RV LIVING | OUR 20 BEST RV NEWBIE MOTORHOME WET BAY BLACK TANK AND FRESHWATER TIPS AND TRICKS-EP119

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

✅ For info on how we use & love the RV Trip Wizard Route Planning Tool, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ​ourjourneyinmyles.com/resources/trip-wizard/ ✅ For info on all (5) of our recent Harvest Host stays, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ​ourjourneyinmyles.com/category/harvest_host/

[@jackrobbins963]

Your suggestion of using two oil filters to release your hoses/connectors is the BEST

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Yes they are the bomb! Just struggled again tonight without the wrenches,....failed,.....could NOT un-couple....and told myself I'm buying another two for a second location in the bays. I am done hunting them down!

[@dannyandnadine945]

Mark, as always, information coupled with wit is always a hit! Thank you for your videos. We watch them all.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Sue & I really appreciate that DV!

[@campingalan]

Hello Mark and Sue! I hope all is going well! Thank you very much for sharing your experience again! These are great tips that have to potential to eliminate those bad happenings that can wreck a trip for a family.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I swear the best tip I give in this video is the giant filter wrenches,........I LOVE how much easier the sewer hose job got!

[@craigorford9932]

You are one cool couple,Taking time to show people how to do a heap of RV Stuff.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks a lot Craig,........it's kind of turned into a hobby that is fun,.........about 89.4% of the time,.....until I have to buy two 14TB drives like I have to today,.......doh!

[@ruthmichigander]

Love your new walkie talkie! Thanks for the laughs!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

You are so welcome Ruth! We DID have to stop using them when they went into service though,.....

[@ruthmichigander]

@@OurJourneyInMyles 😂🤣😂🤣

[@alexjasonchandler]

Quick patent the first centralized tubular RV intercom system imbedded in walls. It's key selling point will be it's reliabilty ;-)

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I have another great idea! I'm going to start working on a system for office buildings that has tubes where you can send small packages and paper documents throughout the building via pneumatic power! When I strike it rich, I'll give you the Dutch Star.

[@alexjasonchandler]

@@OurJourneyInMyles 😄😆

[@victormarchuk7833]

Mark you have sense of humor and I like that😄

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Victor,..........when your living the Full Time RV Life you have to remain flexible and have a sense of humor with some of the things that happen to you along the way. Next week we travel to the Newmar factory for some more repairs!

[@jjgoode01]

Another great, informative episode, Mark. Thanks for doing these. Even I, hesitated to watch this one cuz it seemed ‘boring’. It was actually very interesting and informative. Love your engineering perspective and humor. Hope you guys are doing well. Stay safe and keep ‘em comin! Tell Sue I saw her bonsai in the background there. I hope it’s doing well also ;-)

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sue had three Bonsai plants, and we were able to keep them alive about a year and a half. Many times we were parked in sites that just didn't have good enough lighting. Other times, when Sue would leave me alone with the plants for weeks at a crack, I may not have given them enough love. When the time is right to shop again, I am sure "new ones" will be in our future.

[@ruthmichigander]

These sewer hoses are awesome!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for checking them out Ruth.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

Mark, good tips, informative content, well put together. Sue, nice handling of camera, you two makes a good team. I like your Dutch Star.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks 👍 Not exactly an exciting subject, but it helps to get the basics down right the first time!

[@janeforever]

Don't have a motor coach, only a lowly little TT. But this is the best video ever...chocked full of great info we can use as we toodle around in our rig part time. 👍👍👍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@orangecrocks]

just found this again, great video, thanks Mark!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Hello from Okinawa, Japan. Thanks for all of the tips.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

My pleasure! Very honored to have such a far away viewers! All those extra electrons just to get all the way over there,.......

[@chuckbednarke8164]

Like how you explain everything, you hit from every angle ..nice video guy's always enjoy them..

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it Chuck!

[@brianleonard6885]

I have a 2007 4304 dutchstar and I love her! Its the best driving vehicle I’ve ever driven.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I think your rig was the first year the Dutch Star had "Comfort Drive",.............and the following year it became a "variable" Comfort Drive effect with the knob on the dash.

