5 things NOT to do in your RV

5 things NOT to do in your RV. Welcome to Tech Tip Tuesday! 🛠️ In this episode, Todd shares five critical things you should NEVER do in your RV. Join Todd & Tony on their new Tech Tip Deep Dive Channel ‪@TechTipTNT‬ where you can learn more on this topic!
In this video, we'll cover:
1️⃣ Traveling with your propane on.
2️⃣ Leaving your black and grey tanks open.
3️⃣ Awnings.
4️⃣ RV electrical: disconnecting power when appliances are still on.
5️⃣ Before leaving: conducting a walk around / inspection.
Join us for this informative episode and ensure your RV adventures are trouble-free. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more valuable tech tips every Tuesday! 🚍✨
The Future of RV Lithium www.bigbeardbatteries.com
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Learn to maintain and repair your RV with confidence. rvtechcourse.com/
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#NationalRVTrainingAcademy #RVTravel #5 things NOT to do in your RV #RVlife #techtiptuesday

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Tonights video will redirect you to the extended version of the tech tip on Todd & Tony's new channel called Tech Tips with Todd & Tony! www.youtube.com/@TechTipTNT This channel is for those of you wanting more than 2 minutes and the opportunity to get your questions answered! Jump on over there and subscribe and let us know in the comment what you want us to cover!

[@ms.pirate]

You guys should do an episode on setting up an Internet connection for full time RVing! recommendations, etc! I'm still researching and waiting for news on any good Internet connections because I wanna live full time in an RV

[@BillEdwards4]

Number 6: Turn off the water if you are going to be away from the RV.

[@arbonneladyTN]

YES! Your #6 We learned that the hard way. Not a big flood, just enough to remember never let it in when we leave🤷‍♀️

[@boyeatsworld-vr9ci]

​@@Martys-4x4thinking there is more to it than that

[@keithallen3119]

@@Martys-4x4 Yep, go to the park office and let them deal with it as they see fit. Thats the society we live in now.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Turn off the water in your home when you are going camping.

[@Rick92153]

Just playing devils advocate here - do you shut off the water, electric, and gas at your sticks and bricks when you leave? Problems can and will occur at anytime. Obviously I have been lucky in the 6 years of full time living. I only turn off my systems when we move Park to Park. Typical stay length for us averages 5-6 months in the winter and 2-3 months outside that period. I do however maintain my systems, change out my sewer and water hoses every 2-3 years ( consider it cheap insurance). I also pay particular attention to the power terminals. ANY, any indications of previous issues, I don’t plug in.

[@brianz9634]

Before dumping the black tank, charge the hose momentarily from the gray tank to check for leaks. If no leaks, then go ahead and dump the black, then the gray.

[@cindyrose4155]

Not only for leaks but to wet the inside of the hose so the black tank yuck doesn’t stick to the inside of the hose. 🤮🤮🤮

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Back before black tank flush I would fill the black tank with water before dumping to get a good flow. Then refill and dump again if we were on a sewer site. Then the gray water to clear out the hose. If you are concerned about the hose, better to replace it. Cheap insurance.

[@Nytoav]

Ooooh, that's a great tip!

[@windrider65]

Always makes sure the breaker on the power post is off before you plug in. Always turn the breaker off before you unplug your RV.

[@joelfarris]

You don't need to do this if you follow the advice he gave. There won't be any sparks, arcing, or damage to anything if there's no active load on the line. If all the appliances are switched off (like they should be before you leave) then it's just like plugging in an extension cord. You don't run down to the basement and turn of the breaker every time you plug on an extension cord, do you? 😉

[@GatorsRock0219]

​@joelfarris I disagree with you. Always turn the breaker off before plugging in. I also plug in my Watchdog by itself first to test the pedestal before applying that power to my rig!

[@jamesglenn520]

Breaker should always be turned off before plugging in. There is always some draw from something when you plug in. The extention cord idea is wrong 😮 You wouldn't plug in and turn on a power tool and then plug the cord into the wall 😅

[@windrider65]

@@GatorsRock0219 that's the same way I do it.

[@thecritterandthebutterfly]

We always do this. There are loads besides appliances that are in a stand by mode that won't appreciate voltage spikes. Think battery charger, microwave, entertainment or computer equipment. and the like.

[@radiodead745]

So first timer here, I was told by the dealer that driving to the site with the fridge running is ok, the only thing was to shut it off if gassing up.

