RV NEWBIE: ✅ SETUP CHECKLIST (KYD)

[@KeepYourDaydream]

We do these videos to share what we've learned the hard way. But just like every video, the comments have great ideas and tips. I've updated the blog, "What we've learned from the comments" and included a few of the comments below. Check it out. www.keepyourdaydream.com/setup/ We'll update with more comments as we find more gems 👍

[@waynemartinez9937]

Thank you for the awesome videos and educational information. Keep up the great work. Safe camping

[@occasionalexpeditions]

Keep Your Daydream I was waiting for you to say you were going to “chuck the cheap chocks”. Thanks for the videos with the checklists and some good reviews.

[@leejohnson940]

Great checklist! Thanks got several items from your amazon page. Didn’t see the 50 amp surge but I got the same brand as the 30 amp featured on your page. I do have a suggestion for a great chair similar to yours. Same fold up profile but they rock. GCI outdoor freestyle rocker.

[@grimreapercmn4u]

Great informational video! Very easy to watch your videos! Thank you!

[@morrisrobinsonii3646]

Love you guys!!!

[@Dr.DeHicks]

Nice job. I don’t even own an RV but binge watch your videos for fun. Well done.

[@gregormiller4037]

Its a good way to RV without having one:)...although, in an other year or so, im making the plunge!

[@jturtle5318]

I bought an RV to live in after watching a lot of van and RV full-time living videos. Heading to Florida soon from NY.

[@meganwarschefsky7583]

You're so funny, I like to do that too!

[@floridalife2800]

Same 😄

[@rpe97]

Same here. Thinking about buying an RV, their videos are so informative!

[@bryanvangyzen3585]

One thing my wife and I learned early on is laundry management. Especially towels. We spend our time camping at the beach. With 4 kids and a pool at the clubhouse, we couldn’t keep dry towels. My wife went to a Norwex party and ordered some of their kitchen cloths. Some amazing products if you have never seen them. We keep several of the enviro-cloths with us in the camper. No need for cleaning chemicals and they have silver made in them so they kill germs and don’t sour in 2 days. We also ordered the bath towels. They are micro fiber but nothing like the typical stuff. You can use it and hang it up inside and it’s completely dry the next day. They can be used for weeks without the need to wash them. Something you certainly can’t do with an ordinary towel. They are also easier to pack. I’m not a salesman but I’m completely sold on the benefits of the products we have. We both love the videos. We’re hoping you head east. North Carolina has some beautiful scenery from one end to the other.

[@bethvicker5331]

Thank you for the recommendation on the bath towels! I have a few Norwex cleaning cloths and love them.

[@meganwarschefsky7583]

That is such a wonderful tip, thanks for sharing! I'm also a big fan of Norwex items!

[@gregprince2523]

best stuff on EARTH!!! floor mats are amazeballs, just fantastic quality. Their water filter jug is outstanding also

[@gdibenedetto9877]

Finally an RV channel where the person is knowledgeable. And it's not annoying to watch you and your wife. As a matter of fact I have all of your videos on autoplay your family is adorable especially your son . You really put on a great presentation kept my attention the whole time even the gross weight video

[@_iLLuSiv3_]

From a brand new RV'er, one that picks our first RV travel trailer up today no less. I appreciate the effort you guys put in to make these videos, many thanks. I look forward to our mini getaways to go as smooth as possible...

[@OffroadGirl]

I have a Class A and I'm not a newbie, and yet I watched the whole video. Love you guys! Great advice about taking things slowly and being methodical, even if you feel like you can set up in your sleep. I think that people who are new to this think they're taking too long and other campers are watching them, but they won't really care about watching you until you open your slide out into a tree or rip your awning off. Just take your time and it will always go well. Take lots of extra time when dumping, because it's easy to forget steps and the results can be pretty crappy.

[@cbkb983]

I'm usually "that guy" at the dump station that takes too long. Hey, we all need to dump so why not do it right the first time.

[@meganwarschefsky7583]

😆 so true! And yes, definitely other campers will stare when you screw up majorly like hitting a tree or getting stuck😳 So who cares if they stare when you're doing something right? Maybe they'll learn something 😆

[@randomfilmmakers5538]

I'm a young adult who's looking into buying my first travel trailer and I can't thank you enough for your videos. They are preparing me for the future! Keep up the good work. Y'all are amazing!

[@dericktyler8266]

Even as an “experienced” RVer these videos are definitely beneficial. You never stop learning and finding out good ways of setting up or traveling. You guys are great!!

