This is what they are not telling you about RV Camping! The truth about RV camping!  

My wife and I have been RVing for about 7 years now. The time is coming in the near future of giving it up and selling our TT. It's a very expensive hobby. When you add up the cost of the RV, insurance, registration, lousy gas mileage, all the bells and whistles like generators, battery packs, hoses, satellite TV, and maintenance and even the cost of the campground, it's really not worth it to us anymore. The only reason we bought one in the first place was because we didn't want to put our dogs in kennels while we took 2 or 3 week vacations. Plus the time to set up/break down and emptying tanks, the thrill has gone away. It was fun and we have many enjoyable moments that we will not forget. But our time to start traveling and staying in nice hotels along the way is coming. Good video and thank you for posting!!

After being in and around the camping industry for years…. This is the most accurate description of owning and enjoying a camper. Well done sir!

100K for the truck, 130K for the camper, 100 bucks a night, ...were definitely not saving money. Its all about the hanging out, and as you said, having all your own stuff with you, being comfortable, having a fire, and we have our dog with us as well. I have been camping most my life, and I too remember jumping out of the car and going wherever while everyone else set up camp, and now we setup camp , but its worth it. We have spent time with complete strangers at campgrounds, and barely talk to our neighbors at home, the whole feel of community in a new place each time is pretty amazing.

My tip: Put the pressure regulator on the spigot, not on the camper side of your hose. That way it keeps high pressure off the hose and it won't swell and stretch over time.

We have a Grand Design toy hauler. We would MUCH rather tow the camper than to stay in a hotel! Like you said, you’re taking your home with you! 100% recommend it to anyone!

You are not being negative. You are being real. It's good to know the "dark side" of camping. Camping is not for everyone. I love the outdoors. Thank you for the great information. Camping is not bad. It's beautiful.

When putting water, even a half tank, in any of your holding tanks and then pulling the trailer, you have to watch extra close for trailer sway. There are no baffles in the tanks to prevent surge or slosh, so one needs to be mindful of the possibility of swaying. If the trailer begins to sway, the safest way to get out of it is to speed up. Seems odd, but now your rig is pulling the trailer to a straighter line. Then, you can gradually slow down. We usually carry bottles of water to pour in the toilet when and if we need it. Now you don't have unnecessary water in your tanks. Just some safety tips. Ride safe! Ride fun!! Miss Jenni out!

People are spoiled. They want all the amenities of home. RV life is about getting away from the hustle and bustle. Relaxing. Making yourself a list of for loading, unloading, septic dumping, leveling, towing and etc will make each adventure better. Paying a $100 or more for a spot. Good grief! Research is king. Yes, it's like getting your first house, you need this and that. But it doesn't have to be expensive. Setup and tear down needs to click. If it's not, figure out why and improve. I see so many people jump into camping and have no plan. Great informative video for newbies!

I lived in a 30’ Fifth Wheel. 🤔 I enjoyed it, but learned I’ll get one with a Slide Out on my next Fifth Wheel. 🏍💨🏍💨

We are tired of seeing “rv channels” telling us that Rv life is so perfect! We love camping on the weekends and sometimes food is the expensive thing to take! We definitely would rather stay in our camper than a hotel room. Great video!

Good realistic points. This is why after RVing for over 30 years we now own a 2023 Travato Class B van after having owned a large class C and a travel trailer. Now the kids are grown up its just the two of us. We have our set up so easy as we can arrive at our site, hook up the water and electricity in less than 10 minutes. The van is totally self-contained with solar so we can boondock for days if necessary. We enjoy getting 17 mpg now compared to the terrible mileage in the past. Headed to Yosemite next week as the crowds have died down now it much colder there.

We previously had a small travel trailer, 22’ perfect for the two of us. Then we had a 30’ fifth wheel for a few years. We traveled often, mostly through the western states, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. But as we got older and it got harder to manage all the physical demands etc, and the stress of pulling the trailer, we decided it was time to switch to hotel stays. We loved our RV and the amazing memories we made, we met so many amazing fellow RVers. We switched to long road trips by car, we stayed in some amazing hotels, taking our time to smell the roses. Wouldn’t change any of it. My husband passed away recently and I really miss my travel Buddy. Just enjoy and appreciate it while you can. And by the way, we enjoyed that little 22ft trailer best of all, great floor plan and perfect size for two people. Happy travels!

