BOONDOCK BREAKDOWN🛠️🛠️ // BIG Rig Travel Days // Florida Boondocking // RV Lifestyle // RV Fulltime

Most people think that you can only BOONDOCK out west but there are some nice spots in Florida. We're going to visit several on this winter escape as well as experience our first SWAMP buggie outing into the Wildlife Management Area. LIfe around the boondock site is never dull. Join us as we discover What's Next.
#fulltimerv #boondocking #florida #rvlife #glamping #customrv #spacecraft #hdt #hdtrailers #swamp #wildlife #rvlife
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com
If I had an Amazon link it would be here!
We use Coachnet roadside assistance but hopefully not too often!
Our vehicles:
2016 Volvo semi-truck VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 Custom built Space Craft 5th wheel semi-trailer "Orion"
2023 Class C Thor Magnitude XG32
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

[@carolynchesmore910]

That breakdown would of given me a migraine and a stomach so bad . You guys were so calm. Kudos.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Well, Carolyn, there were some words uttered at some point... lol... but it happened at a good time. Hopefully, a permanent solution is found by this fall.

[@stevenclark7262]

Nice t-shirt ! 🇨🇦

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey, Steven. You like it, eh?!? Jasper and Banff are super cool National Parks. Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

And what a beautiful country you have! We've explored parts of the western side and hope check out more of the east in a few years. Thanks for the comment and watching the Channel. 🙂

[@billystewart8959]

If you have not did so already, will you do a video on your trailer. Your trailer looks so much different than other trailers.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks Billy for the comment. We have the Christmas Tour video but we plan on a full blown tour in the very near future. We're going to "lift our skirt up". Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@raoulroberts]

"Suck in that gut!" That drive to FL was a bundle of laughs.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

😆 We had some fun. Always nice going into good weather. 👍

[@raoulroberts]

A fortunate turn of events with Wyatt closeby. Let the adventures continue!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

We were very fortunate on the timing.

[@linadiaz1239]

David awesome driver

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...thanks Lina. We enjoy the travel days. Thanks for the comment. Appreciate you watching the channel.😁😊

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

I completely agree Lina. He's gotten so good over the past 7 years.

[@billstoys8324]

Glad it worked out well for you. Starcraft has great customer service. Those swamp buggies are cool.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

The swamp buggy ride was very cool and very unexpected. Super nice people that took us out for the afternoon. It's a shame the slide rod broke but we were very fortunate to get SpaceCraft out there in a timely manner.

[@rickylong2768]

That gator said "ok one pic and I'm out of here" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

😂🤣oh yeah...he did not stay for an encore. It was cool to see in the wild.

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

Boy I love the Celtic Irish type music while exploring the tropical safari. Felt do real lol good job guys

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

It just felt right. Thanks for the comment and watching the channel. I appreciate it. 😎

[@Keithhawkins]

Detours are for whimps. LOL. Thanks for sharing. Good vid.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...oh yeah, Keith. We're forging ahead my friend. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😎

[@linadiaz1239]

I live in Tampa missed this past RV show at the Fair Gtounds I really like your Magnitude.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I think we're going to really like it, Lina. We're making some modifications to it that will be really awesome...Oh, the places we will go! 😎

[@jlfa4720]

Shift happens! 🤷🏼‍♂ Cool swamp buggy and Tx for pointing me in direction of video unloading car. Cool, but I think I’d be nervous doin it. Glad it all worked out smoothly for you guys.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you. I have gotten used to driving the Smart off the truck... but the first few times were nerve-wracking for certain. Everything worked out great so we were very fortunate. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃

[@jeremypierson3192]

We grew up with Casey. Good family

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Really nice people. They were so good to offer us a ride into the swamp! What a blast! Small 🌎. Thanks for the comments and appreciate your time watching the channel. 💫

[@joec4871]

