Throwing in the towel with our camper (literally!)

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[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding for sponsoring! Visit rvmattress.com/minimalmom to get 20% off your mattress with code minimalmom Note: We customized the new bunk mattresses by easily cutting off the corners so that they fit our camper. It was a simple modification and now they fit perfectly! Thank you so much for watching, we are so grateful! Have a great weekend, Dawn & Tom

[@eriningram7736]

Where'd you get the lightweight bed covers? We just got our first camper!

[@djfloyd7829]

Famous last words, "What could go wrong?!!" You guys are fun!

[@elizabethplumberg4858]

The well known saying among full time RVers is: “The only thing that always works on the camper is the owner.” Something always breaks when you rattle down the road.

[@cinderkeli9805]

Bhaa who needs a manual. Right Tom!❤

[@TracyLWard-tg6tr]

We had two campers over the last ten years, a Class C and then a travel trailer with two slides, both brand new and had nothing but issues. My husband was always spending the week preceding and the week after, plus so much time while camping just dealing with the problems. We finally 'threw in the towel' this spring and said no more. Sold it. We are happily camper free. We will book cabins and stay at vacation homes from now on, no camper needed.

[@andreas.5584]

We are about to do the same thing! Putting ours up for sale. We loved it and made so many memories and trips for years. But it’s no longer the right season for us.

[@kristinakalas8100]

It just wouldn't be summer without a camping (disaster) video from Dawn & Tom! Fingers-crossed all goes well on your Rocky Mountains trip. Enjoy your vacation!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I think she said Smoky Mountains.

[@pkmcnett5649]

@@cynthiafisher9907 yes, Smoky. Would never make it through the Rockies.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@pkmcnett5649 Maybe not, lol. I live in the Rockies, so they are normal mountains to me.

[@makingahomemaker]

Go Tom!!! When you said the past campers' problems were haunting you I said "Ohhh nooo!" So glad Tom was able to fix everything! He should get a shirt that says "If I can't fix it no one can" 😂 Praying your trip next week is "boring" indeed! You guys deserve the relaxation!

[@katiethomas2170]

Love that Tom is so willing to do things for you even when they seem silly!! :)

[@src4409]

Most men are. Men become unwilling when they don't feel appreciated. You'd be amazed at how far a little appreciation goes.

[@eileenworth7862]

I love how you giggle and Tom teases. Such a warm, fuzzy, friendly rapport through life's vicissitudes. 💜💜💜.

[@DebbieLinville]

Tom is amazing with all he can accomplish and you both have admirable attitudes that your children are witnessing and learning. Great job !

[@janebotkins5202]

Until my husband’s death last year, we had campers our entire marriage. Started with a pop-up and ended with what we called our retirement camper which was a luxury camper. The whole time I was watching this video I kept thinking, did you winterize your camper correctly? And then you said that you had an issue doing that. I had to have a little chuckle because we learned just like you about proper winterizing early on. We also learned that we had less problem with the higher end campers, but of course it took us years to be able to afford one. It’s very fortunate that you were so mechanically inclined and can work on yours. My husband was able to work on ours as well which saved a lot of money. Hope you enjoy camping in the future. Happy trails!

[@AMcDub0708]

I’m sorry for your loss of your dear husband. But I am happy that you have so many great memories of doing things like camping together!! It’s the good memories that carry us through great loss! God bless you!

[@dawner9617]

I’m sorry for the loss of your husband. 😢

[@lizzabbott]

Ooooh I’m so sorry for your loss ! You must miss your husband terribly. I’m so glad you have these lovely memories to comfort you in your grief. It’s not easy. I’m glad you found Dawn & Tom’s channel. I find them to be not only interesting, informative & inspiring… but also such a ray of sunshine ! Their genuine kindness shows, & they really are friends, aren’t they? Their viewers are the BEST ! God bless you, and please remember that you are never alone ! Liz

[@delite277]

Glad you had a great husband. Your love shines through in your words. I'm sorry for your loss. Wishing you wonderful years ahead.

[@johnhines3591]

When winterizing, drain water heater & put into bypass. Then use pump to draw antifreeze through lines. It's all in your owners manual.

[@loriwhinery3210]

Tom is soooo good at figuring stuff out! Good job Tom

[@texasmimi5566]

And he has a great attitude about all of it! He has the patience of Job.

