5 Signs You're An RV BEGINNER

Sometimes when you see an RVer in a campground - you just can tell that they're a beginner, it's practically written all over them! In this video we want to show you 5 mistakes, which are signs of a new inexperienced camper. But we'll not only show you these beginner RVing mistakes - we’ll also show you the way to correct them, just in case you need it!
Campground Review Videos mentioned in this video
Trailer Village Grand Canyon: • Don't Visit the Grand ...
Campbell Cove at Hocking Hills State Park Ohio: • Don’t Visit Hocking Hi...
Gulf State Park Gulf Shores Alabama: • Gulf State Park Campgr...
Adventures on the Gorge New River Gorge National Park West Virginia: • Adventures on the Gorg...
US Space and Rocket Center: • US Space & Rocket Cent...
All of our Campground Reviews: • Zion Canyon Campground...
Here are the examples of stuff we mentioned in the video for your reference
RV Leveling Blocks: amzn.to/49qdRHO
Trailer Leveling blocks: amzn.to/3QLQAsC
Inexpensive but dependable Surge Protector 50Amp: amzn.to/3FOv687
Inexpensive but dependable Surge Protector 30Amp: amzn.to/3FQgXHI
water pressure regulator: amzn.to/40vsk0U
fresh water hose: amzn.to/463PzQX
To view any product mentioned by us in our videos, click this link: www.amazon.com/shop/campbrood
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Discover our Blog here: www.campbrood.com/post/5-sign...
music by creatormix.com

[@CampBrood]

If you've ever seen a National Park Beginner or you're new to touring the National Parks this list is for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXTToqWLd7GqpLc

[@zenderxt]

Conversely to seasoned campers, the number of times I see people trying to back into their site and someone quickly runs over to "try" and help, just don't it's incredibly stressful and frankly irritating. People will ask for help if they need it. I once watched a husband and wife backing in their trailer and they didn't even finish the first attempt before someone walked across and practically dismissed the wife and started barking orders on backing in. When told to leave the guy was extremely upset that his help wasn't wanted.

[@CampBrood]

Yep, that is part of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWfHgHmVqM54b7s We like to call them the "eager helper"

[@zenderxt]

@@CampBrood aha! Excellent video, thanks!

[@Syzygy77]

Lol, I haul my parents fifth wheel to an RV park for them. When I arrived and started backing in there was five people trying to direct me but it was too much. Lol. If I need help I only need one person to focus on.

[@norme2681]

I don't go out first thing but when it comes clearly apparent you don't know what you are doing, I will offer my help. I do have close to 40 years of trucking experience and give great advise.

[@zenderxt]

@@norme2681 Which I think at that point the help is warranted. There are many times where my wife and I have been backing in and I will tell her nah, I am going to pull back on the road and do it again at a better angle. I like to think others who do this as frequently as we do can see the difference, but the odd time I will have someone run out pretty quick, and it is a bit awkward to have to say "hey man, we know what we are doing, appreciate the offer" it usually follows with some eye rolls. I am not sure why people get so upset about their help being turned away.

[@09dave1952]

I make it a point to never bother someone setting up or getting ready to leave. But, I was taking my daily walk and spotted some new folks with a 5th wheel trying to get it unhooked from the truck. I finished my walk and they were still trying to get it unhooked and I finally went over to help. They were on just a little bit of a slope and I could tell from across the campground they had some tension on the jaws in the hitch. I went over just as nice and friendly as I could and the husband was an unhappy camper and very frustrated. I suggested very nicely to chock the tires on the camper and let the truck roll back a little to free up the jaws and he wasn't exactly cooperative, but his wife was! She threw a block behind the back wheels and told him to back up the truck and he reluctantly did and I reached over and pulled the handle and unhooked it. He was a little better after that and I think his wife wanted to kiss me! I told them it was good to have an ol guy around once in a while.

[@linebrunelle1004]

Physics isn't for everyone. Nice of you to help.

[@nightranger9795]

The real pro is the guy who can dump hundreds of gallons of gray water every night and not get caught 😂😂😂

[@dhillman7522]

Worst beginner mistake using auto level with rig still hooked to tow vehicle and lifting it as well. For leveling, Anderson leveling blocks are the easiest and act as tire stops too. We sometimes use them before auto level to prevent tires from being off thr ground. I always plug in surge protector and check power with indicator lights before plugging in rig, I have found bad grounds and had to move a couple times.

