5 things to never do in your RV!
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2022
- This is a quick list of 5 things you should never do in your RV or camper, from an RV technicians perspective. Though this list doesn’t even scratch the surface of RV no-no’s, it’s based off of real world issues I see on a day to day basis. I will have more of these Do/don’t videos in the future!
#Rvtechnician #rv #rvliving #rvlife #rvlifestyle #rvtips #camper #camperlife #camperlifestyle #campertips #camperrepair #rvrepair #rvdiy #camperdiy
As a submariner, drinking from a tank that is filled up regularly doesn't hurt you as long as you aren't filling up in places like Flynt, Michigan.
Regular flushing and chlorination keeps it clean anyway. Plus you can always us a UV light filter.
Terrible advice, micro organisms can be extremely harmful, bacteria, mold, fungus, virus and paracites can subtly effect you for many many years later and also not so subtly....... clean drinking water is a non negotiable.... for me. All the best. God bless 🙏🏼
@@calumkeohoneable If you are too stupid to know what to put into your tank and how to maintain it, you deserve what you get.
Yeah, this guy is wrong. It's like he sat around thinking of things to make a video about but has no idea what he's talking about.
@@calumkeohoneable oh someone who believes in a sky daddy lol yeah you are definitely not a person I would listen to in the slightest.
getting a proper filtration system will eliminate these problems completely the only problem would be standing water which is solved by draining the tank and refilling regularly. sorry but no microorganisms are easily filtered, and bacteria as well, mold and fungus arent problems either. learn about science and maybe go tlak to your imaginary god friend
As a tech myself, I agree with all of your points, except for not running refrigerators while driving. The reason compressor fridges say to stand upright for 4 hours is because the oil will run to the lowest point when the unit is off, which can cause the the compressor to not have sufficient lubrication upon starting. Once the unit is running, the oil will be suspended in the refrigerant which will keep the compressor lubricated, even if it becomes slightly out of level during travel. I believe most failures are caused by stress fractures on the cooling system components that caused the refrigerant to leak out, which are caused by the constant motion of the vehicle whether or not the unit is running.
Good morning. I have a quick question about Rv slides. I'm in a 5th wheel and want to permanently remove my bedroom slide and add a wall and turn it into an office. I know it can be done. Question is. $$ and will it work out. I've see😅n allot of folks remodel. Tear apart. And Gut out to rebuild. I'm just inquiring and honest opinion. Thank you
@@KimberlySmith-iy8bitalk to the manafacturer they can tell you
I disagree about the 12 volt compressor frig, we run these on sailboats, that sail up to 30 degrees, and they last 20 years.
How would you keep the food in your fridge cold if it isn’t running? (Sorry if it’s a dumb question. I’m just a lady trying to learn about RVs)
@@NoDontLikeIt propane if you’re traveling with a truck… if you have an actual RV… then it has a power converter. I believe you’re 12 V will go to 24 in which will make it 120…. Not really sure…. All I know is my fridge is on when I’m pulling it with my truck and that’s a seven pin. … that tells me that. That it’s converting the power.
If your rv is level enough to sleep in, it’s level enough for your fridge. There is absolutely no issues having your fridge operating while driving down the road. Don’t give false information
You can drive around with the fridge on propane (though they advise against having the propane turned on for safety reasons). If the rig is level enough that it feels level walking around, it should be fine, however, some people, including myself, can sleep on quite an angle. The rig needs to be more level than that.
I am very disappointed that the sewer was not number 2😆😆
that was kinda crappy!
Comedic classics
LOL 😂
Same here
💩
When you stated theyre barely made for the highway.. Truer words were never spoken. Thanks
Been drinking from the fresh water system for 22 years. I sanitze it twice a year. Probably doesn't even need it that often. If you're sourcing your fresh water from a city system it's chlorinated any way. Will stay fresh for months. If potable water systems were unsafe, the manufacturers wouldn't install them. Just follow the manufacturers recommendations. LP refrigerators run just fine going down the highway. As long as the ammonia solution is moving around its fine. Only when you park for extended periods off level does it become a problem.. and even then you're allowed something like 10 degrees off level.
Gary Mccarver, how do you sanitize your fresh water system. I have a new "used" trailer and would like to sanitize it since I don't know how the first owners maintained it. Thank you.