[@kimberlyfake9127]

We are never going camping in an RV unless we can take Tom along to fix things. 😊

[@TresLaginess]

We live 25 minutes from the Townsend entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park. If you haven't been, Cades Cove is a must, lots of history, lots of wildlife. If you're staying on the quiet side of the Smokies (Townsend), there's horseback riding, the Caverns, zip lining in Wears Valley, and tubing (River Rat in Townsend). Obviously lots to do on the other side in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Hope you have a wonderful time here in our neck of the woods!

[@btuller1772]

So my family were tent campers. Years down the road when your kids are grown you'll be telling these stories around the dining room table during the Holidays. They'll be the best memories and the funniest stories. I love the laughter and the love that shows up between you and Tom.

[@cookshackcuisinista]

Tom, you are capable!!!! Period!!! The two of you are so sweet together!

[@ChristineOther]

Tom needs to build a tiny house! If it's done right it can be certified as an RV.

[@lindenpeters2601]

Or they could just get an RV, aka pre-made tiny house.

[@martytrout6252]

Good idea, those trailers look so flimsy.

[@ramonaneyrinck2292]

Ive always wanted a tiny house! love that they would be able to be used in the winter.

[@shylacogar1943]

YES! He would do such a good job, especially after having all these problems

[@sharonhutchinson9604]

You know what’s easy? Tents 🤣 seriously, though, your family makes a great team!

[@jeanbutler2832]

Tents don't have motors.

[@asblinda]

@@jeanbutler2832 But they spring leaks.

[@sewgatormomm]

Yeah, hotel rooms are even better.

[@src4409]

We bought our camper after a horrific trip with tents.

[@adelenehaberkorn4703]

What a patient man. God bless him and his ability to fix things.

[@shellieirwin4561]

One word- hotel! Less headache. Less mess. Showers at the end of the day. Hotel!!!

[@metalheads228]

Tom - YOU ROCK! My friend is a service manager at the local RV place...labor rates alone would break you, plus the up-charge on parts. You can figure out anything! Pass that on to your kids! Have a fun trip.

[@jamesabbott9301]

First RV We bought from dealer, included an afternoon workshop. This covered everything to know and a workbook to keep track of things. The winterizing page was copied to post in the rv. Was a great help and no worries last 40 yrs.

[@erikaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I laughed so hard at the shot of Tom struggling to fit under the bed to access the plumbing- then the next shot when he has recruited a kid who can fit under there!

[@sarahko2014]

Tom crawling into that space under the bed made me laugh, too...lol^^ Especially since he thanked their sponsor while doing it...😅😅

[@cinderkeli9805]

So hilarious but I thought it was going to be Corbin for some reason🥰

[@Elizabeth490]

I am completely cured of any desire to own a camper.

[@heatherj3030]

My dad's always been a Ford f150 guy. He had the same 2015 f150 as you, and it was a total lemon. He said that particular year had problem after problem. He got rid of it for a newer f150, but it's having issues too. He's driven ford's for 40 years. My husband and I have a 2005 Toyota tundra that we chose because of it's number one spot for reliability (thanks consumer reports!). The worst we've had to do is maintenance and changing the battery every several years, and we've had it 17 years with almost 200k miles on it. My dad is now thinking about ditching Fords for a Toyota, and he's always been loyal to fords, but he's tired of the mechanical problems. I hope it doesn't work out to be a continuing problem for you like it was my dad. I'm so impressed with your handyman skills Tom! Way to go! BTW, Dawn, super cute sleeping areas!

[@audraleeferris]

Tom is so awesome that he just rolls with it when it comes to breakdowns and mishaps.👏 I love how you both enjoy camping and road trips enough to keep trying even though you encounter “road bumps.” I my experience camping is one of the the best family bonding activities ever! I have so many wonderful memories with my family! I will however say we are a pop up and traditional tent style family. So our mishaps usually revolve around not packing the right clothes, mosquitoes, campfires almost burning the tent and having to “potty” in the woods or a bucket.

[@j.t.1215]

Tom, I love the way that Dawn looks at you so lovingly. You both are a gift from God. xxx

[@cindytaylor698]

The two of you make such a great team. ❤

[@StacieCbme]

We live in East Tennessee! If something happens, praying it will not, you can always reach out to us. Safe travels!

[@lindashinaberry1167]

We have had a camper for years. My husband says and I quote "A camper is just a kit that will need to be worked on constantly" and if you are not handy with fixing things you don't need a camper. Enjoy your trips. We just came back from a trip to Philly, NYC , Cape Code and the coastline of Maine and then back to PA to see the Amish countryside. Luckily, we only had the trailer brake controller go out in the truck (Chevy) and my husband is very handy with fixing things himself. Enjoy your travels..

