AIRSTREAM TRAVEL DAY // A day in the life of full-time RVers

[@jnbimages3009]

Love the rig and great pointes about the dampeners. I don’t want to be that know it all on the internet but to save thousands of dollars, bring your stabilizers up BEFORE you hook up the truck. If you move the tongue up or down with the stabilizers down you will break them, and your rig. Happy trails.

[@Wanderlocal]

We LOVE "know it all"s! If it weren't for all of the help we've gotten from other RVers, we would probably be lost somewhere in the woods right now! 🤣 Thanks for the tip. We'll make sure to bring them up pre truck hookup from now on! Happy trails to you too. 🚙

[@johnturner7322]

I agree always pull up the stabilizers before hooking to the truck.

[@LuvSubbin]

Excellent video! Though you may technically fall into the category of "newbie", these are the tips of a "veteran". One improvement you may want to consider. The design intent of your breakaway switch is to apply the trailer's brakes should the entire hitch assembly depart from the tow vehicle in a catastrophic failure - the chains will handle most other situations. By attaching the wire's end to a part of the hitch, it is entirely possible that the should everything comes off, your wire would go right along with it and never pull the switch. We have screwed an eyebolt onto one of the license plate screw holes and bolted it from behind. We've seen the evidence that this can happen. We had friends of ours whose hitch had rusted to the point that it snapped. They noticed that something was not right and pulled over but they were literally seconds from the entire hitch coming off.

[@Wanderlocal]

Wow! Your recommendation makes perfect sense. Thanks for chiming in with this wonderful tip! We would have never thought about a scenario where the entire hitch goes with it. The eye bolt idea is genius! PS: We enjoyed your Thanksgiving video. We pour our mimosas the same way you do. 😉

[@LetsPlayThru]

This is so interesting. Got lots of perspective, thanks for sharing. Blinds EVERYWHERE!

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks Gabe! And yes, there are blinds EVERYWHERE in the Airstream. 🤣

[@markmontgomery9714]

Super practical and ya'll make it real. Great for someone like me who is considering buying an airstream. Keep up the good work!

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks, Mark! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask. We'll be sure to shoot it to you straight. Overall, we've been over-the-moon happy with our decision to go with an Airstream!

[@fabonikinicole]

Great video! Love your adventures 🤗

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks, Niki! ❤️

[@MeredithForReal]

"Vortex of suck" LOL I'm gonna start using that in my weather lingo!

[@Wanderlocal]

Yesssss! Every time I hear someone on the weather mention a name for a storm I hadn't heard of (ex: Bomb Cyclone), it makes me laugh! Maybe one day soon we'll hear 'Vortex of Suck' on the news. 🤞

[@nancyphillips5078]

Your enthusiasm makes me smile. I think newbies should enjoy these videos, relate to them, and learn a lot. I know I enjoy them. 1.Question - why do you close the shades before you travel? Wally Byam's concept on front and back windows was to be able to see through to the back. Works well in a 20 foot trailer, but not sure how well with yours. We just put a rear camera in our vintage 1965 Airstream that is 24 feet long. We can see through, but the camera is even better. We do keep our curtains shut and put in in reflective material when the trailer is not on the road to save the interior from sun damage. 2. Since your theme is "wander local", and I assume buy local, and eat local? you might want to look at the website Roadfood, which has been around since the early 70's, but in bookform. Jane and Michael Stern went around the country in a big old car seeking our local eateries and regional food. Being vegetarian you many not find as many eateries for you, but you never know. www.eater.com/2015/12/2/9835720/roadfood-jane-stern-michael-stern-history 3. I do hope you have 4 wheel chocks. You both need to know how to set up and tear down the trailer, perhaps switch positions and film that! Yes, I tend to do the inside and my husband tends to do the outside, but when we are ready to leave he goes inside and checks, while I go outside to check. You need to be prepared for the "what if". Lauren, you also need to learn to tow the Airstream and the truck. There are lots of woman who tow and back up more than husband. Travel on.

