I just ordered a new tool box as well--was a pain to find what I wanted and available within a few weeks (supposed to arrive May 1st). Curious what model you went with if you care to share early (since BB makes a gazillion sizes)? Still needed to pick up hanging straps, D-rings, new chocks, and hose connectors so thanks for the reminder.
This is the most professionally maintained rv channel I have come across. I really appreciate the amount of work you both put into this channel to provide all of us with so many great tips and tricks that would of taken us years and countless hours to research and figure out for ourselves. New subscriber! We wish nothing but the best for you both! We plan on full timing with our two kids soon and this has been beyond helpful throughout the process.
Lynn Steiner People who aren’t “dog people” have no idea how important dogs are to those who have them in their RV’s, with them. My parents had Wire Hair Fox Terriers that went with them every day of their RV life. When my dad passed, a little over 5 years ago, they had just gotten a new puppy, Winnie. The love of their lives, Cindi, had passed away at the ripe age of 15 and a few months later Winnie was here. My mother still drives the 37’ Winnebago by herself and brings Winnie with her. They’re inseparable and they both LOVE camping. My heart goes out to you and I’m so very sorry for your loss❤️❤️
You two are the best! A couple of years ago I made my husband buy that exact same shower head, and the whole time he was uninstalling the old one & then installing the new one, he was complaining about what a waste of time & money it is, and that we're not gonna see any difference. So, the next day we were getting ready to go out to eat and while I was in the bedroom putting on makeup, I could hear him in the shower saying, "Oh yeah, this thing is nice! Thanks, Babe!" Now when neighbors or visiting friends want a tour of our 5th wheel, the 1st thing he points out is our new shower head 💪! 😁😁😁
My husband and I in the next year or two are looking to sell our home and go fifth wheel full time living. Your videos are by far the best! Not only are you an amazing couple, and Daisy is adorable, but you explain EVERYTHING! Thank you for making this channel and helping us to better understand , and get ready, for a new way of living!
The RV community on RU-vid is amazing. I have learned a ton from these great channels. And I have been RVing on and off since 2004. I have even been inspired to get my channel up and running.
For where the sewer hose enters the park fitting, I filled a tube sock with fine gravel, secured the end with a wire tie, then used the second sock and wire tie as a double layer. It makes a perfect sandbag so the hose doesn't leap out while in use. Mine has lasted years and just gets tossed in with the hose accessories.
On Day #1, you will need to consider having 1-2 flashlights (and/or head-lights). Also a basic 1st Aid kit and a good tire gauge. The videos the two of you make are spot on! Kudos for the good work!
I am a widower and living in my present rv 5 yrs and have over the years my wife and I had 2-5th wheels and 1 motorhome. During that time I bought things more concerned about price than quality. What eventually became apparent was when I added up the cheap, I could have bought quality. You video above was fun to watch and well done. I even saw some items I hadn't seen before such as your battery meter and your particular propane meter and the rest you showed in the kitchen. I also liked the refrigerator temp gauge on the door. Best, since I have a pet, was the unit that keeps you updated on temp and other factors in your rv and sends a text if things aren't up to snuff. I am a disabled vet and a biker of many years. (age 15 to 65) Long distant enthusiast/ iron seat :) Now 70 and looking forward to my next one. Last was a Harley ultra Classic, now thinking about a BMW touring model. Keep your video's coming, along with your journeys and great commentary. Thanks to you both Bruce Matthews
Just a couple more things to add, Tara. 1. One former US Navy sailor that can install/fix just about anything. And 2. A cute little blonde smart ass that makes life worth getting up to live this lifestyle for, who can cook, loves motorcycles, dogs, and makes you laugh when you need it. Just 2 more items that shouldn't be too hard to find! 😉 Lots of great info as always, guys. Remain safe and vigilant, especially you, Tara. Protect that immune system, kid. Troy
Thank you for putting out these great videos. I just joined the 5th wheel RV world and your videos have already helped me so much! You're doing a great job and taking the stress out of the learning curve phase of RVing. Keep up the great work and I will be watching all of your videos!!!