[@radiodead745]

Didn't finish that thought, so how do you keep the fridge cold during travel? I do run it on shore power at home for hours before so everything is at a cold temp when I leave

[@ApartmentB]

I always have an issue with people dumping their black first and then their gray. I have seen two many “poopsies” and have had to pull in right after one! My advise is to always open your gray for a couple seconds and then close it. Just to make sure your connections are all good. No one cares if you accidentally drop a little gray water but people get mad when they see poop and toilet paper all over! After you are confident there are no issues then dump your black and then go back and flush with the rest of your gray. This will save you from a lot of clean up in the end!

[@narrinhargrave4255]

I'm new to maintenance at a resort. This channel is a lifeline.

[@JamesMcGillis]

Your #4... always use an RV surge suppressor when hooking to shore power. Not all miss-wired or faulty pedastals show heat damage.

[@coleb6543]

You don’t even need a fancy expensive one either for a little piece of mind!

[@tytomlinson7831]

Yes. I've been told to always use a surge protection

[@robindrew3471]

On the awning section, me and 2 other couples were camping and I looked up and saw some very black clouds. It was about 10 at night, and all I said was, let's get the awnings in. Long story short, we came up with the E.A.T.T, Emergency Awning Take down Team. The camp ground lost 4 awnings that night, none of ours.

[@CFPVideoProductions]

You may want to add to #5. In my younger years, I worked for an amusement ride company. Some of the trailers were small, just like RV trailers. Working in areas with a lot of kids and glass bottles, kids would place glass bottles under the tires for fun. That inspection should contain a very careful look under the RV to look for ANYTHING that should not be there. Toys, animals and glass bottles.

[@chadgallup]

It's also illegal (against coast guard regulations) to drive onto a ferry with the propane tank valve open.

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

One rule we use when doing the walk around is: “ if you didn’t touch it,you didn’t check it.”

[@ChristineDalton]

You are a natural teacher and explain things in layman's terms. Thank you so much.

[@narrowjay0]

Because winter camping in an RV is better than winter camping in a tent.

[@badgerpa9]

Todd Skiing, hunting and snowmobiling are 3 reasons to RV in the cold. Thanks for telling people it is illegal to drive in to a filling station with the LP on, so many do not care until disaster hits.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

That sounds like cabin weather

[@badgerpa9]

If you can RV cheaper than the cabin it is good. There are no cabins were I went hunting and snowmobiling, skiing I parked in the parking lot for free. But I enjoy a nice cabin. @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy

[@NYVET48TFW]

And ALWAYS shut off the breaker at the pedestal before plugging in or unplugging! And ALWAYS use a surge protector.

[@kokobanana1824]

I never plug into the pedestal with the breaker on.

[@williammiller353]

Awesome stuff, as usual, as a new RV owner every little bit of knowledge I can learn helps, thanks for what you do.

[@thecritterandthebutterfly]

Always be sure the breaker on the pedestal is turned off before you connect or disconnect your shore power cable. We always do this. There are loads besides appliances that are in a stand by mode that won't appreciate voltage spikes. Think battery charger, microwave, entertainment or computer equipment. and the like.

[@thelosttexan1912]

Great list! I think the explanation of each item is what really made this video stand above others who try and say don't do this or that.

[@stonecoldcougar]

Jeez, you have the best voice! And thank you for the really informative and helpful presentation of this information!!

[@biglosman]

I RV in the winter because I paid for a 4 season rig.

[@user-zi7rw7vw8u]

As part of converting our as-delivered TT power system to a lithium/ solar/ inverter system, Victron recommended installing a 50A circuit breaker between the shore power supply and the inverter. We make sure that this breaker is in the OFF position when we connect to the pedestal. Since the breaker and inverter are also prior to the trailer’s circuit breaker/ fuse panel, this also helps protect any appliance when shore power is activated.

[@donaldbrisboe3639]

Thank you for your up date .

[@StephenMendel1]

My fridge is either 120 or propane. If I want to keep my food cold while traveling, I need to leave the propane on.

[@batshtcrazy5293]

Love the suggestions. I'll be LivIng in an rv full time soon, and your channel has been GREAT.

[@rebeckahb623]

Has your full time adventure started? Ours begins in April!

[@newamericatowguy3633]

The awning cleaning tip was most helpful. Thank you!

[@JeffinTD]

Nice videos. Awning wise I had occasion to pick up a used RV that had been left with the awning rolled up with leaves, mold… figured replace, but tried a few household cleaners. Scrubbing one spot could kind of lighten it. Stumbled onto Camco full timer’s choice awning cleaner. Just wiping it with a dollar store mop was amazing. I’m not affiliated, but man that stuff worked like tarn-x in a tarn-x infomercial.

[@terrymoses7548]

It's really hard to snow ski without snow. That's why we camp in the snow...we like to ski.