[@Wanderlocal]

Nancy, thank you so much for your kind words! We really appreciate you taking the time to watch our videos and leave such thoughtful comments. Here are our answers on your questions. ☺️ 1. We close the shades before we travel because I (Lauren) am worried that the bouncing while on the road might damage them. We've tried traveling with them up, but some of them will be halfway down by the time we get to our destination. 2. YES! We're all about shopping American-made and as locally sourced as possible. I've never heard of Roadfood, but you can bet I'm going to be looking into this now for sure. Great recommendation. Thank you! 😋 3. Yes, we do all four wheels with our chocks. Daniel recently upgraded these to rubber instead of plastic, which we both like. And, goodness me. What a great idea about checking each other's work inside and out. We've been talking about how we need to be able to swap roles (ESP with me learning to tow the Airstream). We'll definitely have to make a video about that soon too. Sending lots of love and hope to see you on the road soon! 🏕

[@nancyphillips5078]

@@Wanderlocal Look forward to sharing a Vermont Brewed beer with you. Let me know when you are heading to Vermont and want tips. Take care and wear those masks.

[@Wanderlocal]

We will definitely take you up on that Vermont beer when we make our way out there. Oh, and we wear our mask everywhere. 🙌

[@dsphotoscapes]

Pro Tip: Had my 31 ft Airstream since 2002. When hooking up, and pulling away, I always activate the manual brake on the trailer and feel for the "tug" from the trailer on the tow vehicle. If you have ever started to pull away and done that and got nothing from your trailer brakes, it is better to find that out at 5 mph than 65 mph. Then you can stop and troubleshoot to see why you don't have brakes. Fuse out (I have had this one), connection dirty (I have had this one), broken wires on the brakes at the wheels (I have had this one)....and the safety check of manually activating the brakes pulling away at 5 mph potentially saved me from having a disaster. Happy travels!

[@Wanderlocal]

🤯 Such a great tip on checking the brakes! Agreed, better to find out at 5mph then when speeding down the highway. Thanks again for an excellent tip. You are AWESOME!!!! 🙏 Lauren + Daniel

[@doratheexplorerbegins]

Another great video. Even though you are ‘newbies’, great tip even for the ‘oldies’ like us. 🙃

[@Wanderlocal]

Thank you so much for the compliment, Dora & Ed! We're hoping to learn as much as we can from fellow campers, such as yourself, so we can share it with the world!

[@sisken12]

A lot of food for thought. Thanks for the education

[@Wanderlocal]

You're welcome, Betsy! We're glad we could help! Lauren + Daniel

[@OurHearthandHome]

New fan here! Great videos! Y’all are too cute!

[@Tawnieandwayne]

Great video and tips. Packing up for travel days are always a hassle but make sure to take your time. I usually clean up outdoors and pack everything up outside and my wife tidies up the inside and make sure nothing flys around while driving. New friends from Florida :)

[@Wanderlocal]

Thank you so much, Life Outside Boundaries! We’re missing that Florida sun. 🌞 Lauren + Daniel

[@robertoamill2821]

Grt RV, guys... Love the tipps...💞🎯

[@Thethriftpicker]

You got too excited about the beer 😂. “Everybody knows” lol it’s kind of true.

[@Wanderlocal]

Yes, this is 100% accurate! 🤣 Thanks for following our adventures.

[@Erin-Thor]

I like lists, I’ve forgotten things many times, including a few loads of clothes at the laundry. Little things like vents, drain plug in shower, jacks up, gas off, water off, tires checked, tools secured, tanks full/emptied, etc., it’s a long long list.

[@Wanderlocal]

Erin, that is my (Lauren's) worst nightmare leaving the laundry! I thought I might have done that a few weeks back when I couldn't find my favorite Camp Local hoodie. Luckily, I had actually just left them at my Dad's house, but still! We use our Airstream app for their campsite departure list, but we should really create our own custom long list as you have. That's smart! 💪

[@Erin-Thor]

@@Wanderlocal - It’s as simple as saying “Hey Siri/google/Alexa add remember laundry to my departure list.” 😎

[@Wanderlocal]

@@Erin-Thor Oh my gosh. That's genius. We already have our Google Homes setup in the Airstream. I have no idea why I haven't thought of this before. You probably just saved me a couple hundred bucks in forgotten laundry one day. You're awesome! 🙌

[@poniard308]

Great video. What are truck specs and mpg when towing? Subscribed!

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks for subscribing, poniard308. We genuinely appreciate it. 🙏 As far as the truck specs and mileage is concerned. here are the details... Mileage - It tends to range anywhere from 12mpg to 14mpg. Factors include, city vs highway and elevation. Truck Specs - It's a Ford F-250 Lariat with the 6.7L Diesel engine. Additions were 4x4, chrome package, FX4 package, trailer tow package, power moonroof, and quad beam headlights/tail lamps. We also added an Equalizer hitch. There may be a few more smaller additions, but that's all I (Daniel) can think of off of the top of my head. Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to answer.

[@stuarthoffman1668]

This was very informative and entertaining. Can't wait to join you on the road when our chance comes up.

