Rock My RV with Bret Michaels

Rock My RV with Bret Michaels
Title card for Rock My RV with Bret Michaels
GenreReality television
Created by
  • Bud Brutsman
StarringBret Michaels
Theme music composerBret Michaels
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Dennis Zerull
  • Yama Lake
  • Ben Monstrey
  • Ashley Yoder
CinematographyDavid C. Smith
Editors
  • Dennis Harold
  • Tim Furrow
  • Lyvonne Klingler
  • David McDonald
  • Chrissy Waynick
  • Damien D'Amico
Running time20–22 minutes
Production companyBCII Productions
Original release
NetworkTravel Channel
ReleaseMay 26 (2013-05-26) –
September 1, 2013 (2013-09-01)
Related

Rock My RV with Bret Michaels is an American reality television series that premiered on the Travel Channel on May 26, 2013. The series Poison lead singer and Rock of Love star Bret Michaels. Originally intended to be an eight episode miniseries, before the series premiered the Travel Channel announced they picked up the program for one season with Michaels willing to commit to a limited 16-episodes so the show's production it did not conflict his touring schedule.[1]

Production and development

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Travel Channel greenlit the project in October 2012 with an initial order of eight half-hour episodes produced by BCII Productions, with Bud W. Brutsman and Patrick McManamee serving as executive producers.[2][3] Although initial trade announcements referenced an eight-episode order,[4][5] the network’s May 2013 promotion framed the show as a single-season, 16-episode run, and listings place the finale on September 1, 2013.[6]

Filming took place primarily in Southern California. Each episode featured a distinct project vehicle and its owners, with Michaels involved in both design concepts and on-site construction. According to production interviews, Michaels aimed to merge the worlds of classic rock culture and high-end automotive craftsmanship, emphasizing creativity, performance, and comfort rather than excess or gimmicks.[7]

MotorTrend, which visited the set during production, described the series as “16 of the wildest RVs we’ve ever seen” and noted that the Travel Channel allowed the magazine a limited behind-the-scenes look under strict non-disclosure agreements.[8]

In a May 2013 interview with Fox News, Michaels explained that his lifelong touring experience informed the concept of the series, saying that “the number one story is the people that drive them,” and describing how his team rebuilt RVs into their owners’ dream vehicles.[9] He also discussed his personal custom RV, valued at approximately $1.4 million and equipped with a gym and multiple sleeping areas, highlighting his firsthand familiarity with the culture of mobile living.[10]

Although early announcements referred to an initial eight-episode order, in May early 2013 the network extended the miniseries to a 16-episode total.[11][12]

Format

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Each episode begins by introducing the RV owners and their existing vehicle, followed by a design consultation with Michaels and his team. The episode then covers demolition, fabrication, and installation of custom features such as upgraded electrical systems, advanced entertainment centers, rooftop decks, and bespoke interiors. The process concludes with a dramatic reveal showcasing the transformed RV. Michaels emphasized that all builds were fully functional and road-ready, rather than static showpieces.[13]

