🔴 What are some of your must-know tips when it comes to hitching or unhitching your fifth wheel/travel trailer? What are some steps that you can share with us that might make the process more safe and more efficient? - Kyle and Renee ✔︎ B&W Companion Slider Hitch urlgeni.us/amzn/BWhitch HappilyEverHanks Amazon Page 📦 urlgeni.us/amazon/HanksStorefront
Hello I'm fixing to get into rving & looking at 5th wheels, ( I see your truck bed is short) is there any problem with turning or does it clear completely, I hate looks of a long bed, thanks for any information 🇺🇲🦅🌍⚓ USMC
Thank you for your service and what you do for our country ❤️ As far as the short bed, it always pays to have a sliding hitch for those super tight situations. There are definitely ways around it to prevent those scenarios from occurring 😃👍🏼 When do you hope to join the RV life? What’s your name by the way?
Just picked up my 5w last Thursday and I sure wish I’d found this video on Sunday when I was pulling out of the dealership campground on my own for the first time!! They hadn’t gone over the process fully and I was sweating bullets guessing at the steps and what to do. Thankfully made it to the campground 45 miles away safely but stress level was thru the roof. Just took 2 pages of notes so I don’t go through that experience again!! Thank you!!
Oh my goodness Michelle! That is super scary. So sorry that they didn’t go over everything in detail with you 😣 happy you made it there safely and that you found some value in this video ❤️❤️ stay safe out there, we look forward to hearing from you again soon!! 😊👋🏼
Truthfully...I think they could have gone over it 50 times at the dealership and you'd still have some anxiety. Notes/checklists are great to assist, but ya just gotta dig in and DOIT!
Excellent video! BUT… remember not everyone has an auto level on their trailer. Some of us need to do the leveling and setting the height of the nose manually. I also have a tool box mounted to my bed so I can’t see the hook up directly, I added a camera system to the bed of the truck and 3 additional cameras on the trailer( for backing up) Prior to the camera, I used the “old school” tennis balls on magnet polls. Surprisingly that worked really good. Your video is still excellent!
Thank you Brad and Diana!! Dexter always loves making his cameo appearances, we just can’t ever figure out what he is looking at 😹 You guys are so sweet for your kind words 😊 - Renee and Kyle
Wow! I never realized that there was so much involved in pulling a Fifth wheel!! 😲 But, you guys did an excellent job at breaking it down step by step. Glad you were able to get all of those extras installed at no extra cost!! That's definitely a HUGE win!! I'm (Christina) always such a hard sale!! 🤣🤣 Whenever we bought our camper, I insisted on having the salesman throw in a t-shirt from their shop!! 🤣 We absolutely LOVE your channel! We were actually binge watching your episodes earlier. 😍
Aww thank you Christina!! Your support means the world to us! ❤️We really enjoy watching your content as well and often look forward to each new episode! That's awesome to hear that you are able to be such a good bargainer at the dealership, it's not always easy 😄How did you like this style of video with the voice over? Do you think it is able to cement the information better or would you rather see us explaining the content in the video?? - Renee and Kyle
Hey, it's the Frugal Duo. Sorry if I was teasing too much this morning. Y'all are awesome. Aren't the HappilyEverHanks so good at making these videos? They're naturals.
@@HappilyEverHanks I honestly thought it was great! I thought the voice over was very thorough and appropriate! You guys are truly naturals at this! I see BIG things happening for the Hanks!! 😍
@@theFrugalDuo Aww you guys are so awesome! We are so happy to be able to grow with you guys and support each other in our journeys ❤️ Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback! We to our best to keep it fresh and exciting 😄much love - Renee and Kyle
Nice point about the hitch. There are quite a few people who are afraid to negotiate with dealers. They just need to stick to it, and make the best decision the first time. This will come by doing research. Great video!
@@HappilyEverHanks Thank you! I have watched so many of your videos, and find them so enjoyable. I love traveling so much, and I am always looking for people who enjoy it as much as I do. Not just that, a strong community that shares what they know (and have learned) and pass it on. I built a whole channel based around these points! Thanks again, and keep smiling!