@@lauriewhittle3452 the typical method is to add about one half to one cup of Clorox bleach, depending on the capacity of your fresh water tank. Then fill the tank with fresh water. Run all your faucets inside till you can smell the bleach. Since you may not know how well your tank has been maintained, I would allow the bleach to stay in the system for 24 hours. After that, drain and flush the entire system till you can no longer smell the bleach. You should do this at least twice a year, depending on how much you use the camper. If your water is sourced from a city water system you may not need to do it as frequently since city water is chlorinated anyway and helps keep the system fresh.
@@garymccarver5006 thank you so much Gary. I will be doing this today.
@@garymccarver5006 one follow up, what about the water heater. Should I also run it through there since bleach is corrosive. I would be using 1/2 cup I think since FW tank is 40 gal. And would let it sit for 24 hours this first time.
@@lauriewhittle3452 I run it through my water heater and have never had any issues. I think the concentration is weak enough that it's not of any concern.
Like you hinted, I am one of the many that have been travelling with their RV gas absorption fridge "on" without any issue. Not going to travel 4-6 hours with the fridge off.....not going to happen.
We are on our 4th RV since 1985, all using the Norcold fridge and not one failure. (I will knock on wood as to not tempt fate)
That said, I think a major issue is how people use their absorption fridge while parked. Get level and reduce failures....and now with the ARP fridge defend on our latest motorhome, I can see what the boiler is doing.
Regarding taking trailers "off road".....where do you think people use these toy haulers? The asphalt does run out eventually.......be smart, slow down, and your trailer will last!
Electric only RV refrigerators, which use compressors, do not need to run balanced. They also don't have the propane gas danger in an accident. So they are safe to use while traveling.
Fresh water tanks and plumbing is fine. Just add a bit of sanitizing bleach - a bit more than 1 cup per 10 gallons, run a bit through the plumbing, let it soak overnight, drain and rinse. Then add about 1/2 tsp or so per 10 gallons to the now drinkable water. Running your absorption fridge while driving is just fine. The rolling, bumping, and shaking will keep the ammonia moving. The Dometic owner's manual even states this!
All manufacturers used to have specific instructions on how to sanitize your fresh water tank. At least they did when I was in the business years ago. It isn't something that needs to be done weekly especially if you use the RV constantly, maybe once every 6 months. Just follow their instructions and you'll be fine.
1:43 @@jimp6542
Some good tips here. I especially liked the tip concerning the 'poop mountain'. I've had first hand experience with that. Used to work for a lady that owned an RV sales/service facility. She kept a camper in a campground at the North Carolina coast that she allowed us to use on occasion. Went there one weekend with my wife and while using the facilities I happened to glance inside the toilet as I flushed it and there it was, a giant poop mountain. I went outside and I saw that someone had done what you showed, they had both drain valves open. I closed them both, dumped what must have been a gallon of chemical in the toilet and hoped for the best. The trailer had a monitor which showed tank levels but obviously someone was too lazy to depend on that. As a side note, whenever I dump the black and gray water tanks when I'm leaving, always dump the black water first and then the gray water. Helps to clean out the drain hose.
i think give a little blast of the grey first if its dry to lube it up so the black can slide out nice and smooth then as you say, give her a nice pushhhhh with the majority of the grey 😂😂
Dump a bit of grey water first to confirm good connections, dump black, dump grey.
I've known three people with RVs in my life and ironically all three had the same policy regarding the black tank. That policy is, "I don't care where you 💩, but you can't 💩 in here.". None of them have had any issues.
@@kennethsouthard6042I have that policy too, but when you wake up in the middle of the night in a campground and got to go, and the restroom (if there is one) is down at the end of the loop, and you are surrounded by other campers.....you go! Same when driving down a long highway with no rest area, no trees, no bushes, no ditches, and plenty of traffic. In other words, sometimes no choice!
100 thousand plus miles and never had an issue. Brother is an rv tech and never sees an issue with travel with fridge is on!
