How To Buy an RV: 9 Mistakes You Might Make [RV Life]

[@wildrvlife]

Tell us your RV buying stories and what tips you learned along the way!

[@ZenHulk]

in the 1990s, every time a hurricane hit the southern states rvs would show up at auctions in Nevada and Oregon cheap, after dried out. We caught on and flagged all those people doing it but a lot of people bought flooded dried out trailers after Katrina, a lot. I was a tech for the largest dealer in Nevada and when we caught on we had all those molded flooded rvs crushed.

[@agelessrving]

Please, I beg you, get a 1/2 inch torque wrench. Torque the bolts for the jacks and tires. One youtuber lost a 5th wheel, wheel, because he used an impact tool, which over tightened the bolts. The bolts sheered off not far down then road. My wife and I really enjoy your videos! Before we could remember your channel one of us would say, "I wonder if the beauty and the hillbilly have a new video? 🙂 Great video, we have been full-time for almost two years but pretty much did all of those mistakes.

[@StuPedasso]

📣MOST 1/2 ton trucks can not safely tow a 5th wheel 📣 Know your tow vehicle limits! DO NOT rely on the dealer/salesperson - shockingly, some will say anything just to "get the sale". Great video guys, thanks. Ohhh, and I'm guessing you're headed for the mother land (Indiana) ::wink:: 😉

[@leozeek]

This was a great video. Great interaction in a relaxed presentation! The best RV/ couple KZbin I’ve seen.

[@rbranch2987]

Get a heavy duty truck jack! Rotating those tires using the jack you used is very dangerous! Especially when you are posting about “what NOT to do”! We Love you guys and just want to keep you safe. ❤

[@swayme67]

Along those lines, you should consider using a torque wrench to check all of those fasteners! Lug nuts, the nuts/bolts under the RV...being under or over con tightening can cause big issues! Just want you folks to be safe! Take care, and keep the content coming!!!

[@johnhardy2702]

Yup, back in my younger days I stretched a few threads😢

[@DJ63phx]

Monster, the worst thing for your heart. Any of those energy drinks are the worst thing for your heart.

[@lancewulfers2502]

Never tighten bolts with an impact on high. You can easily over torque a bolt. it's fine to use to spin it on. But final tightness should be with a human driven wrench or torque wrench.

[@blaineolmstead237]

Yep, you need to keep a torque wrench

[@sactoindyfan]

Agreed. I got mine primarily when I bought my trailer, let alone for my truck n

[@rich2034]

Absolutely!! On the Torque wrench

[@rich2034]

Also, I've gone to Discount Tire and got a free rotation ..they would probably have a lug nut ..just sayin...😂 And please get a better jack for your truck...that one sucks. I think I sent you a link for a cord reel that I got on Amazon...I love it!

[@blaineolmstead237]

@@sactoindyfan I keep a socket for the truck and one for the trailer that I bought special and keep in the rv toolbox

[@sactoindyfan]

@@blaineolmstead237 exactly what I have as well!

[@badgerpa9]

Pretty sure in the last video you said something about going to Elkhart for something. You should use a torque wrench on your lug nuts.

[@JeffreyJohnston724]

tell discount tire they lost it or did not tight it enough and they might replace it for free or give them to you at cost but yea they make you buy a set . no rv is problem free they all have issues

[@RonaldBuchtel]

Stay away from Bish’s RV , especially their Coldwater Michigan location! Their service department Sucks!

[@philipfareio4445]

My same thing New 300k Is not problem Free i thouht More Expensive Would be No fuss

[@brucerichardson2201]

Would you guys but another Brinkley, we own a DRV Mobil Suite and it’s a lemon for sure and it’s been worked on by Whiskey Mountain RV IN Mesa AZ another mistake. Don’t but from Pierce RV in Billings MT there tech’s call a wash job an inspection.

[@طلالشاويش-ك1ه]

حلم 💭 ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم حلم 💭 ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم

[@jamesshrewsbury2610]

I think you are going to Canada for the spring. And if you are going to NewFoundLand I want to go with you .I'll drive my own rig. Anyways have fun and be safe .❤

[@wildrvlife]

Newfoundland is on our list for one day!! Not happening this year but it looks so beautiful up there!

[@philipfareio4445]

Do we want Camella Harass If something Happens The inside Agenda

[@LauraManzke-pb2cy]

Well I’m guessing it’s not minnesota cuz nobody wants to come here during the winter lol😂 even though we’re the dummy’s lol😂 for living here but this winter has actually been enjoyable it was 65 today and we have no snow right now, but it’s probably coming tomorrow

[@rodhampton56]

How about the mistakes you're making doing this video. A never put a tire on a vehicle with a impact wrinch. All tires wheels have to be tort to the manufacturer's specification, Are there could be big consequences down the road. And I understand discount tire rotates and balances free. So why are you doing it yourself? I have always bought my tires at costco , which are located in the u s canada , mexico , and around the world , and they rotate in balance three also.