[@CampBrood]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I always check my indicator lights on the surge protector, too. Oh and we always plug in with the circuit breaker off get everything connected and then turn on the circuit breaker.

[@NitinC67]

The RVs in those RV parks are so close together. It’s almost like living in a parking lot. I don’t see the point of going there.

[@cathyjones7590]

Maybe you don't but obviously others DO. How about respecting different preferences. I will be staying in campgrounds to earn $$ as an RV tech🙂🙏

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Agree

[@SuperSushidog]

We've been living in our motorhome full-time for the last 4 1/2 years, boondocking most of the time. We try to avoid RV parks and campgrounds whenever we can. While it is true that one should always keep their rear tires are on the ground for stability, quite often the most beautiful wilderness camping spot is so unlevel that we must lift our front tires slightly off the ground to get her level. This will not hurt our motorhome. In fact, it is desirable to do so, so that the frame doesn't twist when leveling the motorhome side to side. The front jacks are connected so that the hydraulic fluid can flow between them, while the rear jacks operate independently to level the RV from side to side. But if the front end is on the ground and you lift one rear jack to level the RV, to keep the fridge and slide working properly, it can twist the frame causing the windshield to pop out or crack. I saw a neighbor's windshield do just that when he used his jacks incorrectly - an expensive mistake. Sure, if they are more than an inch or so off the ground it only makes sense to put some leveling blocks under them after the motorhome is properly level, for safety's sake. Just remember to remove them before you drive off, so you don't damage your RV.

[@CampBrood]

I haven't seen this detail on the forums. Thank you for sharing.

[@lorent4998]

I would recommend lifting it slightly above level and putting wood pads or other under the tires and bringing back to level so the front tires have some contact with something. Good luck!!

[@user-fk4xj8up1z]

Literally, the first thing I thought of when I saw the front wheels off the ground.. next level genius disguised as a beginner. lol

[@norme2681]

The "rookie rug" that 8'x12' rug on grass for two weeks kills the grass and leaves a muddy pit for the rest of the year for others to cuss about. Personally I think they should be banned, but if you insist, pick your "rookie rug" up and give the grass some sun a few times a week.

[@CampBrood]

we have friends that own a campground in the UP. They have had grass ruined that way, too.

[@brianbyrd6080]

My experiance was a campground in Tn. Pulled up to my spot an had to figure out if i was wrong or what pulled in like everyone else was but my neighbor they came in wrong way an hooked up to my hookups went to camper nobody there went to office an they tried to call them no luck so campground moved me to a another site.

[@CampBrood]

That sucks. Glad the campground was able to accommodate you in another site.

[@birdmanrobertlabodajr.3416]

I’ll tell you the one thing I do I watch the weather always watch the weather when you know things are going in and out and flying around. That’s one thing I do watch whenever the weather is windy. I don’t leave my awning out and you can strap it down, but I would never leave it out during your windstorm. I’ve seen many tore off, literally tore off while someone’s camping with that and then where the hell my thing go left off because that’s a very big fix. I’m thinking that we’re gonna be a $900 fix with parts and labor not if you don’t have that money. why do you have CamperTravel fifth wheel motorhome things happen expect the unexpected

[@piushorning4869]

I have been RV'ing since the 60's and I still act like a beginner. I went to bed one night and forgot to take inthe awning and almost lost it, got up and took it in while in my skivvies, never again. I also was dumping my tanks in Yuma one year and forgot to close them. fortunately we had a bathroom in a small building at the lot we were staying in so we dumped two bottles of digestor into th eholding tank and let it set for a few days. we got it cleaned out but never did that again. I've done other stupid things but nothing to damage my rig. I just get forgetful at times

[@user-jt3fq3jv1e]

Gotta start somewhere

[@CampBrood]

Agreed. Thanks for the comment

[@kerrischuh8000]

I’m a newbie but even I know all tires need to be on the ground. We saw an expensive class A RV with their front tires close to a foot off the ground. I was surprised they didn’t see how much damage that could do to their expensive RV.

[@CampBrood]

I bet that was a sight! The other thing we worry about are kids going under the rv for soccer balls, baseballs, etc. With them so high in the air they are more welcoming to just dive in grab your ball and get out before anyone notices. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

[@Robynhoodlum]

I’m a newbie doing research. I swear I just heard a guy who works for a manufacturer reiterate your point about not hooking up to water full time because it can damage the water systems too? Either way, thanks for the tips!

