EVERYTHING WENT WRONG || BEGINNER RV MISTAKES || FULLTIME RV LIVING

[@gloriaa5861]

I subscribed...just because you were so painfully honest about the price you had to pay for the lessons learned. Stuff like this happens all the time. You don't realize that because most people are too ashamed to admit to anything less than perfection. Don't be so hard on yourselves. Stand tall and smile. Help others whenever possible. Now that you have "fallen off the turnip truck", you can help others through your experiences. Thank you for sharing. Take care.

[@GetawayCouple]

Hi, Gloria! Thank you for your kind words. I totally agree that most people don't want to project anything less than perfect (especially on social media!) but we thought these things needed to be heard. We are definitely trying to help other behind us on this journey with our RV 101 videos and showing the real side of RV life. Thanks for subscribing, welcome to the getaway gang! :)

[@stevebrien9759]

You two are my heroes. It's hard to admit mistakes but you doing so will really help others. My wife and I are about a year from starting what you are doing. I'll enjoy learning from you experiences. Thanks!

[@GetawayCouple]

Aww thanks, Steve! We're continuing to share our learning experiences as we go. Congrats on going full time, this next year is going to fly by for you. Happy travels!

[@fightfactory67]

Keep your heads up, guys!!! Everything will be OK. You live-you’ll learn. Have a great fun traveling!!!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks!! We've been on the road 5 months now and loving it 👍🏼

[@debbiehahn5622]

OMG You two are great. I'm sorry for all.your trouble. Sharing your problems is so awesome for those of us who are contemplating RV life or just beginning. Thank you so much♡

[@2009mechanic]

What really helped me out a lot before actually buying my own 5th wheel was that I would go camping with my friends once in a while and help them set up camp once we get there. After a few times I understood the things you need to do and why when pulling a trailer and setting it up once you get there. On my last trip in late summer 2017 , I chose a route that was on a fairly rough 2 lane highway up into Canada. When I went inside the camper , most of the drawers had moved themselves out on their own but I didn't lose anything. I had 6 ratchet straps holding down my motorcycle in the back garage , when I arrived 2 were left as one of them snapped in half and allowed the others to loosen. Motorcycle was okay. I bought better straps for the next trip. Next thing , I'm also installing the shock absorber kits for the trailer leaf springs. Apparently it bounces around back there a LOT.

[@frankwick3989]

Thanks! Thanks for being honest and upfront about the challenges we'll all face or have faced.

[@GetawayCouple]

You're welcome! And thank you for the kind comment 😄

[@alexhenry5542]

“Battle scarred“ 5th wheel plates and tow vehicle body damage make for good stories, it shows you’re having a great time on the road. Y’all be safe out there.

[@___Angelica]

you should not be embarrassed. you're just getting started. be easy on yourselves.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Angelica. It's always a little scary sharing your mistakes with people. Things have been a lot smoother and a lot of folks have been really nice about it. Thanks for your kind words!

[@outbackeddie]

It's hard to admit it when we make mistakes but you have probably saved a lot of people from making the same mistakes. Thanks for your candor and willingness to share your experiences with us.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank YOU for your kind comment. I do hope that we helped others avoid the same mistakes. Everyone had to learn somehow lol.

[@sharonjensen6263]

Keep your chin up, soon you will be experts. We made a check list for hitching and unhitching when we got our fifth wheel and both of us double check each other. It’s so important to be safe. Enjoy your adventure!

[@GetawayCouple]

Very true! We're glad these mistakes happened early because it made us safe RVers. Thank you for your sweet comment :)

[@amyf.2090]

Thanks for helping the rest of us out by sharing what you've learned. That was very brave of you!

[@jamesrice4072]

Your embarrassing situation just helped a lot of people. Kiddos to both of you for sharing this experience.

[@GetawayCouple]

We hope so! That’s why we share these experiences. Thanks so much!

[@justinw.6481]

You guys are just too cute.I LOVE the fact you are sharing "real" mistakes...people don't learn from success...they learn from making mistakes. Keep up the content!

[@cahoonm]

I think you two are great. I like how you are "in it together" . Great attitudes. Have fun and enjoy your lives!.

[@GetawayCouple]

haha, we are most definitely in it together! Thank you for your kind words, truly appreciate it 😄

[@charlesallen2687]

They are called wheel chocks. Always carry 2 2" x 10" boards, the first is 2' longer that the length of the wheels end to end, the second is 1' shorter than the first. You can stack the boards to level the rig

[@mindonaging2915]

You get your first "official" badge when you discover you've had the steps down all day on the road. Oh, maybe your rig doesn't have that problem. #awesome Keep us up on your travels, please.

[@otisgetman6074]

Cheers to a continuous adventuring . I got my first RV just 2 months ago. First time taking it out ripped off the steps. Since then I have ran out of gas, had issues with the carburetor, alternator, and had to get a tow. It's a 77 Chevy, Winnebago, Itasca. You two take care of yourselves, may good fortune shine upon you.

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh no! I've heard a lot of people rip off the steps though, you'd think they would come up with a better design! Thanks for the comment and happy travels to you!

[@angusm7341]

Thank you for being honest and admitting your mistakes -- Not everybody would do that! When I was a newbie RV'er I made up a checklist for setting up and breaking down your campsite and went through it every time in the beginning. After a few times you don't need the list anymore, but it makes your routines solid. Good Video!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Angus! Totally agree. We did create a checklist after these mishaps, and happy to say that after 5 months on the road we haven't had any other major issues. Happy New Year!

