😡 RV Park and Travel Day Issues! (Full Time RV Life)

[@robe4314]

“How you deal with it determines how it affects you”. Literally the best advice I think you’ve ever given in any video!

[@michaelkleymann843]

As a soon-to-be rver, I have to tell you that I really appreciate that you put this kind of material out. Sure, it's nice to see the pretty mountains and the fantastic scenery, but dealing with this kind of situation, getting a view of what a bad day could look like, is invaluable. Thank you!

[@johnwhite6262]

FYI- As an upcoming RV’er I will share what someone once shared with me…… when we began our Journey …. NEVER EVER go without a back up generator that will run the amount of voltage and wattage you need to run your AC units, Refrigerators, lights, stove whatever…. always remember this!

[@craignewman8330]

a quick comment to help the RV Refrigerator run better is I switch a 1 gallon jug of frozen water from the freezer to the refrigerator section daily and refreeze the thawed water into ice. It helps with the interior temps in the summer and helps the refrigerator work better. YOU can also use the ice water when things get really steaming.

[@dwanehoughtaling419]

Yes - Reviews are a great source of information. That's why we posted our problems in a WV KOA that took three moves to find a pedestal that was properly wired.

[@copper-tc6un]

I really like how well you present your information and don't ramble on with superfluous commentary. In September we bought our third RV and first 5th wheel, and I've learned SO MANY technical tips and maintenance info that's been a game changer in helping us either avoid issues, or prevent problems. Thanks for providing such great content, and keep it coming!

[@chrischapman276]

Agreed

[@bobgil3464]

I keep a technical diary with solutions taught and fluid brands etc. Has been helpful as a reference.

[@alexstachowiak8465]

The whole North America is in your hands and you choose Vegas in July. Us from NE think you're crazy, gland it all worked out, after few bumps.

[@larrywalden626]

Hello? If you noticed, they said they had prior commitments but if hindsights 2020, they don’t recommend it lol

[@jwp2166]

No apologies necessary. You did better than I would have. Honest and helpful video. Thanks.

[@jmracing1076]

My wife and I love watching all your videos. Here is a tip for you. In the future, when you travel on HOT days, run your generator while you are driving to your next location. This will keep your RV cooler and your refrigerator will stay cooler as well because it won't be using propane it will be on the electric. I do this all the time and it works great.

[@ChangingLanes]

We normally do that, but we were having issues with our genny and inverter at the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TCqGOJd6abb8U. And, this was before we upgraded to the Victron.

[@KCInferno]

Worst RV park. I stayed there when we first started. We will not be going back. I wrote to Scott their VP. No response but after dealing with their manager I can see it's a management issue.

[@charlesyates6687]

When you own a big r.v. trailer i will tell you from over 30 years full time experience. It will cost the average 25' fifth wheel and truck $500 in repairs and maintenance every 100 miles you tow that trailer. If you want to go full time for life buy a new semi truck and a 25' box trailer preferably with a working refer unit . Have two big slide outs installed on both sides with stability jacks . Then build your interiors to your liking and the quality you want . Then you are set for life .

[@patireland3345]

Laser temp gun - Golden! Great info on the challenges of high temperature weather.

[@antmrtz8726]

Great video! Glad you are all safe and able to continue the trip. Not sure if I missed it but would recommend when on the side of a state highway always have a spotter looking at the direction of traffic and pull as far as possible away from the lanes. Take it from a former highway worker erranr vehicles are more common than we may think. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@cruisinguy6024]

Love my exhaust brake! I always have it on, even when not towing…..I just wish I didn’t have to manually turn it on every time I start my Ram 3500. I’ve forgotten to turn it back on when towing before as well.

[@Graygeezer]

I like Chad’s attitude. Through all this. Kudos to the both of you.

[@vthorseshoe]

awesome video. So many folks come out on the road with a Disneyland frame of mind. You folks give them an honest taste of reality. Thankyou. Full timer 5 years now.

[@michaelcunningham2899]

That’s serious heat! Great job at dealing with what life throws at you! Keep on trucking and stay safe!!

