Tony Barthel

Tony Barthel
366 POSTS596 COMMENTS
http://anthonybarthel.com
Tony worked at an RV dealership handling sales and warranty issues before deciding he wanted to review RVs and RV-related products. He also publishing a weekly RV podcast with his wife, Peggy, which you can find at https://www.stresslesscampingpodcast.com.

Dear RV company websites, You need to do better

I was recently deeply honored when a friend within the RV industry reached out and asked if I would review the company’s revised website....

RV review: Winnebago ARKA world debut—an overlanding beast

Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2027 Winnebago ARKA 20Z, an off-road-capable, adventure-ready overlanding RV that is based on the Ram 5500 chassis, which...

Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: The problem with luan; bears, coyotes, orangutans; and a really cool new A/C

This week's news recap looks at a few interesting animal stories, how the RV industry's use of a wood product may affect animals (and...

I left Starlink behind—Now what?

When you’re packing, did you ever get that suspicious feeling you forgot something? I get that feeling every time and have had to calm...

RV review: Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT—no slide, full function

Today’s RV review is of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT, the sister to the Rockwood Mini Lite 2524FBT. For all those people holding out...

Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Lippert-Patrick is a no-go, General RV rip-off, Tom Hanks’ son is an RVer

A while back, I got a lot of criticism for my story about the perception of RV parks as being a haven for less...

Your RV is trying to tell you something—and it could save you money

Did you know that your RV can talk? No, seriously. And what it’s saying is how to speak to your RV repair technician to...

RV review: 2026 Grand Design Reflection 342BHTS—hmmm…

Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Grand Design Reflection 342BHTS. I specifically sought out this unit after reading Russ and Tiña De Maris’...

Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Gas isn’t all gas, RV sales are down, government takes interest in big industry merger

Last week, we shared that two RV supplier giants had announced that they were in merger talks, and I scoffed at the fact that...

Boondocking—Yes, you can do it no matter your setup

One of the most popular RV presentations my wife, Peggy, and I give is called “Don’t Be Spooked by Boondocking.” We’ve given that presentation...

RV review: 2026 inTech Black Wing 826-X—Built how I’d build an RV

Today’s RV review is of the 2027 inTech Black Wing 826-X toy hauler. This is a no-slide wide-body toy hauler built by inTech, a...

Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: What does a Lippert-Patrick merger mean for RVers?

If you haven’t read Russ and Tiña De Maris’ article yet, know that RV suppliers Lippert (LCI Industries) and Patrick Industries announced that there...