10 RV Travel Preparation Tips
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- #campingessentials #campertraveltips #camperpreparation We've created our top 10 RV travel preparation tips. Over the past several years, we've discovered these tips go a long way to ensure we not only have a better opportunity for safe travel, but these few extra steps before we hit the road prepare the RV camper for a trip that will be enjoyable.
It takes us less than 2 hours to perform all 10 RV travel preparation tips. From simple tire maintenance to cleaning out the seasonal items from the cabinets and storage bins, each tip covers areas, when neglected, can ruin a camping trip or worse cut intro your travel funds forcing expensive repairs.
As always, Joan and I hope you find each of these tried and true tips helpful as you enjoy all RV life has to offer.
If you're looking for some of the products mentioned in this video, we've created the list below where we make our purchases:
303 UV Protectant - amzn.to/2rsxPyq
Canvas Wheel Tire Covers for RV - amzn.to/2ru6Em2
Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment - amzn.to/2rsKYHK
Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper - amzn.to/2jHUEKd
Slide-Out Dry Lube Protectant - amzn.to/2rsLiGs
Garden Hose Quick Connector - amzn.to/2rvwXbl
Visit our website for more I Love RV Life travels and tips at ilovervlife.com
Music by: [No Copyright Music] ON AND ON - Nicolai Heidlas Music - • Video
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Excellent video as always really appreciate everything that you’re sharing with your experience that you had on the road. Keep them coming love watching your channel can’t wait to see what adventures next for you. Thanks again
Thanks much! We have a couple simple mods coming up, then some Florida travel videos.
Thanks Jerry for taking the time out and educating us. Great video and hope to see on the road.
Always Crystal. We’ll be on the look out for you all.
Great pre-trip information Jerry! The products and information is so helpful in being prepared for an enjoyable excursion! BPOC I love it... Great statement here! I find it amazing how much you can accumulate " Thing's" from going from place to place and not even realizing it is added weight lol. I really enjoyed the homemade solar lights you acquired from Walmart that you made out of four by fours. So very creative Jerry!! Blessings to you and Joan on your trip!
This one was fun. Amazing how a few minutes before a trip can prevent problems down the road. Jerry...
Thanks for sharing the maintenance part of camping. I love your videos from Georgia State Parks.
Thanks so much Alice.
We are just getting started! We are still researching RVs and absolutely love this channel. We have already learned so much! Jerry, you and Joan are so inspiring and we just love your videos. I already have a list of places to visit. We also live in Georgia and just had no idea of the many wonderful campgrounds you have shared. These will give us a great start and remain close to home in order to get a lot of practice before venturing out on longer trips. I also love love the solar lights you made. I’ve already put in an order for my hubby to make some for us! Thanks for the great videos!
Thanks so much Wendy. So glad you found the channel. Have a great time as you start your travels. Jerry...
I like it Simple....dawn soap love always does a good job! Thanks again Jerry!
Yeah...Dawns the GREATEST isn't it.
Thank you so much, I'm new to rving and you by far offer the most information for anyone who is just starting out. Again thank you from Indy
Hi Jan. Great to hear you’re finding our channel helpful. Safe travels.
Jerry, thanks for making these videos. We are just, and I mean, JUST starting our research for buying a travel trailer. Your experiences, and willingness to share them are a great help.
Thanks so much David. We're so glad you're finding the videos helpful. We love RV travel and enjoy sharing. Jerry...
303 is good stuff it will cut the UV sun rays that rot tires. Good advise, I use it
Excellent ideas...never thought of the water in the tub and sink pee trap being emptied and allowing the odor up!!! Great insight to refill it with a little water. I did change the toilet seal and do keep water at all times in it...holds it well. Thanks again Jerry your a wealth of information! Hope to meet you one day!! Dave
Me too Dave. Safe travels. Jerry...
Omg! I just love you! I’m so glad I came across your videos while looking up James island county park. I have learned so much just watching this video. Thanks so much!
Thanks so much Jennifer. Great to hear our RV travels and tips have been helpful. Safe travels. Jerry
Thanks Jerry for the great tips ..... came across your channel 2 weeks ago and I watch you and your tips more so than anyone....my wife and I are taking our grandsons out in our brand new 5th wheel over Memorial Day weekend for our first camping trip in 25 yrs since raising our 5 kids. Thanks for your enthusiasm for teaching and humor ! Happy trails to you and Joan.
