Overrated RV Gear!
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- Today I wanted to share a few thoughts on RV gear that I think is overrated and some that I think is underrated. What RV gear do you think is overrated and underrated? RV accessories can be expensive and it's best to find the gear that works for you.
RV Rear View Camera. bit.ly/3TsCqhs
Amazon camera. amzn.to/3wO1mHd
JT Strong Arm Stabilizer. amzn.to/3T9Y74y
X-Chocks. amzn.to/43dvoQF
Rubber Chocks. amzn.to/3T9ZfVQ
Road Atlas For Large Vehicles. amzn.to/3wO3S08
Favorite TPMS. bit.ly/3V5jt5E
Amazon TPMS amzn.to/49NP8Nq
Dash Camera. bit.ly/438eEdP
Amazon Dash Camera. amzn.to/4ccZOa7
EPO Surge Protector. 50 amp amzn.to/3PCRc2X
EPO Surge Protector Hardwire. amzn.to/4a3pIuW
Truma Tankless Water Heater. bit.ly/3Tvc1zC
Here is our Amazon page for our favorite gear. We will be adding more products as we find more products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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NRVTA RV Maintenance and Repair Course:
Learn The Fundamentals for RVS bit.ly/3z6jSbc
Diesel Fuel Savings. apply.myopenroads.com/r/all-ab...
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What would you consider as an Overrated piece of RV gear?
RV Rear View Camera. bit.ly/3TsCqhs
Amazon camera. amzn.to/3wO1mHd
JT Strong Arm Stabilizer. amzn.to/3T9Y74y
X-Chocks. amzn.to/43dvoQF
Rubber Chocks. amzn.to/3T9ZfVQ
Road Atlas For Large Vehicles. amzn.to/3wO3S08
Favorite TPMS. bit.ly/3V5jt5E
Amazon TPMS amzn.to/49NP8Nq
Dash Camera. bit.ly/438eEdP
Amazon Dash Camera. amzn.to/4ccZOa7
EPO Surge Protector. 50 amp amzn.to/3PCRc2X
EPO Surge Protector Hardwire. amzn.to/4a3pIuW
Truma Tankless Water Heater. bit.ly/3Tvc1zC
good video. Paper map...is a must. City and town names can be duplicated on your travels. I have people telling me of traveling to the wrong city or town because they entered the wrong info in the GPS. Long runs can sometimes be shortened by looking at a map and determining that the GPS route is not for you.
I saw a tow truck video and the guy needed to chock an RV dual axel tires. So he went to his truck, and got an approximately 24” 2x4. He stuck it between the tires with top toward the direction to not move toward. One tire can’t climb the board and the other tire can’t turn because the other tire is pushing the board to it.
I agree with you about the X chocks for a fifth wheel, we had them and rarely used them as they didn't seem to make much of a difference. However, now that we have a small tandem axle travel trailer, they make a big difference with stabilization. So we love them for the travel trailer. We also keep a paper map in the truck, and although we rarely use it, when we need it, we really NEED it!
Don't forget to download your Google maps for offline use. Works wonders.
Great tip for setting the wheel chocks on gravel.
Along with the tire monitor,add a digital thermometer gun to check wheel heat .
If any camera manufacturers are watching this or reading comments I would hope for a couple of things. The ultimate back up camera system would work with the existing monitor/infotainment system or be capable of connecting with the rearview mirror. It would also be able to record video for evidence for a crash or other events that one could easily access from a looping recording or something like that. It would integrate existing furrion rear camera and side view cameras with any other cameras that the vehicle might already have such as a hitch camera or in bed camera and rear view cameras.
I just think the large dash mount monitor that Furrion has is a bit too large for putting on the dash but if you put it anywhere else you can't view it easily. They could easily have a monitor that would replace your rear view mirror that works as a monitor when you need it and then disappears into a normal mirror when you don't. Furrion could also integrate a recording mode into their monitor to put it to a small card that you could download or replay when needed. Also Furrion could put a front facing camera on any monitor they have and replace the dash camera.
The technology exists to do all this but nobody has thought to do it or does not want to do it so that you have to purchase additional systems.