Nice video! I came here because it was about RV camping. You seem to have all of the basics down and videos like these are good for those starting out. RVing can cost more than lodging but it depends on how you camp. We recently returned from a 13,000 mile road trip from FL to WA state and back, through 24 states and 14 national parks and we camped in 63 locations. Our average camping fee was about $44 (we did overnight at some retailers and rest areas), The highest was $130/night near Glacier NP. On another note, I would replace that rigid water hose with a Zero-G hose (or something similar). Makes a huge difference particularly when it gets cold! Safe travels!

I'm not a camper, with this said your video tells it like it is. many people buy a camper without knowing the TRUTH. Thank you for the truth.

Tall, thanks for another great and informative video.... My wife and I recently purchased a East To West 1600MRB and it is just the right size for us. We have camped a few times already with family and will definitely be taking many more journeys and making memories. Sure the set up and cost may be more/less, but once you are set up, the relaxing and time spent with each other and family is priceless! Love your channel and all your content. See you on the road!

I like that you told the truth. There's ups and Downs about camping. I've lost my husband I'm going to try to do it all my own. I'm a little scared but I think I'll be OK. Thank you for reminding me that there is good with the bad while pulling a trailer have a great day

Really good video. I'm in the San Diego area and camping especially buy the beaches is really expensive especially at peak season. I don't know how often you camp but I find having camping memberships help. For instance Passport America saves me 50% in very nice RV resorts during off season. Good Sam is generally 10% off year round in most places. Neither of these memberships are expensive and they do help with cost. Thanks for sharing the realities of RV'ing which were all true but I still love it!

Life presents us with lots of negativity as well as positivity, so if one decides to RV camp, suck it up, and enjoy the experience, making the best of the situation as the days roll by. I mean, what else can you do?

Just found your channel, thank you for keeping it 100% . This is exactly what us newbies need to know. I look forward to more educational videos from you for us solo female RV 'er .

Love the idea of a camper, but I’m too old now and I can’t help thinking a hotel is a better bet. Love to see more of your camping videos so I cannot vicariously enjoy it though.

Cool that you are honest and explain details such as these. Like you mentioned, most others don’t talk about the cost related to camping with an RV. And the equipment needed. Plus the extra time needed to set up and tear down. My wife and I have been looking at purchasing and camping in an RV for about a year now. Our main negative at this point, is our work life. Still more convenient to travel quicker and utilize hotel rooms when we vacation. We are NASCAR fans, may pick up a preowned one and set up at the races we attend to start with. See how that goes. Thank you for your time and content. 👍🏽 Thank you for your time.

I don’t like motorcycle content, but I LOVE camping content, so I was on the fence about subscribing, but then I the saw doggie! “Can I pet dat dawg!” 😂

Thank you for this real experience on camping in today's world. Just from researching the increase in RV cost and campsite cost it looks like the pandemic drove all these prices way up. Now that's over! Campers are priced way lower in 2024 and I do believe that campsites will follow.

It's all about the experience and making memories, some like campers some like hotels some even like tents, just get out and do it ❤️

You are correct and I would like to add. I camp and take my little 9 pound fur baby with us. If I was camped near you and was walking my leashed dog and came across your unleashed Pit Bull I would be upset and concerned for my dog and my self. I believe every camp ground has leash rules and you are breaking that rule.

I got a pop-up camper... took it cross crountry from VA to WA State 3 times..way cheaper than getting hotels. There's nothing like staying in Yellowstone.

I enjoy car/suv/van camping - throw in a twin mattress cooler and GO - no stinky slinky - hookup to elec on cold days - pay 11 dollars a day at Corp Lakes - most with nice facilities - unplug elec and GO somewhere else - or exploring area around campsite - A LOT easier than my Motorhome/Travel Trailer I still have

I used to own a 2005 Flagstaff 31BHSS. 2 adults and 3 kids slept comfortably. We don’t camp anymore but the memories are irreplaceable.

Totally agree with everything you said. Camping is alot of work and planning and definitely has it's pros and cons. Even so, I enjoy having the freedom, my own bed, bath, kitchen. etc with me wherever I go so to me it's still worth it. I also appreciate not having to carry my belongings in and out of hotels all the time

That’s not camping, you carrying a house on wheels. Back a tent and hit the road on a bike or you car and sleep in the woods, that’s camping. 😂 paying all that just to park a camper, Will rather just pay a little more and sleep in a hotel room and not worry about all that.

But I have my own bed and pillows. We like to talk to other campers, they feel like family. Hubby and I have been camping since 1966.

Good video and right on target. You get an rv because you want your personal space. Money is not in the discussion.