[@Wanderlocal]

Stuart - you're missing out! Life on the road is quite the adventure. Are you planning to hit the road soon? Lauren + Daniel

[@stuarthoffman1668]

@@Wanderlocal yes it will be weekend warrior stuff for some time but that is our eventual goal.

[@Wanderlocal]

Then, you are on the right path! It's all going to be soooo worth it. Doing weekends only will give you some time to dial it in with the things you need, or modifications you'll want to make. 🙌

[@yevgeniykryukov5790]

You are such a good couple . Wish you the best with your RV traveling

[@Wanderlocal]

Thank you, Yevgeniy! We appreciate you taking the time to watch our video! Do you RV?

[@yevgeniykryukov5790]

I am a registered travel nurse . Now in California. So RV would suite my lifestyle since i travel from place to place. I have decided for myself to buy specifically airstream. How do you like airstream? Any issues ?

[@Wanderlocal]

We LOVE it. This is our second one, we had a loaner for the first one and they are both such excellent craftsman’s ship. Plus their customer service is amazing. Anytime we’ve needed help, they’re quick to answer a call or email.

[@tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579]

Not sure if you were or not, wasn't clear. But, if you connect to your truck, then, lift the rear of the truck with the trailer jack it'll make setting your equalizer bars on the brackets way way easier. Actually to the point you won't even have to lift them in most cases.

[@Wanderlocal]

This is the best tip of all! I'm (Daniel) always struggling with these bars, so you just made my day. 🙏 Thank you so much for sharing.

[@judit1783]

I have tent camped, trailer camped, glamcamped, and done hotels 4-5 days a week for many years on business, but never lived in an RV. I hope you keep your sense of humor and have a great time. Some full time RVr guys with "huge" knowledge are Lyf Uninterruped, Traveling Robert and Nomadic Ramblers on youtube.

[@Wanderlocal]

🤣So far, so good! We're having quite the adventure and loving every second of it. Like you, we've done lots of traveling, but this is our first time EVER in an RV. In all honesty, if it hadn't been for the pandemic, we don't know if this adventure ever would have happened. Maybe it's destiny. Maybe it's because we're a little crazy. Maybe both! 😜Thanks for following along on our silly and crazy adventures! Lauren + Daniel

[@brianpowers3814]

You should raise the stabilizer jacks before raising and lowering the tongue jack.

[@Wanderlocal]

You are so right! We’ve learned that - thanks to other awesome campers like yourself - since we shot this video. Newbie mistakes for sure!

[@jamesmoore2267]

You should be checking your tire pressure when the tires are cold. Then add air to the proper PSI while they are cold. You are actually running low tire pressure the way you are doing it.

[@Wanderlocal]

That’s so interesting. No one has told us this yet. Do you have a way to add air to your tires at campgrounds? By the time we actually get on the road and out to a gas station, they seem to be warmed up and “correct.”

[@jamesmoore2267]

@@Wanderlocal All the tire manufacturers will recommend checking tire pressure when cold. As far a way to inflate at the campground goes - I would recommend getting a Viair Portable Compressor. You can get them off of Amazon. All different sizes etc. plus this way you won’t have drag the trailer over to the air compressors at a gas station 😁

[@Wanderlocal]

Oh, that's a GREAT tip! I've heard of the Viair's. Do you have one? If so, is there a specific model we should look at purchasing? This would be MUCH easier than trying to navigate the RV at a gas station. 🙌

[@jamesmoore2267]

@@Wanderlocal morning have the Viair 300P portable compressor. Works perfect for us. Amazon has a bunch of them.

[@Wanderlocal]

James, ordering that now and sending it to our campground in Austin, TX. Thank you so much for the help on this one. 💪

[@johnyeary1]

I think you guys are super organized. I actually do run off a check list but there always seems to be more. Excellent content.....lm learning a lot. Cheers from Long Island. One question.....why do you pull the shades while driving? I usually do the same mostly for privacy but wondering if there could be some other reasons. Thanks!

[@Wanderlocal]

FLY4202 thanks for watching another one of our crazy Airstream life videos! 😍And, the organization is an ongoing battle. About once a week, Daniel and I (Lauren) have a freak out moment where we say we need a whole day to reorganize, which we never do. 🤣 But, the reason we shut the shades, is simply because I think it's harder on them to be up when we travel. With the earthquake that happens in our trailer on the road, if I leave them open, some of them are half down when we get to our destination. I worry that's hard on them in the long term. Just want them to last as long as they can before they need to be replaced. 🤷‍♀️

[@johnyeary1]

Wanderlocal yes! That makes sense! Thanks for the tip. We have a 2020 Globetrotter 27 and can’t wait for our first big trip.the good thing is trying out all the systems in the driveway. Love your videos! You guys will be very successful on KZbin!

