Met Chad 2 days ago, just to people to know, really nice guy got off his truck and came to talk to me, gave a sticker that I proudly add on my trailer.
You are the ONLY one I have heard say “test” your grey water dump first for just a few second to see if you have a leak. Good on you. Great tip. Learned a lot thanks.
This was a "slap my forehead" - why didn't I think of that? All the years that I have opened the black valve and crossed my fingers that everything is connected properly and I have learned a new trick. My grey tank is pumped out but at least it's a better leak check than just crossing my fingers and as I get older it certainly won't hurt to have a "senior moment" check.
Chad and Tara, Thank You Very Much! I didn't realized that we need spare parts for my Grey Wolf! I just learned this! I bought my rv 2 years ago! Whew , my rv don't have any issues! Are most parts from amazon! We are deaf couples!
I got a 50 amp DC breaker for my Montana's hyd. system at an auto parts store. They are used for audio systems and other high draw stuff in auto's. No ordering needed. This is the only part I have needed in well over 16 years. Lucky me.
Chad and Tara we love your videos and hope to meet you one day, just a little bit of knowledge that we didn’t know and wouldn’t have known if it hadn’t been for our RV neighbors, please take at least One set of keys with you when you leave because our RV neighbors had a lock like yours on their RV and didn’t take their keys because they didn’t think they needed them because they had the key pad after all! Well they got back to their Rv one day and tried to get in and the lock didn’t work her husband thought she put in the wrong password so he tried and nothing, then they didn’t have any keys to get in as one set was locked in the Rv and the other in the truck and they couldn’t get their on star to work to get them into their truck. So they had to call a locksmith to get them into their 5th wheel and took the lock off only to find out something broke in the keypad and also their battery was dead. They order a new keypad but always take their keys with them and now we look back and say what a coincidence but anything is possible. Safe travels love your videos
Please take a moment to facing a tornado with 1 inch hail balls and 60 mph winds as we faced in Kern County yesterday! An alert to take cover in an inner room and our inner room is our cargo bay! LOL It passed and we were OK . You have taught us so much and we thank you! Jim and Vicki Poff
Another excellent video! Thank you! And now I see why you have an RV with a GARAGE! Seriously, I'd like to see a video on how you two stay so organized. I would have some of that stuff, but never be able to FIND it!
One very common thing I always carry - the rubber washer that goes on the line when you go from Pex to a solid mount item (the washers for under your faucets is a prime example). Two of three of them in a pill bottle to keep them safe and from being pinched or deformed.
For Norcold fridge people, a couple rare earth magnets can be useful. One thing Emily suggested is a couple socks stuffed with baby powder for slide seal maintenance. This is Joe B
I love these types of videos. I mention to my son all the time about your insights into RVing. Thought it was really funny seeing Stacy getting bosted thru that window. Love Doug and Stacy's channel also.
The rectangle shaped fuse, I think the second one you showed are available at auto stores. They are truck auto reset fuses and they should cool and reset on their own unless you melted it. Dawn dish soap works well with the 5th wheel hitch it helps provide a little anti-friction and rinses right off better than grease. On the outside bulbs you try to stay in warm areas but if you go into cold winter snow the LED often will not melt any snow that could cover a light. On a side of a trailer there may be no way for a build up and no issue, just something to remember depending on the placement of the light fixture. Stay safe and healthy.
Funny that you mentioned the landing gear, just was camping two weeks ago in Julian California. And my neighbor blew a fuse on his landing gear. Of course it was a 40 amp and I happen to have one for him and helped him out. I noticed you had a can of contact cleaner, but I never leave home without zip ties and WD40.
