27 BIG Lessons RVers Learn the Hard Way - Things Every RVer Owner Should Know

[@HappilyEverHanks]

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[@ifly64s]

I flew helicopters for the Army for many years. Two things I've brought over to our RV life. 1) Do the walk around close up to your RV and do another walk around about 20 feet from your RV. You'll be surprised what you can find with the two perspectives. It's saved my life several times. 2) Pull out of your parking site, stop and look back at the empty site for anything left behind or fallen off of your RV. Love your vids.

[@brucefranklin6765]

Did the same thing driving 35 years for UPS. I first do a walk around checking that all latches are locked and a 2nd walk around visual.

[@captainkirk8806]

@@brucefranklin6765 Local 639 UPS. Learned the same process as well as a lot more on being a defensive driver.

[@nelladavis4418]

❤ This is a very great tip!!

[@joyceschetter5871]

One last check that everything is disconnected, closed or connected as needed!

[@jimbuckley4986]

Can’t tell you how many times we have been gifted with small items left behind from previous campers

[@andrewspies1968]

Thanks for mentioning us mobile techs. We really are a viable alternative to the dealers. - Andrew, Ranger RV Services, Houston, TX

[@dianekell5460]

We use to drive semi for a living, we always as traveling with our Rv do a pre trip inspection, and if we stop for fuel we check again before hitting the road. Very good habit to get into.

[@motorcoachtech7615]

I see you are being nice to Carl by throwing him on the bed, instead of bounding him, taping his mouth and throwing him under the bed!😂. Have a good week. Rick

[@herb7877]

Well presented & All great tips! 45+ years RV-n & still learning (mess-n up too !) . One of my worst disaster was trying to 'multi-task' with the neighbor who came over to chat while we were setting up. Attached the city fresh water supply to the black tank swirly clean out (bad design; they're next to each other). 10 minutes later Ol' Facefull geyser in the bathroom. needless to say the "Boss" was not happy. You could hear the screech from inside for miles. It was so high pitched all the dogs in the CG came running or howling. I got to do the clean up. ...

[@Jrmh179]

Just a tip - whenever anyone interrupts me during set up or tear down - I would turn off or halt anything I was in the middle of ( assuming I did not ask them to please wait) so in this example - if you decide to talk even for 1 minute, just turn off the water and start over when you are done!

[@007nadineL]

You tell tall tales

[@cferryone]

Been there, done that!

[@ellenpowers8037]

Great tips! One caution: if you’re going to put a bunch of stuff on the bed (which is a great place to put it on travel days), be aware of the weight if the bedroom is on a slide. Just had to replace a slide motor and it might have been from overloading the slide while it was going in and out. Used a mobile tech to do the repair and he was awesome: Sean at Tucson Mobile RV Repair.

[@rv_at_the_beach2603]

I used Sean too for major water leak that soaked the whole storage area and everything in it. He was great, reasonable and helpful.

[@ALittleBitUnhitched]

Checking tire pressures the morning of leaving...THIS ONE IS HUGE! I can not tell you guys how many times we have told people to always double-check before you hit the road! It's huge! Always appreciate your videos and the wisdom you all spit on the daily!

[@baranduda]

On my daily walk around found a tyre with side damage just before leaving civilisation and heading across the Nullarbor. Could have been very bad had it failed at highway speed.

[@RealizingICreateHappiness931]

My wife & I get so excited on thursdays just to watch y’all new video

[@HappilyEverHanks]

🤗

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

Thanks! We’re a year before we leave on our 4 year Odessy so having this list will do us good. We’ve been tent camping since we were babies so some of these can be transferee to RV life. One thing I would add is have a physical check list to use for the arrival & leaving jobs. Also put the height/length on your dash.

