UNPOPULAR OPINIONS - RV Setup Mistakes You Make, But Shouldn't

[@ATLJonathanH]

Early in the process, you should hook up your surge protector and have it run through diagnostics on the power pedestal to make sure that it’s clean. Also turn on the water to make sure it’s coming out. If you wait until you’re disconnected to check both of those items, you will have to break down and hook up again to go to a different spots if those things don’t work.

[@ladikmk]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@werrog]

Newbie here! If you have an in-line surge protector, as they do, how to you run it through diagnostics on the power supply? Thanks in advance!

[@stevenjefferys10]

You beat me to it. I was about to say the same thing. I can't count the number of times that we've pulled into a site and the electrical has a problem. I've even rewired some of the connections. It's the very first thing I do when we pull into a site. Like you, I also turn the water on prior to disconnecting and let it run for 30 seconds to make sure that it turns clear and doesn't smell.

[@deanhopkins4117]

Yes! This is the first thing I do. Also check the sewer. Make sure the cap comes off and the hole isn’t flooded. I’ve seen sewers backed up even for individual sites.

[@patpowles2129]

Good advice but what do you do if the pedestal is bad but the campground is 100% full?

[@LPVPisFr33]

Around the <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="300">5:00</a>, if you're traveling alone like myself, align the rigg then go out and have look at the spot, ground and air. If you have a couple of small cones put them to create an alley so that way going back in your rigg you'll see them in your mirrors and you'll know your positioning.

[@earthstar2493]

THANK YOU!!

[@krispy1k]

Often times I will place something right where I want the drivers side back corner of the camper and will back it in right to that object. Works great.

[@jackg7225]

Nice tip, thanks. I have a new trailer and have been camping a lot over the last two weeks and moved my tt 3 times. Adding cones to the list of stuff I need.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Great tip!

[@46fd04]

If I'm alone backing into a curved site with trees, I use 2 orange pylons to mark the trees I don't wanna hit

[@bobkatc9368]

I would not leave the gray tank open for three reasons: 1. You may get sewer gas coming into your trailer, 2. You will want to use a full grey tank to rinse your black hose out. 3. Food may get lodged in your gray tank, it needs additives to break down the food.

[@bmills9821]

we were at a permanent camp site and we left the grey and black tanks open all the time and that was for 10 years. Never any Oder or back ups. But you are correct if your move from site to site the grey tank should always be emptied last as it will back flow into the black and help wash it out.

[@scottgreene7986]

Leaving the Grey tank open should give you any smells inside.. sounds like you have venting problems

[@listlesstoad]

@@bmills9821 we always keep grey's closed to use as a rinse for the black tank when done.

[@110Chief]

1.That’s why you have a small P trap in the sewer hose prior to entering the sewer. 2. Close valves night before to fill tanks enough to flush.

[@richardplatt4361]

@@listlesstoad Most modern campers have sprinkler systems to rinse the black tank(s). That should also rinse your sewer line. If your camper does not have a sprinkler, just put something on the flushing handle, and let it run with the black tank terminal valve open for a few minutes.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

some great tips in this video. Two things I(we) do before backing in.....first I (as the driver) always get out and do a site check. Look up for overhead obstacles like wires or branches, and look around for low obstacles like water or electric poles, sewer caps, camp site number poles etc. I really want to have a good visual of where I am going. Second I place two small orange cones about 10 feet apart where I want the back of my trailer to end up. This works as a target in my mirrors and as long as I can see the left one along the left side or right one along the right side, then I know I am on target. I just keep them under the rear seat of the tow vehicle, so when I get out and do my check I grab them and once I am satisfied with the route in, then I place my cones and have my target to shoot for. Works for us anyway, although we also use walkie talkies in case I mess up. Continued safe travels....

[@elkmontb10]

You checked to see if you were close enough to the hookups, but you never checked to see if the water worked (not enough pressure, etc) or if the electric worked properly. If there was a problem with either or all, you would have to rehook after you leveled, etc and move to another site. First thing I do after backing in is check these even before I check for slide clearance.

[@diann546]

Also ck for any charred outlets.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

That's a good one that we thought about but since RVing for 7 years, have only seen that once. And we still stayed in the site as a ranger came over to fix the electric.

[@Placek774]

​@@HappilyEverHanks You really should fix that wheel fender. That exposed metal skirting is very sharp. Its only a matter of time before someone cuts themselves.