This "tutorial" was very well done. Now I can see why when you are able to leave the campground at checkout time you are so pleased. That is a lot to remember and you did a great job of telling us, step-by-step.
Well, I know where to reference this if we ever go with the fifth wheel. Again, this is one of those things that can be boring, but you guys are making it fun. Loved the advice at the end. We did that can we get this or that with the house. It isn't always about money. Thank you! for making that point to others as well. ❤️👍👏 Donovan & Jodi
Awww thank you Donovan & Jodi!! We try to our best to make it interactive so that it can be enjoyable to watch while getting good content out of the video! You guys are so awesome for watching 😊 stay tuned, we have super fun vlogs coming 😁👌🏼 stay safe guys! - Kyle and Renee
I just started my new RV life about 6 weeks ago, and I've been watching your awesome and helpful videos since last year. Thank you for sharing your RV life experience with us, since newbies definitely need this! I just wish I would have seen this video before I bought my hitch, since I do not like it. But I am traveling for a while, so cannot replace it yet. Oh well, RV life must go on!😅😂
Quick question. We have a brand new fifth wheel and the ball on the fifth wheel itself is Rusty what do you do? Also I want to thank you guys for what you do we appreciate you. Great information.
It's almost always better to ask for stuff than it is to ask for money off. The dealer usually looks at their cost of doing something when they are throwing it in, not the retail price. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
Great video! I didn't see y'all use a check list. We have always done this (hitching and unhitching) just like an airplane pre-flight. That being said, on our latest GD Solitude 5th wheel. I will make a check list out of the steps that you enumerated here. Thanks again!!!
Super great video! Wished we would have found you before!! We got our first 5th wheel 2022 Keystone Sprinter 2 months ago. Dealer did a way too quick ‘how-to-do’ hook up. At home, we went through h3ll hitching/unhitching for the next 3 campouts with the Lippert auto level system. Divorce was close!! Then we discovered by accident, the full Lippert instructions on the inside door panel of the propane tanks storage!! We could have cried!! Why in the world didn’t the dealer just show us these instructions!!!! How we missed seeing it is probably because we’re such newbies. You know, that deer in the headlights look! Please spread the word the Lippert instructions decal is there! Sooooooo much easier. And we’re still married.
🙌🏼🙌🏼 so stoked you replied to my message! As I’m binge watching more episodes of you guys! Me and my family cannot get enough of you three! We have a full hook up trip to Launch pointe camp grounds in Lake Elsinore Ca this weekend and you guys are so informative I’m like a sponge watching all the uploads. Newbie here..very nervous and anxious to take my family out in our 5th wheel. 😬 god bless you two on your travels. Thank you
i had to get the hitch 3500.00 they wouldn"t budge..and somethings wasn"t done correctly...and this was a new one lol...after your video im practicing hitching and unhitching so i don"t make a fool out of myself...
Awesome content! Lots of little tidbits that are usually overlooked or taken for granted that can make or break your trip or truck!!! Keep up the amazing work you two! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!!!
The man of the hour!! You made it 😃 thanks for watching and giving us such a great idea for content! We are glad you enjoyed it and can’t wait to bring more content like this in the future!! Thank you so much for the support 😊
Hey Y’all! Great information! I was holding my breath when y’all were hooking up the fifth wheel and I kept thinking “Tug test, tug test, tug test ”...then Renee spilled it! Ahhh! But, I can assure you that after all my years in trucking I will NEVER pull another trailer! LOl! What’s wild, also, is the fact I could back a 40, 48, or 57 foot trailer onto a knat’s behind..but, if y’all was to ever see me back a U-Haul trailer you’d think I’d never backed a trailer in my life! When I go full time it’ll be in a Class B Promaster. I wanna go places y’all can’t with your big rig! Stay safe as I wave from Houston!