[@trustme7731]

1.Diatomaceous earth IS a gardening item and it's not soil although it comes from the ground. It looks and feels like flour. Best used in a garden on the ground to keep crawling insects off the plants. It actually cuts insects when they get in it so they die but it's messy and slow acting. A better, cleaner, mess free and very long lasting product that kills all insects is Bifenthin. You'll find it in the garden section too. It's the active ingredient in products like Orthos Home Defense. If you buy it ready to use, just wet a paper towel and wipe it on the floor in a narrow band next to walls and cabinets. (wear a glove) It takes VERY little. I use it in my house this way and spray it around the perimeter outside. It lasts inside over 8 months. If you have pets or little children apply it where they can't get in to it and where you won't step in it. I wouldn't use it outside at a campsite. The next people wouldn't know. You could spray the tires, jacks and other place where ants would get up into the rig. Keep in mind that you wouldn't want to touch these places with bare hands later. 2. I'm surprised that you missed the obvious. MAKE A CHECKLIST. Do it on your phone or on a computer so you can print it. Either way it's easy to add to it and make adjustments, and you certainly will. You'd be surprised at how long and useful the list can be. I print mine and keep it on the engine dog house in our motor home. I have one for set up and one for leaving. As a pilot I know that checklists are extremely important. I also do a walk around and look underneath at every stop. 3. I wrote my height and length on a post it and stuck it to the dashboard so I can quickly see it at a glance at any time. 4. All excellent ideas that I always have been doing. Probably your most useful video for all experience levels.

[@asana_awakening]

When we first bought our RV I heard a story of a couple that left their awnings out with a storm coming and a big gust of wind caught their awning and flipped their RV over!! Their RV was also an older model with only one emergency exit (that was blocked) so they were stuck for hours. Because of that story we have never left them unattended but we see other people do it all the time 👀 this is great advice!

[@amytooyou7384]

Stumbled upon your channel when researching full-time RV living, I have started saving all of your tips and tricks videos! I am excited to go FT in a year and half myself! Keep up the great job!

[@atwistedlime6090]

Honestly this is the best place to learn. Not only do the Hanks have great info they are fun to watch. I’ve been full time 12 years and they’ve got the best videos.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

So happy for you! 🤗

[@Yoteach01]

In addition to practice backing in a large open area (Walmart parking lot), I would HIGHLY suggest that the practice should be done during both daylight and dark. We both know that certain circumstances require the O-DARK 30 backup experience

[@wolveswithoutteeth]

And pick up a couple of orange cones to use for practice. You can grab them at Home Depot. Set up a couple of obstacles.

[@markrenfrow9873]

Ain't that the truth !

[@conniebellow2016]

I learned the dark-30 lesson after I backed into the pole holding the water valves. Luckily the owner was super awesome about me breaking 2 valves off.

[@XNightslayerx99]

So far out of our first 4 trips 3 have been parking in the dark so definitely good to be comfortable with it

[@playmistiforme]

Mr Hank reminds me of the actor French Stewart from 3rd Rock From the Sun! The longer I watch, the more I'm convinced yer related!!❤😂

[@paulettehart6822]

I saw you on let's turn it up world at the Hershey's RV show I am subscribing to you because you were so friendly to Tanya and her husband

[@BassFever4Ever]

Thank you for sharing these tips! Excellent video! One I might add is that during your walk around, take a few pics of your rig and site. You never know when they might come in handy down the road.

[@adriannurse1502]

I've also found that you need to make sure your slides can open before leveling and hooking up. Before leaving look on the roof and make sure that the satellite dish and any antennas are down and properly stowed.

[@cferryone]

Thanks Hanks! You reminded me to unhook my 7 way pin!! I don’t want to drain my tow rig battery!!

[@michaelwert468]

This is where I use Silicone Slap Bracelets. Keep one on the electrical cord. When I disconnect it I put it on my steering wheel as a reminder the next day to reconnect the power.

[@philipgerry5228]

You made any good points. Keeping hitched until electric, sewer, and water hookups are connected is a time saver. Nothing more frustrating than the electric is 1 foot too far away.

[@rv_at_the_beach2603]

Another great video. We can't be reminded too much. You're so right, check, check, check. What we've found is take your time. Don't hurry. Time spent checking and re-checking is time well spent.

[@clintstevenson1214]

Great Video! Some super tips. Please set me straight. Stabilizer/leveling square blocks, orange. Which direction do the little mounds go? Up or down. You guys put yours down and some other videos show them up. Is there a reason/advantage for placing one way or the other? Put that in a newbie video ;-) or tips - episode 2. Love ya guys.