[@robertmckinstry7282]

Thanks guys. I’m new 70 looking forward to getting on the road with my squeeze. I’m happy new year

[@Papa4them]

Never had a Diesel engine before now. Love it but even when I am in normal traffic without towing I turn on the engine brake. Makes stopping better

[@1DonMay]

We use the engine brake everywhere.

[@pedaltopia-kingcog]

Another GREAT video that is chock full of great and valuable information. Thank you again! Kev & Suni

[@drkeds01]

Wow, I can’t even imagine camping in 110+ temps! Glad you all were able to make it through the ordeal. I can relate to your fridge issues, we’ve had the same troubles here in South Georgia and Florida in the summer time. Wild fridge temp swings between daytime & nighttime. Finally got fed up with it and pitched the absorption unit and put in a new Dometic 12volt fridge. We had already upgraded to lithium/solar and everything works great! Looking forward to seeing more of the trip. 😉

[@TonyBenton0728]

I had a Tonka Truck like that I used to put it on a lowboy trailer when empty. It got a lot of attention.

[@jackr.freeman691]

Wife and I stayed in that same park at the end of July while we were headed to Sedona for the winter. Like you, we found that the power was aweful. We ended up in the space just down from where you were parked next to that building. Lucily we only stayed for 2 days. When we pulled in we told the fellow at the gate, who was very nice, that we needed good power because we had issues in the past, he was very helpful. We still blew the breaker during the day a few times. We ended up in Camp Verde outside of Sedona and it was hot, but the power never became an issue. Thanks for the great videos !!

[@kathiebauer5165]

Great info. We have heard of rolling blackouts in CA, last winters loss of power in TX. House or RV we need to be prepared with water, fuel, food. Right now our situation is crazy doesn’t matter where you are.

[@BK-dv1hh]

Oh, I feel your pain…we did about the same visit to Vegas 1st of July, but only on a motorcycle! Rode down from Carson City at night to avoid really bad heat..104 at midnight arriving at our hotel that did have good AC. Got to bend with the troubles, you guys did well , especially with the violin player! be of good cheer…

[@barryl1072]

We were in Moab UT and had similar power issues in July. You’ve got to keep track of your power!

[@carolkelley5526]

Just now saw this video. So sorry you had so much trouble at the Vegas RV park. We stayed at the same park in March 21, and LOVED it. We are tiny at only 16 feet, and only 30 Amp. They were very accommodating with our need to be near a bath house.

[@stephenflow2670]

super experience at Sun City RV.! Lisa helped us find the RV we were looking for, thank youall!

[@erased-slate]

Lol, love the video. It's not always roses on the road. Also, love it when you take roads we have also been on. We had a stop in Vegas this summer and totally related. Too stinking hot!

[@erased-slate]

Also, we stayed at Sam's Town and it was great. We didn't have any power issues.

[@paullamoureux2730]

Oh we had the same BS at Wright’s Beach in Penticton this past summer summer. It was 114 F in our trailer - our EMS prevented any power going to the AC - the camps ground wouldn’t let us run our generator and they told us we could leave - oh there would be no refund! That will be our last time there…surprising that some RV parks miss out on opportunities to help their clients.

[@KarlRuegg]

Vegas RV Parks are notorious for low voltage in the summer. I think their grid is beyond its limit. Sites closer to the transformers can be a bit better, but not much. When we travel on hot days we run the generator and ACs while driving so the rig is cool when we arrive.

[@ndeswardt001]

Wonder why they get such high ratings on RVLife - 4.2?? Makes you wonder if you can trust these ratings

[@johnkeim3836]

Tara, always remember that guy has to try very hard everyday to be a jerk, it is a hell of a lot easier to be nice. Girl, you done good standing up for yourself.

[@TNWisky7]

I Love This Video Because Everyone Has A Day That Gets A Little iffy. God Bless You Both .

[@stephenstraker6115]

Thank you for sharing all of this. It is a great help in a long term view of high heat areas. Great info. thanks.

[@joemeyer2726]

You guys are so nice and for that can to speak to you is beyond words

[@dustentriciaharrison3568]

Love the dog seat. We have one for our rat terrier. We call it his throne. He is 14 and goes to sleep as soon as we get going.

[@paulmadkow9143]

I spent a summer in vegas in an rv park. Thankfully my AC and RV fridge did just fine. Covered all my windows with that solar reflective. That really helped.

