Our RV is FALLING APART!? Cross Country RV Road Trip to Baja California

[@wildrvlife]

Leave us your words of encouragement below, because I think Craig is about ready to throw the RV away after the week we've had 😅

[@stevemurray2737]

Ahhh.. Welcome to Arizona! Proud of you fixing that Junker!.. We just sold our Airstream after the final affront of the Vent above the Bed Broke.. Byeeeee.. AirBnb for meeeeeeeeee!.. Good vid!

[@wildrvlife]

@@stevemurray2737 lol I can definitely see how it would come to that! We’re toying with the idea of doing international Airbnb travel one of these upcoming years!

[@proudchristian77]

Watch out for water puddles duck tape is not water proof !

[@kenj.8897]

I don't know if anybody ever told you but thses boxes on wheels aren't meant to be lived in . Too much wait on your back rack, doesn't matter what the manufacturer says it can handle.

[@hilo4noff1]

We rv'd full time for about 6 years... The brands don't matter, it's always something to fix...RV repair, now that's the racket to get into.

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

JImmy V said it best....."Don't give up, Don't ever give up!"

[@wildrvlife]

We’re hanging on…but really hoping for a break from repairs for a bit 🤞🏼😅

[@ChrisElrodPastor]

Discovered your channel after seeing you around the Tampa RV Super Show. We are cracking up and empathizing with you - love Craig's unfiltered thoughts on camera!

[@wildrvlife]

lol yeah the RV show really had us wishing for a new one (especially after we left with all the problems)! thank you for watching!!

[@JohnDoe-ls1vd]

This is why you never buy a pre-made camper..JUNK

[@wango556]

The underbelly is made of a material called choroplast I carry around a 4x8 sheet with me just for problems like that.

[@wildrvlife]

Yess coroplast! We kept forgetting what it was called!

[@donnab-dp1ty]

We enjoy your blog. Saw your repair of your back wall to deck joint. I found that excessive weight on the hitch can bend the I beam members. The box is suspended on outriggers to the frame and since the box is rigid, any deflection in the frame will drag the deck down. Taking that heavy spare off the back would be a good preventive measure. Pulling a string along the bottom of each I beam will disclose any frame deflection. If those members are bent, the recommended fix is to jack up the drooping members and box weld a steel plate on the inside of each I beam from ahead of the axles to the rear. Some have suggested welding heavy wall square tubing along the bottom. The axles act as a fulcrum. Hope that helps. There are some great welders in the larger towns in Mexico. Mike

[@gcslade7487]

Just found your channel. I'm really impressed by how well you deal with challenges and just keep on rolling. BTW, my brother has the same make of 5th wheel and his back wall bottom section became detached as well. He had to deal with temp repairs (similar to what you did) and had constant anxiety with it for over two years because he didn't want to make the back wall issue someone else's problem. He finally decided to have the whole back wall completely rebuilt before selling it at a big loss. It was obvious when they pulled the rear wall out, the root issue was poor design and workmanship.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!

[@trustme7731]

I always try to know beforehand when bad weather is imminent. I watch the radar to anticipate where bad weather will be and when, listen to forecasts and we keep a weather alert radio with us. Then I plan an escape, should it become necessary. Yeah, it's a pain to move but whats worse, moving or losing your rig and maybe dying? I also try to avoid rain when possible. It's very worthwhile to me. I just watch the radar and compare that area to clear areas on a map and stop or drive out of it's path. Worst case is you drive a little out of the way. So what. I will also search out bridges or even gas station canopies to park under in heavy rain, hail or other damaging weather. Don't get trapped in low lying land that will flood or near creeks, streams or rivers. Whats pretty and scenic now can turn into a nightmare in 20 minutes. Less time than you can pack up in. Snow and/or ice, get to a truck stop or some safe place that will get plowed and stay put until the roads are clean and dry. If you are stuck where you are, do not park anywhere near trees, power lines or downwind of potential flying debris like other RVs, flimsy buildings and other such things. Keep in mind that many buildings have rocks covering their roofs that like to become airborne during tornadoes. Do you carry emergency tools like a snow shovel and a garage broom for the roof (it's important to remove all snow from the roof), a dirt shovel, traction mats, window scraper, windshield washer fluid, a tow strap with a means to connect it to the truck or trailer?

