Hey there! Thanks for watching our video on the 5 Secrets RVers should know! If you enjoyed this video, please don't forget to subscribe to our RUclips channel! You can subscribe to our RUclips channel here → ruclips.net/channel/UCFuE6zYaSBoN3jDDgxuVRgw → Check out the Blog Post with all the Links here gratefulglamper.com/5-secrets-the-smartest-rvers-know/
I have travel trailer and a 30 amp cord that will reach our generator in the bed of the truck . We can now a/c the camper when parked for meals when traveling .
Stupid stuff happens so here is a tip. I keep a spare set of keys to the coach entry door on the outside hidden in a place where I can get to them in case I lose a key or in both of my cases lock myself out .Years ago I accidently locked my self out by tripping the paddle latch lock to the lock position and closed the door. I had a few tools available and went thru the lock cylinder to get it unlocked. After that time I started hiding a set so I could always get back in. Well I did it again, this time in Laughlin NV. at 11pm and it was still 90+ degrees outside when we took our dogs out for a short walk. I had one dog in tow and somehow I accidently tripped the paddle latch lock mechanism to lock as we exited with the pups and I shut the door. Surprise, we returned and we were locked out. We had no keys, cell phones wallets ect. and the neighbors were all turned in for the nite. No problem or worry, I went to the hidden spare set and we were back in.
The best RV tip that I ever received when entering this lifestyle was when you pull into a campsite and you have questions, many questions stand outside the RV cross your arms in front of your chest and look up and just stand there at least three people will show up and say do you need help with something. Thomyt
Ha-ha, so true. Try doing that standing on a street in a town or large city, and watch how quickly a crowd forms, then quietly slip away while they're still looking up! Works every time.
Going to a cat scale and weighing your RV is a good one too. Occasionally we all get off the major highways to reach a destination. Along the way we come to bridge's that say something like a 10 ton limit. 10 tons is 20,000 pounds. My class A diesel pusher is to heavy to cross that bridge. You don't want to collapse the bridge and fall to what's below.
Yes #1 we went to a Truck Collision and Repair for two blow outs damage, and the service was awesome they even worked with Grand Design and our Insurance! Then returned for a check of the suspension and more! great service and fast, thanks
We always take our Class A gas to our local Ford dealer. Works best if the Ford dealer sells and services commercial trucks but we have been able to get our oil changed at a small Ford dealer and even once at Walmart.
Great tips! When putting your height label on your dash dont forget to include the metric equivalent in case you travel to Canada etc. The first time you need it is usually at the border crossing and need to know what lane to get into.
Your tip about getting vehicle service is spot on. If you are driving a diesel pusher you'll probably get most of your chassis and engine service from the mechanics that are at your town's "diesel row". Where I live there are a bunch of heavy truck dealerships and diesel mechanics all inside a couple mile stretch of road near the Interstate. From my perspective, this is pretty common in the Pacific Northwest, all the diesel and heavy truck shops are all near the highway and the nearest truck stop. On the other hand, servicing a Class A gasser or a Class C can be a little more tricky. The mechanic you use has to have heavy lift capabilities. Since most modern gas RVs are on Ford chassis, you'd think you'd roll them into a Ford dealer for service, however not all Ford dealers have heavy lift capabilities. Your local RV service center, the guys that will do the work on the house portion of your motorhome, can usually tell you all of the local shops that have heavy lift capabilities and even specialize in servicing motorhomes. These shops are also usually the local place that do the work for UPS and Fedex on their trucks (delivery trucks aren't all that different from motorhomes).
I carry 2 lengths of 5/4×6 deck board. I cut them to the exact length that fits across the basement compartments. I forget but it's almost 8 ft long. Sometimes I need to go off road to park for dirt bike races. If I get stuck in soft sand I put them down under the tires. . I can also use them for extra leveling blocks if needed. They take up nearly no room because they are an inch thick. I like being self reliant. I don't want to call a tow truck if I'm in a little sand or mud. I also set up a Wyze v3 camera with a thermometer in view so I can watch my dogs when I'm away and check temp. Leave a hidden key so they have access to get your dog out if needed. Only with my dogs am I this crazy pre planning.
Good tip. If your rig has leveling jacks (not thin stabilizer jacks like on travel trailers but heavy duty levelers) I would think you can put them down to lift enough clearance under the wheels to slip in a board to get unstuck.
Had a notice from Heartland that the propane regulator on our trailer was being recalled and that they would replace it for free. Called the local RV repair shop in August and couldn’t get an appointment until middle of November. Bought the replacement regulator from Amazon and installed it myself!
My husband and I love watching your videos. We just bought a travel trailer and we were wondering what GPS you use? We're having trouble finding one. God bless you guys, safe travels!
Recently was told by a dealership they would not service our class A since we didn't buy the motorhome from them. We are newly FT, and I hope that's not a trend.