Traffic is always horrible in Atlanta. You guys are a riot. Six hundred dollar free soda😅. Question: any particular reason why you chose to pull the rig with type of tractor as opposed to having a class A RV? Thanks travel safe.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Joe, Atlanta traffic is bad but it does give Sondra a chance for better pictures!i LOL. So, I will say that with our travel style, we should be in a Class A. We're moving nearly every 1-2 weeks and sometimes we need maneuverability. But when we were looking at RV's 10 years ago in prep for fulltiming, we did not like the "glitz" of the Class A motorhomes. It didn't feel like home plus the kitchens were nearly non-existent and Sondra enjoys cooking. Of course, now they have really changed a lot and we feel they are more livable. It would be more difficult nowadays to choose an RV for fulltiming because the interiors are much better for living. On the tractor: since we decided on a 5th wheel to live in, we knew we'd be traveling in the mountains and putting some miles under tow on the vehicle. We were worried that a pickup truck would not be able to handle it long term. Thus, we got the Volvo tractor. Plus back in 2014 when we were finalizing, the cost of a new Volvo with all the options we wanted was only about 60% more than a comparable F650 truck. We felt it was more sensible and safe to go with the Volvo. Sorry for being so long winded. Hope this helps...and maybe I even answered your question too! LOL

[@lutomson3496]

Im so glad I have my diesel generator instead of relying on solar, I like the shade keeps the rig cool and running the ac in the heat i need my generator anyway especially 8 hours or more a day

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...that's why we have one as well. Always need a back-up plan. Out west we can run our A/C and not run the genset for weeks during the late spring and summer months. In Florida, the wispy clouds knock down the solar efficiency. Thus, our genset comes in handy. Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@user-jz3qq5gr6g]

I learned a new phrase

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

That is excellent....it's neat to learn new stuff!

[@seawolff33]

Sondra "See what I have to put up with?" My wife says the same thing 😂

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

🤣👍LOL...in the same boat...and it's sinking! 🤣

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

To help support the channel, I'm considering buying a Prius so there's more gas left over for you guys. Thanks for sharing your adventure... and lifting that rig in wet, sandy soil was quite the adventure.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...woohoo! That's funny! That would help when we have to fill our 250 gal fuel tanks! Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

Lol. Thanks! I can wait for the prices of fuel to come down! 🤦‍♀️

[@bounderchris]

Except their rig doesn’t run on gas but the smart car which doesn’t take much haha

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@bounderchris Every little bit helps. LOL

[@larryburkett9628]

You sure were very lucky to be near Tampa, and that the people from Spacecraft were there to help you out.😉😉

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Larry, we were extremely fortunate. The timing for this couldn't have been better....well, it would have been better if it did not happen at all...LOL...but given that it did, we were very lucky. Thanks for the comments. 😎

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

We certainly were Larry. David was able to replace the previous two broken rods, but this one required another part which he didn't have. SpaceCraft didn't think they would need the other part but brought it anyhow. Thankfully they did!

[@JaysPHJourney]

Great content

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you very much for the view and the kind words. We appreciate it. 😊

[@chemcody5119]

We really enjoy your videos. That's a bummer that you had to pull the wheel off. David, it's time for one of those huge impact drivers buddy! Could you run that off the air supply from the truck?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Oh yeah! I'm getting a 1" Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact gun! That bad boy will succumb to my will next time! Lol. Unfortunately, the truck generates 110 psi but I would need about 140 psi to generate nearly 1800 ft lbs of torque. So I'm getting the electric cordless version.... but I'm definitely getting one...hmmm, thinking birthday present . Thanks for the comments. 😃

[@seancristopherduga-duga380]

What an adventure. Nice video 😊

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Quite the adventure, Sean. Very unexpected to ride the swamp buggy. Right place, right time. Thanks for the comment. 😎

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

It was Sean! We didn't even know something like this even existed! What a great way to explore the swamps. 😁 thanks for watching the Channel and your comment.

[@scottroddenberry2579]

Have you had your truck & trailer looked at for air leaks since the post in your daughters driveway when the brakes wouldn’t release? Semi’s are pretty always losing air SOMEWHERE, it’s just the nature of the beast. But I feel like I’m just hearing lots of air when you roll close clips of your rig moving . I my be wrong as it is hard to really tell.exactly what I’m hearing just by video..Anyway, I really admire your setup & the lifestyle on the road. If your ever in N.E-FL and need service I can definitely recommend a great Tech. Best wishes & safe travels, looking forward to following your channel. This is the 2nd video I’ve watched and love it so far! Scott~

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Scott, generally the air you are hearing is the leveling valve working to keep the truck level under the weight of the trailer and over the uneven roads. Appreciate your comments and watching the channel. 😎

[@badgerpa9]