[@MrJrnyfan]

Great information. Thank you for sharing. I did my first voyage last week. I thought I was prepared. Needless to say, I wasn't. Here are the things I needed (and perhaps you can incorporate on your list). Tools. 1.1/4- 1" combination wrenches 2. Channel lock pliers 3. Standard and Phillips screwdrivers 4. The all-important vise grips. 5. Teflon tape 6. Duct tape 7. Box of fuses Ensure your propane tanks are full. Ensure you have ALL of your keys needed to open all doors and locks. (I ended up color coding mine as I have 9 keys) BRING the spare and stow it in the tow vehicle. Consider a portable Macerator pump. Amazon has the whole kit. by Kitvance e.g Ensure your tires are inflated properly. Consider trail cameras and place them around your camper. I am rolling in a 2016 Airstream Bambi. Love it. Happy Camping

[@TravelswithYoly]

I used to have trouble backing our large deck boat down our very narrow and steep driveway from the road, it's also long and curvy. This was about 28 years ago. At the time I had a 70 year old neighbor who was the neighborhood guru of sorts. Talking to him one day I mentioned the difficulty I was having and he flat told me that he could solve my problem for me. Naturally, I was all ears ! He said that when backing up I should go as slow as I possibly could ...... and then cut that speed in half ! Danged if he wasn't right. I quickly mastered his technique and never had a problem backing anything up again including the 4 travel trailers that we've owned :-)

[@meganwarschefsky7583]

So true, slow is fast and fast takes time! Going slow is faster than having to keep correcting mistakes and becoming fast takes a lot of practice ❤

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Best RV setup checklist on KZbin; got all the essentials!

[@usmcmech96]

I created a measuring stick for the slide clearance out of a wooden broomstick. Just buy a cheap one and cut it off with 3-4" space on the outside of the slide. I also marked the hitch heights for hooking up quickly. It sits in our "hitching/setting up" storage compartment along with cables hoses, and chocks.

[@OffroadGirl]

Great idea!

[@jeanninekoski1699]

usmcmech96 what a great idea

[@petreniaetheridge4880]

Thanks for the idea!

[@PrincessJamiG]

Clever!

[@bigjayrawls]

This gave me an idea for putting the marks on the 4' level.

[@DrivinandVibin]

Love that checklist! Lots of RV Newbies out there 😍👋 We had to learn these the hard way 😜

[@KeepYourDaydream]

We did too :) Paying it forward 👍

[@karlpiehl7666]

Great video! One recommendation for you. Before you plug your electric plug in, shut the breaker to the off position on the power source. This prevents the plug from sparking if you have anything on in the RV. Over time the sparking will damage the plug where it won't make good contact and will have to be replaced. It is also a good idea to turn the power off before you pull your plug out for the same reason. I am a Park host at Inks Lake State Park in central Texas. A Park Host checks these plugs every month and will replace a lot of plugs for this reason.

[@jamesnunn5452]

It is also good to disinfect the water tap because the last thing people do wash their sewer hose before leaving, and you are next to hook up.

[@bethvicker5331]

Yes, we keep clorox wipes to wipe the spigot down before we hook up our system to it.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Good idea, thanks.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

OMGoodness. People use the freshwater tap to flush the sewer hose? I always just use the greywater. Dang...thx for the tip!

[@jasonharrington7631]

try vodka in spray bottle, lets you spray up into the connections. I do it on both hose ends and both connections..

[@jturtle5318]

I carry a white hose intended for drinking water. I take their hose off the spigot, hook mine up and fill while I dump the tanks. Even after running the greywater, the discharge hose needs rinsing.

[@michaelthompson3679]

Amazing how you guys can make a not so exciting topic fun to watch love you guys!

[@grimreapercmn4u]

Agreed! They make excellent videos.

[@Chickmamapalletfarm]

So true! Very skilled video makers!!!

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

Love your personalities, you guys kill me. Thanks for all the info, regardless of how many years you’ve been camping, reminders always help. This is Alan, GREETINGS from Riverside in Southern California.

[@JudiChristopher]

YES... YES>>> YES... 18:42 "Put your gloves on before doing the Sewer!!!" You guys are the only video that has said that... When I first started out (being a country girl) I didn't think I needed gloves... OMGosh I got sick... learned that real quick... I don't care how carful you are things can happen... WEAR GLOVES HANDLING THE SEWER.

[@meganwarschefsky7583]

Wow that's awful! I am definitely putting gloves in the trailer now 😱

[@Terryblount]

Wow... I watched the whole video and realized that I don't do any of that. I Just pull into a rest atop or wherever and kick back and chill. I've posted several videos on RV tips. Like doubling your fresh water and propane capacity. And the best prices on RV essential tools. But this couple knows how to set up for extended stay. I'll only hook into electricity if I'm going to run the ac. I suppose that bugging out quickly is more important to me.

