Save Your Money, You'll Thank Us Later! Stop Buying These Things! Fulltime RV Living!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Subscribe for all of our adventures: kzbin.info

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

A video of things not to buy? This isn't going to make you too popular with KZbin.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL It's one of our most popular videos!

[@godsamazing2090]

​@@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLLI definitely appreciate it! ⚘️

[@Wildwood56]

​@@PavingNewPathswhat about in earth quakes I live in CA and it's possible but in a camper or rv

[@retiredandfree96]

You are so correct about all of the so-called brand ambassadors out there singing the praises of everything from toilet paper to griddles to specific RV brands and models. When you've got the manufacturer's giving products away to KZbin channels, does anyone actually believe they are giving honest feedback?

[@PavingNewPaths]

We also show products on our channel that we have found value in, but we show you how it has helped our life and it's up to you to decide if it will help you! The brand ambassadors are not always allowed to tell the truth about the bad side of the products only the good!

[@mauricematthews5065]

@@PavingNewPaths Hello, what is the contact info for the company that offers the full solar setup?

[@matthewheathcock]

Welcome to having a KZbin channel

[@jeepsandrvs]

Great advice. We have been RVing for many years, in almost every type of RV. We recently changed from a large Class A DP to a camper van. We now have less space and carry just what we use daily and it is the best RVing experience ever. Your comments about figuring out how you RV first is right on target. Everyone does RVing different, and I have wasted 10’s of thousand on gear through the years! Safe Travels!!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We were getting ready to outfit our RV with every upgrade possible before we even stayed one night in it! Some of these things we bought and still use and some were a waste of money! We wanted to share our experience and let the viewers know you don't need much to get started and you won't know what you need until you do start! So get out there and figure out what it is you want from this and make improvements to enhance that goal!

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

Unless you hang for 3-4 days in one dry camp. Tanks insufficient.

[@kmiller5808]

​@lawrencewiddis2447 Well, I agree, they put a lot of effort into making this 28 minute video. But I tink we should tank them anyway, it's the least we can do.

[@hansschopf5901]

I think that there are a couple of things that you do need from the start: a surge protector and a water pressure regulator. I believe that those two items in addition to the other four you mentioned are essential. Great video. Looking forward to the other items you do think we need video.

[@PavingNewPaths]

While we do have a surge protector and we do reccomend one in our next video this was about what you don't need! They are a good idea but you don't need it to start! water pressure regulator is a relatively cheap accessory and not really an upgrade in our opinion!

[@nextupcamping]

read my mind. I read your comment after I commented the same thing

[@johnbell4976]

@@PavingNewPaths I have heard a lot of RVers say that the ones with the gauge on them are better, but more expensive and prone to breaking easier. I have the cheap one that is preset. What's your opinion?

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@johnbell4976 I have the one with the gauge on it as it is fully adjustable, and you can dial in the pressure for your rig! The ones without the gauge are preset at say 50psi and you can't take advantage of any pressure higher if it was available! We have used our adjustable one for 2 years now with no issues! But we don't leave it hooked up when its below freezing! That is what causes them to go bad!

[@johnmackey3937]

Tools! What are essential tools to have when you pick up your travel trailer or coach?

[@hammer48ful]

Thanks for the video. You can go broke getting all the fancy stuff that people think you need. We mostly dry camp in our small camper, which suits us just fine. We have a portable generator for when it rains or is too cloudy for our portable solar panels. We see people that have installed panels on top of their RV's and they have to park in the sun. We park in the shade and put our panels in the sun. Keeps the camper a lot cooler. I like your idea of starting off slow and seeing what you really need. That's what we've done and it works great. The big thing is to use your RV and have fun.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thanks for watching! I like the idea of the rv being in the shade and the panels being in the sun! Many don't think about that! I wish we could say we didn't buy lots of things we didn't need, bit at least we were able to make a video to prevent others from making our mistakes!

[@johnduszynski7276]

TPMS saved us with 2 blowouts on one trip. Both times the TPMS went off right before blowout and and saved me from shredding my RV

[@PavingNewPaths]

They definitely aren't bad products and we even have one ourselves! But I don't believe you don't need it to get started! So many people, us included, get hung up on all the upgrades you need before you can hit the road!

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

any idea what lead to the blow outs? bad tires i.e. recalls or road hazard punctures?

[@CA.papaBear]

@@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG I can answer that, Tires can blowout for a variety of reasons like balding, nails poking holes, overinflation, old tires having bad sidewalls with cracks running about, overloading your tires beyond its rated weight capacity. But a big one is underinflation, if your tires require (for example) 45 psi but only sits at 14 psi, youll not only have a flat but you'll blow your flat tire out. Always check your tire pressure.

[@williamwayland1888]

Underinflation is the big one, your right. The tires get hot when they are underinflated.

[@chadsharpe7213]

TPMS won't monitor tire wear. It won't go off when metal starts showing.

[@dbbaker8]

Best advice I have heard "Learn and know what your RV is and can do." Also, I'm old school military "PMCS- Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services" you do this and it will slow your problems some. I do this regularly and still this past year I had a tire blow out then 3 more in travel. TP good and tires felt good stopped and checked still when may pops decide to go they go. Now I have Goodyear tires not may pops. I still travel without a lot of things that would be nice to have but we enjoy the trips as we go.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes, we also believe you should find out what your rig can do and how you intend to use it before adding and upgrading things! We also think that a gadget should never take the place of actually getting out and looking at things and doing inspections and maintenance (back up cameras, RV GPS and TPMS systems)! We upgraded a lot of things we never used like we thought because we didn't understand how we were going to use the RV for our experience!

[@nextupcamping]

Added to your four things to absolutely have, a water pressure regulator and surge protector. Both have saved us on several occasions. Thanks for the video

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes, those are both great to have! Thanks for adding to our list!

[@tamydoshier5139]

A valterra valve is a must!!! Ask me how I know. 😂

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@tamydoshier5139 Yes but you dont need that to get started! We have a video coming out where we talk about the things that are worth getting!

[@freedom_reigns]

100% AGREE!! We nose dived into full time RVing with a 40ft fifth wheel and ZERO extra accessories, modifications, or upgrades. We slowly added what we needed but all in all it ended up being very little. This is very different from what I was told and being stubborn ended up saving a lot of money in the long run!

[@johnbell4976]

Good Job brother. Sometimes being stubborn can be a good thing. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@PavingNewPaths]

We fell into the trap of buying and upgrading everything before we even spent one night in the RV! I drew the line when it got to suspension and solar stuff! We were convinced we needed all of this stuff because the internet said so! We wish we would have started RVing like you and upgraded things along the way to enhance the experience!

[@kevenclark9268]

What a breath of fresh air! It is so easy to get carried away with the" gotta have it's " when really like you said, people camped for years without most of this stuff! Thanks for a great video and looking forward to the upgrade video.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! I am just like you and was tired of seeing all these videos telling me what we had to have to enjoy RVing! I decided you guys should know you don't need much to get out there and start the RV life! Most of these products are great but until you know how you intend to camp most of them could be a waste of money and will never provide value to your experience!

[@aworkinprogress23]

The solar is fully dependent on the type of camping you do. If you stay in parks all the time, it has no purpose. If you boondock most of the time, and don't want to or can't run your generator, then it is exceptional. Our trailer came with a full solar setup from the factory and we boondock more than we stay in parks so it is absolutely worth it and i will be expanding it soon. But i fully agree with you Kevin on the lithium. They sound great but also seem like an enormous waste of money.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thats what this video was about until you know how you intend to use your RV you shouldn't spend any money on upgrades! Instead get out there and figure out what type of experience you want and then make improvements to enhance that experience! You know that you will be boondocking or dry camping so solar and lithium make sense for you! But for us staying in full hook up parks all the time they make no sense! I didn't want our viewers to feel like they have to get stuff because the internet said you need it!

[@bchboy1206]

I wish I would have seen this before I started. I would like to say that listening to the KZbin influencers I thought solar would have extended our journey and save us money in the long run but I have 2 big hairy dogs that like it cold and running one AC unit just wont cut it so I spent 15k on solar that would have paid for the park fees for our 6 month journey and I may have been able to stay out for 9 mos!!! Anyway, thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with us again.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We were right there with you regarding solar! Thank goodness the installer was nowhere near Texas when we called for pricing! After further research, it showed us that it would take years upon years for us to recoup that cost while boondocking and using solar, so we ultimately decided against it. Now we know that even with solar, we can boondocj extensively because with a wife and kids, we would run out of water way before we ran out of solar!