Buggy is pretty nice. Be safe guys.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Buggy was super cool. We had never done that before so it was a neat experience with really nice people. Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@I_Am_Indeed_The_Free_1]

Really enjoying your travels. Thank you.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks for the comments and Appreciate you watching the channel. 😁

[@golfaholics7777]

I just found you guys and binge watched all day! 😆 I’m really enjoying your videos!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Glad you found us, Melissa. We enjoy the journey and love having you come along with us to see what's next. Thanks for the comment. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊

[@StampsNLingers]

Great video - loved the music during your swamp buggy adventure! And - as always - really cool to see the ins and outs of full time RV life in a SC! Thanks for sharing your travels. Now...what is this BUJO of which you speak!? 🤔🤔🤔

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...oh, don't get Sondra started on that! BUJO is our acronym for Bullet Journaling. Oh and btw, thanks a lot...Sondra is now watching your YT channel and getting lots of idea's from you on how she can incorporate some of your methodology into her journal. She's enjoying watching it immensely. Thanks for the comments. 😊

[@StampsNLingers]

@@bigtruckbigtravels You are most "welcome", David! 😎😎😎I'm glad that she's enjoying the things she sees! BUJO - I love it - and totally get it! :)

[@ShirleyWilliams-rm1bw]

We just discovered your channel and have been binge watching. Please keep up the great work and we'll stay tuned!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks Shirley, we're glad that you found us and are enjoying the journey with us. Let's see what's next! 😎😊

[@nelsongrau7232]

Oh well, as they always used to say, "Oh the life of the long-hauler!" The trials and tribulations of life on the big road! You two handle it with a calm and gracefulness I envy. Well done!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you, Nelson. We don't enjoy it when stuff breaks but it is life on the road and you just deal with it. In 7 years, it hasn't happened a lot so that is good.

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

So the good luck that shone on you before the show week. But you handle every situation with such calm, cool, and collective. Good thing you have reliable services to call. I've had to use roadside services (GS) due to a rear blow out on my Class A and it wasn't a fun experience, on the phone nor the wait time for assistance. Glad you got it taken care of and it didn't hinder you from continuing on to Tampa. Nor getting from a place that was closing down! The Swamp Buggy surprise was way cool! What a way to get a tour of the land, nice people! Enjoyed once again. Have no doubts for next time. ;)

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...thanks KB. The swamp buggy was a real pleasant surprise for us. They pulled up to take a picture of our rig and I was outside taking a picture of their buggy! Super nice people and a great experience to see the beauty of the wildlife area. We were very fortunate to have the issue when we did so that we had time to get the fix done and allow us to continue on our journey. Appreciate you watching the channel. 😎

[@cntslesfabrication]

If you're looking for a impact gun I would look into the Milwaukee impact 1in gun or 3/4 in gun but I can promise you that the 1in gun will be able to remove any of your wheels you own and some sockets I swear by my Milwaukee tools they have a great warranty on them

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I've heard good things about Milwaukee. The 1" impact was the tool of choice among mechanics we asked. Thanks that's good to hear.

[@melindaroberts4921]

Looks like a fun ride in the swamp buggy. Awesome that Space Craft was able to come to the rescue and help you out. 👍👍

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

It was a super fun ride, Melinda. We were very fortunate to have that experience with such nice people. Yes, it was awesome that Space Craft could come to our rescue. Excellent timing. Appreciate you watching the channel. 🛠️👍😎😊

[@brucewood2494]

To remove your lug nuts on your truck or trailer, all you need for an impact gun is an 18 volt Milwaukee ½ inch gun. That is what I carried on my semi when we where trucking. As full time RV'rs I still carry it with me. Just used it today on my Freightliner MDT.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Bruce, I have on order a 1" 18v Milwaukee Fuel impact gun with a deep socket 33mm and a tire iron. I will not be unprepared again! Thanks for the comment.

[@garygiesbrecht3710]

I like it David go big or go home 😂. Ps have the same in the truck

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@garygiesbrecht3710 oh yeah!