On one camper now that's impressive
We were hooked up to sewage and water permanently for almost 3 years. We didn’t know squat about RV’ing but we were staying in a long term RV park. As soon as we got there the park owner came and got our small trailer into our spot and immediately hooked us up. We religiously flushed and cleaned our tank every week. Empty, rinse with Borax and a cup of Dawn. Emptied and rinsed with clean clear water. After that a tank treatment. Never had any problems. This was in AL. 100 degrees in summer. 20-30 degrees in winter at times. Thankfully never had trouble!
What tank did you do this for and exactly how did you do it?
Yes because you cleaned and sanitized regularly lots of people don't
Thanks for the cleaning instructions
Been using water out of my fresh water tank and driving with my refrigerator running in my 1988 Terry 29 R since it was new. With no problem at all
He won't drink out of a faucet.
As someone who was very ill from girardia (beaver fever) 40 years ago, I strongly agree with #1. Disclaimer: I did not get it from RV water but it has made me very cautious about sources of water I ingest.
What does your giardiasis experience have to do with using the onboard water? Are you letting beavers crap in your fresh water tank?
@@barrybeattie6070😂😂😂
Truckers drive 150,000 miles every year criss crossing this country, all with refrigerators in there sleepers running 24/7. Just saying... Do whatever makes you feel good!
Semi fridges are not propane. They are 12 volt
He said applies to 12 v too
Lol, drink water from my tank all the time! Also, traveled over 15000 miles this year while fridge was running
Did ya ketch it🤭?
Safe travels. Live firmly unbound!
Ha ha... I got your joke!
Superman has nothing on you.
1 - I don't even use the Fresh Water tank.
3 - got rid of the tank (bought a Tankless water heater for RV)
4 - never leave the Black Tank valve open. Also I'd recommend putting in a gallon (or two) after you've closed the valve. Keeps poop from sticking to the floor of the tank (also that keeps the smell down)!
Why have a water heater if you don’t use a fresh water tank?
@@MichaelWacht - heat up that cold water from the campground faucet
If you boondock instead of rv parks, what are you going to do for water without a tank?
So you only stay in campgrounds with full hookups? Yes, that is a no for me, although I will go to a lot of campgrounds, I plan on boondocking too.
As most do, we will rinse, rinse, rinse. Then once it’s clear I always…ALWAYS put in the Sani tab with about 3-5 ga of water. When I go to store the trailer, about 8 miles away, the tank is sloshing and soaking the sides to help eliminate odors for the next use.
35 years and no problem with using refrigeration unit.
Movement actually helps circulate coolant and not an issue (even says so in Dometic manual). Sitting still unlevel and running, however, will cause issues if done for long periods or often. Also in manual.
We were on a cold-weather trip last year and could not get the pilot light to work for the hot water heater. Long trip, no bathrooms at campground, so no shower. Got back home and had that hot water tank ripped out and replaced with a tankless. Love it! No tank to bypass or drain, no pilot light or anode rod to mess with. I was able to winterize the camper in 13 minutes this year. A record for me! LOL
Thank you
Just out of curiosity how much was it to convert to a tankless water heater?
I had a tankless installed and regretted it. You have to keep running the water waiting for it to get warm, filling the gray tank. Can't turn water off during a shower because it's cold immediately and you have to wait for it to get you the hot water again. Forget ever washing your hands in hot water unless you want to let it run and run first. Plus it's electric only. Don't do it!!
Catch & save that cold water to flush the toilet
@@dianeyates8524 Catching shower water isn't 100% possible. And you end up sharing a tiny shower space with a very large bucket. I still consider it one of the worst decisions I made and would never do it again and wouldn't recommend anyone else do it.
Years ago I had a travel trailer parked in my driveway with just a mild incline. It was during the holidays and we needed the extra refrigeration space (also sleeping space) for guests. Went crazy trying to figure out why the fridge wasn't getting cold. Then it hit me - dang - we weren't perfectly level. Leveled it out (waited about an hour) and we got nice and cold again. For sure that advice is solid.
Thank you. Great advice!
I have a Galantz fridge I bought from Home Depot for $300
no issues ever, even if not perfectly level
over 2 years - best fridge ever
Actually operating and absorption frig off level can cause permanent damage, which is cumulative, the frig gets less and less efficient. This is a chemical reaction, nothing you can do will fix it, and gets worse the more off level the frig is. So eventually the frig won't recover, and just won't get cold enough.
