RV Wash, Tips, & Water Bandits

Washing the RV for the first time. Talking about a few tips and tire checks. Water Bandit or “water thief” for gathering water.

[@GTS4tw]

I like that you are so positive and have a great message. No violence or drama. Keep it up. Really enjoy watching your videos.

[@ravenfan518]

Olga's looking good!! Remarkable how well she's held up for the year. If that were a Northeast vehicle, like where I'm from, it would be a rusty mess...you landed yourself a nice unit there..

[@dianecraig6055]

Eric - great tips in this video about the tires. Very good idea to check to make sure that your spare is the correct size, proper tools to change the tire, etc.

[@QuietBuck]

The "California dust" is oxidation. Happens on paint, gel coat, fiberglass, etc. It means your finish is HIGHLY dry, lacking moisture, oils, etc. Hence why the paint is coming off. Solution.... wax on, wax off many times or if too late, repaint. (15+ yrs in automotive painting industry)

[@gnametap5431]

Nice to see you looking so happy and rested having an rv really agrees will you. Keep up the positive outlook and take great care of yourself and your best friend Jax. As always love your vids, take it easy. G

[@bonniehowell6604]

Dear Eric, washing an RV is like washing the most enormous elephant! Been there do that. Glad to see some ne videos. Thank you.

[@SkylerVahidy]

your rv looks so amazing washed and cleaned! appreciate the effort in tis video.... learned a lot

[@black3stsh33p]

Great info, getting ready to rehab a 1974 dodge sunchaser and was looking at the water bandit on amazon, glad to see someone uses one and hear that it's helpful.

[@chrisengletx]

looks so much better clean. i've always been a big believer in keeping my cars clean, sort of a pride of ownership statement. nice work.

[@DreadHeadDrifter]

Eric what you are experiencing is oxidation. I just fixed this problem with my van. I purchased a brand recommended by Auto Zone called "Mothers" I got the polish, and the spray and dry wax. Application was easy and it restored my vehicles original shine instantly.

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

A coat of wax will remove some of the paint oxidation, and make the colors pop too.

[@PaulPetrea]

Agreed. It's just oxidation of the paint, Eric.

[@chrisduncan3943]

George W Yup. Any cleaner wax will work. Meguiar's Color X is a favorite of mine.

[@jamesgreen4522]

Thanks for the tips. The wife and i just bought our first travel trailer and had not thought about these things.

[@rdmccun]

looks good man! great looking RV

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

it lets you know that there are still good caring people out there and i like that good to here about he good stuff in stead of the negative stuff in this world.

[@TinKnocka420]

Wow she looks pretty good all washed up!

[@Jdubyaface]

Great video Eric! My wife and I are trying to get on the road as soon as possible and we really enjoy the educational benefit we get from your videos. We have been planning a move to the WA state area and we are trying to get out of MN before the cold comes!

[@van_demonium]

olga looks good! crisp even.

[@teeskittens]

thank you for the song tip, happy travels

[@lenscapingmaine]

Thank's for sharing the info on the Water Bandit that is a handy item to have with. Also like the new camera, picture quality is better on this video :)

[@jaysuper8255]

As far as a product for fiberglass cleaning and wax, I'm a religious user of Gel Gloss (Pink and white bottle). It's both a cleaner and a wax all in one. I'll wax my RV trailer 2-3 times a year with the product. The front cap area I'll do more often. Had a friends old RV trailer that looked like it was never washed in 10 or 15 years. Took both of us an hour to do one side, and you couldn't believe the results.

[@georgepurdy6493]

***** I prefer Racers Edge. Good for a 2 times a year application. Great on boat hulls. Almost like Christmas Vacation and the sled ride Chevy took! The last truck I waxed was an older red Freightliner and with a buffer it made the red that was as oxidized as Olga looked showroom fresh. As I said somewhere else, apply in the shade and you can wax the whole truck then buff it off all at one time. it's that good.

[@Dale57085]

Brian, Your Awesome!!

[@CheeseMeme985]

This camera is amazing. It's so fluid. I love the quality. Hope to see you use this camera more often!