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

Solar, in my opinion, is worth it if you install it yourself to save money. Especially if you do any boondocking.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@alaska-bornfloridaman it is awesome but will never pay for its self unless you utilized it!

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

@@PavingNewPaths That's a math question. I probably spent around $7000 buying materials, and installing everything myself for my solar and lithium setup. Will I ever save $7000 using it? Probably not. But the only reason I did it is so I could go boondocking at harvest host locations without hook ups. So for me, it is kind of worth it.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@alaska-bornfloridaman Thats why we made the video so many people buy these upgrades they will never use! For you it's awesome because you see all the benefits of it! For us it would be a waste of money! But we thought we needed it!

[@djaco45011]

Solar works for me with lithium batteries it came with my montana fithwheel. When my camper in storage I can turn on the Residential refrigerator A-day before I go camping. You can work on your camper in storage with all the power you need. The biggest benefit is batteries lead acid last if you're lucky 2 years. In Iowa in the winter you have to take out your lead acid batteries take them home,put them on a Battery charger maintainer. Lithium you just turn off the solar.

[@PavingNewPaths]

That works for you so it is a benefit! However litium batteries are not required unless you dry camp or have a solar set up with an inverter! We travel fulltime and are never not hooked up to power or have the generator running for more than a day! For us a lithium battery is a waste of money as we only need it to provide 12v power on days we are traveling! Because we are always hooked up and never in storage our lead acid battery is always maintained! Ours is 3 years old and I don't see why it won't last, but if it needed replacement another lead acid will go in its place!

[@lancewulfers2502]

100% right on the MorRyde suspension upgrade of shackles and wet bolts. I've installed them now on two different trailers and the improvement of the ride of the trailer and the additional wheel alignment stability is astounding. Also much quieter suspension movements. No more creaking and popping from the trailer. And it makes pivot point maintenance a breeze.

[@PavingNewPaths]

The wet bolts and shackle kit was a night and day difference in the creaking and popping plus we can now lubricate all the connections down there! The biggest improvement we found was the morryde crossbraces to tie the equalizer and shackle hangers together from frame rail to frame rail!

[@axiomproductions]

You are sooooo bang on! The only reason why I like my back up camera is that I use it for reference while driving for lane changes to gauge where other vehicles are and for reference while backing up. Never do I back up without a buddy and if alone, regardless of cameras I am checking mirrors and in and out of the vehicle to make sure everything is clear. I like my surge protector just for peace of mind and the water regulator because one camp ground we stayed at had crazy water and blew a line. That brings me to a must have, water sensors in the bathroom behind the toilet, under the sink, under the kitchen sink and right beside the water pump. Any leak you will be notified. What you don't need also but I need is a bidet. Cuts down on the toilet paper and makes sure you are clean. There are tons of stuff to make your life easier but you said it, only really four things needed to get started and you hit the nail in the head.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We have several of these products we mentioned but we also fell into the trap of buying everything KZbin said we needed to start living fulltime in the RV! We wanted to share with our viewers that you don't need any upgrades to start the life and you shouldn't spend any money until you know exactly what it is you plan on getting out of the RV life! Once you know then its ok to upgrade the things that enhance that experience!

[@johnsumrall6424]

Wifey and I are going full time in a year and I'd already been looking to install the liquidspring suspension on our Tiffin. Thanks for talking me off the ledge. I'm going to wait and see how it goes.

[@PavingNewPaths]

This is what we have found works best, get out there and see what you think of the rig and the experience! Then make upgrades that enhance that experience! How will you know if the upgrade was an upgrade if you didn't even experience the rig in the stock form!

[@lawrencebest9943]

Yes I would love to see your upgrades. I don't RV but in 30 yrs of Law Enforcement I have helped change some tires. One needs a good jack that will support the weight of there RV and a four way lug wench. The tire tool on your truck is not the same size as the nuts on your Trailor wheels. That said you might go years without getting a flat

[@PavingNewPaths]

We are currently working on an upgrade video! We have also thought about making a video on how to change a flat tire on the RV or the truck with the RV hooked up! There are several creative ways you can use your rig and tools to get the job done!

[@chuckchillson2877]

I have a breaker bar in my truck and a socket for lugs of each trailer I own

[@DeeDeeDIY]

LOL. Our Level Pro when we traveled in our pickup camper was my mom. She'd get in the camper and tell my dad when it was level. Our stabilizers were 2 2×4s that we pushed under the camper overhang one on each side. Crude but cheap and worked just fine. Even in a tornado and severe hailstorm. We put both 2x4s on the opposite side from the direction the wind was blowing. We stopped at a roadside picnic site that night after dodging storms all day. We were actually going to go to town and sleep in a motel but dad changed his mind and we stopped at the roadside park just outside the city limits sign. The next morning we drove through a town that was more. The tornado had destroyed the motel we were headed to. Every building was smashed, every house had roofs torn off at the least. The truck and camper were extremely dented from the hail that lasted for at least 15 minutes. It was pretty awful. The camper rocked and rolled that night but those 2x4s kept us upright. That was sometime in the second half of the 1960s because we were returning home to Kansas from a fishing trip to Canada. A pickup camper is different than dragging a trailer but we had no gizmos. Just a tire guage and our eyes and ears. My dad checked the tires at each stop. He checked everything mechanical before we left. He did carry fuses, a can of motor oil, tools, a spare tire and a spare tire for the boat trailer. Those were fun days. Memories... like the ones your kids are making too.

[@PavingNewPaths]

That is a great story and a great memory for you! We do carry all the tools and extras needed to help us if we have issues on the road! We really wanted people to know you don't need any of these gadgets to get out there and start enjoying the RV life! When we started this our real goal was, we wanted to slow time down! We fell the world is full of gadgets and devices that steal your time and attention! Yes, we have a big RV that has a lot of cool features, but we wanted to minimize the gadgets in our life and make it more about the adventure and not about the things!

[@DeeDeeDIY]

@@PavingNewPaths you are doing a good job.

[@tandsl9218]

Like you, I purchased a lot I didn’t need from other videos. I quickly realized the kind of camping you do drives what you really need. If more rustic dry docking you need different things than rv resorts. Most videos only show what they used and didn’t call out there are different types of camping. I’m glad yours shows things you don’t really need to help newcomers out. Wish it was around when I started RVing

[@PavingNewPaths]

We found there are videos out there telling you everything you need to go RVing! They don't give much context to how they camp or use the RV! So unless you are planning to camp exactly like them you maynit get the full benefit of the upgrades! Bottom line we think you should go out there with nothing and upgrade the things that will provide value to your experience!

[@xaviermartinez6642]

I agree with the physical checking of the tires and hubs, also the camera issue they can be handy , but there’s no substitute for getting out of your vehicle, obtaining a visual and forming a plan , I notice most of the full timers out there do this even though they have 20 cameras, nothing beats team work but I’m not against the cameras, just don’t rely on them.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We think before you add cameras you should be able to drive and maneuver you rig without them! Once you understand how to do that then we think adding gadgets as a supplement is ok but don't ever rely on them! We found out early that even if we had a camera me and my wife get out and walk the site and discuss where we want to set up and point out all the things to watch out for!

[@martinasaxton7033]

Thank you, Kevin, for a good video as usual! I think there is a fifth item one needs from the get-go and that is a surge guard. Doesn't have to be the more expensive hard-wired one like I have, it can be a basic plug-in, as long as you have one to protect your electrical system. As you know, a faulty pedestal can cause majorly expensive damage to your rig. Or even a drastic change in power in an over-loaded park. Love your channel❣️

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We do have a hardwired surge protector as well and we do think if you are going to RV often you should have one! However, we made the video to let people know you don't need to go out and spend tons of money on all these gadgets to get out there and start RVing!

[@martinasaxton7033]

@@PavingNewPaths 👍

[@oldbearsden9819]

The best way to get and keep extra water just go to a farm store and buy a 100 gallon tank for that 5th wheel. We have a 50 gallon water tank we take it with us. Our water tank is 54 gallons with the black and grey tanks that hold 30 gallons a piece.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We can hold a massive amount of water and would still run out before we ran out of power! We have 160 gallons of fresh water, 108 grey and 108 black! For us with kids we are never going to boondock maybe in the future we can downsize rigs and utilize the benefits of dry camping!