[@randyrainwater983]

I hope that you have an interior surge protector in your Airstream. If not you need one for 50 amp and one for 30 amp, just in case.

[@Wanderlocal]

Randy, Great point. We're in the market for one now. Still trying to decide between Progressive Industries, Southwire, or Surge Guard. Which one did you choose and why? We'd love to know. Also, thanks for following our adventures. Daniel+Lauren

[@randyrainwater983]

Progressive Industries 30 and 50 amp, due to price and quality. I had a extra 30 amp from our FC 25 so I carry both. I could just use the 50 amp with a dog bone, but I already had the 30 amp, so I use it when we only have 30 amp power which is a lot of the time at Texas State Parks.

[@Wanderlocal]

Randy, thanks for the quick reply! I can see how a 50 + 30 would be convenient to have. I’ll have to take a closer look at the Progressive Industries. Thanks for the recommendation! - Daniel

[@HeathClose]

I would suggest not buying DEF at the pump. It’s dirty and I’ve been sidelined in my semi several times because of bad DEF. Most truck stops sell DEF in a bottle which is super clean. It’s more expensive but I wouldn’t feed that Ford anything but the clean stuff, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later.

[@Wanderlocal]

Oh, wow. Interesting! We've been typically buying it at a store like Target in the box since it's cheaper than buying it in the box at the gas station. We've seen the pumps, but we've never actually done it. Now we know not to! 💪

[@anthonylagunas6737]

I don't know what truck stops you use, I have never had a problem with def from the pump in my semi. I only use major truck stops.

[@Hooozyer]

probably going to have to stop soon after lunch

[@Wanderlocal]

Oh, for sure! :D. Thanks for following our adventures, Scott.

[@bandkadams8897]

Hey WL, love your videos. Love 'em. :o) Q: Why do you need to close all the binds before leaving a campsite? Is there a functional reason? I'm thinking of buying an AS and you are helping a lot. Happy trails, Kimball (Kim)

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi Kim! At first, we were lowering them to keep the temps inside cool when it was hot outside (originally from Florida), but then while up North (colder) we decided to leave them open when traveling. We've recently noticed that when we leave them open, a few of them begin to drop down while in transit. Knowing how pricey these blinds may be, we decided to go back to closing them - just to be safe! It may not be necessary, but we've been playing it safe! 😃Thanks for following us along on this journey. We have lots of new and exciting content coming soon, so be sure to stay tuned for more. Also, if you have any specific AS questions, feel free to ask! We'll always give it to you straight. Lauren + Daniel

[@torinhoffman1667]

Hi just started to follow you are doin great get a surge protector before you connect to a post rv park it can destroy your electrical in your rv check with utube family they have an airstream

[@Wanderlocal]

Well we are super glad you found us! The surge protector is so clutch. We didn't travel with one in our first Airstream (aka this one) because it was a loaner, but as soon as we bought ours, it was on the must have list! 💪

[@rustysmallwood9455]

How do you like driving the big truck and pulling a 30 foot trailer?

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi Rusty! This is Daniel. To be 💯 honest, at first, I was terrified. Now that we’re 7 months into this adventure, driving it is a complete cake walk. I’ve already had to make u-turns, driven down roads I never thought I’d go down, and towed through some of the narrowest streets ever - but it’s taught me that the biggest hurdle was my confidence. It’s not that bad now! We’re loving every minute of this adventure!

[@rustysmallwood9455]

@@Wanderlocal Sounds great! You do seem more confident with you driving of the rig than the first couple videos.

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks, Rusty! Now, that being said, high winds can still be terrifying! 🤣

[@johnturner7322]

What no backup camera! It is a must for hooking up

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi John! We actually have a backup camera and we even paid for the extra tow feature for the Ford that allows you to use a dial when reversing, but we told ourselves early on we'd learn the analog way of doing things in case the tech every failed. 😀I've (Daniel) recently started to use the backup camera now that Lauren has injured her ankle and I'm basically a one man show in breaking down and setting up sites.

[@gregpriddy8595]

Oh my gosh Daniel looked like Ninja RV man! Drop and give me 20! 😆

[@Wanderlocal]

😂 Little known fact - he's a black belt in Taekwondo, so I [Lauren] know he'll appreciate the ninja reference, although he says it was a lifetime ago and he'd probably pull a muscle in an actual fight!

