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There is Nothing Real About Reality TV: Our Big Time RV Episode

9/19/2016

19 Comments

 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is nothing real about reality TV. Despite our best efforts to believe what we're being shown, the truth of the matter is, all reality TV is being manipulated in one form or another. Vanessa and I became blatantly aware of that when we were asked to film an episode of Big Time RV for the Travel Channel.

It started with a harmless entry to our website about speaking with a producer for the show. Basically, they loved what we stood for, loved our energy and website, wanted to help promote our message of inspiring younger generations to travel, and wanted us to be a part of the show. After a few emails, we decided to take a phone call with the producer to get more information. I remember vividly, sitting on the side of the road in Arizona, afraid that the phone connection would cut off and leave us without service like many times before. During the call, the producer asked us if we were looking for a new RV. We told them no, we weren't. We spent the better part of a year creating our home within Maude, and that maybe down the road we would shop around, but we loved our small home on wheels and would not part with her anytime soon. The producer said, "not to worry, we can make it clear that you are shopping for a potential future purchase." Good, that was squared away.

After a Skype screen test, a few more emails and texts, Vanessa and I were set to film in Tuscon, Arizona at the end of March. They set us up in a KOA for a few days so that we could film at the adjacent lot next door, at Lazy Days. The KOA was beautiful—a clean, refreshing pool, fruit growing in abundance on trees. I swear, we walked away with what felt like hundreds of pieces of sweet smelling citrus.

The filming went smoothly. We had a gentleman escort us to and from the lot. The team was pleasant to work with. Everything felt right.

Except that it wasn't. It wasn't until after we signed "contracts" that things became more contrived. They had chosen two RVs for us to "tour'' on the show, that were nothing like we told them we would want. We told them we wanted to stay under 26-feet, and they had chosen two gargantuan rigs, that we would never have wanted. However, when we were touring the rigs, we were genuine in providing our opinions. Dark wood is a no-go. Big refrigerator is helpful. Counter space is a MUST. But we were wondering, why didn't we get any Airstreams to tour? Why didn't we get any small RVs to fit our minimal lifestyle? Vanessa and I concluded quickly, these were the RVs on the lot that Lazy Days wanted, or needed, to sell and we were just walking advertisements.

Unfortunately, things only got worse. We ended up feeling manipulated and cheated, stressing to the producers that we didn't want to be told what to say, but wanted to be the most authentic, genuine representations of ourselves. This all came to a head when the director told us "Okay, this is the shot where you choose which RV you're going to purchase. So, pick whichever you liked best."

Vanessa and I stared at each other blankly. Purchase? Wait a second, that wasn't the deal. I piped up.

"When we spoke to (producer), he told us we didn't have to fake purchase anything. He told us we could say something along the lines of 'well, in the future when we're ready to buy, we would probably choose something more like ____'. 

The director maintained his composure, but didn't back down. "I'll be honest with you guys, no matter what you decide to say, the Travel Channel will edit it however they see fit. So, they'll make it look like a purchase anyway."

It was at this point, we ultimately felt duped. They tricked us. They got us to sign the contracts and then did whatever they wanted to do, sacrificing our integrity and wants along the way. Mind you, this was already after they filmed enough to create a show anyway, even if we walked off set right then and there.

So, we did it. We pretended to buy an RV. Afraid to be in breach of contract, we shook hands on a new RV, when we were never even able to drive it around the parking lot.

Vanessa and I even called the original producer in New York to express our concern with the "ending" and he ASSURED us he would never misrepresent us, nor would he create a false ending. He said he would personally make sure the ending reflected the truth, and that we really were just touring rigs for potential future consideration.

Well, guess what....again, we were duped.  This is why we wanted to write this today. To clear the air, but also to let some of you know that it wasn't our intention to be a false representation of the travel community. Oh, and mind you, the Travel Channel miraculously came up with a BUDGET for us (never were we asked what our budget would be) of $100,000. Let me tell you, if Vanessa and I had $100,000 floating around to spend on a brand new rig, we wouldn't be working so hard to make ends meet on the road. 

The truth is, there is nothing real about reality TV. What we thought would be a fun experience, a chance to put our message out there and continue to inspire, turned out to be nothing short of a disaster. So, to all of those people who have reached out to us and said "Congratulations on your new Thor ACE!" we are truly sorry. We love Maude because she completely feels like home. We started this journey over a year ago now, and have no plans to replace her anytime soon. We hope that you continue to follow our adventures, because it's something we're proud of, and we promise you that each and every post on our blog, each and every Instagram photo, is as genuine and truthful as possible, even the nitty-gritty breakdown of our RV expenses. This lifestyle is not something we take for granted, nor something that we feel should be exploited. We're proud of everything we've accomplished on the road and hope we can only continue to inspire from this point forward.
19 Comments
Kira
9/19/2016 14:11:29

Wow that's really shitty. I don't watch reality tv shows because they're fake. I'm glad you cleared the air. I remember a year ago filling out a questionnaire for the show, I'm glad we didn't get picked. Its fun to watch and see all the different RVs, but I find exploiting the two of you the way they did, the twisting or words and using your status and what you both stand for, unacceptable. Besides, what you created in Maude, is irreplacable. Thanks for telling us the truth, shame on you BIg time RV.

Reply
The Roamans
9/21/2016 14:48:58

Hi Kira,

Thank you for your comment. Indeed, we are still quite perturbed about the whole thing. We appreciate your support and kind words. Maude is irreplaceable! :) In fact, we're working on some serious Maude mods as we speak (Vanessa is knee-deep in paint).

