We have just recently went full time, we have camped with our kids their entire lives, and I would agree with you, it definitely helped shift us into this lifestyle. I don’t miss our stick and brick home, we felt married to it. I do miss some of my routine of Zumba, bible study groups and going to our own church, but we have managed to do all of those things on the road. There are so many good things about this lifestyle I just can’t see stopping. Travel on
Yes! Break down and set up. That just happened to us. We were there the whole time and no one bothered us to chat which is fine. The minute we began to break down here comes someone to chat and cost us a lost of 30 minutes in our routine…we left later and I forgot to pack up certain things. Yes! Great rule to adopt for our break down and set up. Thank you!
Hey there, just a thought for you pup: I bought several of those wire puppy play pens/enclosures and I connect them all together right outside my RV door. So its like having a fenced yard outside your RV. If its raining, you can bungy cord a tarp over the pen area. :-)
Hopefully ya'll read this so you can know how happy my wife and I are that we found your channel. We are 22 & 23, and I am currently active duty in the USMC. We have recently purchased a 36 foot National Dolphin and are planning on going full time! Your channel has been a huge help to us and really encouraged us. As well as seeing an awesome dynamic couple that survived the stresses of the military on marriage. We truly are looking forward to pursuing a grand adventure like ya'll. I really like ya'll's content about living frugally and would love to see more of it! Thanks again for the wisdom!
Thank you for your sacrifice and service and congrats on your new rig!! I am so glad we could help! We did survive 27 years of military life but I have to tell you it wasnt always easy. We had ups and downs just like everyone else but we never gave up. We always put in the work to keep it going and today we are happier than ever. You guys can do it too!
Also, check out the RV Odd Couple. They have good, wise advice stemming from their many experiences of mistakes, failures, etc. I wish you the best. It's not easy to be in one another's space 24/7! Blessings on you!
Great shout out for the NRVIA inspection! My husband took both of their courses to become an inspector and they do a very detailed training! This is a great option also for a job while traveling in your RV. The link you gave for them has details on how to become an inspector as well as getting an inspection!
About getting your hair done on the road two tips: Ask your hair stylist if she has stylist friends around the part of the country you're headed to next. You'll be surprised how small this country actually is. Second, if you have to find someone, call the local beauty supply company. Ask them who they would recommend. I've had to do this twice and and worked out well both times.
We have a 30' 5th Wheel and we have added most of the items you mentioned. But one idea we are adding is a checklist and you are right about that. We aren't full time and I would but the other half is not been in the military, so I'm still working on that. I do all the driving! I'm a disabled Veteran (USMC, Navy Corpsman, Army Tractor Trailer) two war veteran, and 70 years young. Thank You For Your Service!
Congratulations on your nomadeversary! I’ve been with you from the beginning. This is a great video! Very informative, as all your videos are and exciting, just to see how much you’ve both have grown! You seem so much more relaxed and comfortable with all of the aspects of this lifestyle. Thank you for sharing your experiences and lessons with us! Until next time!
Thank you for the info, I'm retired Navy and we have been full time RVer's for a year now and always stay at Military bases. I hope sometime down the road we could meet up. Thank you again.
Great video, informative. 1. Agree absolute waste of money for extended warranty, especially with Tiffin, they fix anytning/everything, even out of warranty. 2. US postal service, they scan our mail, we're in bricks and sticks, it's free and they just started promoting it. 3. I agree, don't talk to us while setting up, or hooking up the car, that's where the mistake comes. 4. Not sure if you know this. You mentioned radio or cell when backing. On the back up camera on the dash, third icon bottom right is volume up, speak in a normal voice at rear of the rig to direct the driver. 5. Chris Berry, just out side Red Bay, will build you a pull out 30" counter top, it goes just above the three pull out drawers. We have RED 37PA, pull out counter is beautiful, not expensive. He put nice liquor cabinets above fire place, and pantry, in cabinets in hall way that back up to shower. I would send pics but dont have FB or IG. Be safe, keep your videos coming. Todd and Renee
We did know about the sound through the backup camera but so many people say it is hard to hear anyone over the engine that we never actually tried it. I also heard about the USPS scanning mail but I read about so many problems with the new service that we were holding out on this one. Hopefully you havent had any problems.
My daughter and I are planning to go full time but are doing lots of researching and will rent an RV for about a week to make sure it's what we want! Thank you so much for the down to earth information! You guys are great! God bless, protect and provide for you all that you need!
Happy Nomadaversary!!! Looking forward to meeting you someday and enjoying your humor and fun in person!! (but not during set up or tear down! LOL) Go Gizmo!! thanks for a great video!!
I follow you, and two others religiously, and a few more based on topic, but this was by far the BEST overall episode. I called my husband on my way to work to tell him to watch this one. He did and he told me it was also the very best one. We identify with you, hubby retired from the Air Force as an O-5, and works for a defense contractor, I was in the AF for nine years, thats where we met. Everything about this video was on point, I loved the Tricare/VA info, also the hairdresser info, I wondered about that. I hope you are still RVing in a year, as we hope to meet you!
1:21 - Phil was very apprehensive about driving something that big.. You guys should do a detailed video from the first time of trying to navigate (drive) the RV (along with the tow vehicle attached) and how you actually learned or practiced on how to drive it in tight conditions. And, any tips and tricks for learning.
Great info Phil & Stacy. To help keep the sink and any drains clean in the rv use baking soda and white vinegar. Once it mixes let it clean and sit for a while. Then flush hot water down the pipes.
Extended warranty .... peace of mind for me. I used mine already three times and already paid it self 2/3 of what I paid. Just like auto insurance, we don't need them, but nice to have them when needed. I know we're force by law to have them, but really not needed. Great video.
My husband is a military retiree. He has spent more time overseas than at home for the last 7 years and we have grown weary of this lifestyle. I finally talked him into selling our home here in the Shenandoah Valley and moving into an RV. He still wants to work, but this will free us up from any more deployments and get us mobile. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and it was so full of useful information. Thank you for putting out these videos and please keep posting them. We will be newbie's at this and can use all the help we can get.