[@salliannebrown8129]

Thanks Hanks! Your first tip of "full bellies; empty bladders" is the best advice! Over the last 38 years of RVing has proved this time and again. ❤

[@danmoore4795]

Excellent video. Only thing we do different is spray the water connection down with a disinfectant bleach solution. 10%bleach/90% water in a spray bottle. Then flush after 30 seconds. You never know what the previous camper did such as rinse the stinky slinky directly at connection. Better to be safe then sorry.

[@stevenbullock9276]

Good tip!

[@brettaustin8725]

Make sure you leave plenty of gray water in to flush out the hose after you release the black water. Some older campers do not have a black water washout hose.

[@edgewood2441]

You know at Hotels, you needn’t worry about shit hoses!!

[@robertpearson8798]

@@edgewood2441 No, just bedbugs.

[@Yielar1]

@@edgewood2441 Lots of other gross things to worry about and they are 3 times the price and tiny

[@edgewood2441]

@@Yielar1 Obivous, you haven’t examined the “per use cost of the POS”.

[@Nana-st9ds]

My husband and I talking about getting a RV. We really appreciate all you are teaching us

[@HappilyEverHanks]

We are so happy for you both! Thank you for all your time and wonderful support in watching our videos 😊

[@amyzellmerWanderlust]

I've never seen anyone talk about turning the power off before hooking up the power cord -- super smart!

[@davidmccartney7577]

Always

[@43Waylon]

If the breaker is on it will arc to your plug as you push it in and eventually wear out the end of your terminals.

[@darwinmyers769]

I enjoyed your video including your new class acronym. But I do have to say wrong wrong wrong on walking behind while backing. Never walk behind always to the rear and on the side. If you trip and fall and bump your head and driver doesn’t see you. You could become a people pancake. I learned about your measuring stick from you 3 years ago and it is wonderful. Thanks Hanks

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

I agree! My father drilled it into all of us to NEVER stand behind anything backing up. If the driver can’t see you, you are in a danger zone. They can run over you.

[@Yielar1]

I want my spotter in the back as that's the best place to be to see all obstacles including both sides and any branches above. We use walkie talkie's or cell phones though so not worried about someone getting run over

[@JEEPIMPACT]

Great video! It had never occurred to me to just lay the level on the outside of the RV. I can't believe I missed something so obvious for so long.

[@jonedwards2107]

I have a bidirectional level permanently attached to one side of the trailer hitch. If the trailer is not level side to side, I slip the leveler behind or in front of the low-side tire, move onto it, slip the other part into place, then pop the hitch lock, raise it of the ball, then if I have to lower it (very unlikely as I have a flipped axle) then I disconnect, move the vehicle and lower it into place. At high altitudes, I leave the tow vehicle electric connected, as if we get cloudy weather and my solar fails after several days, I use the car power to recharge my batteries. My generator isn’t jetted for high altitude, and in Utah, camping above 7000 feet elevation is quite common.

[@kylemcfarlane107]

Something else that we learned is before we get too settled, we use surge protector to make sure that power pedestal is functioning properly.

[@KoolJourney]

This was an amazing video, jam-packed with great info. We fulltimed for 10 years and EVERYTHING you shared is spot on. Instead of learning these through the school of "hard knocks", I wish we had this when we started full timing. Literally, we tried to drive off with the electrical cord connected once and another time with the satellite TV dish still up on top of the RV (Yikes!). We were lucky to not have any major mishaps. We are huge fans of checklists and we never check something off until one of us had "eyes on" and saw it happen. It is too easy to just scan the list and say it is all done, but trust us (and you), something will go wrong eventually. Thank you for this great video, it should be required watching for all new RVers (and maybe some veterans too!).

[@Wesxplorer]

Surge protector is a must as it not only protects from spikes in power but also low voltage which can also damage your power panel. Good call Hanks!

[@krispy1k]

Be aware that a lot of surge protectors don't cover low voltage so be sure to purchase one that does. And yes, they are more expensive.

[@campingqueen8121]

@@krispy1kWe upgraded This year on our surge protector. We spent a good part of a month in Texas and just didn’t want any surprises. It was worth the extra cost to have the assurance and peace of mind

[@chasingEdgar]

@@krispy1k Yes and good point.

[@bernardstevens3613]

One of the BEST Setup Videos I've ever seen! GREAT JOB TEAM HANKS!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@assigrossman7487]

Another thing to remember when first arriving at the campground is filling up the fresh water tank if there’s no water hookup. We had an instance where we parked and leveled our RV only to realize that we have forgotten to fill up the fresh water tank.