[@rondelvecchio5885]

You guys were very lucky, But Im glad that you still want to tell your story so others don't get into the same situation. I just purchased a 37 ft travel trailer and realized after I unhooked and pulled the truck forward I hadn't chocked the wheels. Thank God I had a level site!!!!

[@GetawayCouple]

Ahh, yes! You were lucky it was level. We always use our chocks now, even on paved sites lol. Congrats on your new purchase! Happy travels! :)

[@wbheald]

Gentle, harrowing, perfectly done video of this couple’s experience.

[@GetawayCouple]

Aww thank you! 😊

[@ediejohnson1486]

Thanks for having the guts to share your mistakes. You have, no doubt, saved others from making some, just by causing them to be more aware. My beginner's mistake knocked out the power to my real house and cost over $300 to repair. And it took three days to get it fixed. Here's to happy travels from here on out. Have fun.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you! The whole point of sharing was to help others so hopefully we have done that. That sounds rough about losing the power in your house but we're glad you got it fixed and learned from it too 😊

[@aliciar3528]

Thanks for sharing all the lessons so far! I can so see you guys quite literally holding onto the sides of that monster trying to physically stop it 🤣🤣 We are excited to hear more of the mishaps and how you learned from them so we can remember them if/when we hit the road!! 😘

[@wallswt]

If your trailer ever starts to roll while unhitched, pull the cable that you attach to the hitch or truck. This will apply max trailer brakes and stop it. Keep in mind it will be draining the house battery, so secure the trailer and put the pin back in ASAP.

[@GetawayCouple]

Awesome tip! We've learned so much in the last 3 months and haven't had any other major scares but this is a great tip to have in our "toolbox". Thank you!

[@hillbillyeverything4357]

I thought to do the same thing as soon as they got to the part "It Started Rolling"

[@2009mechanic]

I bought the leveling kits for mine and got more than one. Also bought the chocks that snap into those same leveling kits. Once the tire puts any pressure on them , they cannot come out. I was a bit worried once when I had to use up both my kits on one side of the camper as the site was so out of level , yes it was a KOA. I carry extra pieces of 1x6 lumber scraps just in case I run out of the leveling blocks. I also carry the individual chocks that are to be used on their own. I'm thinking those wedge type wheel chocks would also be a good idea to lock both tires to each other.

[@comfortouch]

@@2009mechanic Just an FYI, If you ever decide to go over the border to Canada, you will not be allowed to take 'raw' lumber. If you are using wood for chocks, make sure it's pressure treated.

[@nanniek2520]

OMG, I could not believe your bad luck. I could not imagine going through all that in a 3 day span. Thank you for sharing.

[@GetawayCouple]

You're welcome! Thankfully, we got all of that bad stuff out of the way early on and are loving this lifestyle now!

[@laytonhaese7888]

The 30 amp will work fine with one air conditioner or when not needing air at all. 50 amp is for bigger rigs that have 2 roof air conditioners... that your intend to use both at the same time. if you are not in hot country where you need that extra amperage ...i.e. want to use both air conditioners just for the 30 amp spots it is usually a little cheaper also. Heavier things on the counter I put in the sink and stuff a towel around it. don't trust the "it will be fine scenario" secure everything for those bumps... In regards to what Tim Jeandrevin said in your comments below... he is correct; as a newbie things that freak you out at the time are just little irritations or steps you forgot to check or do, most are really no big deal and we all went and still occasionally go through them. I just got back on the road again after a few years of staying in one location got another trailer. I had been on the road for 7 years before and... point is I was surprised on how many small things I forgot that had become routine in the set up and precautions storage habits etc. So don't be embarrassed to make yourself a check list to go by... a pre-flight and post flight plan and a emergency or repair plan, trouble plan etc.

[@conniefritz701]

We all make those beginner mistakes. I have tripped my breakers 50 times because I forget I cannot use the fire place and the microwave at the same time. This life style definitely comes with a learning curve.

[@rclaurence]

RVing is very humbling. Especially to us Newbies. I’m new to it also. I absolutely love the lifestyle and the ability to move around and see different places. I think it’s very nice of y’all to make the video. It’s good for thought to other newbies that might not think of something and they’ll learn from others “don’t do this” experience. Good luck in the future and keep on keeping on! Thanks for the video. Good watch and good lessons! Clay

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Clay! We've definitely grown a lot over the last 6 months and learned a ton. You're right though, the perfect word for it is humbling. We love the lifestyle as well and are glad that people are learning from our mistakes lol. Happy travels and maybe we'll see you on the road! 😀

[@SharonCullenArt]

The unhitching problems are a pain, but you’ll never do it again. We actually left a campsite last year telling the rangers that they shouldn’t put a big rig on the spot because it is unable to be leveled. People were watching us and it was embarrassing. We have 30 year experience too! But. Kept telling my husband the level wasn’t moving. We use a bubble level inside the door even though we have auto leveling. We left and went to a different campground and I opened the door to drop the level in and sure enough the bubble was stuck. I started laughing. It had somehow popped out of place and once I snapped the plastic cover over h bubble down everything worked. We wasted 2 hours! But hey things happen. We don’t leave anything on our counters either. And even though we have a newer rig with tight latches on our cupboard we bunny many of them closed while are underway. I’m sure now that you are experienced you have your routine.

