The RV is Leaking! Week 2 of Our Florida to Baja Mexico Road Trip

[@danasaunders5997]

Thank you for sharing all your repair challenges. As much as I want to buy an RV and enjoy the open road... to quote Craig in this video "Good times,... good times"; those are the kind of "Good times" I can live without. Best of Luck, ... I'll keep watching. 😊

[@kckettridge]

I agree with Craig about the cost/value of the Flag Pole Buddy. They should at least make the brackets out of aluminum and place a rubber pad on the inside of the bracket to keep the flag pole sturdy and from rattling in the wind. I get the plastic but agree with it being in the elements they won't last too long.

[@julieryan6453]

So many problems. Your husband is amazing. Luckily he knows how to fix everything.

[@lindadurst2290]

The boarder check is normal and has been there for decades. Yes, they can search your rig. When you drove through your rig was x-rayed. Enjoy the desert.

[@wildrvlife]

So interesting! we've never driven this particular route before so that was a new one for us!

[@FWyatt]

My wife and I have had a few different trailers for over 30 years. It seems that there always has been something to replace or fix. Our favorite saying is " We own a rolling hole in the ground" to throw our money. But you two look like you're killing it. Good luck in your travels. Enjoy your journeys.

[@wildrvlife]

Lol! That’s a perfect description! But still so much fun, despite the problems. Thank you!

[@bbsteve73]

I know some of this great attitude is a reflection of your age, but thanks for reminding us to make the most of it. Cheers.

[@jeffreyelders4737]

Persevere my brother, it's the never-ending story of life!!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!

[@granthemesath9022]

So glad to see people take on their problems instead of whining about them. You two are doing a super job and safe travels.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!

[@jeannealex2560]

Hi guys.... Victoria you have the best attitude.... Craig...our hearts go out to you... You guys hanging in there... Once you get everything fixed... It should get better... We hope... Been there done that... what ever you guys do ...stay safe and watch your back...J&A 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much!! Things are starting to ease up it seems, thank goodness!

[@steves3688]

Good idea on the full pipe replacement....that's exactly what you should have done! I always keep a small assortment of the pex fittings, crimp bands and pipe on my RV....but I cheat and use a 18v ryobi crimper tool - easier in tight places most of the time (but also have short handled hand crimp in case)...the pole is GREAT idea for the starlink! but agree...aluminum fittings would be better...I have always told people wanting to RV LEARN TO WORK ON THEM YOURSELVES!!!! You are MY kind of people! LOLLLLL Great job!!! and its prob not a bad idea to get yourselves a swivel head rivet gun with assorted rivets/backing washers..they always come in handy...especially tri fold rivets/exploding head rivets.....you will find places to use them!!!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!! I’d bet we’ll end up with a rivet gun one day…it seems our collection of tools just keeps growing…but you always seem to need them on the road!

[@stacyrussell3168]

You guys have great attitudes. Thanks for sharing. Also as my husband keeps saying “ it’s a control earthquake going down the road, so we are always fixing or repairing something.” Safe travels.

[@wildrvlife]

So true!

[@lilyLily1824]

So glad Craig is handy! my husband would just freak out, that's all he;d do too!

[@bigronshobbies8209]

You two are doing a great job on the small projects. Safe travels.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you! We should know how to build our own RV by the end of it 😆

[@sherrynorth1293]

Oh my I think it's time to get a new camper !!

[@mr.g6366]

I have to say, you have a very good attitude with all the problems that you have had. That’s very motivating because we are hitting the road soon ourselves and I will need to maintain some sort of sanity navigating through issues like this! Cheers.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you so much! You just have to see it all as part of the adventure 😅

[@Andrew_travels_New_Zealand]

Craig, great fix, not easy working in a confined space like that.

[@TimGamble]

Craig is the man! Good job on that water heater.

[@wildrvlife]

Thanksss! It’s working good so far!

[@gcslade7487]

Wow....only my second episode after discovering you guys and I'm just so impressed how you just roll with the all issues that you've had to deal with. Most RV'ers (including myself) would have given up or blown up the trailer by now. You serve as an inspiration to all RV'ers of how we should deal with issues and just keep on rolling. 🙂

[@wildrvlife]

Aw thank you so much!! Gotta keep on rolling if we’re going to have any fun 😆

[@brianmott2224]

Just subscribed and ahve already enjoyed a couple of videos. Keep doing the great work. Just wanted to share with you an inverter generator produces clean smooth electrical wave that won't harm sensitive electronics. They are the only kind of generator you should use for a RV. 2nd and please correct me if I'm wrong, I noticed tat you had a lithium battery and a regular lead acid battery hooked up together, You should probably not be doing that as the 2 batteries are very different in how they operate. For instance a lead acid 100 AH battery should never be discharged more then 50%, where as a lithium battery can be discharged totally and recharged without damage. They also have very different charging needs. A lead acid battery requires multiple phase charging, where as lithium only requires 2 fast charge till almost full then maintenance mode. Hope this helps. Good luck on the rest of your trip.

