RV NEWBIE: TEAR DOWN CHECKLIST (KYD)

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Just an extra video to go with Sunday's setup video 👍 We still have a video coming this Sunday. Be sure to check out the blog for updates, corrections and what we learn from the comments. If there are any glaring oversights, we always update the blog. www.keepyourdaydream.com/tear-down/

[@MaddFinds]

You guys are awesome. We look forward to your episodes more than all of our TV shows every week lol

[@papabearcamaro]

Thank you for another awesome video! We are proud owners of a 2019 Grsnd Design 315RLTS (upgraded from a 2018 Imagine 2600RB). Although we are parked here in Wisconsin at a seasonal site, I still found your video very informative as some of those checklist items we must do for winterization. Again, thank you for your time and effort in putting together these great videos. PS..also a follower on Facebook. :)

[@roger80465]

Great video. I have seen people driving down the road with their 'slinky' hanging out the side. Oh wait...... Funny story though, after watching the 'slinky' episode, we were entering the highway near our home and there was a 'slinky' laying on the side of the road. I said to my wife "Look - Marc and Trish must be in town!" We got a good chuckle out of that. Thanks for all you do for us RVers.

[@chuckduncan9098]

We are new full time RV living and these videos have helped so much. In fact before I printed out the check list we had a little damage on the inside because, I DIDN'T HAVE THE CHECK LIST!! This will not happen again. Seriously, to be honest we picked up the rig to bring to the house that we just sold to load up and coming up the long tree lined driveway a limb hit and broke three different pieces. DAY ONE!! Didn't even make it up the driveway. Newbie mistake numbers one and two. Great to have this help!!!

[@Wakara101]

I love your Playlist of newbie videos where you walk us through everything. I like that you created simple checklists because I'm definitely the person who likes to be able to follow an easy list and you do it where someone won't feel overwhelmed

[@OhthePlacesWellRoll]

Great video Marc and Trish. Two VERY IMPORTANT things I've come across on our journey: 1) If your electric stabilizers stop working requiring you to hand crank, you are supposed to disconnect the electrical connection before manually cranking them. According to Lippert, turning the motor can put current back through your panel and cause damage to your electrical system. I'd say, at a minimum, going slowly while cranking should help to avoid this. 2) We were at a park once with our grey tank valves open like you do and people kept stopping outside our rig to take a look at our slinky. After the third person stopped and looked, I stood up to see what the show was about. It turns out my slinky became detached from its elbow and we were draining (luckily only) grey water onto the ground. It was only a little bit, but not something you want to discover about your setup. Had that been the black tank, things would have been quite nasty! No one let us know that was what they were looking at though. I would have appreciated someone taking a moment to knock on the door to let me know. So, be very cautious when any of those valves are open. Keep up the great work on your channel. Your videos have inspired us to follow in your footsteps!

[@Smapdi60]

I would add 2 things to this great list. 1. I have my DW stand behind the trailer and we check turn lights, brake lights etc. 2. While she is back there I pull ahead 35' and she does one more visual check to make sure we didn't leave anything (wheel chocks, litter etc.)

[@paulneedham9457]

One of my checklist items is to make sure you have ample fuel in your truck before connecting. I got caught with low fuel and had to actually disconnect in a parking lot because there was no access to a filling station that could accommodate my rig. Really cuts into your travel progress on tear down day! Love your videos, happy, safe travels to you!

[@cynziaselph7552]

Thanks for reminding me of that. I have to break down my camper tomorrow. My other half broke his ankle and had surgery yesterday so now l am doing everything alone. Yikes! Anyway, l'll go get gas. Thank you again.😊

[@marcolara4745]

Catching up on older videos. Thank you for the important information.

[@jerrybarger6427]

I would turn off electric before removing cord. Thanks for the info. Safe travels!!

[@susanwood-rautenstrauch297]

Don’t forget to put down the antenna too. Good job on the camp breakdown. Love the Videos!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

I don't have one of those. Good idea!

[@deltabravo1257]

Yep, most newer RVs don't have the old school analog crank up antenna. New digital antennas are mostly all stationary.

