5 Things to avoid RVing

5 things to avoid doing in your RV. @techtiptnt Todd shares five critical things you should NEVER do in your RV.
In this video, we'll cover:
1️⃣ Traveling with your propane on.
2️⃣ Leaving your black and grey tanks open.
3️⃣ Awnings.
4️⃣ RV electrical: disconnecting power when appliances are still on.
5️⃣ Before leaving: conducting a walk around / inspection.
Join us for this informative episode and ensure your RV adventures are trouble-free. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more valuable tech tips! 🚍✨
The Future of RV Lithium www.bigbeardba...

[@rpontonjr]

RE: Dump the black tank first. ...only after you do a quick test with the grey tank. You don't want to find out the hard way that a connection wasn't 100% or your hose sprung a leak while emptying the black tank. So trust me, prime the hose with the grey tank until it starts going into the drain successfully, close that valve, then empty your black tank fully, and finally finish dumping your grey tank.

[@Rtd_astro]

Best practice for sure

[@michaelmartinez9382]

And #6- Don't leave your city water connection on if you are leaving the RV for a while. Even with a regulator you can have a water fitting fail and have a flood inside the RV while you're gone.

[@SteveFelt67]

I was wondering about that, I usually dry camp and turn the water pump on and off when I need water. But after 2.5 years of turning it on and off I am concerned about the pump going bad. Especially since these things aren’t really built for full time living

[@cb-gz1vl]

Yes I turn off my water when going to work. I put a valve inline to make it easy to shut off. And always have a pressure regulator.

[@GBuds_RVremodel]

Never plug in, or unplug, with the pedestal breakers ON. I always carry dielectric paste(most Vaseline works) and apply it to my electrical plug before plugging in(with breaker OFF)...if there is already carbon buildup inside the receptacle that will soften that abit The electrical arc that happens leaves a small amount of carbon char at the point of first contact...as that builds up it creates a layer of carbon between the contact points up in the receptacle...that's what eventually causes heat/melting and fire at the plug. Also, he's right about that "poop shoot" warning

[@michaelfinnegan4301]

I camp in the winter all the time. I use my travel trailer for work. It is an entirely different form of camping, and it took a few seasons to nail everything down. However, I've been doing it for a couple of decades now, and I don't really have any problems anymore. I made my trailer into a 4 season, and it's pretty much bulletproof from the cold. I was out in Illinois this past season, It was 15 below zero and I had nothing freeze. It is most definitely a learning curve, though.

[@googleyoutube766]

What did you have to do to convert to a four season?

[@michaelfinnegan4301]

@@googleyoutube766 The biggest factor was under the camper. All drain piping was heat taped with switches routed to the inside of the camper.I also wrapped insulation around all the piping. All 4 tanks, fresh, black and both grays had heating pads put under them and again, switches routed to a panel inside. I slit the membrane under the trailer, and drilled two holes into the heating ductwork. Each 1.5" in diameter, one at either end of the trailer, then taped the membrane back up. When the heat turns on in the winter, a small amount of heat will blow between the floor and the membrane to keep the pipes from freezing. You don't need much, 33 degrees or so and you're fine. Finally, I enclosed the bottom of the trailer. The gap between the bottom of the frame and the floor. I used plastic sheathing and 1.5" foil backed foam board glued to it. That was all bolted through the frame and all seems taped. Expandable foam was sprayed through any holes. A skirting for the outside of the trailer is also a must to keep the wind from blowing under the trailer in winter. The skirting alone will save half of the propene your heater will use.

[@assassinwolf7216]

​@michaelfinnegan4301 this is fantastic information as a Minnesota dweller, thanks for the info!

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Ok, I trust ya. I will stop driving with my propane tanks open. No reason to do it but the risk is not worth it. Totally practice all the other tips. Sometimes we need to hear it a few times to get us to put it into practice. Thank you Todd!

[@windrider65]

I live full time in mine, I always keep a couple frozen water bottles in my chest freezer. On travel days I pull a few out and put them in the fridge and freezer that came with the rig.

[@michaelcorey9890]

We love winter camping up here in Alberta. Being in the rockies when its snowing is awesome. I can be in the rockies from my house in 45 minutes. Kids love it, sledding out in the wilderness. Campfires and marshmallows.

