First Year Full Time - NOT What we had hoped for. RV LIFE | EP42

[@migrantsoulx]

I loved how clear and transparent this was. You both seem very genuine. Thank you!

[@MidlifeDetour]

I hope we are ALL of those things! Thank you for watching 🙂

[@leehensley7711]

With as many problems you have had, I am truly impressed with your upbeat attitudes. It is a credit to you.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much, Lee! We are determined to make all of this work and we are hopeful this will be OUR YEAR! 😀

[@mikeweis5925]

I realize this is a year old, but I’m catching up. Some comments: 1. So glad to hear about MudFlap. We are leaving next week for a 6-8 wk trek in Southern Texas. We use Open Roads but this opens up more options. 2. It’s okay to fly by the seat of your pants sometimes. Too much structure can limit. 3. We are going to camp on Magnolia Beach on this trip. It’s been on my “soft bucket list” for a long time but was too leery until I watched your KZbin. 4. Just love your videos and the truthfulness you share. Thanks.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yes, we always like to keep as many options as we can when it comes to places to stay or ways to save! Our travel is…well, as you know…not structured but that’s how we like it 🙂 HAVE A BLAST at Magnolia! Thanks for the feedback and for hanging out with us! 😎🏝️

[@shelleywalker6225]

You guys always bring a smile to my face. You gotta love anyone that will pause a video to show their furbaby snoring. 💙🐾🐾💙 I love watching my Baby Girl sleeping, she snores also. I started watching your channel to get the perspective of someone selling their house to hit the road. Thanks for sharing your journey. Congratulations on your first grandchild. Take care & safe travels.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Aren’t fur babies just the best!! We are a little over the top when it comes to them (probably don’t treat them like dogs as much! 😬) but they truly enrich our EVERY DAY life and we can’t imagine traveling this life without them! They love the road and it’s so fun to take them to new places! I keep telling Ryan we need to get the pups in our videos more-MOST of the video on my phone is of THEM! Haha! Thank you for your comment! We are so glad to have you coming along on our adventure! 🙂👍🏼

[@danielandcaitlin]

Wow, what a crazy 1st year! I hope year 2 goes much more smoothly with no more malfunctions!

[@randyphillips559]

My kind of people, be nice to meet you on the road someday!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Would love that! Thank you! 😊

[@jeffb2456]

You need to hire an attorney. The problems you’re having are major and not likely to ever be corrected.

[@genehuegin5904]

I thought you sold your 5th wheel? Yet you’re talking about RV’ing in 2023???

[@daviddion3731]

Great Video! down to earth, super couple. keep your chins up. rock on!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks so much for you kind words! Our chins are high and we plan on keepin it that way! We are rockin on! (That’s a phrase ryan has always said! 😉) thanks for watchin!

[@lornaconstantine2198]

Just found your channel. You have had a challenging year, and I'm sure behind some of those camera scenes the tears must have come. I know they would have for me! Glad to see your keeping your dream alive. We are from Canada, and love boondocking - we do it for 5 months of the year as camp managers with no services. If you are planning any trips to Southern Alberta during the summer, send us a message!

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found our channel! 🙂 You are right, there have been some hard and emotional moments in our journey. We have also had some of the best times too! We are pressing forward and enjoying this life! 👍🏼 Boondocking is the best! We have not made it up your way yet but we are looking forward to that! Would love to touch base if / when we do! Thanks for watchin!

[@rebekahkotynski6042]

You two have the softest personality.

[@martinmorningstar9724]

I love your videos. I have been thinking of purchasing an RV for some time, How ever seeing all of the problems you folks have had and other RV owners. I have serious doubts about the problems and cost of RVing. I do very much enjoy your videos; but hate to see all of the problems you have had. I do look forward to your next adventures when you return and hope that is a far better experience for both of you and your beautiful puppies.

[@jodilee1563]

This is our plan as soon as kids are out of the house(2 years) and I'm renovating our 5th wheel now. I cannot wait!

[@MidlifeDetour]

That is sooo exciting! Time will go fast and before you know it you will be on the road! 👍🏼😎

[@jodilee1563]

@@MidlifeDetour I hope it flies by!!! I’m ready to see the country.

[@dawncasey5520]

My husband and I just found your channel and watched several of your videos. We were astonished at the issues you've had with your 5er. OMG we don't know how you are not yelling and screaming at Tiffin to give you a new unit. You certainly are a lot more patient and understanding then we would be facing this issue. We hope that all the issues get resolved and that you can really start to enjoy the RV and your travels.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found us! 🙂We’ve had our moment, for sure. We are still enjoying life and taking it all in…regardless of our issues with the rv 👍🏼🙂 thank you so much for watchin!

[@dennisbuser8070]

Just subscribed after watching this and your Leaks and We Lost It video. Anyone who keeps an optimistic tone of fun and adventure through what you have went through is someone we will follow. You are our age and we start our first full year (though not full timers) in 2023. Only 30 days on road this past fall. Look forward to your content and you having a great 2023.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well, thank you for subscribing! Happy to have you come along with us! Congrats on starting full time! Even through all the issues this last year, we would do it all over again and we will continue. We love this lifestyle and especially the people we’ve met along the way. Good things to come! 👍🏼🙂

[@MsJRod2012]

Congrats on your grand baby!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! He was born shortly after filming this video! ♥️🙂

[@tomtierney3812]

Your videos have been so calm, surely good things will come your way.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We are looking forward to it! I think it’s going to be a good year! Thanks for watchin!