[@susanwood-rautenstrauch297]

Mmm ! No kidding. Our reflection 5th wheel is only a 2016 and has a wind up antenna. - something to look forward to in the next purchase down the road. One less thing to remember to check upon departure so as to NOT drive down the road with it in the up/extended position.

[@sydneybaumgartner9801]

Really appreciate your videos! We are Pre Newbies, so I've been watching to learn how to get started in 2019. We just bought a used 27' Toy hauler to explore this country on motorcycle from a base camp. I have been riding for 54 years. As you can see we are a little over the hill. (72 &71).Keep them coming!

[@SpykersB]

Sydney Baumgartner Lovely to read. Never to young to get started! :)

[@MrArayvw]

Good information Mark on pretriping your trailor before you pull out on the highway and check all your lights the driver is responsible for your safety and everyone else great information Mark and Trisha .

[@mcgruff66]

We brought our rig home yesterday, and have made extensive use of your videos and resources. Thank you - among the best YT channels!

[@nancyf52]

Great tips. Checking all the lights before Trish got in. Flipping electric switch off before unplugging. Test hitch and trailer brakes manually.

[@christopherthorn1906]

Good video ! I would add that you should check your lights every time. We always have the passenger stay outside and check things as the trailer pulls out of the site. This is particularly useful in a crowded site with lots of obstacles. Another good tip is to try to get a full tank of gas while the truck is unhooked to save the anxiety of pulling into a gas station with a large trailer.

[@amanda_claire159]

My 9 year old son and I love yall's videos, especially the one where you were in Mineola, TX - we live 8 miles away from there. I've learned so much watching your videos and I recently bought an older class c rv that we can't wait to get out in. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@lindamartin2620]

I just found your site today, and I've entertained myself all day during coronavirus quarantine, starting with Payload, Towing with a Half Ton Truck, Set Up, and Tear Down. Great videos.

[@raymondschneider5217]

Great follow-up to the Set-up video, Marc and Trish; minimally, this a great starting point for those who don't currently use a checklist. Might suggest checking the tires and removing the "x-chock" the night before, when you're checking the campsite and, maybe, putting the chairs, etc away (so they're NOT wet, LOL...). Thanks for putting these videos out there for us; they're very useful and well presented. Y'all Be Safe!

[@Carters_vr]

Just a quick thing I try to always do before unplugging electrical is to turn off the ac or furnace which ever you may have on at the time. Love your videos!

[@peppyp25]

Omg! 10:09 when the glory days of bicycle racing comes out... I love you guys! Keep em coming

[@bhharris]

Such a nice surprise to have an extra video during the week from you guys. 😊

[@kerryschoolfield1537]

You might want to mention that the electrical must be turned off at the box before disconnecting from the Rv. You might get a shock if it’s not. I always start at the box the disconnect the RV.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Nicely done! It's always nice to do the walk around more than once.

[@Hitched4funcom]

Great tips for newbies and good reminders for experienced old timers.

[@energymaven]

We have a Class B but you guys are always fun to watch. And you’ve convinced me our van is perfect. ;-))

[@sydney4911]

One thing I noticed that you didn't mention is that while you are doing your walk around was to constantly look under both your rig and trailer to make sure everything has been cleared out. Learned from experience when I had slipped a storage bin under and started to drive away and I could hear it scrapping on the ground. Don't just look under from one side but from all sides included front and back. Simple enough to do and simple enough to forget. One other spot to walk around is the entire site to look for stuff you might have left out on the picnic table or on a clothes line or tree. Leave your site as clean or better than when you got there. Love the information you guys are willing to share all the time. Thank you!

[@stevennoyes3728]

Several have already mentioned this but it is important enough to mention again. NEVER pull the power without shutting off the breaker at the pedestal! You can be shocked or the plug can be damaged by an electrical arch (?) jumping across. It can burn the contact surfaces which increases the possibility of a poor contact which in turn causes heat as current has to work that much harder due to the damaged contacts. With you standing on wet ground, you were in even more danger because the ground potential was even greater! Check out the "no shock zone" he has a wealth of information on these things, scary smart! Oh, great video! Love what you guys do!

[@timgraham4088]

Thanks for your videos. We are also newbies. Just bought a 28’ TT. We pick it up in a few weeks and have our first four trips reserved. Thanks for all your videos.