[@pattiharrison1211]

Love when he says, “Absolutely “, he’s soooo nice

[@sandradummer4726]

I admire the fact my husband always try’s to see if something that’s went bad comes apart, cleans it out ( like our lawn mower) and replaces parts and puts it back together and it works. Good for Tom. Hopefully he can save y’all some money. That’s important. Happy camping/ with no problems with your camper.

[@aubreysamericangirldollcha2778]

I recently discovered minimal car camping and it was fantastic! I loved it! I packed all of our camping gear in one duffel bag!

[@bridgetwoodward8031]

What is car camping ?

[@johnvanderploeg6707]

@@bridgetwoodward8031 Car camping is where you sleep, eat, cook, etc. in your car instead of using a tent or camper. There are lots of videos on car camping and van conversions that will show you more indepth of what is involved.

[@sheryldye4259]

We just found out the first of the week our camper is trash. The rubber roof separated a lot and ruined the inside, plus we had a mouse in there. My husband had sealed everything so we thought we were good. With Covid we did not go anywhere and didn't look inside, thinking it was ok. Now we are cleaning out our stuff and hope to sell it cheap for a hunting shanty if someone want to fix it up. Everything in it works but we are just to old to take on a job like this. I'm 70 and my hubby is 72, and I have a hard time getting around. I loved our camper and camping, it makes me sad. Enjoy yourselves while you have the youth to do it. HAPPY CAMPING

[@kathybrannon6070]

We now own our 4 th camper. We have a permanent spot on the Tennessee River and have been camping there 20 years. Thankfully my husband does all the maintenance on our current one- a 40' 5 th wheel. They definitely can be a headache sometimes, but I'm glad you and Tom recognize the memories and travels made possible by owning one. Hope you don't have any more big issues with your camper or truck! Happy travels!!

[@brendagalligan7891]

We're learning the fun of camper ownership as well! Same deal; hubby thought he winterized it correctly & found out this spring that there was a little cap on the water heater that needed unscrewed. Busted H/W heater. We did our research & had it welded back together, pressure tested & we're good to go! It's all worth it, right?? 😊😄Happy Campers!

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

I'm very proud of myself for opening cleaning oiling and (nearly) reassembling my sewing machine, with a little help with a friend who knows about these things (one of the little lugs just would not let go). I have a screw left over but experienced helper said it won't matter. So, not quite in tom's league but we all gotta start somewhere.

[@gm2mx]

Sorry for your water issues. What a blessing that Tom is so handy and patient. I dream of a camper but I could not deal with all the stuff that could go wrong. Praying you have a wonderful trip without issues. Blessings from Missouri.

[@pollywog92]

You two are so sweet! Bless your hearts for being good sports (also, you have reinforced my decision to not be a camper).

[@jenn1eharr1s10]

Have a great trip, as long as you keep smiling and Tom takes his toolbox you’ll be fine 😉xx

[@greenlady43]

We’ve lived in our RV since 2004 and traveled coast to coast and north to south. It’s like any home, you’ll have maintenance. We’ve had floods (wash machine), leaky windows and tires that blew out in the most dangerous places. I love our home on wheels

[@JJ-cx8gl]

Oh how incredible... I didn't think there was another man on Earth like my husband who was as handy, knowledgeable, willing hard-working, and had a strong desire to please his wife ... BUT then you introduced us to Tom. We are truly blessed !!!!

[@cinderkeli9805]

Amen for handy husbands❤

[@nicolegallinger8411]

I feel you! We have owned multiple trailers, everything from tent trailers to park models and we have had water leaks in every one. One of our trailers leaked for an entire summer before we could figure out where the leak was. Super frustrating, but it does give you something to look for on the next one. First thing we always look for now is water damage, proper drainage and all the weatherstripping and windows.

[@Mawmaw130]

last year a stink bug got in on the circuit board of our camper's heater. We had to do without hot water for about a week, while in TN. Joy. Joy. Heated water on stove for dishes and bathed at the bathhouse.... Snapped in a new board (from AMZ) and it worked like a charm. Thankful Hubby is a retired Army mechanic.

[@maryhensey5485]

So lucky to have Tom who understands all this stuff.

