5 things to NEVER do in your RV (That You've Probably Done At Least Once)

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching this video! If you enjoyed it, please don't forget to subscribe to our KZbin channel! → link.gratefulglamper.com/subscribe

[@watchmanonthewall14]

All very important advice. I would add one thing about loading. Try to load EVENLY, from side to side and front to back, and especially never overload the REAR of an RV. Also, logically, black tanks have a small inner "lip", just below the exit of the tank. Therefore, when I empty my black tank, I first empty the bulk of it out, then I close the valve while letting the black tank flush to continue running. That way, almost all of what's below that inner "lip" will rise as water keeps pouring into the tank. For me, usually I have to do that only once but now and then, twice. And for the size of MY tank, each time I do this, it takes only 1 to 2 minutes. If you have a transparent elbow, you can see the point at which the water becomes continuously clear. Just don't walk away from the area while doing this, as you do not want to cause an unneeded problem by completely filling or overfilling the tank. Cheers.

[@danielboone8435]

Experiences>Things? Tell that to someone experiencing homelessness. 🐕 🏺

[@RobinPowers-c3s]

I would add to this list, never try to remove your city water hookup without opening a faucet in the camper to release the pressure. It will not release! Also, never use your black tank flush with the black tank valve closed. Really there are so many nevers in camping that I could go on and on. Definitely a learning curve.

[@MrTomengle]

As a big truck driver I never drove my truck and trailer into somewhere I wasnt sure I could get out of. You made a very good point there.

[@lauraweiss7875]

At 10:42 you show my no. 1 “thing to never do” = handling your stinky slinky and/orthe dump station cover with bare hands. I always use disposable gloves and sanitize immediately after touching any of the black tank hoses.

[@geocacherny7030]

#5, not only that, but flies living in the sewers LOVE flying up into open gray or black tank connections

[@GratefulGlamper]

😳

[@bradleyworch6742]

i totally agree to leave the black tank valve closed until time to dump. I also leave the grey tank valve closed also. I use the grey tank water to flush out my hose after the black tank empty. I will dump the black tank, then close the valve, and then open the grey tank valve to flush the hose out. works good.

[@tfptravel.food.peace.3788]

😫😂😂 Love this channel. Love how you poke fun out of the examples. When you guys packed the weed Wacker, ironing board, lamp, but drew the line at the lawn mower.

[@Umakemelaff]

Great info! Don’t leave the awning out.

[@jamesspikes3786]

About the truck stop issue , you made an honest mistake, I drove an 18 wheeler cross country for over 16 years, I have seen so many rv’s pull into the car fueling area parking are just to show there new Rv or mabe it was a gas rig . Some truck stops like Flying J have fueling and dump stations in the auto area, but not all . Just be sure you now your limits and don’t let your ego get the best off you . Happy trails , we are rvers also , love your channel !

[@GratefulGlamper]

Best wishes and thanks for watching

[@angelafasold962]

The Garmin RV specific unit is really cool! Just learning those exist was hugely helpful in addition to the tips.

[@GratefulGlamper]

👍🏻

[@stevelaminack1516]

One thing which you didn't mention but from what I see at 8:33 were thinking about I am sure happens. Extending your slide without making sure it will clear whatever is outside.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Very true!

[@marcuslane3]

Dawn dish soap wotks wonders in your tanks fyi...its usefull in many ways it breaks down solids & cleans & deoderizes

[@cromoped]

water is your best defence to the offense, water is your friend!

[@joanvangeel5625]

I am binging your videos. Just bought rv and we are newbies. I am learning so much from your informative and entertaining videos. I am so grateful for your videos, you have no idea how inspiring they are to us 👍😊

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks so much! So glad they are helpful. Let us know if you ever have any questions :)

[@ocny4468]

On one of our camping trips last summer we saw an awning ripped entirely off its rig. It was left out in heavy rains. We don't even leave ours out overnight in nice weather---bad stuff can happen very quickly and it only takes a few seconds to close it up. Expensive repair and better safe than sorry! Thanks for another great video!

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching

[@djtexicano]

Not only that, but retract or extend the awning a little at a time. Ours is like the one in this video and was told by the dealer that doing it too quickly can damage those gas struts. You should give them time to retract or extend.