[@davehuiz]

Great video as always. Look.forward to them every week!!

[@kateharrop4905]

I have watched multiple episodes of getting ready to move videos and yours was the best. I wrote everything down. We are living in an Rv park and getting ready to move across the park in to a nicer spot. We bought our camper empty and my son showed my new husband how to hook it up. Its never been moved in our 7m of owning it. Hopefully some day soon we can.

[@heatheryohe8874]

I am so excited for late spring to get here! That means RV trips. Kids are getting excited for next camping season! We are thinking about upgrading this year something that will work better for us 😊😊

[@mrwezensky]

Love your videos. I started watching them and it wasn’t long before my wife and kids were watching along with me. Y’all have inspired us to get a camper of our own and to chronicle our journey with our family as our girls grow up and experience all that life has to offer out there. Thank you!

[@RunawayRoses]

It is cold, I'm in Phoenix for 1 day for work. I was expecting it to be warmer than GA but it's much colder than I expected. Thanks for the set up and tear down videos, good job!

[@RobPonce]

Awesome!!! Another great video I'll be watching a few times with our new rig! Thanks for the checklist!

[@aureliemoskwa]

We wait for your videos every Sunday!! Thanks!!!❤️

[@ambryant414]

Obsessed with this family (in a healthy way). We don't have an RV yet but I now I have a tear down checklist for when I do! So obsessed 😂

[@KeepYourDaydream]

:)

[@mgb3205]

Add: Water pump off, check slide tops before pulling in slides (ensure no debris, snow, ice, water, leaves, branches), Roof antenna is aimed forward and down. Gosh, so much depending on rig. Excellent vlog! - Jersey Mike

[@riverking4u]

May be because I had a Lance truck camper, I never traveled on the road with water pump on or the line pressurized. You guys are great, looking forward to seeing more. I just bought a new Outdoors Rv 23DBS, so excited. I am new to travel trailer newby at 60.

[@loborob5853]

Always good stuff. Thank you for keeping it real ever when you are not on an epic adventure.

[@peterarsenault7584]

Thank-you so much for the two videos!!!!!!!! I downloaded and printed them. A great job.

[@leisuretravelinlockes8037]

Great video as usual. I have just recently switched out my existing 30 amp shore power cord for one with a right angle RV side connection and am using the previous one for my connections at my home base. I like the right angle connection which removes some strain on the receptacle. I am also using a couple of cord organizers to wrap my shore cord on as well as it's extension. Available from Amazon, the Cordpro CP-XL, Heavy Duty Cord and Large Hose Organizer work great and keep the cords very controlled. Greg & Marsha Locke

[@TexasEscapist]

Wonderful video! When we're tearing down (we're an empty nest couple) we make sure we both check everything. It's amazing what one person will overlook, and the other will catch. The one time we didn't do it, the sway control bar hadn't gotten secured.

[@slimbeaux]

Cool! Very good video. Always love to watch beginner videos because you never know what you might learn. Electrical disconnect: to avoid any chance of arcing and sparking, shut off your breaker first before you disconnect. Then unplug the cheapest end first; least money to replace. That would be from the pedestal. I do that with everything from cell phones to RVs. Arc Flash even if it is small has the potential to break things. Been in Machine Tool Maintenance all my career and have seen PCBs burnt up, chargers destroyed, etc, etc from the arc flash at disconnect. But really, in 5 seasons you haven't learned to brew a good cup of coffee; you still have to go buy one. The Queen would never let me out of making her the first cup of coffee in the morning. Thanks Folks for some great stuff.

[@jonandrews5567]

Just a suggestion for the outdoor kitchen door that was nearly missed. Put a thin strip of red tape 2" long for the 'Open' position and a green strip of tape for the 'Closed'. That way on your walk around you will see if the handle is lined up with red/green and its a simple visual indicator to see the status.

[@HarlyGuy13]

So so so appreciate you two!

[@dalebishop2632]

We are sitting in Arizona City and have been experiencing the “no rain” in Arizona. Had about 4 hours of gentle cold rain yesterday. More than ready for this front to move through so we can get the motorcycles out and do some riding. Great videos, keep it up

[@drummergirl9481]

thank you again! When we get our RV, I'll make a checklist using your videos!!!!