Thank Kim and really appreciate you watching our channel. And most of all, welcome back to RV life. Joan and I so enjoy and spend about 7 to 8 months a year on the road. Hope you all have a great trip Memorial weekend. Jerry.....
I so agree about black tank treatments. You're my favorite RV guy, Jerry! Thanks for what you do.
Thanks a bunch.
Just recently found ur Channel. I have enjoyed it. U seem so honest, straight forward & informative. Just wanted to tell u that I appreciate that. GOD Bless U. Have a Blessed Day
Thank you so much Malaine. So glad you found us and are enjoying the channel.
Thanks Jerry. This is a great video. My wife and I are going full time rving in about 6 months. Your videos are so informative.
Hi Donnie. So glad you found the video helpful and discover others on the channel as well. Have a great time in your RV travels. Joan and I just love this adventure.
This has become on of my favorite RV channels!
Thanks so much Rebecca. So glad you found our channel.
Man!!! Your rv is spotless you are relentless good job looks awesome
Thank you for all the awesome video’s
Thanks a bunch. It’s a 2014. I had a detail shop come yesterday and strip and ceramic coat. It look like we just pulled it out of a showroom.
Great tips and will be sure and start using them ASAP! Keep the videos coming!!!!
Thanks a bunch Mark. We certainly will.
Hilarious! I’m borrowing that BPOC for everything, especially when people tell me BPOC! You inspired me going out to clean the RV garage now. Love, love, love the light posts.
Thanks much. Even our kids have adopted the de-BPOC philosophy! Glad you like the light posts. It was one of those "I wonder if this will work" ideas. Jerry...
Being brand new to rv campers, this is by far the best video I’ve seen.
Thanks a bunch. Glad we could help.
Just bought thru Amazon on your site Happy Camper to hopefully help with the odor and make us happier campers :) on next week's trip! Also going to do the dawn in all the tanks! Thanks again Jerry! Enjoy Florida, we'll be watching....planning a big trip out West for the fall so watching for all your great ideas!
Thanks much Dave. Hope it helps. Have a great trip out west. Joan and I are thinking the same the first of the year.
Jerry I love your videos. I have been learning a TON thank you sir! Very much appreciated!!! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much. So glad you’re finding the channel helpful.
I totally agree with you... :)
WOW Jerry, I'll say it again... You do such a great job. I've gained a lot from the folks on "Changing Lanes" . You're now right up there as a favorite. I'm so happy I found you! Kindest Regards, -keith
Thanks so much. Glad we could help.
Hi, I love your lamp posts. I am going to copy you and put them on my patio. I wish I had an RV to use them with, but hubby isn't interested. I enjoyed all your kitchen remodeling. Have a great trip to Florida.
Thanks Linda. So glad you can use the patio lights. That was one of those "I wonder if this will work" moments. Jerry....
Great job Jerry! There is a lot to RVing, more than people realize. Having just picked up our new to us fifth- wheel, I have spent the last few days adjusting doors, drawers, etc. Always something to do. On my slide teeth, I use white lithium grease. I will try the 303, as I have never used that product before. Thanks for sharing!
Grease is good as long a the manufacturer recommends. Usually you want something dry so it won't capture dirt and mix with the gears. 303 is amazing stuff. Jerry...
Excellent, practical recommendations clearly articulated. Thank you!
Thanks Stephen.
You have a unique personality which make it fun to watch , great info thank you
Thanks a bunch William.
Great tips. Don't forget to check the spare tire.
Hi Jerry, I really like the lamp posts that you made, I have scrap 4X4 posts that I can convert into the same accent lighting as yours, I have been catching up with your vids little by little since I first purchases my RV. You really do a good job with your presentations! Keep up the good work my friend!
Thanks so much. Great to hear you’re enjoying the channel. Those camp lights are in great dark campgrounds. Enjoy.
I love that you found my accidental lighting for my driveway entrance. dollar general has these little lights for garden and flower beds too.... I dropped two into the fence post and solar lit the street end of the long drive... don’t be surprised if you see these at our campsite too😉
Yeah Bren. Our light are always a conversation started at the campground.
Great video, thank you! We do most of what you advised but we did pick up some useful info. We have a TPMS system that each year I clean each tire ‘unit’, change batteries and retest. Gives great peace of mind. Happy travels!