[@kelliparker3107]

I wash out my empty milk jugs, fill them and freeze them. Then I will put 2 in my fridge to keep everything cold until I can turn on the propane. On the upside, I have ice cold water to drink 🤷‍♀️. Also, I live in Montana...I can go out summer camping and be winter camping in an hour in July or August! No joke, seen it snow end of August lol. 😂

[@MsRotorwings]

Exactly. Frozen or cold water keep the fridge cold and does less work.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

I was coming through the mountains in Canada north of you and the day after I got back into the states, it snowed so hard they closed Crow's Nest Pass (this was end of July 2019)

[@tommyhorne1039]

Because we live in our RV! That’s why we are in our RV in the winter!

[@Jillousa]

My dad made a checklist on a note card that he taped to one of the walls on the RV so that he would remember to do all those things. It just seemed like there were a few steps before travel.

[@robertunglenieks]

Winter camping? No bugs, no crowds, no humidity, peaceful solitude. Nah, no idea why you would do that.

[@conniediemmanuele9707]

@@robertunglenieks when there not insulated we had a 5th wheel toy hauler the heat never worked and the electric fireplace did nothing and getting ceramic heater blew the power off if my 80 yr old mom had hers on in bedroom we had run extension cord to outside RV plug to run heater in back of toy hauler so cold you could see your breath inside RV. After my mom passed we got rid of it not again

[@jtoepke9763]

Good advice for ALL experience levels of Rvrs Thanks Todd

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Interesting tips. We have a nucamp t@b 400 and I guess we are fortunate in our fridge is a 3-way; propane, DC and AC power. While driving it runs off the lithium batteries which are recharged from the tow vehicle. Nothing is on and running and when we hook up to shore power we first check that power is off, then connect our surge protector and confirm proper wiring, then connect power to the camper. At that point we manually switch our fridge from DC over to AC. I did not know it was against the law to pull into a gas station with propane on and running. My brother-in-law pulls a late model Air Stream and he always has his propane on. New subscriber.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

And always turn off the water when leaving the RV.

[@danielsnook5029]

Amen!!

[@poppyneese1811]

Thank You, never crossed my mind👍👍👍

[@breaking_bear]

Good rerun. I wish I had this knowledge when I bought my travel trailer

[@robertosgood961]

Used to have a '77 Coachman 11RD slide-on camper, used it camping in the winters for deer hunting in Maine! Tough on batteries for the furnace fan overnight @ 10F.

[@BigAl52]

I always open the gray tank first for a quick run thru the sewer hose then closing it before opening the black tank keeps the sewer hose cleaner

[@cferdinandi]

Since you've brought up "why RV in the cold?" a bunch of times: sometimes, when you're traveling from the frigid north to the nice, warm weather further south, you can't make it in a single day. So, you have to camp in colder weather. Not ideal, but a necessary tradeoff if you can't spend 4 months away from home.

[@SettieSpaghetti]

We drive south from northern Michigan every year and there’s indeed a night or 2 of cold camping on the way haha

[@petitchenil]

Great tips. If it ain't breaking, you ain't RV'ing.

[@WILDEBILL308]

I don't plug in to the pedestal with the circuit breaker on and I never plug in without my surge guard. This also checks power and protects from low voltage. More RVs are damaged by low voltage than hi voltage. You are right about awnings. I have seen to many ripped off by sudden wind gust, even the ones with wind sensors. They don't react fast enough. You are right about propane. I am lucky as I don't use it for anything but cooking. I have a Oasis for heating water and furnace.

[@maryjojouwstra3860]

What’s a Oasis?

[@jackstitt1395]

Great stuff, I love your Tech Tip Tuesday!

[@sharonnah32]

Thanks Todd - love watching for all the tips/best practices!

[@COO415]

Solid tips 💯. You ought do some public safety announcements 'cos your voice commands attention without causing an alarm 🚨😊.

