SHAKEDOWN RV TRIP 🌵 Tucson Catalina State Park

[@sherylclements2846]

I find it amazing how you've taken an initial camping trip those years ago and turned this into your life and a thriving RV enterprise ... AND helping and blessing so many people along the way. God has truly directed your path. Thank you for taking us all along on your journeys.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thank you Sheryl. We love that we get to be a small part of so many peoples adventures!

[@JasonMankey]

Little DIY tip we learned with Command Strips in our camper. We used to have some that would fall off over time depending on the type of material they were stuck on. We started cleaning the area first with rubbing alcohol. We have not lost a single Command Strip since then. They really do stick a whole lot better.

[@BruceSmith-cf5yk]

I liked “Everything is figureoutable” at 9:33.

[@johnhay1782]

The overnight time lapse shot was impeccable!! Well Done!!!

[@TheRealMikeSheahan]

20:12 What a gorgeous time lapse!

[@InTheMomentTravels]

Inspiring ;)

[@rvcruising]

That click of the magnetic coupler was very satisfying, indeed! 😂

[@ChurchSingingMama]

A suggestion for your hair ties - keep them on a carbiner. Then you can hook them on your command hook on the cabinet and if they fall off they are all together.

[@5Towaways]

Can you come live with us? I think my daughter has lost more of those than we currently have track of ! Great idea!

[@frawleyjs]

Came here to say this! Works great and they don’t get all tangled.

[@darbybell8684]

I have used plastic shower curtain rings also😊

[@creditguy4922]

Btw. Gary on Route 66 is for sale. The town is trying to save it with a fund raiser. SAVE GARY

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Saved. They used a gov fund to purchase "Gary" for 250k and they already relocated him. That went for more than I thought, but glad he can still be a part of the route.

[@GaryNichols50]

@@KeepYourDaydream $346,000 with all the fees.

[@supertwillson]

That's my hometown. It was a tense watch for the locals or former locals.

[@SueTay.]

No friggen way on the Milwaukee battery conversion. This might be the best thing that I have heard all year 🙌

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Same !!!!! Our Dyson whizzbang lasts 10 minutes max!!

[@PaulaBonina-c5f]

The trick to prolong the life of the Dyson battery is to let it cool off for about an hour after using it, then put back on the charger. Never put on charger immediately after use.

[@SueTay.]

@@PaulaBonina-c5f I do that with all my batteries. My dad instilled that into me when growing up :)

[@Dang_Jim]

Something I always did when the ball was stuck in the coupler is either chock the trailer wheels or apply the trailer brakes and back up or pull forward with the coupler unlocked. It would usually give it just enough to make them decouple.

[@Steve.5]

Your videography is outstanding. Just another reason for me to look forward to watching another episode…thanks for taking the extra effort to make it pop. 😊

[@born2wander2]

Hi folks , subscriber from day 1 here ! I have your Amazon recommendations page in my account . Love you guys, I'm a full-time Nomad off-grid. I learn so much everytime I watch you guys , I love the fact that you're a family-friendly group. Keep the videos coming, you inspire so many people to strike out on the road . God bless you all .

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thank you!

[@sherrirountree-horton4780]

Baby cabinet door locks for your fridge. Solved our problem instantly!

[@rickpaul9858]

Yeah, but we shouldn’t need them. RV fridges should be designed with a more positive locking mechanism.

[@thorstandeckman5037]

Appreciate your obsession with leveling. I'm surprised a lot of people don't know this but, check your level for accuracy by placing on almost level surface. Memorize position of bubble then turn level 180. If the bubble isn't in the exact same place, it's out of whack! You'd be surprised how many new levels, aren't! Do this before buying one at the store.

[@timothysarko2954]

Found your channel a few days ago and love it. You guys are the best. I can total relate to your experiences. Took early retirement with plans of traveling the US but haven't been able to seeing my wife is still working. Since we moved from Tamarac, FL. To Palm Bay, FL. she now works from home. We've always owned a camper since about 1978 or so and have been weekend warriors. We'll this coming year we are going to travel to Ohio for the summer and hopefully do some camping in the N. E. Your programs have been very helpful in getting us ready for our trip. We will be gone for 6 months. Hopefully, it will work out, and we can try full timing it. Thanks, and keep up the great shows. Maybe one day we'll get to meet you in person.