[@pattiharrison1211]

So cool, Tom likes to figure out and fix problems and Dawn likes to make things pretty and comfy..❣️

[@judyellen4412]

Oh man! You guys get to learn lots of stuff with all the problems you end up having. Good thing you both have a sense of humour!

[@tiffanikeyes4269]

We have a teardrop and your video is reminding as to why we don’t have anything more 🤣 Did you say you’re headed to the Smokies? That’s my stomping grounds. Let me know if you have any questions about this beautiful part of the country. Safe travels!

[@Claycat4]

Motels are looking better and better!

[@susan5661]

Gage looks like a mini Tom. So cute!

[@bethann9880]

Yes!!!! My exact thought!

[@elisabethlasalle3529]

I thought the same thing! Can we get a side by side picture of he and Tom at that age?

[@cinderkeli9805]

I totally agree!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

You guys should look into getting a restored vintage camper. They were built much better than new ones. Although, this problem would have happened with any camper, user error. Have fun on your trip!

[@casageorgia]

When we got our 1997 34 foot Airstream trailer, every pipe but one was cracked! The owner had died and his son had not paid attention to the trailer for five years. Fortunately, my husband knew what to do and replaced all of the pipes. We have had and regularly use the trailer for eight years so far and love it. Hope you have a fun and uneventful vacation!

[@lccrel3449]

When filling up the hot water tank to start opening up for camping- relieve the pressure valve until the water comes out then shut off. That looked like a pressure crack. We also use a pressure gauge at the spigot because the pressure is sometimes too much for a camper to handle. When we leave for the day, we also turn off the water…great insurance of an issue while we’re gone.

[@ljlelliott1096]

My husband & I tent camped on our honeymoon. Then we got a “pop-up” camper. The next camper was a “pop-up” with a slide-out. Then a 30 ft. 5th wheel with two slides. We ended up with a 40 ft. 5th wheel with 3 slides. (We had several different trucks through the years. Our last truck was a Volvo semi-truck with a modified bed to carry our car while towing the RV. We were 75 feet long going down the road.) The only time my husband wasn’t fixing something was when we tent camped. 😆

[@brittanys.7191]

Go to Cade’s cove in the Smokey’s! We saw so many deers and two mama bears and SIX CUBS!!!! My kids had an amazing time!!!! Not sure when you are going to the Smokey mountains but just please be careful! Lots of rain in the area lately! Flash flooding etc….

[@sandykoenig1666]

Thank goodness Tom knows how to fix things and enjoys it. Your family is so positive and I am not sure my husband and I would be able to handle this. Do enjoy watching you tow. Much love to the family.

[@amypratt1990]

We just went camping and I was in the kids bunk and man totally with you how do they sleep up there...and we as well had issues but ours where battery issues, when generator stopped we were loosing charge...it is always something when camling!! Love watching your videos, thank you!

[@dianahegseth6279]

We had 3 motorhomes in the past they are like the boats we had in the past (money pits) but fun!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Glad Tom was able to replace the damaged parts. I know from experience campers are very high maintenance. Protect the roof, seals, tanks and appliances and it will give you years of fun! Don’t forget to sanitize your fresh water tank!

[@debranorton6434]

🤣😂 Guess what we did this morning?! We went camp trailer shopping, more of a window-shopping trip, to try to figure out what we want in a camp trailer. And it turns out we want pretty much the same thing you all have. A separate bedroom, bunks for a grandkid or two, and enough kitchen counter space to actually prepare food. Fortunately my husband is just as handy as Tom when it comes to fixing stuff, plus we've spent time actually living in them so we know what to expect. We lived in two trailers, with three of our four kids, while we built a house here in Washington state, then sold the trailers after we moved into the house. Eight years later we sold the house, bought a fifth wheel and lived in it while we built a shop/apartment in the same area, then took the fifth wheel to Minneapolis, planning to live in it for four years. We ended up buying a fixer upper house in Coon Rapids and sold the fifth wheel soon after. Now my husband wants a trailer for actual camping! We're looking forward to some "easy" camping after many years of tent camping. I so enjoy watching your videos, it's kind of like seeing my husband and myself 25 years ago.

[@bethlewis9981]

Love that Tom likes fixing things! A gift!

[@KristyJain]

Does he? 😉

[@texasmimi5566]

@@KristyJain Huh? Tom THRIVES on fixing things, building things, making things. He is VERY creative and has a brilliant mind for doing all that he does.