[@sixgunmiller6198]

FREE TARPS.. everytime theresbig wind in Tombstone the next day i just go by rv parks and get some really cool tarps for my stuff

[@janetfolkerts5827]

Thank you for these VERY helpful reminders.

[@CharmaineSilva777]

Awe, I really want to take this course!!!!! So nice to see another 903 area code again haha!!!! I refuse to change my# . I miss my home but South East Louisiana is a little oasis and close to home

[@danwoznicki1146]

Really enjoy listening to your information. Thanks

[@dr.richard.w.meyers24]

We love winter rving last cool temperatures was -12’ degrees. Lots of snow.

[@janehargis9301]

Super helpful - thanks!

[@docwil2541]

Great one, thanks Tod.

[@gardnetbush9768]

I bring mine home first and plug in and check to make sure everything works before every trip and also to get the refrigerator nice and cold

[@prestondye2573]

Do you not leave fridge on two and from?

[@markehesse5000]

dude you are fantastic...thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Great and thank you.

[@kenpolzel412]

Thank you!

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Great e[isode. Awesome tips. Back to basics and keep it simple. Excited about your new channel. Great job! Thank you for sharing

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Great video and great advice

[@lrwalters14]

Another great video with some great tips.

[@romaldemgle5867]

Those are all good ones thanks

[@lecleland1]

Great information

[@zatoich1st]

Words of wisdom.

[@hillcountrygarage]

Very, very good information here. Thanks

[@mwgill1]

Solid list.

[@anthony-kf9pj]

great info

[@FMTFXE22]

Good video. What’s your thoughts on this? While driving, turn off the propane tank. Then plug in the AC 110 plug into a 12 volt to 110 volt inverter connected to the house battery ( that technically are being recharged by the engine alternator) thereby eliminating the chance of a propane fire. This would only be used while driving. Could run a generator but that burns extra gasoline. And if one have Solar, that too on a sunny drive will also keep the batteries charged/ topped off and the refrigerator running even at max if necessary.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Turn off the breaker in the electrical panel store before you unplug your power cord.

[@rickemmertson]

The only thing I would add to your video is, I always switch off the breakers on the shore power box, before I plug in, then there is no arcing at all at the plug. I bought an inline wall mount, southwire surge protector. The instructions say it must be installed by a "certified" installer. I am going to do it myself. I have remodeled enough houses and installed enough dryers, I know how to hook up the wires. What is your advice. I was a Heavy Duty truck mechanic for 20 years.

[@christinabrigham531]

Thanks!

[@jhm68]

I open my grey tank Valve for a few seconds just to make sure all my hose connections are tight and secure. Then I open my black tank Valve then finish with my grey.

[@GLAMP_Ride_and_ThRiVe]

Great info Todd, i (Lee) will be attending your course hopefully within the next year!!

[@escapeartist8581]

Excellent video! New to RV ownership and new subscriber. Thank you!

[@lovesweetpeas47]

We never drive with our propane on. Thanks for all the good tips. 😊

[@shepdogsd]

Propane off is nanny stuff. It takes 10 hours for the fridge to cool. Can't explore with fridge off unless you eat only dry goods. The rest of the tips are good for beginners.

[@WestsontheMove]

Great video Todd! More people need to be watching your videos. #EveryRVer

[@travistucker8823]

Hello Todd and NRVTA friends. Many important subjects tonight. I would like to recommend paying close attention to this one, especially the walk-around inspection. Also I VERY highly recommend the Home Study Advanced Course with labs as it contains so much MORE information than the basic HOME Study Course. Kindest regards...

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Great rips, thanks.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Agreed the rips are great….so are the Tips.

[@mildredjeakins5435]

This has happened! John was unloading fuel, someone came into the station, their pilot light was on. This caused an explosion he was covered with 3rd degree burns! He did live but I was horrible.

[@mariaallen6797]

Thank you for sharing! New subscriber. 🥰💎💎💎

[@jonlatino9964]

Great job as usual ! I have a weird issue. When I plug into shore power, sometimes my fridge will stay on propane. It doesn't happen all the time though!! Drives us nuts ! Sometimes I will turn the fridge off than on, and it will work for a while. Have you ever heard of that? Its a 2008 Holiday Rambler Augusta Sport. Love your channel(s) and subscribed to the new one !!

[@WILDEBILL308]

I am surprised that you didn't mention using a surge guard. I use a Surge Guard 34951 because it protects agents' low power as well as to hi of power/voltage. Low voltage damages more campers than anything else. I won't plug in my little camper with out one. I cured the problem of leaving the propane on to power the refrigerator. I now have a residential type.