I don’t doubt that for one minute! You have gained so much experience with backing up rigs over all of those years. I can’t say I blame you for never wanting to tow again in your life 😄 Your class B will be absolutely wonderful with the flexibility to be able to go many more places. We someday want to also venture into that kind of living style! When you hit the road, let us know and we will hopefully be able to all meet up 😃👏🏼🙌🏼 - Kyle and Renee
A slider hitch with a 5th wheel is wel worth the additional expense. It allows us to jackknife our 5ver and turn around in about 35’ of space. A capability that allows us to go down a dead end and still turn around (perfect for our favorite beach destination where bumper pulls don’t generally go because it’s a 1/4 mile if backing with a bumper pull.
Thanks so much guys!! This was great, I'll be hitching up and living solo on the road in my 5th wheel soon so this step by step guide is exactly what I was looking for. Lol the hitch installer definitely made me nervous about doing it by myself, but I knew it couldn't be that hard. Thank you!! Hope to see you both on the road!
How awesome!!! You will absolutely love this lifestyle. So happy for you :) yes, the hitching is not hard at all, just figuring out a routine and sticking with it is key. What model of fifth wheel did you end up going with? - Kyle and Renee
I discovered the importance of having the pin box be slightly lower than the hitch today... kept backing harder and harder into the rig then realized it wasnt locking in. Sadly i also used up the little bit of power left in the rig battery trying to adjust the legs. I need to learn how to set hitching height in my controller 😅
Those learning lesson are all too familiar on our end as well 😬 We feel your pain! Thank you for your wonderful support in watching our videos, Joel! We appreciate you
Mack!! Thank you so much for your great feedback 😃👍🏼We are so happy for you!!! Let us know how it goes hitching up at the dealer today, we want to hear all about it!
WOW! That was amazingly detailed and extremely informative. Thank you again for another wonderful video!! So much to learn and details details details!! As retired military, detailed operational mission orders are so critical to mission success. Great job!
Yes absolutely!! Couldn’t agree more with what you said, thank you for the amazing feedback 🙂 Glad it was helpful content! We try to keep it simple and informative. We appreciate you Jay and Denisse! ❤️
Thank you for the video. On piece of information, the break-away must not be attached to hitch; if the hitch breaks, cable flys away with the hitch assembly. Cable needs to be attached to truck on cargo tie-down with C-hasp or aftermarket eyelet. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you in Tampa RV Show.
Have you had your rig over CAT scales? Perhaps you could cover how to scale your rig so you arent overweight, how to calculate payloads, tow capacities, ect. Alot of people dont know.
Brittany you are so awesome for watching and commenting!! We were hoping the voice over would make it pop! Miss you guys and can't wait to bring some more content to the table that will hit close to home for you both 😉- Kyle and Renee
I have been going back and forth between wanting a Fifth Wheel or a Class C or Class A. This step by step tutorial takes a lot of fear out of the equation. Such a great video.
Great video guys 👏👏👏👏 we are veteran campers but have just purchased our 1st large 5th wheel and pick it up this week. No matter how experienced, your videos are a great reminder. Keep up the great videos.
Wow thank you so much Jason for your amazing feedback! We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Congrats to you guys, what kind of fifth wheel did ya end up getting? 😃
@@HappilyEverHanks Y'all are Welcome!! After a year and a half of back and forth between toy haulers and a standard 5th wheel we (meaning my wife) chose a 2021 Heartland Big Horn 39rk. We really wanted a Solitude 390rkr or the Momentum 376ths but with a family we had to be financially responsible. We are still excited to move from a 38ft bumper pull to our new rig. What's one more 8hr drive from NC to Ohio 🤔🤣🤣
That’s awesome!! Sounds like a beautiful rig 😀🙌🏼 We are so happy for you guys! Hopefully we can meet you guys one day on the road, y’all sounds great!!
Thank you guys so much for watching and supporting us ❤️Do you guys have any suggestions on content that we can bring forth to the channel related to RV Living? We tried to bring something informational that everyone can appreciate. What did you guys think of the voice over in the video, was the sound quality good for you? - Renee and Kyle
Excellent tutorial! Love your videos, you guys are a lot of fun to watch. If I could suggest a couple more tips: Wheel Chocks (trailer) - should always be the very FIRST thing placed when unhooking, and the very LAST thing removed after hooking up. Distractions - never allow yourself to become distracted while connecting/disconnecting the trailer. Preferably avoid conversations, but if someone does walk up to talk, stop what you're doing until they're done and then do a quick review of what step you're on before resuming.