[@wildrvlife]

Yes, we have an inverter generator and love it! And thank you for the battery tip! Definitely a newbie mistake we made a while back (that was an old video and actually someone let us know right away and we removed the lead acid battery later that day). Now, we just have 3 of the 100ah lithium batteries for our battery bank. Thank you so much!

[@edgramza]

I really like how you guys just roll with the next problem and don’t freak out! At least you don’t on camera. We’ve traveled to all four corners of the country and everywhere in between and have had our troubles too. Major to minor. Don’t really mind the minor ones, gives me something to do. Not that I don’t have some relaxing to do once in a while.

[@kcblues2sherwood652]

Oh to have a young person's stomach again! Just found your channel and really enjoying it!

[@wildrvlife]

😆 thanks so much for joining us on our journey!

[@rogergraves242]

It’s Free

[@larryk3986]

Keep it up! You'll have that RV like new soon! ☺

[@wildrvlife]

It feels that way! 😆

[@adriannurse1502]

God bless you guys. It is definitely handy having skills and tools.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you! agreed!

[@tomrunning357]

Be careful when using GPS maps because they are not RV friendly for roads and bridge heights. There is a RV map version that you should use. They sure don't make RVs like they used too, they look better on the outside but cut corners on the inside. Thanks for taking us along for your trip!

[@wildrvlife]

Yes! That’s why we really love our RV Garmin, really helps with not having to worry as much about bridges, etc. thanks for coming along!! 😄

[@libbyblackmon885]

If you own an RV, you need to be an electrician, a plumber and a jack of all trades! Because things are going to break! Hi, guys! I just discovered your channel and really like it. You are doing a great job with the videos. Looking forward to all of your upcoming adventures. I hope all of the problems are over with for a while. Stay safe!

[@flutini1]

If you're a glutton for punishment, try owning an RV AND a sailboat. Nothing ever breaks in the "slip"!

[@snaphappee]

I just found your channel a couple of days ago, and I'm loving your videos!

[@wildrvlife]

thank you so much for watching!!

[@kenmccafferty6148]

Hey guys- We are new subscribers. I hope you don't mind us asking...What do you both do for work? Keep up the great videos!!

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry you guys are having such a horrible time with all the repairs! I feel your pain. I own a 20 year old rig and I must replace all my plumbing soon , I can tell it's only a matter of time till I have leaks

[@ourrvsunsets]

Welcome to the southwest, there's Border Patrol check points all over the place. Most of the time they will wave you through or ask a question or two. They can absolutely search you though, if they have probable cause. Nice job on the replumb of the water heater. I feel your pain on getting a fitting and having it missing a part, that seems to happen to me every time I go to Home Depot. Safe travels!

[@loveandthemountains]

Love your videos!🫶

[@luckyguy57]

All border states have checkpoints several miles in on major highway from border.

[@timf6916]

WOW, Just way sad. Good luck.

[@sandramagill3877]

Looked like an agricultural station making sure you are not bring bugs, ❤etc. into the area. Been through them in several places over the years

[@rogergraves242]

Use A Dump station at Rest Areas

[@ohioclassCcamper]

I agree with Craig he could made a better star link pole himself for way less then 200

[@Stephen-cb7gt]

My wife, 2 dogs, and I did this with our 1 year old 4 years ago. Just wait till you hit the roads in Baja! Haha. I took our fifth wheel in places it should not have gone. But well worth the memories.

[@wildrvlife]

Totally agree! We’ve definitely gone to some boondocking spots that might not have been meant for big rigs like ours 🤣 i mean, we might have contributed slightly to our back wall rattling off…Baja should surely be interesting!