[@Smitty_Tube]

Welcome! I live approximately 15 miles from Catalina State Park and it's my favorite place to go nearby. Good hiking and the sunsets on the mountains can't be beat. I'll take my trailer there for a few days just to unwind and ensure everything is working properly before a big trip. Another favorite of mine is Lost Dutchman State Park.

[@InTheMomentTravels]

It's on our list to visit - time is just zooming by Judy & Steph

[@connorgaston9535]

The slight "mhmm" from Marc while Trish is talking to the camera is always perfect.

[@cindiheslin6782]

Your 'new' Airstream is so open, light and airy. Has such a nice feel to it!

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Beautiful and special time lapse and photography. One of our daughters lives in Tucson. She goes up to Mt. Lemon to see the snow. We have visited the saguaro cactus park. Amazing.

[@SARGENTO007A]

Rewatching your videos and I have got to say I enjoy the sense of freedom of you driving in the highway.

[@2skyp]

Marc, your photography/cinematography just keeps getting better and better. Awesome drone shots as usual. Great story-telling. Always a joy to watch.

[@wayne7036]

Agree with you about the Ford factory 7 pin connector. Spent the last 6 months with three different trailers having lights go out when driving. Finally had to replace the factory 7/4 pin connector. That magnetic connector will be great. A great time to use that “yellow” wire and run some backup lights on your airstream. Throw a switch in as well and they work great when you need additional rear lights during set up. I’ve done it on all my trailers now. Never thought it would help so much for evening and night back ins. Cheers

[@5Towaways]

Same. I had one disconnect on a pass in Colorado. It's almost got VERY interesting at the bottom of the mountain.

[@rossl.2929]

That fridge model is notorious for needing an extra washer on the lower hinge to raise the door and align the latch.

[@pammortensen8225]

I’m glad your shakedown trip at Catalina went better than ours. We live just up Tangerine and thought it would be a good idea to have our shakedown close to home. The camper was three days old. A micro burst tore the awning off our brand new camper, and the road in flooded. We had to be evacuated out! What an exciting start to RV’ing. Lesson learned, we don’t even go for a walk with the awning out. Three campers lost their awnings that day.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Oh my. A real RV baptism. We heard about the flooding. We left our awning out way too much also. I liked my manual awning more as it could handle some wind. Hope things improved.

[@crkline2]

I like following you two. I do not RV, but your voices, music, and stories you tell, are like a warm quilt on a cold night.

[@Alloutdrs1]

For the fridge, you can get the safety first child appliance locks. SKU 352239 at home Depot. Stick one on the side and the other on the front and they snap together. I have a stainless fridge and the black with silver ones don't look bad at all. I have had no issues since I installed these.

[@thx4nutin]

I need to put myself in “tow mode” every day!! Another terrific episode. Looking forward to the 2024 Summer to Remember!

[@samanthapressley5254]

I love Trish's storage ideas. Organization makes me so happy! lol

[@jav9888]

You should put a Bluetooth/WiFi camera in the cabin then you can see what's happening in the trailer when driving then unplug it when you don't need it: )

[@Rgross27]

We use the E4 Equalizer hitch also on our Grand Design Imagine 2970RL and we keep the trunnion bars in the hitch when disconnecting and I put my feet on each of the bars after taking the clamp off of the L-bracket and move them off of the L-bracket and then I lift the hitch some and then rock it back and forth and the tongue falls right off of the ball every time. It a little trick I was taught and it actually works. Love the vlogs and always watching here in Michigan and safe travels...

[@andrewsharman4419]

A very happy Sunday! Always a great way to always finish my weekend watching you guys.

[@danielwolfe6131]

Mark I have the same feeling when I engage the Tow/Haul button, maybe an idea for a tee shirt “Tow/Haul State of Mind”

[@jlinkhart]

I’ve always been worried about my fridge opening during travel. Seeing your mess was enough for me to order a strap.

[@vickihogan8207]

Ok…Marc I had to laugh out loud with “the talk” 🤣🤣🤣🤣. My family lived in Tucson when I was a girl. Lived near the Catalina Mountains and our favorite get away was Mt Lemon. Thanks for the memories!