Great video, I just purchased a new Furrion with the side mount cameras but find that I am still wanting a bit more.
Thanks,
Pat
I think the biggest RV gear name misnomer is the XChocks - I personally really like them... as STABILIZERS to reduce front to back movement, NOT to chock the rig. That being said I think XChocks work BEST for lower weight rigs - mainly travel trailers. With rigs 10K+ lbs I'd agree that you won't see as much benefit.
Good points Josh!
They are definitely not for chocking tires to prevent the RV from moving. I know from personal experience. They also get loose as the tires cool down so you have to make sure to retighten them or they are virtually useless.
You nailed it. Saying Xchocks do not work on a beefy 5th wheel is not the whole picture. On my "lightweight" 30 ft pull behimd they do help fore/aft a good bit. But I also agree cross stabs are best...but expensive too and harder to install for most ppl.
I only have front and rear jacks on my 38’ 12k 5er and I noticed a big difference with x chocks. They didn’t eliminate all movement and a 6 point system is still far superior but I’d recommend them. And yes, I of course use traditional wheel chocks for safety.
I love my x-chalks. 30 foot travel trailer (10 k loaded) Big help when I’m on blocks which is common for us.
I tighten them, do the rest of my setup and tighten them again after all my other stabilizers are set up.
One thing many people don’t realize is that surge protectors are sacrificial, so if you do get a surge it’s dead and you’re spending $$$ to buy a replacement. The Power Watchdog you showed in the video has the added benefit of having a roughly $40 replacement circuit board that burns out during a surge event. So, you don’t have to buy a whole new, quite expensive, surge protector. That, of course, is in addition to its EPO functionality.
Love the watch dog I got hooks to the phone on a wab site so you can see the power in real time
@@romaldemgle5867just another reason to love it
I dont understand why these surge protectors don't have circuit breakers that can be reset
@@thehigsyso they can sell more. Capitalism.
@@thehigsy because, as with any circuit breaker the more they trip, the more sensitive they become to tripping making them weaker over time
The surge protector point is so true. We have a surge protector on the pedestal, had a thunderstorm one night, never lost electricity, never had an issue with the RV, but on packing up our 50amp cable we noticed it had melted! Not good. Now we are extra vigilant and are going to get a protector built into the RV itself.
and this is why this channel is a must-sub for all RV'rs. Thanks!
Jared, I have a class A, but have owned 7 other motorized and a trailer.
I agree on the cameras. My rear camera cable went bad and that was a big deal. I use my mirrors more than my side cameras but definitely need the rear.
I carry the Rand McNally wire bound maps as well. Absolutely essential.
TPMS! Yes, must have. In the old days, before they were available if you had a leak you wouldn’t know until it was too late.
The power watchdog saved me from a campground’s bad wiring,and saved my rig when an electrician wired my home RV plug-in at 240V
Thank you for another informative video.
Thanks!
You are the first that I’ve seen that recommends or suggest to use the serge protector to check the pedestal and an EPO permanently installed for voltage swings as I have. Great vids, keep it up.
Yes, have an Atlas also. Comes in handy when losing signal or going different than GPS.
We have a set of Camco “wheel-stop” clamps, and love the extra stability they provide - which is substantial. Having said that, a few key differences from your setup:
Ours is a 24’ TT, not a fifth wheel.
Our outrigger style stabilizers provide good lateral and vertical stability, but no fore-aft.
We do not use the clamps as chocks. The clamps go on last, to take out the jiggle.
Can we do without them? Sure. We did for about 4 years. Now that we have them, we all sleep better.
I like your tip about the rubber chocks - thanks
We absolutely LOVE our Truma systems!!! I can’t recommend them enough as well as a solid surge protector as ours has saved us from subpar electrical. We hit one campground with friends that on busy and hot weekends cannot supply enough power so it cuts off for low voltage regularly.
Snap pads are #1 over rated mod. I have no idea why people think they need to “protect” their landing gear feet, and they introduce a flexible point which is counterintuitive to stability. 100% an imagined solution to a non-issue.
I had a set of X-chocks from my tow behind and never thought to use them on my 43’ 5th wheel. Was shocked how much they helped reduce bounce when I decided to give them a shot, they are a big thumbs up for me.