[@jhm68]

Newbies and seasoned RVers that use open frame/construction type generators. Nothing worse than one of those type of generators running all day long and into the evening hours.

[@ms.pirate]

Whats the best type of generator for an RV then? I'm researching my budget for anything I need for my future RV. I'm wanting to use solar panels for the day, and some type of power at night, for watching TV to fall asleep too, or too play games at night (and to keep the fridge working). So what are you're recommendations?

[@jhm68]

Champion customers service is spot on. I have never had one complaint when I have called in for a part. They are always so helpful. What ever brand you decide to to go with just make sure it's an inverter style.

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Thanks, good observations

[@davidgulfstream1738]

Huntsville Space RV park was a great stop! Just note, the campground is now closed for good. The last night of camping was Dec 30, 2023. SpaceCamp is expanding, so they closed the Campground.

[@CampBrood]

Well that sucks. But, we were lucky to enjoy it last Spring and have a great campground review video on our channel to remember the park as it was. Thanks for letting us know!

[@TimBear-px9gj]

Interesting video... However, it seems to be all about parking. You have to drive them first, and there are also many signs of being a beginner there. As someone who has worked in a lot of National Parks and seen thousands of RVs over the course of about 50 years, I tend to believe that all RV owners are in the "Inexperienced" category. The reason being more than 95% of RVers I've talked to don't drive their RVs more than two to three weeks a year. Adding to that, they have bad "traveling by car" driving habits that can be very dangerous for RVs in heavy traffic areas such as Yellowstone or any other large NP where there is a lot of wildlife, such as stopping unexpectedly when they see animals. For that reason I always recommend that people driving keep their distance and never follow RVs too closely. You may need to stop very quickly, and if you follow them too close, you may end up in the RV's bedroom. In the end, the only people that I consider to be "experienced" RV drivers are the professionals. Such as the people who drive the RV's for race car drivers, bands on tour, drivers of city or cross country busses who are on vacation (RV's are typically smaller than a city or Greyhound bus), etc. Even though they are professional drivers, that doesn't mean they never make mistakes. But they are experienced, which puts them into that 5% that remains of all RV drivers. Unless someone drives an RV every day, and there some people who do, they are still not the best vehicles to follow. Keep your distance! I try to allow at least two lengths of the vehicle in front of me for emergency braking...

[@JustinBradleyPhotographer]

You can go from completely calm blue skies, to 2 minutes later hurricane force winds at Lake Powell. I've been going for 20 years and I've seen boats with 4 anchors pulled right through 50 yards of sand. (Which is why we always set our anchors in wet sand) but point being, the weather can go from1 to 11 in a minute, especially in areas that have big temp swings and monsoonal type weather.

[@CampBrood]

Yes, it's pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. Have a great week!

[@DaveCM]

Question: some newer ones have wind sensing awnings. They are supposed to automatically retract if they get blown around to much. (Saw one demonstrated by a salesman who shook it and it went in.) Are those reliable and do they work consistently? Just curious. Personally, I would bring it in when leaving anyway. It only takes a minute. Oh! And thanks for the video.

[@CampBrood]

Good question. I know our awning has one and our previous RV had a wind sensor, too. I've have never had ours automatically retract in heavy wind that would damage the awning. We had a Fleetwood and now we have a Thor.

[@Masterchief68]

I had a new cougar fifth wheel with the wind sensing awning! Worked like a champ!

[@bdwillis8284]

I have one of those auto awnings, I bring it in when we leave.

[@CampBrood]

@@bdwillis8284 yep, I don't trust it either

[@rgreed20081]

There are basically two types of RV servicemen. The first type is the one who is not willing to work with you. He thinks that a lot of customers are stupid as well as a waste of time. The second one is the expert who is willing to work with any customer. He asks you some questions often to see if a customer is a Newbie or not fully aware. If he can't answer any question, he tries to do his best to seek out any other service man who can help you.

[@Masterchief68]

In class A’s another thing to do to make sure everything is going to work is to make sure the battery is on and the parking brake is set. Don’t ask how I know! 😂😂😂😂😂 Another thing I’ve seen is people backing in their TT’s with their anti sway bars still connected! They don’t turn well that way!

[@CampBrood]

we had a moment where the coach went dead on us and nothing worked. It sent us into a tailspin until we found out our son hit the battery disconnect switch on accident when entering the motorhome. It's on a panel by the door with three other switches. 🤣🤣 thanks for being a part of the conversation!

