The 12 Biggest RV Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

[@jameswilliams977]

Hello Duane, You are very correct about trying to go too far in a day. Back in the early 90’s I had a 34 foot class A. Took the family on a two week trip with time constraints. Didn’t realize how long it takes some days it takes to get on the road. One day we left the campground outside of Custer South Dakota, went into Custer, did some sightseeing had lunch went to Mount Rushmore. At 5pm sitting in a Walmart parking lot having dinner realizes we had only gone fifty miles. My schedule said I had another 350 to go. I drove till 11pm that night. Never again will I plan things that way.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL ... That's a funny story James. Thanks for watching the video and leaving such a nice comment!

[@purplelove2863]

I think you still need a inspection on a new RV!! And I’ve heard recaulking the entire RV is a must!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I agree about the need for an inspector on new RVs these days. Quality control seems to be just be worse as time goes on in many cases. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

[@mesenteria]

Good advice to 'Get Out and Look." (GOAL). There is an old army aphorism that goes, "Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted." What you don't know, or see, can cost you an entire vacation.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So true. I love that army saying. I've never that before, but I'll try to remember it. Thanks for watching the video and for leaving a nice comment as well!

[@ChinaTramLee]

2:57 In one RV I had, I woke up at 5am to the sound of water spraying in the bathroom. A connection to the toilet randomly broke. Good thing I was there and able to completely shut off the water! 😅

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience on that subject here. It will be helpful for others. Nice comment!

[@josephhartman2343]

I will add that it is way more relaxing to drive 60-65 in the slow lane.

[@lindadonald5905]

People seem to be in such a hurry these days - I'd rather enjoy the view/journey.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I agree 100% Joseph. Good point!

[@nzobrist6525]

have a Garmin RV gps. shortest route took me down some pretty ugly roads.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, no RV GPS is foolproof. I like to use 2-3 different mapping sources to make sure that I have the best trip planning information possible.

[@tony_r_pierce]

For a while now I've been enjoying KZbin videos showing some of the older coaches that have been carefully maintained. The difference in appearance and value of the well-maintained coaches versus those that have obviously not been cared for is tremendous. Obviously, doing the little things on a regular schedule will both save you money during your ownership and make you money when selling or trading in. Thanks for the video.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You are so right Tony. A well-maintained RV will last a very long time. On the other hand, if maintenance is neglected, a new RV will begin to age and deteriorate very quickly. Thanks for commenting!

[@ronaldw.2923]

Hello Duane, We used a level 2 NRVIA inspector to check out our rv we were looking to buy 3,000 miles away. His report was very thorough and had lots of pictures included. There were some repair needs to be done on the motorhome and gave the listto the dealer. Fluid samples done and reports came back fast. Repairs were done before we got to the dealership and we were very happy with the deal. Well worth the money (about $1,300) but a TON of valuable information. No dealership has time to do this though of an inspection.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Ronald. Your results are very typical of folks who use an NRVIA certified RV inspector when they are in the buying process. But most of the time we don't hear about how well it went. Thanks for commenting on your positive results!

[@brixmoore9871]

You’re 100% correct! Great advice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you think so. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@tsanx4562]

Love your videos, very informative however, the one thing you said about not getting on the roof if it doesn't have an attached ladder is not entirely true, our RV has no ladder but the manufacturer has said it is walkable, they just thought an attached ladder would take away from the RV appearance. Keep the great videos coming...

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's interesting. Most of the time when you don't see a ladder there a good reason for it. They just don't want you up there on the roof. But that must not always be the case. Thanks for sharing that!

[@lindadonald5905]

@@RVInspectionAndCare FYI - A report on RVMiles said manufacturers are now stating that beginning in 2022, many RVs will no longer have attached ladders, due to safety concerns. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hadn't heard that. Thanks for commenting on that Linda.

[@stevewilson9534]

Another one is to put a tri-pod under the 5 th wheel and a lock on it as well. You could have someone come by and hook up to your tlr.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion and tip Steve!

[@heather1538]

Love your intro music…very drawing in

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks Heather. I'm glad you enjoy it. :-)

[@DLTJR1959]

Experience is the best teacher. We had to purchase a new awning due to leaving it out many years ago. Flipped back over the top of our travel trailer. Thanks again for your exceptional videos. I really appreciate them.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So sorry to hear about your awning issue. It can happen to the best of us sometimes. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

It shouldn’t just be the awning you worry about. There are chairs and Matt’s that are left out that can blow into other motorhomes. We have vent covers.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Good point. Bad weather can move a lot of lighter items around a campsite. When we see that a high wind is coming up, we start stowing those small items away. Thanks for sharing that tip!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

@@RVInspectionAndCare of course you never know when a strong wind will come up. Last time we were at a rv park with no wind yet the people next to us had a sudden wind burst and ripped their awning off their motorhome while they were in it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Wow! How unfortunate. Weather can be fickle ....