[@dustistreet5108]

No one told me about keeping the valves closed. Now I know.😳

[@rebeccaforbes4183]

Great video! Headed out tomorrow to look at getting our first travel trailer. Mi snowbirds Fall 24. Make it a great weekend! Blessings.

[@nickycabanillas7074]

The discovery RV is a great RV. My family had a 2005 with the same exact paint job as yours. Not sure which year yours is, but it may even be the same year. The interior was different, but it lasted us since 2020 until we sold it because we didn’t need a 40 footer no longer. It took us everywhere and hardly ever had any serious things happen to it. Brings back good memories seeing yours🙏

[@GratefulGlamper]

That’s awesome, ours is a 2004 39j model, thanks for watching

[@lot-a-timers4507]

I really like your videos (and the bloopers). Hope to see you on the road! We are in Idaho and about to leave for our “winter trip” to AZ and then TX.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Safe travels!

[@joebiggers4703]

As a truck driver I use a navigation system app on my phone that's free. It allows me to set up for any type of vehicle I might be traveling in. As well as helpful information like truck stops rest areas parking. Hammer is the name of the app. Looks like a triangle

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for the info!

[@LizCooper1983]

Get a Rand McNally or look at all areas

[@captO005]

New Subscriber long time viewer. My wife and I are looking to get an RV soon. You guys have inspired us Sooooo much. We've seen through your eyes it can be done RV life. I have been catching up on your videos. We will be at the Tampa show in January. Would love to run into you guys someday. May the Lord bless your RV journey. Keep the videos coming.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Bmaki539]

I saw to put ice in your take to help clean the sides of the black tank. We put a bag of ice before we leave a campground.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how’re you doing?

[@geocacherny7030]

Yep. Definitely learned to level for my fridge

[@GratefulGlamper]

👍🏻

[@darrelllee2107]

I loved the lamp reference to "The Jerk"! :) However, I noticed that you put your toilet paper on the roller backwards. Might want to fix that. :P

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@cherylsutton7981]

Love the reference to The Jerk!

[@psumurph]

Did no one get the Steve Martin reference? You forgot the ash tray and the paddleball game btw... 🤣

[@GratefulGlamper]

Right!?!🤣

[@beverlygray1145]

We are just joining the RV adventures and your videos has been a godsend! Thank you!!

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching! 💙

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

Having your black and grey tank drains open at an RV park also allows flies and knats that may be in the sewer system into your tanks.....happened to me.

[@TheGenerationX894]

That's true, I always hook up all the hoses, but I never leave the valves open. I monitor my tanks and then pull valves to dump as needed.

[@LSZEsq]

Regarding the black tank, why even hook up the hose while you’re staying a few days at a campground? Why not just hook it up on your last day and use it like you would a dump station?

[@GratefulGlamper]

Depends on how often you need to dump the gray. We use our washer and dryer daily and need to be able to open the gray when the washer is going.

[@jeffreygunn3530]

That's what I do.

[@annej5699]

My eldest is autistic and prefers showering in the RV instead of public bath houses. Our grey tank fills quite quickly as a result (small RV, small tanks). Makes me very glad for the tub in our RV. Too small for adults to bathe in, but wonderful for containing overflow the first time we forgot to check how full the grey tank was before a shower. The overflow built up in the tub before it backflowed anywhere else, so my eldest simply turned off the water until I got the grey tank emptied.

[@lot-a-timers4507]

I like to set up all at once….if I’m getting into the storage for electric and water, not much more work to just get the slinky hose set up. Also, it would be just my luck that there will be a freak rain storm that comes in when I need to dump before we leave.

[@BajaGirl302]

@@lot-a-timers4507 🤣🤣🤣. I’m wishing you Good Luck from this point forward! 🙏😇

[@AmericanMX]

#6 you should check with your state regulations and see if you need a special license to operate your RV. Ins companies will cancel a claim if you aren’t properly licensed to drive your rv.

[@Tchristman100]

Here's an example of my 3 axle Kenworth Motohome-1)-I am completely full and still 9,000lbs away from GVW capacity. 2)-Don't have awnings. 3)-Use NovaKool compressor refrigerators rated for sail boats. 4)-If you want to explore, use your towed, not the motorhome. 5)-Black tank empty when full, I have an extra valve that can empty the gray tank through the black tank for rinsing.

