27 BIG Lessons RVers Learn the Hard Way - Things Every RVer Owner Should Know

Close to 6 years of full-time RV living has shown us some ugly lessons. We show you our best 27 tips and worst mistakes every RV owner should know. We cover everything from ant infestations to having no trailer brakes on the highway (our scariest moment).
RV life is full of stress, but we will bring you the best tips and tricks for the upcoming camping season!
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[@HappilyEverHanks]

Subscribe for our new weekly videos! urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/KVJA Want to watch more? Catch up on HappilyEverHanks here! urlgeni.us/youtube/playlist/HEHPLAYLIST

[@ifly64s]

I flew helicopters for the Army for many years. Two things I've brought over to our RV life. 1) Do the walk around close up to your RV and do another walk around about 20 feet from your RV. You'll be surprised what you can find with the two perspectives. It's saved my life several times. 2) Pull out of your parking site, stop and look back at the empty site for anything left behind or fallen off of your RV. Love your vids.

[@brucefranklin6765]

Did the same thing driving 35 years for UPS. I first do a walk around checking that all latches are locked and a 2nd walk around visual.

[@captainkirk8806]

@@brucefranklin6765 Local 639 UPS. Learned the same process as well as a lot more on being a defensive driver.

[@nelladavis4418]

❤ This is a very great tip!!

[@joyceschetter5871]

One last check that everything is disconnected, closed or connected as needed!

[@jimbuckley4986]

Can’t tell you how many times we have been gifted with small items left behind from previous campers

[@andrewspies1968]

Thanks for mentioning us mobile techs. We really are a viable alternative to the dealers. - Andrew, Ranger RV Services, Houston, TX

[@dianekell5460]

We use to drive semi for a living, we always as traveling with our Rv do a pre trip inspection, and if we stop for fuel we check again before hitting the road. Very good habit to get into.

[@motorcoachtech7615]

I see you are being nice to Carl by throwing him on the bed, instead of bounding him, taping his mouth and throwing him under the bed!😂. Have a good week. Rick

[@ellenpowers8037]

Great tips! One caution: if you’re going to put a bunch of stuff on the bed (which is a great place to put it on travel days), be aware of the weight if the bedroom is on a slide. Just had to replace a slide motor and it might have been from overloading the slide while it was going in and out. Used a mobile tech to do the repair and he was awesome: Sean at Tucson Mobile RV Repair.

[@rv_at_the_beach2603]

I used Sean too for major water leak that soaked the whole storage area and everything in it. He was great, reasonable and helpful.

[@ALittleBitUnhitched]

Checking tire pressures the morning of leaving...THIS ONE IS HUGE! I can not tell you guys how many times we have told people to always double-check before you hit the road! It's huge! Always appreciate your videos and the wisdom you all spit on the daily!

[@Yoteach01]

In addition to practice backing in a large open area (Walmart parking lot), I would HIGHLY suggest that the practice should be done during both daylight and dark. We both know that certain circumstances require the O-DARK 30 backup experience

[@wolveswithoutteeth]

And pick up a couple of orange cones to use for practice. You can grab them at Home Depot. Set up a couple of obstacles.

[@markrenfrow9873]

Ain't that the truth !

[@conniebellow2016]

I learned the dark-30 lesson after I backed into the pole holding the water valves. Luckily the owner was super awesome about me breaking 2 valves off.

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

Thanks! We’re a year before we leave on our 4 year Odessy so having this list will do us good. We’ve been tent camping since we were babies so some of these can be transferee to RV life. One thing I would add is have a physical check list to use for the arrival & leaving jobs. Also put the height/length on your dash.

[@herb7877]

Well presented & All great tips! 45+ years RV-n & still learning (mess-n up too !) . One of my worst disaster was trying to 'multi-task' with the neighbor who came over to chat while we were setting up. Attached the city fresh water supply to the black tank swirly clean out (bad design; they're next to each other). 10 minutes later Ol' Facefull geyser in the bathroom. needless to say the "Boss" was not happy. You could hear the screech from inside for miles. It was so high pitched all the dogs in the CG came running or howling. I got to do the clean up. ...

[@Jrmh179]

Just a tip - whenever anyone interrupts me during set up or tear down - I would turn off or halt anything I was in the middle of ( assuming I did not ask them to please wait) so in this example - if you decide to talk even for 1 minute, just turn off the water and start over when you are done!

[@007nadineL]

You tell tall tales

[@cferryone]

Been there, done that!