[@timinsandiego6979]

You know, that new look... the braids, they look pretty good. Happy camping!

[@ronnavaughn2928]

Great video! I have to giggle at how you truly dislike the heat. I guess growing up in 120 degrees summers for the last 57 years I'm use to it. I even hike all summer. Grand Canyon last yr and at the bottom it was 127 degrees and it was HOT 🔥 glad you made it down the mountain safely!

[@markhaney7332]

We can identify with camping in a very hot location - we camped in Big Bend National Park (TX) this summer (July) and it was over 100 degrees. We had issues with electric there - the 50 amp breaker kept blowing on the pedestal so I was forced to use the 30 amp one and our Victron Inverter on boost to get 2 AC units running. We were fine the day and night. The next morning we went hiking and left our dogs in the camper, knowing that with our batteries and inverter they would be fine even if the power went out. We did shut off one AC unit in the bedroom just in case there was a power issue the other one would continue to run. One of our dogs was in the bedroom and when we got back the main room in the camper was about 82 degrees but the bedroom was over 90 degrees since it was 106 degrees and we were in full sunlight on an asphalt parking area (Grand Village at Big Bend). Lesson learned ... need 2 AC units running during the day to keep the camper cool enough when it is over 100 degrees (we have a smaller Grand Design Solitude S-2939RL). Our dogs were fine except we had to be careful about the asphalt because it was very hot for their little paws - over 130 degrees. I installed some fans in the top vent area of our RV fridge that worked great even in hot temperatures. We have the 12CuFt version so it is not as large an area to keep cool. Someday I may convert it to a 12V compressor system with one of the JC Refrigeration kits they sell in Indiana. Before I installed the extra fans the fridge would get too warm and the freezer would get warm on hot (over 90 degree) days. Now it works fine.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Gosh that could have been very dangerous for your pups. You were lucky. I hope you are more careful with leaving them in such heat for any length of time. And the asphalt and dirt or sand will burn their paws in such high heat. I always take off my shoe and test it if it burns my foot it will burn their paws too. Miserable times, been there done that. I got a stroller for my babies when the ground is to hot.

[@shestudios]

Words of wisdom for RV Life, "Roll with the punches." It's all about perspective. A lot of good info in the video. Thanks.

[@joemeyer2726]

Tow haul mode every time pulling regardless if flat or mountains, OEM manual

[@bobgil3464]

Very informative video. I always find it difficult to travel with others. A lot of give and take.

[@jaytibbles2223]

The voltage at my home in San Bernardino varied from 108 to 130 volts. I had to help a business owner install a voltage conditioner because he was losing computers during July and August due to the extreme voltage drops. BTW, I installed a 12 volt bus to power my wifi modems and routers instead of the AC system. This way they stay active while traveling! I had a similar problem dropping down from the TT in Idyllwild CA. Discovered that the dealer had jacked the brakes on the 5th wheel/

[@harrynickel8691]

Thanks you two. Stay Calm and RV On

[@Oriskany34Ken]

Tara has the cutest “frowny face”! Love you guys!

[@kennyirish5021]

This is the best rv epasode I've ever seen!!! oh my we, my wife and I were laughing out loud Thank You and I hope this doesn't upsey you.

[@normparrott3055]

After 3 hours of changing sites etc, I can't believe how calm Chad is... the Goldie Locks comment is so funny! I don't think I'd have the patience to be joking by then... You guys are great!

[@donmccormick856]

What an adventure shall we say you guys took. We have been to Vegas several times and once I repeat once I had to be there in July it was 116. Never again will we do that. At that time our RV had but one AC. It was kind of the trip you want to forget. Our new Solitude has 3 AC units like you and even then in 100 with no shade its hard to keep it cool inside. Keep em coming just love your videos.

[@mikethrower1]

We were in Vegas last Aug for a few days and it was hot. We stayed at the RV fam camp at Nellis Air Force Base and had no problems with power or getting a spot. That’s one perk of being retired military. Glad that the rest of your trip went good.

[@johnfcomeau5011]

I run engine brake all the time. When you're in the hills you can gear down too. Powerstroke doesn't have as good an engine brake as Cummins. Ford is a great truck though. I have a Ram/Cummins and a 35' fifth wheel.