In regards to stabilizers, once I added a rear electric stabilizer in addition to my front JT strong arms, I am now quite pleased on how little shake we have in front master bedroom. Stop the energy at its source, so it doesn’t amplify.
My on board Progressive Industries surge protector gave its life and saved my rig with a nearby lightning strike.
My side cameras are 100% useless.
I like snap pads to avoid tearing up blacktop, spreads out weight and helps with the metal feet skidding on concrete
On newer FORDS, you can get a hardwired rear camera and hardwired TPMS that will display on the 12” screen instead of adding additional electronics to your dash. It’s not cheap and not easily installed, but the truck will notify you of any problems with your tires.
I have a 39 foot grand design bumper pull, i can confirm that xchalks were one of the best money well spent for my trailer along with putting in a residential fridge
Great content as always!
I also think having two cameras in the back is a good idea.
I bought the Haloview BT7 kit with four cameras. I considered putting two on the back but my RAM is big and hard to judge so im putting the second one on the front.
The Haloview has a DVR function that supposedly works like a dashcam. Haven't tried it yet.
I've seen a couple of inexpensive magnetic cameras that connect to your phone.
Im going to give that a try.
The tailgate cam on the RAM is not great for hooking up. There's a shadow that covers the the portion i need to see.
When im backing in I'll try it on the back if the Travel Trailer.
Always a great video and content
One of the things I really like about the Tire Minder is it tells you the temperature as well. This can alert you to other things such as a bearing starting to fall. And it sends that alert on your phone app. you don't have to keep checking.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
As someone who travels solo (so no spotter) and parks in very tight spaces routinely, the side cameras are fantastic for me for sure.
When you check into new backup cameras take a look at the Halo system. I bought mine 2 years ago and love it. The screen is doubles as a rear view mirror and has a dashcam built in! The camera itself also has a microphone on it so you can actually hear instructions from your spotter live time! Picture is excellent and the system records what you see behind you and of course records as the dashcam. No other monitors needed on dash or windshield. Check it out. Love your videos!
You are right about paper maps/map books
the blind side when turning is super helpful for tail swing
I agree!
My underrated is a collapsible wagon ,helps hauling laundry and trash (we have a trash one someone abandoned)
Underrated. 2nd ac that is ducted with a heat pump.
For those of us who have stabilizers rather than leveling jacks the X-chocks make a big difference in taking out the front-to-back slight roll even when we are well chocked. The X-chocks also reduce the lateral stress on the stabilizers. I agree with another poster that the name is misleading because they are meant to stabilize not chock.
Agree. Never use my side cameras but always use my rear view for the road - not usually for backing. I like my mirrors and GOAL
Good video thanks for making it!
The motor carrier atlas is a good idea. As a retired truck driver I think the laminated one is easier to read little bit more expensive but much easier than the paper ones.
Good job as always!
Thanks Jared
As Always, Great video.
Thanks
Thx Jared! I think another overrated item is propane tank measuring. Just easy to have only one open and when it’s out switch to the other and go fill the empty one.
Have you looked into AG cams. The one that comes to mind is Dakota Digital. You have options for multiple cameras and I think split screen.
This is nice! Love the tips here
I love our JT Strong arm, made a huge difference.
Keyboard warrior here, 😀Paper maps! Yes! If you don't keep paper maps, at least as a backup, you are foolish.Trusting a GPS system can be very sketchy.
As far as X-Chocks go, like so many things in life, it depends. For us, when we are traveling and staying someplace overnight, we just use the X-chocks. Sure, they don't do a superior job stopping the trailer from jiggling, but our stabilizers are manual, and it's not worth messing with for and overnight stop. When we stay for multiple days we will put the stabilizers down, but we really stay more than ten days, so a more elaborate system is overkill.
I use Steadyfast which appears to be what you show on your video. These were the first ones I have tried so I cannot compare them to any other brands. Took me about 2 hours to install. I highly recommend them.
Nice suggestion for the wheel chock. On the toilet paper, I put a bidet on my toilet this winter, and it was very cheap and very easy to install and I don’t use much toilet paper at all. And there I even gave you a little rhyme. L O L.