[@roydavis2242]

Been on the road and trying to catch up on videos. I think the "Pipe exploding or bursting" is more Myth than fact. I use a pressure regulators and Plex piping will double it's diameter before busting. My Newmar DP is easier to drive than my cars. We carry a Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas. A RV GPS only works when a destination is entered.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on those subjects Roy. And I'm glad that you got caught up on your videos too! :-)

[@rottsrool]

Fantastic advice my new favorite channel.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Awesome! Glad to hear it.

[@DontStopBrent]

Watch the whole video. 6, 7, 8 are very important…as are others! Listen carefully to the video. 1. Leave awning out when you leave and having weather tear it up. 2. Leaving ceiling vent open while your gone…rain. 3. Turn off water connection if you leave.4. Believe everything the salesman says. 5. Buying an rv without an inspection. 6. Traveling too far or too fast. 7. Use rv “friendly” directions. 8. Get out and look at the parking place at the rv park. 9. Safety inspections ….do them! 10. RV maintenance has to be done. Batteries, water heater…do your pm’s! Cheaper to do them! 11. Exterior maintenance. 12. Roof inspection.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I can see that you watched the whole video and made notes Brent. That's great. Thanks for both watching and commenting!

[@chuckh1958]

Even new RVs should be inspected. We hired an inspector who found several problems with a brand new RV. We paid for a 2nd inspection too after the dealer said they had fixed the ones found in this first inspection and found they had NOT fixed everything. Dealers just want to move that RV off their lot.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

This happens a lot. And that’s why it’s best to verify every repair to make sure it was done properly. You did the smart thing and caught the problems right away. Congratulations for being vigilant with your RV inspection. We all wish that it wasn’t necessary to have to go to this length, but unfortunately it is the best way to go these days. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice here.

[@agm6095]

Great advise, thank you. We just bought a new class A Entegra in Las Vegas and there was several problems that we found and some that were found after we left NIRVC. The serious one were the Norcold fridge would not get cold except the freezer. The dealer said it would have to be replaced and it would that around 12 weeks for a new one. The Onan generator would run for about 8 minutes and shut off, they would not fix it because they are not an Onan warranty dealer. So we left back to Northern California with problems that now we have to get fixed. Not a happy camper.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Unfortunately, this kind of situation is becoming more and more common these days. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[@jayclements1752]

Another great video! I'm with you on the first two items! I'm not a fan of awning being open even when I'm there if the weather is subject to a rapid change

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Same here Jay. I've seen too many damaged awnings in our travels. Lots of money can be spent on awning repairs that could be avoided. Thanks for watching!

[@maura6375]

Thanks for all this great advice👍

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad that you enjoyed it. And thanks for watching!

[@machfive916]

These are great tips.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you think so. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@brendatrimble9528]

You're great! Love your videos...very informative. Please keep 'em coming!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for such positive feedback Brenda. It's much appreciated!

[@norme2681]

Another great video with great advice. If you are looking for a hobby buy an RV new or used there is always something that needs attention. That list of things to gets longer the more you put them off. We are fulltimers, I have project going all the time and a punch list of items I need a professional to care for. I found it's easier to maintain than repair or replace.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Right on Norm! I always have a list of things that need attention on our rig. I just try to prioritize the list so the most important things get attention first. Thanks for sharing your full-timing experience!

[@krisg3984]

If my TT have awnings on both sides , how do I do maintanence without a ladder on the Rv

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The easiest way to clean an awning is to apply the cleaning solution liberally on the underside of the awning with a sprayer. Then use a pole and brush to lightly scrub the awning and retract it against the RV. Wait about 10 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to work its magic. Then deploy the awning again and rinse off on both sides. All of this can be done without a ladder. I hope that helps.

[@debbiefieldsTQHP369]

All great advice. Thank you so much! Love your lively attitude too!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad you enjoyed the video Deborah. And thanks for the positive feedback too. It's much appreciated!

[@daviscrt]

Great information. Been watching your videos for awhile. Learn so much. Just bought the nrvta home study course. Thanks Don

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for being a long-time follower of my channel Don. Enjoy that NRVTA course too. There's a lot to learn in there! :-)

[@terrireed3271]

How much was that course?

[@23thebull]

Valuable information as always 👌 👍

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks a lot for the positive feedback Rick!

[@cs2es894]

Nice job, thanks

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment too!

[@robertroth287]

Excellent advice and a nice reminder for some of us. I learned some new things as well. Not using a good water pressure regulator can also lead to avoidable and expensive repairs. Stay safe.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You are so right about the water pressure regulator Robert. That's a good tip!