[@josephmyers1492]

Forever learning. Thanks, never knew about the draw on the input Line AC . Now monitoring all our AC unit power drag on the input lines. Fortunately, this ground has good 118 AC. even with both units working. Discovered another factor : This rig isn't insulated well enough. Even at 92 degrees, this rig can't keep up and the units run for hours.

[@cathybeall986]

Glad things worked out. Thanks

[@snookrookie]

We carry a voltage checker. About $15.00 at camping stores. Always check level and voltage first thing. Also we have our generator ready for any emergency. Travel safe. Robert Woods

[@lauratheliquidationlady8958]

We live in Vegas, soon to move into our 2017 Thor Challenger 38KT in Boulder City. We have learned so much from you two and Phil and Stacy and thank you so much for all your experiences.

[@mikz86ta1]

Tara, your hair looks great long and wavy. Very elegant :). Safe travels!

[@kathigee]

For those who are wondering why go somewhere like Vegas thats so hot in July.... We were in Northern Montana over July 4 and it was over 100 for about a week!.. haha...definitely unexpected heat. We were boondocking so we had to deal with it in our own ways. So sorry you had such a bad experience with the Park peeps... but good attitudes all around (considering). Happy Travels!

[@razmondpush2971]

Yes, the desert SW is nice n hot in the summer. I lived in the Phoenix area pre-marriage, later moved to Tucson...loved it there. My wife n I were married in Vegas in 1981, both our kids were delivered in our bedroom in Tucson...hard to beat amazon...lol. Glad things worked out, stay cool, another great though stressed video, keep 'em comin'.

[@SSGofDoom]

My family and I are in Fayetteville with an average of 124 volts. However this RV resort is the best we’ve seen in our travels.

[@pauljordan756]

My engine brake shuts off too when I turn off the truck. Would be great if truck manufacturers would provide a setting to default engine brake to ON whenever a trailer is connected. Better to have it on and not need it vs. needing it and it is OFF. Glad y’all made it safe and sound.

[@teacherturnedhomesteader7368]

How cute SAS the little dump truck being hauled; I watched it five or six time.

[@philmace81]

Very classy way of handling the situation. You did credit to the RV community.

[@pauljenkins5159]

Thanks for video, in some situations, like yours, learning vicariously beats learning firsthand. Thanks for the great vid.

[@barrya5191]

I know that grade out of Page too. Hated it it. We lost an alternator going down it this fall. Ended up getting that fixed in Flagstaff. Was there in early September and it was hot then too.

[@raywilliams9934]

Until you get a residential refrigerator please look into the ARP control with extra fans. It will also protect your refrigerator. Also look into adding an additional baffle at the top of your refrigerator cooling unit.

[@johngrunkemeier4926]

Yes, Last summer (2021) was hell on earth. Almost everywhere we went was nearly 100 or hotter. We had fun during the heat dome in Oregon, and Washington, luckly we had good power. We were soooo glad we replaced the 20year old front AC in the coach.

[@robcleeton2606]

I appreciate you showing the good, the bad and ugly of RV life and how you dealt with it. I really enjoyed the videos you showed with Phil and Stacy. Semper Fi and Merry Christmas.

[@DougsterCanada1]

LOL Here I am sitting watching this from Vancouver Island our ancient heating fuel furnace is dead and has been for 3 days. No parts available. Thank God, I had gas plumbed to the property and bought a gas stove. New gas furnace is on order. It was 50°F this morning inside, and there was several inches of wet snow outside. Put a heating pad between the blankets last night. A Little Buddy propane heater went in the bathroom at 05:30 for the wife to have a warm shower, and I put her towels in dryer to heat up. I turned the gas oven on to pre-heat stuck a box fan on the counter to distribute some air. It was 68°F - 72°F in the kitchen and living room when she came out. I'll trade you some of that lousy hot Vegas air for some of our new improved cold fresh Canadian air. :) :) :)

[@davidwickham6508]

Great video. Hope you had a great Christmas and a happy new year.

[@tonyvickers8659]

I'm Glad you guys share the good and the bad with folks. I was wondering why you shared this video so late. My wife and I are ready to start our adventures. We ordered our Momentum a bit ago and are still waiting for it to arrive. We are so happy your channel has educated us of things and topics, we never even though about before. Thank You! :-) Go Air Force!