Thanks. Great to hear you found the video helpful.
Great info. Very useful tips for anyone about to travel in an rv. We just ordered our first tub of Happy Camper and will be trying it out soon. Have seen other reviews on how good it is. Hope you have fun in Florida.
Thanks Gail. I think you'll be surprised how well it works. Arrived in Florida today. Looking forward to sharing the sites.
I just love the tips that you have given me and the way you present them. I am a new RV solo female with a Leisure travel van B+. I have never had to think about taking care of my vehicles since my husband would do it or car dealership would tell me when to bring it in to take care of maintenance. But since I hear that people have so many breakdowns on the road I figured I better start learning how to do some of this stuff. I do have two roadside services just in case. My husband actually has been helping me out a lot but he isn’t a RV person and doesn’t want to go much. Since we live in Hawaii, we store it at my daughter’s in northern RENO. My husband will not be at my finger tips to help out. So I really appreciate you taking all the time you do to explain these things. I just love the idea of the cleaning with the Dawn soap in the gray water tank and putting it down the toilet. Oh also tonight I bought that toilet paper that you suggested. Of course they don’t ship to Hawaii and I don’t need it here but was able to ship to Nevada. The big pack that you guys buy they were out and didn’t know when they’d ever get it again. This is August 5th 2020. Also I’m going to purchase that other stuff for the toilet that is Happy Camper. Aloha and Mahalo
Thanks a bunch Sharyn. Great to hear you’re finding the channel helpful. Safe travels in that B+. Jerry...
I am really enjoying your videos...great presentation and details; thorough. Easy way about you :)
Thanks Jody for the very kind comment. So glad you found the channel. Jerry...
My wife and I really like you channel. We have been watchin it for a few years now. I really don't know how i missed this vlog but, I am glad that I have watched it. I never knew about the 303 and I will be using it from now on. Thanks for the tips. We live in NW Illinois and it gets really cold, sometimes it gets down to and below -30 degrees in the winter. What I do is after I get done winterizing my travel trailer I take everything out of my basement and most things inside the camper and I store it in my garage where it is heated. Thank you for all of the videos.
Thanks for watching our channel Chad. That’s a great tip.
Such great information! We just bought a 42 ft 5th wheel for our son to live in at university. We are doing all of the research we can so we can set up a regular maintenance schedule! Then he graduates in a few years and we have an RV to travel in!
So glad you found our channel helpful. What a great plan!
I have looked and looked for the video of your homemade 4x4 post patio decoration. 😂FINALLY found it again.i love love love the idea. I have some extra fence posts and I wanted to see the approximate size you had cut them. Great idea. AND yes you could sell them
Thanks Linda. They have become our number 1 conversation starter at the campground. Plus they are great to light the front at night. Maybe I’ll make a video this week on how to make to make it easier to search for in the future.
Great Tips & Excellent Video! I love this guy!
Thanks Bryan! Appreciate the kind comment.
Great job Jerry. My wife and I don’t travel as much as you do, wish we could but other things prevent it.
Thanks Dennis. Life gets in the way sometimes, but when the opportunity arises, we love seeing so much this country offers.
Thank you for this! 😊 Love your RV (the little bit I could see when you were inside) & those little path light holders are adorable!! I would definitely buy some!
Thanks so much. Here’s a tour inside the 5th wheel ruclips.net/video/60IZPQEtWAY/видео.html and here’s one to make the camping lights ruclips.net/video/NGf0-KHlnSY/видео.html
@@iLoveRVlife aww thank you. Hope you guys are well & are planning some trips as soon as it is safe enough. 💙
We are well and looking forward to our next trip in a few weeks. Stay safe.
I’m not a camper guy and I don’t have an RV or even a car, but after this video and the way you smile and laugh made me WANT a camping vehicle.
Thank you Mr.Jerry for sharing this video and wish you a happy times.
Thanks so much. Hope one day in the near future you have a camper and enjoy RV life.
Hi Jerry
Great info for all to have. However battery maintenance and LPG system are very important also. I also remove and visually inspect wheel bearings every other season. I really don’t like surprises.
Thanks for your time.
Mike
Great tip Mike. I also have the wheel bearing packed and the breaks checked every 10,000 miles.
Love your videos. Learned a lot. Thank You
Thanks a bunch Renita. Glad to share.