[@zachz8452]

When I dump my tanks, I usually dump the black tank first, and then I dump the gray tank. The idea behind that is that the "soapy shower water" rinses out the pipes from the black tank. I do still rinse like you're supposed to though.

[@jturtle5318]

I still rinse with water.

[@BTSCONSTREMOD]

You guys are the highlight of our Sundays!!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thanks Brian!

[@RogerC68]

@@KeepYourDaydream We second that! We have a long wait until we can continue with rving because of our long winters in Canada but looking forward to 2019!!

[@Owen4it]

Good video, just a tip on putting your slide out. Put your back against the camper and extend your arms, if you can touch it, it is too close. Lots of camp ground sites are narrow and the service post is located where the slide is. I learned with my back against the camper and my hand up like a stop is the distance the slide comes out. Takes the guess out of it. Also before backing into an unfamiliar location always get out and walk around it, look for obstacles like rocks, trees, tree branches, fire pits and curbs.

[@luminousveiws]

Getting out and walking around has always been our step #1. Partly that comes from deciding what site to use (lots of NFS) but also looking for trouble; puddles, branches, exactly where the door should be, sun angles, whatever your issues are!!!

[@dougallen8466]

As a professional pilot, a checklist is very valuable. Sure makes things complete and safe.

[@cantstartafire]

Thanks so much. We pick up our first trailer in a few days and this was incredibly helpful. Appreciate y'all!

[@RobertSmith-fv2ty]

Marc, we have a class A and we enjoy your videos it helps us keep current on things and also let us know, mistakes that we might make. Just watched your video before this one when you forgot to put the tongue Jack down and almost dropped the rig. As you continually say, don’t hurry. Just watched your setup video and noticed you use a splitter at the water supply and then have a pressure gauge on each of the two connections. We hook the pressure gauge the water supply and then connect the splitter. This way we only need one pressure gauge. This might help some folks save a little cash. Have safe and happy travels.

[@scarlethenderson6510]

Love this video also everyone traveling together should all know the setup in case someone gets sick and can't do it , list are so important definitely

[@oliviawilson9371]

I'm 3 years late, but this has been SO informative for newbies!!! Thank you!

[@aprildawn8692]

Wonderful tips, guys! I'm sure you've heard about the huge earthquake in Alaska a couple of days ago, and when I saw it on the news, I immediately thought of you and your family. I'm praying for all involved, and I'm thankful that you all were not there when it happened.

[@kevinsyoutube9404]

Hey guys! We are brand new to RVing, in fact, so new that our RV is sitting in our driveway and hasn’t been use for the first time yet! Can I just say, right now, that I love you!! Your videos are awesome and perfect for my sanity! I’m sure that my lovely wife and I will be watching frequently, especially before and after each trip we make. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love your organization skills!

[@WeVentureTogether]

We learn so so much from you guys! Here are a few other tips this humble newbie might contribute: 1- Walkie-talkies are great for backing up, when cell phone coverage is not available! 2- On a motorhome, make sure a window is open to relieve air pressure before you put out/in your slides! (Not as common an issue in trailers because often your door will be open as shown in your video. But on motorhomes, it's not uncommon to pull in, level, and put out slides immediately, without opening the doors up. So the air pressure when using slides can damage windows and seals.) Hope this helps someone else! See you on the road in early 2019 when we go full time!

[@kristenfortune5026]

Great tip, thanks

[@deborahelaine9985]

I'm taking notes. Thanks!

[@chiefedup]

Thanks so much for your time and positive energy in your videos. My wife and I are taking our first trip today 7/23/23 to KOA in Gettysburg. We are excited. I bought solid rubber chocks from Harbor Freight on a coupon for 5.99 each. Great tip. Keep the great content coming.

[@chriskuptz9387]

You might want to make connecting the surge protector to the power pedestal to verify the power provided is sufficient and safe step 4 instead of step 8. If the power isn't safe and sufficient, you might have to move to another site and will have saved time by not chocking, disconnecting, leveling, and deploying stabilizers. I speak from experience.

[@sguishy89]

Thank you added that to my before you chock list

[@scottfranson4215]

Was this at a Membership camp ground ,If so Why Wouldn`t they Fix this or have it Posted .You Just came from the office .Wasn`t that Check out before you . What were the reviews on this Camp Ground .I`m thinking After 500 Miles I don`t want to deal with a Jack Ass management thats to Lazy o get up a scew in a wire The More These Places are posted about the more this won`t happen. God Bless and Be Safe . Team Rving

[@rockymiskelly4360]

I back in and the plug the surge protector in. When I get green lights with no error codes I set the rig up almost exactly in the same steps. When I get to Electricity I TURN OFF the pedestal and THEN connect the camper. It is really safer in a lot of ways. Particularly if the ground is wet or it is raining. You should not shoot power into the rig while tightening the coupling. A loose internal on the male or female end can cause problems. After making sure cord is secure then flip the power back on.

