RV NEWBIE | ATTEND FMCA RV BASICS COURSE & FMCA RALLY BEFORE YOU BUY A MOTORHOME |RV LIFE | EP80

[@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/ ✅ For info on the TSD Logistics Fuel Savings Program, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ourjourneyinmyles.com/latest-posts/tsd-logistics-fuel-program/

[@brendanwalsh1675]

Great sequence of the events of an FMCA rally. Now that we have our Tiffin, we hope to get to one. Another video stopper, and there's usually a few of them.... "I got my hat on and ready to go!" Stop and rewind!!! Thank you again for the wonderful videos! Get used to being recognized! Safe and healthy travels!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

When we run into folks that watch our travels, it makes all the effort worthwhile times 10 to the 3rd power! We had a great time at the Tampa RV Show meeting people, and have stayed with and camped with a number of them since then for a month or more at a crack! We will soon be in California for a few months with Barb & Cindy, who we actually first met at the FMCA Rally while we took the RV Basics course. You guys stay safe in your travels as well.

[@ZeebNinja]

Pro tip... get the converter box for your CPAP to run on 12v instead of 110. I have a 12v plug installed above my bed so that coverter plugs right in. That converter really saved my battery usage. Pro tip #2. I purchased a 500 Watt lithium battery thingy ( has 110 plugs, 12v plugs and USB plugs $280.00) off Amazon . I can go up to 4 nights on my CPAP before I have to recharge that lithium battery. Recharge the lithium battery when you're on Genny or driving down the road. We have 600 Watts on top and 2 100 watt suitcases.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Get Pro Tips! I am going to have plenty of googling to do now. A lot of full time retirees have CPAP machines,........who would of thought? Hello,........Newmar,.......are you listening?

[@ZeebNinja]

@@OurJourneyInMyles www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dreamstation-shielded-dc-cord?gclid=CjwKCAjw-7LrBRB6EiwAhh1yXzdEXM1451GX9r5rHuU9ipouyMZKtovXHBtltNeNgXHhyzmKrqIXsxoCWq4QAvD_BwE Looks like they don't make my 500 watt anymore.. but this one will work too. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IW408R0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@LowsJuan]

Really enjoyable. Like the initial setup of the coach clip. Stay away from those Entegra they look nice on the outside but there just a gussy-up Berkshire Hathaway stuff. Look at the specs and they are just Newmar wannabes. They just introduced their version of comfort drive on their highest level coach. If you could expand on your last comment about no boondocking for class a's. Although I think you probably meant no boondocking for DP's as gassers are anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000 lighter and have greater ground clearance. Again very enjoyable to watch and your accent is definitely part of the appeal.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Sue & I just prefer to live pretty much like we did in our stick & brick. I'm sure if we were both younger and in better shape, we would be more adventurous! You did hit the nail on the head with the weight. My coach is 42,000 lbs., with 25,900 lbs. of it on the rear duals and tag area. Areas I thought were really solid I still put depth ruts in. Hoping to stay lucky and not get stuck!

[@DoMoreHappy]

Great video Mark & Sue! Will make sure we take your advice and join FMCA and attend a rally near us soon. Hope y’all had an awesome Labor Day weekend!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Hope to attend one with you buddy. In a few years, I expect you will be speaking at one of these events! The tag line will be "How we went from Normal to RVer in 120 days!" Anyone that wants to see the entire process involved in downsizing ones life to begin a full time RV life needs to visit "RV Diem-KZbin".

[@raoulroberts2024]

FMCA convention, eh? Gotta put this on the to-do list.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Everyone should attend at least one convention just for the fun of it.

[@WILDEBILL308]

Yep I was there. Hope you found the seminars helpful. I was parked strait out and through the fence in N1. We had 30 amp power.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We can't wait to go to another one so we can relax more! We were just so busy running all around.

[@WILDEBILL308]

@@OurJourneyInMyles One more comment. I watched the video where you talked about cost. (Good video) and you commented on the cost of replacing your tires. I just recently replaced all 6 of my 275/80R22.5 tires with Continentals for about $505.00 each out the door. This was using the FMCA discount program.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We will be using the FMCA pricing as well for Michelin 315/80R22.5 tires,......about $872/ea with all taxes, mounted, balanced, disposal and value stems.

[@WILDEBILL308]

@@OurJourneyInMyles Might want to look at the Continentals as good or better than Michigan and about $200ea cheaper. I know I like my ride with Continentals. I have only had them for about 15,000 miles but so far they are great.

