A Horrible Start To Travel Trailer Living - We Can’t Catch A Break In Our New Camper 

I take one of my dog’s old collar and put it on the steering wheel of our motorhome to remind us to unhook power and ensure the jacks are raised. I have also laminated a check off sheet for setting up and tearing down the campsite

tip.... keep your valves closed until time to dump. helps to keep ordors out

I love Minnesota I lived in Rochester Minnesota for several years and I loved it there. It's such a beautiful place to live.

Every camper has some hiccups. Make sure you keep a journal! It's fun to read your journal 19 years from now. If it makes you feel any better, my husband in all his excitement to leave at night to head to Myrtle Beach in our new to us motor home, forgot to unplug the electric cord from the house. He tore the electric cord right out of the motor home. Thank goodness our neighbor could rewire us, so after a small delay we were on our way. (Never made that mistake again.)

LADDER TIP... when getting onto the roof with a ground ladder, raise the ladder at least 3 rungs above the roof line. This facilitates an easier egress when you are getting back down.

Couple of suggestions. When raining, lower one side of awning so rain does not puddle. Get a drill to raise and lower stabilizers. Get the slap type mouse traps with peanut butter- they work

Minnesota is definitely a beautiful state. Great campground too. Wonderful video overall... Thank you guys❤❤

A couple things to deter rodents is to find any gaps and put steel wool in the holes, use airtight containers for the food and peppermint spray. If you use traps, wear gloves to keep your scent off of the trap. Beautiful little setup you have!

The most common places for mice to get in, is under the camper are around propane lines, around water heater, storage compartments that you can access both inside and out. One thing that can help deter them is to place bounce dryer sheets in cabinets, storage compartments, through a couple on the bed, when the camper is not being used. I use to do that with ours when we had a mouse problem.

The two of you have got this!

Your bound to make mistakes. Don't be too hard on yourself. You definitely made good choice of campers.

Things happen. You’ll remember the next time, I’m sure. As one of your followers suggested, consider a checklist for setting up and breaking down on each trip. I worry about this most often. As far as mice are concerned, I too need feedback from others. Keep me posted. Enjoy your new camper and do not be dismayed by what you learn. Every trip is a learning experience. Love you both. ❤❤❤❤❤

I used to have the same trailer as you. Also like yours, of my jacks bent pretty much from the start. Also I had a mouse above my bed as well, but theorized that it was in the interstitial space between the roof and ceiling, and it probably came up the underside of the trailer because I found where there was a gap that they could have easily crawled up over the tire and into the floor and found their way up the sidewall of the inside wall. Eventually, the sound of this mouse crawling around stopped, and I theorized, it probably died or found its way out. Don't fret it's all part of the adventure. By the way, my trailer came with an attached ladder.

Just so you have something else to worry about keep in mind that mice will eat wiring so if you end up with any electrical issues, keep that in mind.

We all have days when things just don't go as they should. You'll get in the groove again with things. Barkley looks like he's having a blast. Our pup is having a dental and a fatty cyst removed next week, this dog mom is dreading it for him. He travels with us & keeps us on schedule in everything. Safe travels out there!

I have been through this. The truck camper is what I am sticking with now. Never a problem

This has worked for us and our Winnebago Class C. Place bars of Irish Spring inside and under enclosures. We have never had a rodent issue over 8 yrs of traveling and storage of our RV.

Helpful tip all food in air tight containers (like lock & lock) or microwave/refrigerator. Dryer sheets around entire trailer have been said to keep them away. Good luck!

There should be a temp gauge on the collant fins that you can move up and down to help with temp.

Remember to close your sewer valve after connecting to the main sewer. Otherwise you will get sewer flies inside your tanks.

A RV tech advised me to get under the camper and fill all openings with a spray foam called Great Stuff. I believe Home Depot sells it. It is green and contains a rodent repellent If also doesn't hurt plumbing pipes like some expanding spray foam. We always keep a few traps baited with peanut butter as well, just in case they get in our camper. We also have a truck camper and have never had a rodent problem.

Do yourself a favor and replace those stabilizer jacks with actual scissor jacks.

Just came across your channel this morning! I just bought a 19ft Gulfstream single axle camper last week! Can't wait for me and my two Huskies to get out very soon! It's my retirement present to myself 😄 Plan on going to that north shore at some point for sure. Great video, keep them coming. Be safe you guys!