[@clydesuckfinger8068]

Even with full hookups I always fill my fresh water tank, I actually travel with it full. To prevent the tank having an issue while traveling I installed steel braces from frame to frame across the tank. The primary reason is we’ve been at places where the water gets shut off for some random reason, and on the road, when stop to use the restroom, we have water. We’re full time rv’ers, and have been doing this for going on 10 years.

[@rscottcaldwell]

We have marked our level to test room for slide. Multi use tool versus carrying something extra. Also as weekend camper, we keep grey tanks closed so we get a good flush when we empty

[@philhoneycutt9153]

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? You taught this old dog a lot of new tricks! Great video!

[@harryduncan6699]

Suggestion: I keep a spray bottle of Alcohol with the hoses. So I can sanitize connections, hands and rubber gloves before putting them away. I never store sewer with Water hoses or attachments. You can also spray the water supply faucet, just in case the last camper had sewer hands and undid his hoses.

[@JeffreyMiller-gt6ee]

We also check that the rv has power from the pedestal prior to unhooking. We have had to move twice for a bad pedestal. Also, we have had a bad 50amp breaker that had to be replaced, which could be a problem if they dont have the ability to change it on the spot. Great job, guys! Good tips!

[@johnaz1018]

Great remake with added material. I always plug in camper first then go to pedestal check circuit breakers and then plug in and turn on . Saves me steps . Oh the sewer connection screws into the sewer pipe. I learned that after several years lol

[@danoonthego9539]

Great video but I respectfully disagree with the spotter location upon backing up. He/she should be at the back to the side being able to be seen by the driver at all times. Accident happen , someone fallls at the back, driver gets stung by a bee, feet gets tangled in carpet and communications break down. I am an RV owner and to make my point let me say this. Years ago a colleague of mine was spotting a motorhome/command center had communication and experience. Somehow there was miscommunication and he got bumped in the legs …no big deal one would think some serious bruising yet … he died from a blood cloth. So in my mind no amount of money or RV is worth injury or life. Stay away from the path of travel if need to check the other side make sure its stopped then go around and check it.

[@thyBreakpoint]

💯 and if the driver ever looses sight of the spotter they need to immediately stop.

[@justinscott3952]

If you need a spotter to back into something you have an issue, learn to drive. I can back my 32-footer anywhere anytime down anything

[@chuckchillson2877]

I have my wife spot and make sure she is were I can see her or I stop and won't move until I can

[@OverlandOne]

I agree, always have the spotter stay out of harms way because, sh*t happens.

[@ronpage101]

Back up cameras are your friend.

[@joeblow123]

good idea to flush the faucet before hooking the pressure regulator up to clear any debris or critters that took up residence before you got there.

[@timbarker4189]

Another tip - fill up your freshwater tank, or at least a few gallons, just in case you lose water in the campground. That way even if campground loses water (happens!), you have some water on board.

[@sarah5442]

When connecting electric, always connect LOAD (RV) to SOURCE (pedestal). When unhooking just reverse. And you are so correct about switching off breakers before inserting or pulling connections. Good job friends!

[@stuckinatlanta1]

This is gold! As newbies, it sure helps to see someone else walking through their process. Being methodical is where it’s at! Thanks for making this video.

[@rickrichardson5329]

Thanks Hanks for the tutorial on setting up. I believe that is something you cannot express enough. Like you said if your not careful you can get lax and forget something. Ya'll stay safe.

[@MarknTerry]

We “always” check the power at the camp spot electrical pedestal before we unhook our 5th wheel. We have had occasions that there was an electrical fault caught by our surge protector and had to move sites.

[@wwkwoods]

I love watching y'all. I was fortunate as a child to have a family that pulled a popup trailer. I base my RV life on those memories and we each had our own particular duties. Single female traveler pulling a 25' tongue pull with backup camera that also runs while traveling so I can see better for lane changes!

[@joanjackson9374]

Everyone should watch this before their first trip and every time they haven’t used the camper for awhile. Good job you guys!

[@rvadventureseekers]

Also , plug in your surge protector to make sure you have good wiring and turn on the water, check for pressure

[@johnderbabian6198]

Good video. On my fifth, I keep one grey tank closed for flushing the line from a black tank dump. Nothing like 40 gallons running through the hose to remove any black tank 'left-overs'...