As many have already said - amazing video! I think the RV industry owes you a debt because you make RVing seem so approachable/attainable. I think I have watched every video from the beginning and you get better and better, honing your craft, but still seem so natural and friendly on the videos. Thank you thank you
Chad very informative about the generator fix. I am a retired electrician of 45 years. I have installed 3 phase generators up to 3 mega watts. Never knew about the wiring of the small RV gensets and how their windings are in sync. Thanks for the lesson. Love your videos. We also have a GD Solitude 375RES.
Hey Tara I hope you are feeling ok! Worried about you... just know your family is in our prayers & hope you guys are doing ok out there. I wanted to tell you thank you for always doing such an amazing job & being so thorough- you too Chad! 😊
Thank you, Chad and Tara, Changing Lanes! We have been watching you for 3 yrs, planning our change from sticks and bricks to full time RVing. We just bought the new-to-us Grand Design Solitude this week! We had a vacation pop-up for ten yrs, but this is different. Your tear down/set up list was a fabulous starting place for us! Thank you so much for that! And the list of day 1 essentials with recommendations on which specific item to get - that's been a huge help. The sewer Valterra Valve (or the surprise valve, as my husband calls it) was something we didn't think of, and appreciate you telling us! The ford truck tire leaky valve issue was also a huge help. We believe our 2019 used ford doesn't have that issue (should have rubber gaskets not steel and we have no corrosion), but two tires have leaked air. At least you got us checking! Thanks again VERY MUCH!
Thank you! This was a big help. Saving this video for my husband and I to watch later. I have already watch. Told my husband I really like these people 😉
We are 12 weeks away from taking delivery of our new 5th wheel. This video will help us be ready. Thank you for the research and information you provide. It shows that you have put a lot of time into knowing and understanding what you recommend. Hope to see you on the road and go for a ride. Marc
Good extensive video on the starter equipment. I found over the years I have refined my equipment and got rid of some. Certain things definitely didn’t work out as well as I had hoped and other items just rode around in the trailer for a long time and never really got used. Good totes for organization have been key for keeping everything clean, easy to find and orderly. Thanks. Always enjoy watching you guys.
This is one of the most valuable posts on your site for people like us who are starting. Making sure we buy only the stuff we need to get started is a great help with budget.
You guys are awesome for making this video. My wife and I have been RV'ing for about 10 years, with a pause for the past 2 years and now this virus mess has delayed us from getting our new Montana 5th wheel out again. Great video for a refresher. I have most of the goodies you guys show, but some are definitely on my shopping list, like the brass hose connectors. Keep on you two!
Thanks for sharing very helpful. I told my wife we need to do a check list. I know some of the things we do have. Power cord extension had to buy at a campground on our second trip.
The best way to figure it out is to do a trial run close to home or even in your driveway. You will learn really quickly what you need! 😂 I find more stuff every time I go out. 😜
Great video. We’ve been using one ply Scott’s not RV toilet paper for 4 years. Never an issue. We had to add a weight on top if the sewer hose connection at one campground. Picked up a pack of exercise weights, 2lber’s, and that made a big difference. We also have a sewer hose support that looks like half of a PVC piper cut in half. Several sections.
The wife and I have been following you guys for awhile now. I'm a lineman and plan on RVing when I retire, have to wait another 10 years though. Great content, keep it up we're living through you guys till then.
The valve on the end of the sewer line is a must. We had the black water valve not hold and when I pulled the cap off, felt like the the little dutch boy. We have the valve now. Great tips even for us experience campers. We can always learn from each other.