[@ChangingLanes]

#GoNavy! ⚓️ 😎 On the video timing, see: changinglanesrv.com/faq/?Display_FAQ=4759

[@MrProach2]

That downhill section of I15 through the Virgin River Gorge is ... well ... gorgeous! I've driven it many times (in a car, not RV) and also flown down it several times in a vintage 1946 aircraft. Just stunning scenery. Rob from UK

[@ronhoffman632]

Wow. Tough trip. We love you guys and your channel.

[@michaelwaller6093]

We were in Vegas late August, on the way to Flagstaff. Spent the night there, but 120 degrees and miserable traffic. Just a place you have to go through to get somewhere else.

[@InfamousElGuapo]

When we travel to Lake Havasu in the summer, we run the generator and 2 of the A/Cs while en route, and then kick on the 3rd when we arrive. This helps tremendously getting the temps down quicker when we arrive.

[@williamastorino9551]

Yes, you are absolutely correct that these RV fridges suck! We lost all our food 2 weeks ago in Florida (and it's winter here now)! Next time it will be a residential fridge with lots of batteries and a big invertor and generator. Good video thanks.

[@garyhawthorne4599]

I have been using RVs since 1968 in a truck camper to a small class A then bigger class A than my current Monaco 40 foot diesel motorhome. I can make ice in my refrigerator in 100 + temps. Your refrigerator is located in the slide out ( that does not work very well) If your LP unit vented at the roof it would work. Yes it works on electric or gas just as well. A diesel generator would make your life much easier, I ran mine two weeks straight I only shut if off once to check the oil,(grand child on an oxygen machine) I always run with the genset and air cond on

[@joecote6648]

Hey Chad and Tara. Next time your are in extreme heat. If you have sufficient water supply, a spray of water on the condenser coils will reduce the temperature of the condenser coils. reducing the load on the compressor. I have used a water spray when the condenser fan failed. The water spray kept air conditioner running until a proper could be made. Good luck.

[@davidbottles3035]

That’s why I am wintering in the Rio Grande valley and be out of there mid March south Texas heat and humidity is a killer.

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

Wow, I feel your pain for sure. Alice and I had a very similar issue in Maine this summer but the park owner didn't try to work with us at all. When I went into the office the second time to report an electric issue and talk to him about LOW VOLTAGE his answer was to start yelling at me and KICK us out. No offer of another site just strait to getting kicked out. I actually recorded him yelling at me and I chose to put it into the video we did because he was the owner. We found out he has had several reports of electric issues and hasn't addressed them. We stayed at the same RV Park in Las Vegas as you guys in January. Thanks for sharing. This may have been the first video where Chad made an appearance without a hat.

[@ChangingLanes]

Some park owners would rather have their head in the sand and hope the electrical problem just goes away. 😞

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

@@ChangingLanes we agree completely which is sad, because the potential damage caused be be very expensive. Alice and I love watching you two and Phil and Stacy.

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks! - The negativity was minor. - The informavativity was priceless! - You guys rock.

[@timinsandiego6979]

I enjoyed this one. Happy travels!

[@jamescopeland9147]

I engage my engine brake all the time. The reason is if you continuously exercise the turbo it is less likely to seize when you get a lot of miles on the truck.

[@glenfinklea4117]

Years ago we took a trip to California from the southeast in a hippie van. We went to Vegas in July. It was HOT. We got a motel so we could cool off and it was as hot as the van. We didn't win in Vegas. Thanks for your video.

[@lavonsmith133]

Chad, in addition to turning your Jake brake on you should also put your transmission in a lower gear so it'll also help your brakes. As a truck driver, I drop down a mountain in a lower gear with Jake brake on and rarely touch my brakes, or just tap them. Thanks Lavon

[@jim87vette]

Oh ya, good times lol. I think we have all been there at some point. But hey no one got hurt.

[@bugsinthegrille6414]

We have same fridge in our Momentum. We replaced the cooling unit to a 120v compressor from JC Refrigeration in Shipshewana. Huge difference! Ice cream stays hard.