[@SpykersB]

Well, pictures of the lynx levers show em being used with the knobs/mounds up. I always used em that way too. I would think that more platform that touches the ground would be more secure, less tilting in gravel. Not sure why carl using er had em upside down lol. 🍻

[@HappilyEverHanks]

We always like to put them upside down, either way is the same

[@jamesfleenor4161]

this was our first trip this past summer and we stayed at Milford Lake State Park in Kansas really nice campground. I noticed a guy there just about everyday and he was a Mobile Tech. I talked with him for awhile and he was more than happy to share some of his experiences he has had and what to look out for. Great guy. He did an inspection on our rig as we are new so it was nice to have someone who knows take a look. He found only one issue on the roof that required some caulking before it became a big problem. I would use those guys for everything now. I also had talked with another RV'er in West Virginia who said he keeps 2 extra axel springs with him because they do break. I ran into that at a rest area in New Mexico. We pulled in and my wife saw it first and wondered why their trailer was leaning so bad. Yep they had broken a spring. I did not know that was a thing especially with fifth wheel trailers.

[@travelingsulls]

On the 7pin. You can write up your 12v trailer feed through a relay that will only be energized while the tow vehicle is running and charging. When the tow vehicle is shut off, it will disconnect. I love this channel. I'd like to travel with you guys sometime.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Oh wow, that's a really great idea! Thank you for your kindness and taking the time to share this 😃

[@rogercastle2019]

Just a word of advice don’t let your RV set too long without checking on it. I have mine in storage for the winter and don’t have room to open it up and check it out. I do however have room to open the door and give it a quick look but that’s not good enough. I just purchased and second AC unit and was going to it install it myself so I brought the unit home. I got a big surprise when I opened it up. It had a leak in the roof at the point where the nose cap and the roof come together. What a mess. Needless to say I have a lot of clean up todo before I can install the AC unit. Thanks for the show.

[@colleenwilber273]

Great advice... Thanks Hanks... 😊 I am 4 months new to RV living. If you ever come back to Florida. I am just north of Ocala and would love to meet you two.

[@tomallen9179]

Boy these are great suggestions. No matter how long you’ve been RVing- you can’t learn too much. My best takeaway from today was the pic of your license plates. Keep ‘em coming!

[@robertosgood961]

Tip #28 - If you do a pull check on your fifth wheel pin after hooking up, lets you know if it's locked and that your electrical brakes are working and connected. Can't wait for vids of your adventures this year!

[@Ronswanderlust]

We’ve been part timers for the last ten years. Thanks for the video. All good advice. As motorhomers always check all the compartment doors they sometimes swing open while in motion even though they appear to be locked.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Tire pressure monitors are a saving grace. A tape measure, because some tools needed.

[@cathymoser1229]

Great information. My husband and I have learned a lot about full-time RVing from watching your videos. We just purchased our 1st rv and hope to be on the road soon. Thanks for all you do.

[@jamesgritz404]

are going fulltime?

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Congrats! 🤗

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

Cool information. Ty. Got one for you . I am a big rig driver (32 years) when ever backing up , always steer towards the trouble and it will push your trailer away from trouble.

[@DailyDriver.]

Cutting board freezer tip was golden ! What a good idea !!!

[@mag4973]

I do a walk around before pulling out, then stop on my street in a level spot and do another walkaround. Same on the way back, before pulling out, and again at the dump site or in the road out if I had full hook-ups.

[@MsJRod2012]

You guys are totally awesome! I love how you deliver your messages in such a way that captures our attention! I have tried to watch other videos, but I can not stay focused because of their delivery!

[@jimg2885]

Ney Ney says you bring the info in an entertaining way. You guys are our Thursday entertainment. Wish the videos were longer as They normally end before the popcorn is gone. 🙂 Another good info video from the Hanks. Let er rip Hanks and enjoy your travels..

[@jtoepke9763]

I always click on the earlier videos and rewatch a few

[@HappilyEverHanks]

❤️🤗

[@milesandjohnsadventures]

This will be our second year rving! And we are excited about this year! Miles and are are continuing to learn from our mistakes! I’m glad we are not the only ones with issues!