[@brianleonard6885]

@@OurJourneyInMyles indeed sir your correct! And its amazing! [e-mail] if you want to see it let me know where to send . The best thing was after 3 years of surfing net each night it came to me, and after a lovely owner knew I was going to take care of it for her, she let me pretty much have it at 1 half of low book . I truly was blessed.

[@kathystevetrooperblanck609]

We kept our engine warn all night in Monticello UT all winter long with a 100 watt bulb below the oil pan. It would start every morning!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Wow! Thats great!

[@lindanadaud9698]

Great video Mark. Thanks!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you liked it Linda!

[@jimmartinson4280]

Another great video with great pro tips. Two Fifi sighting for the long Memorial Day weekend!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Yes! Thank you! You did notice that I upgraded to recommending the Gorilla Brand FiFi! RV Diem had that one in one of his video's, and I liked it,...........always willing to change for the good. I just have to wear out all 12 of my old style ones.

[@RedJaguar100Travels]

I've installed shut off valves on both my black tank wash and my water fill inside my wet bay.. That way, I can leave my black tank wash connected and my fresh water connected and I can turn both off when I leave the rig, even when the water off at the park connectiin... Just like you said, someone can happen by and cut your water on if your not there. Shut off valves in your wet bay is the way to go.. I picked them up at Amazon.. They also have 90 degree shut off valves which replace your 90 degree elbows.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Your set up sounds awesome,......AND safe!

[@RedJaguar100Travels]

@@OurJourneyInMyles Thanks Mark & Sue.. Love what you do..

[@kevinsrvtipsandtrips4361]

Great video Mark very useful info thank you.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it Kevin,....

[@markstorms2675]

Great video if you can find one try using a truckers sleep alarm. The loud screaming sound not quite a 2X4 but you will find effective.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for the tip Mark!

[@brendanwalsh1675]

Thanks for the great info Mark! And thanks for being CDO!!! Terrific camera work Sue! Fantastic little nuggets of tried and true wisdom. Safe and healthy travels! Brendan & Lena Muddy Sneakers, Pa.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Brendan. We are working on an ebike video for next week I think.

[@jimbertrand2499]

That was both informative and entertaining. And it seems as though it may have been expensive!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Once you have all the right equipment, if you take care of it, the only thing that can go wrong is leaving something behind laying in the grass at your "previous" campsite!

[@CowboyBikerAdventures]

Hi, I enjoy your channel. I have seen most of your videos. I am glad it is start to opening up. I started on May 1 traveling. I may had been a little early. I just started this new KZbin channel (last Monday). I have just put up my first two RVing videos. I just wish I had your talent. Don

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Always love to see new fellow travels joining in!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Love your videos! I put the sewer hose on my wish list and will be ordering it soon. Mine was used when we bought our class A and it’s now 5 years old. Yikes! Really enjoyed the last shot with the sewer hose communication system. LOL

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for checking in Steve. It is scary how fast time is going by. In 4 more years, my rig will be 10 years old and I'll have to start lying about its age as well as my own,....

[@mtellis3979]

I put a little electrical tape on the sewer hose fitting and problem solved. I agree they should not leak! Mine are the camco rhino.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

It will never leak when you are camping alone in grass,.......only when you are next to a family on a concrete pad!

[@fattpatt44]

Educational and at times funny great vidio.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you think so!

[@fabulouspinkmk10]

Love your humor 😊👍😁👍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thank you 😁Sandra!

[@ralphballtrip2214]

I love your good sense of humor. How do I join clubs get more expense RV expense with other people. What do you recommend? Also, thank you for the video.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for watching Ralph. We have all the usual club memberships like Harvest Host, KOA and Passport America. We have never joined Thousand Trails because it doesn't fit our travel style. If you drive a diesel, joining the TSD Logistics "Open Roads" Fuel discount program (TSD LOGISTICS OPEN ROADS RV FUEL SAVINGS CARD | SAVE BIG ON RV DIESEL FUEL IN TRUCK STOP LANES EP-223) has been a HUGE savings for us.