[@wildrvlife]

all great tips! thank you!

[@thewanderingshores]

What a crazy adventure, may the remaining miles be filled with peace and quiet and visiting with The Wandering Shores for a few days. Safe travels. PS great video

[@wildrvlife]

We are hoping for some peaceful days here soon! 🤞🏼 looking forward to seeing you guys! (Will hopefully make it there when planned, still have a couple more repairs here in Tucson 😬)

[@mikeb900]

Buy a RV and you are now a part-time RV technician. RVs have very poor build quality.

[@wildrvlife]

Absolutely

[@mellcomm]

Chin up! Days are coming that it will be smooooth sailing! Then it will happen again :( Your Border Collie is just beautiful! Happy travels!

[@wildrvlife]

lol so true! all a part of the adventure... thank you!

[@martinasaxton7033]

Are you going to put a bead of caulk over the top edge of the outside aluminum brace so you don't get rain into the holes you drilled through the back wall?

[@wildrvlife]

Yes! We just couldn't till it dried up some.

[@marychristie6194]

THOR -enough said -poor quality-glad you are handy

[@wildrvlife]

Lol we totally agree with you l. Didn’t know it when we bought it…but we do now 😅

[@charlottedendy2908]

We have a Puma 5th wheel converted to gooseneck hitch. Our 1st trip out the rubber under belly cover fell down just far enough to drag highway and something punctured our black water tank. My husband used bungee cords to hold it up untill trip was over. He purchased same flat bar you did to be more secure, so far so good, 2 years later. Warranty covered black tank.

[@JennyErickson-t1b]

How do you keep your pups cool while in the rv while you're out exploring? LOVE your channel! And if you're ever in SW Washington State you're welcome to stay at our property :)

[@kenstankiewicz6405]

Add me as a new subscriber. I love you attitude. I would be freaking out if the back wall of my camper was falling off. I can’t wait to see your next adventure. How old and what make and model is that 5th wheel?

[@wildrvlife]

haha thank you!! It's a 2014 Dutchmen Denali 330rls. So... getting close to that 10 year mark!

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

When did you buy your RV? Was it new or used? If it was new, why wouldn't you take it to a dealer for warranty repair? Why go to Mexico with all the crime when there are so many places to see in this country?

[@wildrvlife]

We bought it used, it’s a 2014. So no warranty available…and we’re going to Baja because we want to boondock on the beach, surf right outside our front door, eat the freshest and most authentic tacos and explore a new country. Baja Mexico is actually pretty safe (Mexico is a HUGE country, and definitely has some areas that are unsafe, just like the US)

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

@@wildrvlife Well, good luck with your vacation.

[@bgonz86]

We’re new to this lifestyle, but definitely appreciate the can-do attitude that you guys exhibit. Great videos!

[@Andrew_travels_New_Zealand]

I have been watching a few of your videos lately. You guys are fun. Craig really does have his own way of saying things, honest and to the point, and without candy-coating. Grumpy humour when having to fix things that shouldn't have to be fixed.

[@patpuariea4228]

funny pronounciation of Anahuac---pronounced ANNA WACK---just fyi from a local

[@jim87vette]

Just found your channel. As a fellow RVer I can definitely relate to the breakdowns, you're not alone lol. I carry so many tools and hardware with me it's laughable, but necessary 🤪.

[@wildrvlife]

Lol Craig seems to have an ever growing collection of tools we carry with us. We actually just had to buy some new tool boxes to hold them all! 😆

[@dustup2249]

We're sittin' on pins & needles, things fall apart, it's scientific. Look at RV couple a whoa ho--- they got a wild wild life! Spending their money on RV repairs a whoa ho, they got wild RV life...