Awesome tips! We are renovating a 1977 Airstream Argosy and plan to hit Florida and then the west coast when we finish! Definitely enjoy any and all tips and tricks!
Thanks so much Wow, a '77 Argosy. A classic! I bet this is an adventure within itself. Tip #1: Have fun! We arrived in Florida today. We plan to keep sharing Thanks for watching.
It definitely is a classic, we love it but has certainly been an adventure! Definitely having fun as we are going, cant wait to hit the road! Look forward to seeing more! If you want to see our Argosy, check out our playlist #RockyOnTheRoad! Safe travels!
My wife and I are planning to join the RV life this coming August. I'm researching now to find out which 5th wheel we want to get. Thanks so much for your helpful tips. We can use all the help we can get.
Hi Carlos. What a fun time. I remember Joan and I looking at RV after RV around 5 years ago. It took a little time and effort to find a unit with the options and price range. But, we stuck with it not wanting to settle. We've never looked back. We're having a blast. Best of luck in your search. Jerry....
Awesome Jerry love your videos very informative
Thanks much Tony. Glad we can help.
Thanks, for the video. Just headed out for two weeks. One thing I do is add baby oil to the front of my RV. It makes it very easy to clean the bugs off.
Great tip. Should have done this before I hit the Love Bug Apocalypse on the way to Florida.
Love your videos and just signed up to your website as well, all very help (newbie - Thor Vegas 24.1)
Hi Brandon. Welcome to the channel. So glad you're finding the videos helpful. Jerry...
Thank you for all your tips and tricks..... I am now a subscriber :-)
Welcome and thanks. Hope you’ll find the channel helpful.
I love watching your videos! Thanks for all of your hard work and comprehensive information. We have JUST purchased our first motor home (used). We will be following your tips from this video so we can prepare for a trip from the San Francisco bay area to Seattle in a few weeks. We don't have much storage. Do you have any tips for creating storage without looking cluttered?
Hi Pam and thanks for the kind comment. How wonderful on your new purchase. Joan and I love the RV lifestyle and seeing the sites. We so hope you all have a great RV experience. RV storage. There's never enough storage. Never! Joan and I stop every 6 months and determine what we really need. If we plan to add something, before we aquire, we determine what has to go. I hate clutter. When things loose their place, the garbage bag comes out. Several tips for storage. Under the bed is great if your RV supports. Seasonal cloths, blankets, etc. fit well and can be organized in plastic tubs. We found early on that we wore about half the clothes and shoes we carried around. Count 7 to 10 days worth. You'll usually run a load or 2 in the campground laundry during you travels. Milk crates are great for tools, hoses, cords, water filter, bug candles, etc. to organize the bay below. Find a couple quality folding camp chairs. Larger lawn style chairs take far to much space. We found some camp style chairs that are very sturdy and comfortable at Sam's Warehouse that are kind to your back. Don't pack for others. They can bring there own stuff to the campfire. If you plan to move week to week, then buy food for that week. You'll need fuel on the way out, so buy next week's meals. Lay cereals flat, buy smaller boxes, buy one can of "that" if you plan to eat it that week. You can usually find a cubby somewhere for thing like spices, sugar, flour. This one may hurt, but get rid of the books. Ouch! I know. I love to read, but my Kindle gives me so many options, books are inexpensive and the thing can hold about a 1000 books. I could go on, but that should cover some of the big stuff. Safe travels. Jerry...
Your campsite light IS really neat!👍🏻
Thanks. They are always a conversation starter at the campground,
Thank you. Great useful info
Glad we could share.
Now my wife wants me to make your light holders....thanks alot Jerry!....lol
Easy breezy. You’ll love them.
Jerry great tips thank you
Glad we could share Mike.
Hello jerry, I love your video's. I realize this is an old video, but if you haven't mentioned in a more recent one you should remind fellow campers to check their road side emergency kits, and their medical/first aid kits. Supplies get used and they too need to be replenished. Also check your fire extinguishers and make sure they have not expired. Be safe, happy trails 😀
Thanks Phyllis. That's a great tip. Time for an update.
Great tips Jerry 👍 thanks
Great presentation! Thank You.
Thanks William. Glad we could share.
Excellent help. Thank you!
Glad we could David.
During your seal lubrications don’t forget the ones under your slides that seal the gap between the bottom of slide and floor surface. The 303 is awesome stuff, use it myself.