[@TheWanderingBeardedGuy]

@@bigtruckbigtravels but is your back ready! 🤣🤣

[@bounderchris]

@@bigtruckbigtravels niceee… 2,000ft lbs of torque… hope you have a good torque wrench to put the lugs back on at the right torque

[@davidwilliams6645]

Glad y'all got your slide fix

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Oh, man, David, we are too! The timing was right and we got it done and out of there with no issues but had we not wanted to move for better solar exposure, we could have been stuck there for awhile. Very lucky! thanks for the comments. 😎

[@linadiaz1239]

Hi Sondra and David Love watching you guys I hope I can dothe same when I retire this year my concern is traveling alone. Happy Travels!!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Lina. Congratulations on the pending retirement plans. Lots of solo traveler groups out there plus everyone is very friendly. Easy to make new friends. Stay in area's you're comfortable with until you get a little experience. 😊

[@linadiaz1239]

@@bigtruckbigtravels oh my I feel so special Thank you for replying to me. Happy Travels!!!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@linadiaz1239 lol... we're here to help each other in this community of RVers.😃

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. 👏 the beauty and RV full-timing is you can make it however you want it to be. We were expecting a solitude life but the biggest surprise to us was we have made so many close friends - closer than we ever had living in a S&B. There are all kinds of groups out there to be a part of. Escapees has a bunch of different BOF (Birds of a Feather) where people of similar interests meet up. Thanks for the comment and watching the Channel. 🙂

[@edwardantrobusjr2253]

FYI: I wouldn't recommend considering an air impact wrench like the service guy used. Get an electric one.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Very true, Edward. I was talking to the tech who came out and he tike me my air line wasn't big enough nor would my truck produce enough psi. He suggested the Milwaukee fuel M18 1" impact driver. That's where I'm leaning right now. Thank you for the comments. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃

[@edwardantrobusjr2253]

@@bigtruckbigtravels I follow a channel called Bus Grease Monkey. Scott works on vintage busses in his shop in Tennessee. He's had a couple of Milwaukee tools fail. Right now, he swears by Harbor Freight tools.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@edwardantrobusjr2253 interesting. I've always had good luck with HF but I heard Milwaukee was good. But they are expensive. I may revisit the HF again. Thanks

[@jeannealex2560]

Hi guys... We love the boondock also.. Where was that place in Florida that you were boondocking .... That was super great that spacecraft came out and fixed that for you... Thanks for the video... Stay safe...J&A 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey J&A- it was the Babcock-Webb WMA near Punta Gorda. There is a calendar of available days which correlate to the hunting season but it's really nice. We enjoyed it. We were very fortunate on the timing but it was really awesome of Space Craft to come to our rescue. Appreciate you watching the channel. Safe travels 😎

[@karenf1604]

Great video! Cool swamp buggy ride, and to see gators and the bald eagle! David, you are so chill, even when stuff happens - super impressed. Sondra, love your strategy, when the going gets tough, the tough go bujo 😂 that’s what I’d do too. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...😂🤣...that is soo funny and so true. Sondra would respond but she's too busy with her bujo and organizing her paper! It's all over the living room floor! Appreciate you watching the channel. Thanks for the kind comments. Glad you're enjoying the journey with us. Safe travels. See you down the road sometime.

[@Brad3390]

Hi what kind of 5th wheel is the one you have now. Can't seek to make it out. Love ya'lls channel. So fun & informative. And ya'll both Really Great. Thnx keep making them. Subscriber for Life. We wanting to get into the RV experience.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks Brad. It's a lot of fun...sprinkled with some breakdowns but it's a great lifestyle. You just have to be flexible and willing to do a little bit of planning. Lot's of cool places to see and experience. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊

[@JaysPHJourney]

Lol funny beginning and how's the weather, here in Connecticut is really cold

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I have to say the weather in Florida right now is beautiful, sunny, 70 degree days...a few 80 degree days but just a few. I'll take it. Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@flybyairplane3528]

BTBT, HELLLO. ,WHAT WAS THETYRE PROBLEM? BTY,what weather station,do you have,on top,yourRV? Thanks,enjoy your trip,stay safe, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Flyby! The metal connecting rod was of poor quality. It's an Accu-rite Weather Station with anemometer. We really like it. Appreciate you watching the channel. 😁

[@kevinbrewer2141]

Instead of a large impact gun you ever see torque multipler on Amazon . They are sixty dollars and lighter weight than a impact gun.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey, Kevin, thanks for the comment and suggestion. I have looked at those and just really wasn't sure how well they worked. I think I'm going to go with the 1" impact to be sure. I don't want to wrestle with it, just want to be sure I can get the tire off if needed. Appreciate it. Do you have experience with it? Aloha 😎