[@BobMan1952]

You should use jackstands when you go under a RV A good friend of mine was under his fiver and the power levels failed He was slowly crushed

[@Sopchoppygirl]

Craig is so great at fixing everything! We have a Denali 5th wheel and starting to have leaking issues too. Although our back wall hasn’t come loose yet! I’m loving your videos. Kind of like watching my own kids. They’re really great quality. It’s so nice to see y’all living your best life. God Bless you and safe travels to Baja.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!! I really don’t think we’d be able to do this without Craig’s ability to fix things because it seems like a necessity just about every week! 😄 I guess it just adds to the adventure!

[@debbiewilson4443]

When you added the l bracket onto the back wall, did you also attach it to the floor with screws?

[@wildrvlife]

Yes. That way, the back wall could not pull away from the rv.

[@debbiewilson4443]

THank you!

[@interpinto]

I think this was a well put together video. I was really surprised you only had 980 subscribers. Well add 1 to that.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!

[@adamUDavies]

Why would anyone voluntarily go to California 🤷🏻‍♂️😂🤣

[@mikeweis5925]

I know this is an old video, but San Antonio is the worse place I’ve ever drove with the RV. Avoid it like the plague.

[@luisamador5089]

You guys are from floridah?? sorry to say, i lived there for 3 years, in Ft lauderdale, from Boston, I hate it, the people are old and nasty, so, I moved back to Boston, and never ever complainte it of the cold ever. I know not everybody is like that, you guys seem legit and nice.

[@TheSRMproject]

I always tell people that want to get into RV’ing that if they’re not handy don’t even bother unless your rich and very patient.

[@wildrvlife]

Definitely agree! You’ve got to be handy!

[@johnheaton5148]

With your rear hitch rack you may not have enough fifth wheel hitch weight find out from the manufacturer today you can probably find them on KZbin on a frame hitch the trailer will sway back and forth and wear out the tires when you travel empty black gray and freshwater tanks ride in your trailer down a normal rough road Liz amazing on KZbin and her engineer partner paid thousands for a better suspension when I pulled trailers I had to retighten screws and nuts put good silicon caulking on them and any leaks I have a 2 e-bike RAC in my 2in hitch there was up and down play so I bought a special clamp for the hitch

[@larrysilverthorn9353]

After owning 5 r.v.s they are all junk and a big waste of money especially if you finance.

[@wildrvlife]

That’s our biggest issue with getting a new one. Ours is paid off and so it would be really hard to go to having a payment when I’m SURE it would have problems too.

[@larrysilverthorn9353]

@@wildrvlife Just don't get upside down.

[@wildrvlife]

@@larrysilverthorn9353 For sure, would definitely want to do a pretty decent down payment.

[@johnhines3591]

The reason back wall is separated is probably that heavy rack you have on rear. Way too heavy, probably have a bent frame now because of it.

[@wildrvlife]

That’s not the reason, we know why it was separated, it’s due to the frame on the sides being cut and the wall not having anything structural to attach to at the bottom. While maybe the rack looks heavy, it’s within the rating. Thanks for watching!

[@2156cynthia]

First tiem watcher. I am so impressed by Craig's skills. Amazing.!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!

[@AdventureswithTuckNae]

Oh man, y’all have been dealing with a lot of crazy issues! 😮 Hopefully things are going better now!

[@wildrvlife]

We still have a couple more repairs to tackle but I hope then we’ll get a break! 🤞🏼

[@gorvlivin]

Houses, RVS, they all fall apart.

[@wildrvlife]

Absolutely. I was a home inspector for a while, and they are all the same.

[@rogergraves242]

That’s right gators everywhere they don’t usually come out in the rain, They come out in the Sun for Sun Tan so y’a be K

[@lindafields8995]

Where in the hell did you get that piece of shit? I am from Tampa and have dealt with two of the RV dealers in the area. Both dealers were terrible . We bought five year warranty and always wound up paying more for any repairs that were done by the dealer.

[@josephbieberly8624]

You don't need no stinking back wall.

[@wildrvlife]

You know, we did discuss just going ahead and ripping the whole thing off and making it a toy hauler 😂

[@rogergraves242]

Go I-10 to-290 That would get around Austin & ,Tx.