[@dukestockslager9572]

We’ve been doing doing this for 35 years and truly appreciated this REFRESHER! Fun and truly appreciate the Hanks- thank you!😀

[@timsteinke2548]

We have taken ur advise and use a fiberglass plow marker with measurements on it to check our slideout before unhooking thanks hanks

[@Alex-01865]

Do NOT, ever, under any circumstances, for any reason, leave your gray tank valve open, for any length of time other than to empty or “dump” and/or rinse the tank. So here’s the part that matters and why you shouldn’t leave that gray valve open. When the valve is open, and water hits the tank from the shower or sink drains, the water will flow right out, but it will leave behind the solids and the sediment. But, the sediment and solids slowly flow towards that gate, and eventually, it will slide through, and the smallest bits will settle in that 1/4″ molded recess. That’s bad, but not as bad as what happens next. When you finally close the valve, it comes down like a hydraulic press and compresses that sediment. Then it all dries. And now you have a thin layer of dried “sediment cement” that’s pushed and hardened into that tiny void. Do this enough times and that recess will be completely filled. And then the gate will no longer seat properly, and eventually it won’t even close all the way. The gate is curved, so there will be a LOT of open space, and it will leak gray water into the outlet pipe and every time you take off the cap, you will get a half gallon or so of that water on your hands and shoes. Like your black tank, always leave a little water in the grey, in order to keep remaining sediment suspended and the seals moist. . Closing the valves also prevents sewer rats, cockroaches, palmettow bugs, crickets & spiders in your holding tanks. Also, keeping the grey valve closed, will prevent you from venting the entire park sewer system and in the event of a RV park, town sewer/storm water sewer back up, will prevent RV internal flooding with raw sewerage!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Wow, this is some really detailed and valuable advice! Thanks for the thorough explanation-we'll definitely keep this in mind to avoid any issues with the gray tank. Appreciate the tip! 🙌

[@John.Mann.1941]

I've seen similar advice on a number of different channels. The most common reason I've seen is that you can use the grey water to flush the sewer hose after dumping the black tank. Another variant I've seen - and adopted - is to flush a small amount of grey water before the black tank flush to check for leaks. A grew water leak from the sewage connections is not as bad as a black waster leak!. On campers with 2 grey tanks, maybe keep the tank for the shower open for quick drainage, while the tank for the kitchen is allowed to fill up. Maybe one day I'll get to test that idea - the rig we have now only has one of each type of tank.

[@richardplatt4361]

@@John.Mann.1941 I've seen this "to flush the sewer line" reasoning before. There are multiple other ways to accomplish this.

[@raoulroberts2024]

Great reminder about the steps being up and off the ground before starting the leveling process.

[@hailster]

Great video as always. I'll add one more thing to the backing up section, don't be afraid to pull out and reset. I've had times that I didn't want to and it ended up causing me more headaches than it would have if I would have just reset. I like the idea of keeping the kids and pets in the car until the camper is disconnected. Often times my wife and kids will get out and get the dog out of the car right away, this does add more things to watch for when backing up and trying to get things setup, I'll be enforcing this rule going forward.

[@laurakilmer8652]

You folks have a very easy way of describing information I should have known about this CLASS 50 yrs ago. I just do it and sometimes I have messed up. thanks Hanks.

[@maryhamilton2053]

What a great helpful video! You people are my people 🤣 I’m a RN myself and we are methodical by choice. I am a bit over potty trained !👍🤣 love your tips they are spot on. Been towing alone 14 years as for vacation. Happy Camper all my life. 😉 My father , the electrician, plugged into the site power w/o a surge protector and blew up everything in the 31 ft motorhome! Hard lesson to learn. The campsite power was wired backwards. Sadly, They refused to take responsibility . I like the surge protector I connect externally so it tells me if the campsite power is wired correctly before I plug in my rig. Also my travel trailer must be unplugged from the truck before I plug into shore power. Otherwise it confuses the power hookup… Always watching you two, Camp On!!🌺👏🏼😉

[@traceyfranklin5224]

OMGoodness! Total newbie to RVing. Your tip on having the spotter in the rear as opposed to on the side is spot on!!! 2 men (my husband and our instructor) watching me back up and supposed to be guiding and teaching me to back into our storage spot. Neither one saw the pole they allowed me to hit because they were standing on the side of the RV. Knocked a small hole in our corner panel. $5000 later it is fixed. Thank heavens I was barely moving. I appreciate your channel. You guys impart so much serious information yet you have me laughing. Thank you for a job well done.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Hey Tracey! Oh man, that sounds like a rough one-so glad our tip helped though! It's crazy how quickly things can go wrong, especially when backing up. Thanks so much for the kind words, and for watching! We seriously appreciate your support in watching ❤️

[@Capt-John-T-Moore]

I really enjoy your videos. Here is something I learned (it’s easier with a portable surge protector) we check the power to the pedestal before we do anything else in case we have to move to another site. And before hooking up to water we wash the spigot in case previous campers were newbie’s and hooked up their black tank flush hose there before leaving (yuck). These we not my ideas. I got them from seasoned Rv’ers

[@philstucker1312]

Great video! I always run water before I hookup to flush out any bugs that may have made a new home for themselves. This was a great refresher video. Thanks!