I rv traveled for a few years and I would often pour a five gallon bucket of ice in the black tank,it helped scrub any leftovers off the bottom sliding around while driving,never had any problems with it!
I drink the water. I replace it with city water once a week. I drain the old water, flush and refill and it wonderful to have fresh water on tap!
You can definitely use all refrigerators while traveling. No issues caused because of that. I’ve Been doing this with different types for almost 40 years.
🎃w🎃😊e
Try it with. 12v compressor fridge. We were running it all the time but kept blowing the fuse that in the back of the fridge. Quit traveling with it on and haven’t blown one since.
There’s always one who has done everything wrong for forty years and got away with it……manufacturers advise not to run a fridge UNLESS IT IS LEVEL and for very good reason!
@@kenwatson7885 I make sure my RVs are always level running down the road. It drives me crazy to see RVs on the Interstate running on the front 2 tires, or more often...mostly on the rear 2 wheels.
This is from Furrions 12 volt compressor fridge manual, "During travel, where a tow vehicle will provide constant battery charging, it is recommended to operate the refrigerator at a normal temperature setting dial (refer to “Temperature Control” section). Once you have arrived and are dependent on your battery reserve, rotate the knob to the “OFF GRID” setting of the dial."
Agree with you on everything except refrigerator. While parking overnight out of level may be an issue, driving is not. The unit is in constant motion causing the refrigerant to also move. This is not an issue and the refrigerators are designed for this. Have been a boat owner for years with a compressor refrigerator, unlevel and constant movement of the boat does no harm to the compressor. The vibration of hitting waves or bumbs for years may cause fatigue failure but that has nothing to do with not being level.
You are 100% incorrect. you dont have issues in your boats, because those refrigerators are a designed to be in boats. The refrigerators in boats are designed differently than the ones used in RVs.
@@carllennen3520I am referring to the 12 volt compressor RV refrigerators. Many manufacturers use the exact same compressor in their RV models as they do in their marine models. You are correct that the RV absorption type of refrigerators are never used in a marine environment but I am not talking about them.
@@WilliamNau What a clown show of self styled experts...The absorption refrigerators have been used on ships for decades...all that ever needed repair was the door hinges and latch and the door gasket...
@@stevebell4906 I am not talking about ships. I said my boat which is 26'. It absolutely has the same 12 volt compressor that is in 12 volt RV refrigerators. Also the fact is that RV refrigerators, absolution or 12 volt compressor, will not be damaged by the motion going down the road while turned on or cruising across a lake, which is what the subject of my post, not ships. Don't believe, contact the manufacturers. Should the LP be on while traveling is a different question. Reply all you want. I'm done here.
Refrigerant and oil migrate under normal operation being tilted one way or the other wont matter. they say let it sit for 4 hours incase if some how you managed to drain all the oil out of the compressor and into the evap. If fuses are blowing thats because power surges from the truck to the trailer. As a HVAC tech I would agree run the refrigerator if its 12v I wouldnt run propane though if a bump breaks a propane line that could be a whole different beast.
Thank you for taking the time and bringing these 5 item to our attention. I just subscribed and look forward to watching some of your other informative videos. Best regards, Bob
Wow. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I learned more in just a couple minutes than I ever knew of dos and don'ts that were not in a manual or explained by salesperson or previous owner . This guy is an ace. I appreciate your time sir, and now that I'm subscribed I look forward to checking out whatever else you have shared. Thanks again. Enjoy the day.
While I agree with staying of rough trails with larger RV’s , most if not all my damage has come from bad pot holes, humps , hollow in deteriorating highways across Canada . Sharp edges in pavement can be hell !
Don’t drink the water… Me thinking he is unaware of research that the highest risk species of bacteria found in what little research is done the risk is the SHOWER. He then names a bacteria that is not a risk to swallow but is a risk to breath, such as from a shower. (I just use my water, it is what it is and I’m not going to shower elsewhere.)