[@fdmackey3666]

The paint has oxidized on your metal AND fiberglass (heavy plastic?) surfaces. If you don't mind a few spots that don't completely match (in appearance) the color you can probably find touch up paint in small bottles at most auto supply stores or possibly at a major RV parts house (Camper World maybe?). Later you can have the whole rig repainted as funds and time allow. Don't forget that just because a major brand name company advertises that they paint cars, trucks and vans does not mean they have the facilities or even a clue how to paint an RV bigger than your last van. Take care and keep up the excellent RV videos you provide.

[@djstrick100]

Looking good Eric. Take some vinegar oil and baking soda, mix it in a bowl. Then either ball up some aluminum foil or get some fine steel wool, soak it in the solution and scrub your chrome wheels and bumper thoroughly. They will shine like new. Nice video. Congrats on the GoPro.

[@bkw11]

awesome video quality!

[@pjneslo8979]

I think Jax has it made more than Eric.. He lives like a King.. Awesome Cat !

[@0HARE]

Wow, nice score on the replacement GoPro! It looks so much better! Yep, you need a coat of wax on the exterior. I have a Water Bandit in our RV's water connection kit. Never used it, though. It's good to have as a back-up. Looking forward to what you come up with about the battery system. Best of Luck, and Happy Trails!

[@douglashaynes9713]

Eric. Your go pro on the monopod work is outstanding Even before the gimbal it is cosistantly outstanding..

[@nomadicfanatic]

+douglas haynes Thank you Douglas. As long as I'm getting better. :)

[@WaynesRV]

My buses spare tire is also a 16.5 and the tires on the bus are 16s... The reason for this is that most of the older RV/bus vehicles had 16.5" tires on them and they have been replaced with 16s. Most of the time, the place that puts the 16s on will put an adapter to make the speedometer read correctly, however they didn't do that on my bus so now when I drive 65 I'm actually driving 59... LOL I have to get an adapter installed. Right now I just use my GPS which is surprisingly very accurate.

[@wizardorlegend]

Apologies if things are rated different in the U.S. Over here in Europe those cigar/cigaret/auxiliary sockets the max rating are up to 15 amps. Your inverter is 400watts that's it's possible when it's fully loaded to pull over 33amps from your battery and melt the cabling and sockets. I believe inverters over 150watts(ish) don't come with the cigar fitment as it's simply not safe. You should wire the inverter straight to the battery or some high current connecter like an Anderson plug. Stay safe and good luck.

[@nomadicfanatic]

wizardorlegend You may be correct for standard auto sockets, but this is a 30amp aux socket that I installed here.

[@gladuwf]

Just ordered a water bandit, thanks for the tip. I used a product called Nu Finish on our RV and it removed all the white chaulk and put a shine back on the fiberglass without a lot of buffing. Put 2 coats on it, suppose to hold a shine for a year. You can get it at Walmart, Autozone or Amazon.com I know this is an older video but though someone might be interested in what worked for us.

[@Izz_1321]

Eric you should get wooden floors on your rv,it would be organized and look very awesome👍👍👍

[@madisonelectronic]

Good kitty Jax.

[@genesmith6509]

Cool vid, like always! Buy a long handle wash brush and you won't have to get on a ladder or other item. Try Walmart for a long handle brush. That's what I use!

[@paul2466]

Great video, I agree with George W, some liquid wax with cleaner will cut that oxidation off your paint, but that is a Big vehicle to wax!

[@rodreddick]

Great Video thanks a million take care

[@flatbedtruckingsamrides.9355]

Hi Eric, the 16.5 is rim diameter with probably lower profile side wall to match outer tire diameter of the tires installed. Jax is one cool dude, dig the videos.

[@conoclast2]

You might try Westley's Blechewite on the stubborn dirt spots. It's actually whitewall tire cleaner but works like a champ on road grime. But rinse thoroughly

[@paranormal9814]

You sure look happy in th new Tioga!

[@craigsawyer96]

Hey Eric just so you know the white chalky stuff is oxidation. they make cleaners for that. ☺

[@sandmanxo]

GoPro does include a lens cap if you buy 'the frame' for it. Before I bought the frame I always used it in the waterproof housing so it wouldn't scratch the lens.