[@MoParRus340]

What an amazing video. We live in Yuma Arizona. If you come through Yuma on your way and need a place to refresh (or shore a couple more issues you’re welcome to swing by. We’re right off the freeway with room to back in our concrete driveway with hook ups. We have tools and plenty of RV knowledge. Just an offer.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much for the kind offer! We might have to take you up on it... we will see how the next week or so goes 😅

[@shelbyburgey884]

Well, the best part of owning an rv is to have the ability to fix things!!! In my opinion the cost of them is too high for the quality. Then the additional cost of keeping them up. Oh well! Thanks for the video and hope things go better!! (as I prepare to replace my water heater in my TT! lol I guess in defense of the manufactures, they do take a lot of abuse going down the road!! They could make them more affordable!

[@wildrvlife]

That’s our problem with the idea of getting a new one…we know we’ll be fixing it too because these things just aren’t really made to live and travel full time in. We just make it work! 😆

[@shelbyburgey884]

@@wildrvlife I think you have the key! "just make it work" Can't carry everything you may need to fix everything! Tools and knowledge may be the best! Good luck with your decision!

[@OutnBacker]

Not surprised. RV's are maybe the worst built consumer products on earth, and certainly from an investment standpoint, absolute losers. They are the equivalent of the lowest priced mobile home, but worse - on wheels. There are no industry standards except for an association of builders that also makes the rules. Warranty stories read like a horror film script.

[@gregchapman6190]

There just junk ,unless u just take it camping once and awhile ,There not made well at all .

[@jstar1000]

My back wall is doing the same thing, I need to do what you did. I would rather have the bolts on the inside and the flush ends on the outside for looks mainly. What length bolts do you recommend, yours were a bit too long?

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Peh-CAHNS. Only way to say it, unless you're over 60 and talk about your "prize PEEEEE-can paaaaah"

[@wildrvlife]

LOL, listen, I'm from North Florida.... we say things weird. 🤣

[@rogergraves242]

I Think U got A Lemon,Take it back to the Factory make the fix it.

[@XPLORCAMPER]

I must say that you handled all of the bad situations very well. Get-er-dun type of people which is what is needed when RVing. So glad you were able to continue your journey with your positive outlook and engineering fortitude. Stay safe and keep positive.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much! Life is more enjoyable when you just roll with the punches 😆

[@TimothyBroome-ej1wp]

I started watching y'alls videos yesterday. So far so good 👍 I'm enjoying all the mechanical tips and trip logs and the campsites y'all were in Colorado on the 1st one and in the flood in Texas and having to do all those repairs. Y'all stay safe, happy trails!!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you for watching! It has definitely been an adventure, lol.

[@billbertrand7751]

In spite, I just love the way y'all handled it your so inspiring thank you both

[@wildrvlife]

thank you so much!

[@gregorycore9489]

My advice is slow down! I’ve been pulling these things for years and speed kills them.

[@wildrvlife]

I can definitely see that! We do plan on slowing down a bit over the next couple of years... but probably not enough lol

[@geraldpaben7344]

Wait and think….Indian food at a truck stop a trailer that might be jinxed…. hopefully the plumbing stays together tomorrow.. just sayin !!! HAVE FUN !!

[@wildrvlife]

LOL 😂

[@gregwhite8665]

Masters Degree in Southern Engineering!!

[@Andrew_travels_New_Zealand]

where I come from it's called Kiwi Ingenuity.

[@kennethrose5422]

To own a RV, you have to a jack of all trades!!

[@wildrvlife]

Sooo true! 💯

[@xebxeb19]

I think tubers need to stop showing coffee being made, they all show this. But great fix on the back wall.

[@wildrvlife]

All the cool kids do it though ☕️😆 haha thanks!

[@kathleenrutherford733]

You guys are Rock Stars!! WOW I need your expertise, you can fix anything! I am so extremely proud of you, I am now following you guys

[@wildrvlife]

Aw thanks so much!! ❤️

[@gabrieluribe1852]

18:40 when I was your age I did eat lots of pastries, now I regret it after 4o years.

[@dennislautner8709]

Love your dogs!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much! They’re goofballs

[@1melannlit]

Some place names, you might as well not try to pronounce (anywhere, not just Texas). Just in case you want to know...Anahuac is pronounced (From a Texan) as "Ana-whack".