[@CFPVideoProductions]

What are hazards of propane combustion products? Complete combustion of propane results in the formation of carbon dioxide and water vapour. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion when there is not enough oxygen to burn the propane completely. Depleting your oxygen supply, is also not good. I have a motorhome and enough heat from that heater to allow me to not use the propane system. Thank you for your great RV videos. Keep up the good work. Don

[@-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-]

Complete combustion is rarely achieved outside the lab. Always assume incomplete by products when assuming for safety.

[@2Fast4Mellow]

As someone who migrated from Europe to the US, the only time I saw a snuck fitted plug was when it was fused to the socket because some idiot was using a small screwdriver as a fuse. In a very distance past when I would travel in summer through Europe, I always turn-off all electricity groups before leaving. This because in Europe it was very common to use low amperage site pedestals. Usually 3 to 6 amps (@230V) equals to ~700-1400W. Especially Italy was (maybe still is) known for this. Last year I barrowed the 45ft RV from a neighbor to see if camping was something that would appeal to us. Turns out we are luxury cats ;-) Yeah, we really want that dishwasher and washer/dryer combination. Our neighbor told us that it probably would the most used appliance in the RV. We're thinking of buying an old(er) RV (15-20yrs) with a good chassis and engine, but outdated and a little worn over time and restoring it, but first starting in September we using the neighbors RV to stay 3 months away from home (just 50 miles) to see if we can manage. I live in (North) Virginia and the only highway I really see is the I-95 between DC and NYC, but we have the Blueridge mountains just a few miles away. You know that saying that LA street gangs live a mile from the ocean, but never seen it. Same goes for city dwellers and forests and I want my children to see more of the US. I we can manage to stay away from home 3 months, we might take more longer trips further from home...

[@markweiner3896]

Todd, thank you, I agree with many of the things you've said, however, I'd like to point out that it's not just a matter of turning your propane on or off, but, to ensure that you have a working system with no leaks in the system or at any of the propane valves and regulators. This is critically important. I actually had my main propane valve leaking and in order to get this fixed and replaced a professional shop had to attach it to a torch and burn off the propane left in the tank. You can't just remove the valve and let all of this into the air. Cost me over $1,000 and I had them replace both regulators and check the whole system. Now, it's perfect. Also, dealing with propane issues is NOT a do it yourself project. This stuff is dangerous if you and best left to professionals. As far as driving with propane on; no, it is not dangerous IF you have a perfectly good and maintained system. People have their entire houses working on propane 24/7..... And, there are fleets of buses and lots of stuff running on propane. Propane is not as dangerous as people think it is. Lots of movies show an explosion 💥 with propane...it is not as easy as it's depicted. Yes, they can explode, but, it's rare. By the way, driving a car is like driving a molitov cocktail 🍸.... you know, there's a risk with everything. www.propane101.com/explodingpropanetanks.htm propane.com/now/ If you want your LPG propane generator running the rear A/C in your motorhome, then you need to have the propane system on. Likewise for the propane refrigerator, although, I don't like propane refrigerators.. 12 volt compressor refrigerators are much better. Many leading trends in the RV world are all trending to "all electric"... Of course, this is not possible for everyone.... And, yes, fueling stations, bridges, etc. it's better to be safe.

[@thenomadicchef1844]

Great advice! I am amazed by the people that don't use common sense when operating these vehicles.

[@paulwhite9242]

Something can be legal and still be a bad idea; driving with propane may well fit that category. But winter camping can be fun as heck, RV or tent!

[@markreynolds9570]

Todd. You were a Navy guy. You use that term "shore power" a lot.

[@normferguson2769]

RV people now use it commonly

[@HemiDad1963]

So do boating people.

[@arbonneladyTN]

Navy? I like him even more! “Shore power” is so common in my life I didn’t even notice it might not be ‘normal’ 😂 Signed: Navy wife & Navy brat❤️

[@jc525exc]

Okay- w/ propane off when traveling. So how do you keep fridge/freezer cold during hot summer months? Wish I had DC option on my fridge, but I don't. Once fridge gets warm that is in a slider, catching up on getting it cold again is tough.

[@Steven-bl3mn]

Auto transfer switch and small inverter. As soon as you start your rig switch inverter on. The auto transfer switch will see 120v at the plug and power your fridge.