Hello Tara, Chad and Daisy 😁 my hubby and I love, love, LOVE watching your channel, you are so generous with your time and all the advice you impart. We live in Droitwich Spa, a small town in Worcestershire, England. I am pretty sure that your beautiful RV wouldn't make it around the roads where we live 😔 but we love watching you guys on your travels 😁 thank you so much for cheering us up in lockdown, please stay safe and well. Lots of love from Yvonne, Chris and our two Jack Russell boy's Patch & Spot 😁 xxxx
I have been making videos for years. I have spent my life producing theatrical presentations. I am a supreme critic. You GUYS are great! I understand the time and effort that you put into these videos, and I am so impressed and grateful for the great information you provide for free to us. I have never driven an RV. I am terrified, but you two make me feel so much more confident and comfortable for what I am about to get involved with .Thank you!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!! I appreciate your time, effort, and expertise.
Since it looks like some of us can go camping soon, this is a great reminder of how to do those tedious tasks. Thanks guys for another great video. We are praying that our country opens up soon and safely!! Duane and Deana.
Nice episode, lots of stuff to consider. I didn't realize there was such a difference in equipment need when comparing a motorhome and a fifth wheel. Never thought of it, but there is.
Great video. The problem we have with clothing hangers is not clothing falling off but the hanger with clothing falling off the rod. The fire pit looks awesome. That would be nice for boondocking, especially in the Black Hills. The Black Hills NF does not allow open fires unless it is at a designated fire pit or if you use a "portable brazier".
I've watched a lot of your videos. You 2 are like the Neighbors everyone wishes they had. So nice and conversational in your videos. They are a pleasure to watch. I appreciate that you aren't trying to be over the top, overly enthusiastic, dramatic, etc. You 2 make great videos. Keep being you. Would be cool to see ya at a park one day.
My Wife and I are about to start full timing. Very happy we found your videos. You guys do a great job explaining things. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Just went on our first trip out with our toy hauler and thought of you two more than once. Thanks for all the knowledge you share with us newbies. Had a great time even though we turned down the wrong road and it was full of snow and my husband had to back out that beast down a one lane snow covered road...Oh boy! We made it though.
Daisy stole the show, she is so darn adorable. Again Love the video, keep em coming. Can't wait for the toolbox video (MAN CAVE) for a truck. As always the outtakes are awesome
Great video! We (wife and I) have been full timing for a year in a class C motorhome. We completely endorse the RV accessories recommended in this video.
For laundry... we carry a couple of spring tube hampers, have one in the bedroom and another one in storage as a spare. Carry laundry detergent (we use scent-free packs), dryer sheets, and several rolls of quarters!! Laundry day is usually every four days or once a week (both hampers her full). Strip the bed... Yikes! -Jersey Mike and Linda
Thank you so much. Best video ever!!!! My wife and i watched it and followed it to the letter and had only a few minor problems and it had nothing to do with what you talked about. Water, Sewer, And electric taken care of. Thanks again cant wait to watch the other video's.
We have been rving for 15 years weekends and extended trips. Your suggestions are great and we just added a couple more items to our must have. Thanks you guys are awesome!
The vid was great in helping us prepare to hit the road to the sweet breeze of Texas. You two are very informative and we just Love All your videos. Stay Safe and keep it between the lines. Peace
Great video. I've been camping for 5 years part time with a 5th wheel and will actually go through and remove things that have not been used not because we need the room, but because you're towing extra weight around
I ain't no rv person but I love watching these videos to see what you guys go through, and what living is like and the problems you have or don't. Very nice video.
Let me be honest with you. I was frustrated and scared when I was watching the entire video lol. A lot of the stuff are new to me until I reminded myself that I survived college. We are waiting for our RV to be delivered end of May. We are ready to have a beautiful adventures. From the bottom of my heart thank you guys and we love you.
You will be fine. Get out there, experience it and make adjustments as you go. This from a guy who has been full-timing for 3 mos. Boondocked in FL for a week; traveled through VA - FL-MS-TX. In NM now for 2 mos. at RV park; gotta move on May 1. Researching WHERE to go during Covid-19 with so many closures. DO IT, don't look back and enjoy the adventure, you college graduate!