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh no 😂while that is unfortunate, it makes us feel better to hear that veterans in the RV world still make silly mistakes. I think we've all wasted time doing stuff like that! And yes, we have a routine in place now and nothing gets put on the counters anymore lol. Love the idea to bunny the cupboard, I'll definitely look into that. Thanks!

[@sheilasieber5117]

We had similar bad days while RVing in Alaska a couple of years ago. That turning around in narrow cities/streets is the absolute worst! It makes for rising tensions, that is for sure! Be safe and keep on going!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks so much, Sheila! We’ve been on the road 5 months now and are happy to say things are going much better. So glad we didn’t call it quits 😊

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Our trailer came off our Range Rover a few years ago. I was so frightened that I froze. Fortunately there was no traffic, no people and no one gets hurt. The people ran down from the nearby camp site when they heard the Big Bang as our unit hit the road. Just minor damage, mostly to my pride, and too many people helping. However, lesson learned to have a check list and double check all the connections. Stay safe, loving your videos. Trev 🇬🇧

[@GetawayCouple]

Totally a lesson learned! That sounds terrifying. So glad to hear no one was hurt (except your pride lol, we totally get that).

[@cherylhenson2720]

I pray for you a guiding angel to help you with your travels. We all learn deepest from our mistakes. I am glad you survived it & learned along the way.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you, Cheryl! We have learned so much since then and are doing great now.

[@DocRevo]

Experience will get you into a routine that covers all the necessary steps. I was lucky that my first time out the only 2 problems where running over the sewer cap (broke the plastic in a loud pop that stunned the whole campground!) and I started to unhitch before I checked alignment / clearance of slides and the power pedestal. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, stays on the counters. Part of packing up to move our rig is to clear all loose items and put all appliances (toaster, coffee maker, ice maker) either inside lower cabinets, or just on the floor...everything will get thrown around. I was advised that before my first trip. Also be careful of loose items that can possibly shift and get into the way of the slide outs going back out. We had a cabinet door, which is behind the slide when that's retracted, pop open because of too many linens / pillows stuffed inside. When I ran the slide out the next time, the cabinet door caught the trim on the slide and cracked it loose.

[@bobferguson1144]

Welcome to the world of RV'ing. What a week for you two!. So glad you did not lose the trailer or get hurt. Hoping for better days for you,, don't forget to ask for help, everyone who is livng and traveling in RV's wants to help with advice. Nice video. Good luck!

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey, Bob! Thanks so much for your kind comment. We’ve actually been on the road 6 months now and are loving it! We’ve learned a thing or two so it’s going a lot smoother 😉

[@bobferguson1144]

Great, time in the coach really makes a difference, and problems solved make one aware of hazards to be avoided, like buying wheel chocks. LOL! We know how it is. Our first year in a 2001 Pace Arrow we had a broken water pipe in the wall of the bathroom, had some minor roof issues, but we had strangers that turned into friends that helped us through. We hope to get back to full time in 2018 with a class c. Thanks for the return comment!. Any help we can be to you let us know.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you so much! We’ve definitely had some help and advice on the road from others. This community is amazing. We hope to see you back on the road soon! We will definitely reach out with any question ☺️

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

Instead of all those levelers, bring boards and throw them in the back of your truck. They have saved our butt a number of times. I can't even imagine your terror when the rig rolled. It makes our little mishaps seem petty in retrospect. We even started rolling out of the campground with our awning still out. We hardly ever used it and who looks up when you do your walk around! LOL! We now have a note next to the door.

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh no! How far did you get with the awning out? We rarely use ours as well so now that's another thing for me to worry about lol. And yes, it was so scary when it rolled back! We have literally NEVER forgotten chocks since then though :)

[@petitchenil]

Once you said you were going to Petaluma and turned on 580 West I thought Oh No. Then you released the 5th wheel and I thought of the time I did that on my brothers and lucky the tailgate stopped it from rolling down the hill. Remember the first time you don't do something or forget it is a lesson, the second time it is a mistake and the third it is a sign to give up. I'm glad to get as many lessons out of the way as possible without harm!

[@GetawayCouple]

Yes, we learned a lot of lessons that week! But I'm happy to say that we haven't made those mistakes again and I think it taught us to be safer RVers. We've been on the road 6 months now and love it! Thanks for your kind comment 😄

[@lindasullivan2270]

I've got one for you-- bringing home the motorhome. first night went great - got up the next morning and got the rig ready and pulled away and left one of three slides out!!! two lane road - guy honked at me - disaster avoided! YOu should watch me double/triple check now!

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh my gosh! So glad that person flagged you down lol. Yes, we now have it ingrained in our heads to chock our tires! We haven't forgotten since lol. Happy travels!

[@sheilahag]

Don’t feel bad.....my husband DROPPED our fifth wheel on the bed of our 2014 Ford F350 last year! We got it fixed and when we went camping THIS year, you guessed it, he dropped it again!!!! It is in the repair shop currently getting fixed AGAIN!! I am sure our insurance will be going up... How did he drop the trailer on the bed of our truck? He forgot to put the chocks on the wheels and put the front levelers down. So when he released it from the hitch ... cabomb!!!! It was awful!!! But believe it our not, the people fixing our truck says it happens all the time. I told my husband just take your time, think it thru. I think we will also make a list of items to do when unhitching & hitching up. So, don’t feel bad.