[@ninayaya6]

Runs off 12volt battery

[@brunowilimek2046]

@@ninayaya6We have had 3 different trailers and only one of them had that option. The other 2 only run on house current or propane, that’s not always possible.

[@meseahunt]

It’s why a generator option is wise…

[@WilliamMurphy-tj7il]

Yah it's better to have a fire than have to deal with the inconvenience

[@rmccabe117]

What a fantastic video! Love your content with some of the bigger Camping KZbinrs out there that we happen to follow. Good people and you are very easy to like and respect! Always enjoyed your content. Be well!

[@charleyhough4355]

Spot on Todd. Great video.

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

Light brushed sponge brush with Awesome at the dollar store cleaned our Rockwood awning that the previous owner neglected.

[@jeffreytull5767]

A very good reminder list! I was happily nodding along to nearly everything here but I need reminders. I rushed walk around once and tried to pull out after disconnecting the trailer but forgot to undo safety hooks! Cheers! 🍻

[@joybrown8644]

😮

[@butchlankowski7897]

From an experienced RV'er. Great video... Informative, funny and spot on. You have a new subscriber... Chef Butch from Las Vegas.

[@TJ-nh1fc]

I live in my RV, as do many ppl I know.

[@larryjanson4011]

rain does wick into a rolled up awning.and ancor the extremity's of your awning. for that little gust. but yes you go away or to sleep roll it up.

[@alliw1276]

Also check that your toilet flushes without leaking water coming in from the water line behind the toilet for your first trip of camping season before leaving. Yes this was an experience learning moment a few hundred miles from home. 😮 😂 At least it was only a weekend trip and we keep a bucket so we were able to fill that with water in the tub to pour it into the toilet to wash things down into the black tank. 😅

[@timgillman]

It is illegal to have propane on when on a Washington State ferry.You can buy a GFCI outlet tester for about $10. I have seen many ungrounded or improperly wired outlets at RV parks.

[@davidclark6436]

So how do you keep frig cold while traveling down the rode without Propane

[@tomballard4794]

Another great video. As for things working, we haven't been able to light the oven yet. Try as we may we just can't get it lit. It's ok we use an electric frying pan outside and use the campground electric.

[@MF-vg3qt]

Every time we use our 5th wheel, it takes about 5 minutes for the gas lines to the oven to purge all the air out. It does this even if the burners are working.

[@jackdolphy8965]

I always open the gray water dump first. To show there’s no leaks in the hose. Then close it and open and empty the black. Then empty the gray.

[@meseahunt]

Im going to go with do as you say and not what I do….. I agree with all your points!! 🤠

[@iantaylor4868]

Well i guess im lucky in the fact i own a 2015 grand design. It came with enough air leaks in it that i can run my stove top for days and no problems 😂

[@Ninja-Warrior99315]

1:50 We only have three warm months out of the year so people do things in the winter.

[@JeffinTD]

I often go to Arizona in February, and have to travel with cangoods and water in the trailer in cold temps. I use a blue tooth thermometer in the RV so my phone alerts if the interior gets below 35. Surprisingly the RV generally stays well above freezing just running the furnace when stopped for lunch or a break. I did add tank heaters…

[@larryjanson4011]

in travel mode use a 12V DC space heater. mount to a larger board or something to keep it in place. will not “heat up” the unit. but could keep things inside from freezing.

[@GatorsRock0219]

Interesting how you avoided talking about the absorption fridge's need for propane. As a newbie, I was not convinced that this open flame that is encased and isolated from wind was a big problem. However, the biggest danger is if you have a flat, or run over something that bounces up and severs a propane line...well, that's a huge problem!

[@garthhart6642]

If only you knew how the propane systems work

[@GatorsRock0219]

@@garthhart6642 Are you implying that I dont?

[@garthhart6642]

@@GatorsRock0219 not just implying

[@GatorsRock0219]

@@garthhart6642 Yeah, OK...I have no idea what I'm talking about. Why don't you stick your nose somewhere else?

[@Hazwaste63]

If that happens your LP tank high flow shut off will trip closed.

[@gringo3009]

Great tips Todd. I enjoy winter camping because a lot less idiots are out there. Or am I one? LOL.