[@CWChandler1968]

Mark, I have been enjoying your channel. I am in the market for a RV and have been doing research to try and not make a mistake with my purchase. When I saw your certificate I had to laugh. We share the same last name. I guess you are my long lost uncle.....LOL. Keep up the great work, enjoy your stuff.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Hey Craig,...great name! With depreciation being such a MAJOR portion of your FIXED RVing Cost, you will really be ahead of the game if you buy your LAST RV, FIRST. Taking that punch in the face only ONCE is the best route. I know, it's easier said than done. We feel we have lucked out, because for us, the 2014 Dutch Star 4369 is exactly our style. We bought used in June of 2017 from the original owner.

[@bobherbert8333]

Just started following you guys and I'm glad we have.....love your sense of humor and informative videos. Keep them coming guys!!!!!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks! Next week is another Yellowstone segment, then it's back to the actually FMCA Convention.

[@Tubi_com]

LOL, Ha-ha! I love you guys. Thanks so much for sharing with us Mark and Sue. Best wishes to you. We'll keep watching.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We have had a busy two weeks getting work done on the rig at three different shops. Stay tuned....

[@rvadventuresofbearnangel9604]

Thanks for another great video, walk arounds and tips. Hopefully we'll make the next rally. On that note house went under contract a week ago, had home inspection Friday and looks like a closing date of Oct. 3-fingers crossed. BNG-soon to be DSDP 4369 owners :)

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

GREAT! Join the Dutch Star Facebook group. Good, solid choice for FT Travel. Don't know what part of the country you are in, but make sure you miss that snow stuff that falls from the sky!

[@rvadventuresofbearnangel9604]

San Antonio TX-currently 98-Brrrrrrrrrrr!!! LOL Did not know about the FB DS group-we'll check it out.BNG

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

There is a Newmar Owners Group Facebook page as well.

[@mattandrews6697]

We absolutely love your videos! You two are like our new best friends! LOL! Looking forward to going full time some day! You guys are actually changing our minds from choosing a 5th wheel or a Class A! Hoping to meet you two on the road someday! Love from Northwest Indiana!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We assumed, maybe incorrectly, that a Class A would be easier to use for this old guy. The FULL TIME RATED 5th wheels today are so big inside, they are like apartments! We did not have a truck, and would have had to get one. I would of talked myself into a 450 dually right out of the shoot. It all adds up! I chickened out going that route,.......plus we wanted to pull a smaller vehicle to explore areas in. We love our Dutch Star, and after attending numerous RV shows since our purchase, are absolutely certain it was the right decision for us.

[@mattandrews6697]

Thanks for all your insight!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Matt,...glad to have you along.

[@RicDurant]

Enjoy your videos. Wife retiring in a few weeks and we are off cruising across the Pacific. I want a Newmar when We get back.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Research the small HANDFUL of awesome dealers to buy from if buying new. My pick would be National Indoor RV Center. We bought used,.......and even at that,.......they treated us like they really cared to help us keep Humpty Dumpty together,.........and understood the challenges of Full Time RV Travel.

[@NomadicInNature]

Looks like a great rally!! 👍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We love the RVer convergences. We will be at the RVillage Rally #3, "Spirit of the Road 2020" in Live Oak Florida on Feb 12-16th 2020. We went to Rally #1 in 2018,.....it was magical. Highly recommended.

[@danantes5223]

Thank you

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Your welcome!

[@mrswratch5470]

Great video!! Keep them coming!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Working on the second Yellowstone Episode as we speak! FMCA Pt#2 after that!

[@hvacman007]

Just an FYI , I always stabilize and level my coach like the instructions suggest before I put out my slides This way they don’t bind as your full wall slide did Nice coach there , beautiful

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

That is usually correct, but specific to the Newmar Full Wall Slide Coaches, per Newmar Product Bulletin PIB #38, issued 01/29/15, you are to deploy slides while you are still on your air bags and tires....then level the coach. Anyway you look at it, the FWS system is somewhat at its limits. They state that the "large box of the coach" stays in shape the best for the "smaller box of the slide" to move in and out in it!

[@debbie10stars]

I love watching you both, you put humor in your videos. Fun to watch and great information 👏🏼👍❤️

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks,......we both love to have a good time, and we just happen to have a camera!

[@danantes5223]

Our Cpap’s are dream station by respironics.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I looked to see on the internet if they had the specs. It really depends on you exact model number I'm sure. Give them a call, and request a spec sheet that has the load rating in writing. Don't believe someone on the phone. If you need to get the 12v adapter for the unit, get it from Respironics, so ALL he power requirements are met.