We have a new GMC 2500 and went with the GM rear camera to be able to see everything on the truck screen. I don’t see the purpose of the side cameras on the trailer because most newer trucks have them and are sufficient. Also, the truck came with the TPMS sensors to place on a trailer that reads on the screen as well. X Chocks keep our trailer from rocking back and forth when just walking around
Tire pressure monitor pro, It helps me make wise decisioms. I pulled into a fuel station and the steering was harder than normal. The right tire was low. Before I discovered that I orobably drove 20 miles to another station, who s inflator was broken. I put together the Harbor Freight 12v compressor. It saved the day. The TPS could have gave me a bigger clue to my problem.
Thanks Jared, with regard to the Truma tankless water heater I absolutely agree. I’ve had mine for a couple years in our Winnie FLX trailer. It is the best water heater by far I’ve ever used. A miser with water and incredibly convenient and useful. I can’t say enough good things about it. Also, when paired with the Truma system of a propane heater and A/C, the entire system is incredibly efficient and comfortable.
I have the same side cams. Took them off my old RV and wanted to put them on the new one. One problem - the side lights on the new one are vertical and if I put the cams on with horizontal lights, I can't open the cargo bay doors. May look into running wires up a bit and having double the light on the side.
Yes, paper map (backup). Side camera if traveling solo.
JT strong arm's are amazing, I had them on my 36' Fiver. Unfortunately I had to leave them on my old trailer as my new one has a 6 way hydraulic stabilizer and it won't work with it. Well worth the money for them if you get a lot of rocking and moving in your trailer. 😉 As for the map it has a multi purpose, you can use it to start a fire in your pit or if you have to stop for an emergency bathroom break and run out of TP.
I’m sure the truma is awesome but we really like our furion tankless heater. It had a short learning curve and performs well.
Like others have said xchocks on your standard bumper pull are a really great value. For less than $100 you can immensely increase your front to back stability in conjunction with those little scissor stabilizers. BUT if you can afford a cross bar style stabilizer those are much more effective. For the weekend warriors an xchock will help with motion sickness (my wife gets that) and will put less lateral stress on your scissor stabilizers and your tongue jack. For a 5th wheel with something like a ground control system, not much value add.
We installed the Truma this fall for endless hot showers when having four people in the 5th wheel and this week we get to use it for the first time! I did it totally based on your review and like you said pricey but I believe it’ll be worth its weight in gold! Recently I’ve seen all these posts complaining about tankless but like you said not the Truma. Thanks for your videos and recommendations.
That is awesome! Hope you enjoy it as much as we have.
1. My new F450 has that side camera on the truck that automatically turns on when the turn signal is activated. It's more annoying than anything.
2. Never had stabilizers in over 20 years. I do use RV Snap Pads and I built my own custom wooden blocks to go underneath each landing gear leg. But that's enough.
3. Not only paper maps but also a recent copy of The Next Exit book.
4. Don't have a TPMS for the camper yet but thats coming soon.
5. Have used dash cams for over ten years.
6. Never used a surge protector in over 20 years of RVing. Maybe I'm just lucky?
7. This is our first toy hauler with the Truma. We LOVE it!
I agree on the 2 different backup camera angles. I’d like to find a convex lens for my rear camera to give that same effect. Any ideas on that?
Real paper maps are the best, we also use a motor-carriers atlas also.🙌🏼
We have the cross brace on the front of our 5th wheel, but wonder if it is what caused our landing gear to fail. Since it puts pressure on the legs, spreading them to make them stable, I think it may have caused the legs to bind up, leading to the gears stripping. Considering the tripod for the king pin.
Yes, Good information. I hardly ever use my side cameras.
Appreciate your videos! commenting to hopefully help the algorithmm
Thanks
We bought the harbor freight version of the x chock and they did really help on our old 2006 TT with the front to back motion. However since we bought our new TT that has auto leveling which is much more robust than those scissor jacks so I'm not sure we really need them anymore.
I have the atlas but the one that’s shellacked and on a spindle lol. Use it quite often.
