News: RV Sales Drop HARD, TPMS Rule Change & Outdoorsy’s Big Move

The RV Miles Podcast delivers a comprehensive update on the latest developments in the RV and outdoor recreation industry. New data reveals a sharp 24% drop in February new RV sales, with Class A motorhomes hit hardest at a 44% decline, driven by high interest rates, inflation, and volatile fuel prices. Meanwhile, used RV sales are holding steady, especially Class B camper vans, signaling a shift toward value-driven purchases. The RV Industry Association has mandated TPMS on all new towable RVs starting mid-2027, underscoring growing safety concerns. Ford is recalling over 400,000 vehicles due to faulty windshield wiper arms, while Montana has doubled the cost of highway exit sign advertising for campgrounds. On the innovation front, Outdoorsy is expanding beyond RV rentals into autonomous vehicle mobility, placing a first order for 100 Tesla Cyber Cabs and launching a new ride-hailing platform with mile-based insurance. The company has also grown to $4 billion in total transactions and is streamlining its fleet to improve quality. Despite a challenging market, new brands like Axiom RV are thriving with strong demand and expansion. Key takeaways include: 1) Consumers are prioritizing used RVs due to economic pressures; 2) TPMS will soon be standard on all new towable RVs, improving safety; 3) Outdoorsy is evolving into a full mobility platform, including autonomous taxis; 4) High fuel costs and interest rates are suppressing new RV demand; 5) The shift to premium, efficient vehicles like camper vans is accelerating; 6) Fleet owners are becoming central to future mobility ecosystems; 7) The RV rental market is consolidating, with better quality control; 8) Innovation in mobility is converging around shared, autonomous vehicles. The episode ends with a forward-looking vision of autonomous RVs enabling hands-free road trips.