[@smallrvbiglife59]

I think I may have bypassed your "why" you decided to sell everything and hit the road. Spent this morning with my spouse watching your earlier videos and thinking out loud about how resilient the two of you are given all the trouble you had with your rig. Keep up the great videos and positive attitude.

[@MidlifeDetour]

It was a long journey to get to the place of actually selling and full time travel. We rented a class A for a trip and decided we wanted to travel more like that. We did part time travel for awhile and found ourselves at home base a long time when we would back to idaho. Our kids growing up, a big house just sitting there and it just felt like the next thing for us to do. Thank you for your kind words. We are really determined to make this work and we love the lifestyle...it just got in our blood, I guess (haha). We look forward to this year and we know there will be hard times but we are really excited for the adventure we will have and the people we will meet along the way! Thats the BEST part! Thanks so much for watchin!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Thank you for sharing.

[@benedavis6900]

I hope and pray you will be able to get all of the issues fixed soon. Congratulations on becoming grandparents! Grandkids are THE BEST!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We do too! Trusting we will! Thank you on the congrats! We are so excited! We welcomed our first grandson since this video! 🙂👍🏼

[@joemiles6917]

You guys are an inspiration having been through so much your first year. Kudos to you both.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! We will just keep on moving forward! We are hoping for a good year! 👍🏼

[@grayfox9911]

I hope this will be a much better year for you! Hang in there!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

ABSOLUTELY! WE are determined! Looking forward to a new year ! Thanks for your comment and for coming along with us! 😊

[@karenf1604]

Congratulations on the new grand baby and on your 1-year FT anniversary! You’ve sure endured a lot this past year. I’ve been following your channel for about 10 months when we bought our new Beacon 5th wheel and went FT. We’ve had some challenges too. We could compare stories, but ours are minimal. I’m sorry that you’ve had serious challenges with your RV, but appreciate that you are very transparent about your rv experiences; the good, the bad and the ugly. It isn’t what happens to us, but it is our response that displays whether or not one has genuine character. You both display admirable character. I imagine you are the same in person as you are on your channel. You have an exceptional gift for telling engaging stories and I look forward to what you have planned in2023. We will also be at the Tampa RV show. It would be sweet to bump into you both. Thank you for creating great videos!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! He was born shortly after this video (3 weeks early and doing wonderful!) you always say the nicest things about us! You are so kind. YES, I hope we can meet at the Tampa Show! We should be there all Week long! 👍🏼thank you for watchin! We always look forward to you! 🙂

[@josephscheneck1540]

This video was our first exposure to your channel, we subscribed and watched all your prior videos on your Van Leigh problems. Honestly, you two are the most tolerable and even keeled people I have ever witnessed. I am a fairly calm person, but I do not think I would have been able to keep my composure over the trials of your "repairs". Honestly, if Van Leigh was an honorable company, they should have taken that rig back and given you a new one especially with the major water leaks and structural issues. God bless you two.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for watching! We hope you'll stick around! ;) We really appreciate your advice and input on the situation! Thank you!

[@vickieacebo-carns5510]

Looking forward to seeing you again on the road.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Absolutely! Our favorite part of this lifestyle! 🙂👍🏼

[@zmom62]

Congrats, guys!! Wishing you a less problematic 2nd year of full-time RV life!! And a meet up with that new grand baby very soon!! ❤️ See ya down the road somewhere!

[@JasonMartinez-wv1gd]

Y’all look super happy! Awesome

[@MidlifeDetour]

We are! 😎👍🏼

[@johnballerino9172]

RING seems to be filled with highs and lows. Excitement and flustration.

[@michaeldenoux5425]

Sounds exciting, Good luck . Safe travels !!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@Stranded-N-Paradise]

Ryan and Sarah you guys have had one hell of a year with all the RV repair we know that feeling personally but all those lessons learned will help you guys discover what works best for the long term. Biggest lesson we learned when we went full time, is that it takes time to find a rhythm that worked for our needs, and then balancing out with what we wanted to do. That’s why after 14 months full time we decided we liked having a home base and that part time or long term RV travel was best and provided the opportunity to be able to split time with family and live the RV Adventure Life we want as well. In 2022 even with surgeries and broken bones we spent a total of 133 days in the Airstream with 110 days from September 12 to December 31st consecutive, we are glad we have our Florida base to get back to and reset for the next big adventure.

[@MidlifeDetour]

It’s always nice to hear how other people navigate wanting to be on the road and traveling. I can see how it takes time to get a rhythm. We’ve learned a lot in the first year! Looking forward to the coming year and all that we will get to experience! Good and not so good! 😎👍🏼

[@Sushi2735]

First time viewer. I just wanted to send you my compliments on lovely videos. You are very natural and easy to watch. Only suggestion, The videos are so short, to watch them back to back, you are constantly grabbing the remote. I’m always do something else with my hands by watching. I know this is are year old, so………..best wishes!🎉

[@reneturincio3154]

Keep your head up and enjoy the ride . When we bought our RV our first year was only trips to the service centers. We were ready to give up camping in a RV and going back to tents . Good luck this New Year best wishes.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Definitely keeping our head up and enjoying our life! 🙂thanks so much for watchin!