Mail forwarding: We have used smaller post offices (General Delivery) to send our mail to. I use the USPS website to make sure the Post Office has general delivery and send it to them usually a couple days before we are going to be there. I then sometimes stop by and tell them I have a General Delivery package coming, never had a problem. I made the mistake once and sent to General Delivery in Tucson. It's a huge post office and it took them a while to find it, never again. I only use small ones. Just a second option when needed.
Re: Extended Warranties. The “Route 66” 5 year extended warranty saved me almost 10k when I had my Class A. It saved me 4k in month 1 and 7k in year 3 of the extended warranty when I had my 5th wheel. It also paid for 20 nights (total) in a 4 star hotel during the repairs of my 5th wheel. Everyone says they’re not worth it…if they’ve never used them. The minute you need them, they’re amazing! I just bought a 2020 Travel Trailer and got the 5 year Route 66 again. If I don’t need it, fine…it’s peace of mind for me. If I do, great…it’s peace of mind. Bottom line…if you’re an electrician/plumber/renovator, etc., you don’t need it. If you’re not, then you do.
If there is a small leak in the top and doesnt show up for 7 months jayco will not honor their warranty. They told us we did not reseal our roof every 6 months so it was our fault. I inspected the roof often and found no problems and no signs of water damage on the inside ceiling. The leak was on the back of the RV , water was running down the inside of the back wall down under the floor. I didnt find it until I started doing repair work. By then they would not fix it and the dealer wanted to charge me $3000 to fix and $8ooo trailer.
When it comes to an extended warranty, it’s like purchasing any type of insurance... You pay for it with the hope that you will never need to use it, but if you ever need it, you want the best and most that you can get...! It may seem like it’s a lot of money to payout for something that you might never use, but if you ever have something major happen, one claim can not only cover all of what you’ve paid out and possibly more...! Thanks for sharing this information with us. Have a great day and be blessed.
Best one yet. Congrats on the year! I agree 100% on your safety segment and would add: 1. A dash cam on the front windshield 2. A NOAA emergency radio that will give severe up to minute weather information. I am looking forward to the next two.
You can be enrolled in the VA healthcare system (and I recommend it even if you don't make a lot of use through them) and maintain your private health care. All it takes to stay active with VA is one yearly visit, and like you said that can be anywhere nationwide. My father and I are both in VA, and they just covered his 44,000 dollar hip replacement surgery 100%. Between VA and Medicare he's set, and I'm not that old yet but they take care of me just fine.
I swear I watch your videos for the bloopers at the end. Makes me smile every time. Great video, great information and very encouraging that you have a storage space. I'm trying so hard to get us down to a 10 X 5.
just had the distraction situation happen.i was hooking up golf cart trailer to my fifth wheel was distracted by man waiting for our site so didnt latch hitch and my wife seen me move thought i was ready and drove up ramp. trailer popped off ball and went forward poking hole in back of our Montana. would love the shirt
I just started watching was wondering what do you do about medical issues and getting check up’s the reason is I had thyroid issues and do you keep up with general checkups
Great job on the video. In 10 years I am under 400 hrs on our Onion 5500 lp. I always enjoy your video and Thank you for your and Phill's service in the military.
This is by far the BEST informational video I’ve seen. I can’t believe all the topics you covered in detail. Anyone who is planning to live as you do should see your video first. Well done! Btw, I love your laughs.
I live your videos my husband and I got a class C with a diesel Mercedes engine. 1 year ago unfortunately my husband had some health issues, I was trying to plan a cross country tip before he ended up having surgery, I was hoping by doing the trip he might agree to sell our house, and be full time Evers. We only have a 25’ but I can drive it just fine. He’s been researching on what vehicle is best to tow and decided we need a Jeep Wrangler. But after watching your video I’m thinking we may not need one at all I guess you go to town and stock up before setting up camp? We have a 6 year old miniature schnauzer that we started taking camping when he was 4 months old. Whenever we are packing up to go he starts crying and running around like crazy because he gets so excited. One year we were camping and our son, daughter-in-law were camping next to us, my son came in early one morning and asked if Zack had been out yet, I said no, so he said we would take him for a walk, when my son got back he said, just about everybody in the loop new zacks name and came out to talk to him. I said yeah. He loves meeting new people and he thinks he’s the campground dog host.
We dont really 'stock up' because we have limited cabinet space. We shop about once a week or so depending on where we are and where we are going. We use our toad a lot but there are plenty of people who dont use them at all. Have fun out there. sounds like Zack and Giz would be fast friends.
You 2 make it seem much easier when we hit the road full time in 8 yrs. Several years away...but will go by fast. Thanks for all your hard work...& Thank you for your Service🇺🇸🌟🇺🇸🌟🇺🇸.
Awesome info, thank you so much! You brought up ideas we haven’t considered! Love how you share personal information, thank you! Good luck to you both; may your journey continue to be safe, healthy, and fun!
First time watcher love it will be continuing just a little suggestion on pet walking and safety a little spray bottle with a 50/50 vinegar works good and no permanent damage is done
I really appreciate the transparency in your videos and all the details you provided. I did not know you were in the military and wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service to our country. Be safe in your travels and God bless you!
Shout out from Livingston Tx. Been in my rv for 3 months now. I should have done this a long time ago. Owning a home will never be an option once you adjust to living in an rv.
That is good to know because I was worried about that! This video started out 90 minutes and I had to go through it over and over to get it down to 47 minutes. That is why it has so many jumps!
We have been RV camping in a Fifth wheel for 15 years our kids have grown up camping and totally love it. They are always asking where and when we are going next.
I could retire not now at 63 but need to continue working until I'm at least 67, with God's blessing, and hopefully, saved enough money to buy a decent RV to go full time.
@@jocrain83 true...but I have alot of freedom with my seniority at work. (#3 in the state) 7 more years doing a fun job then retire at 20 years. We already take lots of road trips as it is so with God's help I'll make it to 20 years and retire. Not many jobs left that you can retire at 20 years.