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh no that sounds so scary!! Especially to happen twice! We made a checklist after this video and I'd have to say it helped a lot. But, like you said, these things totally happen which is why it's nice to share stories so you know you're not the only one lol. Safe travels to you guys!

[@jobarrieglenn]

Glad to hear that we are not the only one’s. we failed to listen for that double click when hitching up. Our 5th wheel and truck parted company as we pulled out of the camp site. A great big wallop which totalled our tail gate. Also felt such N ass! But those all around helped us get straightened out.

[@thinkingape7655]

Don’t be so hard on yourselves. The slight damage just adds character 👍

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha thanks. That's one way to put it so we'll go with it 😉

[@georgev3997]

The best quote about storing things while you are under way is. There is a hurricane on the outside, and an earthquake on the inside. Stow everything every time. We have the same unit as you. When every we move it seems the drain pipe under the sink comes undone. So now I leave the panel covering it off. Its just one of those things that happens when you are rolling down the road at 75mph. Keep up the vids I love watching . Thank You

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey, George! That is a great quote, we might steal it for future use lol. Since you have the same unit as us, we just noticed the panels under our slides are getting water in them. We found a blog article that explains where to caulk them so this stops but apparently it's a big issue with GD. Are you experiencing this?

[@georgev3997]

We have not had any issues like that. We do have slide toppers. Do you?

[@DaveGalligher]

Great story guys, it get's better. Remember to have fun, stuff like you are describing are the 'trailer war stories' you will tell to others when they become newbies. 20+ years towing trailers with my wife, six trailers, etc. there are plenty to tell. Love each other, don't ride the other too much and look out for each other. Oh, and don't leave anything on your counters when you are traveling with a trailer, it's not as smooth of a ride that you would get with a coach - there is a lot of moving and shaking going on back there and there are not seatbelts - that is why in most states it's illegal to carry passengers back there when you are traveling down the road. Recommend watching the Long, Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo, you will laugh your tails off.

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey, Dave! Thanks, for the recommendation, I will definitely watch that! I LOVED "I Love Lucy" as a kid lol. And yes, we've learned to take everything off the counters now. And not to get on each other's backs lol. We've been on the road 8 months now and are finally feeling more in the groove of things. So glad we didn't give us as this lifestyle is amazing!

[@loborob5853]

Thanks for sharing. On the positive side, consider all the lessons you learned in the span of a couple days. At this rate you'll be seasoned pros in just a few weeks. Happy trails:)

[@GetawayCouple]

haha, that's very true! Looking back, I'm glad this all happened right away. It's made us more organized and safer travelers for sure.

[@travelerusa967]

I am getting a Van thanks to your video. I will keep it simple. Less space but don't need the stress of driving, parking, etc..

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey Mike, yes if you are good with the space then a van is perfect! If it makes you feel better, we are now in week 17 of our trip and feeling MUCH more comfortable with everything now :)

[@davidstansbury5334]

You guys are soooo right- stupid rookie mistakes. But- we've all been there and done that! Hope you're okay now. Good luck to you!

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha yup, definitely rookie mistakes. We are definitely okay now. This video was made 8 months ago and we are happy to report we are loving this lifestyle now! Glad we got the mistakes out of the way early :)

[@monicalifornia_]

My heart dropped into my stomach when you said that trailer was rolling away. That's a big one but it is nice to know we are all going through this together. Hang in there and live your dream. ❤❤❤

[@GetawayCouple]

Yeah, it was a huge one for us, but others have been sharing their mistakes on a FB group we're in and we feel a lot better about it. We realize now it could have been so much worse. Like you said, it is really nice having others to go through this adventure with. We're in week 15 now and haven't made any other major mistakes and are loving this lifestyle!

[@jeffjohnson9576]

I had a trailer roll away on me once too. Stuff happens. Even to the most safety-conscious of us. This trailer had spring brakes on the axles. When there is an absence of air pressure, the spring brakes are supposed to hold the trailer securely. This trailer was severely neglected and the brakes were obviously worn out. When I went to connect to it it took off down a hill. Had I known the brakes were so crappy I would have used wheel chocks on it. I'm just glad nobody was hurt in your case or mine. Great video! :-)

[@rvencounters6663]

It happens to us all, Some days are diamonds and some days are rocks

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks! And that's very true, we've definitely had some diamond days too.

[@rickhall361]

Lessons learned, good advice for first time 5th wheel RVERs

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks!

[@richc8253]

Oh my gosh. I'm glad it all worked out and you didn't lose your home! I love the video, you guys are hilarious. Keep posting and don't worry about anyone making fun of you! Everyone makes mistakes and Hopefully will learn from them!

[@GetawayCouple]

Aww, thank you!! We're used to people poking fun (especially after this video) but it's folks like you that make us keep moving forward and sharing our mistakes! Thank you for your positivity! 😊

[@moriah1394]

Awesome video and I've watched many of these: 7 hour and 20$ plus gas mistake is the sort of thing that cummulatively when added with mistake at campground and how she found out about that are sooooo really important..."I've worked here 4 years and I never knew you couldn't book something or other on our website" !!! can you believe it? never would have expected it. ..other things, like crowdedness of site and slope ALL IMPORTANT especially cumulatively....number of leveling blocks etc. super important and they are clear concise speakers who do not interject "Like" "You know" or other extraneous stuff.