If you decide to use mice traps, please use plastic gloves from the second you open the box to when you lie them down. You want to make sure no human scent is attached on the trap because they tend to avoid them. This tip worked for me, so I hope it works for you and anyone else reading this as well!

A trailer allows so many options for your truck bed. You can cover the bed with a Topper and have secured covered storage for things like your Ebikes etc. I put a carpet kit Bed in ours. It has lots of storage under the bed and in the cabinets on each side.

Mistakes happen. We made a check list, in order of what to do, for set up and take down. You got this!

They are most likely in the ceiling not on the roof and there are so many places underneath that they can get in. I had this problem all summer parked in one place

All used campers you will have some issues with, but you will learn along the way. And things happen to all of us our campers. We all make mistakes and forget to do things, but only forget once.. you guys are doing great.

Cab fresh packets Amazon) and an electronic pest deterrent have kept our camper mouse-free for 7 years. Also, don't leave open food (cereal, etc) in the camper when it sits for a few days. I have been putting things that might attract them in freezer ziplocks and either stored in fridge or microwave. You'll get the kinks worked out and really enjoy your beautiful home! ❤🙏Jane/SC

Love Grand Marais. Been there many times. The circle tour around Lake Superior is amazing.

Your new trailer is the perfect choice for being able to take off in your truck to explore other areas. As an experienced mouser here (sadly), what everyone has said about them is true. And they can get in the tiniest openings. As mentioned, they probably traveled with you from the storage facility at home. Sprinkle mouse bait inside the facility along the exterior walls. That will take care of the problem - just don't let Barkley waunder around in the building. Lovely video! ✌️🇨🇦

You are right about Lake Superior , we camp on the Canadian side at Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park near Marathon , Ontario. . BTW , dont worry about the little things , we all make mistakes .

Don't feel too bad about the stabilizers. Newbie or not, we all screw up. I've been RVing since 1983. Started with a popup, then a TT, then a Motor Home. A couple of years ago we downsized to a short 5th wheel (29'). 1st dumb thing I did was I forgot to drop the tailgate before pulling away from the trailer. Yup, almost $1,000 to replace it. So even with over 30 years of RV experience, you can still mess up. Trick is to not do it again. Happy trails!

Write out a hook up and unhook procedure until you get use to the pull behind travel! I had mine on a 3x5 index card and would put it on my instrument cluster so I won’t forget. I think you made a wise decision and safe travels!!

Great video. Love your new rig (despite your early challenges)

The campground and camping 🏕 town is very nice 👌 👍. See you on the next one adventurers 😊.

I used to make a list of things to do when we got to the camp site and flip the list and make a list of things to do before pulling out and clip it to the driver's side sun visor

I love it. So beautiful! . And yes keep a journal.

Fall is here great footage. I like the new trailer and cabin. Keep up the good work.

Power connections are an access point. Check were the gas line goes through. It doesn’t take much of an opening

Growing pains? You got this!

Minnesota North Shore Scenic highway ( Highway 61) is an awesome drive that passes by many great places like Gooseberry Falls, Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park, Split Rock lighthouse in it's own State Park, and the small towns like Two Harbors, Lutsen, and Grand Portage. It's so much like Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula because of all the wilderness and the Gunflint Trail which runs from Grand Marais to the Canada border near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Plenty of great places to eat or get snacks along the way too like Java Moose in Grand Marais, Betty's Pies, The World's Best Donut shop and of course all the great foodie stops in Duluth like Grandma's Saloon and Grille. We went up there in May 2022 and it was a great vacation. We didn't get to see every place along 61 but we had such a great time.

Yay! You guys are back camping! As for the stabilizer jacks, I use those fluorescent Lynx levelers under the jack. One reason is they draw your attention as you are walking around the trailer so you won't forget they are there before you leave and the other reason is they keep the jacks from sinking into the ground if it's wet or sandy. As for the mice, I haven't had a problem in the 6 years I have had a T.T, but we do live in Arizona. I know one RU-vidr camper guy from Minnesota that keeps a lot of his food stored in the oven and in the microwave so mice don't eat it. I definitely think you guys made the right decision to get a trailer though♡♡♡

Very cool part of the country! You guys would definitely love the Boundary Waters as well (make sure to give Michigan some love by spending a couple of nights on Isle Royale as well :-).