[@oldbearsden9819]

@@PavingNewPaths yes but you are missing some great places to camp. We camp in places that even the biggest of fifth wheels can get into and you got really good fishing right there and there are many things for kids to do. Extra water is the key. When you make it to WV, please let me know and we can come show some beautiful places that you need the water tank but it is wonderful place for kids to play and see wildlife. Just email me with a date. My 5 foot wife loves those beautiful babies and would love to sit and play games with them. Your family is simply awesome. Just let us know and we would love to meet your whole family.

[@jimandcarole]

I agree these are not "must haves." But I use our backup camera mostly while on the road. It's very helpful when passing 18-wheelers or slower traffic. It gives me a good view of when I'm clear to get back into the main lane. Oh, we built those jack pads last month.

[@PavingNewPaths]

I think that is one of the only good uses of the backup camera! We also believe that you should be comfortable driving your rig without the gadgets before adding them! How are you enjoying the jack pads!

[@clyderanger]

5O YR LONG HAUL ,JUST REIIRED, I HAD 8 CAMERS ON MY RIG ,I USED REAR CAMERA THE SAME AS YOU DID. WONT RUN ONE WITH OUT IT,

[@ivanvarykino8202]

Totally agree! I spent maybe $2,000 on upgrades to my new motorhome in 2015. Extra sewer and extension cords for strange camping sites. A good onboard surge protector and cheap little interior convenience gadgets. Never had a tpms and drove coast to coast over 6 years. Checked pressure while filling up. Don't overdue it folks. Enjoy it for what it's meant to be. Not just another pursuit to buy a lot of "stuff" that could end up ruining your long term enjoyment 😄

[@PavingNewPaths]

This is spot on! It's easy to get caught up in making lists of things you think you need!

[@stephenstraker6115]

I too have been RVing for several years. I don't have a channel but I live watching all of you guys that do have a channel. This is probably the BEST video I've ever watched for newbies. I hope every new RVer gets to see this. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We fell into the trap of buying everything KZbin told us we needed! We wanted to make a video that was real and that you don't need any of these things to get started! Until you know how you intend to RV you shouldn't upgrade anything!

[@afterall19]

We are part time RVers with plans on becoming full timers this January. Over the past 4 years we have purchased all the things that you mention in this video. No, I didn't have to have them but now I feel like we are ready to go full time.

[@PavingNewPaths]

That's great that you feel prepared! We didn't feel prepared either until we bought all the things! The problem was, we had never stayed a night in the rv and didn't know how we were going to camp! So some of the things we bought were a huge waste of money!

[@GimpyCamper]

Level mate pro isn’t needed for people that don’t have auto level. It’s cheaper to buy curved levelers and mount a large bubble level on the front of your camper that you can see in your rear view mirror.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We said it wasn't needed for a rig with auto level! We mentioned that if you have Class B, or C, or an RV without Auto Level it could benefit you in helping set up your rig! You absolutely don't need it but if it enhances your experience then you should always upgrade things make your life easier!

[@johngilbreath1605]

We’ve been RVing for about 25 years. We are on our 5th or 6th rv. I finally quit putting a milk crate full of stuff I never used in my last rv. Cleaners, connectors, assorted adapters etc. One thing I don’t think you mentioned is a portable dump tank. So many full hook up campgrounds that wouldn’t assume that you will need one. Like you said, one of the things you don’t need to start. If you do, then you can get one.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We learn all the time and are constantly making changes on what we have as well as things we no longer really need! We are working on a video now of the things that we have upgraded that added value to our experience!

[@gary0358]

Long time RV’r. 5r, Class C and now a large teardrop. Folks get hung up on keeping up with the internet “Jones’s “. We conserve resources and boondock a lot. You nailed it on lithium and solar! Just earned a new follower.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thanks so much! We wish we had found advice from seasoned rv'ers like you before we got started! We spent a lot of time and money on things we could have done without because we watched a lot of videos telling us all the things we needed to get started! We appreciate you subscribing to our channel and giving your feedback!

[@KevinCoop1]

Kevin, You are spot on! Many of the KZbinrs get free stuff and make you think you need it. They do t have to pay for it, so it is great to have. I just wanted to tell you that speed ratings for tires are not speed limits. The “rating” is for “best” performance. Like over that speed the tire might start to increase its circumference slightly. Going over that number is not going to blow them up. Best wishes, Kevin

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We have a few sponsored items and partnerships that we show on this channel from time to time but we will never show a product that we aren't actually using in our everyday lives! There are a lot of videos out there that only want to show you all the products they have deals with over and over again! We are like you we don't like to feel like we are being sold every time we watch a video! What I meant was that hotshot driver probably pulled your RV from Indiana to your dealership as fast as he could drive usually over the speed limit!

[@KevinCoop1]

@@PavingNewPaths I used to watch a channel and the guy got a large tractor with a front end loader, and almost every attachment that the company made for free. A couple years later, he went on a 10 minute video rant because someone commented that he wished he could have those attachments but was too “poor” to afford them. He ranted because the guy said he was poor! My comment to him was polite but firm that he should not take FREE stuff and rant because someone said he couldn’t afford them. Don’t watch that hypocritical Ahole since.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@KevinCoop1 We watch a lot of channels that we know get these products for free, and that is perfectly fine! There are several things if they said we will give this to you for free if you make a video about it, I would do it! Why wouldn't you if you have the opportunity, but we have been very selective in the product we do choose to show you guys on this channel!

[@ricktaylor6373]

One thing else for electrical would be electrical management for the pedestal. I’ve a 34 foot class C and tho it has auto level I made the same blocks for the levelers. Plus a couple spares. A length of 2x12 and screws and nylon feathers attached with a loop at the ends I use a 21/2 foot stick with a hook on the end so when I’m done with them I pull them out by the cord. Easy on the knees. I agree 100% with what you only need. That’s all I had. Since my class C was a wandering Wanda I put sumos front and rear and a beefier steering stabilizer. That was worth the investment. Watch your channel a lot.👍

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We wanted to let people know you don't need very much at all to enjoy the RV life! We are working on a video of the things we do use and have added value to our experience now! A surge protector is on that list as well as a few other items!

[@crossthreadaeroindustries8554]

Great chat about Luxury items - if you have the money, go for it. I think you forget about much of this list when you "get on" with traveling.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes, we wish we would have waited to see what we really needed! It would have saved us a lot of time and money!

[@timsteinkamp2245]

I suggest if you don't have an automatic changeover for propane on your rig to get one since you said you have 30# tanks and maybe purchase another tank or two. I had run out of propane in the middle of the night on cold mornings and it is not fun. With a changeover and an extra tank when the window shows red you can drive to the propane store with two or three tanks and get them filled. One is still hooked up. I know the condensation method helps but an empty tank from a changeover alert on the gauge is better.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Our rig had an auto change over valve and we know our rig will run 7 days on both tanks if the weather is really cold! We move every 7 to 10 days so we typically top off the tanks before every move! So far we have never run out!

[@horizon42q]

I have been RVing for 23 years and I agree 100% Beware of KZbin channels that just advertise for companies. Lithuim - Haa Solar - Haa Independent Suspension- Haa! Worthless I still use cut wood blocks I get free for my jacks.

[@PavingNewPaths]

They've convinced a lot of newbies to buy things that aren't needed right away! Good on you for seeing through it! We made our own jack blocks too!

[@GEORGEFIRE777]

wood blocks ? yes there still the best

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes they are!

[@lampleather2574]

One of the lessons I’ve learned in my first month of full-timing it (as someone who has been sort of forced into this lifestyle given the current economy and desire to stay in my home state) is that if I’m still breathing-the dream lives on. There will be major stressors and setbacks, especially if you go with a used rv… but nothing is impossible. Things can get extremely difficult, but difficult does not mean IMPOSSIBLE!

[@PavingNewPaths]

We bought used on purpose and set aside the difference in cost as a repair fund! Besides the roof everything was very minor and easy to fix! We wanted to show that even with great maintenance and care if you use your RV it will have issues!

[@steventhornsberry1850]

When we bought our first about a month ago. We have family that had 3 before. They told us what is needed and what is nice or you don't need. As a commercial driver I am in the habit of G.O.A.L. and walk around each stop.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We just felt there were so many videos out there telling you what you need! But none telling you why you don't need most of these things!