[@44seahawksman]

I'm just seeing this today, but my guess is Minnesota. haha. Thanks for the insights. I'm getting ready to buy my 1st RV and it's a 5th wheel. One dealer told me to do the Gen Y hitch on a ball because I have a short bed. I watched your video on that so that took some of the mystery out. Has the Gen Y been better or worse than the 5th wheel hitch?

[@danieldixon2683]

I will never buy from camping world again. Twice bitten, I know better now.

[@JoeWalker-k2q]

Didn't you just rotate your tires? You sure it's a blug nut with gown? This is big Mike from Iowa.

[@Brinkley_like_a_backroad]

Definitely don’t use cenla rv in north Louisiana. Once you purchase they are done with you.

[@Bobwrench]

You should have mentioned to match the trailer weight to the truck capacity. Don't trust the RV dealer or the truck dealer. Do your own research

[@stevecurry5785]

Ive always saved my money up bought used and very cheap and paid cash even for houses Hell ive never even had a credit rating and im 67 now But then im a master tradesman Licenced mechanic electrician carpenter and plumber and know what im getting and what i need to fix Peeps throw 10 to 30k into the toilet as soon as they sign the paper and it becomes used Then in most cases it becomes your burden as soon as you drive these things off the lot and they will break They face an earthquake every time they go on the road and many many companies are building their appliances and electronics in China and Taiwan now super cheap to make the most profit and bugger the reliability Plus theres covid buys and Monday Friday long weekend buys So expect it to break down and salespeople not to know anything about what there selling

[@طلالشاويش-ك1ه]

حلم 💭 حلم 💭 ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم ،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،،حلم

[@thewanderingshores]

Quote of the video "I don't know I wasn't listening" Love Craig.... you two are so funny.

[@wildrvlife]

LOL you know this is the story of my life... always saying stuff twice. 🤣

[@PILOTY2KK]

you should alway lower the truck onto jack stands before you try to take off the tires, you should never trust the spindly jack that comes with the truck.

[@sldrock]

You purchased your tires at discount tire. Why didn't you allow them to rotate them? They rotate and balance them at the same time free. Tell them about your lug nut and they'll replace it. Been there, done that. And my guess is Indiana.

[@kevincameron8437]

Def let DT do the rotations.

[@thomasbeck8705]

Amen on the discount tire. Free rotation and balance as well as TP checks. They will replace the missing lug nut as well. I’ve used them for years.

[@daveprather9960]

Yep, that’s what I do. Also get single lug nuts from dealership at around $10 each and DT will most likely reimburse you.

[@randytortorelli150]

Goshen Indiana..... Let Discount tire rotate your tires, it's free.

[@arthurnewton4031]

Obviously Canada and to be more precise its Nova Scotia Canada.

[@lancewulfers2502]

I hate to say this, but wear some boots when doing heavy mechanical work. Open toe sandals can really get you hurt.

[@DJ63phx]

You don't go to discount tire. They Over tighten your lugs or you don't tighten them enough. You end up losing lug nuts or they break your lug nuts.

[@robmclaughlin420]

with all the cool stuff you have you don't have a hydraulic jack for tires?

[@timh8543]

Can’t be Arizona, you were just in California. I say Indiana.

[@iantaylor4868]

Alabama! Yall are going to Alabama!😂

[@wildrvlife]

lol!! We did actually make a stop in Alabama!

[@jimlittle2477]

We just got our z2900 2 days ago I am going to raise my rear jacks I think they are to low thanks

[@bobabooie6389]

I'm guessing you're going to South Dakota👍🇺🇲

[@henryford2736]

You're heading back to Canada that's obvious.

[@dbsimmons]

We just purchased a jayco pinnacle 38fbrk. The msrp was around $170k but got it otd for $105k. Closer to 45% off. They are desperate to sell now. I had 2 dealers bidding against one another.

[@wildrvlife]

Oh wow! That’s quite a deal! 🙌🏼

[@sakoboomer2420]

You would have been better off to take the truck to a tire shop and have the tires rotated and balanced, balancing them after each rotation helps them wear longer and ride better.

[@dogrv4365]

Probably headed to Nebraska. No one would guess that.