[@alandugan9310]

Good luck in year 2!!! Hope the repairs go better for ya. Congratulations on your grandparent news! You just gotta love happy snoring dogs!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much!! We are hoping things get better and we are able to travel more the way we want to! OUR PUPS bring so much joy and entertainment into our lives!! Thanks for watching!😊👍

[@tammieconnerystephens2379]

You guys are awesome! Great content, great editing and your inspiring calmness with your unplanned RV “hiccups”. I look forward to following you on your detours.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well, thank you so much! We are so glad you are along for the journey! I think it’s going to be a great year! 🙂👍🏼

[@rickgriffith1]

We’re looking forward to seeing happy travels for you in 2023! So let it be written, so let it be done. Best of luck to you both.👍🏼😎

[@MidlifeDetour]

I love the way that sounds! Let it be written, let it be done! Thanks for following right along with us! Good things to come!😎👍

[@jamessmith-or8hw]

Man y’all r truly a inspiration to us who wanna try this, great job on attitudes no matter the situation, not planning cause that takes all the fun out of everything just go is my motto, enjoy life live love everything changes no matter wat but it’s how u deal with it that makes us who we r so y’all doing great in my opinion congrats

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you for your kind comment! 🙂 So much of our overall experiences are what we make them! We choose how we react and respond. We still love this lifestyle even with the issues and we still find so much joy and people like yourself along the way! We are blessed! Thanks for watchin! 😎👍🏼

[@mfaulguy]

We were one year fulltime in October. Sorry you've had bad luck with your coach. We have a Grand Design Momentum 376THS and also did IS and solar. Knock on wood, all has been fine for us. Congrats on new Grand child. Safe travels and take care!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Congrats to one year! 🎉 SO glad you’ve had good luck with your GD! We miss our momentum just about every day! Being a grandparent is so wonderful! Thanks so much for your comment and for watchin! 🙂

[@barbaramcknight5180]

Our Everyday Getaway Please consider following the couple above. You both seem the same age and similar experiences. Really enjoy your channel. Best wishes!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you for the recommendation, we will check them out! So glad you enjoy our channel! Thanks for comin along with us! 🙂👍🏼

[@SuperSushidog]

We've been FT for 4 years now, and like you, we've found we like to boondock a lot and do so most of the time. We have a smaller solar set-up but are in the process of expanding it. We only have a 620-watt array, but it is mounted on the side of our MH so we can lift it to the correct angle. We used gas struts, so it practically lifts itself. This will give us about 20% more power output over flat mounted ones - even more in the winter when the sun is low on the horizon. We just replaced our 2 well used FLA GC-2s with a custom-made LiFePo-4 battery made from 8, 280ah prismatic cells, to make a 12v 560ah bank that has over 5 times the usable Kwh (10 times the life and zero maintenance too.) These fit perfectly in the place of our old GC-2 batteries, under the steps of our MH, saving about 35 lbs too. We bought a 130 A Radio B Tech BMS but discovered that it doesn't flow enough current to start our 5,500 watt generator, so we ordered a 330 amp Heltec BMS and are currently waiting for it to come in. To all those in a motorhome thinking of adding LiFePo-4 batteries, don't make this mistake, unless your generator starts with your chassis battery. We replaced our Progressive Dynamics 60a lead acid converter with an 80a LiFePo-4 compatible one, donating our old equipment to a fellow camper in need, who was very appreciative. We also added a Renogy DC-DC battery charger so we can charge it with our MH's alternator as well as our onboard generator. This completed the 12v phase of our solar system for a total cost of around $3,600, plus a lot of hours learning and building. But the freedom and independence it gives us is well worth it, not to mention all the money we save on RV parks has already paid for itself. Last year we spent less than $2,700 in campground fees - and we only spent that much because we visited our son for 5 months on the east coast, with no boondocking in the area. We left our roof free to rack 8 large solar panels down the center, over our AC shrouds later this year. We're thinking about using the new BlueSun 460W Bifacial panels. We will be racking them about 13" off the roof so should get another 10% output off the back of the panels too, especially during off-peak hours and in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. This will give us roughly 4,000 watts of solar on the roof (we'll be right at 12 ft in height). We will be using an all-in-one 48V, 3kW, 120V PSW Inverter, 80a controller and 60a ac battery charger by MPP. We will be building a 48v bank using 16, 304ah prismatic cells. For comparison, it's roughly the equivalent of 12, 100ah Battleborns at about 1/3rd their price. We will be buying a 38 SEER, super high-efficiency, 9k Btu Blueridge mini-split heat pump, for our bedroom and will be using a dedicated, 2,000w, 220v PSW inverter to power it. We should be able to put together this second phase for around $9k, which is not too bad for a system of this size, including the mini-split. This second phase will provide 24/7 off-grid air conditioning and heat from the heat pump and allow occasional usage of our new Furrion front rooftop AC to cool things down for peak afternoon demand. The total capacity will be 23-Kwh of batteries and about 4,600 total watts of solar which is more than enough for our humble needs.