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

So many good tips. We've learned to start our water heater with propane then switch to electric. We now have spare black tank hoses. (Don't ask us have that came about.) Absolutely try that black water tank pull before you need to empty your tank with a line of rigs behind you and it comes off! Oops!! Always put the steps up prior to moving for sure. NEVER PUT ANYTHING ON YOUR TRUCK BUMPER YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE. 😁😔 Great idea about using the fans to help the hot air out. Will definitely try that. We're all learning together. You guys are the best! #ThanksHanks

[@randomspirit]

Putting the valuable cat on the bed made me chuckle, but valuable Karl pushed me over the edge into outright laughter! LOL Great list of tips, thanks!

[@mikehackney201]

Another great vidio guy's, & great travel day tips we all need a refresher on. One thing my wife & I both say at the end of your vidios is our time with you is to short. We start each Fri morning with your vidios. Keep them coming & safe travels.

[@marklovelace297]

Completely agree on travel day dinner. Keep it simple we stow a couple of frozen microwave dinners ready. You really can't go wrong with salisbury steak or turkey dinner, stay away from anything with a crust and you will be very happy in 15 minutes!

[@juliefox77]

These were SO helpful and SO true!!!! EVERYONE should watch this when they’re getting started, and then every few months as a reminder!!!

[@robertsimcox8185]

Awesome info as always, keep up the great job guys!

[@jagoss45]

I've started doing that after watching you guys, KYD and LJMJ. Thanks for all the great info? Now how to keep the mice out of the trailer over the winter!!!!

[@jtoepke9763]

We use CabFresh. Dryer sheets are only good for mouse bedding when the smell wears off.

[@philhoneycutt9153]

Happy Hanksday!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Thanks, Hanks! Y’all are amazing! Great ideas...we’ve made some of these, too!😉 Have a great week! Jane in SC ❤🙏🏻

[@ceimo856]

I always walk rig before departure and fill my airbags on my trucks rear end so the rig rides level. Furrion S camera’s help watch the surroundings as well. Good video to keep the newbies in check👍

[@micheleulrich-hb2ok]

Great video...Thanks Hanks! Yeah, multiple walk-arounds are essential. We also learned that the hard way...once when we made a 3 hour drive to our destination and a fella pulled up alongside us and said we didn't have turn signals...didn't plug in the plug 🙄. On our trip to AK, someone got a free Anderson Leveler we left behind 😒. Lesson learned... multiple walk-arounds!

[@Colleen1978]

ALL excellent tips! Thanks Hanks!

[@onefastcyclist]

Good advice - one little check I always do is mace sure the brake controller is showing your 7-pin IS connected BEFORE you pull out of your camp-site

[@mcdanielfamilychannel2997]

Nana putting Carl to bed .....that was awesome.....still team Carl. Episode Idea...... best of funniest clips and do a poll on viewers choice 🤣

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

We miss you guys. If you put your water hose away because it is to cold please put your water pressure regulator away to. The water in the regulator can freeze.

[@wolfpack3121]

Great advice. Thank you for all your video’s. Keep them coming.

[@mikepickett9542]

A note on tire pressure checking, before you leave in the morning is good but remover the pressure will go up when the temperature rises while driving. Don’t go for max pressure cold.

[@SpykersB]

Lol, i was thinking the same thing, the day temperature rising and the tire temp too, u be pulling over n letting air out filling it up first thing in the morn lol. 🍻

[@jameswbarry9576]

Ya I need to make a check list it's better than trying to remember all to do happy camping

[@aliciaparham6145]

Thanks Hanks! We were on our afternoon walk around the park tonight and spotted Dex in y’all’s door ❤️❤️

[@tomballard4794]

Backing up I talk to the wife on the phone. Makes it a lot easier. We also book the site for extra day just so we're not in a rush. Not only do we walk around but we sweep the slides before we retract them. Nothing like a stick ripping your slide seal.

[@boehlkez]

2:45 is that the right placement direction for blocks?