[@miketokar909]

My Guess is you are headed to Arizona. Its quite nice there. Also, I did not see you Torque your wheel nuts, Please be sure you have this done or get yourself a Torque wrench. Also 15000 miles is more than adequate to rotate your tires. 5000 miles is a little excessive for creating work. Good Luck and Safe Travels.

[@wildrvlife]

we should be doing it often enough then! 😄

[@JB-mn2wb]

Camping world is where I got my 2017 Montana w/bunkhouse. 41 footer at just under 20k. Been very happy with it and I have a year and a half almost of having it. but do I trust camping world? Not entirely. I been at this for a while, so I know what Im looking for and they are only interested in a sale....

[@wildrvlife]

I think that's the key for shopping at the "big" dealerships... You've got to know what you're looking for and know how to stick up for yourself and then it can be ok... otherwise, it's easy for people to be taken advantage of

[@ToddandLyndaHoffman]

Great meeting you all today.... your secret is safe with us, lol

[@CajunTrails]

did you have to reset your tire sensors on your tire rotation? I have to do it on my GMC Denali.

[@davidnoyes3373]

Too bad people look at pretty first and not what is underneath!

[@badgerpa9]

On your missing lug nut if the lug is not stripped it is likely that someone took your lugnut off in a parking lot. I videoed someone doing that on a ford in a homedepot parking lot and sent the video to the truck owner after they came out and they would not have noticed it missing then. Should just have discount rotate the tires they do it for free and it is much safer than that baby jack you used. I know they come with the truck, still safer to do it on a lift.

[@grayfox9911]

Just so you know, it's a good idea to check your lug nuts after 50-100 miles whether you or someone else does the work.🙂 Yep, a "professional" inspection is very critical..

[@wildrvlife]

We definitely should have! 😁

[@waltfriedrich7631]

also a good idea is to torque the lug nuts to the vehicle spec. More importaint on aluminum wheels then steel.

[@wildrvlife]

@@waltfriedrich7631 good advice!

[@mikewebster2984]

The more you pay the more problems you have at least that is my philosophy 6:59

[@josephyoung5395]

as said in other remarks, a 12 ton hyd. jack and a piece of 6X6 block for a good base. Be safe

[@blakep4082]

I love watching your videos. Any chance your next destination is Canada ? You said, cold, long way from Florida and ends with an A. Btw, please put on some closed toe shoes when you’re doing work like in this video. Eventually you’re going to nail your foot in those flip flops and regret it.

[@wildrvlife]

Thanks so much for watching!! We will be close, but Canada is bit further than we're going right now... but we will be going through Canada later this year on our way to Alaska!

[@randeldeatherage9761]

You need a Jack stand on both axles when rotating tires. The Jack can fall easily

[@michealkerr2064]

How often do you change fuel filter on your Ram?

[@jimmonza1071]

Question, what bike rack do you use for your e bikes and did you have to use a hitch extender. We have a Z too # 157. We got the rv Hollywood rack and have the same e bikes, I thought you tip your handle bars down ??

[@jimmonza1071]

Surprised you didnt respond?

[@migratingpintails4548]

Are you guys going to Arizona (Quartzite)?

[@scottrohl22]

Are you going to Shipshewana???

[@duaneandjillhinkley4887]

You’re headed to Indiana That’s our guess.

[@Toothless137._.]

McDowell Rv Jackson mo good dealer

[@OpenRoading]

Really disappointed that there were no jokes about just spinning the tire around and putting it in the same spot to rotate it. 😂 -J

[@samvaughan2673]

E-trailer is a great resource. Congratulations on the collaboration!

[@wildrvlife]

I'm always surprised at all the things you can find on there! Thank you!

[@Gopher7]

I got your email so I probably shouldn’t guess your destination 😊

[@wildrvlife]

hahah you've got the inside scoop!!

[@raoulroberts2024]

Very considerate of you to rotate your tires away from your neighbors. ❤

[@RetiredRoadTrips]

Tip #10, Carry a proper torque wrench so you can be sure to tighten your lug nuts to the correct torque. Just ask Todd from Switch It Up what happens when you over tighten lug nuts with an impact gun. . . just sayin'. . . ;)

[@wildrvlife]

Lol good tip!

[@godsdeliciousunknown]

Really enjoyed your storytelling technique on this video - switching between the modification of your jacks and the things to watch for when buying an RV - good creative approach to moving the story along I’ve not noticed others use before. I know it’s been beat to death, but check those lug nuts after a few miles - I got to watch a tire roll down the hill in my rear view mirror in my truck the one time I didn’t do that … and found 4 other lug nuts missing on the remaining 3 wheels - completely my fault as I’d just redone the brakes! Keep the great videos coming!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you liked the style, we wanted to give the info, but in a hopefully more entertaining way than having you just watch us talk because Craig can't sit still that long anyways LOL

[@bobabooie6389]

Do my truck maintenance in slippers, sometimes LOL👍🇺🇲

[@kbron3250]

Cringe on the flip flops. Should be wearing boots when doing maintenance dude.