[@AdventureCola]

I've been researching RV's and fifth wheels for about 5 years now. I started researching when I was 24 and made a plan to go full time RVing once I am 30. I am almost 30 now and I'm at the point where I can afford my dream fifth wheel and truck, but I am terrified of these things now. Seeing both of you and many others on KZbin all basically buying "lemons" and then having to wait weeks or months to get repairs is crazy to me. Learning about the association that lobbied against consumers being able to hold dealers accountable for lemons and won...got me really concerned about the industry as a future consumer. It's mind boggling actually how buying a brand new $150,000 fifth wheel is basically a gamble on whether things are going to break now or later. THAT IS INSANE TO ME! I get that there were corners cut since the supply chain and labor forces have been struggling, but if that is the case, prices should have just gone up more instead of cheapening the materials, but it seems like manufacturers did both of those things. Reading through the manufacturers or dealers BBB pages is like red flag city. I feel really bad for both of you and many others for having to deal with all of the shenanigans, but I want to thank you for all of the education I've received from your videos. The one most important thing I have learned is when it comes to buying a new fifth wheel, test everything before you sign anything. All slides, electronics, leveling system, water lines, AC units, Black and Grey tanks, check all trim, use bright flashlight to look for past water leakage on ceiling, walls, and floor, look for any bending or bowing of the frame or warped panels, peeling of fiber glass siding or molding, spray a hose over to simulate rain to check for leaks, make sure rain doesn't pool up on top of slides, make sure they check all the tires, rims, lugs, and re-lube each bearing before you pull it out of the lot, new trucks need a hitch attachment or your trailer will hit the truck bed door. I'm sure there are many other things to check, but that is just off the top of my head from watching your videos and others on KZbin. Bringing a certified RV tech with you to inspect it wouldn't be a bad idea before purchasing one either. Would love to know some more pre-purchase check list style tips to add to the list. Your videos are great, I hope you have good luck this year!

[@christhomas9837]

I have a 5th wheel now and if I was going to spend 150k like you said I would be buying an Airstream. I know it isn't as big but they are the best.

[@polgara28]

Look into Brinkley RV's

[@MX-CO]

Buy used!

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

We live in Indiana. Even with the RV problems you both are as positive as I think one could be.

[@theskoop9113]

I feel your frustration, we too purchased from Tiffin, a 2021 Phaeton, and it spent a solid year at a warranty service center. Things still broke. It’s not just you it’s lots of Tiffin owners frustrated with their shotty craftsmanship, or lack of craftsmanship!! I would cry on the phone to Tiffin rep, so frustrated, heartbroken and mad. Sorry, I hate to see you going thru this too. 😢

[@dawg7915]

Just discovered and love your channel , Your patience is admirable. I would have lost it long ago with that many issues, unfortunately New RV's and many pre 2019's in general are just pure junk and anything built after 2019 is a wreck waiting to happen for full time living. I've owned 6 different RV's , pulls, 5ers, Popups, and class C's. The worst you can ever purchase is one that is touted as a "lite". I keep wondering when the government is going to step in and regulate them with issues that are across the board with all makes and models. After owning many different Brands and models, we settled on a Used Class C 2018 2860DS sunseeker that we got about 10K under bluebook last year because of water damage. We repaired it, and its good to go. Good luck, and i look forward to following your adventures.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found out channel! 🙂 We definitely agree about new rv’s! You were smart to settle with a used one! 👍🏼 thanks so much for your comment!

[@730jinman]

Hopefully 2023 will be trouble free. Love your channel. Good luck.

[@fitfogey]

It won’t be trouble free. They have a 5th wheel from a company that just closed their doors. The parent company Tiffin may help but who knows. There is nothing like going on a trip and having to park your 5th wheel at a service center the whole time you’re there.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We hope it will too! COUNTING ON IT! 😊👍 Thanks so much for watching and for coming along with us on this journey! GOOD THINGS TO COME!

[@brucefranklin6765]

Our yellow lab snores also! We use the same for gas also. We’re based in Florida and are lucky to have our kids and grandkids living 5 minutes away!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We wish we could all stay close but then again, we are the ones our gallivanting the country! 😬 love puppy snores!

[@kentguidry3351]

Always enjoy you guys videos. Hope your rig problems are resolved in 2023 and you can enjoy travel more,

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you enjoy them! We are hoping to get everything resolved at well! We enjoyed the travel we did get to do and look forward to what we get to do this year! Thanks for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@Bombay0093]

Hey Y’all, good luck in 2023 on year 2 of your adventures. Hope to see you out there on the road…our 2022 Beacon finally just left for the factory to get all of the repairs done. -Cheers

[@MidlifeDetour]

Good luck to you and we hope you get all resolved! We are working on it. Would love to see you out there!! 😎👍🏼

[@deanhaight7258]

Sorry you guys had to deal with all the Vanlieth problems, I watch a lot of RV videos and found out that the company is in a shake-up with numerous issues. I'm new here, so I'm jumping around at the same time gonna try to catch up. Good luck to both of you in 2023. I'll be watching

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yes. There are a lot of issues across the board, unfortunately. So glad you found us and we look forward to you comin along with us on this journey! Great things to come! 👍🏼🙂

[@egregg57]

That introduction though...showing the "Frame Flex"!! Stomach churning!! I will be following you guys!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yah that flex…🥴 hoping to get that resolved soon. Thanks for signing up to follow us along this journey! 😎👍🏼

[@RoamingRazorbacks]

Congratulations on the new grandbaby! Love the thought of lots more boondocking as well. Looks like you guys had some great places you stayed. Do you have a list of the locations with your thoughts? Maybe a video on boondocking locations year in review? :)

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We are so thrilled! Grandson born just after we filmed this video! 🙂 We definitely going to start focusing more on boondocking and how we do it / places we stay. A lot of boondocking coming this year! We are excited! Stay tuned! 😎👍🏼