[@stevesmith8125]

Good sensible advice for this old man and his wife who are new to RVing. I appreciate your logic and insight. Thanks.

[@PavingNewPaths]

You're very welcome!

[@CryptoProphet]

Great insight. I was full time in my RV for over a year before it became ‘trendy’ and totally agree with you. It’s an RV. You’re moving around in it. You want to stay light and flexible. The less stuff you take and the more streamlined you can make your life the better. This is especially true for limiting your clothing items as well as your cooking process. In the US we love to collect ‘stuff’ but the truth is, there’s almost always more of that stuff along your journey.

[@PavingNewPaths]

This is why we live this way, less is more! We sold everything and travel fulltime, we also wanted to let people know it's not always a vacation when you travel fulltime! These things will break and need attention, but if you can make the repairs yourself you will be far better off in the end!

[@jamesbitb]

You are right none of these items are not needed till you hit the road. I will add number 5 of must have. And that is RV capable roadside assistance. In my first year I found out exactly what AAA won't help you with and how expensive it is to pay out of pocket. Good Sam ERS or Coachnet (what I have had the last 6 years) are the two I trust to provide service no matter if its driven or towed RV.

[@PavingNewPaths]

That is a good point and something you should consider once you figure out how you intend to use the RV! We have roadside assistance included in our insurance policy for the RV and the Truck! We have never had to use it or had any real issues while traveling but that is also why we tend keep our travel days to 300 miles or less and we stay up on our pre travel day maintenance!

[@jamesbitb]

@@PavingNewPaths As long as its specifically to the RV too. Both AAA and Progressive at the time said I was covered for both, until I needed to be towed with trailer attached. Then magically I was not covered. We just switched back to progressive and use their ERS, yet I keep coachnet around because they do cover tows and calls of that nature.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@jamesbitb We have our truck and RV covered for fulltime use that is why we went with the provider we have!

[@widereb2886]

This was by far your best solo video. Get well soon Alicia.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you!

[@rcharliebrown3591]

I use the backup camera to see how far I am ahead of vehicle passing and when safe to pull in front of the car/trailer is safely passed. Another object I keep on front windshield is a Vantrue N2 dash cam…insurance company loves that you have one in case of accidents. As far as disc brakes, I ordered when had specially build with 8K axles and h rated tires and with gen and solar panel, and 3 AC units. All was worth it to me.

[@PavingNewPaths]

If you know what kind of experience, you intend to have, and the upgrades add benefit to your experience then they are worth doing! But the point of the video was to let people know you don't need a single upgrade to enjoy your RV and you should only upgrade the things that will make your experience better!

[@realrooted]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! We’re planning to hit the road full time in the next 6 months and thought we needed alllll of these things. Everything you’ve shared makes perfect sense and has shifted our perspective. We will make upgrades as needed, thank you!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We fell into the trap of buying and upgrading things before we ever spent one night in the RV! Now 2 years later we realize that some of these things are nice to have but none of them are actually needed to enjoy the fulltime RV life!

[@kenpolzel412]

If I only knew this 12 months ago. You are exactly right, you dont need it, I had my 5th wheel moved to an annual site 12 months ago ( because my 2022 Ford F350 hadn't arrived yet, that I now know I didnt need and may never even tow with it, no regrets on the truck though) and bought a lot of the stuff I didn't need and never used, like the backup camera with the side cameras for almost $800. snap pads, extra hoses, and so much more. I love your videos.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you so much we are glad you enjoy the videos! We also fell into the trap of buying everything we saw because we thought we needed it! We have found we would have been better off just getting out there and figuring out how we planned on using the RV and then upgrading the things that would enhance that experience!

[@askmslynnllc5363]

I would add a cheap level. I have a free bubble level app on my phone. I have a bumper pull trailer so have to do all the leveling myself. Sometimes the auto level systems are out of level so will need to you the level to reestablish level. I would recommend a 10 by 2 board cut into 2 foot sections for leveling, not much money and not much weight.

[@PavingNewPaths]

All great items however if you have an auto level system you don't need to use boards to level the rig prior to unhitching the trailer will level itself! If your site is so unlevel that it lifts the tires off the ground on one side, then yes adding boards would help stabilize the rig but if the site is that bad maybe it's not a good idea to be there in the first place!

[@michaelgalaxy]

The backup camera is a misnomer. It is not for backing up. It's for changing lanes. *It is for changing lanes* and it is really essential for changing lanes. Even when you check your blind spot, it is still not good enough to know if the back end of your camper has cleared the cars behind you and the *only* way to have a 100% guarantee of that (Especially in heavy traffic) is to use a backup camera.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We believe you should be able to drive and park your setup without gadgets before you add gadgets that you rely on! If you only know how to do it with them, what will happen if they fail, and you don't have them! I also wonder how the generation before us ever went anywhere without all these gadgets!

[@brendansheehan6272]

Have been RVing for four years. Picked up a TPMS last year. I do everything you mentioned. We drove through some construction north of Yellowstone. Tires appeared to be fine. Continued driving the next day. The TPMS alarm went off. We pulled off the highway and found a repair shop before the tire went flat. Cost me $25. Tire was patched and we drove 1,000 miles home. TPMS paid for itself.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes TPMS is a great addition, but isn't 100% needed to get started! Some rv'ers make you believe the rv won't travel down the road without it installed!

[@scottsdialyadventure1338]

I wish you didn't generalize calling a travel trailer naming it a camper the camper is the one you load into your truck, and 44 ft somehow doesn't seem anything like a camper it seems like 6 tons going down the highway once in awhile... I suppose the tire pressure monitor is a nice accessory but to know for sure all you have to do is thump every Tire or put the gauge on there like you should. That would be standard pre-trip if you're a trucker or anything multiple and heavy. After owning and driving nearly every kind of RV and car truck bus on the highway I think the biggest issue is what people are really capable of doing that should dictate what they're buying along with the all-important purpose of that RV. It's always great to hear other full-timers, where they go or where they're living. 🙏🙏

[@PavingNewPaths]

This is Alecia replying. I'll answer the first part of your comment regarding us calling it a camper! It's something we learned from our grandparents! They called all of their rv's campers and in our part of Texas, nearly everyone calls any travel trailer on wheels a camper! Occasionally, you'll hear us call it or house, rig, rv, etc, but the majority of the time, the habit kicks in and it's a camper when we talk about it!

[@PavingNewPaths]

We travel fulltime in our RV and it moves every 7 to 10 days! We have a TPMS but I still verify my pressure and inspect my tires before during and after a move! We believe that gadgets are ok as a supplement but should never take the place of good practices! We bought a lot of these things before we ever realized how we were going to use the RV! We found that you don't need much to enjoy the RV life and you should only upgrade the things that will benefit you!

[@dw7094]

A camper is a camper, and when you use it you're a camper, too. For the past 70+ years people have been calling them campers. Folks like to personalize it by calling it "our camper". After all, it's main purpose is camping, isn't it?

[@cathykaufman4463]

We disagree a TPMS is not necessary. Ours saved us twice. The first time we picked up construction material in our tire when driving through road construction in Chicago. The TPMS warned us south of Chicago. Fortunately, we were able to get to a service center that could handle our camper and repair the tire. This happened when we bought our first camping trailer, early in our travels. The second time was recently coming home from Kentucky. The TPMS warned us one of our tires was losing air. Again, we were able to make it to a tire center, just in time. The tire was not repairable, but they helped us put on the spare. We also have a back up camera, not for parking, but as a travel aid.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We have a TPMS and do recommend one but it is not necessary to start enjoying the RV life! We want people to stop getting hung up on the gadgets and get out there and enjoy this life! After you figure out what experience you are trying to have then start upgrading!

[@ThePackDad]

I found that backing up our long, hilled, curved, blinded by trees and shared driveway is a bazillion times easier with no assistance. Not sure if a cam would help, but I like the ability to get it done without one.

[@PavingNewPaths]

My wife is just my eyes back there and only stops me if I am going to hit something! I have never had a camera and after doing it without one I will likely never add one!