[@GratefulGlamper]

👍🏻

[@mendyviola]

Re #4 - googles maps has taken be down a non-friendly road for a sedan more than once! It was a muddy rutted mess more suited to a 4WD on a good day. Luckily it was a short stretch of “road” and I was able to make it to pavement.

[@Retsy257]

I did #4 and had a harrowing 17 mile trip on an isolated unpaved deep forest road minutes S of Mt Rainer. I was terrified. When reviewing my map later I found that that road is closed in the winter hence I had gone around the mtn last time I drove across the pass. Big lesson for me 🤓

[@GratefulGlamper]

That would have been scary for sure!

[@williambrown7203]

Skate Creek road?

[@rachellelee7707]

Thanks for your tips... always enjoy them. We have experienced 3 of the items you shared... list an awning, wrong GPS directions, and the dreaded poo pyramid! We discovered the unique products last winter and swear by them too!

[@GratefulGlamper]

Awesome - thanks for watching

[@DebraBennett-z6n]

I just started watching your videos. I love the pictures you have hanging in your rv where did you get them made? Keep making the videos I find them very helpful.

[@GratefulGlamper]

The are from Mixtiles.com

[@tamsisrblue9770]

love watching you guys. and the bloopers

[@nicholaswilliams5587]

I put my awning in at nite too so if it gets windy I won’t have to get up. It’s only out when in use.

[@thebustedbolt3044]

A good thing to add would be to not travel long distances with liquid in the tanks.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Use a truck GPS when driving or pulling an RV.

[@blonks4]

LOLOL THANK YOU! Going on our 1st trip and this would so be us had I not seen this video!!!

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@jerrykeenan1848]

Good advice. Thanks so much

[@MaryannMarano-t6m]

Do you have an RV PORTABLE CLOTHES WASHER BRAND THAT GOES IN THE SHOWER, WHICH YOU CAN REFER TO US? 😜😁

[@geocacherny7030]

My GPS definitely put me on 3 different roads in 3 different states that I definitely shouldn't have been on... But I'm here to talk about it so it worked out.... whew

[@GratefulGlamper]

Yikes!

[@jeffreygunn3530]

I ended up having to replace an axle once because of that

[@geocacherny7030]

@@jeffreygunn3530 with one of them I was on a highway type road and the road curved but the RV said go straight and I ended up on a dirt road, but luckily it only went for a few blocks before getting back to the highway again, and it was wide enough and solid enough to not be an issue. Scared me a bit though

[@Pauls-World]

Hey y’all. Happy Holidays

[@GratefulGlamper]

Hey there!

[@spmince]

Not a full timer but I have done a lot of back country hunting in my class-A. I spend a week or two in some very remote areas mostly in northern Michigan. Most of the time the temperatures are near or below freezing. You make some good points but the big one that I think you could add is know your rig and your own capabilities. As you might imagine when camping like this you have to have a lot of gear and have to travel what I think you referred to as “non-friendly RV roads”. It’s not something new RVers should start out with but it is doable. Also as with many other things, don’t go alone and expect the unexpected.

[@GratefulGlamper]

👍🏻

[@thebustedbolt3044]

O, and make sure before you empty the black tank you take the cap off before hooking up the hose

[@sunitadwarka347]

I will request you to make one vedio on problem of forgetting key while going outside. Put as necklace or put one bag with longer handles, intangle from right to left . Hands will remain free. Jay shree ram.

[@remirez2k3]

i will personally state that the not leveling is a major no no. my partner was houseless living in his old 1996 22 foot travel trailer and truck and this was something he had nevver been told or warned about. about 3 weeks ago he got a call from friends while he was at work that the trailer had went up in flames. this is a VERY serious detail not to forget people. we lost our service dog in a freeon fire ....on the upside thanks to him putting a call out to his local church. he is now the proud owner of a 2022 31 foot trailer fully paid off...and next year we are finally going to hit the road permanently

[@krys2lin]

Lol I watch that couple too!! They’re fun

[@drdt4]

Great video. Not an RVer. Thinking about getting one though. This is very helpful.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching

[@rockybridges4820]

great video guys with tips. thx for sharing your experiences. stay safe and warm

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks!