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Good luck with that Van Leigh I know they are going out of business but hopefully you can get parts when you need them

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you...yes, definitely need parts! Thanks for your comment! 👍

[@JohnSmith-bb7rt]

Wow..just watched several of your episodes (had hip replacement surgery 3days ago). You’re handling the warranty problems a lot better than I would. We’re just into our second year of travel trailer ownership, and have a couple more years of warranty period, but even scheduling warranty work takes time. Our problems have been minor, but it is still a pain in the neck when you have to get something fixed. Good luck with Tiffin and your KZbin channel!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We wish you the best in your recovery! Thank you so much for the well wishes! We are hoping for a good outcome and will keep enjoying our life regardless! 🙂👍🏼 thanks for watchin!

[@RVWagginTails]

We just stumbled across your channel. Question about the 35 days of boondocking. Did you use a bladder to refill water and did you have to make any, umm... hmmm. Potty dumps with a portable dump tote? Give your pups a scratch behind the ears for us.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found us! 🙂 We really try to conserve with our usages. When moving to new locations we will find a free dump station (will pay if we can’t find free) and empty and refill our water when we need to. So far, that has worked for us but we plan to do extensive boondocking in the future so we will be getting us a bladder and tote! We will see how that goes 😏👍🏼 Will give Hana and Isley a scratch from you! They would love that! 🙂 thanks for watchin!

[@johnvance5168]

Congrats on the new grand baby, Nothing like grandkids. Hope everything works out with the repairs to the camper and as I have said in the past I would have had that parked in the front yard of the owner of the company months ago. If you need information on the Southern Indiana area when you are in Indiana just let me know.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We are headed up to meet him shortly! He was born early and not long after we hit our one year! 🙂 I’m sure we could use Indiana advice since we will be spending time there often! Thanks for your comment and for watching! 🙂

[@MichaelRyan-bv4hp]

ok i have now watched all of your videos. i must say you guys are some real troopers and your character is amazing. With everything you have been though just in the one year i am truly blown away with have well you have handled everything. I am so thankful to have met you at the fort and just talk. thank you and i am looking forward to you next adventure and safe travels. Mike Ryan PS i still have the best last name LOL

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well, first of all, you DO have the best last name! ;) thanks for your kind words and for watching! Can't believe you watched them all! ;) So glad to have met you as well! It truly is people LIKE YOU that make this journey the BEST...broken and all, we still love this lifestyle! Let's cross paths again one day!

[@MichaelRyan-bv4hp]

I really hope we meet down the road too. You guys have encaged us to go ahead and get the ball rolling. Startin tomorrow we will be looking to go ahead look into getting the house on the market and start going through everything in the house to get rid of and what to save. so in short TOMORROW THE HEADACHE STARTS

[@mikeventi637]

Congratulations on future grandbaby...and don't ya love furbabbies....so sad we never got to meet at Ballon Festival...but maybe in the future...this lifestyle is so funny in meeting peeps...would love to get more knowledge on your boondocking...we have kept our fingers crossed on our Pincrest while watching your stuggles...hope 2023 is better....we are slowly changing back to our future rig and hope all that we have refitted into Piney keeps him rolling well and does well at selling him too...🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We are really looking forward to this part of our life with grand kids! 🙂👍🏼 Yes, meeting people is really what we love about this lifestyle! We would’ve loved to meet you as well and hope we can cross paths at some point in this journey! We hope your Pinecrest holds up and trust that it will! We know several people (including 2 Pinecrest owners) who are very happy with theirs and have not had anywhere close to as many issues. We hope you can keep rolling and enjoying travel! We look forward to this new year! Thanks so much for your comment and for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@abbie1254]

We started off with a 1996 American Eagle that wasn’t properly maintained with constant issues so we switched to a large brand new fifth wheel. While there were pros and cons to the fifth wheel (like anything) we ultimately switched back to a class A when the roof lining started to pull up on the fifth wheel. It clearly couldn’t handle constant traveling. So far no regrets switching. It’s far more comfortable to trave in than the truck. We’ve been in both old and new rigs since we started 1.5 years ago and have learned that no matter if it’s used or brand new there will always be issues. Unfortunately it comes with the territory. We’re full time on the road as often as once a week traveling 12+ hours for my husbands work so we had to go as durable as possible with a diesel pusher. Lesson learned but the experience has been wonderful none the less. 😅

[@OurRoadLessTraveled]

Sorry you guys are having all the issues. I have to say its nice to hear others having the same stuff going on. The only three things we scheduled outside of family were warranty issues and a truck purchase. Monthly stays for each. The first one they forgot to order the part so we blew an entire month. then the truck did not show up when we were told to drive from South Dakota to GA. then we had to book a month in GA to wait on it. Third one the service was done properly. We call the kids everyday and book out Nov and Dec to be with family, which means monthly bookings. This will be our biggest test as we head out west until fall. All the family is in the southeast. We did agree that either or both can fly back at anytime if it gets too rough. Really enjoy watching and thanks for the honesty.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Sounds like you know the chasing service thing! We definitely call / text / FaceTime our kids most every day! We are currently across the US and in Florida so very far away from family…BUT we did get to spend some unexpected extended time at Christmas with them so I am so thankful for that! I did fly early and help out my mom for about 3 weeks after she has a surgery. It is nice to have flying as an option with things come up! Thanks for your comment. It’s nice to know others struggle with some of the same things. Nice to know it’s “normal” and that we can learn to balance life on the road 🙂thank you for watchin and we love to have interaction with new friends as we travel this road 🙂♥️

