Top 10 Things we ALWAYS & NEVER use! | RV Life

[@rvgoingnow]

Good discussion. Very non-judgmental and you provided great explanations as to why each item made the list.

[@kevincameron8437]

Lee, Pam, your lists are our lists! As weekend warriors, we travel light and we don’t have a lot of time to make and break camp, so “high speed, low drag” is my motto! I 100% agree on the friars! We love the regular camp chairs with side tables from Cabelas/Bass Pro. Another great and entertaining video, so thanks again for sharing!

[@markbajek2541]

Battery jump packs are peace of mind type items similar to a towing contract or forms of insurance, you don't want to use them often but in the event they are needed it's nice to have them just in case.

[@RVingwithLuck]

You’re spot on about the zero gravity chair. Over a year now with it full-time in my RV, and I never use it. But solar and a generator are must haves for me, as I only dry camp. Great video.

[@piglet6273]

I look forward to your episodes every Sunday! Love hearing your advice, tips, and tricks. Thanks for all you do to make these episodes happen. 😊

[@OurTimeAdventuring]

Hi there, I am John. I just stumbled onto your channel and it was so informative and entertaining, (ESPECIALLY the bloopers in the end). My wife Rahben and I became a new subscriber to the channel. Currently, we do not have a rig but plan to have one this summer. Thank you for all of the info you two provided, will be most helpful when we jump that broom into RV ownership. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and seeing your adventures.

[@discoveryboundrv]

Hi John and Rahben! Thank you so much. We are so excited to hear about your new journey taking shape. This is actually the most exciting time….the calm before the storm. 😀. It’s so much fun to pick out your new RV. Take your time. You will know the right one when you see it. We went through many dealerships before we found ours. Please keep us posted on your search and final decision. We can’t wait to see what you guys pick. Remember, the RV Community is the single best part of RVing. If you have questions, we have answers. Have fun and Big Thanks again! Pam & Lee

[@lurellewolfe9369]

We do use Harvest Host. We have been lucky to find spots on every route, and last minute stays. We have also made reservations months ahead for when we made a trip out west. We purchased 2 Honda generators that we could also use at home. We have actually used them after bad storms at home than camping!

[@wilsonfamily1993]

Great video! I trust Dewalt also. It was funny our list if things we don't use was the same as yours! An additional item to carry, a Dewalt Impact wrench, makes changing a tire quick and effortless.

[@kensingtonchapp4819]

I use my impact wrench to operate my stabilizers, and the first time I did it, it happened so fast it scared me. Lol

[@CFPVideoProductions]

Snap pads. We have a 36 foot Class A. I screwed four sets of three 12 X 12X 1 1/2 inch blocks together with 3 foot chains connected to each one of them. I place one under each lever by pushing them under with my foot leaving the chain in-place toward the outside so I can pull them out without having to reach under when we move. Just pull on the chain and they come out.

[@Life.After.Retirement]

We travel full time in our RV. We have an elete membership with Thousand Trails, it cost about $7300. We savex more that the cost the first year (North East trip). This year we traveled to Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. We did not get as much use, buy we have September, October, November, December, and part of January scheduled. This will save us another 4 to 5 thousand dollars this winter. We are not crazy about these parks, but this makes this life style more affordable for us. Also, we just put our zero gravity chairs in storage, we did'nt use them either.

[@discoveryboundrv]

Thanks Allen! Great advice and thanks for sharing! We have such limited experience with Thousand Trails and definitely wish it were more “user friendly”. LOL. I guess we have a habit of choosing our routes and seeing which parks are available versus choosing the parks and establish the routes in between. Truth-be-told, we love to theme our adventures and it’s so much fun for the kids. They help to pick the areas they want to see. 😀. We will give it another try, if not to be able to provide other RVers with more information. We remember driving through Clermont, FL and seeing over 50 RVs in a line waiting to check into the Thousand Trails there. They were all backed up down the highway. Definitely agree with saving money any way you can, we do the same thing and is the only way for us to keep moving forward. Safe travels! Best, Lee

[@darrellwilson9184]

Harvest Host is a convenient way to traverse the country, giving you a safe place to overnight. I also was given a Thousand Trails membership with my 1st RV, I used it 3 times and the campgrounds were nice , but I wasn't in a position to travel enough to justify the cost. Thanks for the informative video, some great tips and advice.

[@ShopGirl867]

Agree with you on most but if you’re into quick set up and take down then Snap Pads are a must. We love them. No more getting on hands and knees to put blocks under. Also we’ve had our rv for 6 years and our sensors always work🙂 you might need to flush out system more.

[@discoveryboundrv]

One day we will get a set of Snap Pads and do a review. They seem great. 😀 Especially for the Class-C. Trust Us, Tank flushing is definitely a ritual of ours for both rigs. We actually talked about how important that is in our previous videos. I guess we will just go with “Some RV Tanks sensors are built better than others”. LOL. Best, Lee

[@jamesglenn520]

Maybe have your tanks professionally cleaned once or twice a year. That usually helps with sensors.

[@madweazl]

I like our zero gravity chairs but like you mention, they're a pain to store and setup because of their size/weight. We went from only using them for the first year and a half to not even getting them out of the trailer now (we use the folding rocker type camp chairs now).