[@janmoline]

I had the GPS take me down a not RV friendly road. We made it, but 4 wheel drive pulling a 5th wheel through snow on not even a dirt road (2 ruts across the desert!). That trail was bad enough the van following me was too close behind me. I never stopped but was heading up and out of ravine, canted too the right and they stopped thinking I was going over. They stalled had to back up and make a second run. All of us were trying to get around a highway closure. The map made it look like a surface road running parallel to the highway. I think it's the longest I've ever he'll my breath. I'd had the new 5th wheel 4 days!!!!

[@GratefulGlamper]

OMgoodness!

[@MaryannMarano-t6m]

How much money in gas per season that particular year and how many camps did you take on per season?

[@RiverWoods111]

To be honest, the black tank works just like a toilet. You don't use a dry toilet and then try to flush it without water. Now the toilet has the water in it and all of it goes down at the same time. Just like your black tank should. If you used the toilet dry and just left it open, you would end up with a big brown pile in it too.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree with what you're saying with regards to what you should and should not ever do. I totally agree about overloading your vehicle. I think it applies to every vehicle you use, not just RVs. I do deliveries for Jersey Mike's Subs, and depending on what I'm carrying, I'm often concerned with how much my Mazda CX-5 SUV can carry without bottoming out the rear suspension or blowing out the rear tires.

[@GratefulGlamper]

👍🏻

[@julieannhawley2955]

Fantastic video great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching

[@Freight_Train]

Clever way to include your commercial at the end.

[@jameslopez7875]

Thank you

[@gaylerosenblatt7136]

You have very informative videos

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thank you!

[@IsraelDFender]

I’ve been full-timing for about 5 months now. I always level my tow RV front to back. That’s a given. But I haven’t been in a situation where left to right was way off. So, I never bothered leveling left to right. IF I was in a place where it was way off, obviously I would. I see too many people wasting an enormous amount of time trying to get it perfect left to right and don’t get it. Thankfully I haven’t been in a situation that was way off and I won’t seek that perfection that so many look for.

[@johnscott2746]

My RV’s manual actually says that eyeballing it is fine. If you walk through the RV and it feels level to you, that’s good enough.

[@IsraelDFender]

@@johnscott2746 wow I didn’t know that would be in a manual…have to check mine now out of curiosity. Good to know. Thanks for the response/tip!

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

My grandfather used a tennis ball to check if his tt was level. This was in the 60s.

[@IsraelDFender]

@@Elizabeth-rq1vi ha ha that’s great lol

[@party-tw3oz]

Hi, I am happy to listen to your videos and I have a question for you: We are going to West USA for 5 monts and we are wondering if we should buy a special GPS Garmin for RV or having a apps like RV life wizard trip? what do you suggest? we are from Montreal, Canada

[@GratefulGlamper]

Either one works - but we like having a GPS separate from our phones.

[@party-tw3oz]

thank you @@GratefulGlamper

[@horizon42q]

Great tips.

[@ursulagreen8374]

Wondering, what so you use to keep your stuff from falling out of the bathroom mirrored cabinet after traveling, when you open it up? It makes me crazy. I'm thinking of putting a decorative rail trim like on top of kitchen cabinets. Any easier ideas besides the extendable rods?

[@GratefulGlamper]

I use bins to store stuff in cabinets so it’s not coming out when opening the cabinet door.

[@NelloCambelli]

Awning - guilty. Not RV Friendly Road - guilty while towing.

[@ChristopherSwearinginTech]

what does that mean, that it didn't turn out very well for them?

[@ottocarr3688]

What is semi about a truck and trailer

[@a16sioux]

Morning all! Love your channel. Question, what do you all do during bad weather, IE tornado season or hurricane season? Do you leave the southern US?

[@GratefulGlamper]

We have weathered two hurricanes now in Central FL. We bring in slides and make sure everything is water tight. If there were to be a flooding danger, we would move the RV to a different location.

[@Bmaki539]

I agree with you.

[@MLMWarriors]

1. Drag race

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@silverbeowulf5601]

Was inside are TT(kids🤦‍♀️) and I broke the awning. We have given up with leveling, our stationary TT just doesn't want to be level.

[@GratefulGlamper]

😳

[@davidhamblin3790]

I have the participation trophy from #5!! ugh!!!