[@wildrvlife]

LOL if there's a chance to get it wrong, I am for sure going to get it wrong too 🤣

[@Masterchief68]

No kidding, trade that puppy in!

[@wildrvlife]

We were about ready to after that week! 😅

[@rogergraves242]

To much of risk Could get Flipped

[@ben31tube]

Y'all take the craziness with a decent attitude. Not many could stay so positive with the level of problems, which you encountered!

[@wildrvlife]

thank you so much!!

[@jackburns9753]

Do your self a favor and use paper maps., that GPS will only cause you trouble. I traveled for five years in a forty foot motorhome pulling a Jeep and I know from experience not to trust those things when your driving a big rig. Best of luck.

[@wildrvlife]

If I have to help Craig navigate with a paper map….I’m almost certain he will leave me on the side of the mountain I accidentally get us on 😂 but I do agree, you always have to be aware that the GPS might not be accurate and stay alert!

[@Sw00p77]

Totally off topic, but what is the song that starts at 15:40?

[@dianec690]

I just subscribed but I’m worried about your very big dogs in small cages. Can they not travel outside of them? Wishing you luck in your journeys ❤

[@wildrvlife]

It’s only one dog in the crate (it is safer for him to ride in one while traveling) and he has room to literally run in circles inside it (which he does regularly as a border collie trying to herd the passing cars). Perhaps the camera angle made it seem smaller. He is totally fine, thanks!

[@rogergraves242]

Go take A Hot shower Boy warm up & get dry.

[@rogergraves242]

Just fix it good enough to make it Too Sale it.

[@ceimo856]

Good luck on your adventures. I’m not at all impressed with the Quality of your rig.

[@wildrvlife]

me either 😅 and thank you!

[@larryk3986]

There's a saying, if it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all! You handled everything just right, one at a time. When you get a new RV, you'll know exactly what to look for. Love the dogs.😊

[@wildrvlife]

haha a very accurate saying. thank you so much! The dogs always love our adventures

[@mbbuckeyes8386]

Buy a cheap product with poor workmanship - this is what you get. Should have bought an Airstream.

[@wildrvlife]

Airstreams are definitely very nice, but we got what made sense for us at the time. Now we just have some extra "experience" under our belts

[@Psychopappy]

Should have got an Airstream

[@roadhog6603]

The leaking window was from a plugged drain gutter on the window. Just make sure it is clean of debris and it should be fine.

[@wildrvlife]

That’s what Craig was thinking! He cleaned out the gutter and it seems to have stopped leaking now

[@rollingwiththebolings]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. You are lucky to have such a handy person to work on those things. It doesn't matter if it is new or old, there is always going to be something to work on. Great video.

[@wildrvlife]

So true! I feel like at least one of you has to be handy to be able to do RV life.. thank you!

[@northernredneck9997]

I love seeing young people handy and capable of dealing with issues not having to cry and call for help. Yall didn't even whine about it to youtube. Just figured out the issues and how to solve them. I'm genuinely impressed.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much! We definitely had our frustrations, but at the end of the day, complaining about it won’t fix it, so we just have to take it one step at a time! 😄

[@ragingbullwinkle4188]

Well, this has me a bit freaked out. I'm in the market for a used 5th wheel now. How old or if you know how many miles on yours? How do you know what's not going to fall apart in a year or two?

[@wildrvlife]

This is a 2014 and we’re not sure how many miles it’s been towed exactly before we had it but we towed it over 12K miles in a little over a year. There are RV inspectors (similar to home inspectors) that can look at one you’re serious about purchasing and we would recommend that! They can look for major structural issues, etc

[@godevarcooper9366]

18:15 good luck on eating the Indian food

[@jonkilowatt4442]

Them tires look bald too. Where did you find this piece of work…..yikes

[@wildrvlife]

Might just be the angle of the camera, but our tires have lots of tread left!

[@caveredecorator5310]

of all the things that could go wrong, never thought the back wall or the bottom falling off would be on any list. they need to put a coat of super glue over those things when they are done at the factory. cant believe ol craig just went ahead and fixed it all like a pro. i thought it would need to go back to the factory for repairs for a few months. he must have a degree in engineering.