[@InTheMomentTravels]

So smart to do a shakedown trip. We almost fell off the couch seeing our cameo LOL. Glad you enjoyed Tucson. We've been here a few months, with multiple trips to Barrio Bread...soo good! Judy & Steph

[@caroyljohnson7226]

Just shakedown cruising as we bring our new-to-us 2018 International Signature home from Texas. Bought it from your friends Ky & Cale. We are having water trouble similar to your at 10:15 in the video.

[@RyB717]

Yes. A level RV is a happy RV. I appreciate your obsession of centering the bubble.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Yes, I totally get that Tow- Hall mode thing….. I do that too

[@maggiemyrtlebeach2701]

Another amazing video, I feel like running to my camper and reorganized everything and put hooks everywhere!!! I love time lapse of stars that is some next level stuff!

[@LeesGarage]

Marc, that was a mighty fine backing job @15:00. A++. Great job by your spotter as well. Lol

[@genericwatcher2439]

This is the first year we didn't do a shakedown trip, OH THE MISTAKES! We were 12 hours away and forgot this, forgot that, brakes locked up on us, my wife was telling me left/right vs driver side/passenger side as I backed up... it was not great. I will be going back to our weekend break in trip down the street for our first trip from now on so we can properly prep the camper for the season and still be close to home. OH MY, that magnetic cable looks AMAZING, can't wait to see if it holds up.

[@saraandrick8602]

My son and I rented a camper for the first time in Phoenix. We drove through this snow storm in Flagstaff on the way from Colorado. We just missed you!

[@shmoobowen]

I laughed out loud with Trish’s response to the comment “this is the first truck ride with the new suspension”. She was just like “hmmm”. Hilarious. That is how my wife responded to new tires on our Sprinter.

[@robertarohwer3861]

Thank you for the wonderful reminder of Flagstaff in the spring! Graduated from NAU in the snow! BEAUTIFUL! So, even though you're on the move... I can smell the trees and remember the good times! Have a great trip 'season'! :). And how fun to see Caleb!!!

[@markgriffiths2698]

Pull the pin on the truck and pull ahead after you take up the weight in the trailer jack leg. The hitch will fall out and straight down to the ground. Everytime!

[@CdnRockiesRadio]

I started watching you guys when I first bought my trailer and your videos have helped so much. I bought a 2018 f350 last year and I just had ford replace my back up camera as well. If you guys ever come back to Alberta to Banff I will buy you all coffee, and take you on an amazing hike in Kananaskis country.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

We love Banff. Thank you.

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Trish is so cute. It does not take much to make her happy - a hidden command hook for her hair ties and I understand totally. All the windows in that rig are beautiful.

[@jagoss45]

Love the star trails night lapse!!

[@SwampMarshal]

Recently discovered your channel. I’m impressed with your off grid and solar solutions videos. Thanks for sharing. Vic

[@garrettbaudioandvideo]

The desert museum in Tucson is a great place to go and see. Lots of desert wildlife.

[@kathrynsmith278]

Hi, Just found you folks today. I'm a newbie and you're already teaching me so much! My "shakedown" will be at Catalina SP too. It's just a mile down the road from me, so I don't have far to go to test out my rig. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips.

[@tinak8081]

I live in Tucson. Excited to see you guys here! Rose Canyon is a great place to camp as well!

[@WILDEBILL308]

We were just in Tucson March 20-23 for FMCA's 108th International Convention & RV Expo. To bad you missed it. There were over 1,000 RV's there and many Airstreams and outher trailers and drivable RV's. Yes lots to do in the area. Now back in FW for the chance to see the eclipse then off to The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee.

[@daviscrt]

I think you should be leveling off the fridge door. level closed, and level open half way out. Thanks Don

[@robertmungo5428]

You'll love the shower head it increases pressure while conserving the hot water! Shower time now is 5 minutes longer if you so desire! Cool tip on the Dyson!

[@andretrevino7938]

Another fridge closure - Velcro. Fabric patch on the door. Webbing strap on the frame. Bada bing.

[@susanm4988]

I am so excited about the Dyson battery trick! Was just thinking I need to figure out how to bring mine along my next trip! Yay! Thank you!

[@debbiefortin9179]

Guess the Gemini Giant got sold. The town of Wilmington will look to relocate it. Great Timelapse video!

[@waynekeizer5720]

That hitch lock from proven industries is amazing I have it on all my trailers for when there stored

[@zedhead2864]

OMGosh! Your having a meetup in my home town? Duluth, Mn.