[@66gtoify]

Another good video. You guys have had so many problems and are in such a good mood and are so positive. You are probably already in Mexico. When we go into Mexico, we cross at a little town called Lukeville. It is west and south of Casa Grande Arizona. It is about 30 minutes from Casa Grande. The crsooing

[@jstar1000]

My brother has a Crusader 5th wheel and has had it about 5 years now and its very well built, he has had very little issues with it and its still a solid unit, he has drove it from Texas to Yellowstone and back, went to Colorado a second time and has taken it on many local Texas camping outings and it has held up way better then mine. He is thinking about selling it and I told him I want it and will sell mine and move over to his its so much better built then mine its sick.

[@mrglip911]

Came across your channel. Enjoy you adventure and the Arizona desert. We are from Az and call here also. But summer we head to California

[@danielellington8407]

I agree with the flagpole buddy. 200 bucks for plastic holders which look sub par. I give that plastic a month at best. I would go to a hardware store get some metal brackets and replace the plastic garbage.

[@wildrvlife]

Yeah now that we see how it all works, I feel like we should be able to replace the brackets if we need to pretty easily

[@russkelley3153]

Thanks alot you saved us alot of money. We have changed our minds about buying a rv. lol

[@wildrvlife]

LOL I will say that we seem unluckier than most when it comes to the number of repairs we have

[@rburoni]

New to your channel, nice videos!

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!

[@rogergraves242]

Make U-R own the Next 1.

[@11Bretired]

Our 5th wheel we named the GOAT (Get Out Another Thousand). These 5th wheels just are not build for a lot of miles

[@wildrvlife]

LOL. the perfect name.

[@JohnSmith-fx4se]

You can actually 3d print metals as well.

[@wildrvlife]

That would have been better!

[@Bryce1424]

Do y’all have a video on what y’all do for a living? Work wise I mean

[@patpuariea4228]

we have had trips like this :10 year old trailer, lost 2 tires, frig and AC all in less than 2 days. THank goodness we are handy. but again, we have had the trailer for over 10 years. Its going on 20 years now, not sure i want to replace it! Live in Houston Texas

[@moore_2_explore]

You guys are amazing.....shark bites and turd polish, that's the stuff! and congrats on well over 1000K now!! Be well!

[@wildrvlife]

Hahah thank you so much!! I feel like we’re making progress with getting all these repairs done. We have to be done (for a little while) here soon hopefully!!

[@bwlyon]

Your attitude is great. What made you decide to purchase this camper? Any buyers remorse?

[@wildrvlife]

It happened to be one of the only campers near us for sale with the floor plans we liked in our budget. About the remorse, I can't say I'll be looking at another thor product anytime soon.

[@SmokeyBear2001]

Do you use the Open Roads TSD card for fuel? If not check it out...great savings. Great channel. Safe travels

[@aal9207]

Think about the tank-less water heater.

[@johnc7406]

Tankless water heaters are not great for boondocking. Too much water gets wasted getting to the faucet.

[@TheAverageJoeBro]

Y’all went through El Paso which is a port of entry. There are checkpoints outside of any major city that has a port of entry. The dogs at the checkpoint will give border patrol reasonable suspicion. Y’all kept pretty happy faces during this whole trip though. I would have been so frustrated.

[@wildrvlife]

Gotcha! A new experience for us... haven't done much driving near the borders until now, clearly lol

[@RVUntethered]

We always figured that they had some type of heat scanners, when we pulled through the checkpoints. We were asked if we were citizens, if we had any illegal immigrants onboard..etc. But they didn’t seem too concerned.

[@wildrvlife]

Ohhh interesting! Yeah I bet they do have something like that! They just waved us right on through

[@johnc7406]

They have dogs looking for drugs. Very often, you don't even notice that, and the border officers are very good and reading people.

[@kenstankiewicz6405]

OMG! The problems you all are having. I feel so bad for you. Any plans on a new camper in the future??

[@wildrvlife]

Definitely one day. But I think once we get through this round of issues, we should have a while before anything major comes up again 🤞🏼 I think that trek across the US so fast just really did a number on it this time! 😅

[@charlesyates6687]

If this is going to be a long term living in your rv maybe consider building or having a custom r.v. built that will last and not fall apart every week like the p.o.s. you have now . I built one on a 1978 ford 700 cab & chassis built 30' box with 2 slide outs 1/2 plywood interior threwout 0.80 siding sreel frame upper water tank weight 20'000 dry weight built like a brick shit house and 42 years old and still on the road every year never breaks down never leaks ya it's a big truck but no payments and bulletproof.

[@66gtoify]

Sorry, I pushed the wrong key on my computer. What i meant to say is that the crossing at Lukeville is maned by a single person in a small shack. No lines, it's hassle free. Just a little thing we learned from a relative that used to live in Casa Grande. Coming back into the states is real easy if you come back this way. Hope that might help you in the future.