If you wish, look up K-9 Alert in Gals Police supply. It comes with a Pager and a transmitter. This unit alerts the pager if the vehicle engine stalls for some reason shutting down the air conditioning. Attached to a generator I believe it could work but I am unsure. I’ve been retired from the biz for along time now so I am just throwing info out there.
our progressive showed a voltage fluctuation dropping to 90v. and as high as 140v. it was floating up and down. our Montana has the Samsung refridge and anyone that knows Samsung there are touchy computers inside.
Yes! Found out by accident that I had a backfill valve to fill my fresh water tank 7 years after buying my MH. No more hose in the gravity fill. Lol! Now my newer one does not have one and I plan to see about having one installed.
Thank you for the great video. I've tripped the breaker many times especially during winter. I would forget the little electric heater was on and run the hair dryer or coffee pot. It never works. I'm glad you like Petsmart. One caution on their grooming service, my dog gets real excited around other dogs and she didn't do well so we can't take her back there. Sometimes, you just have to ride out the weather. I currently live in my Class C while in school and last night we had rolling thunderstorms come through for hours. No where to go, but to ride it out. The RV did great, some trees in the surrounding area not so much. Just make sure to bring your awning in before the storms hit! Again, thanks for the great video. Go Army!!! Beat Navy!!!
Good on ya guys! BTW, nobody says: A-Mazing better! We hit the road in 10 days, moving the rig to base Monday for the final push of getting out of the house.... “Omar & Maria’s Great RV Adventure” Happy Trails! 🙏🏼
Love the video and we are living full time in our camper we built while waiting on our house and land to sell. We watch a lot of full time RUclips channels and it looks like they are all rushing to the next place. So I agree slowing down is great. We plan on staying in a spot for up to a month and just branching out and seeing what is around us before moving on. Hope to see y’all on the road.
Thank you both for putting this video together. An excellent, comprehensive overview of full time life in an RV. My wife and I are about a month out from joining your ranks. We have been lining up the planets for well over a year, and are watching it all come together. Very exciting.
It is amazing that the number one time that people want to come up and talk to you is when you are setting up or breaking down. We all have the same experience and should know that is not the time to visit. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
I’m retiring from the Army next year. I’m excited about going full time. I’m a little nervous about being a solo but I’m pumped. 🤔 I may have trouble parking without a spotter. Thank you for making these videos!
thanks Phill & Stacy for your videos. Especially the 1 year one. Wife and I bought a 2020 Newmar KSDP 40’ in October and just recently cleared our S&B and put it on the market. Living in our MH for 2 months waiting on the house to sell. I’m a regulatory compliance consultant and still working. Hopefully sell the business soon. Your 1 yr video was so very encouraging we can hardly wait till we’re able to take off and travel. Thanks so much and keep up the great work helping all us newbies!
Well, we’re coming up on our 1 year anniversary of FTing. Haven’t been able to travel but to NIRVC a couple of times, cause still trying to sell the business. Have a long trip (21 days) planned for the month of June with our two 14 y/o granddaughters to Grand Canyou, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Carlsbad Caverns. Really looking forward to it.
When it came to down sizing from house to ruby. Was it a few years out or the year before? Thanks a looking forward to the maintenance video, and the financial one
First time viewer, finished the first 20 minutes, I'll be back. I'm a firm believer in checklists as well. Heartily laughing at the kids missing out was the highlight for me - too funny.
Love the idea and I'm going to try it in a few years. Watching RUclips as a research tool. I'm an RN and noticed that maybe you have your thyroid checked. It looks like you may have a small goiter forming. I hope I'm wrong btw.
My husband and I just sold our sticks and bricks last Friday 👏. We are in Florida we’re we bought our Newmar 43 ft. We got our two dogs and are excited about our new life. Can’t begin to Thank You for enough for all your great videos. We fell very confident, that we can handle anything that comes our way. Hope to see y’all on the road.
Congrats Gunter! It is such a great feeling to know you are free to travel wherever and whenever! We are all in this lifestyle together and are happy to share what we know. Hope to meet up with ya on the road.
Great video with many great points about going full timing. I just want to say first off that you guys really put a lot of time and effort into making all your videos and it shows. Having watched all you videos I think I’m going to stick with having a “home base” and travel for a month and come back for a couple months and do the same thing again. You guys are great together and appreciate your work. Can’t wait for the financial side of things. Enjoy and be safe out there!
I am glad we can help out! I think one day we will also have a home base of some kind but who knows what the future will bring! And you are right...I spend hours working on these videos. Thanks for noticing! :)
That's what I plan on doing take a travel assignment for 12 weeks then take 4 weeks off and then start over again. Plan on keeping a home base as a trial to see how it goes
For the mail you can have stuff delivered to a post office general delivery and go to pick it up. Not sure if it will work for everything, but you could have mail sent to a PO in an area you'll be next week and they'll usually hold.
Right now we live and work in Italy but in 4 yrs when we return back to the states we are contemplating a 5th wheel for full time Rving. Living in European apartments you learn to live in smaller spaces with minimal clothes. I have enjoyed all your information. You may be newbies but I enjoy gleaning from your info. If you do, please come to Florence! Grazie mili! (My husband is x navy)
I have never purchased an extended warranty...it always seems like a waste of money! Your videos are so informative! Thank you so much for all the videos you’ve made. My husband and I are going to try living full time in our RV starting next spring. A little nervous I won’t lie...but your videos are helping with educating ourselves. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary! You made me LOL a couple of times on this one! As I’ve told you before, we were a Navy family also, but we actually did the camping thing with our kids and we all loved it. We started in tents, then went to a pop up camper, then to a 32’ bumper pull and finally a 40’ Diesel Pusher! Hubby retires from his Federal Government job next year and we plan to full time it then. We will probably go with a little smaller rig for just the two of us and your videos are helping me plan in so many ways! Thank you! I’m watching a lot of different RUclipsrs and the whole community is so helpful! Can’t wait to catch up with a bunch of you out on the road! God Bless!
So glad we could provide some info for you. Good luck to you as you transition to full time. I hope you love it as we do. I still wish we had taken the kids!!
