420. Charging Nightly for Electricity? Propane-Free RVs & Remote Vans’ Big Leadership Move

July 27, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

“If you go to a Porsche dealership and buy a Porsche, you would never find a rip in the seat or two different bolts underneath it.” That is the standard Darren Hillhouse, CEO of Remote Vans, wants his company to meet. On this episode of RV Miles, host Jason Epperson (solo while his co-host Abby recovers from illness) takes on three distinct industry shifts: the potential end of free electricity at campgrounds, the quiet death of propane in many new RVs, and a major leadership change at Remote Vans that signals where the adventure van market is heading.

The End of Free Electricity at Campgrounds?

For decades, paying a nightly rate at an RV park with hookups meant electricity was included. That may be changing. Epperson cites articles, including one by Tony Barthel at RV Travel, noting that smart meter technology now allows campgrounds to track and bill for electricity usage per site upon checkout. The technology can even meter water. The question is whether campgrounds will use it.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:31) **Show Introduction & Host Solo Setup** - Host Jason explains he's flying solo this week due to illness and teases the three main topics: removing propane from RVs, campgrounds charging for electricity, and a leadership change at Remote Vans.
2 (03:59) **Charging for Electricity at RV Parks: The Smart Meter Threat** - Jason explores the emerging trend of campgrounds using smart meters to bill guests for electricity usage, moving away from the traditional all-inclusive nightly rate.
3 (09:34) **Propane-Free RVs: A Response to Demand, Not a Conspiracy** - Jason clarifies misconceptions about the trend of manufacturers removing propane systems from small motorhomes, explaining it is a premium, customer-driven option, not a cost-cutting measure.
4 (15:33) **Fresh Tank & Black Tank: Industry News Roundup** - Jason delivers a quick segment of RV industry news, correcting a common headline and highlighting a manufacturer rebate program.
5 (17:52) **Interview: Remote Vans' New Leadership - Andrew Cooley & Darren Hillhouse** - Host introduces the main interview segment, detailing the major news that Andrew Cooley, co-founder of Storyteller Overland, has joined Remote Vans as President alongside CEO Darren Hillhouse.
6 (18:42) **Remote Vans Origin Story: From Garage to Production** - CEO Darren Hillhouse recounts the company's rapid founding in 2021 during the COVID lockdown, starting in a small garage in a disused brewery.
7 (21:42) **The Evolution of the Adventure Van Market** - Andrew Cooley provides his perspective on how the Class B segment has transformed over the last decade, from a dealer's least desirable product to a highly sought-after niche.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Darren Hillhouse Andrew Cooley

Show Notes

With smart meters more available and power rates rising, are campgrounds going to stop including the cost of electricity in your nightly stay? Jason takes a look at the issues involved. Plus misconceptions about RV manufacturers eliminating propane, and debunking some misleading headlines. In the interview portion, Remote Vans CEO Daryn Hillhouse joins us, along with new President Andrew Cooley, to talk about RV quality, pricing pressures, dealer relationships, and improving the customer buying and service experience.

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Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Intro
03:49 Campground Power Fees
08:48 Sponsor
09:34 Propane Removal Trend
15:33 Tank Check
17:52 Remote Vans Interview
52:32 Wrap Up And Thanks