[@wildrvlife]

haha they really should coat them in super glue! 🤣 Craig had to get real creative with our old rig... but, it held together until the end for us and always seemed to work!

[@charlesyates6687]

Campers now days are tottle garbage. It's chesper to vacation in hotels or get where you are going and renting a rv or buy one and sell it when you leave .

[@wildrvlife]

We travel full time, and move often, but if we weren't full time, I always say that it'd probably be cheaper to just stay in hotels!

[@Blackwater_House]

Designed and Built for Occasional Use, not Continuous Use.

[@wildrvlife]

true! We'll get what we can out of it 😆

[@russellthompson6702]

To help hold up the under belly

[@lyfandeth]

Garmin traffic routing usually doesn't tell you there's bumper to bumper stopped traffic till you are stuck in it. They COULD warn you in advance, but they don't.

[@markwatkins6901]

Try staying at a Cracker Barrel…. Much more quiet.

[@wildrvlife]

We have YET to stay at a Cracker Barrel…I don’t know how we haven’t yet! Done Walmart a few times but usually just depends on what happens to be around

[@stratos175escape7]

Look at an Escape 5.0 molded fiberglass trailer. You will have to learn to live in a smaller space but you won't have to deal with the issues you are dealing with. We have a 2014 21C and never plan to sell it.

[@Bahnsentravels]

Is your home base Tampa?

[@rogergraves242]

Just pull up on the Concrete

[@garyhogan7881]

Anyone who has RV’d any length of time knows about roadside and emergency repairs. It’s stressful, but later you’ll laugh about it. Cute kids, hang in there!

[@douglasfauber3017]

I feel your pain, We have owned 3 rv tow along. First on- wate ruined the front 1/4 which I fixed. 2nd one had to take the back wall down to the studs and remove much rotted CHEAP wood and replaced with treated 2x2 studs and re install the bed, closets and cabinets. Also it developed a gas leak back at the water heater that we repaired. Third one, had to replace 1/2 of the floor due to hidden roof leak- Spent 3k $ getting the roof repaired and re coated . Bottom line RV's are made as cheap as possible, if you don't recaluk, around all windows and roof openings (at least check annualy) your rv will fall apart.

[@timaz1066]

It’s sad that some trailers are made so poorly

[@B.A.S.66]

The back wall sounds like a manufacturer screw up. I'd be taking it back to them for a permanent fix.

[@godevarcooper9366]

7:53 hey you can use walkie talkie to communicate during prep for travel day. Inside speaking to outside person

[@pops3882]

I had and RV with similar issues luckily it got totaled by a hail storm. Got a new 5th wheel and still had issues to work through on our first few trips. Refrigerator, brakes, electrical system, Hit an antelope and took damage to the underside etc. Fun times but better than not traveling.

[@davidl6671]

Impressed with your positive attitude through all that. Safe travels. New subscriber.

[@loualiberti4781]

Why do all RVr’s have a minimum of two dogs

[@wildrvlife]

Because dogs are great :)

[@godevarcooper9366]

🎉 16:24 this young man is amazing. Love how you take care of your affairs and struggle . You are an am awesome partner

[@factreportiamu]

Excellent... thanks for sharing all of that...

[@wildrvlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonwilliams5740]

I used to live in anahuac it's pronounced Anna wak

[@wildrvlife]

Lol! I would not have guessed that (clearly) 😆

[@stratos175escape7]

If a trailer sat still it would be easy to rig, when they do all that moving and bouncing totally different.

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

I would put in RV sites like I said a long time ago. We all want you to make your dreams happen.

[@nextupcamping]

There are “pee-cans” and they’re usually in the form of a big cup and used on the road without leaving the comfort of the truck lol. Here in Mississippi, we pronounce it “pe-cons” You guys should be proud of the “wide load” temporary fix; That’s what we call redneck ingenuity and not everyone has what it takes to do things like that lol. Great video! Safe travels!

[@wildrvlife]

Haha! I don’t want THAT “pee-can” anywhere near my mouth! 🤣 and I have to admit, we were pretty proud of our “truck stop supplies” fix…had to get creative!