[@Memoriesonthego07]

Hello,nice to meet you. we just subscribed.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Scott & Tami. Hope you hang around, we have some more great adventures coming up!

[@terrytinagero777]

I am impressed with the solar, how big of a system?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We have 1200 watts on the roof that the previous owner did, with an Outback MPPT charge controller. We installed (8) new house 220Ah 6v batteries in July of 2017. We rarely use it,.......but its nice that it's there though for rallies!

[@lisataylor584]

I noticed on your video that your rig is from Harper Camperland. We live in Great Bend where one of the dealerships are. So awesome seeing a local business on video. Did you purchase your rig here in Great Bend? We purchased our rig there as well and have been very happy with it. Enjoy your videos, keep up the great work and entertainment.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

I bought our rig second hand from a Dentist in Indiana. He had bought it new at Harper. Glad to hear they are still in business. Thanks for giving us your valuable time to view our adventure,....

[@gd198070]

Another great video you two are on your way in your second career. The FMCA rally looks like a nice affair we will put it on our goto list 👍

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Based on the 20 hours editing per video, you are so correct! We love rallies because we are around a 1000 people that are all like minded. You can't beat the fun, learning and festive atmosphere.

[@CranberryEssentialTarot]

I really enjoyed the video and since my husband I are in the prep stage to hit the road we were really interested in the course. Looks like it is well worth the time, effort and money! See you on the road!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

If you are just starting out your adventure, check out the channel "RV Deim-KZbin",........they are recording every step of the process to FT Travel! They are currently in the "buying the Class A" stage.

[@CranberryEssentialTarot]

I'll be sure to check it out. How much was the first timers training from FMCA?

[@spencermccart2611]

Don't!!!! That's funny . When ya coming to Canada?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We have that on our list of things to do. Personally happy and thankful to have such a great country next to the USA. Some of the best snow birds we meet are from Canada!

[@marshaadams5501]

I always let the air out and leveled my rig prior to putting out my slides. Does your rig instructions tell you to do it the way you did in this video?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

That is usually correct, but specific to the Newmar Full Wall Slide Coaches, per Newmar Product Bulletin PIB #38, issued 01/29/15, you are to deploy slides while you are still on your airbags and tires....then level the coach. The older "cog wheel and ramp" Newmar FWS system is somewhat at its limits. They state that the "large box of the coach" stays in shape the best to accept the "smaller box of the slide" when moving it in and out! This Newmar Product Bulletin PIB#38 IS ONLY for the older "cog wheel & ramp" Newmar Full Wall Slide Units. I have no idea or information on how you are to deploy when you have the NEW HYDRAULIC FULL WALL SLIDE SYSTEM.

[@ourjourney4782]

@@OurJourneyInMyles Do you have to air up and retract the jacks before you bring the slide in as well??

[@ourjourney4782]

Marsha Adams: Great question. Thanks for asking it.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

@@ourjourney4782 Yes,.......I come off the jacks,...........air up,.........shut off engine,..........bring in slides. If I air up with the jacks down, I have to listen to the warning buzzer!

[@hamey]

Wonder if they offer webinar sessions online?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

They talked about online classes starting SOON in class. Keep your eyes peeled. The classes are run multiple times in various parts of the US. Class was $400/couple, with RV parking included.

[@hamey]

Ok,great! Thank you!

[@patriot8087]

Ill bet your neighbors appreciate you starting your generator up in the early AM

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

We all were in the 6am to 11pm generator area. Some areas were 24/7 generator areas, some were generator free and some had full 30 or 50 amp service. When you first sign up for the rally and reserve, you select what suits your needs.

[@tommetz7587]

How many solar panels do you have on your roof ?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

(8) @ 150 watts = 1200 watts, installed by Solar Energy Systems, LLC in Nappanee, Indiana by the previous owner.

[@danantes5223]

You two make great videos 👍🏻 You use a cpap on the road. Do you use the humidifier? My wife and I both use Cpap’s. We would like to Boondocking. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you and keep up the great videos

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Yes, I have the heater on the CPAP to humidify. Without knowing what equipment you have I can say this: If you run them on a/c current, your inverter will need to run all night. If you want to run with only dc power, you will have to get the 12v adapter for your machines if they are new enough to have that option. When you are trying to boondock with lead acid batteries, it gets tricky. You just can't make any mistakes with drawing them down because you really only get to use 1/2 the battery. If I could do one thing over again on all my purchases to keep our bus rolling, I would have replaced the batteries with lithium right off the bat. Shutting our residential frig off overnight causes only a few degrees drop. Two CPAPs overnight would take our batteries SOC (state of charge) down about from whatever it was when we went to bed minus another 10%, because we run the inverter to power them. We technically can only go to SOC 60% to have some reserve margin. We have (8) 220 amp hour 6 volt batteries.