Episodes

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No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Luxury on Wheels"May 26, 2013 (2013-05-26)N/A
Bret Michaels and his crew completely reimagine a family’s aging RV, turning it into a rolling five-star retreat. Outfitted with granite countertops, hardwood floors, a plush bedroom, and a cozy indoor fireplace, the transformed vehicle combines comfort and style worthy of a luxury hotel suite on wheels.
2"Rolling VIP Lounge"May 26, 2013 (2013-05-26)N/A
Bret and his team face a series of wild challenges as they strip down a worn 32-foot RV and rebuild it into a show-stopping VIP lounge. The ambitious makeover includes a custom air-powered T-shirt cannon, a one-of-a-kind spiral staircase, and a sprawling rooftop deck designed for ultimate on-the-road entertainment.
3"Big Foot Hunter"June 2, 2013 (2013-06-02)N/A
Bret and the crew take on a unique challenge, revamping a weathered 1980s ambulance for a father and son who dream of hunting Bigfoot. The team transforms the old vehicle into a rugged, high-tech exploration rig outfitted with digital camouflage, thermal imaging gear, and a satellite tracking system built for deep-woods adventures.
4"Ultimate Party RV"June 9, 2013 (2013-06-09)N/A
Bret and his team take on an emotional build as they convert a family’s well-worn RV into a heartfelt tribute to their late son. Balancing sentiment and celebration, the crew creates the ultimate party vehicle featuring a rooftop deck, a theater-style projection screen, a cutting-edge sound system, and a custom exterior wrap honoring his memory.
5"Epic Sausage Wagon"June 16, 2013 (2013-06-16)N/A
Bret Michaels and crew take on a 40-year-old GMC Canyonlands, stripping it down to the frame and rebuilding it into a dual-purpose, cross-country sausage wagon. The revitalized RV features diamond plate flooring, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and a massive fold-down serving station that opens for both indoor and outdoor use.
6"Mobile Command Vehicle"June 2013 (2013-06)TBD
Bret and the guys tackle a rusted-out Mobilux owned by a retired Navy SEAL, rebuilding it into a cutting-edge mobile command center. The revamped rig features a fingerprint-activated safe, advanced security camera system, and a sleek cigar lounge designed for relaxation after the mission.
7"Stealth Bomber RV"June 2013 (2013-06)TBD
Bret and his team of workers take on a vintage 1966 Buffalo tour bus, stripping it down and rebuilding it into a modern, road-ready “stealth bomber.” The reimagined coach boasts a hidden wine chiller, an automatic barbecue grill, and an expansive entertainment center designed for high-end travel and style.
8"Zombie Killing RV"July 2013 (2013-07)TBD
Bret and his crew face one of their toughest builds yet as they take on an ultra-rare 1970s 4x4 Roxor with major mechanical challenges and tight space to work with, transforming the rugged classic into an off-road luxury chariot suitable for The Walking Dead zombie apocalypse. With stainless steel appliances, a premium sound system, and a rooftop tent ready for adventure.
9"Junk in the Trunk"July 2013 (2013-07)TBD
Bret and his accomplices take a bold approach with a quirky family’s 1970s RV, tearing apart the entire rear section to engineer a first-of-its-kind, mechanically operated fold-down lounge — a daring design that pushes the limits of RV customization.
10"Baby Got Beach"July 2013 (2013-07)TBD
Bret and the boys turn up the fun as he and his crew revamp a couple’s dull Lazy Daze RV into a vibrant, beach-themed suite on wheels. The upgraded ride features breezy coastal décor and a custom indoor-outdoor bar built for endless summer vibes.
11"Killer Cut Mobile"July 28, 2013 (2013-07-28)N/A
Bret and his crew struggle when tasked with restoring a RV with structural collapse, severe water damage, overwhelming mold and mechanical failures — to turn an entrepreneur’s vision into reality, rebuilding his battered RV into a sleek, fully functional mobile barbershop.
12"Cadillac Attack"August 2013 (2013-08)TBD
Bret and the team are overwhelmed when attempting to dismantle a 1962 Cadillac and attempting to fuse its classic style with a worn-out 1990s RV. The ambitious mashup tests their skills as they try to blend vintage luxury with modern functionality in one unforgettable build.
13"RV Catastrophe"August 2013 (2013-08)TBD
Bret Michaels and his team confront their challenging project yet when they find a couple’s RV to be completely unsafe and beyond repair. With catastrophic mechanical failures, extensive rust, and severe mold damage, the crew is forced to rebuild from the ground up to deliver the couple’s dream of a vintage-inspired trailer.
14"Ultimate Tailgater"August 18, 2013 (2013-08-18)N/A
Bret and the crew tackle a 1973 International school bus, transforming it into the ultimate tailgating powerhouse. Outfitted with a massive 72-inch TV, a fold-out bar, and a bold custom wrap celebrating the couple’s favorite MLB team, the Louisville Cardinals, the revamped ride is built for game-day glory.
15"Epic Toterhome Overhaul"August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)N/A
Bret and his team take on their largest build ever — a massive 75-foot racecar hauler owned by the Lovell brothers. The crew transforms the colossal rig into a dual-purpose rolling workshop and family home, complete with custom living quarters and a spacious rooftop deck.
16"Epic RV Giveaway"September 1, 2013 (2013-09-01)N/A
In the series finale, Bret Michaels and his team set out to make one lucky contestant’s dream a reality. Taking a dull, ordinary coach, they overhaul it from top to bottom, transforming it into a stunning, one-of-a-kind luxury RV packed with high-end features and personalized design touches.

Reception

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Contemporary coverage described the series as a congenial fit for Michaels’ on-screen persona and niche RV culture. A review in the Houston Press noted Michaels’ “hands-on” approach with master fabricator Bodie Stroud and the show’s emphasis on practical creativity rather than pure spectacle.[14]

Cast

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References

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  1. ^ "Rock My RV with Bret Michaels premieres May 26 on Travel Channel". Channel Guide Magazine. May 8, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  2. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 18, 2012). "Travel Channel To Debut Bret Michaels' 'Rock My RV' Series In 2013". Deadline. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  3. ^ "Bret Michaels to Host Travel Channel Series 'Rock My RV'". The Hollywood Reporter. October 18, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  4. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 18, 2012). "Travel Channel To Debut Bret Michaels' 'Rock My RV' Series In 2013". Deadline. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  5. ^ "Bret Michaels to Host Travel Channel Series 'Rock My RV'". The Hollywood Reporter. October 18, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  6. ^ "Shows A-Z – Rock My RV listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  7. ^ "Bret Michaels brings his rock-star flair to 'Rock My RV'". Los Angeles Times. May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  8. ^ MotorTrend Staff (June 1, 2013). "Rockin' RVs: Behind the Scenes of Rock My RV". MotorTrend. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  9. ^ "Bret Michaels turns designer for 'Rock My RV'". Fox News. May 28, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  10. ^ "Bret Michaels turns designer for 'Rock My RV'". Fox News. May 28, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  11. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 18, 2012). "Travel Channel To Debut Bret Michaels' 'Rock My RV' Series In 2013". Deadline. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  12. ^ "Bret Michaels to Host Travel Channel Series 'Rock My RV'". The Hollywood Reporter. October 18, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  13. ^ "Rock 'n' roll RVs feature in a new reality TV show". RVwest. May 28, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  14. ^ Lomax, Pete Vonder Haar (May 29, 2013). "Reality Bites: Rock My RV With Bret Michaels". Houston Press. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  15. ^ Lomax, Pete Vonder Haar (May 29, 2013). "Reality Bites: Rock My RV With Bret Michaels". Houston Press. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  16. ^ "Bret Michaels transforms transportation on 'Rock My RV'". The State Journal-Register. May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  17. ^ "Radio Host Bodie Stroud Joins Bret Michaels for Travel Channel's "Rock My RV"". BroadwayWorld. May 23, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
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