[@sunshinemax2676]

very nice rv!

[@fatbikefreak5962]

I could have all kinds of fun with those water bandits....

[@ka1133]

Nomadic Fanatic ... The GoPro view is much better. As always I enjoy and look forward to your videos. As for painting the RV. Try the wax and polish first. Less expensive but lots of elbow grease needed. Get an electric drill with a buffing wheel.

[@tschuy3923]

Hi Eric, like the the video,and envious of where you are these days. From a guy who has diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given just three months to live and hete we arev two to three months to live. I proved them wrindvon that one. Ive been a person with a great deal of drive and desire to push through incredible odds and make my way through. But whatbmakes it tough these days is family and therevfight on hiw i should live my life. They prefereto heck with them. My yime my life. Go out happpy man. ,

[@PhiLeo7973]

Imo, no paint! When funds are precious, reliable functionality over cosmetics. Cheap Turtlewax the RV. Save for priority mechanical breakdowns on an old RV. All the best,phil

[@jaspergreenfield3537]

Eric just because the rim is 16.5 does not mean it is not compatible, as long as the bolt pattern is the same it will work in a pinch. just a slightly larger rim. Just something I have found in my own experience.

[@vinnyboombots8270]

+Jasper Greenfield Might pull a little to one side if used in the front but if the bolt pattern matches,, it will work in a pinch

[@jaspergreenfield3537]

not talking about the tires fitting the rim, we are talking about the rims bolt pattern fitting the vehicle....

[@warnerdeb58]

Was at Walmart yesterday, they have discontinued selling GoPros, but have some accessories all marked down.

[@timothyhaynie2338]

Eric, A lot of folks switch rims from 16.5 to 16 for safety. Also 16.5 was a installer risk. I don't know how easy they are to come by now! If the rim works on RV then it is okay to use if tire is good! Weather cracks is mostly cosmetic and are not danger signs. But they scare most folks! Keep Jax safe!

[@chrisdiamondtravels7209]

Thanks for another great video,,,,i stopped watchin TV,,YOUR MORE FUN

[@DianeSmith67]

My husband an i have followed you all the way lol, he is a pro car detailer, i will ask him what is good for the oxidation on the rv and let you know, shouldnt be to hard though i wouldnt think, you guys are great !

[@carolshuttleworth2720]

Gday Eric,Maybe if you have rubber compound on your roof like I do,it is apparently natural weathering that breaks down gradually and forms that white stuff on the sides.I get it on the windows,particularly below draining points of the roof.I love your' toob' and freecamping is much the same in Australia.Keep that beautiful smile.Carol

[@Pepitogrillo42]

nice goproooo view! :)

[@serafinsilva1055]

That 16.5 is just the rim size. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless the diameter of the tire is much different than the diameter of the tires on the RV. What would concern me more is that it has an LT rating (Light truck.) Not sure if it's tough enough to carry the weight of the RV.

[@RustyNail5856]

Thanks for sharing and the info, Erick , and I have one of those water bandit , they do work good also. we haft to do some things, to get buy don't we . take care . ( keep your wheels rolling )

[@19Photographer76]

Have you checked the actual age of the tires (when manufactured)? Doesn't really matter the thread depth. It's still recommended that tires be replaced once they reach 10 yrs from the date manufactured (used or not). I'm sure you know how to check year made.

[@19Photographer76]

Claude Rains Walmart sells tires that are 6 yrs old, guess that's how they get them a bottom shelf price.

[@WizzRacing]

David Dube You can't sell tires that old. The tire makers would be help liable. As the DOT puts a date code on the tires for that very reason. To make sure the customer gets new tires that are safe to drive on.

[@19Photographer76]

Yes, I know but 20/20 did a story about this problem. I should have said 'almost' 6 yrs old.

[@jaysuper8255]

David Dube Actually 7 years is the safe life of a tire. If you buy tires, look at the code date before you except them. My last tire purchase they tried to pawn 2-1/2 year old tires on me. I had them reorder ones that were date coded 3 months out.