Day 1 full time RVing!!! Vary exited!!! we are both still working to pay it all off in 1 year before quitting traveling the country with it with no jobs.... thanks for all the info to help pull the trigger on it. Tip from my life so far, Pour the grease into an empty spaghetti jar. It takes up very little space and there is no clean up. Just keep putting the lid back on and store it under sink untill it is all the way full... then throw it away 😃
Extended warranty, only about 16% of people get to use it. Loose aggresive dogs etc, try to always walk with a walking stick....need I say more. For extra cooking spots we set up the Coleman stove outside and that gives us two extra burners plus the BBQ. Also, we do all the oil/splatter cooking on the Coleman. Great vid. Ciao
In our experience, we have been able to go to the VA clinics and have gotten service with no problems. We live in Maryland and often do longterm traveling. We were in Myrtle Beach and simply looked up a VA clinic/hospital. We needed meds refilled. We also had new prescriptions written and refilled in Tampa. We always check out the location of our nearest VA hospital or clinic when we arrive at our final destination.
What a great video. Wow, tons of info. Great year in review. Glad you guys have found the destination you were hoping for... continued safe travels. bg
Happy one year anniversary. Our Checklist is an actual check list. As we do something, we put a check next to it that way if you get interrupted, you can look to see where you stopped. As a spotter, I was taught to stand at the back left corner where you can see the driver in the mirror.
On the credit card if you login online and check the notifications tab you can have the card notify you by text message when there are transactions. While it is a pain sometimes if the text is fast and you get a text before you get out of the line, but it is great to be able to catch a bogus charge and lock your card to stop any more bogus charges. I have used it for a number of years and have 3 times stopped someone from using my card that was not authorized and only once had to cancel the cards and get new cards. You can clear plastic coat the check list and mark it with a sharpie as you go down it for more safety.
Today with this video you guys have become one of my favorite RVers on YT. This video is a must watch for anybody looking to do extended trips or going full time. Tons of useful info and you guys made it enjoyable. I had already subscribed and hit the bell, but now I have a dedicated playlist for my favorite videos from you. Thank you for doing a really good job on this video and making it so much fun. Paul
What a wonderful video, thank you!!! Planning on fulltiming in 2021, just dealing with getting rid of STUFF right now. You have really eased our minds about bigger rigs. We love nature and privacy and wanted to boondock, but got scared by so many saying it’s only possible with a mall rigs. Great info and links to things you use too! Love Gizmo, what a cutie!
You, Me & the RV yay! We watch changing lanes too, and their rig is not small! I think also the fact that you are not allowed to walk dogs on trails in national forests means that we wouldn’t really want to camp in those anyway. We can always drive the ram to get in for a few hours. By the way, I LOVE your grey hair, mine is not going grey quickly enough for me (I need to update profile pic, lol)
Just turning your key to open your slides while you are plugged in which is work Tiffin does for us works out fine but if you’re Boondocking and do that you’re really pulling your batteries down. And I really encourage your navigator to really learn to drive. . I’m 5’2” And I’ve been full-time on the road over 19 years driving one of three large RVs. Take a driving class that’ll help.
We have just recently went full time, we have camped with our kids their entire lives, and I would agree with you, it definitely helped shift us into this lifestyle. I don’t miss our stick and brick home, we felt married to it. I do miss some of my routine of Zumba, bible study groups and going to our own church, but we have managed to do all of those things on the road. There are so many good things about this lifestyle I just can’t see stopping. Travel on
Church and church community, and bible study are my biggest concerns.
Yes! Break down and set up. That just happened to us. We were there the whole time and no one bothered us to chat which is fine. The minute we began to break down here comes someone to chat and cost us a lost of 30 minutes in our routine…we left later and I forgot to pack up certain things. Yes! Great rule to adopt for our break down and set up. Thank you!
Hey there, just a thought for you pup: I bought several of those wire puppy play pens/enclosures and I connect them all together right outside my RV door. So its like having a fenced yard outside your RV. If its raining, you can bungy cord a tarp over the pen area. :-)
There’s a cliche out there which I love.... a persons life is shown as “2 dates separated by a dash” make the most of that dash,
Very well said!
Hopefully ya'll read this so you can know how happy my wife and I are that we found your channel. We are 22 & 23, and I am currently active duty in the USMC. We have recently purchased a 36 foot National Dolphin and are planning on going full time! Your channel has been a huge help to us and really encouraged us. As well as seeing an awesome dynamic couple that survived the stresses of the military on marriage. We truly are looking forward to pursuing a grand adventure like ya'll. I really like ya'll's content about living frugally and would love to see more of it! Thanks again for the wisdom!
Thank you for your sacrifice and service and congrats on your new rig!! I am so glad we could help! We did survive 27 years of military life but I have to tell you it wasnt always easy. We had ups and downs just like everyone else but we never gave up. We always put in the work to keep it going and today we are happier than ever. You guys can do it too!
Also, check out the RV Odd Couple. They have good, wise advice stemming from their many experiences of mistakes, failures, etc. I wish you the best. It's not easy to be in one another's space 24/7! Blessings on you!
We have used Good Sam several times for tire issues. Works much like AAA. We were glad to have it.
Love to watch and learn. I've been RV ing for about 10 years and upgraded from a 23ft trailer to a 36ft 5th wheel. Love it and am always learning.
Great shout out for the NRVIA inspection! My husband took both of their courses to become an inspector and they do a very detailed training! This is a great option also for a job while traveling in your RV. The link you gave for them has details on how to become an inspector as well as getting an inspection!
We are firm believers of NRVIA! I hope more people use them and they help people make informed decisions for their purchases.
I am glad I found you two! I love the work you do for veterans and love this channel. Be safe and I hope to see you on the open road!
About getting your hair done on the road two tips: Ask your hair stylist if she has stylist friends around the part of the country you're headed to next. You'll be surprised how small this country actually is. Second, if you have to find someone, call the local beauty supply company. Ask them who they would recommend. I've had to do this twice and and worked out well both times.
This is literally the video I will reference for years. You guys are amazingly informative and honest. Can't thank you enough.
You are very welcome! So glad we could help out.
We have a 30' 5th Wheel and we have added most of the items you mentioned. But one idea we are adding is a checklist and you are right about that. We aren't full time and I would but the other half is not been in the military, so I'm still working on that. I do all the driving! I'm a disabled Veteran (USMC, Navy Corpsman, Army Tractor Trailer) two war veteran, and 70 years young. Thank You For Your Service!