Hey you sound like a couple of our videos we have out there! Check these out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oLk6DTvcs8Q.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-X48Ab8WVBjA.html So funny it’s like we have the same minds! Thanks for sharing! Safe travels! 😃 ~Renee & Kyle
@@HappilyEverHanks will do, great minds think alike! lol Hey, given you professions, could you do a video on putting together a first aid kit for the RV? From some basic essential stuff to maybe a little more advanced, even including first aid for our pets. Thanks!
We actually thought about this many times but worry about the liability aspect of it. Ya know, telling people to just put a bandaid on it and then in reality it needed more than that... like stitches! We’ll have to put a huge disclaimer in the video! Thanks for sharing!
We started off in a travel trailer, we miss it! Thank you guys for commenting and watching ❤️ we really enjoy watching your content as well and growing together! Stay safe 😊
Hi there! Yes, we absolutely do 🤗 I will leave that setup video linked right here for you - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2WxHbzUuCCw.html
This is a pretty good video. One of the things I do is to plug in my power before auto-leveling and I actually disconnect the power after I've retracted the back jacks when hitching up. I like to relieve the batteries as much as possible and our fridge is a residential so it's running on an inverter. The longer I'm on shore power the better. Just an update, I'm still liking our Demco auto-sliding hitch for short beds. I never have to think about sliding the hitch manually and that's good because I'd forget.
Hey Casey! These are some really great points that you brought up 😀👍🏼 we agree with you, the longer on shore power, the better for sure Glad to hear about the update!! Really like the idea of that auto slide 🙂 Gonna have to check that out one day
@@HappilyEverHanks we'll be in the traverse city area as you know so I'd be glad to show you guys how it works. Because our hitch head rotates with the rv we use a coil/bungee style breakaway cable that I just clip to a ring I have around the hitch handle. Really it's pretty slick and easy and I can do all of it without climbing in the bed.
@@HappilyEverHanks I'm sorry if it sounded like I was insinuating you guys don't know what you're doing, that wasn't my intention. I just saw a few things along the way that I thought might be helpful.
No no no!!! Not at all Casey! We are learning every day and we REALLY appreciate all the feedback and insight that you provide us with. That's what the RV life is all about, helping each other and being a family :) Don't ever feel like you are "stepping on our toes" We can't wait to meet you!!
Thanks for watching Adam! Miss ya buddy! How did you like the new video style that we brought forth in this video with the voice over? Any recommendations for us? 😃
HappilyEverHanks I love the video! Editing is spot on. I can’t believe the quality I’m seeing from you two! You are rocking it! I love anything that involves aerial drone shots and I really loved the close up of the hitch engagement. It was close enough to see the action but still left enough distance to maintain my perspective/angle. My new favorite channel!!
Adam you are too awesome! Your honest feedback means so much to us! We will keep the good content coming, stay tuned for some footage that will hit close to home to you 😉 talk soon!
Succinct! I have a checklist I created on my phone. I go through it every time no matter what. PS - This video screams re-make! You should do another one but in the style of those flight safety videos where they've made them more entertaining and humourous. Based on your on-screen presence and personality in your current vids you could do a really good one. #BingeHanks
bw is really the top end 5th wheel hitch. Thanks for the video! We considered a 5th wheel but will most likely do a class A or super C next after our travel trailer.
Yeah we absolutely love our B&W hitch, such great quality! Really good choice btw, we are starting to get interested in those Super C rigs! They look awesome and really safe. Thank you for watching and commenting! - Kyle and Renee
@@HappilyEverHanks So we are on our way to full time RV. We were trying to decide between 1 ton dully with 5th wheel toy hauler, or class A/Super C towing a jeep gladiator. In the end we sorta decided if we move twice a month for say 3 hours at a time, and the other 28 days we are exploring and being a tourist, that we'd rather have the jeep gladiator those 28 days thats a narrow|small pickup that we can take the top off instead of trying to tour places in a 1 ton dually. just grocery shopping and stuff is easier parking.