[@johnwinter9722]

Great video. I have been RVing for 28 years in a pop up and three travel trailers. I printed the checklist and will have it laminated. Then I will keep it in my truck. Only thing I would add is to add 3-5 gallons of clean water to the black tank before flushing. Water in the black tank is your friend! I use the 5 gallon bucket that I use to cover my tongue jack. Also, always flush the filter with the clean water hose. Thanks!

[@micheleulrich-hb2ok]

Love your tips! I would like to add one thing to your list. Make sure to sanitize the spigot before connecting your water. I have seen people push their sewer hose over the spigot to rinse it out!

[@AgentHuffles]

Thanks for that tip! People are disguising.

[@kimgiese3469]

Turning off the 50 Amp breaker before you connect, Thank you for this information. My spouse and adult son were very impressed that I recommend this. Thank you for that!

[@marcusaponte1287]

The water 💧 thing also lets any contamination from the spicket/ hose to flush out before being connected to the rv pipes….

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Great video! Yeah, tire chock! LOL!! First and last thing to do. Definitely! My first camper (a popup camper) I almost lost because I didn't chock the tires. Unlevel site with a steep hill off the back of it. When the ball dropped out of the tongue, the camper took off backwards. I am so glad I hadn't taken the safety chains off yet. They were the only thing that kept it from rolling away. In 2021 I bought a new 26 foot with a 10 foot slide off the back. First time out, we had a small site, so I wanted to try to get as much room out of it as I could. I got it backed in, leveled and all that. Went to put the slide out and it would only go halfway, because there was a tree in the way. Had to re-hook and start all over.

[@sheithaus100]

Hi Hanks, Just a suggestion to add to your set-up checklist; Before you start setting up, check your electrical post and water standpipe to ensure they are in proper working order. If the electrical outlet isn't supplying the proper voltage/amperage or your water supply doesn't work well you might be moving to another site.

[@geemoe3064]

Great process you created here! You can get a small plug in electrical tester if your surge protector is "in line". We've had several sites that had bad electrical issues at the box and this has saved us from redoing the setup process. We also sanitize the water spicket and then flush the water before we hook up the hose. We've seen people do black water flushes without an anti siphon attachment on... nasty stuff.

[@AJ-HawksToxicFinger]

Such great content. I don't even own my RV yet but thanks to your videos I feel so much more prepared with every step in the process from shopping to camping -even repairs!

[@GIMRRC]

Great video. I would just suggest checking the electric and water first. I run my surge protector through the test process until it says everything is okay. I also just turn on the water spigot to make sure it’s working. If the electric has a problem, the campground may have to move you to another site, so I do this before unhooking. Thanks for you great videos!

[@bobwaldron420]

Some great advice here! For newbies & "experienced" campers.

[@werrog]

Thanks for this outstanding video! We love your channel. We've been following for just under two months, and while we've backpacked throughout the country for over 50 years, we are new to RVing. We love your positivity, your kindness to each other, and your advice!

[@bigtimejabroni]

After you flush out the water filter, hose and connect the RV to the city water, turn the water on slowly. The water pumps are made cheaply, and too much sudden pressure can open the back pressure valve filling your fresh water tank. Happened to me. 2 days into the trip and there was water dripping out of the fresh water fill and tank was full.

[@haroldandjoanneg467]

great video even for veteran campers! i liked the comment about eating to prevent bickering...wise advice.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Hi Hanks, Another good tip is to always screw the male and female hose ends together after you brake down (making sure nothing gets into your hoses when not in use). In some areas (like Florida) it is common for huge like two inches long disgusting Palmetto bugs or cockroaches to get into your hoses when being stored. Then when putting your hoses into use and turning on your park water you are forcing the bugs and roaches into and thru your water system. Flush your hoses before hooking them up and drain your hoses as best as you can before you screw the ends together for transport.

[@pth733]

I have electronic self leveling So after positioning trailer in Site (i.e. your CLASS). I hook up to shore power & unplug from the truck. This way jacks are running off shore power, not batteries.