Your channel is an absolute must for full times. Great, timely, specific instructions that you can use nearly every day. You keep me informed and prepared to stay on the road. Thanks
Chad/Tara, great topic. One thing I use on the sewer hose gaskets is a small dab of Plumbers Grease, smeared around the contact surface helps keep the gasket from pinching when connecting the hose, which creates a better seal to prevent leaks. Also, you're not the only one to leave a water pressure regulator at an RV site..... :)
Many motorhomes don't have a way to carry a spare tire, especially those based on the Ford F53. We carry our spare in our toad's trunk (Honda CRV), but it's a tire only, no rim. It's lighter and easier to carry. It's wrapped in stretchy wrapping tape to mitigate the smell of rubber in the car. This makes it cheaper and faster for a mobile tire truck to get me back on the road, plus it's a matching tire to the other 6 tires. FYI, tire guys won't patch a front tire, it's against the law in most states. It would have to be installed on the rear, which is an extra charge.
Always make sure your fire extinguisher's are functional and up to date, one in the vehicle if towing and one or two in the RV. Not good if they don't work.
Y'all are the very first RV channel that I started watching years ago.... Also y'all are the reason my husband and I have a plan to do what y'all started 4 years ago.... We've learned soooooo much from you both!
Great topic! I'm the guy that lost a leaf spring center pin, if course at midnight. Waited until 9am and called all local rv stores, no one carried them. Found a small rv repair shop that had 2, not rated enough but close. It got us back on the road, but now I keep 2 leaf springs on hand, ubolts ect. Plus 2 spare tires. One can never be to prepared.
Thanks Chad and Tara. This was an excellent video on spare parts you might want to have on hand. We’ve been full time for 8 years now and I carry spare parts. The way I found out which spare parts I need is when I’d replace a part that wore out or broke. I’d buy two of them, one to replace now and one to have in my spare parts drawer. Two things I carry spares for that weren’t mentioned is a spare closet door latch. Though we only latch the closet door on move days, my wife will flex that plastic latch too much and break the piece you hold on to. She has gotten a lot better over the years and I haven’t had to replace one in a few years now, but I have 2 more in the drawer. Also, I carry 2 extra in line propane high pressure regulators, the red ones near the propane tanks, not the big regulator with the changeover. In our first four years, I’ve replaced both regulators, when they started leaking at the pin hole point that’s designed to blow out with high pressure. They have been fine the last 4 years, but I have 2 more in the parts drawer. Thanks again for putting out that great info and I wish y’all happy trails. ♥️
Newbie here...even though we have a Claas A this really helped. I hid a spare door entry key under the rig. We don't have combination door lock yet (future project). The problem was finding a locksmith to duplicate it...3rd time was a charm.
Replacement propane regulator (and the YELLOW gas-rated teflon tape for the pipe fittings). Also, depending on your rig, a cheap, plastic garden hose shut-off, in case the check valve in your city water connection fails, which would mean any time you turned on your water pump it would be just like an open faucet, dumping your fresh water out the in! Spare spring for the screen door latch (or spare latch...)! Spare latches for drawers/cabinets. You don't realize how important those are until a drawer won't stay shut as you travel!!! Thanks for a good video!
Great list. In addition to your list, I also carry an extra set of trailer wheel bearings /seals and spare roof crank-up vent lids for hail encounters.
Great video with awesome advice as always. Definitely adding to my favorites for future reference. Only thing I can think of is extra y splitter for the water hose (already left 2 at campgrounds), 90 degree elbow, and quick disconnect for the water connections.
We've unexpectedly left a few of nice solid brass versions of those for the next campers too. Having extra washers for the y-splitter and 90 degree elbow is so handy.
Something else to note (which we learned the hard way).... Our Grand Design Reflection had both the PEX and red and blue water hose for the plumbing. The water hose had a much larger inner diameter than the PEX, which means both the brass and plastic fittings are sloppy loose. They tried to solve the problem by really crimping down the rings. Didn't work in our case. One of the hot water fittings leaked and flooded the basement. Also, note the standard black PEX rings won't fit onto the red and blue water hose. I spent a LOT of quality time in the basement and replaced every single plastic fitting with brass, and also replaced all the water hoses with PEX. The only one I couldn't replace at the time was the water heater check valve (thanks for a link to that one).