[@gd198070]

Mark, very informative reviews thanks for sharing. I ordered 2 pliers, 2 Fifi's, and 2 Valtera 90' hoses savers. Unfortunately the Venom Steel gloves and PLG quick disconnects are out of stock at Amazon so I will have to source elsewhere. We were already using the same water pressure gauge and sewer hoses and agree with your recommendation on these. Campgrounds are starting to open up which is good but they may be crowed due to virus concerns, will see how it goes.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We are on our 4th night of 5 traveling from Florida to Wisconsin. Campgrounds are mostly dead. Most of our stops only allow one night stays for folks passing thru, and only for non-residents of the state. If you need to stay more than that, you have to quarantine for two weeks. The FiFi's in our Amazon store are way more awesome than mine, but I have at least a dozen of the old style and brand I started with, so I will have to stick with the thinner old model. The PLG lead free brand is about as cheap as they come. I get about 6 to 12 months out of each fitting, depending on where in is in the chain of connections due to calcium build up. That's why I like the PLG so I can carry an extra dozen or more at any given time. Once you decide on "YOUR" brand of quick disconnect, you most likely will NOT be able to mix and match,....so buy what you can afford to get that many of!

[@richardfoote4518]

Good job and the intercom system is great.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Richard,......the system is not as cumbersome to use as it looked on the video,....

[@jc1417]

You can tell by your presentation that you are an engineer:) Well Done!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks JC!

[@DreamingOutloudRVing]

Great video guys!! Very informative I must watch parts of it over thanks for posting! It is always a pleasure watching Mark!~Paul

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for taking a peek Paul!

[@terrys8405]

Thanks for all the links and tips. Great video!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you like them Terry!

[@eugenesmith9290]

Mark you really got your shit together on this video

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Great double entendre You Jean!

[@terryd9415]

Too funny! Great ending. Thanks for the great info!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad you enjoyed it Terry!

[@BenNstyle]

As I was watching this, I kept waiting on a clip of Cousin Eddie "Shitter was Full" to flash up on the screen 😂!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

This was one of my more serious videos,.............I did that on purpose because I want newbies to know that it really isn't that bad of a process if you think it through and do things slow & steady!

[@BenNstyle]

Our Journey In Myles great point and you made an excellent video presentation!

[@debradoud5774]

Newbies and really appreciate all of your tips. Why is the Clorox wipes in the water bay? DO you use it prior to connecting water? Or just a handy spot?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Just a handy spot for a final wipe off of the hands when done,......

[@harryharrington3139]

I love your videos we don’t own a RV yet but you made a lot of good points of stuff. I need to look at possibly buy your videos over three years old now it’s 2024. Do you think you need to update anything? If so, it would be a good video to see. Thank you.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Our Amazon Store is up-to-date with all the equipment we currently use. A person helps to support the YT channel of their choice by using and Amazon Link to start their shopping session. A person can buy virtually anything, not just the stuff in our Amazon Store. Just go to our website main page ( www.ourjourneyinmyles.com ) and click a NEW and FRESH link to our Amazon Store using the Amazon Button in the banner selections across the page. Or,.... you could click a fresh Amazon Link that is under the main banner photo of our KZbin Channel and to the right of Sue & my logo photo. You cannot bookmark any of these links,………Amazon will see that cookie link as a “stale” dead affiliate assignment. No help or credit will be passed to the channel. Using Amazon Links help support the YT Channel of your choice without is costing you anything!

[@wes2975]

Always good for a laugh Mark. 👍🏼

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

The wet bay is such a fun subject! Thanks for stopping in!

[@thomasm.7058]

Thanks a lot and by the way your videos are really well made and helpful too... I notice "fifi" is important...

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad it was helpful TMM! Gotta save the knees for future black & grey tank emptying!

[@roneddington7564]

I've never had a problem with the Revolution sewer hoses.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I just found I really preferred the pletted accordian style!

[@albertjansen9929]

Great video Mark. Also have a question regarding dash cam model you use and if you're happy with it.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Really like our dash cam,........it is THREE YEARS OLD ALREADY,.....VicoVation OPIA2 2K 1440p HDR Dashcam Premium Pack Bundle with 128GB MicroSD Card (bought later) I am sure better exists now,.........we wanted one with a capacitor and not a battery for possible window overheating heating issues. We never over heat. Dash cams are a must!