What you state as "meticulous" care needed for a fresh water system is really pretty simple. If not used for several weeks, the system needs to be sanitized with 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water. A prolonged soak is not needed, just an hour or two and then a flush. When hook ups are available it is best to fill the tank and use water from the tank. Next avoid any filtration system which removes chlorine. If the tank is not sanitized and properly maintained, then the water should not be used for any purpose. That would include face washing, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and showering. Legionella infection is relatively infrequent but can be very serious, even fatal. Many cases have been due to aerosols when taking a shower with contaminated water. Again, maintain your tank or don't use the water for any purposes.
I'm finding highways do more damage to our camper than any back road or gravel road. I hate driving on a lot of our highways in this country.
It is a good idea to slide under and inspect the axle hangers, leafs,hardware and other stress on the chassis area, side shoulder on I -10 is a lousy place to lose a leaf stack,axle,or most of the trailer
The interstates are terrible! Indiana is the worst and where many RVs are built! 🤣
Other folks commented on the off roading and I agree. Some locations throughout the country, the interstates are far more worse than going down a washboard road at 10-15mph for 2-4 miles. We FT in a triple axle toyhauler and dry camp a lot out west on BLM land, so we frequent these roads. Sure it can be a little rough sometimes, but we take it slow in those situations. Hek, getting into some of the campgrounds around the country is rougher than 17 cinder blocks! Its just the nature of the beast.
Good! Whew. Ive been told about all 5 items as a new camper! Didnt necessarily know the why’s, glad I know now. thanks for getting to the point quickly!
5 excellent dos and don'ts. The first and last points can be both deadly and costly respectively. If you plan to max out your weight limit you might want to opt out for a fifth wheel trailer with a beefed up chassis, on or off road.
I use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Other than that, I use the fresh water tank for everything else. I have recently left my propane refrigerator on while traveling and had no issues. I do replace my anode rod with a replacement anode rod. I never leave either holding tank valve open, even when at a full hookup site. Empty when full. My new trailer is mild offroad capable. I will take it down a dirt or gravel road that is smooth, but I will avoid rough offroad travel.
Use a berkey black filter for drinking water you can use ditch water with those things
Thanks this has really helped me new 2023 RV owner .
Great EDU and advice. Thanks!
Cheers, Eric
Also, boondock often with my 5th wheel. Just drive real slow and take your time!! It will be fine!
If I can’t load the refrigerator before leaving on a camping trip, what good is it?
I’d have to put all my frozen and keep cold items in an ice chest for the drive. After I arrive and turn on the refrigerator, I’d have to wait hours for it to cool down and then transfer items from the ice chest into the refrigerator. Leaving the camp site would also be a huge hassle. Turn the refrigerator off and quickly drive to the nearest store to buy ice. Transfer anything left in the refrigerator to the ice chest for the trip home. At this point, the refrigerator is completely useless.
We use small ice packs and dry ice during transit. When leaving the house, make sure the frozen stuff is frozen and pack that freezer. Any gaps fill with small frozen ice packs. Same with the fridge. We always leave a little room in the freezer to re-freeze those ice packs, and load them into the refrigerator for the drive home.
We've converted the storage under one of the dinette seats to a freezer chest with 2" foam, plastic panel and silicone - 1 3 lb block of dry ice will keep things in there frozen for several days - that's a good backup for those days we're bringing ice cream or a lot of meat for griling.
The little refrigerator is 1.3 cubic ft. There really isn’t room for ice packs. If I have to bring ice packs, I might as well just use my ice chest and forget about the refrigerator. For me, the whole point of up grading to a camp trailer from a tent is for some of the conveniences.
@@wendytravis6427 1.3 cubic feet? Use a cooler - I mean, that is tiny. In reality, I think unless you go off road the fridge is probably gonna be fine (just my opinion) - but 1.3 c.f. is almost nothing. I think maybe the biggest upgrade from a tent for you might be the beds? It's just my opinion - I doubt you agree - but part of camping is actually the inconvenient part. You know.....the nature part. Otherwise, why not stay home.
@@ChristopherCobra oops 3.1 cubic feet. Lol. It’s not any smaller than my cooler. And yes the Bed is the main reason for the upgrade. That’s why I wrote conveniences… plural, more than one. As for the nature part… We’re both in our 60’s and have tent camped our entire lives. We’re experienced campers, we enjoy nature and we know how to rough it. No need for you to be snarky.