[@TheEastCoastSensation]

My 1983 had 16.5 on them. Good luck trying to find them. Just put the 16 on there it will be fine. That's what I did.

[@michaelmartin-ji1tc]

Try using soft scrub. I used it on my 24 year old RV and I worked great!

[@johncnorris]

+Nomadic Fanatic If it were me I'd remove the old lead-acid battery system and wire in the new one. Losing the weight alone of those Trojan 6V batteries would be a good reason plus the free space gained under the hood. You might contact a local battery store like BatteriesPlus and ask them to test and desulfinate them. If they have some life in them (unlikely) you could sell them on Craigslist to a golf cart owner. Have an electrician, or someone who plays one on TV, run a heavy gauge power line under the rig from the new battery space to a GFCI receptacle in the power cord compartment. You can then plug and unplug them as needed. PS - The old battery charger won't be very useful to you since it is NOT designed to charge lithium batteries and would harm them if you try it.

[@saylorzg3793]

look back about a month ago at campervan Kevin's videos. he used zep wet floor polish on his fiberglass. It look good.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Saylor ZG I rememeber. :)

[@happyhippyhaven]

It's oxidation. Use some polish but if the oxidation is as bad as you are pointing out, use rubbing compound and repaint it. But, all in all, this is a very functional unit you can be proud to call home.

[@BigMackk8]

Great vid. Wondering if you can do vid on solar wiring?!

[@mikewood8208]

You need one of those small collapsible extenstion ladders, won't take up too much room but will all you to reach all the high to places.

[@Lukes013]

If you want to take the strips off, you can use paint remover. Of course this can remove all the paint on the rv. Best to test at an out of the way location first.

[@akush55]

early temperatures drop Midwest ND/SD/MN. were see 46 degrees in the morning in our valley. we usually feel this after Sept 4

[@rbarbour64]

can you replace the part that has the scratch on it? I know on IPODS the screens can be replaced. Plus you can get a gopro that does not work and use it for parts. that is my thinking. I miht be wrong.

[@heynewgirl]

you are the best dad

[@thriftyveegee4129]

looking good

[@CodyBarnette]

Hey Eric, if you ever need a place to park for a couple nights and hook into power in Grand Mound let me know. You are more than welcome at our house!

[@nomadicfanatic]

Cody Barnette Thank you Cody.

[@foleysfeelgoods7044]

Hi Eric - new subscriber Sue here, I'm learning so much and am addicted to your channel, AND your Master Jax of course. Like "Tiny Houses" below, I am beginning to make plans for RV life and travel which will eventually include Canada in the future. I'm a 50 year old, Cali single gal, w/ an 8 year, old, indoor, Maine Coone kitty named Boudica (Bou). I have been working 9-5 since I was 20 and am anxious to chase my dream of becoming a nomad and self disciplined, educated Artist before I'm too old or the U.S. $ crashes. I'm looking into purchasing a 2005 Chinook B Class w/ less than 21k miles but am so new to all of this lifestyle, not sure who to trust and leary of "too good to be true" out of state transactions. The seller is in Glendale, AZ and I'm in Silicone Valley, and am thinking of driving there over the Labor Day weekend to check out the rig. Do you have any advice or suggestions?

[@nolanhernandez116]

Thank you for the info Eric are u going change all the tires

[@nomadicfanatic]

Nolan Hernandez Yes, at least the front 2 and the spare with right size before I head out of this state. Then the last 4 on the road most likely. (Unless I get a good deal on 7 used tires.

[@vonniedasher8567]

Yep, get that girl together and head east !

[@sofabike]

I see U's shorts iz Black with Red stripe. What be a Painting Plan for RV ?Thank you for a colors project, what I used on my van.

[@libarata]

Hey, for your LED lighting, check out Oznium, and superbrightleds. I replace as many as I can with them, and I love em!

[@DIRTIGARAGEMODS]

Wal-Mart sales this cleaner called zep citrus Orange cleaner. look it up. good stuff for exterior and interior cleaning. it did great removing black mold on my projects and it's 15$ or less a gallon. we also used it for wax removal.