Hand Salute Stephan! Thanks for your service!
Congratulations on your nomadeversary! I’ve been with you from the beginning.
This is a great video! Very informative, as all your videos are and exciting, just to see how much you’ve both have grown! You seem so much more relaxed and comfortable with all of the aspects of this lifestyle.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and lessons with us!
Until next time!
We both are more relaxed without a doubt!! I feel like we went from freshmen to seniors this year
Donna Earley DITTO
Thank you for the info, I'm retired Navy and we have been full time RVer's for a year now and always stay at Military bases. I hope sometime down the road we could meet up. Thank you again.
Great video, informative.
1. Agree absolute waste of money for extended warranty, especially with Tiffin, they fix anytning/everything, even out of warranty.
2. US postal service, they scan our mail, we're in bricks and sticks, it's free and they just started promoting it.
3. I agree, don't talk to us while setting up, or hooking up the car, that's where the mistake comes.
4. Not sure if you know this. You mentioned radio or cell when backing. On the back up camera on the dash, third icon bottom right is volume up, speak in a normal voice at rear of the rig to direct the driver.
5. Chris Berry, just out side Red Bay, will build you a pull out 30" counter top, it goes just above the three pull out drawers. We have RED 37PA, pull out counter is beautiful, not expensive. He put nice liquor cabinets above fire place, and pantry, in cabinets in hall way that back up to shower.
I would send pics but dont have FB or IG.
Be safe, keep your videos coming.
Todd and Renee
We did know about the sound through the backup camera but so many people say it is hard to hear anyone over the engine that we never actually tried it. I also heard about the USPS scanning mail but I read about so many problems with the new service that we were holding out on this one. Hopefully you havent had any problems.
My daughter and I are planning to go full time but are doing lots of researching and will rent an RV for about a week to make sure it's what we want! Thank you so much for the down to earth information! You guys are great! God bless, protect and provide for you all that you need!
Happy Nomadaversary!!! Looking forward to meeting you someday and enjoying your humor and fun in person!! (but not during set up or tear down! LOL) Go Gizmo!! thanks for a great video!!
Thanks Tina!!! See ya out there.
I follow you, and two others religiously, and a few more based on topic, but this was by far the BEST overall episode. I called my husband on my way to work to tell him to watch this one. He did and he told me it was also the very best one. We identify with you, hubby retired from the Air Force as an O-5, and works for a defense contractor, I was in the AF for nine years, thats where we met. Everything about this video was on point, I loved the Tricare/VA info, also the hairdresser info, I wondered about that. I hope you are still RVing in a year, as we hope to meet you!
Thanks so much!! Good luck as you transition to full time!!!
1:21 - Phil was very apprehensive about driving something that big.. You guys should do a detailed video from the first time of trying to navigate (drive) the RV (along with the tow vehicle attached) and how you actually learned or practiced on how to drive it in tight conditions. And, any tips and tricks for learning.
Great info Phil & Stacy. To help keep the sink and any drains clean in the rv use baking soda and white vinegar. Once it mixes let it clean and sit for a while. Then flush hot water down the pipes.
Great tip!
Extended warranty .... peace of mind for me. I used mine already three times and already paid it self 2/3 of what I paid. Just like auto insurance, we don't need them, but nice to have them when needed. I know we're force by law to have them, but really not needed. Great video.
My husband is a military retiree. He has spent more time overseas than at home for the last 7 years and we have grown weary of this lifestyle. I finally talked him into selling our home here in the Shenandoah Valley and moving into an RV. He still wants to work, but this will free us up from any more deployments and get us mobile. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and it was so full of useful information. Thank you for putting out these videos and please keep posting them. We will be newbie's at this and can use all the help we can get.
Mail forwarding: We have used smaller post offices (General Delivery) to send our mail to. I use the USPS website to make sure the Post Office has general delivery and send it to them usually a couple days before we are going to be there. I then sometimes stop by and tell them I have a General Delivery package coming, never had a problem. I made the mistake once and sent to General Delivery in Tucson. It's a huge post office and it took them a while to find it, never again. I only use small ones. Just a second option when needed.
A lot of people send general delivery and this is an option for us too. Not sure why we havent tried it yet.
I love the spot at 35:40 where the duck photo-bombs you. If we were out in the woods, that would solve the "What's for dinner?" dilemma.
Re: Extended Warranties.
The “Route 66” 5 year extended warranty saved me almost 10k when I had my Class A. It saved me 4k in month 1 and 7k in year 3 of the extended warranty when I had my 5th wheel. It also paid for 20 nights (total) in a 4 star hotel during the repairs of my 5th wheel. Everyone says they’re not worth it…if they’ve never used them. The minute you need them, they’re amazing! I just bought a 2020 Travel Trailer and got the 5 year Route 66 again. If I don’t need it, fine…it’s peace of mind for me. If I do, great…it’s peace of mind. Bottom line…if you’re an electrician/plumber/renovator, etc., you don’t need it. If you’re not, then you do.
If there is a small leak in the top and doesnt show up for 7 months jayco will not honor their warranty. They told us we did not reseal our roof every 6 months so it was our fault. I inspected the roof often and found no problems and no signs of water damage on the inside ceiling. The leak was on the back of the RV , water was running down the inside of the back wall down under the floor. I didnt find it until I started doing repair work. By then they would not fix it and the dealer wanted to charge me $3000 to fix and $8ooo trailer.
@@mastrofnone8025 wow don't by a jayco ? Or is it from a dealership?
When it comes to an extended warranty, it’s like purchasing
any type of insurance...
You pay for it with the hope that you will never need to use it,
but if you ever need it, you want the best and most that you can
get...!
It may seem like it’s a lot of money to payout for something that
you might never use, but if you ever have something major happen,
one claim can not only cover all of what you’ve paid out and possibly
more...!
Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Have a great day and be blessed.
Best one yet. Congrats on the year! I agree 100% on your safety segment and would add:
1. A dash cam on the front windshield
2. A NOAA emergency radio that will give severe up to minute weather information.
I am looking forward to the next two.