Get a Garmin dezl or a comparable truck route GPS. I drive truck for a living and I can tell you from years of trying different units the commercial grade gps is worth the cost. You can input all the dimensions of your vehicles and it won't route you a way you can't fit. They're high as a kite but if you rely on it regularly it's worth it.
Thanks very good video. One thing I was very surprised you didn't mention first thing .... Carbon monoxide and propane detector. One of the most important things to me. Great video.. Thanks enjoy.
hahahaha.. well my list just got longer..! totally appreciate your time! We just got a new montana 3121ck and your videos help us quite a bit. we're going on our first 4 day trip over new years.. so i'm buying my necessities now.. thanks again.. r-
On the tools to carry, I have always just made up a toolkit from my shop and carried them in a tool bag but last year I got a complete carry kit from Kobalt. Everything I had in my made up kit but in an easy to carry folding kit. Keep up the good info
Thanks and very good RV information. I like the bloopers too. We have 2019 GD Reflection 337 RLS and after year we are still learning new things. The checklist is a definite starter. Wish y’all good health and continued safe travels.
leveling blocks work great for picnic tables for us that are obsessive about a level table with no wobble. they work great with 2x6 legs and pipe style
I've looked at a lot of RV videos, but you guys are good! A real nice set up, well planned and look like you're having a lot of fun. Like the bloopers too. Just traded up and like all of your helpful comments. Knew some, but now I know a lot of things I'm glad you covered...and very well. Looks like I have a lot of your videos to watch. This should be fun. You make a good team. I'm looking forward to watching all of your videos.
Y'all are awesome! Very informative but my fav of this video was the firepit and your sweet Daisy ❤ our fur baby is Grady, a rescue shih tzu. God bless
We just found you guys and are already big fans of your approach and expertise! This was a wonderful tutorial. We are still preparing for our first trip and you gave us some great ideas for tools we had not yet thought about. Thanks for the links.
I love your furbaby! So cute! Mine passed last year and haven't thought about getting one yet. She was my shadow for 14 years! Take care and peace C.L.
Great video Tara and Chad. You had me at item # 1 - cute little dog LOL. Actually, I love all the gear tips and how Chad is a neat freak with organizing the tools!
Great video, great information! Your sewer connection advice was spot on! You are both fun to watch! Best part was your face backing up at Virginia Beach, thats the “oh shit stuff just got real!”Face. Then you turning and looking out the back window. Been there, done that myself. Hardest part for me was learning my rig, knowing my marker points and trusting my mirrors. Neon vests are life savers.
Thanks soo much for this! You are both soo encouraging and upbeat! I wanted to thank you both for all this valuable advise . I bought a 21 foot little guy Max in November and it’s winter in Pa so I’m researching all I will need for my first camping trip come spring and your video was great! And your precious puppy 🐶 made the video even better! Take good care and God bless ya both! Amy
Excellent resource. You two rock! Retiring in a few years and just started exploring the possibility of.5th Wheel living. Really, really appreciate ALL of your "real world" RV living experiences, advice & considerations sharing.
Thank you so much for all the essentials. We were struggling on what to get. There is so much out there. We just bought our first RV. And are super excited about getting this adventure started. Thank u again for everything. Much love.
Sometimes you fall asleep tuned in to RU-vid but you awake to great accidental finds. I subscribe to over 20 RV channels that I follow daily. This morning was one of those finds! Your videos are excellent, especially this one. Although I was aware of almost everything included in this, I found it an excellent review. I like your presentation style. It is thorough in presenting information, easy to listen to, and full of lighter moments that make for continued interest in following your channel. Keep up the GREAT work especially the excellent editing. I come from a tech support background and I know how much work these excellent presentations take.
I like this video a lot. We have been rving since 1999, 13 years in a pop-up, so we have only had sewer since 2013, when we bought our travel trailer. Which means we don't have a lot of experience with sewer hookup. You have helped me. Thanks. Stay healthy.