[@bethrichards2640]

All good stuff, thank you! We're both ex-military and use the tried and true hand signals. Together, we're in and set up in time to hear neighbors getting loud with each other in frustration. By myself, suuuuuper slooow, as I get out 50 times to go check everything. Not graceful and not quick. Always willing to help out another solo camper back in though :D

[@bethrichards2640]

Should add that military, and oil field, hand signals are huge and can be seen from far away, in fog and driving rain, nearly always, and created to be very distinguishable. It's nearly impossible to confuse one for another.

[@ScottBarton-x1x]

Another good rule of thumb. Even though your leveling and slides are both 12v systems and capable of being used with only your battery, they draw a very large load. Go ahead and hook up your power before leveling and let the converter do most of the work. I

[@Markpatrickrich]

Great episode so many great tips. Regarding the surge protector. I like having it loose so I can check where we the power pedestal before I unhook. I’ve stayed at some places where they had bad power on some of the pedestals. Also, I’m a solo traveler in a large fifth wheel. I have a back up camera but sometimes I do need a spotter so I have to rely on a stranger

[@explorationsrenovations5982]

Great vid. The only thing I would add near the very beginning is to actually CHECK the utility connections (water and electric work properly) before even backing in.

[@dhillman7522]

love it. My wife and I always go through our check list when hooking up no matter what. Also one other trick we like that serves two purposes, after hooking up water and sewer I use the hookup in the nautilaus bay to put water in the sewer pipe. I let the sewer hose sag down at the end of the sewer line support to make a pee trap. This keeps the fumes out and bleads the air out of the water hose.

[@Terry-JoWhitehead]

Great info and reminder even for us as full timers! We also have a list to follow and a few ‘gotchas’ that happened too! Add to the list!

[@UTBanjo]

Scrape your dishes well to keep food out of your gray. Also, close your gray valve before showers the night before you leave. That soapy water from the gray will help clean/flush your sewer hose after you dump the black.

[@Tedsma]

Great video as always Hanks! I have to agree with others that say to check the pedestal and water before leveling and unhooking. Avoids having to break out more snacks when the rig has to be moved. 😉

[@joewhite4038]

Great video. Only item I would add is to let the water flow from the city water spigot to flush out any rust or contamination issues before hooking up the water hose used for drinking or cleaning.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Great tip, Joe!! Thank you for reminding us of this one 😃 We appreciate you

[@joewhite4038]

@@HappilyEverHanks 👍 Keep up the great work. It was videos from people like you that made my newbie years so much easier and almost ooops free. I know you have helped many with your hard work on these helpful videos.

[@andreagoodling2133]

Great refresher. Plus learned some new thing. You too are so fun to watch. Love the humor.

[@fformer]

Fantastic video guys, you put a lot of thought into this one. We appreciate all your efforts, your humor and your knowledge. You are a Class act!

[@TallyHoTravelers]

Thank you for this great video. We will be newbies in our Class A beginning early July. This video gives us the information we need as we begin our full-time adventure.

[@StuPedasso]

No explanation for the roses.....? 🌹 Random tiara next week? 👑😆 Excellent video - #ThanksHanks

[@storeowner56]

Hey you two, another great video! We’ve been at this for years now and spend 10+ months a year on the road. Although I do 99% of the things you mentioned, I don’t have hand sanitizer in the wet-bay. I ALWAYS head to my truck door for sanitizer. DOOOO! They’ll be a bottle in the wet-bay tomorrow morning! 👊🏼 Keep them coming, love the content.

[@johanstrieter-bh2wq]

This is a great video all the information you provided is what every camp should do. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a camper or an RV or a tent. Once again, thank you for all the work you do you guys are great funny and I love to watch your videos.

[@jam5158]

Glad you mentioned the emergency brake cable that is a point I always make to people I see disconnecting. With a TT I also don't disconnect the safety chains till after I disconnect for that very reason. I have seen 2 TT's go rolling back because the chalks slipped out. One went into a ditch. It wasn't pretty. It was a beer and popcorn day watching the tow truck pull them out.

[@briansack7920]

Great video! I completely agree with one comment that scissor jacks between the tires are much better than chocks. Also, if you don't have an auto leveling system, it helps to install a ball-type left-right level indicator on the front of the trailer that the driver can see so the trailer is placed on the site sufficiently level or to help set it level with blocks or an Anderson leveling system.