Paper map: the other thing I like is I think I can better visually see across my route locations that would ordinally disappear when you zoom out. These are often small towns/cities, rivers, lakes and other places of interest. Maybe instead of going straight down the interstate, I look at finding alternate routes to through places of interest. Some map systems will help with this, but I still think a paper map just gives you a better visualization. Plus the added advantage of more fail proof than cell phone coverage/internet access.
Great video and I agree with everything you've said. I figure buying these "things" as protecting the $70,000 investment in our trailer so things like the TPMS, the surge protector, water pressure control, rear camera (for safer backing, and lane changes) as just part of the equation. Newcomers need to understand you don't get everything you need when you buy a trailer. Even the stinky slinky needs to be of good quality or you will "pay the price" someday. Thanks for all you guys do!
Any chance your going to do a video on the Grand Design frame flex issue?
I agree about side cameras. We bought a barely used small trailer that came with back and side cameras. Side cameras? Isn't that what my mirrors are for(?) and when backing into a site I prefer the wife and husband combination. Oh and we also like paper maps. It give us the BIG picture!
I use an SD card and record my Haloview cameras. So the rear and side cameras also function as my trailer’s dash camera for any incidents. Side cameras = not overrated, but that’s just my opinion.
Just when I was about to think of myself as an experienced RV'er... "slide the chaulk down the tire instead of through the gravel." Eureka! thanks Jarod.
Anything to share about slide-top sweepers, after a night of falling leaves? (I made one for us...)
I wish the Truma had the 'Dial a Temp' that the Furrion has. It's nice to be able to set the temperature and not have to worry about wasting water in the shower mixing hot/cold for the right temp. And you just turn hot off and on to save water when showering. Add that to the Truma and it would be the best!
That would be nice. I did like that when we had our first tankless water heater.
I totally agree on paper maps!
tires don't pick up punctures and deflate, overheat or over pressurize and blow and they don't give you any indication of an impending catastrophic failure when they're cold in the morning or when they're not rolling down the road at 65 mph. But yes, check wear and lugs while stationary. To do so while moving is not only extremely dangerous, but also impractical; side cameras could help with that though.
Ask your tire guy about x choks, really hard on tires. I always carry maps, real help when planning your route.
Truma AquaGo Comfort water heater can't be beat in my opinion. I replaced a Fogatti (OEM installed) and there is no comparison. My wife wasn't happy that I spent the money, but quickly decided differently after her first shower while boondocking.
I was able to locate one and install it myself. Since that time, that particular vendor doesn't have them anymore. It was over $500 less than what a dealer quoted for cash and carry.
There is not a clause in their warranty statement about not having warranty if it wasn't installed by an authorized truma dealer.
I agree with the side camera. It was a waste of money that I put on my 5th wheel. Now, I have a Class C, not only is it not needed, I hate them because when the blinkers go on, my google maps goes to the side camera so it blocks whats on the map.
Rear view safety makes great backup cameras
Good points!
As far as the on-demand water heater, I simply set mine to a temperature that is comfortable for the shower and doing dishes. No need to waste water mixing to get the right temperature. Yes, you do get a little cold while the heater ignites.
Adding a portable camera with a clip and magnet to mount it easily would complete any camera array.
How do you like the TSD Open Roads program? I'm very leery about supplying my SSN to a company I know nothing about. Thank you.
Good video.
TPMS 👍 'cause I've never seen a blow-out happen while stopped (seriously though, check the tires at every stop)
What brand is that phone holder in your truck
Agree on paper maps; provides big picture. Anyone else been on a rabbit chase thanks to your GPS sending you on the shortest route?
Correct when u have No cell service u will need AOld style map laminated map piercer because it’s Coffee spill free.
You better drain the truma tankless hwh of it gets cold the mixing vessel with crack happened to me and are very expensive to replace 😢
Ok, I am so glad it's not just me...X chocks are heavy and take up alot of space...and not sure I have ever been in a spot were I could not find a way to use my rubber Chocks! The Paper map is a must..see the big picture and who want's to pay the stupid RV only TP prices! Get the cheapie ''Great Value// stuff...Great job !