Those are excellent additions. We keep saying we are going to get both but havent yet.
You can be enrolled in the VA healthcare system (and I recommend it even if you don't make a lot of use through them) and maintain your private health care. All it takes to stay active with VA is one yearly visit, and like you said that can be anywhere nationwide. My father and I are both in VA, and they just covered his 44,000 dollar hip replacement surgery 100%. Between VA and Medicare he's set, and I'm not that old yet but they take care of me just fine.
BEST video yet!!!!!! Y'all never disappoint with the combo of fantastic info and nonstop entertainment. :) Happy "Nomadaversary"!!!!
Thanks Jen!! :)
I swear I watch your videos for the bloopers at the end. Makes me smile every time. Great video, great information and very encouraging that you have a storage space. I'm trying so hard to get us down to a 10 X 5.
Thanks Denise!
You guys are incredible!!! Love how honest you are about everything.. I’ve learned so much from you 2.. hope our paths cross some day :).
Thanks so much! I am so glad we have been helpful as that was the goal when we launched. We will be out there looking! :)
Ditto! They are great!
just had the distraction situation happen.i was hooking up golf cart trailer to my fifth wheel was distracted by man waiting for our site so didnt latch hitch and my wife seen me move thought i was ready and drove up ramp. trailer popped off ball and went forward poking hole in back of our Montana. would love the shirt
Wow, you guys are so personable! I had watched for 3 minutes and knew I would learn a lot from y'all! Thank you so much for your service.
I just started watching was wondering what do you do about medical issues and getting check up’s the reason is I had thyroid issues and do you keep up with general checkups
Great job on the video. In 10 years I am under 400 hrs on our Onion 5500 lp.
I always enjoy your video and Thank you for your and Phill's service in the military.
I have backed up my semi all my life never had any regrets
This is by far the BEST informational video I’ve seen. I can’t believe all the topics you covered in detail. Anyone who is planning to live as you do should see your video first. Well done!
Btw, I love your laughs.
Thanks so much!
I live your videos my husband and I got a class C with a diesel Mercedes engine. 1 year ago unfortunately my husband had some health issues, I was trying to plan a cross country tip before he ended up having surgery, I was hoping by doing the trip he might agree to sell our house, and be full time Evers. We only have a 25’ but I can drive it just fine. He’s been researching on what vehicle is best to tow and decided we need a Jeep Wrangler. But after watching your video I’m thinking we may not need one at all I guess you go to town and stock up before setting up camp? We have a 6 year old miniature schnauzer that we started taking camping when he was 4 months old. Whenever we are packing up to go he starts crying and running around like crazy because he gets so excited. One year we were camping and our son, daughter-in-law were camping next to us, my son came in early one morning and asked if Zack had been out yet, I said no, so he said we would take him for a walk, when my son got back he said, just about everybody in the loop new zacks name and came out to talk to him. I said yeah. He loves meeting new people and he thinks he’s the campground dog host.
We dont really 'stock up' because we have limited cabinet space. We shop about once a week or so depending on where we are and where we are going. We use our toad a lot but there are plenty of people who dont use them at all.
Have fun out there. sounds like Zack and Giz would be fast friends.
This has been the BEST video review for any person who is planning to go full time. Must watch!
Thanks so much!!
You 2 make it seem much easier when we hit the road full time in 8 yrs. Several years away...but will go by fast. Thanks for all your hard work...& Thank you for your Service🇺🇸🌟🇺🇸🌟🇺🇸.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate it.
Awesome info, thank you so much! You brought up ideas we haven’t considered! Love how you share personal information, thank you! Good luck to you both; may your journey continue to be safe, healthy, and fun!
First time watcher love it will be continuing just a little suggestion on pet walking and safety a little spray bottle with a 50/50 vinegar works good and no permanent damage is done
Thanks Allen.
I really appreciate the transparency in your videos and all the details you provided. I did not know you were in the military and wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service to our country. Be safe in your travels and God bless you!
Shout out from Livingston Tx. Been in my rv for 3 months now. I should have done this a long time ago. Owning a home will never be an option once you adjust to living in an rv.
You are so right
Here I sit and watched this video again. And it's still just as good this time as it was the first time. Thanks again. Don
LOVE IT! Can never be to long! The video that is. Safe Travels
That is good to know because I was worried about that! This video started out 90 minutes and I had to go through it over and over to get it down to 47 minutes. That is why it has so many jumps!
We have been RV camping in a Fifth wheel for 15 years our kids have grown up camping and totally love it. They are always asking where and when we are going next.
7 more years until I retire!!! I'm fortunate to have a 20 years and out option.
I could retire not now at 63 but need to continue working until I'm at least 67, with God's blessing, and hopefully, saved enough money to buy a decent RV to go full time.
lol good luwck shits gonna collapse by then
Anything can happen in 7 years. Don’t wait. Do it now.
@@jocrain83 true...but I have alot of freedom with my seniority at work. (#3 in the state) 7 more years doing a fun job then retire at 20 years. We already take lots of road trips as it is so with God's help I'll make it to 20 years and retire. Not many jobs left that you can retire at 20 years.
I retired this past FEB and bought a TAB400…. Hitting the road soon… best decision I’ve ever made was to retire… I don’t miss my job at all. LOL! 😆
If you wish, look up K-9 Alert in Gals Police supply. It comes with a Pager and a transmitter. This unit alerts the pager if the vehicle engine stalls for some reason shutting down the air conditioning. Attached to a generator I believe it could work but I am unsure. I’ve been retired from the biz for along time now so I am just throwing info out there.
Will look into it Gary, thanks!
Just started watching ya. I kept thinking he sounds so familiar. Is it just me or does Phil sound like Jack Hanna from Columbus Zoo?
Omg, was thinking this guy reminds me of someone...(?)...and it's totally Jack Hanna!
For sure!
Sonovagun.....I never thought about it until you mentioned it, but now that you did....YES! He DOES sound like Jack Hanna! 😄
Damn. That is right. Look and sound.