[@PapawB]

Great job, always good to review the process ! Your content is always informative and entertaining 😊

[@hgoff5617]

Good idea on the slide out - we use a stick as well; one thing - a lot of Indiana state parks do not have water at the site - you have to fill up before you set up - yes - we hauled 20 gals. the last time.... - Put the filter on the camper end - not the spigot end - otherwise you can pick up any smell/taste through the hose. Good point on the slide outs - things can get behind them when traveling - doors can open (ask how i know).... thanks for your video and info

[@psumurph]

Ok - I’m sitting here watching this episode w my son who is a kinesiology major at Penn State. And we’re noting that both of you manage to stay super fit even though you’re on the road full time - which seems impossible. Would you consider a video on wellness while living the rv lifestyle? We think it would be super interesting for the Hanks community! Love your channel - thanks Hanks!!!

[@jerrytalley802]

Excellent idea to push the air out of the water hose. I will remember that next time

[@burtbennett]

Great tips for the majority of folks. We deviate just a bit. Once at the site, the wife takes the dog on leash and helps me position the FW. She then takes the dog for a walk while I setup the exterior and extend the slides. The wife takes over from there and sets up the interior while I sit back, usually at the picnic table, and drink a cold adult beverage 🙂

[@kendallbennett7451]

Leaving the gray tank valve open can sometimes cause nasty smells inside the RV coming out of the sewer and up through the showers. Simple fix an RV tech showed me is to use the stinky slinky holder to make a pea trap right as the hose exits the RV so gray water sits there and blocks the smells from coming up :) Just remember the straighten it out before you dump the black tank :)

[@Masterchief68]

Excellent video! Wife and I have been camping since 1968 started in a tent then 3 pop-ups, a TT, then a 5th wheel and finally we are now in a 32 foot “A”. The only time we ever had problems was when we didn’t use our check list! This video of yours should be mandatory for all campers both new and old!! Especially like your advice to use chocks, even in our a with it in park and the emergency brake applied we use a set of chocks. You only need something to fail once to ruin your day! Great job!

[@krisg3984]

I dont have a spotter so its all on me. First thing is to back in with clearance from the power pedestal and my kitchen slide out. I check the power pedestal 2nd. Sometimes you have to go back to the office for a different site because thats as far as it gets. Some places have old wiring. I also run the water a bit. Rust or debris may come out and ruin my water filter especially if its the first of the camp season.

[@Mrtinkerr]

All good stuff. I like to put the truck in neutral then back to parked before pulling the pin release or lifting off the goose ball. This takes the pressure off the coupler. .

[@JRock-wr1xn]

Great advice! Thanks and safe travels!

[@Myopinion411]

I love all of your tips, tricks and info videos. Safe travels to y'all

[@charlesperry1051]

Two comments. First, as an electric power engineer, I recommend connecting your cable to the RV and then plugging into the pedestal. Good to keep the breaker off during the process. Second, I use the metal expanding wheel chocks that go between the tires. Very secure and the RV is not going anywhere.

[@grega2362]

Watched a persons trailer move with just the metal chock. HOT day, travel day, tires were expanded. Leveled on blocks and chocked. Cooled down at night, tire pressure went down trailer oozed off the leveling block. I use a hand crank plastic chock between tires and 2 4x4 wood blocks. Only takes a second to put blocks and chocks out so why not.

[@StuPedasso]

Honest question, if the breaker is off, what difference does it make plugging in pedestal side or rig side first?

[@rbblackhawk1]

The X chock are designed for keeping the trailer from rocking back-and-forth while you’re walking around inside of it. Still need to use wheel chocks.

[@theminicooper]

@@StuPedasso Purely efficiency I feel like. Rather than going Pedestal->RV->Pedestal, you go RV->Pedestal

[@StuPedasso]

@@theminicooper He prefaces the recommendation with "as an electrical power engineer" - so I'm thinking a possible safety concern...no clue.

[@p.robertbranconi4127]

Thank you for doing this video... I have a large slide-in truck camper. I mainly do dispersed camping. I however, I do stay at rv parks on occasion. (Dumping, Filling, Charging and Laundry.) You get too used to Not having to concern yourself with any of this... Except for leveling. You both are Great...

[@bkf238]

These are great tips. We’re new at RVing. Last year we used a truck camper and now have a travel trailer so I feel like we are learning all over again. Love your channel. I’ve learned so much from watching.