Great tip Mike.
Happy Beach Bums to you both! Enjoy.
Thanks much!
Very informative video. Thanks!
So glad you found the video helpful. Jerry...
You gave me an ideal with your 4 by 4 light post Living here in Florida we have some azotic Trees when they do cut one down I'm gonna grab a branch I'm gonna make one
Hi Rodney. Glad I could share. I bet the azotic tree branch post will turn out great. Hummm. Wonder if that big hickory branch is still in the backyard? :)
Great ideas. Thx
Thanks
Thank you for info on the slide gearing I just put wd40 about a month ago I haven't moved it sense and just went and looked there is dirt sticking to the gear I guess I can pressure clean with a solvent remover thanks again👍
Glad to help Mike. Dry lubs will prevent dirt build up.
I like your channel! 👍🏻
Enzymes are the way to go for sure! I use “Sea-Zyme” , a scoop a week and dump the black tank once a week (I’m a full timer currently)
Keep up the good work and enjoy!
Thanks and appreciate you sharing. I’ll give that a try.
Or,,,I use dollar store bleach mixed with water 1/3 to 2/3 roughly after each sit down any missed stuff turns white in shallow fume barrier.
Late to the party. Great tips on the 303. That stuff is amazing! It really brings back the color of plastic also. I'm sure you know this- blue Dawn is a great cleaner/degreaser for the camper but it will remove any wax you have on your trailer.
Thanks.
Just found your channel. Great videos. Have you shown had to use the tank flush on your r.v. . I'm learning about the systems since my husband passed, he took care of all this stuff. I remember he would do a tank flush fairly often. Thanks
Thanks Sandy. Glad you found us. I do have a video for cleaning the black tank. Easy task and if you use the RV a lot, consider once a year. ruclips.net/video/K3QZmqf77FQ/видео.html Hope this helps.
Thank you for the info, one note to make considering air pressure in your truck tires though. If you have deviated at all from the OEM tire then you should always inflate to max cold pressure stamped on the tire itself if it differs from label on the truck. The door sticker only applies to those tires that were installed at the factory. Tire manufactures will use air pressure variants to get out of warranty claims all the time. And the tire pressure listed on the truck door can possibly cause premature wear in your tires. Just some food for thought. Thanks again for the video.
Great tip Brandon. Just had new tires installed on the Dually. Had to increase recommended tire pressure from 65 lbs to 80.
RV Travel preparation is exciting! Nice vid. :)
Thanks!
@@iLoveRVlife You are very much welcome... :)
Great video!! We have a Winnebago Paseo class B.
Thanks much.
Hi Jerry, we love your channel. We blew a tire yesterday on our 2017 Rpod. My husband always checks tire pressure before we leave, but forgot to check the spare and it was really low. Lesson learned. Also, we just bought RV Digest It. Trying it this time.
Sorry to hear this. Remember, 65 mph is max speed. They’ll heat up and blow. Check the brand. Hopefully no China bombs. We had a set. Blow out at 3,000 and another at 3,500. What a mess. Tore up the sides. We headed straight to the tire dealer and replaced. Glad you made it back safe. Jerry...
Pretty sure it was a China bomb. They are 3 years old and we had been seeing the danger of them. We had planned on changing them this season, but took off before we did. It blew the fender off and did some damage to the rig where the screws were attached. We have to make some calls tomorrow. Thankfully my husband kept a cool head and got us stopped and on the shoulder. Lexington, KY police sent two cars to sit behind us until help got there, then followed us to the next exit.....Thanks again for your videos. We have learned a lot.
Thanks a bunch.
Thanks very helpful
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the video.we also use Happy Camper but only 1 scoop for every 40 gallons between dumping.
Thanks. We run in cycles using Happy Campers. A little more in the very hot months and less when it's colder. For the hotter months, using a bit extra helps keep the odor at bay. Appreciate you sharing. Safe travels. Jerry...
@@iLoveRVlife We;ll give that a try as well.
Great channel Jerry! I was warned not to use dawn or any other degreaser on the roof because when it drips down the side it can stain the decals and paint/finish permanently... just an fyi...
Hi Brian. I hear that from time to time. I found the hot sun does far more damage to the decals over time. Especially in you are in hot climates and the RV is in direct sunlight as we are often. After a couple of years, those decals just start looking crummy.