[@AAAOU1]

I’ve been binge watching all of your seasons and how-to videos since my fiancée and I plan to be full time rvers in July. Following y’all’s journey has made me look forward to all the adventures to come! Thank you both for the great content 👍🏻

[@f14tomcataocretired95]

Great Job you 2! Loved it. Very informative. Getting my virgin RV this week. Got your 2 checklist downloaded. Hope to catch up with ya's one day. BIG THANKS!

[@accordingtot1433]

Surprise video! Yay! 💖💖💖 We just got our travel trailer this last summer so we are fairly new but one thing I noticed you may want to add to your checklist is checking the trailers break lights/blinkers. We do this every time. But thank you for reminding me about the tire checking because our trailer being brand new we haven't been doing that and we definitely should be. Getting in the habit straight away is best. 😊👍

[@accordingtot1433]

I'm sorry. Didn't read comments before posting this. Great fans gotcha covered! 😊

[@deltabravo1257]

Lots of comments to do an ops check on the lights. Here's how I do mine (as a solo traveler): Turn on my parking lights and my 4 way flashers, then walk behind the rig. If the 4 ways work, then the brake and turns function too, since they are the same bulb / same circuit. They (turn and brake) are powered by the same wires in the umbilical cord from truck to trailer.

[@brianhubbard6423]

Great information. I like most people who RV have learned the hard way to check my list not just once but twice and even as I sit in the driver's seat I check it again. 45' of coach and a 24' stacker can be a major disaster if you forget something. I have a lot of safety backup systems on my coach but none better than me. Keep the rubber on the road.

[@SeanMagin]

Great video. I can't wait for the next season. But always remember to check lights, especially break lights, and also antenna. Forgotten that one many of times.

[@OurLicencetoTravel]

Great video guys! Wish We'd had a serious and simple checklist with reasons for each item when we started. Speaking of stiff electrical, the last time we were out up north I got a shiner from having both arms full of 50amp cord and a fitting snagged in the bed of the truck. you guessed it broke free with a quick pull and right on the old eye. Wife kept getting questioned about spousal abuse... You've all come a long way.

[@19441978]

You guys are cool, really enjoy your videos. Like your check list as it covers about everything. Two things I picked up on that you might want to consider: (1) use a written check list (2) your light and accessory line from the trailer to the truck, in my opinion, needs more slack , if it hangs on someting like your mud flap bracket it will pull loose. Thanks and have fun

[@richardcoyle2635]

I love all the info your giving. I also Love your Rock Tamers. I also have them and really like them. Our new Keystone Cougar 30 foot is going to be fun to get used to.

[@brandonfernandez4749]

Love the videos guys! Kinda nice to catch a video midweek! Much love from Las Vegas, NV and Happy Holidays

[@charitizzle6028]

I’m an old rver, we start tearing down night before and have no check list!🤣 Just not full timer. ❤️ you guys!

[@robertbayler3489]

Don't forget to check all your lights on the walk around.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Oh yeah. That will make the official checklist and blog. Thanks.

[@thedestroyer3262]

@@KeepYourDaydream Also do a break test before you start driving.

[@brentnutter1510]

@@thedestroyer3262 break or brake?

[@darkangel2102]

On thing wife and I do after the year down is the walk around and also lock everything up on the trailer. But great tear down list!!! Well done

[@hughbrannen7481]

@@KeepYourDaydream Nice video! As a truck driver, I always do a walk around. To save time, while doing the walk around, I always have all my lights on, including my hazards. This way for the most part, you can see all lights doing their job. Awesome job on the video!

[@Camperosyyc]

Water heater / fridge off propane bottles closed good video! Thanks and keep it up!!! I really enjoy and wait for the new ones every sunday..lol

[@MakingMotorhomeMemories]

Very informative video. It makes me even happier that we choce a Class A. ❤ Safe travels!

[@DownTheRoadWeGo]

When I got the notification that you uploaded a video, I thought oh crap is it Sunday already. I need to put the trash on the street. Shirley did the slide water thing to me, but I was standing next to the slide. Yep got soaked and wished I had that on video.

[@melvinsleppy9620]

Another great video. I was afraid I had slept till Sunday evening when I got the notification for this video.

