This week on the RV Podcast: * We talk about Tariffs and RV Price Hikes: A Big RV Dealer tells us what to Expect in 2025 * How to Make Sure Nothing Breaks on Your First Big RV Trip of the New Season * In Mike & Jen’s storytime, we share the story of The Gray Dream: Our First RV. * Our Sweepstakes is Back! Find out what Waggle has for you. * All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions coming up in Episode 542 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 CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK - RV Price Hikes - Tariffs On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nations around the world, massively impacting global trade. A base 10% tariff on a number of countries goes into effect April 5, and higher tariffs on "worst" offenders such as China go into effect April 9. What does this mean for the RV Industry?  To help us better understand, our guest today is Mike Coyle, COO of Kunes Auto & RV Group's RV Division. Kunes has 12 RV dealerships across the Midwest with inventory spanning major brands.  We urge you to watch or listen to the conversation with one of the players above. But for those who prefer text, here is a synopsis: In this interview, Coyle emphasizes that while most RVs are American-made, many components—such as electronics and specialty parts—are imported and could be affected by tariffs, potentially leading to slight cost increases and production delays. Coyle anticipates modest price hikes for new model year 2026 RVs, estimating increases in the range of 3–6%. However, he clarifies that these have not yet materialized and are still under discussion among manufacturers. Current inventory, particularly 2025 models, is not subject to these potential increases, making it a favorable time for consumers to purchase. Despite concerns in the media about market downturns and rising costs, Coyle remains optimistic. He notes that consumer sentiment may be more influenced by fear and speculation than by actual market conditions. So far, Kunes RV has not seen a drop in demand; in fact, 2025 has been strong, with sales growth continuing through the early months. Coyle also points out that most RV dealerships, including Kunes RV with its 40+ locations, are well-prepared with inventory and are focused on customer care and competitive pricing. While he hasn’t yet seen consumers rushing in to beat the potential tariff-related price hikes, he suggests it may become a smart marketing angle for some dealers. Looking at the broader picture, Coyle believes it’s currently a buyer’s market. After a few tough years for the industry—particularly following the COVID-era demand surge and subsequent inventory challenges—dealers are motivated to move inventory. This makes it an ideal time for consumers to buy or trade in, especially before any possible cost increases hit. Finally, he advises RV owners to get their vehicles serviced early in the season to avoid potential delays caused by parts shortages, which could be exacerbated by the new tariffs. In summary, while some component price increases and minor delays are likely,