Dawn dish washing liquid is a fantastic degreaser for everything from the truck, RV, clothes even the kitchen sink . lol. My wife used to climb my butt for washing the truck always saying "Your going to ruin the paint", Hhhmmmmm if it's mild enough to clean crude oil off from baby ducklings, then it's safe enough for a grimmey truck.
Great video Jerry!!!
Kind regards, Eric Dee.
Thanks a bunch Eric. Great thought. Been using for years with no adverse affect.
Great information!
Thanks
Great video lots of info. Love the way you say "important " and "degreaser ". Thank you.
Thanks. That southern twang just sneaks out sometime s ;-)
I’m learning a lot we still haven’t got a camper or rv yet
Hi Joseph. Jump in! The waters great!!
Hi Jerry! You have great videos. Thank you somuch for all the great information you're giving us.
Hi Emi. Thanks much for the kind comment. So glad you're finding the videos useful. Jerry...
Thought I'd stop by and vouch for "Dawn", best all around detergent from animals to mobile mancaves. First of your vids I've watched so forgive me if I've missed you mentioning checking "all" lug nuts and tighten to proper specs. using a torque wrench. (available at Walmart)
Also, I've yet to see any recommendations for testing the "break away switch" before starting out the driveway.
The "enzyme" treatment for the 'black tank, is excellent advice. During warm weather, when not in use, folks would benefit by adding water and enzymes to their systems and letting it sit. Common bread or beer yeast (activated per instruction) then poured into the system works to clean fatty and other waste. Pour in some "Dawn" just before leaving on a trip and flush at your first destination. Yummy...😬
Or ya can pay some service center waaaay more, to clean your tanks, than the cost of enzymes and a bottle of Dawn.
Gotta git, my next how-to, is cleaning my awnings. Thanks for taking the time.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tips.
I am so relieved to know that you use a "lint free" cloth when wiping down your tires! That lint on tires can be highly dangerous in certain situations! LOL
Too funny! Nah....just hate linty tires ;)
Jerry, check out an incredible product - Krud Kutter. Its a campers best friend. You'll find it a very useful video project. I began using it a couple of years ago to clean the glass door and racks on my smoker, so very easy. I now use it on everything that needs a thorough cleaning. An amazing bio degradable grease cutter and NSF-A1 certified. Just a happy user.
Hi Barry. I've used this stuff with great results. Had a small engine motor in the bed of the truck. Got oil and gunk everywhere. This stuff made the bed good as new. Thanks for sharing
Love your videos! I'm curious about the tire treatment... I saw you spray it on the outside of the tire, which is great, but I'm wondering if your missing something? What about the inside (opposite side) of the tires? Is the outside the only side subject to "dry rot" because of the sun hitting it and therefor the inside isn't at jeopardy? Or is it just time and weather that causes it, and therefor the inside should be spray/protected as well?
Hi Jeremy. Thanks a bunch. There may be some benefit, but this isn’t a tire conditioner, but UV protection and little sun hits the inside. Time and weather is the big enemy, but the hot summer sun beating on the tire will accelerate aging.
Hi! I just found you today and I’m hooked! I’ve watched about 5 of your videos already. You are very informative and delightful. Question: We were told by the dealership not to use Dawn on our camper. I’m not sure why, something about a protective coating or decals peeling..... is this an old wives tale or is there some relevance to it? Thank you, gotta go get back to your videos!!! 🤗
Hi Catherine. Great to hear you’re enjoying our channel. There’s so much debate about using Dawn. I’ve been using for years. But, the 5th wheel only gets a good scrub a couple time of the year. Most the time just a good rinse while traveling. I also use a quality marine wax ever 2 years (happening again in a few weeks). I think that makes a difference. As far as decals, contact from sun seems to be the big enemy. Our 5th wheel is a little over 5 years old. The decals are starting to age. Looking at other RVs in this age range, it just looks to be nature of the beast. If a concern, you should get similar results using a quality car detergent and a little elbow grease. Thanks a bunch for watching. Enjoy your RV travels. Jerry...
I Love RV Life wow, love the quick response. Thank you!!!
Hey Jerry, was just wondering how often you have the wheel bearings packed? Thanks for the great videos
Hi Mark. Every 10,000 miles. Also a make sure to check the breaks for wear. Just had it done a couple of months ago.
@@iLoveRVlife awesome good to know we are still working on getting our first fifth wheel, if we can keep our over the road semi out of the shop thank you!