[@trustme7731]

1.Diatomaceous earth IS a gardening item and it's not soil although it comes from the ground. It looks and feels like flour. Best used in a garden on the ground to keep crawling insects off the plants. It actually cuts insects when they get in it so they die but it's messy and slow acting. A better, cleaner, mess free and very long lasting product that kills all insects is Bifenthin. You'll find it in the garden section too. It's the active ingredient in products like Orthos Home Defense. If you buy it ready to use, just wet a paper towel and wipe it on the floor in a narrow band next to walls and cabinets. (wear a glove) It takes VERY little. I use it in my house this way and spray it around the perimeter outside. It lasts inside over 8 months. If you have pets or little children apply it where they can't get in to it and where you won't step in it. I wouldn't use it outside at a campsite. The next people wouldn't know. You could spray the tires, jacks and other place where ants would get up into the rig. Keep in mind that you wouldn't want to touch these places with bare hands later. 2. I'm surprised that you missed the obvious. MAKE A CHECKLIST. Do it on your phone or on a computer so you can print it. Either way it's easy to add to it and make adjustments, and you certainly will. You'd be surprised at how long and useful the list can be. I print mine and keep it on the engine dog house in our motor home. I have one for set up and one for leaving. As a pilot I know that checklists are extremely important. I also do a walk around and look underneath at every stop. 3. I wrote my height and length on a post it and stuck it to the dashboard so I can quickly see it at a glance at any time. 4. All excellent ideas that I always have been doing. Probably your most useful video for all experience levels.

[@RealizingICreateHappiness931]

My wife & I get so excited on thursdays just to watch y’all new video

[@HappilyEverHanks]

🤗

[@russellvh3655]

Been following you 3 for about a year now. From consideration to full time RV’er. I am glad to say I only missed one or two of these tips. I’m sure I learned it all from you and loved the education.

[@asana_awakening]

When we first bought our RV I heard a story of a couple that left their awnings out with a storm coming and a big gust of wind caught their awning and flipped their RV over!! Their RV was also an older model with only one emergency exit (that was blocked) so they were stuck for hours. Because of that story we have never left them unattended but we see other people do it all the time 👀 this is great advice!

[@milesandjohnsadventures]

This will be our second year rving! And we are excited about this year! Miles and are are continuing to learn from our mistakes! I’m glad we are not the only ones with issues!

[@adriannurse1502]

I've also found that you need to make sure your slides can open before leveling and hooking up. Before leaving look on the roof and make sure that the satellite dish and any antennas are down and properly stowed.

[@rv_at_the_beach2603]

Another great video. We can't be reminded too much. You're so right, check, check, check. What we've found is take your time. Don't hurry. Time spent checking and re-checking is time well spent.

[@BassFever4Ever]

Thank you for sharing these tips! Excellent video! One I might add is that during your walk around, take a few pics of your rig and site. You never know when they might come in handy down the road.

[@robertsimcox8185]

Awesome info as always, keep up the great job guys!

[@philipgerry5228]

You made any good points. Keeping hitched until electric, sewer, and water hookups are connected is a time saver. Nothing more frustrating than the electric is 1 foot too far away.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Tire pressure monitors are a saving grace. A tape measure, because some tools needed.

[@Ronswanderlust]

We’ve been part timers for the last ten years. Thanks for the video. All good advice. As motorhomers always check all the compartment doors they sometimes swing open while in motion even though they appear to be locked.

[@Colleen1978]

ALL excellent tips! Thanks Hanks!

[@MsJRod2012]

You guys are totally awesome! I love how you deliver your messages in such a way that captures our attention! I have tried to watch other videos, but I can not stay focused because of their delivery!

[@jessboyle8669]

Love the videos, they are always spot on.... You are truly blessed to be making memories and living the dream.

[@amytooyou7384]

Stumbled upon your channel when researching full-time RV living, I have started saving all of your tips and tricks videos! I am excited to go FT in a year and half myself! Keep up the great job!

[@atwistedlime6090]

Honestly this is the best place to learn. Not only do the Hanks have great info they are fun to watch. I’ve been full time 12 years and they’ve got the best videos.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

So happy for you! 🤗

[@wolfpack3121]

Great advice. Thank you for all your video’s. Keep them coming.

[@robertosgood961]

Tip #28 - If you do a pull check on your fifth wheel pin after hooking up, lets you know if it's locked and that your electrical brakes are working and connected. Can't wait for vids of your adventures this year!

[@juliefox77]

These were SO helpful and SO true!!!! EVERYONE should watch this when they’re getting started, and then every few months as a reminder!!!

[@cathybeall986]

Great advice! Love you guys!

[@teacher4christ1]

We love you! All great advice especially for us newbies! Thanks Hanks! You're awesome!

[@SuninSanDiego]

Terro ant baits are god tier against ants. It's takes a day or two for them to get a lethal amount but a day or two and they are gone gone...