[@skiimountaineer]

I like your guys videos, note to self, head north when that hot! I'm going to install a mini-split uses half the power...

[@hughbrannen7481]

I have a question, not being a RV owner yet…I know you have a generator on board. Wouldn’t you be able to at least cool down your rig with that, until you got your shore power fixed?

[@ChangingLanes]

We were having issues with our genny and inverter at the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TCqGOJd6abb8U

[@allens7476]

Yes, but. In large fifth wheels the generator runs on propane, and unless you just filled the tanks, you run the risk of another problem, no propane, no fridge. Generators seem more practical on motorhomes where they share a vary large diesel fuel tank.

[@reginamaass-kane5591]

@@allens7476 With a large toy-hauler the generator runs off of regular gasoline that is stored in the fuel tanks in the back - most have 2 tanks - 1 for the generator and one for the "gas-station" for the toys. ;-)

[@novapill]

Thank you for sharing the reality of RV-ing and not sugar-coating the experience. Keep up the great work!

[@BrokenDreamsReborn]

We are so sorry y'all had to go through this! That is awful that the employee had no concern for y'all at all! Thanks for sharing! ~ Shion and Matthew

[@flexjay87]

So this is how the other half of RV'ers live :) Love the fact that you have a motorcycle with you, this is my goal also !

[@markprzesmicki9639]

Hi just a suggestion: when you're merging on the traffic is crank it up on the paved shoulder, until you get up to highway speed, then merge into the lane of travel ( love been driving Semi for 32 yrs. with Walmart now) 😉

[@jpgabriele9596]

Beautiful views, also a very informative and interesting vlog

[@johndaly2222]

Good explanation of electrical theory and OHM's law

[@gobdeep]

We camped this past summer in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. We stayed in Big Bend around 110-115F, started off boondocking, but moved to the RV campground because our kiddos got sick. The RV campground was so empty we had solid 119 volts the entire time we stayed in Big Bend. A lot of the issues you described with electricity are pre brownout-like symptoms. Everything is running so hard on the grid it’s difficult to get nominal service delivered to everybody. We also experimented with some of those alternate cooling methods for the fridge and it helped some. For example, we ran our generator on propane instead of gasoline so it would run cooler, putting shade over the air conditioner unit itself, and others. As far as engine braking, we use ours every time we tow/haul as it puts less stress on the brakes and adds additional assurance that we can stop in time. Summer camping in the desert is not for the faint of heart and, for those considering it, requires a good bit of planning especially if you prefer boondocking over hookups. Stay safe out there and happy travels!

[@donnac.1609]

I have run in to quite a few rv parks with low voltage. My Surge really does its job! Low voltage can ruin refer and a/c so when I hear my a/c drop down I know there is low voltage. Sometimes not low enuf to trip Surge Protection. My refer is a Dometic and (knock on wood) it is a good one. Makes Ice....ice cream if it is cheap ice cream! High temps of 117° in Az. and it did fine! Look into how residential refers are repaired. Have heard that it can be a problem. If they have to be removed you have to remove the slide. They build around them.

[@badgerpa9]

Big difference in mean negative people and your telling what happened to you. Video was good for people to think about asking if the camp electricity can handle the loads. If you guys got a HDT like a Western Star you could stop your trailer even if the trailer brakes failed. Sorry for pointing that out after a scare. At least you have Chad and even frustrated he knew what to do for the electricity, many people would be completely lost. Stay safe and healthy guys.

[@tomseals9083]

We try to stay close to the mountains of home Western North Carolina when it is that hot outside. Love your video style ... good and bad ... truth hurts sometimes. Miss seeing y'all hope you can come back soon. 😅

[@jeffrockel5176]

No negativity in the video, just real life and you handled it very well!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

When we go to Las Vegas we stay at the Nellis AFB but yeah, I know what you are talking about it is very hot. The first time that we went to Vegas we only had one a/c and let me tell you we were miserable so the next time we went we had two a/c's but even at the we wasn't as miserable. What I did to ours fridge I install a fan for the inside and on the back side I install two pc fans at the bottom and two big fan at the top vent like you mention but we haven't gone back to Vegas since I install though fans but it's not the residential fridge but having those fans will help some, glad that you guys got through that.