@@wendytravis6427 It was not meant to be snarky - sorry. I am from field science background and have seen maybe too much "glamping" in the field sceinces. Which makes me wonder why folks decided to do a field science. Conveniences are fine (especially a bed) - but inconveniences are part of what make - me at least - understand and enjoy what I am doing. Getting used to being dirty again, understanding things can hurt me, getting my own firewood for dinner, but also seeing flowers not bought in a grocery store, animals not in a zoo, smells not from a can or machine. Kinda hard to explain, but if there was no inconvenient stuff - I kinda feel like the good stuff is just another product. And I am well aware that tent camping is a limited time option. I like being able to walk in the morning.
Thank you..I'm new to all this RV stuff
Thanks! Great info! Even an experienced RV’r can benefit so I subbed!
I’ve been RVing longer than this guy is old… and everything he’s telling you is absolutely correct, newbies take note!
Great advice that most probably never thought about or knew the reasons behind them.
Great tips! Thank you!
You are pretty damn smart! I live in a 5thw, and it's important to be aware of what you should do and the "must do's" to prevent damaging something that should of been maintained but anyways thanks for taking the time to make this video and share what you know
Thanks ~
I enjoyed each point you make in your excellent video. I know you said many people run their refrigerator while traveling, and I am one of them, but I have, like others, and without any adverse consequence, run my absorption refrigerator while traveling. I think the reason no problem has occurred is that roads in general are level. So, for most of the time, the refrigerator is level and the short periods of time where it is not perfectly level, causes no problem. I have a 1990 Ford Mallard RV and my original Norcold refrigerator continues to perform like a champion.
Great info. I'm over here thinking about getting a travel trailer but I'd mostly want it for boondocking (off road) so this info was very timely. Thanks!
Thanks for all the good info and found out what I did not know. As a retired auto technician , still learning about travel trailers. People make the difference! PMTD.
We do not drink from faucet or use it for cooking just wash dishes and showers. I love our hot water on demand and happy to see many campers going to that. Glad to say we are doing GR8 on your list.
Great tips, thanks for creating this video!
Good stuff! Those are things I hadn’t thought of.
I don’t use Facebook or TikTok but would definitely like to see more RUclips videos with tips like these!
I did not know, now I know! Great tips thanks.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks!
This is so interesting as an RV sales person to watch. Thank you for the insight! I never thought about the fridge being off level causing issues for consumers.
When you sell an RV to an unsuspecting victim, do you disclose how poorly these things are built, or do you just let them figure it out when their first trip is a complete disaster?
@@isaac_bear Caveat emptor .
OMG you sale rv s? SMFH!
Completely agree with the off roading tip. My brand new Forest River had piles of sawdust, from the manufacturing process, every time I hauled it for the first three thousand miles
And that was all paved roads, mostly interstates.
Practical and highly informative. Thank you sir for your expertise.
Good, concise video. Important thing to note is that it is illegal in all 50 states to leave the propane on when traveling thru a tunnel OR at a gas station. Not to mention dangerous if a leak springs up. I've purchased a portable 12V/120V refrigerator/freezer and use it to transport perishables. When I get to the campsite, transfer the food to the fridge. I then use the portable unit to keep drinks cold outside.
I worked at a National Park as a chemical handler. This meant I could dispense gas (which is what I mainly ended up doing). On federal land there is no self service (at least not then). You would not believe the arguments I would get into with folks regarding propane and pilot lights while fueling. I would not give them fuel if the pilots were lit and propane on - it was against the law. On one RV with an especially nasty driver, there was an externally accessed pilot light less than 12 inches from the fuel cap. Told him I would not fill it unless he turned off the propane. We even offered to relight the pilots if needed. It was a brand new RV - he said he had never had a problem - I said yeah - the ones who do are dead. He complained to my boss who sent him on his way - no gas. Basic concepts seem to escape folks.
Concur with your statement that states ban operation of propane burning at gas stations or when traveling through tunnels... These laws are likely based on well-intentioned safety protocols... However, our coach runs on diesel which is not volatile or flammable and is re-fueled at appropriate facilities other than "gas stations"... In 35 years of RV ownership, I cannot recall ever operating one of our coaches in a tunnel...