[@nomateando]

We’ve been learning so much from your channel! Thank you for all your tips! Joeh and I are starting RV life full time in a few weeks and we are super excited!!

[@rebeccasanders6895]

Love all your tips! I’m living in a camper trailer full time now and I’ve learned a lot from you guys!

[@rickrichardson5329]

Very informative video thanks Hanks for all you do to help out. These are very simple thing but it's usually the simple we forget. Yall stay safe.

[@philhoneycutt9153]

Happy Hanksday!

[@akweeheals23]

Thank you, guys, for your time this video was great and to the point.

[@joeyee5159]

Great tips as always. We made the awning mistake our first year of camping and had to run back to our campsite from town during a thunderstorm. Good thing we got back in time to put the awning back in.

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

Cool information. Ty. Got one for you . I am a big rig driver (32 years) when ever backing up , always steer towards the trouble and it will push your trailer away from trouble.

[@PeterNewton-pz4nu]

Great video guys thanks for sharing

[@charleyhough4355]

Another great video from the Hanks! You guys rock, thanks again.

[@IRV707]

Thanks for the tips! Fun video!

[@paulettehart6822]

I saw you on let's turn it up world at the Hershey's RV show I am subscribing to you because you were so friendly to Tanya and her husband

[@DailyDriver.]

Cutting board freezer tip was golden ! What a good idea !!!

[@tkwhitehead8578]

Excellent info! Yes we learned sometimes by trial and error!

[@rogercastle2019]

Just a word of advice don’t let your RV set too long without checking on it. I have mine in storage for the winter and don’t have room to open it up and check it out. I do however have room to open the door and give it a quick look but that’s not good enough. I just purchased and second AC unit and was going to it install it myself so I brought the unit home. I got a big surprise when I opened it up. It had a leak in the roof at the point where the nose cap and the roof come together. What a mess. Needless to say I have a lot of clean up todo before I can install the AC unit. Thanks for the show.

[@MrJose1223]

Love all of them,,you guys are good ,,thank you

[@jimbuckley4986]

I have been watching tons of rv videos the last five years. Lots and lots of great stuff on here. Discovered the both of you a short time ago and todays video is outstanding. Covered all the essential tics that commonly catch us all at some point. This is a great reference video and saving the link to share with our friends. Thank you. Two thumbs up

[@WeSometimesRV]

Wonderful video. Great information that Newbies and Oldies can always learn from. Thanks Hanks!!

[@lindseymcmannon4311]

Great video! Love your videos! Definitely good for RV newbies like me.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Tips tips. Thank you. Great video

[@uniquecampingmarine]

Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!

[@elizabethstacy8054]

This was a great one !!!

[@tomallen9179]

Boy these are great suggestions. No matter how long you’ve been RVing- you can’t learn too much. My best takeaway from today was the pic of your license plates. Keep ‘em coming!

[@padmepadme]

Thanks for ALL THE GREAT ADVICE... and y'all are adorable.

[@simply_flamingo7967]

Best fun tip video!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Lists help. Good advice. A visual inspection is key. Get used to what "right" looks like, so "wrong" sticks out like a sore thumb. Aloha 😀

[@mikelezan1023]

Love the videos! You two are a HOOT!

[@mikehackney201]

Another great vidio guy's, & great travel day tips we all need a refresher on. One thing my wife & I both say at the end of your vidios is our time with you is to short. We start each Fri morning with your vidios. Keep them coming & safe travels.

[@NirubanKandasamy]

Well done guys! Very good 101s covered here.

[@jonathanberens1171]

Just starting and in process of buying..your videos are soooo helpful..so many tips and fantastic info!

[@legrandechene3734]

Loving all the content. We are old (over55) and have been RVing since the early 90's. We have stayed at several of the campgrounds you stayed at in Florida and have looked into some of the others youve used. Stay safe.

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

We miss you guys. If you put your water hose away because it is to cold please put your water pressure regulator away to. The water in the regulator can freeze.

[@cindycierlik8162]

Thank You great advice!😃

[@philipdiehl9849]

As always very worthwhile information presented in a fun manner. You guys are saving many of us a lot of grief. I do love you both. Grandpa Jack

[@jimg2885]

Ney Ney says you bring the info in an entertaining way. You guys are our Thursday entertainment. Wish the videos were longer as They normally end before the popcorn is gone. 🙂 Another good info video from the Hanks. Let er rip Hanks and enjoy your travels..

[@jtoepke9763]

I always click on the earlier videos and rewatch a few

[@HappilyEverHanks]

❤️🤗

[@diverm2371]

Great video guys.