[@credmon3346]

I just purchased my first rv-RPod. I ran over a large piece of truck tire (another good reason not to drive at night) and broke my gray water cap and fixture as well as damaged my axel. ARGHHH. when you mentioned at the very beginning of this video how things change, ohh my goodness. I realize. That’s part of RVing. I love the videos.

[@SammieSea]

BAHAHAHAH "This is my dream, cause usually Dad is standing around for half an hour going "Trish, is it level?" - That kid is hilarious

[@karistchokreff-414]

Just picked out our new RV, picking up in Tuscon. 23LDE Grand Design, you guys are awesome and inspiring! We watch you everyday

[@deedub760]

This episode is golden! Speaking as one of the newbies... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@thelosttexan1912]

Great video! (as always). In the army, you always had to have a ground guide. At the time we hated it, but understood it's importance. The things I took from it though has been when using a ground guide. 1) You only move the vehicle when you see the ground guide and stop once you lose site. 2) The ground guide controls your movement, not the driver. 3) Ground guide uses LARGE hand signals (raising arms shoulder height while crossing them to make an X for stop, one arm pointing in a direction while making a backing motion with the other, etc)

[@maribethspence9458]

I love it when you all can laugh at yourselves when you mess up at something...or reflect bad on a mess up. Great info too for folks who want to do the RV park thing, which once I get out there I may once in awhile

[@bradputney1373]

Great to see a video from Carefree, AZ, and not a bad place to spend the winter.

[@jamesfarnham1976]

There's nothing more time consuming than being in a hurry. Lol Very well done! Thanks for all you do! Jim.

[@ronaldbee5878]

As Winston Churchill once said, "never in the course of (RV) history, have so many owed so much to so few". Great tips--still a couple years out before going full time, but videos like this will help us get there. Super tips!

[@patti3566]

Checkout the Valterra sewer gate valve. It’ll be the answer to your waste tank drippage problem.

[@bethvicker5331]

Yes, that is what I want us to add to ours!

[@RonReno424]

I'm a complete newbie at 62 years old and a little terrified at all this but you're doing it in flip flops so that gives me just a little hope for myself! Excellent video and thank you... I'm subscribed! Safe travels to you.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Welcome. We have a hot-to playlist. Some of the newer setup videos are better. We also have playlist per seasons and some destinations videos too.

[@k9markdawg]

When connecting power. Plug into everything BEFORE turning on the power. No need to handle live electricity 2-4 times.

[@davidwalter57]

Love you guys. We will be picking up our 2018 Tiffin Wayfarer this week as 1st time RVers. In our 60's/70's. We need your wisdom. Thanks soooooo much.

[@peacekpr]

First of all, fantastic RV newbie run-down. I wish I had this resource when we took the RV plunge (we're simple weekend warriors). I'll try to contribute with a potentially helpful suggestion for you RV n00bs. ;-) Consider insect screens on your inlet and exhaust vent ports (see ports in the background at time ~21:20). Helps keep bees and other undesirables (neighboring campsite kids... maybe not) out of those ports and from wreaking utter havoc. Side note: My wife and I really enjoy your channel, and when we're in Carefree, we secretly hope we'll have the pleasure of bumping into you. Keep up the good work and keep that daydream going!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

It happens!

[@matthewkrause6378]

You guys truly deserve a million subscribers and I hope you hit that number one day. These videos have helped me so much and to be honest they are the reason we are going to start full timing. I try to catch up on every video I can from you guys!! Because there always helpful.

[@CampandCamera]

Good tip on leaving the truck running while deploying the slide.

[@Starbreaker666]

Yup... If the spot has electric ill hookup to that, but if we're boondocking the truck stays connected and running until we're set up.

[@Joe-oc7dj]

Level with slide out or in ?

[@pamellis3725]

I feel so much better knowing I am not the only one who didn't notice the cabinet door was open when I opened the slide up! Great job guys!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

:)

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

Well...funny story...I always do a walk through in my RV to make sure everything is closed, put away and nothing is in the way of the slide coming back in. I did my walk through, someone called me...2 minute call but I did not notice that my kid went back in. They left the bathroom door open. I started to bring the slide in then...crunch. Lucky I stopped quick and only one hinge was broken! OH BUT WAIT. At another campground setting up, checked all around and we were good...opened the slide with no issue. Went to town but came back and found a note on the door. Campground was getting complaints that my smoke detector was going off and was loud. Ok?....went in side and looked up and the detector was gone. Wellll, it had fallen off during the ride over and it fell on top of the slide and when I deployed the slide out went the detector. It rained on it and made it go off randomly. Why it did not screw up the seal I dont know....so tip...check to make sure your detectors are still attached if they are over the slide when it is retracted!