Yep...does anyone see the resemblance between Stacy and Jennifer Aniston?
our progressive showed a voltage fluctuation dropping to 90v. and as high as 140v. it was floating up and down. our Montana has the Samsung refridge and anyone that knows Samsung there are touchy computers inside.
Thank you for your service
Yes! Found out by accident that I had a backfill valve to fill my fresh water tank 7 years after buying my MH. No more hose in the gravity fill. Lol!
Now my newer one does not have one and I plan to see about having one installed.
So glad we arent the only ones! lol
Love your first year!! Great video complete with a duck photo bomb😂
The duck is our friend!
Thank you for the great video. I've tripped the breaker many times especially during winter. I would forget the little electric heater was on and run the hair dryer or coffee pot. It never works. I'm glad you like Petsmart. One caution on their grooming service, my dog gets real excited around other dogs and she didn't do well so we can't take her back there. Sometimes, you just have to ride out the weather. I currently live in my Class C while in school and last night we had rolling thunderstorms come through for hours. No where to go, but to ride it out. The RV did great, some trees in the surrounding area not so much. Just make sure to bring your awning in before the storms hit! Again, thanks for the great video. Go Army!!! Beat Navy!!!
Thank goodness I am not the only one!
Good on ya guys! BTW, nobody says: A-Mazing better! We hit the road in 10 days, moving the rig to base Monday for the final push of getting out of the house....
“Omar & Maria’s Great RV Adventure” Happy Trails! 🙏🏼
Yay!! Congrats to you guys. Enjoy your new full time life!
Yet again another really good video. You guys have become my new favorite info couple on all things RVing. Guys are great keep it up !
Thanks Kevin!!!
We’ve been in the military... good for me! Salute.
Love the video and we are living full time in our camper we built while waiting on our house and land to sell. We watch a lot of full time RUclips channels and it looks like they are all rushing to the next place. So I agree slowing down is great. We plan on staying in a spot for up to a month and just branching out and seeing what is around us before moving on. Hope to see y’all on the road.
The hardest part is slowing down.......well it was for us anyway. Good luck on the sell. Hope it goes quickly.
Nice video guys! Thanks for sharing what you've learned, really good information... I'm clicking on the subscribe button! :)
Welcome to our community!!
Hope everybody hears your back in advise. Not uncommon to get out and look several times when alone also. Great video!
This is true! When you are by yourself stop when needed.
Thank you both for putting this video together. An excellent, comprehensive overview of full time life in an RV. My wife and I are about a month out from joining your ranks. We have been lining up the planets for well over a year, and are watching it all come together. Very exciting.
Thanks James. You are doing the right way. Congrats on getting out here with us!!!
Had to watch this one again! You guys are so cute together; especially the BLOOPERS!!!
Thank you so much!!
A most wonderful, informative video! I wanna grow up to be Farley! Keep up the fantastic job!
You are cracking me up! :)
It is amazing that the number one time that people want to come up and talk to you is when you are setting up or breaking down. We all have the same experience and should know that is not the time to visit. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
I guess it is just because we are out there. Thank you for popping over!
@@todayissomeday I hadn't thought about that. You may be right.
I’m retiring from the Army next year. I’m excited about going full time. I’m a little nervous about being a solo but I’m pumped. 🤔 I may have trouble parking without a spotter. Thank you for making these videos!
We're half timers, but we enjoy every minute of our adventures. We usually spend winter and summer at home in SoCal, for the mild weather.
RV approved tissue paper, "Scott's Rapid Resolving for RVs and Boats," I found, is cheaper at Walmart than at Amazon!
We have grabbed it there too
thanks Phill & Stacy for your videos. Especially the 1 year one. Wife and I bought a 2020 Newmar KSDP 40’ in October and just recently cleared our S&B and put it on the market. Living in our MH for 2 months waiting on the house to sell. I’m a regulatory compliance consultant and still working. Hopefully sell the business soon. Your 1 yr video was so very encouraging we can hardly wait till we’re able to take off and travel. Thanks so much and keep up the great work helping all us newbies!
Good luck on the sale of the house!
Well, we’re coming up on our 1 year anniversary of FTing. Haven’t been able to travel but to NIRVC a couple of times, cause still trying to sell the business. Have a long trip (21 days) planned for the month of June with our two 14 y/o granddaughters to Grand Canyou, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Carlsbad Caverns. Really looking forward to it.
When it came to down sizing from house to ruby. Was it a few years out or the year before? Thanks a looking forward to the maintenance video, and the financial one
We took about 14 months to downsize.
Thank you so much for your insight. My wife and I are considering full timing - you have made us feel more comfortable with the prospect.
That was the plan Ken.....glad to help.
Yeah there is lots of great Info here, we have been fulltime 8 months and love it.
Love those bloopers 😂
Thank you so much for all the information. It has helped us when we get on the road fulltime in about a year.
You are very welcome! :)
First time viewer, finished the first 20 minutes, I'll be back. I'm a firm believer in checklists as well. Heartily laughing at the kids missing out was
the highlight for me - too funny.
Welcome! So glad you found us! Well now you know how our family has a little fun at each others expense!
Thanks for the review! My wife and I are wanting to do full time RVing as well! Maybe we will see you guys out there!
Love the idea and I'm going to try it in a few years. Watching RUclips as a research tool. I'm an RN and noticed that maybe you have your thyroid checked. It looks like you may have a small goiter forming. I hope I'm wrong btw.
Its all good. Just a benign nodule. Thanks for your concern!
Hide the gray hair! That is the best part! I am glad I found your channel. I think this is a future path for us. Thank you!
My husband and I just sold our sticks and bricks last Friday 👏. We are in Florida we’re we bought our Newmar 43 ft. We got our two dogs and are excited about our new life. Can’t begin to Thank You for enough for all your great videos. We fell very confident, that we can handle anything that comes our way. Hope to see y’all on the road.
Congrats Gunter! It is such a great feeling to know you are free to travel wherever and whenever! We are all in this lifestyle together and are happy to share what we know. Hope to meet up with ya on the road.
Never park under an overpass when tornado in area.. worst concentration of pressure..... Ck fact out.. Best wishes.. Happy trails.