[@DizzyIzzyMom]

Oh my goodness....you two had such a bad time....we have all been there.. Thanks for sharing. Hang in there.....life on the road is really fun!

[@GetawayCouple]

We're 8 months in now and totally loving it! So glad we didn't quit, things have been much smoother since this video as well lol.

[@MrCPPG]

Some things you will just learn through experience. Boat ownership can be the same way. Just learn to take your time and don't make the same mistake twice. You might make a setup and breakdown checklist you can follow each time to ensure everything is done right.

[@dbutler27]

Have stayed at that KOA, with a 38ft Raptor, very tight kampground...we had our water tank fall out headed South on 101 to Paso Robles....craziest thing ever occured

[@GetawayCouple]

Yes, very tight! And that's crazy about the water tank. Hopefully, you got it fixed rather quickly!

[@flpirate45]

Welcome to RVing,loved your story. Always check your air pressure on your trailer, and lugs while traveling. . Lugs come loose, tires loose or gain pressure. Good luck on your trips.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks for the tips! Luckily we have both of those on our checklist. We also purchased a TPMS that has been so helpful!

[@nathanl157]

WOW! Thank God you didn't loose it, thank you for sharing

[@GetawayCouple]

Yes, thank goodness! That would have been horrible.

[@Servinghimalwyz]

thanks for sharing the mistakes. Might be embarrassing, but we appreciate the opportunity to learn from your mistakes.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks for the nice comment, Brian!

[@joeruiz3905]

Again take your time and double check everything. You'll learn as you go. Enjoy your journey & keep the videos coming :)

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks so much, Joe! We have a checklist now and have learned so much over the last 3 months :) We will definitely keep the videos coming.

[@normabaldridge6563]

Oh, if it makes you feel any better. We are newbies, but in our 60’s, we will go on our next big trip in May and I hope things go better for us than the first. 1st truck blew up with 200miles over the warranty, no towage insurance, grandbaby on the way and we needed to get from NM to VA ASAP, put the truck in the garage with no hope of getting it back for months,(small town USA). We decided to just buy another truck and once the other one is fixed we will sell it. Crashed into a cement block in Walmart parking lot, so see newbies should travel with a mentor for at least 6 months. All is well now but Aug through October was just not good for us. Happy Trails from NM

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh no! Of course, that happens right after the warranty expires 😨There really should be a mentorship program! Glad all is well with you two now, thankfully things are good with us too. Glad we got those big mistakes out of the way early in our journey. Congrats on the new grand baby as well! 🎉Happy travels!

[@rubberdiscoduck]

Give it time. Your doing nothing that others haven't done. Soon you be nailing it like the older folks

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Scott! We've been doing a lot better since making this video (8 months ago!) and totally love the RV lifestyle now. Glad we stuck with it and really glad we got these mistakes out of the way early. Really appreciate your positive comment 👍

[@ksignorini]

I've watched a bunch of your more recent vids (2021) and somehow stumbled on this oldie. WOW! You guys are amazing. Good for you for coming so far in your adventure. I would bet that the honestly presented in this video, sharing like you did, allowed you to learn everything you needed to in order to get where you are today. You should be very proud! Keep up the great vids. All the best!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks so much! Thanks for the compliments Kent! We really do appreciate it!

[@ksignorini]

@@GetawayCouple You're welcome!

[@da7heaven]

Love your transparency and willingness to teach others...we've all done similar things being newbies...

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you so much!

[@ManWander]

so scary... that thing with the trailer moving by itself... but... the mental picture of you two trying to keep it from rolling by hanging on to it made me ROTFLOL big time! Glad it worked out!

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha, yes it was quite a sight for all the other campers watching! Glad we got that embarrassing moment out of the way early lol.

[@michellehanks5355]

So, I've been watching lots of your videos and I wanted to watch some of different channels very first few videos and you guys are the cutest. You are so quiet and timid in this video compared to how lively you are now. I love to see the transformation. Y'all are one of my favorites and we hope to meet you someday. We are starting our pay off debt and head out full time this month.

[@jamesmoore3346]

Every one has made mistakes with trailers. Ive had two over tht yearrs. The owner of the company i work for bought him a new diesel GMC truck and a huge fifth wheel with a super slide. I got to work on monday and it was parked in the company parking lot. Seems he was going to spend the weekend away but after trying three times to back it in the slot he gave up and drove back to the shop. I tried to teach him but he just parked it behind the office and there it set. We all got to enjoy it.

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh wow, I can't believe he didn't try to learn how to drive it! We've been on the road now 6 months and feel a lot more comfortable with it. Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@UncleEarl97]

You two remind me so much of myself and then wife long ago, young, but honest and capable of learning from the mistakes that young folks make. Ah to be young again! Well maybe not. Don't worry, as older folks you'll still make some mistakes but not as frequently since you'll have more accumulated wisdom. Those dents and scratches will serve as future cautious warnings before you act, so they served a purpose! My advice from my boating years, before pulling into your slip or spot, survey the whole layout and plan ahead, visualize it, then execute your plan but be prepared to keep from pushing a bad approach or situation and making it worse! You'll have better experiences with better planning. Good luck!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@dougs2301]

Thanks for sharing we all can learn from what we see and hear. I definitely can relate to the wrong turn traffic story. You don't need to be straight with the trailer to hook and unhook using your equipment. I'm wondering if you lifted the kingpin up out of the hitch vertically, which would be incorrect. there are lots of vids about how to hook and unhook fifth wheel trailers. you might find that carrying a ground contact (pressure treated lumber) 2x6 with you will be useful for those camp sites that are not level. Leave your trailer harness connected when you pull out from under the trailer so you can use the trailer brakes from the cab of the truck if the trailer moves when you unhook. pull up a few feet and then disconnect the harness.