[@Dave_Wave]

We put a digester in our gray tank. Food goes down the drain and people pee in the shower. The breaker in the pedestal should be off when you plug in or unplug.

[@-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-]

Great tips! Thank you for helping us out.

[@lorih379]

If you are on a long travel day, how do you keep the fridge cold if you don’t run the propane while you’re driving?

[@jeffmallison7876]

The sad answer is: You don't. However you can: 1. Make sure it and the contents are as cold as they can be before you leave. 2. Treat the fridge as a cooler and add a bag of ice (dry ice if you can get it) before you leave. 3. Don't drive so far. Things will stay cool enough for 5 or 6 hours.

[@sandracrelia]

I bought a battery powered refrigerator fan from Amazon. It will help to keep the fridge cooler and you can go 8 hours or so before it starts heating up.

[@russellbade915]

Not a problem running down the road with it on. They are totally designed to operate this way with no issues when maintained properly. Keep on operating the way you have.

[@shorehelical]

I've driven hundreds of thousands of miles with the fridge propane on....

[@cheers2023]

Use a surge protector

[@jameslaird9493]

We winter RV in the cold winter because we can.

[@jamesmills4175]

While traveling with a travel trailer if you have the propane off the fridge won't be working, correct? No shore power or propane nothing works, correct?

[@Drew-ii7nl]

Correct

[@Vamanaswastika]

5 alternate methods: 1-get away from propane. Go electric. 2-take a 💩 in a bag. Zero black tank 3-find a 🌳 eat under there for shade 4-appliances off like you do at home 5 - just do everything

[@peterscalzo9758]

Regarding plugging in, isn’t it better to never plug in or remove plug with the breaker on the power pedestal OFF.

[@johnbrown-sc8in]

I leave my motorhome propane on to keep my refrigerator running while traveling.runs off propane and ac

[@Lfs1891]

I use a propane cabinet heater in my trailer. Slept many a nights with the stove on. Don't like it because the stove propane dont shut down like cabin heater, so flame out propane continues to flow.

[@puddintame7794]

How do you keep the food in the fridge cold without propane on? Run the generator?

[@me98gt]

You forgot one. Propane needs to be off when boarding a ferry also.

[@mommasonthemove9144]

We had a blowout that almost ripped out our propane line. I was scared enough never to do that again.

[@deannasnodgrass9087]

I don't run with propane on or even at night when I go to bed. I've seen more than a few RV's burned down on the side of the road.😮

[@Formaldehydex]

Most RV refrigerators use propane which are most definitely inside the walls of your RV. Now you could certainly argue that you should replace it with a residential or 12V fridge, but you didn’t do that despite it being a major source of RV disasters.

[@stevegiblin270]

Great info - thank s😊

[@ColtonRMagby]

My biggest thing is to never buy an RV sight unseen. If you do that, you may get just the chassis and have to provide wheels, lights, and wiring to move it. Good luck RV lovers.👍

[@brendawozencraft4990]

As Todd will tell you, Never buy an RV without getting it inspected by an NRVIA certified RV inspector.

[@ColtonRMagby]

@@brendawozencraft4990 Unless you ARE one.

[@ronedee]

White Vinegar & Water cleans mold!

[@TodayLivingOurBlessedLife]

Excellent info👍

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

Thank you!!!

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@sdmxterra]

Thank you for the good avice

[@KennethLongcrier]

You also need to shut down propane to board Ferries

[@SteveFelt67]

I turn my propane on and off when I use it and when I’m done because I have seen too many burned up RVs

[@jenniferbartlett8464]

Love your videos! Question for you,is it safe to use calgon beads and pinesol mixture to put into both grey and black tanks? Safe on tbe interior seals ect. Leave it until time to dump?? Thank you!!! Keep doing your videos,we appreciate you!!!

[@r8edrv4fun65]

TEN MINUTE TECH TIP TUESDAY!

[@arnoldmcqueen2944]

Unfortunately, there is no other way for me to keep my refrigerator in freezer cold while on a long trip other than to run it on propane.