You guys make me go want to buy an RV. My wife loves your show especially the one from Albuquerque balloon fiesta we were there during the same time and loved it and she loved everything that you guys explained. She keeps trying to convince me to go and buy an RV so we can live in it. I just love my house though in Las Vegas. Anyway we're going to keep watching maybe one day we'll be in an RV keep up the good work you guys really explain everything perfectly.
Great video You guys are great. I have a tool box with stuff. This past weekend our water heater stopped in our Grand Design. It was a 2 amp fuse that blow. I have a little tote like yours with all kinds in there
Hey Chad n Tara buy a 97 gallon auxiliary fuel tank/toolbox combo called the RSD 71799 it would fit in the back of the cab the you can put all the emergency 🆘 equipment in the toolbox n fill the auxiliary 97 gallon tank with Diesel fuel ⛽️ then you can do less fuel stops n more driving
I have the same pressure regulator as you do. I’ve attached mine permanently to the fresh water intake on the Nautilus panel. It’s really pretty easy if you use a u bolt to attach it. That way I don’t worry about leaving it behind or someone stealing it.
Chad, that furnace starter, is an igniter. 😉 love you guys and your travels. I’m a retired army vet, and love following you two.. you’re an inspiration to us. We just went full time, in February. Hoping to run into to you and Phil and Stacy one day. Happy a travels!
Chad and Tara thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience… Sitting in the house on a Sunday evening watching RV videos I’m thinking more and more my wife and I need to get it together, either sell the house for a class A or find a smaller used RV and just start traveling.
Great video. I carry two trucks pairs and two campers pairs That way if/when you loose one you can finish your current drive before having to start hunting for a replacement
Hi Chad and Tara! This is a great video! All these spare parts are all good have just in case they are hard to come by. Like some are right now. It’s always great have these spare parts in case of rainy days. It’s sad that some people are waiting on parts for their new Rv abs ir car. Thank you Chad for showing how to take care of that tow breaking. That was great to know to use W-D40. You are so good at showing all this stuff for rving. The DIYs. Thank you Chad for that and thank you Tara for the editing. Hope you both have a great week and stay safe. Travel safe.
We met Chad last week. Drove by and saw him. He gave us a sticker too. Really wanted to talk to him but my husband had just been tested for covid (negative, yay), so we were keeping our distance. Y'all come by and visit. We're in #54.
Regarding A/C filters, the higher the MERV rating, the harder the A/C has to work to move the same volume of air because of the increased air flow resistance. MERV 6 is ideal.
I just passed one year living in my class a full time. The only thing that’s broken that I could not fix easily with stuff I could get local was the check valve in the hot water heater. Camper world wanted $48.. uh, no.. got 2 on amazon for $13ish. I was able to shower at a relatives house till the new part came in. On the batteries, I’ve noticed the coin type seem to last longer if kept in a sealed container. I use a small water/air tight box from Walmart’s camping dept. I buy multi packs of maxell brand ones on Amazon for $5 or so.
I carry two tubes of Sika Flex caulk, one self-leveling, other regular. Sika Flex is excellent for strength, yet flexible and will adhere to almost everything. I used this in HVAC trade to seal and repair lots. Make sure of what you use it on as removal is possible but tough. I've used it to repair rubber roof cuts on buildings and it holds out water (even under large puddles) well. You can find it at Lowes and HD in masonry section. Co-worker even used it seal a hole in his shoe, worked great for months.
The second electrical device is a circuit breaker (auto resetting) commonly used for trailer brake system, towable battery charging system, lift/jack systems, etc. Awesome video; great parts list to have on hand. 😉 Thank you for a good reminder.