[@jim87vette]

You will have most 9f the RV rebuilt once you get there! Hey where did you get those cushy outdoor chairs? I checked your store but couldn't find them, thanks.

[@wildrvlife]

Lol that’s what we keep saying! They are from Camping World! The “padded club chairs”…super comfortable!

[@luisamador5089]

Victoria and craig, you should get a motor home, Hauling a trailer with a truck, it is more expensive on gas, and more complicated, you can always haul a car on a motor home, Listen I used to do that, but connecting the trailer to the the truck was a nightmare, why would you want to do that?.

[@luisamador5089]

You just passed Tucson? my home town, not pretty but, it is what it is.

[@rogergraves242]

About Rite

[@comeandtakeit82]

Pretty sure you meant i-10 in Louisiana, not Texas. When we drive to Louisiana from Texas you, literally, cross over the river into Louisiana and the road is immediately crap.

[@wildrvlife]

Haha. Maybe... the miles and roads all started to run together there for a bit.

[@michaela.aguilar2921]

How disappointing your having an issue with vroom, their supposed to be so much better than schwinteck. I can’t believe they used rivets as opposed to screws. I was considering having them replace my schwinteck, but too $$$. Best of luck guys!

[@wildrvlife]

We’re still very happy with Vroom. The system is MUCH better than Schwintek and their customer support has been better than we could ask for. The only issue was that wire pulled out of a motor (and it just happened to be the worst wire for it to be which prevented us from being able to override the slide with the controller), which just kind of happens sometimes with all the moving, etc. And rivets are actually better than screws when it comes to holding up and lasting longer, so I can understand why they used them. Better in the long run, we just didn’t have the tool 😅

[@bigjake6254]

Yeah so BP check points along the interstate in the desert south west are not abnormal. You are correct you don’t have to answer anything or say anything if you wish that’s your right and correct they cannot search your vehicle or trailer without probable cause

[@wildrvlife]

I don’t know how we’ve never come across one before! I guess we missed them on our way through last year…always learning new things as we travel!

[@johnc7406]

I've lived in the southwest for 65 years and have never had or know anyone being hassled by border patrol unless a dog alerted them to something. Just smile, wave, and you'll be fine.

[@interpinto]

I'd fix the internet first too, a person might need the net to help fix the leak.

[@wildrvlife]

Lol good point! See there was a method to our madness 😆

[@patpuariea4228]

curious, how old is your trailer?

[@Bryce1424]

What do you guys do for work?

[@wildrvlife]

I (Victoria) am the marketing director for a health tech company. Been working there about 4 years.

[@dustinryan9671]

If your an American traveling in the US don't give an inch to boarder patrol. You have right to travel without any hassle. I never put up with them when traveling in that area, especially when the damn boarder is 90 miles from those drive thru stations.

[@annmitchell-scott7562]

Did you ever think you have over loaded your trailer? It can only carry 1926 lbs. You added all the solar, add in liquid I n tanks, food, different furniture, clothes, tools, etc.

[@Mattcandy123]

How much is starlink in USA

[@wildrvlife]

It's $135/month for the RV Starlink or the Residential + Portability service

[@texasproud3332]

Well if they suspect y’all of something illegal they can run through the ringer believe me you don’t wanna be difficult

[@wildrvlife]

Lol no, we wouldn’t ever want to be difficult, but it was so odd seeing that…just never encountered it before!

[@dennisle9956]

What model do you have?

[@wildrvlife]

A Dutchmen Denali 330rls

[@donslick8464]

how old is that RV?

[@jstar1000]

I have a 2016 Denali and its the biggest POS I have ever owned, its my 5th RV. It has so many stinking issues its not even funny. I plan on keeping it for now and just fixing crap as it comes at this point. My biggest kitchen slide has a broken support beam in the wall and when I pull the slide in the wall bulges out at the floor about 6 inches up from the floor and there is a large gap I can see outside. I try not to drive in the rain as water will get in, when fully open it straightens out. My bedroom slide leaks when open and when closed and I can not figure it out so I just keep a towel on the floor in the bathroom to catch the water and I keep the unit stored under a cover. The rear wall moves or the side walls move when you open and close the slides, not sure which but it pushes the corner moldings off and exposes the edges of the walls. I could go on and on.