corgily you know you bring up a great point! The dually can definitely be harder to find parking especially in tight places or cities. I would strongly consider the Jeep Gladiator as well! We always wonder if we will one day upgrade to a class A or Super C. They look like so much fun to have and convenient to drive around. Either that or a Sprinter van, those are becoming really popular as well! When do you guys hope to go full time by? - Kyle and Renee
Our target right now is 2023. So in 3 years. Right now we are seasonal / part time. I'm camping about 80% of the time 8 months a year and maybe 2 weekends a month when its cold. My wife is more like every 3rd weekend in summer and then them same in winter with our travel trailer
corgily that’s an awesome goal to have for you guys! Can’t wait to see how it turns out for ya! My wife and I have been doing it for 4 years now and absolutely love it. Thank you for the support and watching 👍🏼😃 your videos of hitting the boonies in the jeeps are fantastic - Kyle and Renee
Your excitement level just makes your videos a step above. What does the Tow/Haul mode do? Cat alert at 6:00 I want to see more locations. And I want to see more silly hijinx, y'all make me laugh (I'm laughing with you). And how about the day in the life of a travel nurse. What's it like getting up, getting ready for work in a fifth wheel? All interesting stuff. But honestly, y'all are so much fun, I'd probably buy a ketchup Popsicle from you, LOL. Keep 'em coming.
This is so fantastic you guys!! Honestly your words bring the biggest smiles to our faces! 😃We absolutely love watching your videos as well and are so happy to have your support in our adventures! The tow/haul mode actually switches the gear ratios on the truck to provide more torque when the power is needed for towing! Love Dexters cameo in the video 😸He is such a goofball! Yes!! We would love to bring that content to the table and will definitely start working towards producing this content for you guys! A lot of people don't even know what travel nursing is, so we are happy to help shed some light on the career in any way that we can! Did you guys enjoy the voice over that Renee did in this video? We are trying to spice it up a little and wanted to know your opinions.. do you think it helps to engage more and cement the content we are bringing or would you rather see us in the video actually explaining the content? - Kyle and Renee
@@HappilyEverHanks The voice over work was perfect, the audio was just right, I could understand every word Renee said, and the visuals were spot on. This is a very technical topic, seeing Renee isn't really all that important, for this video. What you showed us with angles of the hitch and everything is what we needed to see, and really anyone that needs to learn how to properly use a fifth wheel hitch. We won't have a fifth wheel any time soon, but, you reminded me, that I need to have Tania check our trailer break lights before we leave each time. So you still had something good for everyone.
WOW, that is really solid feedback. We appreciate this honesty and support! Thank you guys, we will continue to bring more content like this. You guys rock, stay safe! Happy trails to you guys 😊
You made work seem like a lot of fun, that's the spirit! Would love to have a trip on that thing and vlog about it. Haha! Let the pandemic be over with and maybe I spice up my videos a little bit too 😋😎
I know this is an older video… but I experience issues all the time with my auto leveler running out of stroke due to the level of the spot. Do you have a video on where to put blocks to create best stability?
Hey Eric! We actually don’t have any content related to this yet, we have been having the same problem as well. Does your auto level system just randomly shut off? Like it sounds like it’s running out of juice and then just dies kinda thing?
@@HappilyEverHanks no it doesn’t randomly shut off like that. Maybe that is because of your fluid level in the tank that operates the level? For me.. it’s making the rig stable with all 4 tires on the ground that I have trouble with. When I run into an out of stroke error (bc one side is lower/higher than other) I have to put blocks under the jacks. Which takes the wheels off the ground. Researched the Anderson blocks with magnets for the front of the rig seems like that might help to have a set of 6 of those to help combat it. Others use the Anderson levelers that drive up onto. Its hard enough to get parked straight backing in.. let alone trying to drive up on a leveler haha
@@ericridgeway6148 ohhhhh!!! That makes sense, we have been using the Andersen Levelers as well! We like to have those handy, it helps take out some of that initial compensation from the auto level system (kinda like doing some of its job from the get go) STILL we have been to un-level sites where the levelers don’t compensate enough and the tires can still get lifted. Also, we have electronic leveling system. So I might look to see if anyone might be having this same problem compared to the hydraulic leveling system
Breakaway cable is supposed to be attached to tow vehicle,(tie down loops work well)it wont do any good if hitch becomes detached from bed along with trailer.🧙♂🧙♂
This is some good information and a must see video for those looking to do things properly!! Great job!! We have been living the RV life since 2012 and we head out for two months on Friday!! Be well and safe!! - Blane
Hey Blane! Thank you so much for your wonderful support as always, you mean so much to us 🤗👍🏼 this is so exciting to hear! Where are y’all planning to head on your adventures?