[@pmedina701]

Oh yeah, thx for the cutting board idea in the fridge. Just about froze my hands just last week scrapping off all that ice.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@christopherprather4080]

In the trucking world we have it drilled into our heads to remember the acronym G.O.A.L (get out and look) it applies for any trailer you pull! Don’t risk damage or injury!

[@iluvhimsmmm]

Love watching your videos. We've been living in our RV for 2 yrs now and love your tips. And absolutely do it "the ne ne way# love u too "Carl"❤️❤️❤️

[@lovemy2boys2]

One thing we have done while navigating parking/backing up is for my husband and I to both have our Bluetooths on and make a call to each other (hands free babby!). This allows us to communicate to each other as he backs the camper up and I help navigate. 👍

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Love this!

[@russellvh3655]

Been following you 3 for about a year now. From consideration to full time RV’er. I am glad to say I only missed one or two of these tips. I’m sure I learned it all from you and loved the education.

[@cherylnewell9912]

We just got back from Alaska, the last stop in Denali. Wow the Mosquitos were out of control there. There is a lot of construction on highways. Just a heads up. Absolutely stunning. It rained everyday in Anchorage,ugh I guess my fav was Ketchikan, love all the homes on al hill side. Also if you get a chance to ride strain in the mountains you can see a lot of wildlife. Saw everything but Caribou. Safe travels

[@annabanana3099]

You guys are great! I really enjoy your videos and the great advice!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much!! Your support means so much to us ❤️

[@tkwhitehead8578]

Excellent info! Yes we learned sometimes by trial and error!

[@RVUnscripted]

We learned early on about backing up and we use walkie-talkies. Jeremy gets out and looks first and let's me know what to watch for so I can help.

[@aLEEkazam]

YALL ROCK! Thank you for these tips. I really appreciate your knowledge.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much, Lee! We appreciate your wonderful support 😊

[@TealOxAdv]

Great video and tips. We each do a walk around from opposite directions prior to pulling out of the site. For high value items, we have a “Remove Before Flight” type flag hanging in a conspicuous spot to remind us as an extra safety measure (we started this with the old crank up TV antennas 😂).

[@HappilyEverHanks]

That’s such an awesome idea! It sounds like you guys have a great system worked out. Thank you for your amazing support and for taking the time to watch our videos 😃 - Kyle and Renee

[@TealOxAdv]

@@HappilyEverHanks Thank you very much. Love your content and you two.

[@KillerKlownFromOuterSpace]

LOL! You folks are brilliant! I'm buying a camper . It's a small camper and a truck. I'm single and this is all I need. I am thinking about buying some land just to park on. Have water and stuff. Live there and not have to pay $1300/ rent for a fancy apartment.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Awesome! Wishing you great luck on your new adventure!

[@tammyward3423]

You guys are hilariously entertaining! And helpful!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you for watching, Tammy!

[@pmedina701]

You guys are great at explaining different ideas and procedures. Also love how y'all have been doing this for years and still smile and love each other (on camera anyways) ..haha 🤣JK on that last comment. Keep up the good work and keep rollin out great vids😎👍🏼

[@brucerenick8895]

We rarely even get to use our awnings here in Kansas! 😢

[@rubiejones1897]

Yall crack me up!!! I don’t have an rv one but I’m stockpiling knowledge ❤

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

Yes, I use Diatomaceous Earth in my garden. It is safe for Dexters and other animals. We have 4 cats so I love this for in the house too.

[@severedmetalband]

Finally got to catch up on the latest 3 installments and I once again I laughed and thought about what you were spittin and just enjoyed! #ThanksHanks

[@rlin2648]

This video is worth its weight in gold. Take notes.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you!!

[@mikenowak2360]

Hanks you make everything fun. Thanks for the tips. been rving for 20 years and picked up 2 new great tips..#thankshanks

[@jessboyle8669]

Love the videos, they are always spot on.... You are truly blessed to be making memories and living the dream.

[@mikelayow815]

I love your videos. Every time I think about what you've done wrong helps me to remember. I drove truck for 36yrs. so all our friends would throw me their keys to park their rigs. Keep safe. Goal /get out and look.