[@Andrealightworker]

Arizona? You said started with an A.

[@alvinlindsey7432]

Craig do you ever wear shoos ?

[@BennettFain]

Gotta ask why are you doing your own tire rotation ? You have free at Discount Tire + balance. Love your show.

[@wildrvlife]

Just ends up being quicker and easier sometimes

[@kennywilliams3780]

Your going to Indiana where I live

[@roadstraveledphotography8440]

Look at this video, you possibly have a nail in your tire!!!! On the Brinkley

[@josephscheneck1540]

Around Timestamp 8:40 -- could have been a rock, but definitely worth an inspection.

[@mr_burky]

That's a stone wedged in between the groove of the tire. She did say H rated tires, my guess around 10 tons per axle

[@wildrvlife]

Yeah, if you're talking around 8:40, that was just a piece of the gravel stuck in the tread! thankfully!

[@johnlagrega4435]

Berryland campers Holden Louisiana, great people 😎👌🏼

[@wildrvlife]

good to know!

[@erniekoonce7749]

I'd say you are heading to Indiana.

[@21psd]

Arizona, for the win!! And as for vehicle/RV warranties, don't buy them at the time of purchase by financing the amount in with the total cost of the vehicle. Instead, shop around, save up, and just buy them prior to your factory warranty expiring.

[@wildrvlife]

We DO really love Arizona ❤️🌵

[@wcarlhepker4806]

Since you said that there are lots of RVs there. and it is cold there, and the state name ends in an A, my guess it is Indiana. Am I right?

[@wildrvlife]

I will say, this is a very very good guess 😉

[@leroymoore76]

elkhart indana

[@toploadtele]

I find it strange that a lug nut is totally missing because Discount Tire's policy is to hand torque each lug nut to spec when replacing a wheel. However, I suppose anyone can miss one occasionally.

[@tcnw2005]

Dont even know the part name, but giving advice lol

[@wildrvlife]

Well, feel free to comment with any knowledge to clear up any confusion.

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

Oh my gosh...our story is crazy. It probably requires sitting around another bonfire. We are back in for warranty work for a fourth time. There's always a story with these things.

[@Freightmeister]

What model, what brand, what issues?

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

GD 3210bh and there is a list. So far they are standing by to grant hours to fix it, however, getting techs or locations to diagnose has been an issue.

[@user-gunrx]

Most likely headed to Arizona. All of the snowbirds here in Oregon head that way for winter. I moved my jacks up as high as we could since we do a lot of boondocking. In fact, since moving them up, I now have to use the blocks otherwise we run out of jack height. Also, since Craig is now using the impact wrench, make sure you’re not over tightening your lug nuts. I always use a torque wrench. That Milwaukee driver can put them on so tight you chance breaking the lug bolts when trying to loosen the nuts.

[@wildrvlife]

We do love Arizona for the winter! And yeah, I think it's good we have the taller Ox Blox jack stand blocks now because it gives that extra height or else we'd be using up all our yellow blocks too. And yeah the impact wrench can definitely overtighten if you're not careful!

[@tinovelazco9227]

Craig, perhaps you purchase a set of 4 locking lug nuts instead of one replacement for missing one.

[@wildrvlife]

not a bad idea!

[@samntimramsey1112]

Don't do it Craig. Locking lugs suck for many reasons

[@ourrvsunsets]

First off y'all crazy going to Elkhart in the winter. I would add a number 10 to your list and that would be, if you have a dealer do any upgrades, make sure you check their work. We had our dealer install lithium batteries and they messed that up. We wound up having to replace the converter to get it to charge charge the lithium batteries correctly. They also jammed the batteries into the battery box that they don't fit into so we're gonna have to fix that. We also had them install a washer dryer and they cross threaded the supply line which caused a water leak in the rig. Yeah, on second thought just do your upgrades on your own, or buy the parts and have a mobile tech do it. As always, great video kids!!! Safe travels up north.