Love this! Great refresher for me. We aren’t full time yet but we are knocking down 5k-9k miles a year with our travel trailer. Our plan and dream is to trade up to class a and we’ll need to update and upgrade our inside and outside stuff. Definitely bookmarking this for the future. Thanks!!
You guys are great. Thank you for putting together all this content. We've been considering buying a new 5th wheel and need to factor in the cost of all the needed accessories. Thanks for the comprehensive list.
I had been RVing for many years before I went full time so I just had to get a few things for a DP. Very good list for a fifth wheel. Thanks for the video.
Stephen W Great video on tools, specially sanitation equipment. One addition to the list is a "dump hose" wrench. When the hoses are new, it's realy hard to connect/disconnect the fittings. It takes more hands than you have. Really enjoy the videos. Fly Navy!!
Agree with day 1 essentials: four legged companions, Comfy chairs, FIRE, fire TONGS, red wine, and bath house. To hell with the rest... Seriously, great video and tips. Newbie here and gained invaluable information. I thank you!
I have been RVing for a life time and I thought I had everything. The water meters look cool I will have to get me some.I have been filling my water tank by time 3 gallon a minute. Turn the water on for 10 minutes gives me 30 gallon of water.
Chad & Tara - two things I consider essential and should be on hand from day 1: Extra spare tire/wheel for the camper - so you have TWO on board and ready to go.. Second: Air compressor.. Our Fuzion 427 has a small compartment next to the outside TV where a small dorm-style refrigerator was situated. We don't use it - so removed it and we found a small Porter-Cable pancake compressor that fit right into that area.. All we had to do was remove the rubber feet and slide it in.. We bought an extra 50' air hose so as to reach even the front tires on the truck. Now, if we have a low tire or need compressed air, we just plug it in and it's ready to go..
@@ChangingLanes Last tip - make sure you have enough air hose.. I keep a 50' hose next to the compressor - that way I can reach not only the trailer tires, but the truck as well w/o unhooking the camper.. Can't wait to see your next video Chad...
Very good suggestions for newbies and well presented. The best chairs are the old aluminum rockers which you can find used on ebay, super light weight to carry. I have lived in class A's for 15 years. The 1st one was for 13. I never flushed or cleaned my black water tank. He is super right about Happy Camper, the tank never smelled in that time period and it ate up and dissolved the waste so good that I never cleaned it. I guess I never stay in high end camp sites, I never had to suspend my sewer hoses and they worked fine. Just had to lift them to empty them when disconnecting. I don't know for the repulsion and surgical glove use in disconcerting the sewer system. Animal waste has evolved over the millenniums to be a safe fertilizer for nature. Much safer than all the chemical products we clean with and body products we put on our skins. I guess it's psychological.
When you store your RV in hot climates ie Florida you may need to remove your items from the walls. Extreme heat and humidity will lossen adhesive tape.
People new to RV life may not be aware that regular garden hoses are NOT SAFE as supply lines to drinking or cooking water. There are chemicals that can leech ( dissolve) into the water. The flush hose can be anything. As you stated, there are places that require that black water hoses be " above grade". This is a COUNTY regulation for the parks in Benson, Arizona where I am currently. There are a few items in your store that are no longer available from Amazon. Until you get your checklist memorized learn to ask looky loos to wait until you are done before engaging in conversations.
Guys, great video! Perfect for quarantine! What I like about your vids is that they are interesting and you don't do the "Ummm" or "you know" or "Uhhhhh". They're very polished in my opinion. Glad you two are doing well there in lock down. Also I work in water and sewer and honest, once you clean them off with bleach and you've done a good job rinsing there's really not going to be anything left when you're waving things around. It was just funny watching your reactions to clean fittings..It's probably just the mental aspect of it.. But I had to smile.. I could tell you some stories....Stay safe and I look forward to your next vid..
RV GPS tip, if you use your phone for a GPS, use a 7" tablet with a magnetic mount with a RV GPS app like CoPilot GPS Navigation & Traffic on it. Using a large screen tablet is much better than your phone!
