a buyer's market does not automatically mean every RV is a good deal.

In this week's RV Podcast News Edition, we dig into what is happening at RV dealerships, why so many 2026 models remain unsold, what buyers should be paying attention to with financing, and how to make sure a huge advertised discount really is a bargain. We also look at why the arrival of the new 2027 models could put even more pressure on dealers to move older inventory.

Also this week:

• America's Largest RV Show is coming to Hershey, with the new 2027 RVs arriving while dealers are still trying to clear unsold 2026 inventory.
• Wildfire danger is growing across the West, bringing campground closures, campfire bans and some important evacuation lessons for RV travelers.
• The Farmers' Almanac has issued its 2026-27 winter forecast. We take a somewhat skeptical look at just how much RV travelers should trust it.
• Quicksand in a National Park? A 22-year-old hiker sank shoulder-deep into glacial mud at Glacier National Park and needed four friends to pull her out.

If you are shopping for an RV, traveling through wildfire country, planning a trip to Hershey, or just trying to stay on top of what's happening in the RV lifestyle, we've got a lot to talk about this week.

And remember: We source our news stories. You'll find links to the original reporting and additional information on the show notes page at RVPodcast.com. Look for the Transcript tab and scroll to the bottom.

Subscribe and join us every Monday for the RV Podcast News Edition, and every Wednesday when Jennifer joins me for Stories from the Road, with RV tips, questions, advice and conversations about the RV lifestyle.

REMINDER: There are just two days left to save 20% on our new ebook, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement. The early-bird discount ends Wednesday, August 12. Get it at https://RVLifestyle.com/RetirementGuide