[@sulindajon9228]

Not sure I understand your comment about the fridge..."residential type". What does that mean?

[@WILDEBILL308]

Many RV refrigerators use a heat source like a propane flame for the cooling cycle. Residential type refrigerators use a compressor to power the cooling cycle. What kind of refrigerator do you have in your RV? @@sulindajon9228

[@dkbrinlee]

Living in an RV full time, stationary, I leave my water on and propane on all day, all night. Hopefully 🤞 never have an issue. It’d be a pain to turn both off when I leave for work and then when I come home. But my trailer never moves.

[@normajeanvas9532]

First time RVer. I need a checklist

[@martinschulz9381]

I don't know much about RV's, but I do know that you can't be to safe with propane. Also have CO and LP detectors and when they go off, take the alarm seriously. My in-laws have RV's to I have taken some interest them. good video.

[@commiessuckballs2287]

Fun tip: for pesky black tank solids issues, put a few bags of crushed ice down the toilet, take the rig for a spin, preferably with some turns on the way to the dump station.

[@TJ-bl6lr]

Not always practical. Need to find place to buy ice, if they have it.

[@user-ul4sh1ep3d]

Great content, what is the best way to maintain you trailer suspension , greasing etc

[@brucewallace3860]

My wife says you could be a stand-in for John Goodman (I actually listened to your RV tips). Thanks.

[@noahdowning2089]

I keep my generator on while driving helps with my cooler air on

[@kevinrice7635]

Good pitchman for a bearded Giant.... prime cut video perciate it Hombre.

[@lowbudgetbob1155]

poop chute....LOL that always makes me laugh

[@kennethkirschbaum1906]

What about the gas for the refrigerator being on when you travel..Mine only works on electricity or gas. Thanks. Keep the good information coming.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Good question! Check out this video: Can I travel with my propane on? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHKYmaJ5Yp15pLc

[@Infernotaco15]

Some New trailers have fireplaces that can be ran while traveling which uses power from your vehicle

[@TheFiremanJoe]

Expanding on #4 - Do not plug in your RV if the breaker is on. Turn the breaker off before plugging in, then turn on breaker.

[@devonbradford9217]

Great tips, Beard! Granted, "Do not fail at not looking at your RV" is grammatically wonky, but we get the message! ("Do not fail BY not looking at your RV" that makes sense.) :)

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

I’m a tech not a linguist. ;)

[@edieumlauf2375]

Again great advice, but another tip don’t put hay bale around your RV

[@SteveFelt67]

I turn my propane off after every use and since I rarely stay anywhere that I need heat I don’t need it in except for cooking

[@462opd2]

Great advice. What are your thoughts on painting the roof with that rubber coating. Everyone on KZbin says it’s great but the Rv dealership told me not to do it. Please let me know what you think about it.

[@trustme7731]

1. I'll not drive with the propane on when RV manufacturers go back to 3 way refrigerators. My refer gas system failed forcing me to drive with the generator running. 2. My built in surge protector that I installed, Progressive EMS-HW30C, has about a 2 or 3 minute delay after plugging in to give it time to decide if the power quality is okay.

[@cindyrose4155]

When you spoke about plugging in and your appliances such as air conditioner, does that include refrigerator? Pretty much everything should be turned off? Thank you.

[@Travel8477]

I lived in Washington state where there is rain all the time my awning would not stay dry even when it was rolled up dry it was a constant problem. When I would get a chance I would put it out dry it and put it back. I know why was I there to begin with for some reason I had to pay bills lol any I now have moved away and the sun destroyed my awning 😂 decided not worth getting a new one as i was only able to use it about 5 percent of the time

[@CampgroundViews]

I agree, we never drive with our propane on, and the keyword is yet lol.

[@marvcbjorge]

Years ago, I came upon an accident with an RV, where the towing unit was too light for the weight of the trailer it was towing. The tail wagging the dog caused it to jackknife and lie the trailer again a rock wall with the pickup crosswise on the highway, it’s rear and up in the air. The propane tanks were connected and lying on the roadway.

[@trustme7731]

This is usually caused by improper loading. Too much weight in the rear of the trailer. I'll speculate they had a pile of stuff clinging to the outside of the rear. Must have 10 to 15% of the total trailer weight on the hitch.

[@garychristison763]

I was thinking something more extreme like home ballistics firearm tests.

[@camperbum]

And check your tail lights, if you can have someone push the brake pedal and you make sure you're brake lights are working.

[@makeitcool]

Turn on your four way flashers, typically the same circuit as brake lights and signal lights. Do a quick walk around, done. Plug your trailer plug into your truck seven times to clean the contacts.