[@rickholt9086]

Looking forward to year two! I am fixing my 5th wheel from a blowout that damaged the lower side. I Did take my 3500 Ram to the CAT weight station to be weighed and on our first trip out I'll weigh both. Thanks for the information.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Oh man. That is rough! Hopefully it won’t take too long to fix? You are welcome for the info! Thanks for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@tandsl9218]

Great summary!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for watchin! 😎👍🏼

[@KrissieandKP3836]

Enjoyed meeting you at the Tampa RV show. After seeing this video wondering if you will switch to the Brinkley Model G! We bought the Model Z and love it so far.

[@MidlifeDetour]

It was great to meet you! Can’t believe you already got your hands on a Brinkley! Would love to hear how things go for you! Send us an email anytime! 😎👍🏼

[@TakeATripTogether]

Just found your channel. Congratulations in the new grandbaby (soon to be arriving.) We have been watching Til Further Notice for a long time and they also have a VanLeigh that has been a lemon. So sad that a brand new RV would have so many issues. Glad it hasn't dissuaded you from continuing to travel in 2023!

[@MidlifeDetour]

SO glad you found us and thank you for the congrats! Little Oliver arrived 3 weeks early and just after filming this video! Wow. Nothing like it! 🙂We are still moving forward and enjoying life and this journey. Thanks for watchin! 👍🏼

[@TakeATripTogether]

@@MidlifeDetour Awww, how exciting!!! Enjoy snuggling that grandbaby. We hope to be able to take extended trips someday but I also worry about being away from family too much. So much to figure out!

[@MidlifeDetour]

@@TakeATripTogether Yes! That’s definitely the hardest part! We did shorter “long” trips for a year or so and then decided we stayed at “home” way too long when we did!

[@pantythief65000]

Live life the way you like.

[@dougfresh1341]

Good to hear your travels. We are thinking about this in the next couple years. Looked at your list of essentials. We were curious about the Kayak mount for the top of the truck.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We do like our mount! We get countless inquiries about it. It has been tried and true for over 25k miles! You can email Ryan at [e-mail] 🙂👍🏼

[@daviscrt]

Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. Should look into boondockers welcome. Thanks Don

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have definitely thought about that and will look into it! Thanks so much for the advice and for watching! 😊👍

[@carrietribble4483]

We too have 2022 Beacon and we got it in June and by July we were at red bay for 5 weeks. 😮😢 it’s been a tough transition but we are working through it . Even as I type this I have a service man under the rig working on it.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Oh wow, we understand the long Redbay stays! So glad you are working through it and hopefully you’ll be big problem free going forward! Thanks for your comment! 🙂👍🏼

[@leekimm6826]

Congrats on the Grand baby! I'm not sure if we are always ready for the first one when it comes to the age thing, but they are sure fun. I can never figure out where the miles come from. Our rig was new this year also, on top of that we had to stay in MT for 6monhs to get our residency back. Seemed weird to have to qualify for residency in a state you were born and raised in. We still managed to put 21000 miles on the thing and like you we boondock most of the time. Looking forward to your adventures

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We are so excited! So true! The miles creep up on you! We were surprised although we did drive back and forth a lot! Also felt like we didn’t boondock enough but we had over 100. Hopefully more this year! Thanks for your comment and for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@catbird1759]

The RV industry needs to be held accountable. I've been a mechanic over 45 years, I've never seen so much junk allowed out of the factory and ignored at the dealerships. A used RV is a must.

[@wanderingwithwellness]

Hello!! I lived in the Boise area for 6 years (orig from Pocatello)! So cool. I just started RV full time 4.5 months ago. Not sure I’ll continue this but.. Sorry to hear there were so many issues w/ the rig. Thanks for sharing.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hey, that’s cool! We really love this lifestyle even with the issues. It’s all part of it. Thanks for watchin and have fun on the road! 😎👍🏼

[@andycommonsincanada]

You guys are awesome. Just subscribed. We too have just retired and started out full timing / part time, if that makes sense?? We are Canadians so can only spend 6 months in the USA and 6 months in Canada. We still have our home base but only go home to visit our son and his family who live in our home. Same Same we are grandparents too, BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD. When you hold the baby for the first time you won’t know to either smile or cry. Also we too spend a lot of time on FaceTime with our family and friends in our native UK. Anyway we totally understand with regards to your rig, we too have a lemon ( 2021 Alliance 36 V11 toy hauler) that has had more issues (31) and counting than anything we have ever owned. But Alliance have been awesome and it’s more important to focus on having fun, and boy are we have a blast. We have also met someone fantastic people and we are making new friends in every place we visit. Check out our KZbin channel Andy Commons in Canada. Hopefully we may run it to you while we are in the USA and if so the beers are on us.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We did part time for awhile too and had our home but then decided when we were there we just spent way too much time there! Our daughters have a house so we can go “home” when we are in Idaho so it works well for us 😎 So sorry you also have a lemon! We looked at alliance around the same time be bought the Beacon…almost bought one in-fact! So glad they have been working with you and getting things resolved! We would love to meet you on the road one day!! 🙂👍🏼 thanks for watchin!