[@joyblalock2881]

IKEA has great towels that have a loop for hanging. That’s all we use in the RV; they never fall down!

[@luvRVing]

Watching you two work together and hang out together rejuvenates my soul. Such good tips and advice, so practical and tenacious. I always leave you guys feeling refreshed. Thanks 💖💖

[@acrazylife4378]

I was busting a gut about the spilled food and blueberries out of the fridge. I had the same thing one time for me too; but it wasnt blueberries, it was a dozen boiled eggs to which rolled all across the floor of the rv, it was like a camping easter egg finding where all 12 boiled/broken shelled eggs had rolled too. Lol

[@pamwalton3411]

I love, love, love my Levelmate Pro. I put it on my first travel trailer in 2017 and moved it to my latest trailer when I upgraded. I travel both with my husband and solo and use the Anderson curved wedge things when necessary. That Levelmate pro takes so much guesswork out of it! I didn't know a magnetic 7-pin connection existed ... and that I needed it so much. I do a 'maintenance trip' each year. Take it to a full hook up site, dewinterize it, sanitize the fresh tank, test all the systems, fix what might have broke over the winter and tackle some of the 'didn't get too last season' tasks. I'm not full time, and the trailer is generally stored from October-April so my first stop for the first towing session of each season is an empty parking lot. Just to remind my brain/body how all maneuvering stuff works. Enjoy the coming season!

[@trextv2154]

We got rid of our notcold fridge! Dometic all the way. This is an ad for notcold to fix their fridges! Love your new rig. Safe travels.

[@carrieclark1604]

We are not full-timers, but we do flamingo our family members when we camp with them. We have a "family" (mom, dad & baby) of flamingos that we pass around. We never know who has them and if you're going to be next. My husband, son and I started it when we purchased our rig and started camping in 2019. We flamingoed my sister and her husband. The rule is they have to stay in your campsite all weekend. You can flamingo someone else or the person that flamingoed you the next time you go camping. It's so much fun sneaking into their campsite to set them up! You can imagine the looks you get from other campers. 😂🦩

[@elizabethortiz4376]

I remember the first time I went to Tucson, I was so in love with the cactus

[@SallyMacDonald-t8c]

Great video. My husband and I really enjoy this channel. We moved from a GD Reflection 5th wheel to an AS last fall. We are on our 1 month shakedown trip to AZ. We were in loop B Tat Catalina while you were there. We knew it was you because of Charlie! Hope you have a great season and we look forward to following your adventures. BTW..... Our fridge is not latching well either. We use painters tape everytime we move to keep it secure!

[@jeffharwood7314]

My wife and I have been waiting patiently for the season to start and cannot wait for this year. We love the channel and the adventures. Also the music you choose always seem to fit perfectly with each episode.

[@GN_SG]

Trish looks gorgeous!! Flattering and cute! I recently cut my hair a smidge too short for a vacation, but i want to grow it out like hers.

[@davidstull7053]

My hometown! Thank you for saying it's beautiful! I've been telling people that for years :) Safe travels!

[@badgerpa9]

If you are going to Door county get some good pecan pie. If you go to the UP and Escanaba get a Grandma's Pasty if it is still open. BTW beard is looking good.

[@compachiwas9777]

Man Marc with a wife like Trish anything is possible congrats!

[@kirstenveneziano1205]

I find I stay in tow-haul mode for days after I finish towing, which isn't a bad thing! I'm with you on leveling and always want to be stabilized if possible. Great shake down trip and I love the Tucson desert!

[@tamirenno5845]

FYI Tip; in the Globetrotter, the cabinet above the pull out pantry was a thorn in my side, until we purchased some soft close metal pull out drawers! One on each shelf, and a double one in the closet, it’s a big game changer! We purchased them at Lowe’s.

[@cbdane]

In my experience, the problem isn’t on the Ford receptacle end, but with the rubbery Airstream 7-way plug. I replaced the Airstream plug and now get a nice, solid click and no dropouts. The magnetic plug does look intriguing though!

[@finding_the_views_travel]

Ahhhhh I wish I knew you’d be there. We live down the street and like Rv-ing there. 😂 been filling your channel for what seems like forever.

[@martha2395]

I absolutely enjoy watching your videos and how you both interact with one another but I'm not going to lie it's icing on the cake when Caleb is along for the ride!! He just brings so much entertainment to the adventures and brings a huge smile to my face!! Continued safe travels!!