[@allamar9083]

Sorry ,we travel with food in the freezer ,cold drinks and lunch meats /cheeses. How do you suggest we do that ? It’s been accepted for many years to be ok. 30 years 5 different trailer ,5thwheels .camper ,class C ,, Yes accidents happen but ,ever see a RV on fire. I have .once in many years and miles and it was an engine fire.

[@TechTipTNT]

Before we upgraded to lithium and could power our fridge without propane while traveling, we would move freezer items to the fridge to help keep the box cold. We would not open the fridge on travel days. Once we upgraded to lithium, we ran our fridge while we traveled and had our ACs on to cool off the RV before we arrived to our destination!

[@albertacole3372]

I don’t even leave my propane on with my grill or buddy heater. No way I would leave it on when moving or stationary in an RV. Just me.

[@randy7418]

I wanted to know. Should I use jack stabilizers for my slide outs?

[@deanbunnell4155]

How are you supposed to keep your refrigerator running on the road if you have to keep your propane turned off.

[@TechTipTNT]

You can determine how long your fridge becomes an icebox. How long does your food stay cold in an ice chest? Easily done in the fridge. Take a few things that are frozen from the freezer and put into the fridge. You have 6-7 hours. Onboard generator? Guess what you can run that going down the road. No need to run it all the time. Just a couple hours between has stops.

[@JamesC-df6px]

Related to traveling with the propane on. What are your thoughts about the fridge. We often do long travel days & we have always left propane on to keep the refrigerator going. I’m on board with your safety points… but any thoughts to on keeping fridge cold? Thanks!

[@TechTipTNT]

Generator, inverter, gallon jug of ice placed in the fridge, move meats and dairy to freezer when traveling. Many options all tested and proven effective.

[@deanvoss7098]

Can you say don't use your awning well why even get one then😂. .. and as far as a toilet goes use a bucket and kitty litter or pine shavings way easier than dealing with a poop pyramid and the smell that goes with it

[@billbeck47]

Do your warnings mean anything if we have an RV? (Not a trailer)

[@demitaylor8873]

All sound advice..I always thought these were considered basic common sense..

[@marksr8784]

Wait a minute How are you supposed to keep your frig cold without towing with your gas on😊

[@Ranger_k16]

Good question. You gotta have a cooler or 12v fridge i guess

[@billmonroe7328]

You need to install $4000 of lithium batteries so they can catch on fire instead.

[@billchesney8949]

Same thing

[@HelenEttlin]

Driving with propane on is illegal up here in Nova Scotia.

[@zinfendal0]

BS on lp even though I shut mine off because of the other fools on the road. I camp in the woods not open fields awning is safe.

[@brianschindler1511]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@carolmaplesden916]

I've only have had my motorhome about 6 months and regularly searching maintenance videos and this is the only time I have ever heard anything about lubing the suspension Can anyone help me understand

[@erics.9175]

Same as with a car. Some suspension parts etc. may need a zerk greased now and then, but I wouldn’t stress on it. Have whoever changes your oil address it.

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Propane makes it hard for us to rescue you also. Fire or EMS will not enter with a gas smell.

[@charleyhough4355]

C4YT = Comment For KZbin

[@davidhendrickson9446]

No propane on Washington State ferries.

[@user-vw5py5cw1i]

Also you can't cross on fairies boats

[@billchesney8949]

We don’t plug or unplug with the breaker closed

[@erics.9175]

You mean on?

[@kramsdrawde8159]

#1) Don't play with matches !? ...

[@rhondahasegawa2853]

😊

[@billmalec]

Surprised you didn't mention having a wreck or a tire blow out, the gas lines rupturing, and the gas valve being open and lines pressurized... Boom, fire, etc.

[@AlexWhitman-ep1sk]

#1 Don't cook meth!

[@Abigail-wd4zh]

😂 but what if you’re in the empire business?

[@Alanstrainworld]

So I’m not to drive my Propane Truck down the road…..

[@thechroniclesofmaintenance4192]

Definition: Keyboard Warrior; 1. A blithering jackass spewing nonsense. 2. A term used to address and disregard a person who likely knows more than you, or has more experience, in order to protect ones supposed and/or projected level of knowledge. I enjoy your videos and have an ongoing agreement score of about 70%. Keep up the good work.