As far as toilet paper goes I was using "septic safe" paper and it was kind of a thick one which caused it to plug my drain when I emptied the tank. Now I try and avoid any "septic safe" paper that feels thick to the touch. The Walmart Everyday brand use to work really well but they changed it up and now it's thicker. I actually went back to single ply (eww I know) which breaks up much more easily, you just have to use a bit more then 2 ply. Reading a paper map is a lost skill. I showed my 32 yr old son one and asked him how to use it and he was like, hmmm??
Great topic! When you're just following your nose, and want to see the big picture, a paper atlas is a must!
So true!
I believe there is one additional reason why these RV side camera should move up in rating. I too have the Haloview and just by adding a 250 gig sim card it is recording all the time and supplements what my Garmin dash camera cannot record.
Jess
Great point.
Xchocks are another added theft prevention item, won’t stop someone from steeling your camper but it will slow them down
Paper maps for motorcycle trips too! Win win
Love it.
I love the X Chocks
Jared, if people have an older 5th wheel WITHOUT auto-leveling OR a bumper pull trailer the X-chocks work very well!! Not everyone has the newer or larger towables with the auto-leveling, strong arms or other types of stabilizers. Some of us are "old school".
I hear you but we also tried many stabilizers on our last RV that was 20 years old with no auto level and the bolt on stabilizers were always the best by far. I knew my X-chocks opinion wouldn’t be popular but after the test I did there was a large difference. I’m not trying to come across condescending but just want honest info out there after a side by side test. Many people don’t have time or the gear to test like that to see how each perform to help make an informed decision.
I have a dumb question about tankless water heaters. I'm not surprised that they're unable to heat the water continuously using electric and must use propane because that's a big electrical load for a trailer but isn't there value for a tanked system in having two methods to heat the water? When I'm connected to shore power, I don't use ANY propane to heat water. That seems more environmentally sound also. It seems like giving up the option to use electric to go tankless is a big negative. Am I missing something?
Truma for the win !
I hate to say it, but Ford probably has your camera solution. It’s not perfect, but you can hard wire a camera on the back of the trailer and have it appear on the giant sync screen with all the other camera views. You can totally nerd out with the yaw sensor and drive your trailer with the knob on the dash and all the camera views.
Check out “Kleen tank” the one guy I seen said to use regular toilet paper and it doesn’t have to be septic safe. Rv’s have holding tanks not septic tanks.
While I do not put toilet paper in my black tank. I believe he was just pointing out “septic safe” toilet paper is made to breakdown just as easy as the toilet paper made for RV use; just at a cheaper price.
@@btorr2945u missed the point, u dont need it breaking down, period. It's a holding tank lol. 🍻
@@SpykersB depends on your system and how much you use, how long it sits in the tank. It doesn’t break down as fast or as much as people believe. You do realize there are RVs out there that uses piping. Still can clog, besides, a lot of people want as much waste including toilet paper to be broken down as much as possible for faster and easier dumping. but, To each his own. lol.
I’ve heard it and I’ve also helped people with toilet paper clogged systems. Believe me toilet paper breaking down is a good thing.
@@AllAboutRVs clogged because not using enough water, n way too much toilet paper. And betya they were still using the stuff to break down their toilet paper anyway, lol 🍻
Love my X- chocks 👍
I agree about the XChocks. They really don't seem to help our setup at all. I have them, I would not buy them again.
Good video. You have a lot of focus breathing going on. New lens?
No same lens but sometimes I fight it when I use it as wide as I can. It drives me nuts and I often reshoot but couldn’t this week.
I know from experience that the X chocks are useless to keep your camper from rolling down a grade. I use the large rubber chocks like you have.
They are not designed to keep an RV from rolling.
They are for stability only.
I set my wheel chocks down and move that inch, set my parking brake, put the truck in neutral, and let it set. Lastly, put it in park.
I still contend that the tankless water heaters still don’t deliver instant hot water. You still have to run out the cold water that is in the water line between the water heater and the tap and the conventional water heaters have the same amount of cold water between the devices. The way I see it is that the tankless heater has an endless supply and that’s it’s main advantage. No more or less wasted water.