I can attest to the long wait for repairs at an RV dealer. My travel trailer has been sitting at Camping World for 6 weeks now and they still haven't touched it. Took it there as that is where we purchased from back in February but so regretting that decision. Every time we've taken it in to them when we pick it up something else is wrong with it. If I were to upgrade to a 5th wheel (been looking already) I would purchase from Lazy Days unless I hear bad things about them in the mean time.
Have called all over and 90% of big rig shops will not work on MOTORHOMES.(unless its a Prevost and newer). They will not even do a oil change.. I have a Cummins 450HD 10.6L & Allison HD 4060, 40' feet, class A over twenty years old. Have found one in CA and one in OR that will do work on my rig.. What a real pain..
@@GratefulGlamper .. Yep I think it has more to do with our rig is a 97 and no one wants to deal with them... but I have some shops that I know will work on almost anything in our rig at $$$ whatever price they make up....
Poo pyramids happen if you are at full hookups, hook up your sewer hose, then go drain your tanks and leave your black tank valve open. The problem is that you need stored liquid in the black tank to help carry solids down the drain hose when you go dump. If you leave your black tank valve open, the liquids all drain away, but the solids start to stack up under the toilet outlet. As the solids accumulate they create a pyramid that will end up blocking the toilet outlet and creating a clog. The only way to get rid of this is to find a way to fill the tank up with liquid and then try to infuse the tank with a massive load of tank bacteria treatment. The treatment with the stored liquid should liquify the pyramid which eliminates the toilet clog. To avoid this always keep your black tank valve closed, even at full hookups and treat your tank with a quality bacterial tank treatment. I’m also very fond of the Unique Camping and Marine products. They work as advertised.
Hey there! Thanks for watching our video on the 5 Secrets RVers should know! If you enjoyed this video, please don't forget to subscribe to our RUclips channel! You can subscribe to our RUclips channel here → ruclips.net/channel/UCFuE6zYaSBoN3jDDgxuVRgw → Check out the Blog Post with all the Links here gratefulglamper.com/5-secrets-the-smartest-rvers-know/
I have travel trailer and a 30 amp cord that will reach our generator in the bed of the truck . We can now a/c the camper when parked for meals when traveling .
Stupid stuff happens so here is a tip. I keep a spare set of keys to the coach entry door on the outside hidden in a place where I can get to them in case I lose a key or in both of my cases lock myself out .Years ago I accidently locked my self out by tripping the paddle latch lock to the lock position and closed the door. I had a few tools available and went thru the lock cylinder to get it unlocked. After that time I started hiding a set so I could always get back in. Well I did it again, this time in Laughlin NV. at 11pm and it was still 90+ degrees outside when we took our dogs out for a short walk. I had one dog in tow and somehow I accidently tripped the paddle latch lock mechanism to lock as we exited with the pups and I shut the door. Surprise, we returned and we were locked out. We had no keys, cell phones wallets ect. and the neighbors were all turned in for the nite. No problem or worry, I went to the hidden spare set and we were back in.
The best RV tip that I ever received when entering this lifestyle was when you pull into a campsite and you have questions, many questions stand outside the RV cross your arms in front of your chest and look up and just stand there at least three people will show up and say do you need help with something. Thomyt
Ha-ha, so true. Try doing that standing on a street in a town or large city, and watch how quickly a crowd forms, then quietly slip away while they're still looking up! Works every time.
Love it. 😂
Going to a cat scale and weighing your RV is a good one too. Occasionally we all get off the major highways to reach a destination. Along the way we come to bridge's that say something like a 10 ton limit. 10 tons is 20,000 pounds. My class A diesel pusher is to heavy to cross that bridge. You don't want to collapse the bridge and fall to what's below.
Great point and suggestion.
Yes #1 we went to a Truck Collision and Repair for two blow outs damage, and the service was awesome they even worked with Grand Design and our Insurance! Then returned for a check of the suspension and more! great service and fast, thanks
Awesome - thanks for watching.
Also if you have an RV GPS unit, you can program the height of the RV in it and it will route based on routes you can safely travel.
We have the Garmin RV 890. We program in our height, width, total length with our car behind and weight. That way it keeps us safe.
We use the garmin GPS for RV’s also.
We always take our Class A gas to our local Ford dealer. Works best if the Ford dealer sells and services commercial trucks but we have been able to get our oil changed at a small Ford dealer and even once at Walmart.
Great tips! When putting your height label on your dash dont forget to include the metric equivalent in case you travel to Canada etc. The first time you need it is usually at the border crossing and need to know what lane to get into.
Good to know! Thanks for watching
Your tip about getting vehicle service is spot on. If you are driving a diesel pusher you'll probably get most of your chassis and engine service from the mechanics that are at your town's "diesel row". Where I live there are a bunch of heavy truck dealerships and diesel mechanics all inside a couple mile stretch of road near the Interstate. From my perspective, this is pretty common in the Pacific Northwest, all the diesel and heavy truck shops are all near the highway and the nearest truck stop. On the other hand, servicing a Class A gasser or a Class C can be a little more tricky. The mechanic you use has to have heavy lift capabilities. Since most modern gas RVs are on Ford chassis, you'd think you'd roll them into a Ford dealer for service, however not all Ford dealers have heavy lift capabilities. Your local RV service center, the guys that will do the work on the house portion of your motorhome, can usually tell you all of the local shops that have heavy lift capabilities and even specialize in servicing motorhomes. These shops are also usually the local place that do the work for UPS and Fedex on their trucks (delivery trucks aren't all that different from motorhomes).