[@johnhardy2702]

Truck tire rotation....fronts go straight back, while backs come forward to the opposite side. 5000 miles, but admittedly Im lucky to get it by 7 or 8k😅 Though some tires are unidirectional

[@brent5027]

As far as fees when buying an rv , a PDI (pre delivery inspection) is a crap fee...manufacturers pay dealers to do them most dont do them then these dealers charge you like they are doing you a favor yet like you said new rv's have problems but if these inspections were done you really wouldnt have issues.....FLAT OUT REFUSE TO PAY A PDI !!! Ive seen camping world or general rv cant remember which but 1 charges 2000 i called them on it quick and they removed it

[@ivygraham7128]

Something you may find of better use for your truck jack is a Hummer H1 Scissor Jack. You will have to search eBay or military surplus, but it's rated for 3.5 tons. Never need to worry about bottle jack failure due to leak. I have one for my Tundra as most OEM scissor jacks and/or bottle jacks are so poorly made.

[@k-mparker]

Great video guys with some gooood 411!!! IMO, those leveling jacks across the board from ALL manufacturers are set toooo low. I’ve literally witnessed 3 different broken legs occur in the last 2 years. Theres plenteeee of sketchy CG’s and boondocking spots that’ll destroy them. When we had our rig built, I had the manufacturer put them up at the highest setting for maximum ground clearance, since we boondock a lot. 👍😃🍻

[@jtjrmints]

Discount Tire always rotates my tires FREE after 5,000 miles.....saves me the work

[@kckettridge]

Arizona or California

[@mocean63]

Arizona bound?!

[@NM-235]

Check the studs, I had a discount tire break 5 lugs on my 2019 ram. They paid for replacement with no argument.

[@djpWilson]

The hub-centric front wheels on my 2004 RAM (it was still Dodge back then) are prone to lugs loosening up. The tire shops actually require you to come back after 100 miles or so to re-tourque them. I had a pretty scary episode with mine - with a 5 horse trailer on the gooseneck. Abrupt subject change - I actually just saw an article about RV contracts. Many (most) of them are unenforceable. Most of them include something like "you can only sue us in Indiana" ...even if you bought the RV and live in California. They do this (even though it's not legal) because they hope you won't even try to sue them if it's inconvenient. Of course, the California example is particularly serious because they have strong consumer-rights laws there, and a suit would probably have consequences. By all means, read the contract before you sign, but if you run into trouble, find a good lawyer before you make decisions for yourself because of what you read in your contract.

[@crwln93]

For the best dealer experience, I'm gonna recommend Ted's RV Land in Paynesville, MN. We drove 15 hours from Colorado Springs last year to purchase our Jayco 5th wheel. Great price and awesome customer! service!

[@rickyroten2410]

Arizona ! Lol😊

[@jocelynb8935]

Just found your travel and subscribed. Appreciate your info and like your vibe :)

[@bigrif4404]

I'm going to cheat and say 2 locations. Based on your hints, I'm going to say either Montana or Alberta CA. Great skiing (snowboarding) in Banff.

[@mtcook111]

Noticed that you guys are using the OX Blox Maxx on your rear jacks! Wanted to know what made you decide these over the Anderson Jack Block or Snap Pads? Thanks for the information and love your content!!

[@gnic_opa]

We live in Ohio and ran over to Brinkley last week. You’re gonna enjoy it. It’s been a mild winter here, so no problem for you guys fm sunny Florida. You might pass close to Walnut Ridge RV on your way. So far they have been good to work with. We get our 3100 in March from them. Safe travels

[@dougstinton1622]

We just traveled from Denver to PHX to buy a used Alliance Valor TH at Blue Compass in Avondale. The process was great and they were very helpful to make sure we were all set for the 2 day drive back to Denver. It’s our first 5er so the whole hitch process was new to me and they helped me to make some adjustments, etc. I’m happy with them so far - and I just talked to their finance and service depts again today (10 days post purchase). I’m usually with you and opt out of warranties. But we bought it this time. It seemed like the right thing to do. 🤷‍♂️

[@Road_Warriors]

You mentioned the suspension on your Brinkley. I'm thinking about upgrading mine. The creme d' la creme would be a mor-ryde independent suspension system but it is very expensive. Have you ever thought about adding sumo springs to help the trailer ride more smoothly. I've heard a lot of good things about them but was wondering what your take would be. Safe travels.

[@Elpapijun]

Pennsylvania! Funny, he says Help! Help..😂😅.... Gotta have fun.

[@chetreece226]

If you choose to do business with Discount Tire make sure to keep a torque wrench with you and check all your lug nuts to make sure they are torqued to factory specs before leaving the property. I personally know three people who have had loose and missing lug nuts after leaving Discount Tire. My brother got out on the highway and had one of his front tires wobbling. He had to stop and tighten up his lug nuts. The management is very strict on rushing the technicians and only allowing them a certain amount of time per vehicle. They start cutting corners to avoid being chewed out.