[@2009mechanic]

New to RVing with a 29' 5th wheel toy hauler 3 years ago.Went on 3 trips with it so far out of the country to Canada. Worst thing that happened to me? Had to turn around and go back as I missed my turn at night in a downtown gas station while it was raining. Didn't see the steep driveway approach while I was driving out and turning at the same time. The bottom side of the 5th wheel contacted the top of my box on the inside above the box wheel well and put a nice crease in it about 1 inch deep and a foot long where it hit. Didn't hurt the camper.Hurt my pride though. Didn't see it until the next morning and said WTH. The remedy was to set that 5th wheel plate up higher so it wouldn't hit again. Also be more careful when going INTO and OUT of gas stations. The good thing is that I normally run a topper on the truck so it is never seen until I remove it.

[@GetawayCouple]

Yikes! That's awful. We're too scared to travel at night lol. It's been 7 months since this video and we're doing a lot better though. Actually happy we learned these lessons early on.

[@2009mechanic]

Live and learn. I run a standard cab pickup truck with the long box and large 34 gallon fuel tank. "What I really do like is that I can do a U-Turn right in the middle of an intersection with it , turns on a dime.

[@dustykatz2744]

I'm still in the "research" phase of my escape journey. It's interesting hearing stories from newbies. Good luck and safe travels.

[@lovethervlife4225]

It's OK, breathe! Learn by fire. We all started somewhere!

[@GetawayCouple]

So very true. We're actually happy these experiences happened during our first week because we are much safer travelers now.

[@koslund11]

The wife and I have been traveling around with our fifth wheel for the last couple years and it kind of makes me feel a little better knowing the others learn the same way. Once you get into a routine you'll be fine. Check out the Levelmatepro 2 and Anderson leveler chocks. Both will make leveling and chocking so much easier. I really have a problem with getting the trailer level. This unit works every time and shortens our set up by quite a bit. Have fun and enjoy the journey.

[@GetawayCouple]

Yeah, we're getting a lot of comments with people saying they've made mistakes (and even bigger ones than us) and that made us feel a lot better too. No matter how much research you do before hand there are just some things you have to learn by doing. I think we are considering the Anderson chocks now as a couple people have recommended them. Thanks for the tip!

[@Michaelw777.52]

Good video. We all make those kinds of mistakes. I made a similar one with a truck/camper combo where I accidentally left the truck in neutral. I was up in the cabover bed before I realized, Yep, we're rolling downhill. In a parking lot. With cars in front. My wife at the time said she didn't know how I got through the crawl-through window so fast! This was decades ago, and I still vividly remember that moment. No harm done though. Here's another mistake I made I want to share for your benefit: I pulled into a gas station, and didn't realize the shade overhang for the pumps was lower than my camper...put a nice gash in it. Most of them these days are high enough, but you might want to look out for those when looking for fuel. Ahhhh...good times...;-)

[@GetawayCouple]

haha, oh no! Those stories made my stomach drop a little. We have been super paranoid about height since the day we bought the trailer so thankfully that's always on our radar. I'm always looking up lol. Thank you for sharing your stories and the kind words. Happy travels!

[@johnleebass]

You guys went thru hell. I lived in SF for 23 yrs, but moved to travel full time in my RV - was coming from ID & OR, driving thru SF (which of course I know very well!), got distracted - didn't take the right exit to AVOID the GG Bridge, so now I am stuck (committed) having to travel thru the city (33' Class A & a towed vehicle, with 2 dogs!), and my car dolly hitch broke somehow and was dragging (barely making it thru the narrow city streets), seeing sparks from the drag. Pull over at rest area about 2 hours later (also miserable and loud cause the only space was on the rest area's exit to the hwy!). Not even on the hwy 30 min and I hit such a massive pothole that my RV tire blew out - I luckily gained control (FYI - never take your foot off the accelerator if God forbid this ever happens to you towing all that weight). The pothole took out my hydralic line, cut my back-up cameras line - costing over $7,000 in repairs & hotel (plus repair to my towed car from my RV's blown out tire). Well - get RV out of shop - not even on the hwy 1 hour and was going thru a very high gust wind valley and the winds were so strong that it disengaged my awning. And I totally get the fear of watching your trailer roll back - - when I was in high school - I always took my ski boat out. Well - it wasn't secured properly to the hitch - hit a bump and down the hill goes my boat (off my truck) - damages this lady's brand new Trooper and continues to go through her PERFECTLY manicured lawn, and of course destroys her car and her yard! So, don't feel so bad, but yeah - this crap is scary and things seems to always go wrong on travels. BEST OF LUCK!

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey John, that is INSANE! We truly cannot even imagine what that must have been like. We ended up turning around on Treasure Island because we knew there was no way we were making it through SF with our 42 ft trailer. I can't even imagine losing a boat too! Reading that gave us chills. How is traveling for you now? Hopefully no more major scary incidents!

[@lifestationexpresslinda9425]

Oh my goodness John! Yikes!

[@itsno1duh]

There surely must be a prize for you intrepid folks that stuck with it! Thanks for sharing!