[@dennisbeek6958]

Carl, two things I would do differently. First, always make sure if the law states, Parks have an anti siphon valve on the freshwater service. Many Health departments require it so that if there is an interruption in water pressure, the units pressure doesn't back flow into the parks water system. Also, sometimes insect, spiders, salamanders will climb up into the parks spigot to drink the water. I always turn on the spicket for a quick flush before I hook up my water hose, regulator, or filter. That way I can see the clarity of the Park's water. I can tell you how many times rust has been in the line. When in doubt I use a clean white bucket to see what's going into my system. I like seeing you use a regulator with a gauge.👍 Secondly I would recommend always checking polarity of the parks electrical system and the voltage before turning on costly appliances.. Many camp hosts and State Park employees are not electricians. Sometimes you don't know what you're hooking up to. Just my 2 cents.

[@victorramirez3583]

Slots of great pointers thanks so much you guys are great teachers keep up the great work and have lots of fun

[@shawnwade302]

As a professional truck driver many times I will back into a place without a father or getting out to look because I backed trailers numerous times a day. In some instances if there's another truck driver available I will use them as a spotter but in really tight backing spots even with a spotter I will get out walk to the back of the trailer and look at the situation over so I have a good picture in my mind of what's going on. When you do that sometimes your spotter might look at you funny thinking you don't trust them but that's simply not the case. People can tell you that you're not going to hit something but to get the trailer exactly where you want it sometimes you just have to have a visual picture in your mind.

[@AcmeRacing]

My pet peeve is the volunteer who comes running over when he sees you get out to look. He’s often worse than useless and he’s one more thing in your site that you need to avoid hitting.

[@randypetty3066]

Good comment on pets and children…we travel with 2 60lb doodles. Once while setting up I took the dogs out of the truck and secured them on leads to the picnic table at the campsite, like a team of horses hitched to a sled…when I went to move the camper up onto leveling bocks, it spooked the dogs and off they went-dragging the picnic table with them! Now the dogs stay in the truck until slide is out and everything is good to go. I also agree with not being hangry or need in to use the restroom before setting up- it can be very distracting.

[@Graybeard1405]

Thanks! great video for beginners and to reinforce the basics for veterans. When I first started, I saw your measuring stick video, and promptly “stole” your idea. I marked my hiking staff, because it is always handy on the back seat of the truck. I travel solo, so without the benefit of a spotter the very first thing I do is pull out the EMS and check the pedestal while walking the site. I also turn on the water source, and check the type of sewer connection. When that is done and the site is reconnoitered, then I put out orange cones in strategic locations to line up and show me where to stop based on info from my measurements. I also use a level mate so that I know how my levels are before exiting the cab. Solo traveling breeds a different way of thinking, but the basics are the same. Setup does, unfortunately take a lot longer. Travel safely, stay healthy and have fun. And once again, THANKS HANKS’!

[@JasonWheeler-l4b]

Thank you, very well done! I do agree with others though. No one should ever be directly behind a moving vehicle, PERIOD! I have over 35 years experience training Firefighter & EMS personnel in all aspects of vehicle operations. The”spotter” should always be in the sight line of the operator (operators left side mirror) and have full view of the rear of the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is moving. NO EXCEPTIONS! On a different note; What is the “hitch” weight of your RV when fully loaded to travel? Most of the 5th Wheel RV’s I’ve researched over the past few months exceed the manufacturer rating of my 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500HD 4X4 two wheel rear axle (not a dually). Thank you again! Hope to see more from you folks and hope to hear from you also.

[@luisagakamovingmouse]

Thx for the 5th wheel disconnect weight distribution info. It was a curiousity of mine. I also liked the suggestion of keeping the safety brake connection. Thx again.

[@DanBlackRacing]

Lol The Giant RV communication challenges. That makes me chuckle.. This is why I stuck with a 20-footer😂😂. I thought about getting a toy hauler. I thought about getting a 30-footer. Fifth wheel etc I forced myself to just get a nice little 20-footer. RV life is so simple.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Haha, keeping it simple with a 20-footer sounds like a solid plan! Those communication challenges definitely make things interesting. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@MM-fe9mz]

The slideout marker pole is a good idea

[@eileenstickney80]

Excellent video, I know you are speaking to 5th wheel and travel trailer. However, this is applicable to a RVMotorhome. I made a PVC pipe for my slide way back when because of you both. Safe travels😎

[@beagledog5094]

I always enjoy your videos. Great tips for getting into and set up on the site. The only small item I want to mention is when you were backing in to the site, instead of saying "ok, go to the other side" is to say "go to the driver side or go to the passenger side". This way there will be no confusion.