[@davidlevick7017]

Hi Mark, I have had 2 of the Valterra water pressure regulators, and both of them have cracked on the outlet of the regulator, the last one did not even last this season. Not sure what they cost in the US but up here in the Great White North they are about 110 bucks. Have you seen anyone that has had a different make? Would like to find out. Thanks for the vids, we certainly do enjoy them. On an different note, we are going to look at a Newmar Bay Star 3414 today.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Sorry to hear that David. The company that I purchased my Valterra through actually sent me a replacement pressure gauge (not the body) when I had issues with one. The Amazon site I bought from had listed what the guarantee was, and I was within the time period. I carry two of these, and when one needs work, I swap them out. The orifice hole diameter in the gauge is so small I expect that any debris that gets into can cause a failure. These valves are so simple, the gauge is the usual issue. In your case, you need a new body. Call up Valterra, or the Amazon seller,......and see if they will send you one!

[@brianwoods2430]

once again very good video

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

So nice of you Brian,......

[@malcolmcooper1515]

very interesting and entertaining

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for the visit Malcolm!

[@Tom.and.Missy.Northam]

Great video!! Thanks for the tips.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad it was helpful Missy and Tom!

[@thomashightshue2184]

Where did you get the pink clip to hold the paper towels in place?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Long time ago, I bought rvminders.com/ to help remember to retrieve, pickup and disconnect things before moving the rig. The system came with extra "blank" straps to use. You could write down for instance "Wife" on the strap so you don't forget her in the commotion. I just repurposed this strap. In my "Making RVing Easier" section in our Amazon Store, I now recommend the Camco Bands, because they are cheaper and can be shipped for free via Amazon Prime. I think for your purpose, the rvminders would be longer and provide a better grip. Keep in mind, when a paper towel roll is large (brand new), the band barely does the job,...... We LOVE these reminders AS REMINDERS for the crank up antenna, tent, and anything else that pops up as "odd" in a setup. We have a strap for jack boards because I use them so infrequent.

[@craigbrady1684]

Chan Man! My wife is threatening to make me stop watching your channel. Package of wet bay goodies arrived today. Seriously though, we really enjoy your channel.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

That is awesome Craig! You have to explain to your wife if you buy the stuff folks have tested out already in real camping and say it is an OK product, you will have less waste than trial & error!

[@brianleonard6885]

Great tips

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Brian,....

[@donbruder6838]

Great tips Thanks !!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Glad it was helpful Don!

[@marksalminen7050]

You just had to bring up the snow blower thing? Thanks a lot! 🤣

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

You bet! I have to always remind myself why I don't want another house for at least 10 years!

[@ETINFL60]

Thanks for sharing

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

You are welcome Eddie.

[@johnbeeck2540]

Love the intercom system!! ;-)

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks John,........it's nice to be understood.

[@hammer883333]

For a timer that rings loud, vibrates, blinks and has protected buttons try using your iPhone timer.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We are squeamish about handling the phone and the hoses.

[@classaendlessadventure2879]

i use dominater myself great hose

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I just gave two new 10 foot sections away to a friend,........and will be buying another set! Gotta have backup!

[@dpfreeman1]

Which timer do you use for filling water and back flush tanks?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We list the EXACT timer in "Black Water System Equipment" area of our Amazon Store. The brand NAME is called: "X-WLANG"

[@dpfreeman1]

Thanks I looked at several videos before and missed it.

[@andrewlabat9963]

Curious as to y'all opinion on Winnebago buying out Newmar. Any concerns and such?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Winnebago has a great parts and engineering system in place for legacy drawings and parts for older units. Maybe they can update things at Newmar a bit,.....make the drawings more detailed..and hopefully not screw up the product quality. I think things will go fine,......and if they don't the penalty will be ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS will go to Tiffin.

[@robfrasier9412]

When I grow up I want to be just like Mark! Thanks for thinking of us...albeit in bed🤪 Great PRO tips👍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Any time Rob! I hope most folks realize that I was speaking the truth,..........I was lying in bed at night when I remember I needed to add the section about the ceramic heater! It kept me up for an hour thinking about what I wanted to say,..........