I plan on going on solo road trips and car camping next year. Got pretty much everything I need. I wouldn't mind trying to go with a camper but since I'd been going alone, I'm just sticking with my van. I did a couple of test runs and it wasn't bad. I really want to start checking out the national parks and everything, mostly out west.

I am planning on buying my first camper or van/rv and I’ve been diligently searching the internet and this was video was very informative. Please make more videos.

We are glampers and will always travel with our fifth wheel. You have to develop a system for setting up and breaking down. We have full timed for several years but now we are back to part time travel. I would agree, campground pricing is out of control but what can you do if you are a glamper. I will also add, our kids are now adults but always mention the RV trips we had as a family. Yes, RVing will give your family lifelong memories. Great video and safe travels

Love your chill little buddy. And you're right, campgrounds have gotten crazy expensive in some places.

In my younger days all i needed was a tent and a fishing rod..Now too many murders for me to sleep soundly under the stars 😂Love to see my people enjoying life..Work hard play harder.. Respect bro!!

Thank You for being very honest. It is a fun way to travel and build memories, but it does not come cheap.

I really enjoy camping. I don't enjoy making or breaking camp but it's worth it to hang out with my son. I'm a widow and he's 7 now but we're still making good memories. Edited to add: I honestly think it would be easier with a small rv because as it stands I have to put up a minimum of 3 tents and keep an eye on him while I do so 😅

It would be cool to see you do more of a mixture of camping videos along with bike content.

Great video man. If you like the outdoor there is nothing like it but if you don't have a love for the outdoors it can be a royal pain in the rear and you've just done an amazing job explaining it.

The best part is being able to have your four-legged partner rolling with you 🐕☺️

Right on. 100% We bought the same camper, wolf pup. Alot more work than we thought ha-ha. I laughed the whole time... Everything you said was on point. God Bless

Had a 45 foot class A. Getting there was never fun. Had to pay attention every second. There were always those who wanted to be hood ornaments out there on the road. Being there was a whole lot of fun.

No negativity, just reality. Having the camp trailer does have the negative of stress getting to the destination, but that is part of the fun. Bonus part is you have all your stuff! It is your home away from home. Great video, thanks.

Please Don't !!! I camp 1 weekend a year & rent one from RV America. Excellent customer service. A self-contained truck unit (Don't know what class that is). Drive it there camp, drive it to a place/gas station where I can dump the black & Grey tanks, fill it up, drive it back to the rental place & get $500 of my deposit fee back. Nope, owning one of those things is out of the question for us. Except if we won the lottery, I've seen some million dollar bus campers that I'd be interested in, if $$ is no object. The kind that can store a car hydraulically underneath could be modified to hold 2 full Ultras/Roadmasters/Pursuits. I'll keep watching

I don’t know, but we go camping in US Forests service or State campgrounds with no hook ups for about $148.00 for 4 nights. They have showers, toilets and sinks. Coffee, cooking outside is all of what it’s about. We take all the electronics away from the kids and tell them to enjoy the outdoors and play corn hole or something. At night on the weekend they have an amphitheater for the family with a movie or stories and games. I figure 2 weeks a year and it pays for itself. The family times without all the city and people is what it’s all about. Good video though.

Nice video. Camping is great for fun and as many have stated you can camp for far less money at state and county parks. They are generally prettier and larger they just don’t have all the amenities of private campgrounds. We did a 10 day trip out to Maine and it was far less expensive than flying there with 4 people and eating out and hotel stay. We spent a few hours breaking it down to see if it was substantial or not. We cooked and ate most every meal on site. Most expensive thing was gas with a 30ft class A and pulling the Jeep and tolls.

We go all the time. We don't go far but we go. Have fun and enjoy your trips.

Check all your water fittings, so many campers leak at the bathroom plastic !

In 5 years full timing, with depreciation on the RV, fuel, repairs, Thousand Trails membership, etc., it easily cost us over $150k. We had sold our house and many of our belongings, but it's not cheap. But in many ways, it was a nearly full time vacation. The US has so many wonderful things to see and do, that few people get to experience fully.

Zero G hose that’s one of the best things I’ve bought!!!!

Thanks for posting this, Tall. This is way too much work for me to have a good time. 😮 For me, the juice isn't worth the squeeze. 😅

I stay at every campsite for weeks or a month and its far cheaper. This is good and cheap for fulltime. I generally pay $10 - $30 a day for full hookups. Like for instance my next stop is Ozark, AL and the Koa there. Beautiful campsite and its $650 for a month. My advice too spend the time to look over the campground and make them let you choose the best spot. I do this every time and I will google earth and walk the grounds etc on google first. Always make them include the spot you choose on the reservation sometimes they will "forget".