[@KristyJain]

@@texasmimi5566 I’m sure he would prefer not to fix anything is what I meant

[@bethlewis9981]

He says he does. My brothers are like that too. Love it like a puzzle to be solved.

[@KareMom4]

My husband and I considered several RV types. We thought we wanted a van or Class B, but you may not easily take the vehicle as you might like- not like jumping in your car. You have convinced me to rent an RV or vacation home. We have stayed in several vacation places (like Air BnB or Verbo) this summer in our home state of Florida. We have enjoyed each one for their unique offerings. We also had them mostly to ourselves, which we prefer. Vacation can be stressful enough already, so I’m thankful that it’s less stressful than owning our own RV. Thanks for being honest about the good and not so good parts of owning your own camper.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Time for you guys to go buy an ATC. They are made with all aluminum (including the floors) and the walls are fiberglass board. The cabinets are all aluminum, too. Nothing to rot inside at all. In fact, you can power-wash the inside. I've had one for the last 3 years - it gives me such piece-of-mind. I've had a few water issues, like it spewing everywhere because it was the first trip after winter and ALL my faucets were in the ON position when I turned the pump on, LOL! - also a trip where the sink drain came apart because of a faulty inner seal and water flooded EVERYWHERE after I drained the sink from doing the dishes), and it's nice not to have to worry about anything being ruined because of it. If you're going to continue camping, you might consider finding a used one and try it out! Love your videos. ❤️

[@TheMinimalistTherapist]

Just Googled. Wow...those look amazing!

[@denisemusicnut]

Growing up, we had trailers and then a motor home. I could tell you story after story of all the problems we experienced on our family vacations! And this was 50 years ago, when they were supposedly made better.

[@CheleBoxy]

I love to watch your camper adventures! I always learn something. Also, not to be a noodge buuuut, it's a WATER HEATER, not a hot water heater. If the water was hot you wouldn't need to heat it.😊. I think it's a Midwestern thing bc growing up in Indiana I used to say the same thing. I got corrected when i moved to PA. Looking forward to more camping videos!!!!!!💖

[@lhumpy190]

I hope this is the beginning of many uneventful camping adventures. I know I say it a lot, but Tom is so amazing at fixing all things! You two are such a great team.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Tent camping is always an option, too - the one I grew up with had 2 big rooms, 2 closets, lots of overhead storage (or head room, if someone was tall, like Tom - pretty sure he would be able to stand up in it without ducking), and easily slept 8 all on air mattresses/air beds with plenty of room left over for our duffels while still keeping everything away from the outside walls in case it rained hard with a high wind (supposedly sleeps 12, but that's with all mummy bags and no gear). We got it when I was Corban's age, and I always helped set it up. Gas Coleman stove and lantern (way less harsh than LED, and attracts far fewer mosquitoes), and some basic cooking gear and linens, a couple coolers with blocks of ice, and a screen tent for over the picnic table (kept snow off the table and such when we were in Yellowstone in July 2011, and kept rain off the rest of the time). The tent we use now sleeps 3 adults (usually it's just my parents, sometimes me, too) very comfortably with air mattresses and gear, has something like 6ft of head room, it's blackout fabric, and once my mom showed me how the rainfly went on, I could literally set up the entire thing in the dark by myself without any instructions - in fact, I had to in October, twice (it had been over 3 years since I had helped set it up, and 2018 was my first time ever doing it), but it took 2 people to get the rainfly over the top those times because of the slope of the ground.

[@Hillside-Hive]

We moved from a tent to hybrid due to wildlife. We're in Colorado and bears, elk, deer and yes, Mt lions are everywhere.

[@allisont2321]

We stayed in a small tent at 11 mile reservoir, and while it was beautiful, I was a little terrified, because of bears and mountain lions. My husband wasn’t, but he grew up in CO and hiked lots of fourteeners. Special memories, though. ❤️

[@kimberlygarrett5385]

Teamwork! Love the relay system for turning the water off and on. My home was built in the 1950s, so there has been many a time I have stood guard over the water turn on while my husband looked for leaks. Enjoy your upcoming vacation!

[@suem6004]

Have you ever thought of getting a a base trailer and building a tiny house? Would be a nice winter project and you can build better quality. Just an idea

[@simplicity8259]

Happy to hear Tom was able to fix your camper. Hope you have a great time, you deserve it!