[@danantes5223]

Thank you

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

I never owned a new RV . The 2 I've owned. But I have had pretty good luck I bought my King Air out of South Carolina The Nascar car driver bought a Marathon Coach So the dealer new i was in market for one my budget 250k I believe you have a king Air also Just Guessing

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Love the King Aire. We have a 2014 Dutch Star model 4369. Paid $230k in June of 2017. Best we could do. When the used ones hit the market, and they are priced correctly, they are sold within weeks. You have to be ready to pull the trigger when they show up!

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

@@OurJourneyInMyles I bought my King Air from a deal it was nascar race team . It had everything 4 TVs Play stations with all kinds of Games 600 Cummins BNB Racing Wheel covers . The Dealer had it on Consignment They sent me 150 pics I bought it . I took it Cummins had all diagnostics Run I own Trucking company . Well my kids do now I just get a check haha But I had Oil Change Coolent also I had all Bridgestones Ucopias I bought it put some things I like on it It has a Peterbilt front end painted with palm trees And Daddy J Painted on the back Luke your Vids

[@NewBeginningswithBudhiandCyndi]

sounds AWESOME, can you share the fee,

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

The RV Basics Course is $250/single and $400/couple. The actual convention is an additional add on, and is very dependant of the level of service you chose. Some FHU where available, generator 24/7 areas, limited generator areas, water and electric areas and of course no service areas. We loved our time at the rally. We will show the actual convention in a week or so.

[@danantes5223]

How many 12 volt amps do these use?

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

If you get a chance to call your CPAP machine company and get an answer, please repost here and tell us all! Thanks.

[@karengann9615]

Just for class A's right?

[@karengann9615]

Ok I see 5th wheels behind you

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

@@karengann9615 FMCA has recently changed their charter to now include ALL Towable self contained RV's as well. They saw the handwriting on the wall,.......that their membership model was outdated! Trailers and fifth wheels both have become so large, feature packed and popular, that they outnumber motorhomes by a wide margin. Everything taught at these classes applied to any style of travel. The few times the subject was specialized (like air brakes) would simply be a good time to sneak in a restroom break.

[@karengann9615]

@@OurJourneyInMyles thanks!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

In January 2020, Sue & I were honored to be interviewed by hosts Nicole & Jason of the Podcast "The Nomadic Traveler", a travel Podcast about getting out of your house, off of technology and out experiencing life. In this Part 1 of 2 Podcast episode, we discussed our most popular video "RV LIVING COSTS - ONE YEAR FULL TIME TRAVEL IN A CLASS A MOTORHOME - EP76" published August 2019. Use the following link to listen to Part 1 of 2 of this audio podcast: www.podbean.com/ew/pb-nk4a2-ce0f15 We will be publishing our 6 month update to this August 2019 video, and expect it to be out in January 2020.

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks Jason & Nicole. We loved it! Especially with the added "suspense" of having to wait for Part 2 of 2 finishing up the discussion next week.

[@jondoe7252]

600hp motor is about $90,000, where-as your 450hp motor is about half that costs.. Drove many a 80,000lb semi's with a 450hp and did just fine in the mountains. Went to 600hp motor in a few trucks and didnt really see an advantage for 95% of the miles we drove it. fwiw

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

So glad to get your reply! My lust for the 600hp motor is pure fantasy. To be safe, non professional drivers such as myself need to drive slow and steady to not create a hazard to myself and others! Up steep mountains, I have it to the boards, and grind up hill at 42 mph. I have the time,.....I'm retired!

[@jlarm3]

And remember this. Going up is just half of the drive. You gotta come down the other side. 'so you only need all that power half the time! (smile) Is it really worth the extra money for that??? Your suppose to take your time and enjoy!

[@gman77gas]

63 flushes....well if it fills use your neighbors RV toilet!

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

RV folks are some of the most friendly people I have ever met in my life,....but there are limits!

[@emhjr6339]

Have a Great holiday! (:-{>

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Thanks,.......we are back in our hometown, visiting family. Looking forward to some burgers and brats!