[@GregVT]

I knew you'd bring back the old surfboard footage 🤣

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@n1uno1965]

Good tips 🖖🏻😘👍🏻🙏🏻

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching

[@tonygallo8570]

And there you have it everything was very well knowledgeable good for you and God bless you for letting us know

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks for watching and blessings back to you also

[@ronbaker1280]

Just found your channel. Great video.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Thanks!

[@gradyrm237]

Watched 3 videos. Infomercials

[@shellchenonceau6987]

I heard at accident scenes there is a way that police can weigh your rig, is that true? Or do they tow it somewhere and then weigh it? 😶 weight is key for saftey it seems, & ins coverage.

[@GratefulGlamper]

We’re not sure what sorts of methods they use, but we have heard it’s becoming more comment for investigations into rvs being overloaded in the event of an accident

[@Frank-lySpeaking]

Hi, I am a retired fatality crash towing company. Yes, they have portable scales that are in the Highway patrol truck inspector's vehicle. Also, if it is a fatality they will go through every possible way to get the complete history of the vehicle. I witnessed the inspectors do a complete DNA swab of the interior of a vehicle that had crashed and rolled over in order to prove who the driver was.

[@Herbeez]

I don’t know of an insurance policy for RVs that have an overload exclusion.

[@dizzysdoings]

You took a guitar but not a piano?! I'm crushed. A couple of other places that have scales are scrap yards and places that sell gravel etc. Ask if you can just weigh your rig. Worst they can say is no. I have problems parking my truck in a parking lot because most aren't made for trucks. So, yeah, don't get into tight spaces.

[@GratefulGlamper]

😜

[@carmennunnally5776]

Nice

[@robertnasser9937]

When is your Alaska trip?

[@GratefulGlamper]

Hopefully 2024

[@robertnasser9937]

@@GratefulGlamper we just completed ours from 15 March to 14 Oct

[@marcaliventialiventi765]

Biggest challenge im having is finding gas stationsthat my Silverado and 30 foot travel trailer fit in

[@cheryl1766]

🤣lawnmower.....why not?😂

[@thinkingofrvlife9287]

One of the worst things that happened this year is someone posted a telephone video and everyone else had to follow, Phone videos are horrible to watch.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

#1 should be Buy One

[@nicolemathieu2016]

Do forget to pack the kitchen sink ... Oh wait ,already has one 😄

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@ruthtorphy2204]

Left our steeps out for a few.OMG

[@GratefulGlamper]

Yikes! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@stevesteffen7001]

interesting

[@maura6375]

💞

[@batshtcrazy5293]

A lot of these things seem like common sense. Shows how little of it people have these days.

[@olefart398]

Same thing applies for your gray water tank…really! We made that mistake only once. Roaches will infest your RV via your gray water discharge.

[@GratefulGlamper]

😳

[@davehenson3588]

Volcano

[@shaunstrasser1]

GPS is not completely trustworthy

[@MikeyK70]

or just don't poop in your camper

[@NextChapter111]

Never eating a chocolate icecream cone again.....💩🍦💩😱

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@allentumminello2343]

Steve Martin the jerk, “all I need is this lamp”

[@GratefulGlamper]

😂

[@inmyimage1081]

My black tank valve leaks so i can’t even leave the main valve open anymore for the grey tank. 😢

[@GratefulGlamper]

Oh no!

[@inmyimage1081]

@@GratefulGlamper Fortunately it isn’t that big of a deal since we have 2 grey tanks, the bathroom and washing machine is 40 and the kitchen is 30 if I remember correctly. We already normally use our water tank in parks because our tankless water heater doesn’t work well if you have less than around 37-38 psi which unfortunately is pretty common in parks so we don’t bother anymore and just keep refilling our h2o periodically. The only really inconvenience is laundry day which tends to span 2 days because of the limited capacity of the washing machine. It’s pretty common for me to leave the main valve open while we do laundry and I’ll frequently dump the black tank and then rinse it after doing the laundry.

[@sunitadwarka347]

Use fiber glass as much as possible for making structure. Jay shree ram.

[@paulvanderborgt5581]

Number 5 should have been #2 🤣💩

[@Frank-lySpeaking]

Hahaha 🤣🤣

[@Frank-lySpeaking]

Hahaha 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@GratefulGlamper]

🤣

[@stephopalopal]

😘❤️👍