[@rictech1325]

Welcome to RVING !! Are we having fun yet? Your not the only ones this has happened to !! I’ve done the same thing. It really makes you laugh. Not to mention your video will help other people. Wish you the best. Ric in nor cal.

[@chiefvia4170]

Thanks for being honest. hope it goes better in future.

[@colinsmith8572]

We all make mistakes but most of us try to avoid making them all on the same day, better luck in the future guys.

[@hwaigand]

Well, sometimes life sucks, but don't forget how little all that means compared to what is coming your way and why you started this. You make mistakes, you learn and you get better at all those things. We have some Popsicles in the freezer for those opportunities. As long as nobody gets physically harmed you sit down, look at it and laugh..... and you have another story for the campfire..... Take care of each other and enjoy the journey..... scratches and dents and other little mishaps will add character.....

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you so much, and everything you said is so true. This was our second KZbin video and was about 7 months ago. Happy to report we are laughing about these experiences now and loving this lifestyle. Thanks again for your kind words, we truly appreciate it!

[@boatdesigner12]

Cheer up, we all learn the hard way. Always ask for level lot, easy access, height restrictions and width for slides on both sides. Call rather than rely on e-registration. Have the person you talk to check before you hang up.

[@carlkey9136]

You guys are sweet to share your stories. Be sure to keep a diary or ship’s log as I call it. I’ve been RVing for over 30 years and have a ton of what are now but not then funny stories.

[@GetawayCouple]

Hey Carl, thanks so much. And that's a great idea! Jason does have a log of things we do and the vlogs that we post are a great visual log for us. I like the idea of keeping a general diary just for us though!

[@MyTi824]

So what have we learned here? Your still together, you did it , you will never make those mistakes again, you didnt kill any body, maybe some instructional videos ? Thanks for sharing, It helps to hook up with someone who has experience the first few times out. Good luck.

[@GetawayCouple]

Hi Darlene! You’re totally right, we learned all of those things. This video is actually from about 5 months ago and we’ve been doing a lot better since! We have started an RV 101 series to help other behind us on the journey 😊

[@CatheysKid]

You guys are GREAT!!! Love your honesty....The hits just kept coming....Had a great laugh with you. It will all get easier...we've ALL had our share of mistakes...keep on RVing!

[@GetawayCouple]

haha thank you so much!! It was definitely a rough week for us. Happy to report that things have been (mostly) great since then! We're fully adjusted to this lifestyle and even got our amazon business back up and running :)

[@stevenscott4096]

If you haven't yet, develop a step by step list to haul your RV. Start with the very first things you do to ready the RV all the way until you've both in the truck and driving away. Do the same for setting it up. Follow the lists every time. I even use the X-chocks on a level site at home just for consistency. Second, have a short list of the steps prior to and connecting the RV to the truck as well as disconnecting. Learn that routine and follow it every time. Now, for the big tip, when your wife (I'm sexist here and thinking the connection/disconnection is the guy thing) asks you something, or when a fellow RVer stops to chat while you're in your hookup/unhook phase, stop your routine. When the conversation is done, start at the beginning of the list. Don't assume you remember exactly where you were. That 5 minutes lost in starting over can save you from a catastrophe. Backing up. You spouse needs to be farther back than the back of the RV and needs to stay so you can see them. Always, always, always see your spotter. If they move out of your mirror, STOP. You will find as time goes on they will become more aware of staying where you can see them. Personally, I want my spotter to make 3 motions. Indicate if the back of the RV needs to move left or right by pointing to the left or right and let me know to stop. Generally my wife does the inside stuff and I do the outside. When we're done and ready to pull away we both go through the inside and the outside to make sure neither of us has forgotten anything. Best of luck in your RVing. It is a ton of fun and you'll meet some great folks.

[@stygertravel]

We made a similar mistake when we started as well. We lifted the jack without chalks and the only thing that stopped our RV from making it to the next county was our safety chains.

[@GetawayCouple]

eep! Glad to hear we're not alone lol.

[@camibadolato2119]

I'm sorry you had bad experiences but I'm so thankful that you made this video and I hope you keep making more so we can learn from your experiences, good and bad! I learned a lot just from this one video. We are considering buying an RV and this was extremely helpful!!

[@JakkiousEliot]

I felt so bad for you, but at the same time, I couldn't help laughing either. You guys definitely went through the non-typical learning curve, but you came out of it in one piece and together. It gets better. This is the first time watching your videos and you two are the cutest newbies. looking forward to more of your newbie adventures.

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha, don't feel bad for laughing! This was 6 months ago so we even laugh at ourselves now. You're definitely right about it getting better. We're loving this lifestyle and everything it has to offer now. We have plenty of newbie adventures for ya lol

[@davingros5698]

Thank you guys for the honest video most of that's just newbie stuff but the trailer rolling would have been terrifying glad everything turned out okay for you

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Davin! It was definitely scary but all it took was one time for us to learn our lesson :)

[@dennisemmel8513]

Lol . Welcome to full time rving. I’ve seen seasoned RVers make the simplest mistakes it’s what camping is all about learning..I once forgot to remove the trailer chock and couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t make it out of the site, so I put the truck in 4 wheel drive and gunned it. I’d never seen a trailer literally bounce in the air. Luckily no damage and downright embarrassing..to this day my wife reminds me every time we pack to leave....enjoy and happy trails

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you for sharing your story! That makes us feel better lol. We've gotten much better since this video and now have a checklist for everything 😀

[@suekelderhouse5160]

Oh I feel for you! Cheer up, we all have days like that! Thanks for sharing all this. Though I'm sure it was painful and embarrassing to relive, it may help others learn by your mistakes.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you, Sue! We are definitely hoping people will learn from our mistakes. A few have reached out and said they have so that makes it all worth it. Thankfully, this was 7 months ago and I'm happy to report we are doing a lot better and totally loving this lifestyle.