[@camperbum]

@@makeitcool FYI, you have a brake light switch on you're pedal, the flashers just means the bulbs are good, you can test this easily if you're by yourself at night, but it doesn't hurt to double check your "brake" lights come on when you're pushing your brake pedal...

[@makeitcool]

@@camperbum true but your brake light switch should be good on your vehicle, when you add a trailer it is easy to check using flashers. You can tel if your truck brakes are working because they shine on the trailer. I’ve been checking lights this way for 35 years and never seen a failed brake light switch.

[@camperbum]

@@makeitcool I have, on my own truck and I seen trailers without brake lights, I'm a retired truck driver of 35 years plus, it doesn't hurt to check, cause they do go bad.

[@rickm0208]

Thank you for the great videos, I have 2 questions... • Regarding the propane being turned off, on average how long will the refrigerator remain cold to safely store the food inside? We've had 2 months of 100º to 110º weather, and I am very concerned about the food going bad or taking a day to cool back down to safe/normal food storage temperatures. • When it comes to transferring power with an onboard/hardwired generator, what's the best practices? I've had a generator on a boat before and I was the transfer switch, meaning our boat was set up that the shore power and generator switches were at my finger tips and I had control over whenever I switched them. Our new trailer has an automatic transfer switch hidden behind a panel, and the other day while connected to shore power I started the gen set and the power transferred automatically while there was still a load on shore power. Something tells me that wasn't a good thing, having power switch with a big air conditioner load on the electrical system. Thank you for your help and time.

[@jetphoenixx]

I have the same questions.

[@Infernotaco15]

If there is a big enough power source, what about a secured down ceramic heater for heat source when traveling?

[@funinourrv]

Really good video. Well presented. My 2¢ on Propane - I was a firefighter for 32 years. I have personally seen one incident with a propane on an RV. The Family decided to check into a hotel for the night, but left the propane heater on. A cold front came through (in the middle of the night) and the thermostat for the heat came on. Apparently the propane had been slightly leaking and the mixture of air and LPG was at the "explosive" range. Now I am not taking about a ball of fire and a mushroom cloud. The gas ignited and the mixture expanded to the point of blowing all the side panels off the frame and it blew out the windows. All the gas was consumed in an instant and the curtains were only barely singed. There was no real fire. The fact that the curtains were hanging outside the windows was what made me notice what had happened. People seem the think that their propane tank with explode if it is on and tou have an accident. This is NOT a real concern. Should you drive down the road with your propane and water heater on. Absolutely not. It could (and likely will) blow out your water heater flame. I have had this happen even last week with windy conditions camping on a beach. Turn off your propane, and all propane appliances while driving. This only makes sense.

[@chrisaugust2065]

Thank you for another great and informative video. I do have a question for you as this is something I never considered until now. I have been full timing now for 5 plus years. I never leave the heater on, stove or hot water heater while hauling my fifth wheel down the road but I do have my refrigerator set to automatic so once I disconnect from shore power, it switches over to propane. Are you suggesting not running that either on propane while traveling? That would be problematic in the hot months for sure with food spoiling inside. I appreciate any feedback.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Check out these videos: What is Propane Lockout in your RV: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYWxqIStaKxnn9E Can I travel with my propane on?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHKYmaJ5Yp15pLc

[@jameswbarry9576]

Hi I live up northern Illinois as far storing the rv away for winter can I have a battery charger to keep the battery in the rv charge to keep the heated tanks from freezing or just drain the tanks

[@vitatek]

Can't check my AC until I connect to power at the RV park so it's not on my pre-check list before leaving for the campsite.

[@danseibert7562]

I start out by pulling the gray for about minuet and then closing it, then i pull the black. That one minuet of gray tells me that my drain hose is not leaking, DRS

[@rickster0655]

I have two grey tanks with a gate valve at my outside connection with the valve closed giving me 106 gallons of grey waste. Your thoughts on this

[@FOMC6780]

Todd should I shut off my Figuration unit while plugged into Shore power?

[@berniejagodzinski4030]

Another tip is to turn off the water water at the spigot if you leave your campsite.

[@peterdejoseph5197]

I have an awing sensor that if it gets windy it's retracts automatically. Should I trust that? It's on a 2007 Fleetwood Bounder

[@christopherbeckerdite4273]

Loose wires start fires 🔥

[@Doc.Holiday]

Three way refrigerators are a stupid drain on DC batteries and don’t cool well even if you have capacity or alternator capacity. If you are not going to run on propane when motoring, then buy lots and lots of batteries and/or transfer food to ice coolers when driving. Third restriction,.. is when being ferried.