Oh well if its "illegal" I'll definitely be a good slave and not do it. I'm now driving with it on for all tunnels. I stop before I enter and turn it on. Then pull over after and turn it off
The Norcold compressor frig I have is claimed by Norcold to be good for up to 30 degree tilt.
We always run our Dometic 2 way on a/c with an inverter while traveling. It is protected from off level problems while traveling by our ARP Fridge defend we installed. Works great and protects against over heating of the boiler.
Actually for a 3-way/absorption frig, running it on electric power just heats up the boiler electrically instead of with propane. The frig should still not be run while the vehicle is in motion.
thanks a lot !!! i never trusted drinking the water even when there was no info on it and the off road akso made tons of sense !!!!!!!
Good list of things to be aware of.
Very good information especially anode rod! Don’t want rust in my hot water heater! Science!
I don't even have an RV, and I found this interesting. Although there seem to be different points of view, I do appreciate the heads-up.
Thank you so much! Great tips!
Now this was solid stuff, appreciate it!😎🇺🇸
Very useful channel. Subscribed.
I've driven my rv for 15 years with propane fridge on and never had an issue with the fridge. I recently sold it and bought a new one and will continue to drive with propane on. I live in a mountainous country where trailer is up and down hills unlevel lots of times. Works for me maybe not others just my own personal opinion.
Great information! Thank you!
Sanitize / Sterilize heavily the entire fresh water system every spring with bleach then with baking soda. Drink and cook out of it every year. Never had an issue. I agree with other posts about the refrigerator. Been running (traveling) with propane on for years. Never had an issue as trailer is reasonably and mostly level when traveling. Holding tanks are for "holding". Meaning let it fill up (i.e.-hold) then open the valve and let it empty naturally.
Excellent information , thank you
Than you for the great info!
I'm so glad I found your channel. My husband and I are beginning to do some research on travel trailers to live in while we work. I'll be watching a lot more of your channel. I appreciate you opinion and look forward to learning more from you.
We agree with you @Suzarra8947, this fellow ISIS deliver great tips!
We even learned something from him and we've been RVing full time for 12 years! (6 months in our RV in Canada and 6 months living abroad somewhere).
Lots of vids on our channel called Plan Free!
We have a few boondocking videos and will add more as we keep learning for guys like this. So informative!
Brush up on your plumbing, electrical, and general handyman skills. It’s kind of mentioned that RVs are not built the best, and then shrugged off like it’s normal and no big deal. Your brand new RV ***WILL*** have issues. Been living in one full time for 2 months now, and Lord have mercy, this $35k pile of junk has been nothing but problems. These things are put together by monkeys with staple guns. Good luck.
@@isaac_bear Agree with you Isaac bear, RV are definitely not built well! It's always something.... Years ago, driving 2 hrs. Arrived at campground open the closest in bathroom, clothes rod fall, shelf fall, we could see the taillights and wires 🙄! Current TT, 1 vent was Not even attached to heater blower, blowing heat inside the cupboard, slide-out motor wasn't able to retract slide, brake controller defective from factor, 1 Axel needed to be replaced, 6 months new $1300. Out of pocket $$$, dealer didn't give a 💩 😤! Triple check Anything that might come loose, the Highway bouncing will move or bounce things around inside your unit! Carry some Tools, know some basic repair skills! Safe travels
Did not realize that about the fridge. I've got the 12v / propane fridge and have owned 2 Keystone Raptors since 2006. We always travel with our fridge in the auto position. Have never experienced any issues.
Many people live in RVs full-time. This is our home. We don't have a home base to which we return at the end of every RV trip. Certainly the first couple of tips do not apply to us at all.
1. We have to drink from our fresh water supply. The only alternative is to buy bottled water and that will get too expensive. I have an adequate filtering system located upstream from the holding tank, so I am confident that the water in there is safe.
2. The food in our fridge is all we have, so we have to run it while moving. I am certain that the manufacturer installed a fridge that can handle being moved. Mine is on whenever I move, and I have never had any issues.
3 & 4. The tips regarding the water heater anode rod and black tank valves are completely valid, however. People do stupid stuff, and these two areas are where a lot of folks, even those living in RVs full time, get screwed up. Especially that black tank valve. They think that because they are living hooked up to a sewer system they can treat their trailer like a house and leave that valve open. Big mistake!!!