I love your idea of dawn soap in the gray tank and black tank!!! GReat idea!!! Jerry should we close our bathroom sink drain and tub drain and keep closed until at time of use? We're getting some odors in bathroom can't seem to get rid of. Any ideas? Sewer soil stack do anything to routinely to it like inspect the roof soil stack cover to see if something plugged it? It's on my list this week to check it to see if it's causing the odors
Added and just made a run to Florida. Gave all my tanks a good scrub.
There are. I'm guessing from your question you don't full time. After you dump your tanks put a couple of gallons of water in each tank along with 2 scoops of Happy Campers. You can do this when you get home. This will continue to break down any loose soilds in the tank. Also make sure you toilet has water in the tank. Maybe a couple or two. This creates a seal to keep the smell from entering the bathroom. If the tank won't hold water, then replace that black rubber seal. Takes about 5 minutes. When you dump your gray tank, the force of emptying the tank will pull out the water from the bathroom sink and tub pee traps. This will cause that stagnant smell from the gray tank to exit in the bathroom. Simple fix is to pour a couple of cups of water in the sink and tub when you get home to replace that water trap. You didn't mention any drips from the bottom of the camper while traveling so I don't expect leaking pipes. Also remember the Dawn tip before you head out on your next trip. That will give you a cleaner tank to start out on the trip. Last item, use Happy Campers while you travel. It will help break down all solids and give you a cleaner tank when you get home. Hope this helps. Jerry...
One thing to consider is if running the fan in the washroom try shutting the exhaust fan off just before flushing this will prevent black tank air from entering the washroom by being sucked down the black tank vent. Then turn the fan on again after flush, if required.
Hi Jerry - thanks for this video. Did you see that 303 makes a tire balm specifically for tires at about $12.67 on Amazon, rather than the $20.68 for the spray?
I have seen that. I use the spray on to the awnings, rubber gaskets and tires. A little goes a long way. I've been using the spray bottle for over 18 months and still have about half left. Kind of one spray bottle does all. Not sure if the balm lasts longer or may be adds a finish to the tire.
Hello Jerry,
I have a question if you dont mind....
Do you know if armor all works as good as the 303 on tires?
Also love the dawn tip. I do it before we leave home each trip.
Thanks
Greg in Michigan
2 different products. One is a conditioner, the latter is a UV protective
Let the 303 sit on the tire for 4-5 minutes before wiping.
First off love your videos. Have been camping my whole life and we bought our first popup 20 years ago then went to a 23 foot TT now have a 40 foot TT.. anyway we heard that Dawn will strip the waxes off the sides of the camper if you wash with it. Wanted to also hear what you recommend cleaning the awning. Ours seems to attract mold!
Thanks so much Lorie. So glad you've found the channel helpful. I've heard that about Dawn too. I think anything that will remove road grime, bird do and road crud will have some impact on the wax. I've been using for 5 years and no issues. But, I wax the camper every 3 years with a good quality marine wax which helps. Here a video that i created for cleaning the awning. Safe travels. Jerry.....
@@iLoveRVlife thank you Jerry!! I am in the middle of getting to build your media server but with our 1000 music cds. Brilliant idea!!! Happy travels
Glad to share. Wow! That’s a collection.
I really enjoy your videos. I trust you realize that any dish washing liquid will remove any wax or wax like products on your RV.
Thanks for watching and appreciate the tip.
One thing you didn't talk about and I recommend is checking the torque on the lug nuts. Knew someone who skipped this and while traveling on the freeway lost the tire and rim. This caused extensive damage to the side and floor behind the wheels, it also caused the other right side tire to blow because of the weight.
Great point Michael.
do you have a tire pressure monitoring system? I have the ezz TPMS and I really like it, it makes me feel safe especially since I'm a solo women traveler.
We don’t. We held out for some time after buy new tires. We have a long trip west planned for the fall. Plans to purchase before them. We’ll slip a video in once we get it installed.