[@ejs6010]

The new Airstream looks like it is beginning to feel like home. Enjoy the command hook tips.

[@safety_dave]

With the equalizer hitch, if you leave a bar installed you can press/bounce on it a bit to help the ball come out easier without having to lift too much with the jack.

[@MsSunstoned]

Love you guys. So excited for you to be back on the road ... here's to smooth road & fast internet. We've missed you.

[@rickrichardson5329]

The scenery was beautiful. I can't wait for the new season.

[@DragonWarriorMama]

We just upgraded from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel (3 kids and a dog pure chaos lol) and our shakedown is soon. Your video are so helpful especially for organizing

[@AdeleWDWdreamer]

I think I saw you guys on the FL Turnpike heading south between Orlando and Miami (I forget exactly where) a few weeks ago! We were heading northbound and y'all were heading southbound. I was so excited! Ready for this year's journey!!! :)

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Lookalike! I wish we were there then... Nice and warm!

[@patdubois4204]

We were in Seligman AZ this March 3/14-3/22. Got locked down for the first 4 days due to snow and rain. Next year going out a little later and staying longer. Would love to see Tucson AZ. Back in MN and more snow. Looking forward to camping season this year. Last year I had open heart surgery (triple bypass and aortic valve replacement).

[@RollingwithJandA]

Another great video! We have been watching you all for a long time! You all have inspired us to start our own KZbin channel! Happy camping!

[@Gents849]

Yes on lifting the refrigerator door in order for it to stayed closed during travel. My dealer attempted to repair it but didn’t do a good job so I use suction cups that are connected to each other.

[@miketibbles166]

Great video. That was totally me trying to get the ball off the hitch a week ago, except I was in a narrow spot with close neighbors listening to me run the electric jack up and down. Just like with the fridge and sink faucet pressure, you both are so good at taking things in stride. It is cool to watch your video and get a smile on my face as I think back to a situation which seemed a little frustrating at the time but now is just all part of the amazing adventures.

[@JandAReview1]

We have the same fridge. We had to adjust the black clip because ours swung open and slammed the pantry door knob and put a bent in it. Oh well 😢 Safe Travels!

[@buckrduck9640]

The hole concept of leveling the Rv was for the refrigerator because they were evaporated refrigerators. They had to be level. So most people used to put a button level in the fridge to level

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Superbly done and wonderfully done, great video, great tips

[@Assassin1959]

20:15 That was an awesome video.

[@ReapR_X]

Just keep an eye on that Norcold fridge. If it's the 12v only one, they are notorious for the compressors locking up. You'll know it when you turn it on and you notice that it just isn't getting cool. Ours bit the dust and it was only 2 years old. Some don't even last a year. We replaced ours with a residential because we just didn't want to pay $1500 for a fridge that won't last

[@thomasmoquin2210]

Whenever we are pulling the Airstream we use painters tape and tape the frig door from the middle of the door to around the corner on the wood panel partition. We do this at three positions top , middle and lower. Being painter tape it comes off easily and worth the piece of mind.

[@carrieclark1604]

Child safety lock works good, too

[@pcbeachouse]

Fun stuff! Great to see your enthusiasm for sharing hasn’t faded, we can feel your excitement! And the videography just keeps getting better! Love the star trails effect!

[@FreysOnTheSide]

The mustache is coming along nicely. Looks good on ya Mark.

[@bonnieridolfino9484]

Leveling is the best!! So right it is satisfying! The hubs and I do cheer when we get it exact!

[@thomasseals7670]

The uncoupling problem is not unusual, but that is why I never unhook the safety chains till I'm off the ball and I know that the trailer is not going anywhere!!! Great video as always ❤❤❤

[@dianeyates8524]

Planning on spending next winter next to Catalina SP to ride my donkey. Loved that you stayed there! Yay to having Caleb back for a bit!

[@mishafrog8786]

Ref to van leval ---- in the old days when we had square wheels it was important to be leval for your three - way fridge to work when the gas was used ( for memory a three way fridge was mains/van batts/gas ) Problems were caused on gas either getting a smoky flame, or even going out quite often , So Mark is quite correct about water flow also sink/shower tray/even the loo. Get it leval folks its saves problems. UK based comment !