[@badgerpa9]

Wow ferd is just getting the external camera hook ups in the trucks? That has been around since at least 2016 for GM and Freightliner. I thought they all offered it. The rubber stoppers you can mount on the springs are liked by many that install them. A full solar/lithium setup costs more than you will get out of it, it is more of a benefit for when you would go daniel boonedocking. This is a good list. Number one thing is to get out there with what you have now. My daughters did not want to tent camp, they loved it when we went out in the middle of no where tent camping. You know we want to see what else you have done. Stay safe.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Ford has offered the integrated back up camera but now they are going to have 360 birds eye view integrated! Basically there will be several cameras you can put on the sides and rear of the RV and see everything on the trucks navigation screen! It has the potential to be very useful but I would like to see it first hand and how it actually works! Solar is one of those things I don't think you ever recover your cost unless you plan on living off grid or boondocking all the time! We are working on a video now of all the things we did upgrade!

[@badgerpa9]

@@PavingNewPaths Find someone with a GM they can probably show you how the camera in the ford will work, sure it is going to be the same. GM has had the 360 view and stuff a while. The full solar/lithium takes about a decade to recover the cost with full time camping, but if you have money it is nice if you are going off grid. We always did fine with out the solar. I am older though, you have a lovely wife, 3 kids and a dog. Divorced a decade ago, 3 kids grown up but left all their pets behind. lol want a cat?

[@shawnwade302]

As a professional truck driver who backs trailers up numerous times a day Monday through Friday for over 20 years... An actual backup camera is not necessary and neither are the side cameras but I will say the side cameras I would love to have on all my semi truck trailers.

[@PavingNewPaths]

I feel like you should know how to do it without devices and if you want to add them later for a little extra help that is fine! The side cameras would be nice to see those things you may not see that are next to you!

[@shawnwade302]

@@PavingNewPaths I totally agree. You got to know how to do the job in the traditional manner because if you can't... As soon as your technology fails then you're stuck. I had a teenage girl in Walmart parking lot once ask me to pull out of my parking spot in front of her because she couldn't back her car out of the parking spot because her backup camera quit working. I'm not making this up!

[@lisasmith8800]

Thank you...thank you for being so honest. Wow! We need more people like you and your wife...again, THANK YOU!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thanks Lisa! Just trying to save others from spending money on things that aren't necessary!

[@oldbearsden9819]

Ask the older truckers. I and them will tell you that gadgets will get you in trouble. All that junk on your dash or windshield will distract you from actually looking in your mirrors and knowing for sure where the other cars are. Keep those cameras and warning lights off my truck and camper. I will do it the tried and true way of mirrors, getting out and the little woman gives hand signals or calls me. It makes her happy to help so it means I get to eat and not sleep in the bed of the truck.

[@PavingNewPaths]

I believe you should know how to take care of your rig and be able to drive it and park it without gadgets! If you want to have some of these gadgets as supplements to help you that is fine! What I find is people begin to rely on the gadgets and forget to do the good practices that you should be doing! I will never back up without getting out as many times as I need to get the job done!

[@oldbearsden9819]

@@PavingNewPaths please do us a favor and scream that in any truckstop you go to. Maybe just maybe one of these new drivers will hear you and listen.

[@OOMAN]

While I agree that you don't NEED a TPMS system to get started, it has saved my butt a couple times now. Detected punctures and pressure loss, once within 5 miles after I checked them at a rest stop. I added cameras, and they are not as helpful as I thought they would be. To get rid of the clutter, I added a RAM mount system to get everything off the windshield. It would be nice if we could upgrade to that new factory GPS system on our trucks! I never considered independent suspension. Very glad mine came with MoRyde suspension (I did add HD shackles) and factory disk brakes though! Never considered lithium/solar, because I don't plan on boon docking with my hauler. Also have a generator (I've never used in 3+ years) if I ever do. I don't travel enough to justify memberships. Good Sam was fine at the beginning for some discounts, but won't renew again. Auto level is all I have. The propane sensors are awesome, but not necessary. I added Snap Pads because I bent a landing pad on a small rock I missed while parked on a concrete pad. Not necessary, but highly recommended (any kind of rubber pad). Sewer hoses and water hoses are all you need to start. Extras are great if you have the space, because you never know when you'll need that extra hose because the hookup is just a little too far away. Your 4 things at the end are spot on. Pick up whatever else you need on the road as you need it! You might spend a couple extra bucks for them, but you'll save a lot more than you would have spent on the things you don't need!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We feel there are so many videos out there telling you what you need to have to do this! When in fact we don't think you need much at all to get out there and enjoy the RV life! Until you know how you intend to use the RV you can't possibly know what upgrades will enhance that experience! We think all of these products are great but only if they make your experience better! We are working on a video of the things we think you do need that have added value to our experience!

[@acme511]

We almost exclusively boondock. But for the last 11 years we've used compost toilet (so no black water). I have 20kwh batteries and 1200w of marine decking walk-on solar panels that we use for deck space, and you are right that won't keep up with AC but we can run every including AC for almost 2 days on full batteries. And my 9.5kw generator running off the engine serpentine belt can take the batteries from 20% to over 80% in 1.5 hours We have Grey water recycling. Example 27 days off grid watermeter showed we used 1700 gallons for washer/dryer and everything except (32 gallons of drinking water) but tanks only dropped 35 gallons (we'd refilterd the water about 50 times.) We sometimes fill all 220 gallons of water because our inflatable jacuzzi holds 135 gallons.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Wow, I've never heard of recycling the grey water! I'll have to ask Kevin more about that! That's awesome and I love that you can take your jacuzzi boondocking!

[@brucefranklin6765]

Very good video Kevin ! I agree with you on almost everything on your list. When we rv, we do what I would call destination rv’ing. Usually to one area of the country for about a month or two. The one membership we do like is Harvest Host for our 1 night stopovers. It’s boondocking and the majority of stops we can run our generator. We do like our Garmin RV gps because the wife uses it like a iPad tablet. Spot on about the TPMS, backup cameras, snap pads and rugs. My favorite “gadget” would be quick disconnects on water hose connections.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! This was exactly what the video was intended to prove you have found what things enhance your way of traveling and only purchased the ones the benefit you! We fell into the trap of buying and upgrading everything before we even really knew how we planned on traveling!

[@raymondlanier1112]

What you need is extra capacitors , hot water heater elements , on off switch for water heater . Extra fan motor for ac and an anode tube , pancake compressor with hose long enough to reach all tires .

[@PavingNewPaths]

Those are all maintenance and repair items and one should stock thier parts based on the RV they have and how they use it! We wanted to share with the viewers that you don't need any of the gadgets to go RVing!

[@raymondlanier1112]

@@PavingNewPaths yes sir these items have come in very handy for me out in the middle of no where

[@laurakilmer8652]

I like your thinking Kevin. Less is More. And usually the more breaks down and doesnt work. Just more Pain in the A... Youre a smart guy.

[@PavingNewPaths]

It took doing it the wrong way to figure out the way we should have done it! We bought all the things, with the exception of accessories for dashboard of truck, and wasted so much money! Hindsight is always 20/20!

[@dannylayton1106]

Stumbled upon your channel and loved it. Thanks for your honesty, common sense and being humble. Thanks again.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We're so glad you found our channel and are enjoying our content! We hope you'll subscribe and stay awhile!

[@WilliamNau]

Good honest video. One note: all those "new" Super Duty features are in my 2022 Super Duty Lariet Premium with trailer tow package. The camera system has to be wired from back of trailer to the truck. That's a no for me. The Ford navigation system has the worst routing of any GPS I have used and it's POI database is mostly useless. The blind spot monitoring does work well with my 30 foot travel trailer.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We currently use the Hammer App and I verify the route that is safe for us! Then I use my navigation in my truck as reference only! I am curious about the blind spot monitoring and how well it would work! Having that indicator in the mirror that someone is next to my RV would be a great reminder of where people are when traveling!

[@WilliamNau]

@@PavingNewPaths The blind spot warning works very well. I don't rely on it, but it it's nice to have. Although I do tend to use it more the few times I pass a truck. Enter in trailer information and it just works. On the 2022, it is limited to trailer length of 33 feet. I do not know if that changed for 2023.

[@dom.eberhardt]

Preventative maintenance or preventative systems will keep your RV on the road rather than on a shop lot waiting for parts. As a service advisor at an RV dealer, the more you maintain your RV the less problems you end up with 👍🏽

[@PavingNewPaths]

We do all of our maintenance and repairs, this is not from lack of maintenance, we also travel fulltime and can't rely on a dealership for every little problem, we can't afford to give our home up while they take forever to fix it! Our RV went to a dealership once and left with more problems than it started with! Why we bought used and will never use a dealership for anything service related!