[@tinmen5943]

I love that ford excursion over there

[@ronaldmosher2777]

surge protectors and water reg/filter or lack of

[@theMissiHippieGypsies]

new rv’rs start youtube channels and pretend to know it all 😂😂😂 seasoned rv’rs know there it’s the opposite of what the point if rv’ing is in the first place, which is “a disconnect”… a chance to turn off the electronics and enjoy the moment…😂😂

[@MoParRus340]

Another newby. Leaving the black water valve open.

[@CampBrood]

Have you actually seen someone do that? Yuck 🤢

[@johnletter4395]

Many RVs have auto-leveling. I suspect a lot of people hit the auto button and trust the computer. I did that a few times and got the front tires off the ground. I didn’t like that feeling. I think the computer isn’t that efficient. So, I used a simple level and leveled the RV using manual mode. So far, tires have remained in the ground.

[@CampBrood]

thanks for sharing your experience. Have a great week!

[@yurydolinsky]

I bought a special jack that grabs the tire and lifts the tire off the ground from under the tire itself. Very stable and only 100 bucks.

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

What's the name of it?

[@yurydolinsky]

@@leejennifercorlewayres9193 not sure if it is same brand. But it's exact same thing. There is like 5 to 7 different brands but they all work same way.

[@JeffreyJohnston724]

our awning stakes down with 3 3 lb stakes and you can leave it up in 60 mph winds

[@CampBrood]

sounds like a nice feature!

[@JayBr61]

Isn't there a way to follow your Amazon?

[@CampBrood]

yes, you can follow our storefront here: www.amazon.com/shop/campbrood?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfcampbrood_28AAANAGHVAAXXFVYZ8T thank you for asking.

[@stevenwilgus8982]

Well, I admit it I am a rank amateur. I've never really gone to an RV place to camp. I've been watching a lot of videos, and this one did share some good things with me about lifting the wheels off the ground, and I've often thought of warping the frame. And the very first thing I got Was a surge protector because I saw where somebody had a brand new vehicle that literally got its electrical circuits fried. And I didn't go cheap either. I went expensive because of the features. So these kind of videos are very informative and those who make fun of people that don't know what they're doing. Let me share something with you. I'm a pilot And we had a guy who at the airport I'm rebuilding an airplane at refused to take training offered by a 4000+ hour islet. And his expression was "I'm a real pilot." Well, this fool decided that he knew better than everyone else, and promptly took off, handle the aircraft incorrectly and crashed and nearly died.his ego and arrogance got in the way. I will not let that happen to me and honestly I've really never let it do that.

[@CampBrood]

anyone with a Driver's License can legally drive most RVs no questions asked. But there is a lot to learn to do it safely both on and off the road. Thanks for sharing you comment. It definitely stopped me in my tracks!

[@Stanf954]

Turn the water supply off when leaving for the day.

[@kathrynb4683]

How in the world?!? In all my travels...WHY, HOW WOULD TIRES BE OFF THE GROUND!? LOAD YOUR RV EVENLY.

[@jeffwhite3021]

To level it out on uneven ground. 😂

[@user-tb1mf8pt3g]

So your saying Don't waste water.. .... like flushing your black tank 3 times.

[@CampBrood]

yep. I don't see the value in cleaning out your sewer hose either. We flush it out with the gray water, cap the hose on both ends and put it away.

[@Nabolling96]

2:02 hauling a 5th wheel with a 150 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@matthewwallace9280]

People who put a water hose elbow in a place that does no good at all. It's supposed to go into the connector on your rig so the hose can come straight up from the ground and not make a 90' bend to go into the wall of your rig. Water order starting at the faucet: Pressure regulator> filter> hose> elbow> rig. All that being said, I was in a site recently that the filter was so close to the ground I had to put the elbow on it..... Just do your best!

[@digger105337]

When you put on clear plastic gloves that came with the sewer hose and look into the end on the hose with a clueless look on your face. Your a beginner 😂 When you take a 1/2 hr to get the RV level and than discover your power cord is 6 ft too short. Your a beginner 😂 When you do the above and the sewer/water and power hookup is on the wrong side. Your a beginner 😂

[@TehDubster]

Sometimes its impossible to not have your wheels off the ground.

[@stanpiers247]

Gasoline engine, diesel engine, gas hybrid, diesel hybrid.OR total electric !!!!!!