Like the camping videos! You nailed it…the best part of camping is the experience you can give the kids….it’s worth the work. They will remember it their whole lives. God bless you man

At first, I was halfway through the video and said whoa, but I am glad that I viewed it all the way through. I think that during the pandemic folks went out and bought campers not knowing the work and expense associated with camping. I would say whoa tho to 100 dollar plus a night campgrounds. We average 30-35 dollars a night but that is probably a function of age and where we camp since we get half off at Federal campgrounds. We are cheap sons of guns and never do KOA's or places with pools or jacuzzis. Thanks for this video. It's a good reminder to do your homework and maybe rent an RV a couple of times before you buy.

i am lucky i stay at military bases......30 to 50 dollars a night with free gyms and pools and the safety of the bases...so glad i raised my right hand when i was 19....i am a full timer as well....

Very good commentary and thank you. Now, we are looking for an RV for our retirement years so I won't show my wife this video until later. LOL...Thanks again.

Definitely a learning curve involved….

You are right on! Camping ain't cheap! Not anymore And today's campers are built like crap! Staples and press board. Give me back the old days!

Thank you, you’ve validated my reasoning for staying in Hotels vs buying a RV. I ride my bike 90% of the places I go and Hotels have worked out just fine. Also get a GPS for trucks, it’ll help you on your routes.

Keep the camping videos coming. God bless you and your family.

Tall, you can camp at less expensive campsite, ie state parks, national park service and some free sites

I have a Class A and it’s simple and I have a tow vehicle. It really depends on the method that you choose. I understand a lot of people prefer travel trailers or 5th wheels. It is a great experience and it’s not cheap. It amazes me how many people glamorize this lifestyle like it’s free and it can be if you like boondocking and you still need to spend a few dollars. Just do your research before you head out.

I needed to see some of the nitty gritty of RV camping, thanks for providing that.

We are looking to buy a camper soon, great information to know before buying, thank you.

This was so interesting and helpful. Thank you. For those of us who love animals and nature, it seems like a great way to explore on your own terms. But I’m surprised that a night at a campsite would cost $100, that’s so expensive.

Remember, you’re buying a camper for memories and dreams, I sell them for almost 18 years and I have had very few customers came back and say “this isn’t fun” so Keep Camping and Keep Gliding!

I have a very well used 13 foot camper with no plumbing (Porta potty for emergency use). I camp about a week a month for two of us. For others I have very nice tent with blow ups for guests. Without tent I am set up in 5 minutes. We don't want the driving hassle of a bigger unit. It is for sleeping primarily. If cooking we pull out the grill. Inside is Mr Coffee, small fridge and microwave with a single burner unit available but rarely used. My investment is probably less than $4000 total. I'll keep my small and simple camper. Since Covid the RV thing has become stupid. High prices for shoddily constructed with no dealer support units. Campgrounds that are over booked, very rude and messy people and I could go on for a long time. I'm about to throw in the towel and quit. I liked it better when you would wake up in the morning with the smell of bacon cooking drifting through the air and walking over to the neighboring site and bumming a cup of coffee because yours isn't ready yet. Meeting people and making friends that you arrange to meet up with later at another time and place. I have made lifelong friends that I have camped with dozens of times. I have watched big RV's pull in, hook up and no sign of life until they pull out a few days later. I just don't get this new way of doing things. I'm an old man who likes the old ways in my small, last another 50 years vintage camper.

Thanks for this. I am about to retire and I'm looking at getting a toy hauler to take my bike with me and travel around to good riding spots. A tips and tricks video would be awesome!

Scioto Trails in chillicothe ohio. Paid $39 a night for electric but no sewage. Love hitting the woods foreal Tall it's awesome.

I have seen RV parks that charge $140 per night while next door a motel that charges $100 per night. Alas, the RV park was at least 90 full whereas the motel was less than 1/3 full. I have even seen State, BLM, Forest Service and National Parks campgrounds where it cost more than $30, with no power, wifi and sometimes, water - closer to boondocking. I guess that is what the market supports.

Great, great information...this should go along with the purchase of the camper. Once they've watched this video...then they get to leave with their camper.

I've been considering an RV... Thanks for sharing the + and - of camping. Blessings to You and Your family 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

I love your honesty! My wife and I are thinking about hitting the road full time. I expect to spend a good amount of money on the camper. But I plan on having solar panels so we will be able to stay in free areas from time to time and save money that way.

Nice video Tall. I think you should make some more videos on camping.

Tall, I love your videos on camping and riding Harleys. I would love to see videos of you doing them together. Keep all wheels down.