[@buckrduck9640]

I been pulling a 5 th wheel since 1992 and didn’t have anything that all these new trailer have. We just bought a new 5th wheel this year in July and was telling the sales guy no on all that stuff they were trying to sell us. ( got by 19 years without it) great info

[@PavingNewPaths]

Good for you! I think the number one thing you don't need is the extended warranty from the dealer! Typically, it's a huge waste of money!

[@darbyc1936]

It’s not a back up camera. It’s a rear camera. You can actually see behind the camper/rv while driving. Very helpful especially if you have bike racks etc. very important and also very helpful when backing up.

[@PavingNewPaths]

The name of it doesn't change what it is used for! We don't think they are bad, but we believe if you need it to drive your rig, you probably shouldn't be driving your rig! They should be used as a resource but you should be able to drive and park your rig without them! They have become something everyone relys on and they shouldn't be!

[@ryanmiller8823]

We kicked around memberships as well. We ended up with a Boondockers Welcome membership but really haven't utilized it to its full potential. We got locked in at a cheaper rate and used the Hanks promo code to get it even cheaper. Reason we did was on our trip to TN this summer we couldn't park our camper at the timeshare we were staying at with family. We looked at storing it at several places, including booking a campsite we didn't intend on staying at, and they were all more expensive than the BW membership. Planning a trip put west this spring and might try to use it on that trip.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We used the goodsam and the passport america for a year and found the way we travel and stay we hardly ever got the benefits of the memberships! If you move often and don't stay more than a week both of those plans will save you tons of money! We had ideas of using boondockers welcome but it never really worked out for us!

[@dandmpetro1]

Well, you may not get a few affilliations but I'm so happy someone finally tells the truth . I bought into a lot of that crap I din't need. We have a motorhome and now have a box full of crap I don't use.

[@PavingNewPaths]

I was ok with that when I decided to make this video! We too watched all the videos and bought all the stuff not realizing we may never use it or benefit from most of it!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Good video, I agree that folks should probably try the rig out for a year before making a lot of upgrades. That being said, part of the joy of the RV life for me are making the upgrades. Obviously if you're not the type that enjoys the creativity expressed through, for example, installing your own solar, then the only reason to do it is for the benefit that you might drive from it. For me though the actual installation process is part of the overall experience and one of the reasons I love the RV lifestyle.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Kevin is the same way! He loves the planning and execution of an idea!

[@josephharrell5724]

I disagree with the Lithium battery part. If you only camp with electrical hookups then you probably don't need it. If your built-in converter has a lithium switch then I would replace the lead batteries with Lithium when the time comes. Many new RV have 12V compressor frig's these days and I think Lithium becomes a necessity at that point. It does not matter if you have solar or inverter the Lithium is a big step up and even a cheap Chinese Lithium is way better than Lead. I do agree that for many people it is not a absolute necessity to start, but you should upgrade when the battery needs replacing. In the long run it will save money.

[@PavingNewPaths]

This is where it matters how you intend to use your RV! Like I said in the video if you ever plan on doing dry camping or some light boondocking then a lithium battery is an upgrade worth looking into! But there are far more people that only use their RV's in full hookup parks over the few that actually do get out there off grid! If you only intend to RV with full hookups there is no reason you should ever spend the extra money on a lithium battery over a lead acid one! We have traveled for 2 years now fulltime and have one lead acid battery! If it goes bad, I will replace it with another lead acid battery!

[@Sarahkate2684]

Wonderful video! I hope it reaches many newbies. We purchased our Momentum in March of this year and fell into the trap of buying so many extras. Thanks, KZbin! While I do love the TPMS and Furrion cameras, I agree with almost everything you mentioned. The Garmin RV GPS has put us on several sketchy Texas backroads, we don’t use it anymore. Bought Good Sam and Passport America, only use Texas State Parks. Ditched the snap pads after the third trip.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We also bought everything we saw because we thought we needed it! We ultimately found out we would have been better off just getting out there and figuring out how we planned on using the RV and then upgrading the things that would enhance that! We wanted our viewers to know you don't need anything to get started, just get out there and start doing it!

[@johnbell4976]

Katy K I have the 890. I've had real good luck so far. Did you have a lot of problems or just one or two. I would not sell it or get rid of it but knowing issues others may have had with it would influence me on whether or to recommend it or not. Several of the channels I watch use it and they all said they liked it but always had at least a secondary source as well. We love Texas state parks as well. Have you ever camped at Jamacia Beach RV Resort? We loved it. We will definatly go back.

[@TorturedPeace]

Disk brakes on a commercial vehicle, decrease stoping distance by 1/3. I do agree with you, can wait. But they are better, but not necessarily better than the upfront costs though…

[@PavingNewPaths]

Except all semi trucks use drum brakes, and so do their trailers weighing far more than any Rv! Hydraulic disc brakes are just an upgraded feature that they want you to think you can't live with out! If I need them, then they should come as standard equipment!

[@Liimpy]

Good video, after 7 yrs of rv ownership I've upgraded to 4 x 6v batteries, 2x 100w panels and an electric tongue jack, i also upgraded my propane from 2x 20lb tanks to 40lb tanks.. also, for jack pads i just cut an old 2x6 i had laying around..

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! Those are all very good upgrades and ones you made to enhance the experience you were having!

[@GEORGEFIRE777]

We use our fresh water hose only to fill the tank, we do not hook up to city water so we don't need a regulator our water tank .This keeps our fresh water moving in the tank an not getting stagnant.I have a backup camera ,it came with it ,like you i don't use it to backup i only use it to check the jeep in tow. Your video very good we are looking forward to seeing more.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We also even when using city water hookups fill our tanks and keep water circulating through the system! Since we fulltime we sanitize our freshwater tanks every couple of months to make sure they stay fresh! We made this video to talk about the things you don't need! Because we realized many of our viewers are just like us they were purchasing things they may not ever use! We suggest you get out there and figure out what you're looking for in your RV experience and upgrade the things that help you achieve that!

[@JTRM3]

Yes, to the upgrade videos and more DIY's. Very helpful.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We are working on the upgrade video now and have an interesting experiment video coming out sunday!

[@fuzion430journey3]

One thing you didn’t talk about was roadside assistance there’s a few companies out there you guys can do your own research and decide what works for you, but I know at one point I had issues with my truck and AAA was more than happy to come tow the truck but they were leaving the camper on the side of the highway and told me good luck with that, so find one that’s RV friendly and most of them offer a tire repair and tire replacement which is nice because of you blow a tire nowadays that’s $300

[@PavingNewPaths]

The purpose of the video was the things you don't need to buy to start RVing! The roadside assistance is something one should also evaluate and decide if it is something that would benefit the way they use their RV!

[@fuzion430journey3]

@@PavingNewPaths yes sir but again it’s something I’ve learned over my 30 years it’s build this out more than once they can get pretty expensive to have your camper towed somewhere or your truck towed somewhere specially a fifth wheel camper not very easily to find a friend that has a fifth wheel set up in the truck lol

[@JayeGause]

Another great video Kevin! We started out without all those things, after time we did add a few, the leveling system works great as we don't have a self leveling system. My husband drives big trucks everyday without cameras, but he does appreciate the ones we added to the back and sides as an extra reference while driving we've never used them for backing in, he also did a bit of fancy wiring and we can use them as a live and recorded video system around the trailer when we're parked either at home in the driveway or in the campgrounds if we feel the need. We also got a rug, but we're in the PNW and when it's rainy it comes in handy and can spray it off to clean it up when we get home, still it depends on where we're at if we get it out. We are discussing adding the tpms, the stock tires are constantly loosing pressure and we're about to replace them thank you about pointing out linking them to the Ford tpms system, we'll look into that so we don't have to have the dash monitor. I'm looking forward to getting my shirt order congrats on the website! Hugs to Alecia, the girls and baby boy!!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you so much we are glad you enjoy the videos and the website! We decided since our rig is so big, we wanted to get comfortable parking it without cameras and then we would decide if the camera would benefit us! We have found that the things we always watch for are not behind the trailer! We could add the TPMS system to our truck as well, but I believe the kit is a little pricey to make it work! I am like you I don't want extra stuff on the dash I like clean and simple integration addons!

[@JayeGause]

Looked up the kit to add the TPMS to the truck dash... that is very spendy, I think we'll give it a hard pass but thanks for pointing it out as an option.