[@deborahelaine9985]

@@rvninnorthcarolina3377 Very good tip 👍 I had an older smoke detector start going off in my apartment whenever the humidity was up, either from outdoor humidity or while taking a shower. I had to replace the smoke detector and the new one works fine. If the smoke detector goes off when there's no smoke and it's intact and not a low battery, it might be moisture. I was able to stop the older smoke detector going off after a shower by turning a fan on it to blow the moisture away, but when it was high humidity from outside that didn't work well and had to be replaced. If the smoke detector goes off when there's no smoke and it's not a low battery chirp, it probably needs to be replaced or it may get worse and become more constant or repeatedly long sounding intermittently, even with the fan blowing on it.

[@SharonNailedIt]

Our family of 4 is in our 2 month count down to begin full time Rving

[@kristenfortune5026]

How exciting

[@kingvideo-]

Greetings from Virginia.... Love your enthusiasm, do you two get along this well all the time? very refreshing!

[@TAMBestBuild]

Great list guys. BTW, always keep the main breaker OFF until both ends of the power chord are connected.

[@deltabravo1257]

I always connect the RV side of the cord first, then plug in to the power pedestal. Good tip on the main breaker too.

[@RetArmy]

I do enjoy your videos, if they're not informative, they're just plain fun to watch. You are both energetic, and inspirational. I thank you both, as well as your children.

[@rogerspriggs1971]

Great video as always... I believe I have seen them all at this point, but have not commented before....You mention "secret season six".... you folks should consider the east coast of Canada at some point... Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have great camping with lots to see and do....

[@KeepYourDaydream]

That's on our list!

[@rogerspriggs1971]

We (my wife, son and I) are in Halifax, and spend as much of our summers as we can in PEI with a couple stops in New Brunswick...if ever you are looking for recommendations, by all means let us know....all the best....@@KeepYourDaydream

[@brenharris6214]

Thank you mark, I made my husband watch this so he’d get the Anderson blocks and rubber shock, , even got an new water hose that doesn’t kink , you guys are like my own kids ❤️

[@dustineisenschenk]

Love your guys videos! Great vibes and energy love it. Looking forward to season 6!

[@ColoradoGunfighter]

Also don’t forget to leave your safety chains attached to the truck when detaching from the hitch. Once verified that the trailer did not fall off leveling blocks or roll, then remove safety chains. I learn this the hard way when my truck and trailer were not exactly in line and my two axle trailer was slightly binding. When I detached, the trailer pulled to one side due to the alignment tension in the axles and truck. No damage incurred but sure woke me up. Great channel by the way. I’m new to it.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

That is a great point. It's not possibly with the Hensley Hitch, but on a standard ball hitch, I'm surprised I have never thought of that.

[@rvliving7]

Great video guys, on the surge protecter I hook a locked chain on the metal tab and run the chain around the bottom to the power box, reason believe it or not is some people will steal the surge protector when they see the campsite is empty.

[@billdennis2993]

KYD and rvliving agreed on video IMHO built in is way to go on EMS out of site out of mind, I installed mine in the cargo area where other services are located so that I can verify power quality while hooking up those systems. After working with electrical utility for 31 yrs including working with high voltages up to 500kv most only get one chance for error with electricity, you should only energize the pedestal breaker after your shore connection is complete and deenergize before disconnect as a 240 condition can be created by vertically angling the 50amp plug not getting conduction on neutral and or ground with the 2 120 prongs makings contact. I realize you were demonstrating connecting your surge device for demonstration of power quality by energizing but could lead newby into unsafe practice for completing the remaining cord connection. Remember your audiance skill set when doing training, especially for 1st timers.

[@awboobear1992]

@@billdennis2993 can you explain what was done incorrectly?

[@LivinRVision]

Finally settled down and able to watch your videos again after a couple weeks off selling our house and buying our RV. We just starting on our first trip full timing...FINALLY! 🎉 First stop...So-Cal. You guys do such a great job with your videos! You make our Sundays!