[@kevinbrewer2141]

@Big Truck Big Travels not with a torque multipler but with 1" impact gun I do. When I first got my cdl the company I started with I helped in the shop every chance I got changing tires or what ever was needed. Impact gun have some weight to them that was my one concern with a your rv.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@kevinbrewer2141 thanks Kevin, that makes sense. I'm going to get the right tools so we can handle this in the future. 😄👍

[@danjohnson7767]

No slide prevost with no def is still on my radar

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Oh, but Dan, those Prevost slides are awesome! I think there is a lot to be said for RV's with no slides. Appreciate you watching the channel. Appreciate you watching the channel.😁

[@TinyHouseVentures]

Nice rig! We’ve used those 1 lbs refillable Flame King tanks for several years. Love them, but recently both of our bottles had the release valve strip. So, just an FYI to be really careful with the Allen key. Even done correctly every time they will strip eventually and then you have to leave the tank outside while it spews propane out. We’ve switched to a 11 lbs tank ever since.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks for the heads up! I've got 5 so I have some backups but I know eventually, they'll give out. So far after 4 years, we're still filling smoothly. 😁

[@billlimbert1053]

You should be wearing eye protection. That is not “air” you are releasing, it is propane! ? If it is in fact “air” how did it get inside the canister? Love the rig, happy trails!

[@ddd7003]

Milwaukee make a 3/4 drive high torque ( and 1”) That will take those lugs off I have a 45’ super C on a Volvo chassis I have and use the 3/4 “ cordless Milwaukee drive to take off and tighten my lugs Food for thought

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Oh...I've got a 1" Milwaukee 18v Fuel on order with a 33mm deep socket! I'll be ready...if there is a next time! Appreciate you watching the channel.😁

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

Thanks for the comment. David's birthday is next month! 🤔

[@ddd7003]

@@bigtruckbigtravels you all do a nice job and if I had chosen a trailer camper your Brand is what I would have ordered. Keep up the great work you both do and stay safe. I would say you have fixed your problem and will now be able to take your lugs off or on. I use mine to check the tightness of the lugs when I am on the road Stay safe

[@ddd7003]

@@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726 Happy birthday to him. You all do a great job...I realize it is alot of work thanks

[@lisaloveland9764]

Hello neighbors at 3 Lakes We want to stop and introduce ourselves but we never seem to catch you out and about.. we decided to catch some of your videos and subscribe. Hope to catch you before you leave… btw we are just a couple rigs down across from you in the class A American Eagle

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...that is too funny. Small world for sure. We'll be out tomorrow for a hike. We've been busy with projects. Let's say "hi". Appreciate you watching the channel. 😮😎😁

[@brianroth7852]

Sondra love it when you get apprehensive about clearance. Just for fun come ride with me when I'm doing a heavy haul with our pavement grinder on our truck at 105500lbs and 14' wide thru the City streets of Portland. I also used to deliver 53' trailers to Taco Bell's, Pizza Hut and KFC. Those where fun to back in to a night because we could deliver during the days. Tell David if he wants to have fun have him smack the side of the door when you guys are in those tight places. I used to pull that on Cindy when she wall allowed to ride with me. 😅🤣😭😂 Loved to watch about jump out of the cab. David, am planning on installing two Manchester manifold propane tanks on our HDT. A 35 gallon plus a 25 going to pump them in to our generator on the truck plus have a wet line running to the coach. Which will give us a total of around 100 gallon. Also David to drive one of the large air guns you don't have enough air to drive it. You need a high volume air compressor and storage tank. Our HDTs compressor won't get it. However there are Torque Multiplier wrenches that do work. Bad part is they are operated by Armstrong muscle. Safe travels and roads Brian and Cindy, "xtreambydesign with passion"

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Brian- it's pretty funny because she ALWAYS freaks on everything. LOL. But I'll keep her because she is a good navigator. Thanks and you're correct on the air supply. I was talking with the roadside assistance person and he mentioned the same thing. I'm going to get a 1" Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact gun, 33mm deep socket and a Ken-tool tire iron...I won't be in that situation again. Man, that will be some setup with the LP. Load up the truck. I can't imagine pulling in a night to some of those Taco Bells or KFC's to deliver. I've seen the delivery door and those can be some tight spaces! Thanks for the comments. Appreciate you watching the channel. Hope to see you on the road someday. 🤙😎