[@dohawk1]

So true. We have been camping for over 20 years and I only have a few things on your list of don't need. We started in a cabover camper back in the day and it worked out great. Then we purchased a side by side and used our car hauler trailer to tow with. Eventually we bought a toy hauler for some extra space and to be more comfortable. I, like some other people have mentioned, do think a surge protector and water pressure gauge are a must have. I can't tell you how many times I have checked the water pressure at a campsite, and it be 80+ lbs or a 30/50 amp hook up that was over or under powered. This is a great video for beginners, and I strongly agree, don't go out and spend thousands of dollars on stuff until you know you will need or use it. Great video.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We made this video because there are so many videos out there telling you all the things you need to go RV'ing! We fell into the trap of buying a lot of those things before we realized if we even needed them! We agree you need a pressure regulator and a surge protector! We also made a video of the things we do find useful in our travel you can check it out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYiZd6uNfpaCnMk

[@DexKoontz]

We have the Levelmate Pro. Because we don't have the auto-levelers, it is a fantastic aid. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes if you don't have auto levelers it is awesome! I bought it because I thought it was a great product before I ever understoon how an RV with an auto leveling system works!

[@DonaldBaker-x9i]

Tires: find a service center that services all automotive vehicle tires,big truck tires, and agricultural equipment tires. Reason: they have that really cool green goop they put in tires that seals holes/punctures that make you a believer. It's also good for balancing your tires as you drive. It spreads out inside the tires and instantly seals punctures that could put you in a bind. Happy Trails.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Funny you should mention this! I just finished maminga video about tires, life spans and performance and I wanted your inputs on what tires I should go with next!

[@DonaldBaker-x9i]

@PavingNewPaths I always go with load rating greater than oem. I like being safe over sorry. Kinda like ammo. I can have a 1000 rounds too many always. Not enough...once. I always inquire...do you have a load G over load range E in the same size as oem? Try heavy haul tires. They take a heck of a beating and keep on going. More money, but well worth it.

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@DonaldBaker-x9i I already have load range G on the RV and they have been great but after 3 years its time to change! I feel they did thier job but if someone has a better experience with another brand I would consider it before making a choice in replacements!

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Your right Kevin there is a lot of things you don’t need I’m a like that I’m a DIY man and I agree you are always near a store that can go get it if it break’s good video hope Alicia is doing well

[@PavingNewPaths]

We've never been somewhere where we couldn't get something we needed in a pinch! Alecia is recovering well!

[@snakemain]

When we started, I got a surge protector, a basic water pressure regulator, and a rear camera; that's about it. I changed the Westlake tires after 7000 miles of trouble free service over 3 years. The dealer really emphasized that the rear camera wasn't a backup camera,, and I was skeptical, but that's how it ended up working for us. I rarely use it for a reverse camera, it's more of a rear-view mirror when we're going down the highway. The surge protector has alerted us only one time at a campground that did't have a good connection. Our on-board generator has come in handy several times when power went out at a campground (announced or just randomly at 2am), or just when boondocking.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We have a surge protector and ours has saved us several times! All the products in this video are good but most are not worth it unless you plan to utilize them and see the benefits! Thats why we daid just get out there and figure out what you need, then upgrade those things!

[@snakemain]

@@PavingNewPaths Exactly! You don't need much to get started. I ended up getting a nicer adjustable water regulator because I discovered I like showers with water pressure! ;-) Also got a Y connector for my sewer hoses because I got tired of switching hoses every time the second gray tank filled up when we were in it stationary for a month. But that's about all I've needed for the amount we've been able to use our camper. If I was using it more, I'm sure my needs would change and I'd feel better about investing in better gear.

[@christopherolson2235]

A big item for me starting out was a good toolkit and distribution hitch. But you are right, not needed. All those cool fancy things are just to make it easier and more enjoyable.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We cover that kind of stuff in the video about the upgrades we did make that added value to our experience! This was about all the things you don't need to get started!

[@bigguy1403]

I too have never had a problem with my drum brakes. Been using ours now for 7 years and have never had a problem with them. I also agree with you on the lithium batteries my buddy changed out his batteries to the lithium but he went back to lead acid batteries the very next month and put everything back to stock. actually I agree with you on everything your saying. You are 💯 percent spot on.

[@PavingNewPaths]

They work great, we do our annual bearing repacking, and inspect the brakes, we do a brake test before every tow day and they have never let us down! Glad you like the video, we have made upgrades over the years, but you don't need any of this stuff to get started, and you shouldn't buy any of it unless it is going to benefit you!

[@bigguy1403]

@PavingNewPaths totally agree been RVing for almost 15 years now.

[@blackandsilvernomadic]

We've been travelling the country for decades and we never used a TPMS system on the trailer, we always were careful to check the tires for pressure and integrity, but never had any sort of monitoring device. We did however, invest in a the older Tireminder model when we went full time with our travel trailer. After traveling 10s of thousands of miles over decades and never blowing a tire TN roads took out two new tires for us on a single trip. You're absolutely right, if a tire is going to BLOW you'll know just as quick as the sensor. We did though have a slice that didn't leak out all in a single blow and the Tireminder saved not only the camper but the rim, and being the second slice that day we were happy that we had the system. You're absolutely right, you don't need as system like this to get started! There's also no replacement for a visual check! Get out there and start making memories! Until this experience though, we undervalued tire devices, and I must say it's not one of the last things I would purchase anymore. We'll see you all out there! FB- facebook.com/BlackandSilv... IG- black_and_silver_nomadic Pinterest-www.pinterest.com/blackandsil... #black_and_silver_nomadic

[@PavingNewPaths]

We do have a TPMS but we didn't need it to get started and we wanted to emphasize that we don't think a device should ever take the place of actually looking at things and performing checks! It is one of the reasons we don't have a backup camera or an RV GPS, we still get out and do a visual of every site before backing in and we know our route for the day before we ever leave the site! We wanted to let people know that just because every video on KZbin says you need these things to get started, you actually don't and most of the things may not even benefit you if you don't intend to ever use your RV in a way that benefits from those upgrades!

[@CajunMile]

So many upgrade possibilities, it can be overwhelming. Thanks for going through these and being reasonable about what you do and do not need. I feel like you can go broke on upgrades that you don’t need - like a lift, upgraded suspension, lithium batteries, even solar. So many people spend money on this and don’t really use it. I appreciate your candidness.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Yes, the upgrade list can feel endless! We fell into the trap of over buying and over preparing and wasted a ton of money!

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

The backup camera is great. I have it on my truck camper and wired to continuos power so I can use it while driving. It works as a great rear view mirror. No blind spots.

[@PavingNewPaths]

For you it makes sense you have a truck camper! For most people it is something you might never use or at the very least shouldn't rely on!

[@bobbybridges5211]

Enjoyed the advice, we are first year campers with a new travel trailer and there is a bunch of stuff we don't need thanks for all the videos I watch all of them

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We fell in the trap of buying everything we thought we needed and found out we didn't really need much at all to get started!

[@JamesMcGillis]

You need a power monitoring and spike handling device. If you hook up to a miswired pedestal or if it has low voltage, you can blow every electrical or electronic device in your rig. 80-volts that should be 120v will kill your A/C unit in no time.

[@PavingNewPaths]

While we agree you do need somethings! This video was only about all the things everyone thinks they need and they don't! We made a video about the things we have found value in having and a surge protector is one of them! You can see it here!

[@JRock-wr1xn]

Thanks for the great info an the honesty. Everyone seems to be a brand ambassador anyone with all the freebees they get. 👍

[@PavingNewPaths]

While we are brand ambassadors/partners for a few companies, we say no to about 90-95% of the brands that contact us! We never want our viewers to feel we are just trying to sell them something!

[@JRock-wr1xn]

@@PavingNewPaths we can tell by watching your videos that you an your family are good honest people. Keep the videos coming! The good or the bad. Safe travels!

[@romaldemgle5867]

I up graded to an AGM battery for more amp hr. Igot a 12 volt frig and we blow up 3. Now with the AGM battery and having it pluged in all the time when it os parked . It work good I herd this is the 3 generation of this frig finger crossed. You are so right on your list .

[@PavingNewPaths]

We are on shore power or generator 100% of the time! The only time we rely on the battery is during travel days between campgrounds! I have considered going to an AGM if my lead acid ever fails! I believe since we are always plugged in the battery is being maintained as opposed to those RV's that don't get used all the time!