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

It was interesting hearing you discuss missing your family. We weren't around family at all since we've been married since Scott was in the Marine Corps and worked at different bases after. I can imagine it is tough after being so close to family all your life. We are 2 years into full time and loving it. Ginger does want to spend more time around the grandkids though.

[@RVWagginTails]

Hello J&G!

[@MidlifeDetour]

It is difficult but I tell myself that people (like yourselves) do this and can still stay connected to family. I think it will take some time to get it all figured out and learn what works and feels best for us! Glad you are enjoying full time! We really love it too! Will have to figure out the grandkid part…that’s a whole new adventure for us! 😉👍🏼thanks for watchin!

[@emmamorgan7171]

Just found you guys and binge watched all your videos. Congratulations on becoming grandparents but sorry to see the issues you are having with your RV. Hope 2023 is a brilliant year for you and all your travel dreams come true. Have to say how much I love the enthusiasm for anything to do with the railways - you should definitely make plans to visit the UK one day - you would love the railway history here (there is a series called Railway Walks you'd love!). Stay safe and thanks for the videos. :)

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found us…we hope you enjoyed the binge! Haha! 😉 Thank you for the congrats! We are really excited for this part of our life! ♥️ Ryan has such a love and internet in trains / railway and anything along those lines. His dad, grandpa and several family members worked for a railroad. If we ever get to the UK thank you for the tip! That would be so interesting, for sure! Thank you for your comment and for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@lenyancey5236]

Just stumbled across this video and lo and behold we are practically neighbors. We live in Meridian and I'm trying to get the wife out long enough for her to get a taste of long term RVing. Look forward to watching more of your adventures. Take care and safe travels.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hello neighbor! We always say we are from Boise (just easier) but we we grew up next door to each other in Meridian. All of our family is still mostly in the Meridian area so we find ourselves there often. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@edstevens9357]

Guess I’ll stay at the Marriott and avoid the headaches. All these 5th wheel trailers are built like garbage. Better off with an airstream

[@ouRVisionnomadicliving]

Wow , you two racked up the miles last year, your going to wear that Ford out!! Being away from our kiddos and grands was Angie's biggest fear about this lifestyle, but like you, we group text, spend time face timing and even occasionally just call and talk to them. This last summer we spent most of it "home" helping our youngest deal with a very sick grandkiddo (who spent a couple weeks at Primary Childrens in SLC) By the time Sept rolled around we were itchin to get back out and resume some peaceful days with just us. Congrats on becoming Grandparents this year. You know Sara...once you become a grandma....every pair of panties are now "granny panties"....granny 😱.....Angie was 37 when she became a granny, I was 39. Now we have 10...they seem to multiply quickly once the 1st one arrives. Our oldest grandkid will be 16 this summer. Now thats crazy!!! Take care you two!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We sure did! Yes, so thankful for technology while we travel! It nice to know I’m not the only one who struggles in this area! I think we will figure it what works best it’s just a matter of getting used to a new normal and a new way of communicating that we haven’t done before. It’s all part of the journey and we are here for it. Thanks for the congrats! You guys are really racking up the grandkids! That’s awesome!!! We hope to be boondocking in the west this year so we hope our paths can cross! Would love that! Thanks for watchin, friends! 🙂👍🏼

[@chrisjundt843]

Glad to have found you guys. I’m doing a lot of research on going full time and discerning whether we should in 1.5 to 2 years. I’m heading to Florida from home in Colorado for the RV show in Tampa to look closer at Luxe, New Horizons, and DRV. I fear running into issues like you have had to go through. Thank you for sharing.

[@MidlifeDetour]

So glad you found us too! We are also going to be at the Tampa show! We think those are good manufacturers to look in to! Trust us, we understand being fearful! We wish you the very best in finding your rv! 👍🏼

[@seawolff33]

Thanks for the update. When we found out we were going to be grandparents I told my wife she would have to get 'blue hair' :) for 2023 we decided to spend more time in the locations we like as well. Ryan - my wife has called me a 'social butterfly' because I am frequently talking to other guys around our rig in different parks :) Looking forward to your vids for 2023.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Haha on the blue hair! 😉 This is Sarah but I will definitely share your comment with Ryan…you two butterflies! 🦋 Thanks for your comment and for watchin!

[@mikemiura1289]

Good update….and CONGRATS! See you on the road! Thank you two! New Year and still Nike….😊?!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! And but of course…I may stray now and again but I always return to Nike!

[@mikemiura1289]

@@MidlifeDetour.....so loyal. Life's too short, gotta spread your apparel wings 😄!!

[@stevemasters3753]

Brilliant lifestyle 👍

[@MidlifeDetour]

We REALLY enjoy it! Good, not so good and all the in between. What a journey! Thanks for watchin! 👍😊

[@waynewallace2061]

Tiffin needs to reengineer their components, connections, adhesives etc. etc. Crazy.

[@BoomerTheRVBassett]

congrats on the grandchild

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@kenneysseeamerica5750]

Thanks for the update. Could you recap the boondocking places you visited in 2022?