@@HappilyEverHanks we are visiting a friend in Warner Robbins, GA, then headed to Pigeon Forge, TN for a few days. After that, headed to Mammoth Cave and also Williamstown, KY before heading to Mt. Airy, NC for a RU-vid meetup of rvers in Mayberry. Then after that, headed to see family in Montana!! We are excited!!
@@HappilyEverHanks yes indeed. Hopefully we see you guys and/ or Nathan and Marissa out there somewhere!! We are on Nomad near Me if you guys are!! Be safe!!
We chose to go with a class C, so fifth wheel hitch instructions don't apply to us. Plus I already knew the info, but I stuck around to give a view, like and comment for support with the algorithm. Safe travels :)
Wow thank you guys for the kind words!! We appreciate all the support and comments ❤️ absolutely would love to see a hitching video from you guys! It’s always nice to see a different point of view from others on the road 😃 What do you guys utilize for videography? Do you guys have a DSLR? We recently just bought ours and really like the features that comes with it! - Renee and Kyle
HappilyEverHanks right now we use our iPhones since they shoot in 4K, a GoPro hero 4 🙈, and we just picked up an Osmo Pocket as well! I have a Nikon D3400 for my photography but it only shoots 1080 so we don’t use it for video much. I’ll upgrade one day but we have plenty of equipment for what we need right now 😅
the MAC house yes the iPhones take really great videos as well!! Always a great resource to have in a pinch when on the go 😃 that’s awesome to hear! Thank you guys for commenting!!
Great video! High quality everything! Video footage, editing, overdubs, background music levels, attitudes. I could go on:) You guys are wonderful! Observation and thought, I don’t own a fifth wheel so there maybe a good reason for not doing this but what are your thoughts about attaching the breakaway cable on the high side of the safety pin before you install it through the handle lock? Happy trails:)
RVWeekends That is actually a really good suggestion! We always are looking for a more secure attachment point for the breakaway cable, so we will be sure to give it a try 😃 Thank you guys for watching! We were trying to bring a fresh spin on the content with a voice over. Hopefully it spiced the video up a little 😉👏🏼 happy trails to you guys!!
Cool! Great to meet y’all, hope we can run into you guys out on the road one day 😀👋🏼 best to you and your family!! You guys are doing it the right way #GOALS
We got our first Rv 5th wheel this Spring. When does it get not scary?? We’re getting the hitching/unhitching down fairly well. But still feel really intimidated going down the road with that great big thing in my rear view mirror!!!!
Don't know if this has been asked before. I think I have similar truck chevy 2500hd high country. 6ft 9 bed. Companion slider hitch. With a new primetime crusader 395bhl 42 ft camper. I had it delivered to my house. I am trying to figure the height and front to back setting for the hitch. Would yours be the same or any suggestions?. On settings. Also how much do you use the slider portion of the hitch. When I saw you back into the wilderness campsite at Disney. Didn't look like you used it. Sorry for all the questions. New to towing something this big
Please have advise on Dexter - where does he ride - in the 5er or in the truck? I found a good place for Dotty’s (cute Siamese pictures available on request) food water compact glitter box etc. We have always left her home. But now retired we want to be out for longer trips and we want to bring her along. But she remains skeptical advice very appreciated. How does Dexter take the RV life?
Hey I’m new to the rv live just started a few weeks ago and bought a huge 30 ft fifth wheel trailer . What type of truck would I need to move it would a f150 and fifth wheel hitch work or would I need a f250 and fifth wheel hitch?