[@jeffboswell6620]

This is one of your best videos. I have gone through some of the same thought process and realized we did not need all these gadgets. We did the morryde shackles and I am considering the sumo springs which is a fraction of the cost of that independent suspension which I don’t need

[@PavingNewPaths]

Good for you for not wasting your money like so many of us have! It's easy to fall into the trap! When you really think about what you're hauling and where you'll be staying, you'll know what you want vs. need!

[@TM-tw1py]

After watching this, I'm having another thought - that is - cabin/hotel stays are making more sense compared large RV ownership. The $15,000 in annual ownership cost for say a 5th wheel buys me 75 hotel nights at $200 night.

[@PavingNewPaths]

If you only used this a few weeks a year an RV is not worth it! For us this is our home and we travel fulltime this is the only way the numbers made sense! We couldn't afford a house and this as a hobby!

[@cathyhann7957]

Great video. I have a 2019 cougar fifth wheel and do not have auto level. So still have to do it the old fashion way. I do not have propane tank sensors. I never heard anything good about them. Not reliable. I have my own blocks. And 2x12 for under the tire to level if necessary. Would love to see a video of what upgrades you did do.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! If your RV doesn't auto level the level mate pro is a great tool! We have the propane tank sensors and I used them all the time at first, now I just open the door and check them the old-fashioned way! In the wintertime when it matters you can visually see the tank level on the tanks! We are working on a video now on the upgrades we did do!

[@1girlsopinion]

All you need to start RVing is a truck/fifth/travel/whatever trailer or a Motorhome. I need to know what you use to film your KZbin videos.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We film almost everything on a gopro hero 8! we have a video coming soon where we used the cannon eos m50 because we shot alot in 4k! But 98% of every video we have ever made was done with 2 gopros!

[@scottashe8463]

Your viedo was right on though I have not traveled across the US.I have owned tagalong, fifth wheels and a motor home. I have found that common sense, checking and rechecking will serve you just as well. I think you have cleared up a lot of things in this video ( thanks )

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We have found that gadgets can enhance your life when used correctly! But most people will rely on the device and stop using good practices to do things! Like TPMS and Back Up Cameras!

[@scottashe8463]

@@PavingNewPaths That's very true when you start thinking about all the things you think you need ,it can be overwhelming.

[@coleyounger2540]

We were full-timers with a 36' 5th wheel back in the '80s wnd '90s. We were "job shoppers" moving from job to job all over the US with our 2 kids. We were usually in one place for several months or sometimes a year or so. Back then they didn't have all the fancy gadgets they do now. To back in a spot one of us would stand near the back of the RV and hand signal to the driver (we got really good at that). We used 2x10 boards to level up and we manually checked the tires periodically and before we pulled out to hit the road. If we were in one place for an extended time we had a local propane company bring a bigger tank that they would come and fill as needed. We even had a washer and dryer in the trailer. I wouldn't trade those days for anything.

[@PavingNewPaths]

That sounds awesome! And the RV's back then were built so much better, so I'm sure you didn't constantly have things breaking like we do!

[@samanthaw328]

Thank you for this! My husband and I are getting ready to start full timing in the next couple months. The internet is covered in "must haves". We have gotten overwhelmed with all the options.

[@PavingNewPaths]

It is very overwhelming and expensive! In a few videos from now we will have a video with the upgrades we've made so be on the lookout for it! Certainly not must haves though!

[@realrooted]

Samantha, we are aiming to hit the road full time as well in the next 6 months! Would love to connect!

[@samanthaw328]

@@realrooted yes definitely!

[@mustashman260]

Part Time Class A Rv’er here. Couldn’t agree more with you. I’ve been RVing now for 3 years about 3 months a year with the family. I can tell you I almost bought a TPMS system for my Rv and towed vehicle. But didn’t. I check the tires and pressure before every drive. Had a Good Sam membership but rarely used it and didn’t renew it. When we bought the RV it came with a one year Encore membership. Never used it once. We have a permanently installed Propane tank and one essential thing I bought was the “t” fitting that goes between the tank and and the pressure regulator to hook the barbecue propane tanks up. A must have for Cold weather RVing. Our furnace is horribly inefficient. (You can tell by how much heat is exhausted out the exterior exhaust). You can literally get the tanks swapped out at any hardware store, grocery store and most gas stations. If we wanted to use the installed tank it would suck the propane dry in a few days. Then we would have to move the Rv to A fill station or have a mobile fill truck come out and top us off. Totally unrealistic. Love the video. Keep up the good work sir.

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We fell into the trap of buying so many things before we even spent on night in the RV! We wanted our viewers to know that you just need to get out there and experience your RV and figure out what you want from your experience! Then if you want to make upgrades that will enhance that experience that is fine! There is no need to buy any of these things to get out there!

[@JandAReview1]

I agree with everything you said! We have a good water hose and a sewer hose and a EPO. We only camped at one campground where I couldn’t hookup sewer hose so the day we were leaving I just backed up and dumped. Great video!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! I am not saying any of these products are not great, but they may not be great for everyone! Until you know how you intend to travel and camp there is no way you can know which products will enhance your experience!

[@JandAReview1]

@@PavingNewPaths Exactly! Maybe one of these days we will meet you guys, until then stay safe!

[@georgekatsinis5224]

EPO???

[@PavingNewPaths]

@@georgekatsinis5224 Emergency power off, or a surge protector

[@JandAReview1]

@@PavingNewPaths Thanks!

[@ChrisHolt1]

If you got SLA or AGM (lead acid) batteries with your camper, by all means, should use them. When it comes time to replace, keep in mind that Lithium, specifically Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePo4 batteries don't truly cost more over the long term. Even "deep cycle" batteries suffer when discharged below 50%, so reduce something like 1500 cycles to less than 1000. So to get the same capacity and thousands of cycles, you only need half the amp hours of LiFePo4 batteries. (So you might go from 4 batteries to two) Also they are less than half the weight, so make that a quarter of the weight. Always a good thing. These benefits are available immediately. (longer run time and lower weight). These batteries will easily last 10 years or more in a motorhome or camper, so could possibly be the first and last set you ever buy. I was very disappointed in the flooded battery that came in my last camper (class C) at only 70 amp hours and a precaution below 50%, I only had 35 amp hours and got into a spot where i could not run my heater and it was too cold for diesel genny to start. I ended up running the coach engine for an hour to get enough charge and warm up the cabin a bit. That junk FLA battery got replaced right away. I mean checking the water in the battery? That's something my dad used to do back in the 70s...

[@PavingNewPaths]

We replaced our lead acid with a lithium when it was time! We don't have a problem with upgrading when it is time or it makes sense! We were speaking more to the people who need to go out and get that battery bank, with inverters and solar panels! They spend all of that money and spend 99% of their time hooked up in RV parks never fully utilizing the system they paid so much for!

[@ShouldersMoondog549]

Really enjoy your channel and look forward to the next video! and yes, a video on the "upgrades" that you found you needed would be nice. We are now on our 3rd camper, only part timers, yes one can have way too much maintenance items! Thanks for posting!

[@PavingNewPaths]

Thank you! We are working on the upgrade video of all the things we did that added value to our experience! I still carry to much maintenance items, but I am getting better!

[@teamsrx]

I agree with most of your stuff except TPMS. My first trailer I bought, if I did not have TPMS I would of cause major damage. So our first trip out we were driving and we got a alert on our tpms that one of the tire temp was high. We were able to pull over and I found that the magnet bushing for the e-brakes broke and was dragging the brake on that wheel. I did not see any smoke while driving but you could smell it as soon as we stopped. I backed off the brake adjuster, drove to the camp ground and pulled the wheel and drum. Lucky there was no over heating of the bearings or spindle. I packed the bearing, removed the brake magnet and returned home were we replaced the whole brake assembly. If I did not have the tpms I would of not know the tire was getting hot and I could of blown the tire or worse over heated the bearings and spindle and then I would be looking at a new axle. This is one I would have from day one.

[@PavingNewPaths]

We are not saying any of these products are bad, what we are saying is stop getting hung up on gadgets and get out there and start traveling! Then make improvements where it matters, not just because you think you need it! Many people have traveled all across this country well before any of the gadgets were invented! The most important thing just get out there and start exploring!