Chad you are so helpful I really appreciate what you guys do with the information that you guys provide . I have really learned a lot about my RV from you guys my wife and I live in southeast Ohio and are planning on full timing here shortly so hope to meet up with you guys soon for a beer Thanks so much Jim
Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge of things going wrong out on the road. The one way air valve on gray water drains was something we all needed to know, got mine on order. Thanks again
Hey Guys, great video. I pretty much carry the same parts with one very notable exception that you may want to add to your list of spare parts. I carry 4 spare flexible brake lines for my hydralic disc brakes. Twice while travelling I have had a flexible brake line get danaged and I was stranded for 4 to 5 days before I was able to source one and get it shippend. I found that no RV dealer carried or even worked on RV disc brakes and neither did any trailer place I contacted. I also carry a spare plug that can be used on a 3 or 4 way connector and brake fluid in case I need to isolate a damage brake line to allow me to get off the side of the road and to a save place to make a permanent repait with at least partial brakes on the trailer,
Nice video. That valve under your sink you were talking about is a Studor valve (or vent). Secondly, you can test your electric brakes without someone else putting their head down there, by simply having them pull the clip out and you try to drive away. If you can't or your wheels are skidding...it's working ;-).
I love those filters. You can actually buy on eBay the filter material and simply cut out your own. Some media even comes with one side tacked so it’s sticky. You can make your own for a fraction of the cost of those premade ones. However, I used an air speed gauge like you had in one of your videos. Doesn’t matter what media you use, the air flow is restricted at least 20%. Much higher on higher merv rated media. I think I am going to 3D print a new “pre filter” to remove that thin screen the ac’s come stock with. That way it’s just a grated backing with large slots (that way the media doesn’t get sucked up in the ac system). I think this 3D printed grate in combination with good merv media should be pretty close to stock air flow
Don't know if it's been shared already, checking breakaway switch made easy. Amp clamp on wire to switch or. . . Compass held next to tires will spin the pointer when activated.
Dang Chad I’m always reluctant to watch this type of video of yours because I always end up adding so much stuff to my Amazon list! Always good stuff though. Thanks!
I just bought and installed the Valtera gate valve, as you recommended. (I have experienced that seepage, too.) Beautiful fit.. maybe because the original valve assy is also Valtera. I used a dab of silicone glue on the bayonet lugs to lock it in place, but still be able to remove, if necessary. One of the best RV additions.
this is why i like watching you guys. Sometimes its taking us on a new adventure and other times you provide us with useful information and that makes Changing Lanes a grate show . Keep sending these videos guys there grate.
Hello Chad & Tara, thank you for another informative video. We also keep a spare water pump, low & high pressure propane regulators and the small external refrigerator exhaust fan. Safe travels. Mike
Hi Chad, Tara, & Daisy, Thanks for the great tips! We are planning a 4 month trip to Alaska next spring and you have given me a few great ideas for spare parts that I didn't think of. Take care, and I hope you are in a cooler place now that the heat wave has passed. Also, Grainger sell rolls of filter media with differant "Merve" ratings.
I carry Flex Seal tape now. One November a couple years ago a drunk driver hit my trailer while on the road. Flex Seal tape got my through 3 weeks on the road with freezing nights, snow and ice. Duct tape was giving up in the first 5 minutes.
I carry an electric water heater element. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, you are either burning propane or taking a cold shower. As always, the team of Chad and Tara present a professional and informational video like good friends talking around the campfire.
Sitting around looking at RV videos and came upon you. Great tips and great items to have on hand. Keep them in a designated toolbox and you're good to go. We've gone RV'ing a few times (we purchased our little A-Liner 6 years ago, now looking to trade in to a larger trailer, now that I'm retired we plan to do more.) I was surprised at what a difference a little gadget can make when traveling. Thanks for the great input!!!
Our new Solitude water heater came with the brass check valves. Grand Design must be listening. I bought the brass check valves because I was going to replace the plastic ones. To my surprise when I went to replace them yesterday they were brass.
Another excellent video! You guys are the best Ambassadors for RV'ing. I'm going to check our water tank valve and replace with brass fittings if they're not already there. We just weekend camp and dont really carry anything extra but Ive heard of people having a couple extra pull levers for dumping.