I really enjoy your videos. I almost bought the exact trailer you have. In retrospect I wish I had. My first trailer was an Rpod. It was fine for an entry level unit. My next was a Lance, with was up a notch in workmanship etc an price. 😳. however, my desire for a dual axle trailer like yours seemed to be the safest in my experience. Now at 82 I have difficulty lifting the weight distribution hitch so I now,have a small motor home. Happy trail to you two and stay safe 👏🏻🌹

Murphy’s law followed me for 3 months! When starting full time travelling! Yall will get there, just like with the truck camper. I would never pull a trailer (without a man! To do all the man stuff😂)

Just a suggestion. Do not keep the black tank open when you are hooked up. You need the tank to be pretty full to completely empty.

Your dog will make it all better.

Yup leave holding tank valve closed till u need to dump.

Just came across your channel! Yes I subscribed and yes I clicked the bell!! I’m looking forward to seeing your adventures!!

We ordered a 2013 26' travel trailer 11 yrs ago. I removed every panel i could inside and out and stuffed every wire/pipe opening with steel wool. Still have it and never had rodents or bugs, other than lady bugs. If the stabilizer is lippert, be aware they sell 2 grades they make. You will find one half price but makes more noise -thats what i used when i bent one.

Worst thing you did was open the tank to the trailer when you hooked up. Leave it closed at all times then open black tank first then clear out with grey tank. Mice. Hate them with a passion mice traps and check all of the water lines, they love getting thru there even the furnace and water heater exhaust make sure you have dabbler nets on them.

Late posting this, but have a check list / cheat list to do before ever moving off. Probably repeated advice, but CHECK everything on a list.

Nice. Once you work the kinks out of your new rig, it will be fine. AC, nice.😊

It really looks Beautiful there. Your camera’s seems like we are with you guys.

I'd definitely think they're getting in from underneath, especially since they were in the cabinets. Worth going around all the entry points under there and sealing them with steel wool and outdoor rated spray foam. That's what we did at a cabin in Alaska and it worked well to keep the mice and squirrels out of their customary entry points.

I truly hope that is the end of the problems for awhile!!! I heard mice hate the smell of fabric softener sheets, so maybe try putting them around the inside of the camper. I think clove oil helps keep bugs away too. I don't own a camper but I truly wish the best for you ❤. Looking forward to seeing the UP with you guys 😊

Life is a learning curve, it'll get better :)

The mice are likely in the air conditioner ducting that you possibly have in your interior ceiling, Use mouse traps with a small blob of peanut butter and a peanut stuck to it and you will get them, Buy some Fresh Cab mouse pouches and put 8-12 of them all through out your trailer and it will drive them out. Don't sweat the small stuff, the cheap jacks on the rear should be easy to replace. Just remember that now when you travel you are able to park your home and go places with your truck and I think that's kinda nice. All styles of rv's have their strong suits in different ways, Take Care from John & Argie in Olympia, WA

Copper coated steel wool won't leave a stain, Dollar tree Pine sol, install a spray nozzle. Spray the tires where the mice climb up. Us solar rope lights around the Rig and under the truck hood. Safe travels 👍

Get underneath the camper and stuff all holes with steel wool. Should be a slide on a fin in the refrigerator slide down for warmer up for colder.. in your case sounds like you want it to be a little warmer so stuff does not freeze.

Discovered your videos not super long ago, and really enjoy them. I'm a native Yooper and live in the Ishpeming and Negaunee area. It looked like you were looking at the bluffs on Teal lake in Negaunee in the beginning of this video. I'm looking forward to the videos you make crossing the U.P. hey. I do have to say, we're having an unusually hot stretch and it may push our Fall Colors back a little, so you may not get to enjoy that on this trip. Again truly enjoy your videos, keep up the wonderful effort on your part making them and enjoy your travels.

Place pieces of Irish spring soap around. They hate the sme.

You haven't mentioned what happened about your mouse problem? I have a pop-up camper and I had my skin one winter while stored in my backyard. And they made a mess. And I could not figure out how they got in. So investigating, I found where the gas line goes from the outside of the camper into the cupboard for the stove. The cocking had come off and there's a little gap around the floor and the gas line. That's the only thing I could figure out how they got in.

There is a suction cup adapter for the expandable ladder

Mice in the ceiling cavity....thats going to be a nasty cleanup as well as a health hazard. Good luck and mask and glove up dealing with it.