[@MidlifeDetour]

We will definitely be working on this and also sharing our upcoming ventures and where we boondock! 🙂 thanks for your comment and for watchin! 👍🏼

[@gordondavis2026]

Don't know if you have tried army Corp of engineers campground yet.with America the beautiful pass they are 12 and 15 dollars a night.we have been surprised at how great most of them are.we have a 34 ft. Cougar 5th wheel.most are by water which we think is great.wishing you and your family the best.Gordon and April from Oneonta al.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you so much! We have some friends that just told us about COE’s and we did not know we could stay there. It’s good to know and thanks for all the info! We wish you the best as well! 🙂👍🏼

[@AdventureOtaku]

I don’t think you got a lemon. I think RV’s aren’t meant for 7 days week 365 days a year. They are built to be light so they are easier to tow. Great video.

[@bobknob8440]

Do you have a video talking about your expenses, work, retirement, how you afford the RV lifestyle? My family is working on transitioning to this. I've had the gypsy bug for years and wife finally agrees to travel.

[@montana4939]

Next time in Montana reach out

[@rogergraves242]

South Pardre island,Tx.

[@mandywhitton]

Spend time at each place

[@MidlifeDetour]

We just had a long stay over the holidays and that was nice to just relax for awhile! We will see how that works in the future! Definitely a lot more expensive to move so quickly and often! 👍🏼

[@MrTonyharrell]

Hope is not a strategy. Remember, fire is your friend. 😂

[@MidlifeDetour]

😂

[@billmikebill]

The tanks are too small. Where do you dump? You guys have a lot of patience. We have a Beacon with many problems. It’s also our home. I don’t know if we have a frame issue. It’s a 22 GSB. This is our 12th rv in 27 years. This one takes the cake. Too many problems and I’m not bringing it to have it fixed. ( unless the frame breaks) much good luck to both of you

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hey Bill - the tanks could be larger for sure but we got good at conservation. We primarily hit truck stops, waste stations or in a pinch a RV park all depending on price and proximity. We still move pretty quick during our boondocking streaks so we can manage well. Longer stays we will have to bring in water with a bladder and waste out with a tote. I really like the GSB - thought that would have been a good floor plan for us but it came out later. We will not go to a dealership for repairs and if we had typical RV issues we wouldn’t go to the Service Centers either but would address them ourselves or by mobile tech if needed. Unfortunately every visit we made to the service centers we had to go for larger issues and decided to get other issues addressed at the same time. We still have work outside of the frame which will require visits to Mississippi. Sorry you are having problems. Good luck I hope you get them all resolved. Hopefully your frame doesn’t breaks but VL did start putting gussets in their builds in April of 22 so depending on your build date it may not be an issue for you.

[@batman6749]

What is your point life is not a regret it was yall choice to go fulltime rv life. It suppose to be fun time for yall enjoying the world so yall stay positive in your rv life

[@MidlifeDetour]

Life is definitely not a regret. We don’t think that at all and didn’t say it was but our regret was putting so many upgrades into a rig that had issues. We love this lifestyle and we enjoy most all of it. Its all part of the journey and we love it very much 😊

[@HealthyVeganLiving]

Wow, what a first-year adventure, but how do you keep safe when boondocking? Love your videos subscribed 👍

[@SolarPowerMyRV]

Pretty disappointing that rvs only come with a 1 year warranty. And you have to wait for 3 months for repairs . But glad the solar is working for your boondocking. It’s a learning curve so don’t let first year stuff disappoint. Happy boondocking y’all

[@PeeWeeHenson]

WE'RE FROM RENO, NV. WE CAN TRADE STORIES ABOUT THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST.

[@gorvlivin]

Oh geez

[@N2it4Now]

First grandbaby? People have told me Boise is a lot like Reno. I'm not sure as I have never been to that area. I grew up in Wisconsin and moving from Reno back to the mid-west now would be a culture shock for me. I hope your kids are making the adjustments well. I'm not sure why but it's a really good different with grandbabies. Maybe it's because we're older and not in such a rush and sorta get the priorities better now. Anyway, I'm rambling...enjoy. Rock on MD!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yea, first grand baby! A boy! He was born 3 weeks early and just at the time we filmed this video! We are headed up to Indiana here soon! Thanks so much for watchin! We always enjoy your comments! 🙂👍🏼

[@MX-CO]

I'm in Reno to

[@Jollyprez]

Did Tiffin ever do you right? A lemon should be returnable.

[@MarkDavisMHD]

Feeding the algorithm ... love the content!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Loving that you are helping with the algorithm appetite! Thank you!

[@HSTWXMAN]

I'm interested to see how you will boondock on the east coast.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hmm…we HEAR it’s pretty rough to find boondocking East!

[@flyingdutchman7585]

Guys....dump the 5th wheel while you can. I am out 6-8 months boondocking in my Northern Lite truck camper for the past 7 years, over mining roads, mountain passes, deserts, and really rough terrain and have had zero, that's right zero problems with my camper. To boot, if I did, Northern Lites come with a 6 year warranty not the crap one year that the VanLeigh does..or did. Stop spending your time fixing their poorly made garbage, buy something truly well made and enjoy the outdoor life that is really pretty awesome.

[@marshaclifton1535]

Tiffen finally closed out the Vanliegh line . Like i said, all Vanlieghs are lemons. The Tiffen sons who ran this are not the sharpest tools in the shed.

[@frankmitton2740]

You guys get a big “A” for determination. At what point does Van Leigh refund your cost or give you a new unit?

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well, thanks for the good grade! 😉 We are not sure how to answer your question at this point…We hope they will make it right. We will see! 🙂 Thanks for your comment and for watchin!