Thanks for all the info. I'm surprised I pulled apart the grille on our Grey Wolf TT while cleaning the factory filters and found it was already taped up nicely like you suggested in a previous video. As it starts getting colder I'll have to check out my furnace and get spare parts for that. Being its been a year now I'll have to get an anode rod too. Your guys suggestions have been a big help for our weekend RV adventures!
I think you need to go to D rings that have a cast loop instead of a formed wire loop. If you break the cast loop you're probably upside down and the rings will be the least of your worries. I know I've got thousands and thousands of miles on my cast D rings in my motorcycle trailer and they have never broken. I think they're rated for 5,000 lbs each. As for the air filters. thanks for the heads up. I don't know if I'm going to use them but it's nice to know they are available. Keep the good stuff coming.
We bought the "RV Lock" key pad just like the one y'all are using and have been completely disappointed with it. I'll replace this one with an OEM set up this winter when we get back to Texas. We not impressed at all. We keep lots of the same items y'all do and it helps.
I use an air cleaner and purifier vice the AC to clean the air in the RV. Don't want to block flow to AC unit and stress out the blower motor. Over time It's probably cheaper than high end AC filters every month or two.
@@ChangingLanes when you put in the new throw away filters did you leave out the washable filters they came with, right? Also we added the little door stops to each of the round ceiling vents like you recommended, thanks! Do you guys have any filters in those? (I saw Phil and stacey did) any thoughts? I have allergies and wondering if this would help too. Thanks for all you guys do, you rock!
No.. we took the stock filters out. The reason phil and stacy have filters in their vents is because those are not vents.. they are intake to the system and they have vents with no filters. They don't have the bottom of their AC exposed like we do (and where our intake is). Hope that makes sense.. 😊
This video was the most helpful RV video I have watched in a long, long time. I'm ordering about a half dozen spares based on your recommendations. Thanks so much.
Great video and some good ideas of things to carry along. Quick question for you both why don’t you guys stay at the military camping areas like your friends on You Me and the RV at times to save money.
Get a better quality D ring hold down and turn it 90 degrees so you're not pulling sideways on it. If you can, try to use the backer plate under the floor. It provides much greater strength instead of ripping wood screws out of the floor. Keep in mind that during hard breaking or a crash, G forces will create a significantly larger load. Spare circuit board and control for the refrigerator. It also uses an ignitor as does the water heater. I also carry, for the generator, oil, fuel filter, fuel pump and a spark plug. Put the water pressure regulator on your pre-departure checklist.
Great video with great advice. Lol this coming from a hardware guy :-) I do my best to carry most of what you talked about, although you gave me some ideas that I'm missing. Being in Glacier I get many calls, and probably as you know RV dealers are not prevalent.
Your propane gas regulator can last for years, or only for months. I've had to replace mine a couple of times in ten years, so last time I bought two and have a spare. The first one to fail was pretty obvious, when the guy parked next to me said "I smell gas!" The last time, it was in colder Fall weather when the furnace was kicking in, but about every tenth time the gas wasn't igniting. Caused by a small leak that was cutting the pressure.
As for saboteurs, they are out there and will definitely mess with trailers. I've seen videos of people pulling the king pin on semi fifth wheels. I'd always check that after stopping for fuel or rest stops, before hitting the road again.
Great video, thanks for sharing it!!! May I suggest a refrigerator control unit board? Not that expensive compared to the disappointment of not having a cold beer. Had them go bad on me a couple times during storms. And I’ve heard it’s a common problem out there with power surges even with a power surge protector plugged in.
Thanks for the video, concerning spare parts. You seem to have it all under control. Hope all your needs are found as you need them. Thanks again, for the invite...don't forget to make some room for the extra leaves this fall, one can never get enough of those leaves.
We use the same type of air filter for our air conditioners they are kind of pricy but do help. When we bought HEPA air purifiers it was a game changer. We always have it running even when we are traveling. We have a class A. For us this is a quality of life issue so well worth the money. They use surprising little power so boondocking is not a issue.