[@mikelayow815]

Sorry Hanks I don't have Telegram If you're ever up in Traverse City, Michigan area would love to meet up.

[@jeannenabozny5675]

Terro is fabulous. Diatomaceous earth is sold at garden centers and feed stores. Its food grade as its used on garden vegetables it dehydrates their bug bodies.

[@deejayskip4089]

Already knew all this but very entertaining and informative to new rv couples/families

[@davesherman74]

Good tip on unplugging the 7-way connector when parked for a while, and making sure it's plugged back in. I've gotten in the habit of always checking all the lights after hitching up, if only to check for burned out bulbs.

[@legrandechene3734]

Loving all the content. We are old (over55) and have been RVing since the early 90's. We have stayed at several of the campgrounds you stayed at in Florida and have looked into some of the others youve used. Stay safe.

[@positivibeespreadingpositi6439]

Thanks! You two are funny. I have a Siamese girl too! Her and I may be hitting the road when I decide what type of RV is for me. So much to consider. I am a street performer, Yoga Teacher, Fitness Trainer, Breakdancer, Energy Healer, etc! Taking my show on the road and fitting all that in an RV. OMG! I have a yoga trapeze and a dancing pole (hehee) All important for my live streams and fitness! So, debating a pull behind or a class c. New? Used? I hear anything from 2022-2024 is crap lol. Going crazy a bit and your videos are a huge help! The humor is a nice touch too.

[@737Parkie]

When I had a trailer I made most of these mistakes. 😂. I ripped a window out on a campground pavilion roof. We pressed on with some plastic sheeting and tape from Wal Mart. 👍🏻

[@charliebullio463]

Howdy Hanks. Great to see you today.

[@rondafrancisco6970]

Make sure all outside compartments have locking doors even if u have to install them yourself. Then be sure to lock them ALL before driving away. We didn't one time almost lost our propane on the highway.

[@chuckchillson2877]

All great info lf left my truck plugged in over night a lot of times the day before we leave from home never had RV drain truck batteries but iv tested mine with a tester my hot pin to trailer only sends juice when key is on which I'm glad now that you've said that

[@charleswesley9907]

You must visually inspect the frame rails in the area of your tandem axles and especially three axles areas . Turns causes frame twist and cracking as well as shackle breakage .Backing into camp sites leads the root cause of such cracking as does sharp turns. On the most expensive 5 wheels frame cracking in the Basement to upper floor is quite common . The most expensive 5th wheels has the same frame thickness and construction as the others . Take time to review the videos on RV frame failures and how to spot them.

[@Sushi2735]

Awesome tips. As humans we lean a lot by screwing up! So hopefully the great tips will save others from making the same “Opp’ses”!

[@wango556]

Practice backing up at boat ramp parking lots. Often times there’s one right by the campground. Once you get real good, go back into a campground spot. Through the week both places will be empty.

[@SuninSanDiego]

Terro ant baits are god tier against ants. It's takes a day or two for them to get a lethal amount but a day or two and they are gone gone...

[@shelbyburgey884]

I mean, I don't want to start anything, but! I saved the video. I have it where she said " you are always right"! If you ever need it! I've been married and know that something like that would always come in handy!!! lol Thanks for the video! Oh, and most of all the tip of grey tank first would have been nice to know a month ago! Now I know!

[@mrglip911]

I have watched you guys from the beginning and yup you have learned. Umm I think we all have. Looking forward to meeting you out west.

[@thelifeoffastony1157]

At 2:47 the blocks are upsidedown.

[@padmepadme]

We're new subscriber. Love your enthusiasm in your vlog presentations. Looking forward to enjoying more of the videos you've posted. THANK YOU.

[@grayfox9911]

Very good tips.Thanks! Hope Dexter is doing OK...

[@jimsamolczyk3774]

Put your back up against the rig. Stretch your arm straight out. If your fingers don’t touch any obstructions then its safe to put your slides out.

[@plumcrazy9842]

You must have gorilla arms! Can you touch your knees without bending over?

[@michael24-j4i]

Love the videos! You two are a HOOT!