[@JudiChristopher]

"Thumbs UP" My gosh I have learned a lot of (fancy) things on this video... I love it ... Seriously, this is so smart. (truthfully, I don't know how I escaped all the awful things that could have happened to me in all these years) I do have Duck Tape.... (non electrical)... 14:35.... (laughing) He really like that hose, doesn't he... LOL I like it too... I hate it when there is a cheap hose, and it kinks...

[@patstrawhouse4005]

THANK YOU! Firstly, I love your videos and following your family’s adventures. I’ve been watching for a few years. I’ve had a popup and an Aliner Ranger 15 Off-road. I camper 104 nights last year, in 22 states and 4 provinces, for a total of 19 000km. I just purchased my first-and hopefully forever (I’m 70)-travel trailer: A Rove Lite 16RB-my first trailer with black & grey water tanks-so I’m going back to watch or re-watch some of your past videos. I’ve downloaded both your setup and tear-down checklists and am about to watch your Tear Down video. Safe travels, and stay well!❤ Muskoka ON 🇨🇦

[@jimdwyer82]

Just bought our first travel and your video helped us learn SO much. Thank you.

[@AlliChuckAdventures]

Keeping your spotter where you can see them is very important...I always tell Alli if she can't see my mirrors then I can't see her.

[@leisuretravelinlockes8037]

We have a 25" 2017 Leisure Travel Vans Unity FX motorhome. A trick my dad taught me that if boon docking (no hookups) most RVers will fill-up their gray tank before filling up their black tank. If you add either a Valterra T58 Twist-On Waste Valve to the fitting where your sewer hose would attach (the Valterra ends up between your hose and tank connection), you can close the Valterra valve and open both the gray and black valves and the two tanks will equalize, gray water added to the black tank since there is more space available in that tank. It only takes a couple minutes but could buy you an extra day or two before having to dump. Close both valves after a couple of minutes. This extra valve prior to the hose connection also prevents and "stuff" from leaking out when removing the sewer cap prior to attaching your hose. Another top is after dumping your back tank, closet add on valve and open both gray and black valves. Some gray water will run into the black tank rinsing it out a little. Close the gray and open the external valve, let the black drain, close that valve and open the gray. We have a macerator on out rig and it acts like an external valve. I only use the black tank flush occasionally when I have the time and my own sewer connection at my site or at home. I don't like to hold up the line at a dump station. Greg & Marsha Locke

[@tomkrause62]

First, only do "blind side" backing as a last resort. If at all possible, always put your parking spot on the driver's side so that you can actually see where the trailer is going from the driver's window. Visit some semi-truck training vids to see how the pros do it.

[@bruceh3786]

Any links to a good one?

[@lisa-fg8zh]

Exactly. A lot easier to back in from the left. You have better sight of where your backing!! My Class A goes in perfect.Lot less stress when coming from left!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I find I rarely get to perform anything BUT blind-side backing up. If you are paranoid about it you just become more stresses. It is what it is. You can get good at using the mirrors.

[@ednanash6276]

Tom Krause Was

[@ednanash6276]

Didn’t mean to do this. Please accept my apology. I don’t know how this happened.

[@josephthomas4378]

I love the Hensley. My wife bought me a Hensley hitch before our Disney trip. 1100 miles. What a great product

[@bryanwhat2268]

Hope all your friends in Alaska are doing good after that quake

[@jimsmith4005]

We're in Alaska and we're fine. There were some non life-threatening injuries but miraculously there were no deaths. Many of our Facebook friends asked what the earthquake was like and this is what I came up with: Imagine yourself in an motorhome at normal speed going down the worst washboard and potholed road ever with all the accompanying noise, shaking, rattling, swaying, and rocking with things falling out of cabinets and shelves, and you can't slow down or stop for about a full minute. That pretty much describes riding the earthquake out in our house. Thankfully there was no damage to the house but there were a few hours of work picking up a LOT of stuff that fell from walls, shelves, and a few cabinets. As you may have seen on TV, there has been some significant highway damage here and there.

[@chrischapman276]

The Z chocks and the reasoning you gave for when we are squared up/ level side to side and the tongue taking a ride..... Yes sir. It causes a LOT of damage to the electric jack as well. Lesson learned.

[@charisefilled4773]

Why, oh why would anyone give this video a thumbs down? Thanks again for a wonderfully informative and entertaining video!

[@dreambigrv8626]

+Charise Filled I think some people are jealous..... ;-) Trish and Marc are awesome, always have great ideas/suggestions, and their video/audio quality is above reproach! Hence, some people are just plain jealous.

[@onewolf1959]

I noticed that, SMH @ some ppl ! But honestly, I see that a lot on other Great Videos(as is this one a Gr8 Video!) made by other ppl ! Do they deduct for thumbs down?