[@wildrvlife]

Wow! We can really relate. Unfortunately. We definitely will not be buying another Dutchmen, or Thor, RV. There are just so many things that have gone wrong that are just clearly due to poor workmanship. And we have a problem with our bedroom slide leaking too! Fortunately, it only happens when it's in and we almost always have it out.. but if it rains on a drive day, we'll come in to a puddle underneath the corner of the slide by the bathroom.

[@ellafields9424]

Ya might consider building your own or ? Bus rebuild.? I bought a new 2022 Nash 24M 😳 Total lack of Quality that they (Northwoods) brag about SO much! Long list of STUFF that I won't go into. I think most RVs are same as there is no quality control these days and lack of workmanship & Pride in workmanship. Sad... The materials they use are cheap as you know. Booth of my entrance doors - the plastic around the windows worped after a few 95° days and I'll bet that will be a future Leak... This has been the biggest mistake of my 70yr life 🙃 😫 O Well..its only $$

[@rogergraves242]

Before Y’A move Each day take them brackets off Or U will loose U-R brackets because of The Rough Roads y’a know that.

[@rogergraves242]

They can do what they want Propal cause & They can Any1 they want anytime.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Doesn't like buying stuff he can make... I know I said this last video with the "maybe it'll be totaled", but why is he me lol

[@Liimpy]

Just added Denali rv to my list of brands I'll never buy

[@wildrvlife]

Haha me too!

[@Liimpy]

@@wildrvlife under the advice of an rv tech friend who's worked on rvs for 15+ years, i bought a new northwoods built travel trailer 5 yrs ago, other than a few exterior trim pieces, not a single problem, good luck & safe travels

[@wango556]

When ya gotta do ALL the work yourself AND drive, things aren’t as fun.

[@wildrvlife]

Hoping to get a break here soon!

[@rogergraves242]

Cee Cee

[@rogergraves242]

YesThey can search U u don’t let them ,Will makeU-R Life Living He’ll or sit in jail.

[@Parksguy69]

Went west into New Mexico on I 10 in 1988. Just into the state there is a inspection stop as you went thru. Same for us, they looked at my blond wife and our two kids for a second then waved us thru. We were white, I think they are just looking for ilegals?

[@wildrvlife]

I do think they are only looking for certain things, they weren’t concerned with us at all

[@Nomedigaspende]

Omg you are so brave, border areas are not the safest areas. Be informed prior to entering Mexico. Personally I am spent many years around the border and in Mexico. theres no way you would see me and family in Mexico. Drug cartels are active. Please 🙏 be safe. Don't do go into.

[@wildrvlife]

I (Victoria) work remotely as the marketing director for a health tech company. Been with the company almost 4 years now.

[@creditguy4922]

Why is one dog in a cage and the other is not???

[@wildrvlife]

He’s a border collie and is kind of obsessed with trying to chase the cars that go by. He actually likes going in his crate in the truck and it keeps him and us safe so that he doesn’t try to chase a car through the window 😅

[@creditguy4922]

Train it to ride in a car. Not fair.

[@dawg7915]

i know you guys have already done this. If not, Make sure you check out how to Get the Proper RV insurance before going over the border. "Baja Bound" insurance. . Also, your pets, you must have that taken care of too. these guys have been there a few times kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInGc61uqdGnisU The border Patrol makes stops there looking for illegals and any signs of shenanigans..Be glad they didnt stop you to look through the RV, happened to me once.

[@wildrvlife]

Yes! We’ve already got our policy with Baja Bound 🙌🏼 (and pets got updated vaccines back in FL) thank you for the link, will watch because we want to be fully prepared!

[@dawg7915]

@@wildrvlife good luck to you guys, just found your site... wishing i was on the road instead of this office.

[@shawnbeerens4292]

I HATE RIVITS!!!

[@Parksguy69]

Love your can do spirt.

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!! 😄

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Would you mind if I would say that the RV you have is a giant piece of garbage? I know you love the luxury of it but it's so poorly put together it cannot even get down the road without breaking multiple things

[@wildrvlife]

Well, I guess in its defense, it previously traveled many hundreds of miles without breaking….but it definitely saved it all up for this trip 😅 somehow, we’re still thoroughly enjoying our lives! 🙌🏼

[@bubbapate5740]

Yes Border Patrol can search your vehicle. You guys don't prepare for your trips well and blame everything on the State, roads or whatever. How about some preventative maintenance on your RV?

[@wildrvlife]

Thank you!

[@donnab-dp1ty]

Why you gotta be a hater? You don't know everything they are doing. Go be negative someplace else.