Great video with many great points about going full timing. I just want to say first off that you guys really put a lot of time and effort into making all your videos and it shows. Having watched all you videos I think I’m going to stick with having a “home base” and travel for a month and come back for a couple months and do the same thing again. You guys are great together and appreciate your work. Can’t wait for the financial side of things. Enjoy and be safe out there!
I am glad we can help out! I think one day we will also have a home base of some kind but who knows what the future will bring! And you are right...I spend hours working on these videos. Thanks for noticing! :)
That's what I plan on doing take a travel assignment for 12 weeks then take 4 weeks off and then start over again. Plan on keeping a home base as a trial to see how it goes
For the mail you can have stuff delivered to a post office general delivery and go to pick it up. Not sure if it will work for everything, but you could have mail sent to a PO in an area you'll be next week and they'll usually hold.
Thank you! This is, without doubt, the most clear and succinct video I have seen yet about RV life. And I have looked at hundreds of videos. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Right now we live and work in Italy but in 4 yrs when we return back to the states we are contemplating a 5th wheel for full time Rving. Living in European apartments you learn to live in smaller spaces with minimal clothes. I have enjoyed all your information. You may be newbies but I enjoy gleaning from your info. If you do, please come to Florence! Grazie mili! (My husband is x navy)
I have never purchased an extended warranty...it always seems like a waste of money! Your videos are so informative! Thank you so much for all the videos you’ve made. My husband and I are going to try living full time in our RV starting next spring. A little nervous I won’t lie...but your videos are helping with educating ourselves. Thank you.
Glad to help. Good luck!
Happy Anniversary! You made me LOL a couple of times on this one! As I’ve told you before, we were a Navy family also, but we actually did the camping thing with our kids and we all loved it. We started in tents, then went to a pop up camper, then to a 32’ bumper pull and finally a 40’ Diesel Pusher! Hubby retires from his Federal Government job next year and we plan to full time it then. We will probably go with a little smaller rig for just the two of us and your videos are helping me plan in so many ways! Thank you! I’m watching a lot of different RUclipsrs and the whole community is so helpful! Can’t wait to catch up with a bunch of you out on the road! God Bless!
So glad we could provide some info for you. Good luck to you as you transition to full time. I hope you love it as we do. I still wish we had taken the kids!!
Day 1 full time RVing!!! Vary exited!!! we are both still working to pay it all off in 1 year before quitting traveling the country with it with no jobs.... thanks for all the info to help pull the trigger on it.
Tip from my life so far,
Pour the grease into an empty spaghetti jar. It takes up very little space and there is no clean up. Just keep putting the lid back on and store it under sink untill it is all the way full... then throw it away 😃
Good luck!!
Congratulations one year! This information has helped us we are so appreciative for all the work you do in these videos. Great stuff. Thanks!! 😊
You are so welcome! Thanks for hanging out with us
Extended warranty, only about 16% of people get to use it.
Loose aggresive dogs etc, try to always walk with a walking stick....need I say more.
For extra cooking spots we set up the Coleman stove outside and that gives us two extra burners plus the BBQ. Also, we do all the oil/splatter cooking on the Coleman.
Great vid.
Ciao
In our experience, we have been able to go to the VA clinics and have gotten service with no problems. We live in Maryland and often do longterm traveling. We were in Myrtle Beach and simply looked up a VA clinic/hospital. We needed meds refilled. We also had new prescriptions written and refilled in Tampa. We always check out the location of our nearest VA hospital or clinic when we arrive at our final destination.
What a great video. Wow, tons of info. Great year in review. Glad you guys have found the destination you were hoping for... continued safe travels. bg
So agree with you on how many are out there living this life and are so willing to reach out and invite you in. We meet new folks almost daily!
Us too! The community is awesome and so helpful!
Happy one year anniversary. Our Checklist is an actual check list. As we do something, we put a check next to it that way if you get interrupted, you can look to see where you stopped. As a spotter, I was taught to stand at the back left corner where you can see the driver in the mirror.
That checklist is so important!
On the credit card if you login online and check the notifications tab you can have the card notify you by text message when there are transactions. While it is a pain sometimes if the text is fast and you get a text before you get out of the line, but it is great to be able to catch a bogus charge and lock your card to stop any more bogus charges. I have used it for a number of years and have 3 times stopped someone from using my card that was not authorized and only once had to cancel the cards and get new cards. You can clear plastic coat the check list and mark it with a sharpie as you go down it for more safety.
Great info!
Excellent info!!! Thanks for all the pass-ons. Stay safe and safe travels.
This was a great video! I always enjoy watching you two. I appreciate the fast pace you provide!
Today with this video you guys have become one of my favorite RVers on YT. This video is a must watch for anybody looking to do extended trips or going full time. Tons of useful info and you guys made it enjoyable. I had already subscribed and hit the bell, but now I have a dedicated playlist for my favorite videos from you. Thank you for doing a really good job on this video and making it so much fun. Paul
You are so kind. Thanks so much
just found this video, I will need to watch more when I get back home! Thanks!
What a wonderful video, thank you!!! Planning on fulltiming in 2021, just dealing with getting rid of STUFF right now. You have really eased our minds about bigger rigs. We love nature and privacy and wanted to boondock, but got scared by so many saying it’s only possible with a mall rigs. Great info and links to things you use too! Love Gizmo, what a cutie!
We love boondocking! It can be done no matter what size you are. Our friends are 40 and 45 ft and they also boondock.
You, Me & the RV yay! We watch changing lanes too, and their rig is not small! I think also the fact that you are not allowed to walk dogs on trails in national forests means that we wouldn’t really want to camp in those anyway. We can always drive the ram to get in for a few hours. By the way, I LOVE your grey hair, mine is not going grey quickly enough for me (I need to update profile pic, lol)
Just turning your key to open your slides while you are plugged in which is work Tiffin does for us works out fine but if you’re Boondocking and do that you’re really pulling your batteries down. And I really encourage your navigator to really learn to drive. . I’m 5’2” And I’ve been full-time on the road over 19 years driving one of three large RVs. Take a driving class that’ll help.
Really like y’all’s bloopers at the end!