[@OffroadGirl]

Fantastic! Even if you're not really a newbie it's great to have a professional to check your list against. When I do my walkaround I lock all of the outer cabinets (I've had one fly open, too) and check the whole campsite (picnic table, under the RV, etc). I'm wondering how I should be monitoring the inner tires on my motor home -- I can barely see them. I have tire pressure monitors that I watch like a hawk (including on my toad) but I'll admit I haven't been watching wear patterns. I always learn something from you guys. Thanks!

[@1617kinsella]

50? I’ll take that. -4c and snow squalls. Love your videos, fun AND informative. Lots of Love from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.

[@wkirb8031]

Hey Mark, love the how to videos. Just a note, it is best to shut off the breaker in the box before you plug\un-plug your RV cable. That will help prevent shorts and surges as you are plugging in the cable on both ends.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

yeah, I added that to the checklist on the blog.

[@ridgetopoutdoors1460]

If I'm close to a gas station I always try to fuel up with diesel the night before we leave cause it's usually early when we leave out. But everything else is spot on once again!!

[@ramblingamblin4649]

So we are breaking down today in Willis Texas, and it’s raining. Not regular rain, but cold to the bone rain. Doesn’t matter, we stick to our break down list. All checked, all good, and then my wife comes around the truck carrying the newly bought wheel step in her hands, which I forgot to take off the tire. My tip, when you buy new stuff add it to the list. Looking forward to getting my hat which was shipped today. Safe travels!

[@mskid160]

Do you ever feel the need to check your trailer brakes as you're pulling out? Squeeze your brake controller as you are starting to slow roll.

[@locopixel463]

My rig has the same latches on all bay doors as you do on your outside kitchen. I remember to check to make sure that they are locked by thinking 'if the latches are sideways (ie open) then your trip might go sideways too' (as your doors come open going down the highway).

[@eligome8658]

You guys are awesome.

[@aprildawn8692]

Excellent tips, and thank you for the electrical grease recommendation! Our plug came loose recently and we lost the trailer brakes. We were lucky enough to coast to a full stop, but we burned up the truck brakes. It was a pretty scary situation, but thank goodness we weren't going downhill.

[@jimphillips294]

Thanks for the put up and take down video, great refresher for us that have been doing this for severals years. As mentioned by other viewers a break and light check is also a great idea. I get very nervous watching you steping and jumping over the hitch and tongue of the trailer. This is extremely dangerous. If a foot hangs you will be face down on the pavement. Walking around does take longer but is a lot safer. The older one gets the longer it takes to heal form an accident. Please have the camera available and running, beause it will happen. Safe Travels.. Keep the videos coming.

[@jimmiebutt7677]

Marc, as a matter of being really safe, I would turn off the breaker on the electrical pedestal before unplugging any cords. Especially in wet weather, you just might get a little shock. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@cakejoy]

Love it! One thing we do (because I dont think we've EVER had a level site) is I stay outside while hubby pulls forward off the blocks so I can collect them and stow away. I usually do my own walkaround at that point. Also worth noting that many may have to use dump station rather than full hookups, so you do all those steps AFTER all of this and driven to a different area of the campground. We've finally developed a rhythm and steps to that as well, but it definitely took a couple times doing it before we got the order correct. No matter what...everyone's rig is different and every spot is different, so knowing the basics of WHY you do things in what order is really the most important thing, I think. After 10 yrs in Phoenix, I'm still not used to the cold of Charlotte yet!

[@jstrege1]

Great checklist. When we do the final walk around we call it our "Stupid Check".

[@kms6466]

I love how you make look so simple.....Thaaaammmmks

[@fourgalvs]

Marc and Trish - first off, I love the checklist videos! Second, you might want to consider two items related to the hitch: 1) a drawbar/stinger pin with a lock. and 2) a lock in place of the clasp on the trailer tongue latch/pawl. Last, please note I didn't ask about the upcoming Hensley video!

[@jacksonmiller3906]

You guys are the best, I honestly love y'all

[@timf6916]

Yes to all and a BIG ON THE WALK AROUND

[@SuiteTravels]

As previously stated....check your lights. Just before the walk around we activate the emergency flashers and turn the parking lights on. That way you can check the lights as you walk around. Also, turn off the hot water heater, TV amp and water pump. By the way - that's a REALLY good idea to wrap the step handle!