Now that you have a Winnebago like Traveling Robert, will you be signing your own opening theme song? 😂😂😂

We use the Mouse Free undercarriage lubricant to stop mice from getting in our RV. It’s expensive but works like a charm for 18 months at a time!

Tell me about your telescoping ladder, I like that. When you're not using your trailer throw some Grandpa Gus pouches in it, and buy the spray too. Non toxic (Barkley) and they work to keep the mice out. Been using them in our trailer for years.

I've owned my trailer for 6 years and snowbird in az only had mice once thank goodness. Tip never have any food in bags or boxes only in hard plastic.

You are doing a great job,please keep up the great job.

Hey guys, what are you waiting for? You have property now. So storage/parking is no longer an issue. Live large and join the 5th wheel camper family.

With our pop up we established a firm routine check list so we didn’t forget anything like the stabilizers, (ask me how I know🫣) The truck camper was easier for sure. I believe you’ll love the camper and the freedom to detach and go! THAT’s a positive.

It’s very common to get mice in your camper, they can get in anywhere, they can squeeze their little bodies through the smallest places, I have seen them squeeze through the area where the slide out meets the body of the camper, there is a rubber gasket Which usually has spaces for them to get through on the bottom of the gasket, they can get through on the roof, they could can get through underneath or any spaces in the storage areas!

How you guys feel stay in there with that size of space (I’m Thai it not a normal thing here to have campers or rv. I planned to get one right now)

Good luck. First few times out with our camper was one thing after the other .just push through it.

Loved this content and absolutely love the North shore. Grand Marais is great little town. Hope you were are to enjoy the many waterfalls on the north shore and the Gitch Gami trail.

Barkley says i will get those mouses.Nice filming .beautiful scenery.

To avoid mice AND eliminate garbage (that attracts mice- they can smell for miles:())- When I get new groceries, I switch everything! Out of the containers, plastics etc, into sealed containers! Everything! If I do have garbage like a can, I will put into a ziploc bag before putting into the garbage. Not only does it keep foods fresher - dry and fridge; but NO critters! 🎉

Your home reminds me of the White Mtns in NH

Acorns on the roof is squirrels. Mice will come in the electric cord or any areas not sealed👍🇺🇸

Get some Lego leveling blocks for under your stabilizers. Just in case you do forget....you have a little bit of clearance and won't break....

Our new camper had to replace the microwave, have the dining room light replaced and a broken lock on the pass through We finally got the bugs wirked out .we almost got a cat when the mice invaded😊😅 safe travels 😊

Would be much easier in a truck camper. I get the more space thing but isn’t that why you bought the house/cabin??? Gonna miss the truck camper videos. Always been my dream… someday ❤

Hey if bent stabilizers and mice are you worst issues then life is good. There are definitely worse things that could happen. Enjoy the journey and keep on living large :)

Hmm, might be time to add a cat 🐈 to the family! 😁 What a wonderful video of such a beautiful area…nothing like a small fishing town whether coastal or inland on a lake. Thank you for bringing us along and look forward to the remainder of your trip, especially once the falls colors start to settle in! As always, stay safe out there…..

Make a check list. Inside and outside for moving days.

Don’t feel bad about the stabilizer jacks. We are not newbies and just recently did the same thing on our class c motorhome. Thankfully they weren’t electric or hydronic which would be a much more expensive fix. Keep the faith

Enjoy your trip guys❤

We did that with are 5 th wheel we were not use to stabilizer jacks

I’m new to truck camping and enjoy watching your videos even as you move into a different trailer. When moving items into the new trailer, I was wondering what you use under your bed mattress? I’m assuming this helps with moisture?

Look up grandpa gus mouse repellant pouches i know a few people who use them and they never have a problem i used to use dryer sheets in my pop up i never had any mice i know its frustrating but once you get everything figured out i think youll enjoy it more being more mobile and not having to pick up and leave everytime you wanna go out

Just started following you guys and im enjoying the content. Safe travels ✌️

I was born in Grand Marais New Years Eve 1965.

The best backpacks ever are Osprey. None better

Interesting… I’m watching while sitting in my Rv at the Grand Marais Campground! 😊

That is a truly lovely young lady.

Your going to end up getting that aluminum frame truck camper you have been wanting. Just a prediction from a fan.

More great content guys. Well done:)

The mice might have been between the roof and interior ceiling...Newer RV's don't have alot of places for rodents to get in through...