[@suekelderhouse5160]

Awesome, hope to see your pup in more videos too.

[@seamansj]

Wouldn't consider it stupid. If you learn from it, it's a learning process. Things will happen and like someone else commented, slow down and double check certain things as you are hooking and unhooking. Great video.

[@GetawayCouple]

Very true! We've learned to slow down and created a checklist to follow awhile ago. Thanks for being positive!

[@lifestationexpresslinda9425]

Some of these stories are just rich! So much can happen. Thanks for the laughs and for helping us remember to go over everything more than once! Great video! :) We're going full time this summer, and no, you didn't sway us from it! LOL!

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha, glad to hear we didn't sway you! We've been on the road 5 months now and LOVE it! It was actually good to get these issues out of the way early on. Congrats on going full time! Happy travels!

[@Frindleeguy]

Good on you for a sharing. Lots of people need to hear these experiences!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thank you! If our mistakes help one other person avoid the same thing then that's all that matters! Also, you don't happen to be from Australia? My brother in law is an Aussie and says "good on you" a ton!

[@Frindleeguy]

Getaway Couple Not from Australia, just a weirdo! Haha I'm in Alabama this week actually.

[@candicevee1]

On our second trip, our new truck pulling our new trailer broke down in the desert on a day over 100 degrees F. We were lucky we didn’t die. It took 2 weeks for a dealership 30 miles away to repair our truck. We had an angel of a friend in that small town take us in and loan us a vehicle. Maybe someone was watching over us that day.

[@GetawayCouple]

What a nightmare but glad to hear it turned out for the best!

[@lorilust6150]

I am new to your channel, & want to tell you that I really appreciate your story of the not so glamorous side of RVing. We all have stories of oopsies we've done. My husband & I have a saying. Use it. Break it. Fix it. Stuff still happens to us, we've been rving for over 15 yrs.

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks for the kind words, Lori! We've definitely grown a lot since this video and are so glad we stuck with it.

[@amypletcher4411]

KZbin just bought this video up and so I am just seeing it. Thank you for your tips!! Great job sharing your mistakes.

[@GetawayCouple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgevance399]

Wow you guys! I've followed you a little over a year but never saw this one. Sure glad you kept going.

[@DevilDog68]

You two are a lot of fun and I really enjoy your videos... thanks!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks so much!

[@daveswaisgood7995]

It'll get better! Hang in there!

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks, Dave! It totally did get better. This is one of our older videos (8 months ago actually) and we're totally loving this lifestyle now.

[@daveswaisgood7995]

Very good! Congrats!

[@jeffreycarter3066]

Sorry to hear about those issues but happy you shared. 👍🏻

[@GetawayCouple]

Thanks! Hopefully others can learn from our mistakes.

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

As you found out the hard way. Rving is no joke it's serious business. Their re many things to be mindful about. Slow your thoughts down design a team check list which you and your partner have roles in prepping for setup or tear down .

[@lizkellogg8519]

Always nice to see what people go through when first starting out! Thanks for sharing your journey. :)

[@GetawayCouple]

You’re so welcome!

[@navado75]

Welcome to the club. Good or bad when you look back it's all good.

[@Smokin07ram]

OMG! I'm literally crying! I feel so bad for you guys at the same time! I think everybody does these things! Little story for you guys: When I was about 14 my Dad bough a trailer and off we go to a place called Swan Lake....Looked more like a gator infested swamp but hey it was our first night! Mom and Dad had a fight while Dad backed up for the first time so I got elected director....That didn't go well either, but we eventually got it done. Dad had a bad case of diarrhea and had to run off to the bathroom (emergency style) and told me to unhook the trailer (like we had practiced in our level driveway). I undid the hitch and started cranking the trailer off the ball, when all of a sudden the trailer took off headed for Swan Lake! I of course tried to stop it screaming at the top of my lungs for my Dad's help (he was nearly to the washroom). The trailer drug me some 20 yards and just as it was about to go over an embankment into the lake Dad came sliding in and jerked the the little safety break away cable. As the trailer came to a stop I heard a great cacophony in Dads shorts and the unthinkable happened to a very proud man! Dad got cleaned up while I received stitches at the local DRs office (I was a mess). After all that Dad went to hook up the trailer and pull it from the precipice, missed and caved in the trunk of the car pretty good with the trailer tongue.....A great first day! You are not alone my friends! :)

[@GetawayCouple]

Oh noooo! Well now we're crying from your story 😂Your poor dad just wanted to give you guys a family trip lol. Sorry to had to get stitches but man, I bet that's a story that no one forgets lol. Thanks for sharing!

[@ScarlettO323]

Oh the stories we could all tell if we were sitting around a campfire. You two pulled thru pretty well.

[@GetawayCouple]

Haha, we love hearing other peoples stories on the road! But thanks, glad we got those rough patches out of way early :)