👍🏻
I carry 2 lengths of 5/4×6 deck board. I cut them to the exact length that fits across the basement compartments. I forget but it's almost 8 ft long. Sometimes I need to go off road to park for dirt bike races. If I get stuck in soft sand I put them down under the tires. . I can also use them for extra leveling blocks if needed. They take up nearly no room because they are an inch thick. I like being self reliant. I don't want to call a tow truck if I'm in a little sand or mud.
I also set up a Wyze v3 camera with a thermometer in view so I can watch my dogs when I'm away and check temp. Leave a hidden key so they have access to get your dog out if needed. Only with my dogs am I this crazy pre planning.
Good tip. If your rig has leveling jacks (not thin stabilizer jacks like on travel trailers but heavy duty levelers) I would think you can put them down to lift enough clearance under the wheels to slip in a board to get unstuck.
Great tips thanks for watching.
Great tip thanks
Great tips! Love the idea of the lightweight towels. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Had a notice from Heartland that the propane regulator on our trailer was being recalled and that they would replace it for free. Called the local RV repair shop in August and couldn’t get an appointment until middle of November. Bought the replacement regulator from Amazon and installed it myself!
Way to be super handy! And it’s crazy how backed up all the RV dealers and shops are.
Thanks for mentioning towels again. You've mentioned them before but being who I am, I wasn't able to find it! Thanks so much!
Of course, thanks for watching!
We tied a colorful rope on our chocks so see them more easily and not forget them. A Crafty Hint: Tie colorful ropes on your Rv chocks - RUclips
Great suggestion
I painted mine BRIGHT orange . Wife does not like it but I have never left one behind .
Thanks for the information. Glad to hear about the towels.
Thanks for watching
I did that too and also in metric vs standard….
My husband and I love watching your videos. We just bought a travel trailer and we were wondering what GPS you use? We're having trouble finding one. God bless you guys, safe travels!
We use the Garmin GPS for rv’s. We got ours on Amazon. amzn.to/3hiL8eJ
Great tips
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching
Recently was told by a dealership they would not service our class A since we didn't buy the motorhome from them. We are newly FT, and I hope that's not a trend.
I can attest to the long wait for repairs at an RV dealer. My travel trailer has been sitting at Camping World for 6 weeks now and they still haven't touched it. Took it there as that is where we purchased from back in February but so regretting that decision. Every time we've taken it in to them when we pick it up something else is wrong with it. If I were to upgrade to a 5th wheel (been looking already) I would purchase from Lazy Days unless I hear bad things about them in the mean time.
😲😲
Store leftovers in plastic baggies instead of glass containers, less weight.
Great suggestion!
great tips
Thank you! And thanks for watching
Have called all over and 90% of big rig shops will not work on MOTORHOMES.(unless its a Prevost and newer). They will not even do a oil change.. I have a Cummins 450HD 10.6L & Allison HD 4060, 40' feet, class A over twenty years old. Have found one in CA and one in OR that will do work on my rig.. What a real pain..
We’ve found great luck with caterpillar shops and freighter shops.
@@GratefulGlamper .. Yep I think it has more to do with our rig is a 97 and no one wants to deal with them... but I have some shops that I know will work on almost anything in our rig at $$$ whatever price they make up....
Hold up …. Did I hear right? Poop pyramid…
😳😳😳🤣🤣🤣 I’m guessing I know what you’re saying but uhmm how does that happen?? 🤣🤣 💩
Poo pyramids happen if you are at full hookups, hook up your sewer hose, then go drain your tanks and leave your black tank valve open. The problem is that you need stored liquid in the black tank to help carry solids down the drain hose when you go dump. If you leave your black tank valve open, the liquids all drain away, but the solids start to stack up under the toilet outlet. As the solids accumulate they create a pyramid that will end up blocking the toilet outlet and creating a clog. The only way to get rid of this is to find a way to fill the tank up with liquid and then try to infuse the tank with a massive load of tank bacteria treatment. The treatment with the stored liquid should liquify the pyramid which eliminates the toilet clog. To avoid this always keep your black tank valve closed, even at full hookups and treat your tank with a quality bacterial tank treatment. I’m also very fond of the Unique Camping and Marine products. They work as advertised.
Yes, unfortunately they are real, and jeromep explained it perfectly. :) Happy Camping!
Any idea where to go for electrical. Lost part of power in 5th wheel
If a mobile RV tech is unavailable try checking with local electricians.
Marry a mechanic.
👍🏻😂👍🏻
so much to understand....
I know you must have really said something in his ear in the thumbnail pic
😂 You’ll never know, it’s a secret, lol.