[@sn95gonzalezjr]

Just bought our first travel trailer. Been watching your videos and learning. Thank you.

[@johnbutler2231]

Great video, is the Zero-G water hose safe to drink from? Though as I kid I drank out of any water hose I found connected to a faucet.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Yes. Freshwater approved. And I agree. I drank from some pretty nasty hoses as a kid.

[@johnbutler2231]

@@KeepYourDaydream Thanks, looking to make my gear more compact, these hoses will help.

[@allens7476]

I don't know if you're planning a "packing up" checklist, but my biggie was "Look Up". It's so easy to leave an over the door awning out or a TV antenna up. Also on my list was "Don't leave the water hose nicely coiled on the picnic table and drive away!"

[@llmccray]

Marc those x chocks are not meant to be wheel chocks. If you read the instructions it says do not use them for chocks. I had my trailer start moving when I raised it off my hitch. It moved about 6 inches to a foot. I thought it was going to roll a ways. Scared the heck out of me

[@KeepYourDaydream]

I could see why. I'm glad I mentioned that I double up then!

[@normparrott3055]

Not sure what brand you have, but mine say wheel chocks on the package. I've been using these for years and never had a problem with rolling. Like Marc demonstrated, you have to tighten them up very well and on both sides of the trailer. I think it's a great idea to use a rubber chocks as well but if the X chocks are tight, nothing should move!

[@allens7476]

X-Chocks are not chocks? What are they? I use the BAL chock, similar to the X-chock except fewer moving parts. When inserted into the wheels, they're not moving.

[@timteal9691]

Marc check rv store for an external value that will quarter turn fit. Remove sewer cap make sure it's clear of everything, if you can let it sit and finish dripping, put new value on, close value put cap on. When you get ready to attach to sewer post hook up your sewer hose pull out value to open line let it open until you totally dumped and all enter values are close line is clear, close value replace cap. Makes a big difference

[@ellensstory4429]

My husband is 63, he says when he has to use a drill to operate the Jack's he will stay home.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

I like him :)

[@skipwatson1951]

I'm 67. I use a drill, and I don't stay home. Planning an 8 month trip in 2919.

[@deborahelaine9985]

I would want to have a drill available to use. After being very sick for a while and recovering but not as strong as I was, it would be very helpful to have an assist if that was my setup. There are some days I am stronger than others, but often my strength is more limited, or it exhausts me when I exert myself too much. I'm continuing to improve - slowly - and I include exercise but not to exhaustion. Too much effort beyond a certain amount or lack of sleep for too long causes me to get very sick setting my recovery back or takes an extraordinarily long time to recover, also setting me back. I do better when I pace myself and include regular exercise, but not to what is extreme for my current energy and stamina level - which is different than what it used to be. I try to eat foods that are healthy for me and do not trigger Inflamation in my body. Inflamation from particular foods set me back a few days when I eat limited a limited amount from time to time, or longer if eating the wrong kinds of food more. The severe illnesses that affected me so much and set me back on multiple occasions were (at different times) too much of the wrong foods (realized in hindsight) and actual infection, and when I exhaust my body, when lack of sleep reduces my immunity and I become sick again or additional exposure to infection causing illness, and exposure to toxins or excess stress of various causes. I'm improving :) :)

[@riverking4u]

Thank you so much!!!! I've been a truck camper for many many years. but this year I finally made the jump to an Outdoors RV !!!!! Travel Trailers are a different animal. Thank again for your help!!!!

[@joethecomputerguy1]

"Probably needs some grease"?? Ya think!??!!?!?!?! No one answered "What happened down there?"!!!! Don't leave us hangin'! "Go for the glory"...

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thermos fell and I was opening the rig and it busted!

[@V3N0W0U5]

Apologize if the comment was made below. But one thing also is not to coil up the 50 amp power due to how are magnets made? Yup. Coiled power wire. Instead, snake it in a sort of back and forth. Thanks for all you do guys. Love watching your videos!

[@gleaningthescriptures5897]

I feel like Im 10x better @ life through understanding how to RV better thanks to y'all. I dont even have an RV!

[@craigwflys]

When operating the slides or the power tongue jack full power is always preferred. When using the tongue jack for leveling and eventually disconnecting from the hitch I always leave the motor of my vehicle on so that way I get full DC power with the help of my alternator. If Boondocking after disconnecting keep the vehicle still close enough that you can keep the wiring harness plugged in so that you can operate the slides with the vehicle running. Or if you have full hookups after leveling side to side plug into the sites electrical power but remember to unplug the wiring harness first (it can't be a good thing to be plugged into AC power and plugged into your tow vehicle at the same time). Final thought make sure that you are close enough to the hookups so that your sewer hose will reach :)

[@jmeissen1]

I am a Newbie with my Keystone Cougar X-lite 33SAB though I did previously have a Newmar Dutch Star diesel pusher and it is in my blood. There was not the availability of great videos like yours and you have excited me further! Thank you and awesome videos!! looking forward to the Sunday shows.