This is why I elected to build out my own camper van. It’s just me and my dog. I could pull my trailer and motorcycle with it but I usually don’t unless I leave Tyler , my dog, home.

My wife and I got one this yr a toy hauler for our bikes. I can say I see the same points but we have grandkids and her health is the best we still get out and enjoy life. We enjoy the freedom of our space,and the warm greetings of other campers. Exchange of ideas gear. Overall a safe environment. We did have a bad experience where we got stuck and had to be towed out but you live and learn.

Thanks for saying like it is. The good and the bad.

Lol! You Nailed it all! Thanks for the review. Great channel!

Very helpful info - thank you! Thinking about solo camping and buying a small trailer . Besides the information you provided, I especially like seeing what all you have to do to get going and for set up at a campsite.

Omg! $100 plus for a campsite? Thats absolutely ridiculous!

The fun parts are always fun, aren't they? There is also the real parts... but hardly anyone wants to advertise those in a RU-vid video... I like this guy. Because he isn't playing the game. He lived the game... and instead of curving all of us, he sits on his doorstep and shoots us straight. I like this guy! He feels like a man I might trust. And I'm not as amateur as most... I've lived off-grid. Walked miles for drinking water; carried it back miles in buckets. I've sat in the shade of a metal tent in the heat of a desert sun. When there was nowhere else to go. What do you do when there is no AC? You sweat. You find shade, and breeze, and then you sweat. And then you get used to it... And then, your body acclimates to climate reality. If you are healthy.

Definitely a new perspective to consider. I’m currently looking for a toy hauler and never owned a rv.

Also…the Zero G hose is a lot easier to handle than the white hose that you have!

Some day I may get a camper. I am content with tent camping. Especially primitive tent camping. The most I paid for a tent site was about $100 just outside of Yellowstone. And there's places where I have camped for free. But I do like the idea of pulling over anytime with a camper to get a bite to eat or take a nap

Sorry Tall I use to be a camper but Katrina ruined that for me. When you live in a camper for close to a year rebuilding you lose the adventure of camping. I still have good memories when we did camp as a family.

My son has a camper, and I have been saving to buy one so this helps me alot.

Cool video. I would love to see more. Have been thinking about getting into camping for a while and would like to know more about start up needs and such.

Camped with our kids in tents and pop up campers. As you said memories you treasure ,and friends who had campers and came along were great times. We trailer our trike so have thought about camping but no decisions so far. Back in the 70’s beautiful state parks were$15. As you said now probably $50. Enjoyed your video and would be interested in more on camping once in a while. God Bless.

When I saw what he was pulling it with! I was like kids go in the pool!

Camping is definitely work, but the more you do it the easier it gets. You get into a routine and it becomes easier and quicker. Like your wife, I bought what I need to make my trailer to feel like I am home. I even just bought a portable dishwasher for my trailer. 😂

Couple of things you mentioned that really resonated with me. One when we were kids after arriving it was straight into the forest, the lake, the beach, etc. As an adult there is a lotta set up to do before the forest, the lake, the beach!!! Two, the expense. I would argue that is at least as expensive and generally more expensive than a room. When one factors in the total cost of the camper (initial price, insurance, registration, maintenance, etc), tow vehicle, that is generally gonna be more expensive than just a car. Higher fuel consumption, camp ground fee, longer travel time, stress of driving a rig. The upside of course is feeling more free, being in nature, more in control.

I've had a small travel trailer with all the needed accommodations shower, tub, 2 burner stove, bunk beds for the grands, queen bed, dining booth, sufficient storage almost five years now I started traveling more in it because I stayed in a hotel a brand name hotel and they had bed bugs, and hotels have gotten too expensive and i also like to cook my own food and bring my cats most times and for the conveniences the park fees are so worth it and I have never paid so much as what you quoted WOW, i really enjoy the outdoors and am considering going bigger not huge but bigger and from travel trailer to fifth wheel. Thanks for keeping it real Tall 😉

I’m gonna use the “ Stinky Slinky” and take full Credit for it.😂 Thanks

We have a pop-up and when we get there - I run for the lake and let my husband do all the set-up. Strange...he doesn't enjoy camping as much as I do....lol, poor guy.

Stinky Slinky, Lol, Lol, Lol !! Great Video Sir !

Great video, Tall. I enjoy the camping videos. Maybe something on how you load your bike.

The 2 funniest titles on RU-vid. "What they aren't telling you about ______. "What they don't want you to know...🤣🤣🤣 My goal now is to find out who "they" are. 😆