[@classaendlessadventure2879]

great vid

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@stevesmi1177]

Mark,I wanted to ask if u used to work for Toyoda ,because of a hat u wore in a past video?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Hey Steve. No,...never worked for Toyoda. I am EMBARRASSED to say that shirt is over 15 years old, and I bought it at a rummage sale. That's how I saved enough money over the years to buy a Dutch Star,....

[@jakob12369]

Why don't u use the garden timers that just turn the water off?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I actually never thought of that. The garden timers I have had in the past weren't overly reliable, and many times I am only timing 10 or 15 minutes worth of filling. Could serve as a nice belt & suspenders setup!

[@hardtruth2039]

I have to say this is the best video I’ve seen on this subject. Great channel! I put several of the items you showed in my amazon cart. We bought our rig 2 months ago and was only able to pull it home before the lockdowns were lunched. So we have spent this time stocking our rig and getting upgrades done on our truck in preparation for our first check out run.

[@chrisbrown811]

Mark - another great video! I couldn’t find the link to your Amazon store, could you point me in the right direction, or re-post it? Thanks. Hope our paths will cross this summer - our inaugural launch now scheduled for late June!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Awesome! Thank you! The best tip from me to you is the filter wrenches. Made my life way easier.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

@@chrisbrown811 Go to any of our videos and underneath there's a description of the video. Show more and scroll down. You will find the link in the descriptive paragraph somewhere. Thanks for checking us out!!

[@classaendlessadventure2879]

great vid i dont think you need a 2x4 lololol im a gadget guy il look around might need a 2x4 to remember lololol thanks again for info nice driving once again

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

No problem 👍 guys!

[@robertmcanarney7589]

spray the intercom with Lysol prior to use...LOL.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

AND wear a mask!

[@loriw2661]

CDO……you’re the male version of me!!!😂🤣😂🤣

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Seems organized correctly to me,....

[@hammer883333]

Guys I’m here to tell you that you CAN heat your wet bay with a 60watt incandescent light bulb (a 100 watt light bulb could get hot enough to start melting plastic) and it is safer if the bulb has a proper cage around it. I live in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada and it get down to -40 F in the winter. I’ve been a commercial construction supervisor for 25 years now and have used a 60watt bulb on a thermostatically controlled plug to heat a 3’x2’x3’ plywood box that covers a temp water service coming out of the ground in -20 to -40 weather every winter for 25 years and never had a line freeze. The reason for the thermostat is because I have had one plywood box actually catch fire because it got too hot with a 60 watt bulb without the thermostat. Your heater is actually dangerous to use in a confined space like a wet bay. You are supposed to have 3 feet of clearance in front of those heaters. In fact you may void your fire insurance by using that heater in the wet bay. So please reconsider using it. Put a 100 watt bulb in the cardboard box of a similar size to your wet bay for 20 minutes and see haw hot it gets. Put the box on the fire pit just in case.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks for the GREAT input Hammer. I agree that testing and care needs to be exercised when first using a space heater for each application. I see now that the model of heater that I have comes in a lower 500 watt version, and that is the one I have in our Amazon store. It will fit in my wet bay, for the cold day I might need it. Trust me,.......the first day I use it for real I will be watching it.

[@TheAbrownie]

What no FiFi?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Fifi is shown, with honor, in the video thumbnail no less!

[@allanwarmflash3462]

put money down for our tow vehicle on the road soon

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Exciting time Allan,........I went with a Blue Ox tow bar,..........from what I saw at TWO rallies,...... Roadmaster took better care of its customers,.......running around doing yearly maintenance visits to your rig while you attend. Larger booths, and staff. I was surprised by this. I went with 10k Blue OX Avail model.

[@DoMoreHappy]

Awesome intercom system! 🤣 Great tips and suggestions. Looks like I need to add a few more gadgets to my rig's setup. 👍😎🚍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I did discover that this system is less desirable once the hoses have been put into service,.........

[@williamharries7369]

😂😂👍🍻

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Your welcome William!