[@pamdavid7]

Eric can you make a video with an update tour of your RV, people love that stuff. ALso answer this question? Why this model RV and why not something else? What would be your ideal RV?

[@banjomanToddTaylor]

Eric I have an idea you could have the RV wrapped vinyl would look great! my tour bus is wrapped something to think about have a blessed day stay safe my friend.

[@ae4xo]

I saw a chest mount gimble the other day too

[@jamesbaker6803]

Oxidation is what that is get yourself a scrub pad and wash with Bar keepers friend it will remove all road film and oxidation. Then look up ZEP wet look floor wax on youtube and use a microfiber towel and put very thin coats on the RV it will shine like a new coach. Keep then shining

[@kayakchrispy]

Years ago my buddy made a lens cap for his go pro out of half of ping-pong ball and a rubber band... Close to free

[@Kstvl]

Hey Eric I got to thinking why not order a gallon or two of plastic dip and dip the whole RV in your color that you want and still have custom strips

[@johnfiskin4188]

That would cover half, you obviously never plastidiped anything.

[@55197A]

Do you want to sell the scratched go pro? and is the lens replaceable?

[@ispychris]

Mr. Thomas Ya, there is probably a repair you could do to it, good question.

[@ronaldpayne896]

Hey Eric,very cool about the plugs for gopro,and eggs,video is amazing compared to old camera,you dont know your car or rv till you wash it,than you really see warts and all,does your unit have an awning? also those chrome rims look really good,me thinks the may be next to new.

[@maesam2335]

I had a blowout, looked thru papers in the rv coach and found receipt from Discount Tires. They honored the previous owner's warranty, replaced all 6 for under $400 (I paid just for the extended warranty) THEN found a $50 rebate for the tires online. Score! just a suggestion that Discount Tires is a cost effective way to go and is accessible nationwide (pretty much). ps: check the born-on date of the tires - the rubber starts to degrade from the minute it's made not from the time it hits the asphalt.

[@andrewl518]

How, living in a RV, are you able to get things shipped to you off eBay? Do you have a mailbox at the post office?

[@impersonalopinion]

Get a small bottle of Crown Royal and use the purple bag as a GoPro sack!

[@xXBradleyXx]

Loved the video as allways eric did you get the Turn signals/indicators sorted?

[@nomadicfanatic]

***** No. I've got some kind of short somewhere.

[@alongthewayjj]

Nomadic Fanatic Congrats on the "new" GoPro! It looks great in 60fps.

[@fireside007]

YOU~ROCK!!

[@AnnoyingName999]

Do you use the awning much?

[@junebugjoe5914]

Im an RV'r and having trouble with the frig running on propane (works on 110) pilot comes on but never fires. Anybody been there?

[@paulbarstow2465]

have you ever thought of wrap covering, for the rv..instead of paint ?

[@kevinj8258]

So you have a sticker ordering link?

[@Zerocool818]

i would suggest using a small hose clamp to keep the rubber down tightly onto the faucet

[@ahbushnell1]

High resolution looks nice

[@saxmanchiro]

Get that front cap re riveted soon. Bees like places like that to build hives. ALso, riveting fiberglass is tricky. need to use washers to spread the hold or it will just fracture and pull through again.

[@saxmanchiro]

Maxid1 Wasps will settle. They can build quickly.

[@Maxid1]

saxmanchiro It doesn't matter how fast they can build. Wasps are territorial. A nest moving every day will be moving away from it's workers with no way to find it. The colony will die.

[@GnatManAllinCoIronWorks]

Olga cleans up pretty good there Buddy!,,,any leaks while scrubbing her down? Love the new into/outro, and title tiles. Take care,be safe,,,,C-Ya!,,,,,,Peace!

[@Briansway900]

Hey Eric, when/if you decide to replace the tires and you plan to take Olga off road you might want to consider getting an all terrain tread tire.

[@hashglass]

That was very nice Brian. Karma goes both ways you know!

[@MagicNomadic]

ZEP FLOOR WAX! works wonders!!!!

[@diamond_lover0954]

حض سعيد لك☺