[@TheFiremanJoe]

Great vid and tips! I would also make sure that all the doors and compartment doors are not only latched but also locked!

[@KenCustis]

I am sure it will be mentioned, but double check all your lights are working: brake, turn, and tail/clearance. Hands on all the doors with a little tug to make sure they are actually latched:>)) Glad you made a comment at the bottom of the screen about turning off the pedestal breaker before connecting and disconnecting, but I would have edited that scene to show you actually doing it.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thanks Ken. I wish there was a way to add footage back into a video. Ginger is at the dealer now (which is why we were tearing down). So I didn't have access to her to add back in during editing.

[@dru-annehartley279]

Thanks for the tip on the power jack. Actually all the tips

[@WolfganGt3]

It is hard to show gratitude via text. However, I will be using both of these newbie checklists and just wanted to say thanks for putting these things out there. I walked into a RV dealer like I've been driving for years because of your videos lol.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thanks. Be sure to check out the blogs to get the updated versions :)

[@brendaschroeder2166]

Great video. Thank you. Love the checklist

[@brettcummings7834]

Another great video.. I too have on one occasion started to drive with the tongue jack down... I knew it was down but was just moving ahead slightly and thought it would clear.. it didn't lol

[@kevinzink6844]

Much needed. I will use the checklist.

[@gizmopilot]

You may want to consider adding checking the roof and slide tops (perhaps sweeping them clean if needed) prior to putting the slides in

[@ExploringKY]

For me one of my last steps on my f250 is to make sure my side mirrors are in the extended position Mine are manual so I need to do it before hitting the road. Thanks Marc anther great video.

[@JerryDLTN]

3:50 idea: print out the checklist(s), laminate and stick to the compartment hatch.

[@samtrigg9017]

Ever pulled out while the x chucks are still in place😣. I was pulling off blocks under tires. Couldn’t figure out why it was hard to roll off blocks so I goosed it and saw why when I got out of the truck. One popped out and one stayed in place. And yes I was in a hurry to get out, so yes slow down and take your time.

[@sal4gal]

After 42 years, hubby and I are a finely oiled machine 😁 haha! However we have a new Reflection so I love watching your procedure.

[@deanwebster]

Another excellent video! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@NursingOurTravelBug]

Cool cool! Keep em coming

[@allens7476]

My biggie was "Look up". I almost drove away with an over the door awning still out. I've seen many people drive away with their antenna up. The walk around usually has you looking at the ground, storage bays, slides, etc. My other big note was, "Don't drive away with the water hose coiled and laying on the picnic table." I was going to print my checklist with "arrival" on one side and, "departure" on the other, then have it laminated at Office Depot.

[@roecce]

Hello guys, Absolutely love watching all your videos. We can't find the link to your rv breakdown/setup checklist. Getting ready to head out on our very first RV trip. Your checklist would come in super handy. Thank you for all you do for the RV community!!!

[@robreber9355]

Another thing that you should do at this time before you start any of the tear down is check all the fluids in your tow vehicle. Check the air pressure in your tires on truck and trailer, Inspecting the belts and hoses. There is nothing worse than getting out on the road and having a belt or a hose fail and then try finding one in a small town,especially for these new trucks. Or carry a spare belt and a extra hose if you are going long distances and you know that there won't be any garage's around,also extra fluids. Believe me someday you will need it and not have it and wish you did. That day will come and it always does and there is never any cell coverage and then you have to sit and wait for someone to come along and help you or you walk. It's always better to be prepared for the worst and be able to to handle it than not be prepared for anything at all.

[@yotsie32]

Awesome video series!!! I have been using a phone app called "RV Checklist" by Adventure Treks (apparently it's Android only). It's a free app and I am no way connected with it. I bring it up because you can customize the lists to your rig and your checks. I walk around with my phone and check each box on my setup or departure list, depending on the circumstance. It has been a gear saver on several occasions. I have updated my lists with tips from your videos!!! Thank you!!!!

[@QuadeQuick]

Great stuff, guys - thanks!