[@jessicaoberembt]

This is video is everything!!!! We bought a brand new camper to avoid issues since we are complete newbies and we still had issues because of how cheaply made they are. They have it to us with issues they had signed off as “fixed” and then had to take it back to fix them 😡. But luckily our 9 week adventure went pretty smoothly and we are so grateful for our camper.

[@jessicaoberembt]

Wish we would have gone with the camper bed you recommended though! Ours is crazy heavy!!!!

[@seaspeaktome9167]

The relaying instructions between Tom in the camper to you to Corbin made me laugh because that’s exactly what happens with us every year at our family cabin getting the water turned on each spring 😂

[@melissaj8384]

We can relate. Every camper is a learning experience, for my husband.😂 It seems they each have their own thing that pops up when you're out camping. One was oven, one was water, this one, it's electrical. My husband always brings a full tool kit and the manual. that curtain situation is perfect.

[@tamarahine6328]

My husband is a Retired RV mechanic if you ever need advice for future endeavors. Btw we're in NC 3 hours from the smokies 😊❤️ Happy travels ❤️

[@brendabaxter9297]

You guys are so fortunate that your husband is a fixer!😄Mine was too! We had a pop-up while our kids were growing up. Have some great memories! No water, no bathroom issues (we used a potty-chair in the camper at night) had almost hot water in the bath house. That's real camping!😃❤ Love the Smokey Mountains! Hope y'all have a great time with no glitches, just fun!! Love your channel! From Alabama!❤

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

So many of of our friends bought campers when the retired. Not one still has one. Just too much work and maintenance for the number of time to use it.

[@Mamame4]

We have a boat that we have winterized and found using an air compressor to be the best way to winterize the fresh water system. You can use antifreeze in the toilets and black water tank but that tastes gross in the fresh water system so we blow it out. Look up on KZbin how to do it. It isn’t that hard and we have a complex boat with a household fridge with ice maker and windshield wiper/washer so lots to do!

[@carolynridlon3988]

My hubby & I have just finished 12 years in our motorhome traveling in full time RVer lifestyle - settled down in Paducah KY - and the fact of things in RV's built cheaply or shoddy is nothing new to us. I'm glad to have a Mr fix it hubby (like Tom) it saved us $$ in the long run!

[@debraforthofer3943]

We’ve had several campers used and new. Problems with all. I guess it’s part of the memories.

[@lorisauceda5401]

LOL! We just brought our new camper home yesterday. Maiden voyage is next weekend. It was overwhelming listening to everything we have to do just to camp. No wonder there’s only a one year warranty!

[@B4andAfters]

We started out with a pop-up for 4 or 5 years, and have now had a small hardshell for several years. We did have issues in the beginning wondering if the frame was square during our state's inspection.... (it was fine) and since then haven't had any terrible issues... And we drive it halfway across the states, too. I enjoy camping so much-- even before covid-- because my kids were so young and didn't know how to stay away from hotel germs. Now I'm spoiled from hauling my own toilet around!! : )

[@mjp0904]

East Tennessee is looking forward to having you visit. Can't wait to see where you stay!

[@cl3381]

🙏 for a joyful, peaceful, safe and "uneventful" 😉😃 trip!

[@maryw4511]

So glad you all were able to fix everything! My husband and I (mostly I hand him tools) have been fixing water leaks at home. First the faucet, then the valves to that faucet, which of course, meant another trip to the store. Not a fun process, but thankful for our home. Have safe and fun travels!

[@heidirees9647]

We bought our camper in 2017, it’s a coachman 2018, we’ve done a lot of work to upgrade it! We love it and view it as an investment, even though the value depreciates. We may even live in one day! We owned a 2006 F-150 that we finally had to stop putting money into fixing it. We owned it for a good 10 years before the big issues happened. No Ford jokes! They’re good reliable vehicles! That’s all we own, minus our Jeep!

[@ramonawhisenant2045]

Bless your hearts!! Y'all are so great!! You just keep on smiling - no matter what!! We love y'all.

[@kfetter9046]

Tom is AMAZING!! Best of luck to you on your upcoming trip.

[@sunshinegal4294]

So sorry to hear about your woes with your camper. You’ve fixed it up so nicely and it looks great! Now to just get it running and functioning, right?