[@musimowingmoreinc9031]

Well, that really stinks, but breakdowns are part of it I guess. We will be heading south to englewood next month to visit parents.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Unfortunately, if it moves then it can break. But, if there is a next time, I will be prepared with a 1" impact gun and tire iron. Oh Yeah! 😎

[@tiffanyhsiao2294]

Love your videos and journey ❤ Is it possible to give us a inside tour of Orion ?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks Tiffany for the comments. In a few weeks, we will release the inside tour of Orion. In the near future, we'll also tour the truck and it's modifications for boondocking as well as talk about the infrastructure of Orion and how we can run our A/C off batteries and solar for days/weeks depending on solar production.😎😊

[@tiffanyhsiao2294]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Thank you and looking forward to the video. Have you guys thought of getting a dog or cat ?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@Tiffany Hsiao lol.... that's why we have friends so we can get our pet fix with theirs! 😁

[@tiffanyhsiao2294]

@@bigtruckbigtravels 🤣

[@shanemacdonald1147]

Have you guys made a video or mentioned what made you want to get a big rig and what benefits do that hold over the other types of rvs

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Shane, we have not. The main reason for going with this trailer is that it is very sturdy and we wanted to add more batteries, water storage, solar panels and the soda equipment. Our previous trailer could not handle that added weight plus this semi-trailer chassis has more storage underneath than a regular production 5th wheel. I hope that helps answer your question.

[@cruzntom]

Great video! So was it the rod or the motor that gave out. Just had one motor give out on one of our slides and ruined the track. Now we have to get 2 motors since there’s one on each side of the slide and new tracks! 😩

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

It was the rod connecting the screw shaft to the motor which broke, Tom. Luckily he had brought a spare so we replaced the screw shaft. The rod had seemed to fuse inside the shaft. We could not break it free. Weird. Thanks for the comment. 👍

[@ronwindle3244]

Well I am On KZbin quite a bit and just help me catch your video and yeah you're talking about fuel and all that so why don't you guys fill up your main tank wherever you're your pump's coming out of fill that tank up and just make sure your spare tank has about 3040 gallons of fuel in it

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Ron, I would love to carry about 3,000 gallons of fuel! 😂🤣 LOL...now, before every long term boondocking trip we always fill the genset tank just to be on the safe side! Thanks for the comment. Appreciate you watching the channel. Glad to have you along on the journey.

[@richardmarshall2229]

Could you give us the cost of repair please? Did Joe charge you for both trips out? What is the cost of the motor and screw gear?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Coachnet (Joe) did not charge us for the service call. It was part of our Coachnet plan. We put the tire back on so we didn't need another service call. They might have charged for that but we didn't need it. The motor is about $265 but not sure what the screw gear costs. Thanks for the comment.😁

[@rodlappin6147]

Sad to see you are having issues with the slides. I know you have many more cycles with your slide out, is that a factor? I think mine sound the same as they did when new and I don't have much weight in the slides. Mine are also raised floor. Hopefully they can resolve the issue this summer. Rod

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Rod, we think it's a combination of several issues. (1) poor quality metal rod as they've seen evidence of this. (2) We have the heaviest slides that they have ever built or very nearly the heaviest. (3) Poor design given the larger slides so a design change is coming. We hope it gets resolved quickly this summer. Thanks. Appreciate you watching the channel. 👍

[@bounderchris]

@@bigtruckbigtravels once they fix it can they go back and fix yours? I was wondering the same thing… that shouldn’t have broken that way.. there are 20 plus year old slides out there that still work like new… that’s what I hate about the new stuff.. it’s all so nice but not built like it was in the early 2000’s…

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@bounderchris Yes, once the design has been finalized, they'll be able to retrofit our unit which is great. Thanks for the comments.