[@apg0014]

I respect this guy. He just seems like a stand up dude

[@ChrisZwolinski]

Going over your videos that I haven't watched yet because there's always something to learn even if you've done it a bunh of times before. I get gloves from Costco. I use them to clean up the yard from the dog "presents". They hold up really well and it's easier and cleaner IMHO that the pooper scooper.

[@dougbrown6983]

I noticed the awning was opened just to cover the slide-out. This is a very good idea as it protects the slide-out from rain and it shouldn't get wrecked from wind because it was out just a bit. I'm thinking that is why you did this. I am a pre new RVer and actually haven't purchased the trailer - just getting the truck this week. Going to the RV show next week in Toronto and hopefully will purchase a trailer there. Your videos have been very helpful and we're taking lots of notes. You both are amazing! Keep on doing your presentations - again, very helpful.

[@markleach116]

Just found your channel last week and am now binge watching! You folks are soooo entertaining! You have really convinced me to get out and see the USA! - A Virginia Leach

[@kathy3178]

The gloves is a super important tip. My husband is a stickler for using them. He and brother in law went to help someone unclog their RV toilet. Brother in law thought my husband was crazy for using them. He ended up with Ecoli and almost ended up in the hospital.

[@marcmaevers2980]

Great video Mark and Trish! Thank you so much for sharing / creating..

[@tomnkathiedoran3471]

Excellent video, and you two are excellent together, thank you!

[@moon0408]

I use X chocks and they are great for making the rig rock less also. However, I was taught that you should put them on after you have unhitched and leveled (front to back) and to remove before hitching up. The reason I was given is that they hold the wheels tight and raising/lowering can cause the wheels to rotate and the chocks can mess up your tires or your suspension. Of course, you would use conventional chocks also.

[@jimhogen2052]

Ahh we are so nervous... we just purchased a 32 foot travel trailer and plan on camping in two weeks for the first time. Set up is what’s making us nervous. Thank you for this video and checklist... I’ve just subscribed to your channel and can’t wait to go through all your videos!

[@TheBajaandy]

I just purchased my first travel trailer and your videos are excellent! Very informative. Thank You!

[@philg8633]

By far my favorite camping videos. I’m about ready to purchase and start. Keep em coming

[@paulc1994]

Thank you for this awesome video. I’m not a newbie but found great new info to use when we camp this season. Happy camping!

[@Rockhound6165]

The one piece of advice I can give is have backups/extras. Extra fresh water hose, electric service line, sewer hose. I've needed all 3 sometimes more than 1. One trip last year, the electric pedestal and fresh water hookup were at the front of the camper. Only the sewer hose was where it belonged. As we all know most electric service cords are 25' long so I got an additional 25' extension. Same with the water. I have a 15' hose I use regularly so I got a 25' extension and an extra 10' sewer line. You don't want to get caught short and being forced to buy from the park as they charge through the nose.

[@edwardhuddleston1548]

I recently bought a mobile home 24 FT. new to RVing like your check list. But love your comment of slow is smooth and fast is broke.. So true

[@nightshift42071]

Great video guys, as always. My only suggestion would be. Once you connect the surge protector and check the power. Shut the power back off and don't turn it back on until you are completely connected. This will reduce the risk of arcing when you make your connections and the possibility of blowing a fuse or breaker, or even damaging your electrical cord. Keep the great videos coming.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Just added that to the blog. I agree!

[@MarkWilsonRN]

my wife and I bought an rv and new truck to leave in two months to start our rv traveling.... so excited , have watch all your videos and can't wait , hope to meet you on the road sometime. our channel will be tripnrns or something to that affect. thanks for all your videos we love them

[@michaelp8866]

I was always taught to deploy the slides BEFORE deploying the stabilizers.The shifting of weight outward would otherwise put additional stress on the stabilizers and corners of the frame. Also recommend using slide locks (or some call them travel bars).

[@allens7476]

More for motorhome setup, but I learned the hard way to store things in the bays under the slides that needed to come out first. Wood blocks, satellite dish, etc. That way you're not on your hands and knees trying to get the barbecue grill out after the slides are deployed.

[@rongibbons6378]

Your channel is amazing and Trish is gorgeous. I mean, wow. Wow! You guys are so lucky. Thank you so much. You guys are becoming a really big part of my new hobby and I really appreciate it.