[@livinglargeonasmallbudget1027]

Love watching you guys. My husband and I travel with our 28ft trailer it weighs about 10,000lbs and I can tell you for sure that you need a bigger truck. We had an F250 and it says it can haul our trailer but we had to upgrade to a 3500. Also get a Scan Gage 2 and keep track of your vehicle's temperatures such as Transmission Fluid Temp and Water Temp. The gages on your dash are not accurate but the Scan Gage is so you can see when your temperatures are too hot before there is a problem. I am not putting you down or Ford but an F150 is not the right truck for hauling your camper. We learned the hard way. Best of luck

[@chericook7575]

Our Ford 150 pulls our 28’ fifth wheel great back and forth Michigan to Florida no problem.

[@livinglargeonasmallbudget1027]

@@chericook7575 it is all about weight. The average f-150 weighs about 6000lbs. Depending on what motor it can tow 11,000lbs. But you must subtract the weight of your vehicle when towing so that only gives you 5k left for the weight of your rv. So if your rv is under this figure them sure you are good. From the look of their trailer it looks heavier. We have an extremely heavy 28ft rig like I said it is about 10,000lbs so our f250 can pull it according to specs but it was at the high end of the towing guide. You don't want to max your truck out because it puts a lot of strain on your transmission and motor. That is why I also suggested investing in a scan gage. It will help keep you from ending up on the side of the road because of overheating. The gages on your cars dash ore not accurate at all but the digital Temps thw scan gage gives you really can prevent problems. Hope you never have to deal with breakdowns like they have had to, and like we had to deal with because they are expensive and ruin your fun trip.

[@dannhorne9782]

I was already typing Found On Roadside Dead (FORD) when Tom said no Ford jokes. I thought about deleting it, but I just couldn’t. I really love you guys.

[@SSandtheRVCats]

Just a word of caution to everyone who has an RV, be aware that mold can grow under mattresses in RVs especially if you put a topper on. We know because it happened to us and we had to have our mattress and the board underneath replaced. It's good to vent underneath the bed in some way and check underneath the mattress regularly It's good to put some k

[@vzeimen]

Anyone with a camper will tell you that there are always issues with them. It’s the nature of the beast and part of the hobby of camping. If you don’t like to fix stuff then hotels are your best bet.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

At the beginning of this journey people encouraged them to rent campers.

[@thebackpackfamily2836]

Or actual camping 😉

[@carriei7017]

Are you new here? Tom loves to fix stuff and is constantly fixing stuff including multiple campers lol

[@teresacamp3365]

Hotels are not trouble free bed bugs ,just dirty ECT.

[@modamus]

What about tents? We lived in a big campaign tent for 5 months during a renovation and it was great!

[@MoNATUREnique]

I was just thinking about you and this video came up!! My Friday fix

[@amandab.6815]

Call it quits on the campers. New challenge for Tom- just build your own DIY tiny house that you can pull. I'm sure it will have better quality materials and fewer repair issues. And it will be custom!

[@allisont2321]

And you could rent it out on vrbo too or something, when you’re not using it?

[@lynnb1226]

Yes, that would be fun to watch!

[@roxanneiten6328]

I love this idea!

[@tonialsup1750]

I live in Tennessee and would absolutely love to meet you both. Hope you guys are blessed with a wonderful trip to the Smokey’s.

[@SunshineBloom777]

YEP! Hubby & I love our 5th wheel but so many problems! They are hunks of junk! We just got it out of a couple months of storage at the campsites storage grounds & lo and behold we have cockroaches! So gross! It’s always something huh! Thank God for His grace to endure and keep goin & help us to be content, be grateful & focus on the good while graciously taking care of the problems! 🤍🌱

[@teresabradley]

Enjoy the Smokies! They are beautiful!

[@jennymartin2278]

The Smokies are the be most beautiful area. It's the closest park to us and we've camped there many times. Enjoy your time!

[@joywingfield708]

You're coming to the Smokies! Welcome welcome and hope you have a marvelous trip! If you need anything while you're in the area, give us a holler. (Unless you're actually already there...we're in Illinois/Missouri for a few days). Would love to run into you guys.

[@joywingfield708]

What if Diana and Prinston's baby comes while you're away? 😯

[@DawnW-x9g]

My experience with sticky back Velcro is it works great….. until it gets hot and the “sticky” does not stay only on the Velcro! Good luck!

[@carolpeoples9940]

Try nano tape made especially for campers. Amazon

[@nicoleolson2790]

Oh no!! Campers are sooo much work but they do make camping more enjoyable. We renovated at 1969 camper and we love it! You are right they need a lot of maintenance. Enjoy your trip, can’t wait to hear all about it.