[@2000talon]

Brussels sprout tacos huh!! Who woulda thunk??

[@Wanderlocal]

Right?! We were just as surprised. Turns out, they're delicious! Yum. 🥰

[@marciebass6761]

Do you turn off your propane tanks before leaving?

[@Wanderlocal]

Marcie, we do not. We use the propane to power the fridge. It's propane/electric. I believe the newer visions are just electric. Lauren + Daniel + Dash

[@lynnescaddan8919]

If ur that cold, u should have a warm drink NOT alcohol

[@Wanderlocal]

Oh, you are so correct! We do love tea, too, especially mint. 🙌

[@lynnescaddan8919]

@@Wanderlocal try hot chocolate, its warming & gr8. But each to there own x♡

[@Wanderlocal]

@@lynnescaddan8919 Daniel loves hot chocolate. I (Lauren) really need to get some for the Airstream. 💙

[@HeathClose]

You stayed near dekalb! I lived for 10 years, I’m from that area.

[@Wanderlocal]

We sure did! We really liked this area. It was beautiful. ❤️

[@torinhoffman1667]

Look at keep your day dream they travel in a airstream classic they are the best check them out take care

[@Wanderlocal]

Torin, we're big fans of the Keep Your Day Dream folks. We've learned tons from their channel. 😍

[@n121pp67]

How do you store the sewer line?

[@Wanderlocal]

Great question! I (this is Daniel) keep two storage containers in the bed of the truck. One clean, for all of my fresh hose gear. One dirty, for the sewer hose, flush hose, Magnum PIG, and odd end things. I used to keep it under the RV, but this makes things so much more efficient.

[@Thethriftpicker]

Can’t forget your pets 🤣

[@Wanderlocal]

Right?! 😂

[@ranningdummy]

First!

[@Wanderlocal]

You're the best @rainningdummy! 💪

[@ingejones8240]

How do these guys stay so slim? Such delicious food and so much of it :D

[@jonathanguillemette9514]

Why the heck you close all the blinds!?? 🤷🏻‍♂️😉

[@Wanderlocal]

Good question! It’s a habit we picked up in the first few weeks. Being from Florida, if we left them open while in transit (no AC running) the Airstream would be a little hot inside, so we started closing them. That being said, it’s much cooler out now, so, yeah, no logical reason to keep doing it. 😂

[@jonathanguillemette9514]

@@Wanderlocal ahh! I live in Québec (Canada) so...a little bit colder!! 👍🏻

[@mustafamayahi8577]

Do u have to have class A drive licence to drive big RV like this

[@Wanderlocal]

That’s a great question, Mustafa! It’s not required, because - I’ve heard - that our weight is less than 10,000 lbs and only 30’ in length. I’d imagine some of the larger RV’s might be close to the size required for a Class A. We see a LOT on the road that are enormous in size and make ours look like a tiny trailer! 😂 That being said, even though this is only 30’ compared to some of the 40’+ we see on the road, it feels like a big rig to me! Have you ever towed something this long? It’s taken me a while to get used to, but I’m still new to this. Daniel

[@3pdad]

LOL - “Vortex of Suck”

[@Wanderlocal]

Mike, it was a real thing. Thankfully the weather didn't get that bad this day. Now a little rain looks like child's play compared to the weather we've faced in our Airstream. 🤣

[@davervatx8814]

Great video, but I would rather be waterboarded by Al Queda than eat "Brussels Sprout Tacos"....ugh....

[@Wanderlocal]

🤣🤣🤣 omg Dave. This comment made me (Lauren) laugh so hard I snorted. I swear they are delicious, but I think liking Brussels sprouts is a requirement. I’m assuming they aren’t your jam?

[@Sonofagreatdad]

At first I thought u guys just had awful voices then I realized u need a new mic. Nice vid tho

[@Wanderlocal]

Oh my gosh. We realized that our audio port was going bad half way through this video and it was so frustrating. I (Lauren) thought Daniels head was going to explode when I told him that there was no audio on a really funny section he did on how to do the outside part of our travel day. We picked up a new camera the next day and sent this one off to Sony for repairs. Thankfully they were able to fix it, but so annoying! Thanks for bearing with it and watching the video anyway. You’re awesome! 💪

[@XoX1971]

Adderall is a hell of a drug.

[@Wanderlocal]

Brian, heck yeah it is - although I (this is Daniel) prefer Ritalin instead. 😜