5. Finally, taking a typical RV "off road" is a bad idea. They are definitley not made for that. The leveling jacks on mine hang far too low to take it on any unpaved surface other than the spaces specifically desginated for RVs. I worry about them getting caught on any kind of uneven surface. The pavemnent just entering parking lots is sometimes worrisome. I can only imagine how badly my rig would be screwed up trying to take it down some kind of off-road trail. No matter how badly my wife wants to "boondock," we are not properly equipped for that.
Very informative!
Love that campground.
First I'd like to point out that LP/12volt refrigerators do not have compressors they run of ammonia in which when you heat up with LP or 12 volt they evaporate in there system to create cold and recycle over and over again very efficiently, when they are not straight up the heat wont get to the proper place to cool. However when moving on highway will not affect the cooling process, on dirt roads it takes a while to affect the process.
That!!
Great info, thank you for sharing.
Hate to go rving with this dude all his Don't s I've been doing for yrs
Thank you for the advice
Thank u so much for this advice!
I have traveled with the fridge on. I always make sure the trailer is on level when parked…the movement back and forth side to side is not long enough to cause issues. Parked for hours of level, something like 4-5hrs off level
Thanks for the education.
Finally! Information I really need.
Thank you for info that was relevant, but not really considered.
If you are really worried about the refrigerator while traveling get one designed for boats. A boat is almost never level. Sailboats can spend days at a time heeled over while underway.
Most new sailboats are using a residential style fridge, like the college dorm fridge. The specialty fridge is not needed
Hey know , don't be bringing sailboats under this discussion. Most all sailboats are a quality product, that can last many decades and still perform like new under extreme stresses. Unlike travel trailers that never performed like new. LOL
@@kenj.8897 boats need way more maintenance than trailers
there’s an acronym for a reason
@@malachistice8111 are you kidding me ? Have you ever owned a quality boat? For one thing they hold their value. Another thing is a labor of keeping it shiny, not trying to hold a piece of crap together like a RV is . Only quality products going to a sailboat, they don't go into cost cutting.
@@malachistice8111 That is absolutely not true. RV's are pure garbage compared to a boat.
Great video. This will help a lot of people. This is the type of video that people will watch every year. Great job on the delivery. I’m subscribed.
Helpful info. Thanks!
Thank you !!
❤️🤎💙🧡🤍💜💚🩷
For water, I have filter at site connection and Brita inside. Always throughly rinse black tank and I use more drop-ins than recommended and haven't had false reading sensor issues since which i did using only recommened amount.
Very helpful, thank you ❤
Excellent video
So in other words buy a trailer and never leave your yard or use the trailer
Thank you that was helpful!!
Great advice.
I drink from my water system but I live in areas with very clean water all the time and I regularly flush the system out with just water and it’s been good. I’ve replaced pipes when they get gross inside in the past but normal water systems will get gross in similar ways if just not used frequently. When I bought my van, I had to flush the system for a long time before I could use it because that water was some other world of stale. But it’s all good now
They do make DC refrigerators with vibration technology and a locking door. I monitor my refrigerator temperatures using an RF signal from a weather station I bought. It lets me know without opening the door if my refrigerator is functioning properly all from the cab of my pickup truck. I plug the weather station into my cab power. I know what the refrigerator is doing at a glance. I still level my trailer when parked but so far my DC Rec-Pro upright 4.3 cu foot refrigerator has no issues with traveling even on mountain grades. I can monitor it as I drive. I use solar power so everything is DC. I have a converted toy hauler. And only drive 55mph on my single axle. I avoid gravel and potholes as much as possible. I built the toy hauler as I didn’t want the propane appliances. They are very expensive to fix and replace. Also I have the same exact faucet as you in my unit.
Thanks for your video! I'm new!
Things that make me go: “Hmmm 😮!” Great food for thought! The dealer in AZ (late 90’s) taught me #4, I went from rookie to straight to full timer. #5 I would never take a huge rig anywhere like what he is talking about. 1-3 & 6, never heard all these years. Definitely food for thought & investigation. Oh, hot water tip sure makes sense already.
Very good info thank you