Hey Jerry I have a question for ya, when you applied caulking around joints or where antennas meet the RV or air conditioners, etc. How many times do we have to reapply caulking to the old caulking ? OR can we just take the old calking off or at least trim some of it off and then reapply with new calking just so we don't have a build up of caulking? Please let me know and keep on making these wonderful videos!! BTW, I am learning A LOT of RVing from you and from a lot of other full timers even though me and my wife don't even own an RV yet...LOL
Usually very little. Check once a year. If you see fine cracks in the sealant, then apply a bead of sealant. Don’t use household caulk, but a RV lap sealant such as Dicor. Here’s an example. amzn.to/2Okwioh I always keep a tube or 2 in the RV just in case something happens on the road. If you have a newer model RV, these usually have a rubber seal and don’t require adding any sealant. If the sealant over time becomes very bulking or to much is deteriorating, then every so gently use a putty knife to remove. Be carful and don’t cut your roof. More videos on the way. And glad you found the channel helpful..Don’t wait to long on that RV purchase. Jerry
Instead of trying to mix Happy Camper in the toilet bowl, I mixed it in a container first & then poured it into the toilet. It left a white powdery residue in the container every time, no matter how well I mixed it up. Hubby was afraid it would mess up the tank or the tank levers so we stopped using it.
Pat, that's part of problem. Don't mix. Just open the toilet and pour a scoop into the black tank. We've been using for almost 3 years and have never had an issue.
I have been mixing the Happy Camper first in a bucket of water and then pouring it down the toilet- you are saying just dump a scoop full into the toilet and add water?
Hi Tom. I've tried both ways and found no difference. I hold the foot flush down and pour in a scoop. That seems to be enough water for the enzyme to activate. Dumping the tank days later, everything has broken down. Jerry...
At 17:18 in your video you show a close up of your quick disconnect female end of the quick connect. Do you have a dust cover (if so, what type) that slips over the female side of the quick connect brass fitting you have installed on your city water connection (not on the hose end)? Your water connections are inside a compartment which is a nice touch but on many travel trailers they are on the outside and exposed to the elements. Without a dust cover you can get dirt, dust, bugs etc. into your fresh water tank. I like the idea of a quick connect but need to find a way to put a dust cover on the un-threaded female end. I think the normal dust cover plug on the city water connection stays securely connected because of the threads on the inside of the water connection but I'm not sure they will do the job on the smooth finish of the quick connect female end...or do they? Any thoughts?
You bring up an important point. I got the idea for this when we were parked next to an expensive class A. And yes, we both have a sealed water bay. Just thinking out loud. Maybe something like one of the rubber furniture leg protective feet to slip over. Trim it down a little so it doesn't protrude to much. Jerry...
Hi Jerry, very interesting presentation, after cleaning my rubber roof I also protect it with the 303. Do you put any wax on the outside if so, did you find anything good that will last ?
Rubber roofs are a challenge and oxidize quickly. 303 is a great product. I do wax every couple of years. I must admit, it’s my least favorite project. It’s a job! It’s time and I’ll buff out and wax later this spring. I’ve had good luck with Meguiar's Premium Marine Wax. It’s for fiber glass and gel coats. I think it holds up well since it was designed for harsh environments. Jerry...
Nice video, I to use the slide dry lube for the slide your video had a lot of good info on how to take care of your RV, I want to ask do you check your tires cold and then air them up to the proper among?
Per the tire manufacturers, tires should always be checked cold. They will add pressure as they heat up down the road, but the additional pressure has been factored in by the manufacturer. One thing I didn't mention is checking the tires and hubs for heat as your travel. I have an inexpensive laser thermometer and check temps of the tires and hubs when I pull over for fuel or a rest stop. All tires and hubs should be within 5 - 10 degrees of each other. If you find one very hot, there's a problem and you need to get it checked. Jerry....
Jerry great video like always a little late on this one even though I think I've already seen it but one question that I have that you've mentioned many times over is that you don't pour any Clorox or any type of bleach in the toilet how do you clean the inside of the toilet what product do you use for cleaning the inside of the toilet that's safe and by the way Keep On Truckin
Thanks much. We use Clorox or Lysol wipe and toss it in the trash when were through. Very little bleach with a wipe and have not had any negative affects with the toilet or black tank seals. Jerry..
@@iLoveRVlife thank you Jerry so much you're an honest, kind and very respectful man
Jerry to you have a tip on removing black streaks on an RV? As always thanks for all the great info.
Short of buffing them out, I’ve had reasonable success with Simple Green. Be careful with the RV finish. I’m at the point that I need to buff and wax the 5th wheel. It’s a job. Takes 2 days. I use a Meguires marine wax. Helps maintain the overall finish.