[@rufulhilliard5856]

Question do your wife ever drive the truck long distance sometime

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Yes, my wife will drive the rig as we travel. Sometimes, she'll drive the whole day (or nearly all day), it just depends. There's no "schedule", so we just take each day as it comes and travel on down the road. We love travel days. Always something new out there. Thanks for the comments and appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃

[@waynehowes523]

Hi, nice video. My question is, how long can you stay in one camp? Do you have to move every 14 days?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Wayne, in some WMA's the only limit is the overall time the camp is open during the hunting season. But we saw campers that had been there for over a month. You have to buy a Fla State Wildlife season pass but it's only $27. There is a calendar for the hunt season for each area.

[@waynehowes523]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Ty

[@Trucker101]

Did you get your wheels RE torqued within 100 miles?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Bill, thanks for the comment. Love's Truck Stops do an awesome job. Thanks for watching.

[@puppygadget3189]

Don’t like how he’s letting the lug nuts fall onto your rims.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I didn't think about that until I watched the video later. I was appreciative that they came out in a timely fashion...but...yeah... 😯Thanks for the comment. Glad you're along on the journey. 😁

[@cody1142]

Which video is a rig tour

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

Hey Cody. We plan on doing a full detailed tour soon but in the meantime here's a link to a quick inside tour. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKvVaKRtpLNqsLc Thanks for the comment and watching the Channel. 🙂

[@thesaurusrex7919]

It’s official everyone, I’m poor! Lol

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...I love your sense of humor. Appreciate you watching the channel. 🤣😎

[@jackroadarmel2096]

Seems like a little excessive for the tow vehicle.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...it's not a small unit that's for sure. Our trailer requires a semi-truck to tow it since it's 42,000 lbs with a pin weight of 13,000 lbs 😮. We'd crush any little pick up out there and no RV hitch can handle that weight. It's our home and it's how we travel. It is bulky but we enjoy our travels. Thanks for commenting and watching the channel. I hope that you enjoy the journey with us. 😎

[@mzyvettecrenshaw9670]

Have you all ever been somewhere and you had to have your semi towed in due to a breakdown? If not, what would you do if your semi had to be towed in, you're at a place you could only stay two weeks, and only had one day left before you had to leave, or you were on the road. Would you rent another semi, or do something else?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thankfully, we've never been in that situation; however, if we were in a campground and that situation occurred then we would talk to the manager of the facility and explain our situation. Usually there is some grace regarding emergencies. I truly believe they would make some sort of allowance to accommodate us. Worst case scenario, we'd have to have our trailer towed somewhere but I think the campground would work it out somehow. Great question. Thanks for watching. 😁🤙

[@geoffreyallen1263]

This may have been answered in an earlier video, but do you need a special license to drive that?

[@geoffreyallen1263]

And yes, GOAL. I always get laughed at.........until someone gets themselves in a bad spot.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Geoffrey, thanks for the question. Each state is different but Texas requires a Class A endorsement on our license plus successfully passing the road and written test. Thanks for the comment. 😊

[@carolelee571]

I'm curious why this slide part keeps breaking. Has there been any design changes or upgrades to this part so it does not break. We are not full timers, but enjoy our 38' toyhauler often as we can.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hi Carole, thanks for the question and for watching the channel. Several factors have led to this issue (1) we have the heaviest slide that they have ever made, (2) designed back in the 1980's, it needs to be revamped for today's RV's and (3) poor quality metal rods from overseas. A redesign is in the works. 😮😎😁

[@jamesglenn520]

@@bigtruckbigtravels You also have to factor in that your slides are in and out sometimes Multiple times a week 👍 Not a few times a year like most people just camping during the summer 😎

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@jamesglenn520 you are correct. We tend to be hard on our equipment by using it multiple times each week. Good point. 👍

[@bounderchris]

@@bigtruckbigtravels I don’t agree with that… it is designed to be used… using something a couple times a week shouldn’t be considered heavy use… I think it’s cheap metal rods and motors like you said… what was designed in the 1980’s though?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@bounderchris The basic design of the motor, screw rod and how it attaches is an old design with some upgraded components (motor). As the slides have gotten heavier, the design has remained the same.

[@TheMonkdad]

You’re KZbinrs. Everything is good news unless you can’t upload it. So it wasn’t the motor?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

LOL...that's funny....and sadly...very true. We try not to "drama it up" but tell it like it is on the road. No, it wasn't the motor. The 1/4" steel rod which connects the motor to the screw shaft actually just sheared off. It looked like the center of the rod had some discoloration and "junk" in it so we think it was a bad lot. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching. I like your sense of humor.