[@jimbuckley4986]

Another great video. Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim. Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@InChristalone737]

Great advice Dewayne

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks Doug. And thanks for watching too!

[@HillCountryDemo]

Excellent thoughts and ideas.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you think so ... Thanks for watching and leaving such a positive comment!

[@sanddollar-ray9125]

thank you Stay Safe God Bless

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks Ray. Same to you!

[@Shoebutie]

Really interesting content

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you found it helpful Scott. Thanks for watching!

[@wally1121]

We bought a used trailer from a dealer. He specifically pointed out how great the tires were. On our second outing (less than 100 miles later) we had a blowout. Thankfully, we were parked when it happened, not doing 65 on the freeway. Turns out the tires were FIFTEEN years old! They should be flogged for selling it like this.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Chuck. That's why I always recommend that RV buyers hire a certified NRVIA inspector to go through the RV thoroughly before they buy and take ownership of an RV, whether it's new or used. An inspector would have easily caught the tire age problem right away. Thanks for sharing this experience here!

[@richardtomolillo4482]

how do you become an rv inspector

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Richard. This web page will explain it better than I can - nrvia.org/how-to-become-an-rv-inspector/

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Duane, another great video from beginning to the end! Are you saying that I can't trust the sales team when they told me that our new 500K coach will appreciate just like a stick and bricks? LOL Just kidding! This is a very hard day to get a smile out of me, but you did. THANKS Duane THANKS TO ALL NURSES, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, MEN AND WOMEN PROTECTING OUR NATION! SAFE TRAVELS TO ALL!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for being a loyal channel watcher and for the positive feedback Ron. I'm glad that you enjoyed this video. All the best of life to you!

[@MikeUnzicker]

Just ordered a new cornerstone 2025 and ordered the spartan K3. Im not a fan of jumping on the band wagon of 1St year R and D. RE Freightliner. Whats your thoughts on resale in 2 to 3 years??

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I think Freightliner and Spartan both make some exceptionally good chassis products. There are small differences that can make one more attractive than the other to certain RV buyers. But I would happily accept a chassis from either one.

[@Modfrkt_75]

Do you recommend an inspection on a new RV also?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The way things are going now, my answer would be "yes" Jen! The pandemic has not done anything to improve the quality control of many RV manufacturers. In fact, it seems that QC is going the opposite direction now, if recent RV inspection reports are a reliable guide. If you want to pick up your new RV at the dealer and make sure that it works like it should from the very first day of use, then I would say that you need an RV inspection to keep the manufacturer and the dealer honest. Sad to say, but true!

[@DLTJR1959]

Personally, I would rather buy used. A used unit has a history of use and condition can be inspected at a savings. All new units have teething pains, some minor, some extreme. In addition, getting repairs done under warranty in a timely fashion is difficult.

[@albertcassler8763]

Which key is the "Any", key?😮

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL .... Good question!

[@brianmcglynn8865]

I would have loved to hear the conversation in the car if you had a passenger, especially when you said it was just a bit overgrown since last time you were there

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Ha! Thanks for watching Brian!

[@ExclusiveLM]

I once made the mistake of driving off in my RV with my in laws on top of my RV sun roof. I got on the highway and only heard them screaming that they were gonna die when I lowered my loud radio volume to take a phone call. Let's just say they no longer visit us and I'm sorry.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL ... that's quite a story.

[@larryjanson4011]

forget the brand name but it is a fan that has the ability to turn off and close the cover automatically. tired drivers put other lives at risk. as a now retired class A driver your paycheck demands miles. but as a rv driver, please stop ever couple three hours, take a 15 min break. and never drive more than 6-8 hours a day. after all the point is to see things, not meet/beat a time deadline. know the clearance height of your rv, that is the highest point PLUS up to the next full foot. roads get repaved, crowned, or dip, speed bumps, in the spring tree branches sag under the weight of the new growth, etc.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Good suggestions Larry. Thanks for commenting!

[@tomgray971]

Buy an RV, book an inspection for eight months down the road. You can't just get an inspection tomorrow.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually in many cases you can get an RV inspection within just a couple of days of requesting it. Of course, it all depends on how busy the inspector is at the time. But most RV buyers can get an inspection fairly quickly.

[@tomgray971]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Any time I've had to have ANY professional work done on an RV, the answer is "we can get to you in two months." or longer. But maybe an inspection is different; just for curiosity, I googled local RV inspectors and sent three the message, "How soon could you do an inspection and what will it cost." Will report back.

[@tomgray971]

I'll be darned -- I heard from two of the inspection places within an hour, and both could do the inspection within a week! Obviously an inspection appointment is easier to get than a service appointment. The things you can learn from KZbin content creators! Thank you, Duane.