There is gratitude that we have, though from this whole ordeal. It's brought people like you to our website and allowed us to talk and open the door for future friendship. So for that, we're grateful.

Reply
Bert Songer
6/19/2019 22:26:41

I watch these shows all the time. My wife and I love seeing the different models. We long though for a show truly about traveling in an rv and highlighting locations and rv tips. However, I've always known there seemed to be a sort of staged script, so I'm not totally surprised. In thought I would think they used your status and following to help promote their show in a way a "nobody" could, unbeknownst to you and that sounds like a legal issue I would want to pursue.

Shawna
10/13/2016 11:54:52

It's funny, not that I was trying to be in you all's bank account or anything but I just remember thinking wow! 100,000 hun, life must be nice on the road...😄 I just figured someone was pretty well off, had great savings or pretty nice rich parents which is still your business. Lol but I'm personally happy you didn't get rid of Maude! I think she's pretty cool. (Side bar)- idk why, but I see yall turning on Pandora, finding Norah Jones radio and then hitting the road. 😊 Probably because that's what I'd do. It just seems fitting Lol be safe guys!

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coffeewitholiver link
9/19/2016 18:06:53

I too was contacted about for one of the reality shows, one with Tiny Homes as a subject. I didn't respond past the first interaction because I was really worried about having things be twisted, and your experience confirms that undoubtedly would have happened. I don't have television and don't watch reality tv, but have heard enough about it to be gun-shy. I'm sorry this happened to you guys. It's not right. At least you can take comfort in knowing that anyone curious enough can come here and learn the truth.
Parker

Reply
The Roamans
9/21/2016 14:52:28

Hi Parker,

We're relieved to hear that you didn't have to go through something like this. Kudos to you for trusting your gut! I suppose since our word and integrity are so important to us, we just figured that people would not feel right exploiting a situation. But, I guess you live and learn, right? We appreciate your kind words, as well as your input furthering this discussion forward. I feel like more people need to know what they'll be signing up for when these reality shows strike!

Thanks again for the support :)

Marisa & Vanessa

Reply
Keith Sims link
9/21/2016 22:35:13

I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. We have recently shot and reality RV show called Going RV for GAC channel. While I will agree with you that there are things that were scripted, never once during filming did the producer ask us to lie or Misrepresent ourselves on make, model, size or price range. We shot at the dealership that we made our purchase and even used our salemen. Now I say this with a little hesitation only due to the fact that our episode will air Nov 2nd and we have not seen the final cut. They have been running the promos and so far so good.
So I guess be careful out there when it come to reality TV opportunities. And reality TV is only a small part reality.

Reply
Eric Eltinge
9/22/2016 12:09:48

Did they at least offer you guys a hugely discounted price if you bought a new RV in exchange for your participation?

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Keith Sims link
9/22/2016 13:11:41

This is where the reality show scripting comes into play. The producer was searching for people who had already purchased an RV, but with in the last 12 months. The show then recreated the purchase process using the actual RV we bought as one of ththe choices. In our episode, we actually used some of the other RV's we were considering before we settled on the one they showed in our episode. Don't know if that's normal for all episodes, but true for ours. And it's our actual salemen and dealership as well.

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The Roamans
9/28/2016 10:27:50

Hi Keith,

I'm glad that you had a much better experience. From what it sounds like, recreating the purchase is such a nicer, more authentic way to engage the viewing audience without losing any integrity or credibility.

Eric
10/29/2016 18:17:21

Sorry to hear about your experience. I wanted you to know that because of the episode I was inspired by your message, even though it was only one line in the show i caught it. I was able to find your Blog and will continue to follow you. I appreciate you honesty of Reality TV. So just know that your effort was not in vain. Thanks again and one day soon I will join you on the open road.

Reply
Cathy
11/23/2016 10:20:56

So excited/happy/relieved to read your blog and this entry!!

We too were duped by "buying Hawaii"
When we were trying to get our house sold on the big island to begin our travels here on the mainland!

We aren't young but we aren't old either needing a huge expensive MH to prove something. We love our frida conchita 25' 5th!! But everyone our age kinda gives it the nose in air sniff!

Thank you again !!

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Tom
4/14/2017 15:30:47

Did the episode air?

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The Roamans
4/14/2017 16:32:44

It did, yes! Around the end of last year.

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Andrew & Kim
4/26/2017 21:54:52

Just watching your episode and I googled your blog and found this post. Sorry to hear you were duped... Or rather that we are being duped.

Looking forward to following your adventures. Have fun!

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Jacquie
4/29/2017 09:23:01

We actually JUST saw the epi up here in Canada. I couldn't imagine why you'd want to "abandon" beautiful Maude! She's the rig of MY current dreams!
My nephew works in TV & I already had a fair idea of how contrived a lot of those shows can be, but it must've been devastating to have made it clear where your "line" was & then essentially have a gun put to your head as you're told to cross it,
If it helps? The dumb show is how I found you. I *was* inspired by you. I'm in the planning stages of "chucking it & running to freedom" & it's awesome to be affirmed by Trailblazers like yourselves that it's possible!

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Melissa
7/8/2017 16:48:18

Did you guys get any money for this reality show appearance? I'm always curious about that part. Or was it fun to be in tv in general? By the way, I'm a reality tv junky and those are the questions I always wonder. Thanks

Reply
The Roamans
7/9/2017 10:52:09

Hi Melissa! We did not receive any money for this. However, it was interesting to see what it takes to create a reality TV show. Tons of footage shot for just 15-20 minutes of finished product. The most underrated reality stars are those camera people, that's for sure!

Reply
Tracey M link
11/24/2020 22:53:21

Grateful for shariing this

Reply



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