[@georgepavlik9055]

Thank you for all the tips! We took our camper out for the very first time this week. I should have looked before I unhooked. Of course we parked too far back and the stabilizers in the rear couldn't be put down. We we're just doing a trial run so we didn't move as we only stayed 2 nights. I did check around the camper before pulling off, but thankfully the attendant driving around yelled for me to remember my Y water valve connector. Then I did pull out of my spot without noticing the stairs were still down. Our camper is much smaller so it's a single step that doesn't touch the ground, no harm done.

[@cferryone]

Thanks Hanks! You reminded me to unhook my 7 way pin!! I don’t want to drain my tow rig battery!!

[@michaelwert468]

This is where I use Silicone Slap Bracelets. Keep one on the electrical cord. When I disconnect it I put it on my steering wheel as a reminder the next day to reconnect the power.

[@iluvhimsmmm]

Love watching your videos. We've been living in our RV for 2 yrs now and love your tips. And absolutely do it "the ne ne way# love u too "Carl"❤️❤️❤️

[@mikemanjo2458]

Thanks, Hanks! Y’all are amazing! Great ideas...we’ve made some of these, too!😉 Have a great week! Jane in SC ❤🙏🏻

[@mikenowak2360]

Hanks you make everything fun. Thanks for the tips. been rving for 20 years and picked up 2 new great tips..#thankshanks

[@annadiliberto8024]

Wow! Thank you.. so many things learned at odd times.

[@captainkirk8806]

Thanks for a very good help video. Advise well taken.

[@davesherman74]

Good tip on unplugging the 7-way connector when parked for a while, and making sure it's plugged back in. I've gotten in the habit of always checking all the lights after hitching up, if only to check for burned out bulbs.

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

So many good tips. We've learned to start our water heater with propane then switch to electric. We now have spare black tank hoses. (Don't ask us have that came about.) Absolutely try that black water tank pull before you need to empty your tank with a line of rigs behind you and it comes off! Oops!! Always put the steps up prior to moving for sure. NEVER PUT ANYTHING ON YOUR TRUCK BUMPER YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE. 😁😔 Great idea about using the fans to help the hot air out. Will definitely try that. We're all learning together. You guys are the best! #ThanksHanks

[@dennycappetta2035]

Love the tips. Been renovating our rig. Looking good so far. Back on the road mid March heading to Florida. Doing the Disney thing with the kids and grandkids. Have safe travels and hope to see ya on the road again sometime.

[@geraldhettel3824]

Thanks, great advise!

[@deejayskip4089]

Already knew all this but very entertaining and informative to new rv couples/families

[@jvgomes73]

Me and my son love you guys keep making those videos

[@robertdoyen5434]

Thanks Hanks great video thanks for sharing all your information ❤ Thanks From Wisconsin

[@n1uno1965]

Lovely tips! Concise and humorous! Thank you for sharing! 🖖🏻😘👍🏻🙏🏻

[@cathymoser1229]

Great information. My husband and I have learned a lot about full-time RVing from watching your videos. We just purchased our 1st rv and hope to be on the road soon. Thanks for all you do.

[@jamesgritz404]

are going fulltime?

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Congrats! 🤗

[@jasonhill9088]

G.O.A.L- get out and look

[@marklovelace297]

Completely agree on travel day dinner. Keep it simple we stow a couple of frozen microwave dinners ready. You really can't go wrong with salisbury steak or turkey dinner, stay away from anything with a crust and you will be very happy in 15 minutes!

[@severedmetalband]

Finally got to catch up on the latest 3 installments and I once again I laughed and thought about what you were spittin and just enjoyed! #ThanksHanks

[@destinationdero]

Nice share on your experience as RVers.

[@ecuadorhusker2449]

Love you guys, you're a hoot. Great info

[@leejohnson8095]

YALL ROCK! Thank you for these tips. I really appreciate your knowledge.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much, Lee! We appreciate your wonderful support 😊

[@rexp6296]

you guys are awesome!!!! Great advice!!

[@annabanana3099]

You guys are great! I really enjoy your videos and the great advice!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much!! Your support means so much to us ❤️

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@ALL4SCUBA05]

You guys are awesome. Oh, and so are your videos

[@christinas907]

Good stuff thanks Hanks 😉

[@jimbuckley4986]

Good points all and enjoy the youthful energy injected into you presentation

[@randomspirit]

Putting the valuable cat on the bed made me chuckle, but valuable Karl pushed me over the edge into outright laughter! LOL Great list of tips, thanks!

[@debbiejamison3883]

Love watch you both🥰

[@charliebullio463]

Howdy Hanks. Great to see you today.

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Great information and great video. I have slide stick like yall have to make sure I have enough room for my slides. I learned that from yall.

[@aliciaparham6145]

Thanks Hanks! We were on our afternoon walk around the park tonight and spotted Dex in y’all’s door ❤️❤️