[@monagliniany2323]

Got some campgrounds I'd recommend Stoney Creek in Osseo WI Mount Du Lac in Superior WI

[@michaeldean3771]

leaf blower for stubborn starting campfires

[@mflaig14]

I pull both sides of my awning down and I drill an extra hole in the awning frame in a hole in the awning an attached a bungee cord firmly holding the awning in place. Easy peasy 😁 it will move around and heavy when but nothing to be concerned about. But in severe when unhook the two bungees and roll it up. I'm currently under my awning in the heavy downpour with maybe gusts up to 20 25 mph. I would share a video now but I don't see how to do it

[@robertnasser9937]

When we got our new 5er in 2020, we had the generator, lithium Batteries and solar installed then.

[@discoveryboundrv]

That’s awesome. You guys definitely did it the right way. I wish we could go back in time and “educate” ourselves on how to RV the right way. LOL 😀

[@robertnasser9937]

@@discoveryboundrv we started in 2001 with a 36 ft Pace arrow.

[@barrycondon3259]

Can't go with ya on the zero grav chairs, I love mine!

[@GregWarga]

You guys are great. Thanks

[@miken.5537]

Have a Blackstone at home and never use it anymore. Used it for the first summer we had it and then got tire of not being able to cook like you can on a weber or gas grill. It is great for SOME things, but we are going to go full time hopefully next year in a Motorhome and I'm going with the Coleman grill with the gridle attachment.

[@discoveryboundrv]

Hi Mike. You make a great point. We actually carry a tabletop Weber Grill with us and use it just as much. Flat iron steaks are great for the Diner, but sometimes you just need the flames 🔥. LOL. Safe travels and keep us posted as you start your full time adventures! Best, Lee & Pam.

[@lindabrown2211]

Yep our list is kinda the same except the tripod. The reason we bought ours years ago is we were at camp ground and a couple across the way lost pressure in one of the front jacks. The front of the fifth wheel was slightly tilted but held up by the tripod. He said it may have saved his fifth wheel from getting twisted or worse. Maybe or maybe not but I still use that bulky old thing anyway🤔. Thanks for the info and wishing you safe travels.

[@discoveryboundrv]

Hi Linda. You bring up a great point. They are definitely beneficial in circumstances where a strut would fail. That’s a huge benefit. We actually travel so much that we are creatures of habit. If it’s not easy, quick and painless our procrastination sets in. LOL. We carry a bottle-Jack just in case we have a strut fail. We will probably revisit the tri-pod discussion again in the future because it’s so interesting. What about added weight in the front cap for those RVers that have washers and dryers, etc. so many things to discuss where a tripod might help. Exciting. Best, Lee

[@Max-on-Tour]

Water Scale = Wasserwaage. Too funny because even without seeing the level in your hand I knew what you were talking about. Comes with growing up in Germany.

[@KevinCoop1]

A few comments if you don’t mind. I agree with almost all your choices. Blackstone. Turn it around 180 degrees and you can have a full top on the left without the hose obstruction. Tank monitors. I bought a used Jayco with 4500 miles. The black tank monitor was not working correctly. Showed 1/3 after dumping. The problem is (struvite build up). It is a crystal formed that sticks to the side of your tank like a soft rock. To make struvite, you must have all three of hard water, poop and pee. Since it is stuck on the wall around the sensors, it is wet after the dump and the sensors are able to sense voltage through it. To get rid of it, you can have it professionally power washed or you can mix a cup of Borax in hot water put 1/4 cup Dawn (or a pod of dishwasher or clothes washer detergent, less bubbles) into your black tank. Borax softens the water. Go on your next travel day, and leave it in until you need to dump. Then put more in. Mine cleared up in three trips, but it may take 6 or more times to clear it out. For gray tank, use Borax and degreaser. You do not need Happy camper or any of those other products that treat your storage tank like a septic tank. It is not a septic tank. Best wishes, Happy Thanksgiving! I am going to sub! Kevin

[@discoveryboundrv]

Hi Kevin. Thank you! I laughed when I read your Blackstone suggestion. It’s so simple and so effective. I can’t believe we haven’t done that already. We use that thing every day. Thanks for sharing the great information about the tank sensors. I hope others read this and take notes. This is something that effects all of us and you have explained it well. Big Thanks again and appreciation for the tips. Best, Lee & Pam

[@markthomas2436]

She has a great smile!

[@discoveryboundrv]

Thank you Mark! 😀

[@robertdoyen5434]

Fun fact about a lot of things that you yes and don’t use. Snap pads 👎 campground membership 👎. Out side grill 👍tri pods 👍rugs 👍blower 👍. Hope you enjoy your new journey. Thanks From Wisconsin

[@discoveryboundrv]

Thanks Robert!

[@deckboat21]

I love this video thank you. SUBSCRIBED. I love the blower idea. I agree with you on the awning straps. I pull mine in too. Totally agree with you on the chairs too we've never used ours while camping, too cumbersome.

[@walescan2514]

Great content,new subscribers. 1 suggestion I installed the level mate pro on my jayco greyhawk and love it, half the time I don’t even bother putting the jacks down for an overnight I just move the rv around so it’s within 1 inch of being level .done and done

[@discoveryboundrv]

Welcome!! 😀 Great tip. We will definitely look into doing the same thing. Thanks, Pam

[@karensnyder8446]

I use a cup of Dawn dish soap and a cup of borax powder. Mix well poor into your black tank, leave it until you dump tank . Do this several times and it does help.

[@kathysutler90]

So great seeing you guys this afternoon at the show! Thanks again for the recommendation for Panama City Beach! We will be sure to get that one booked! We will keep an eye out on your travels and if we see that you are ever around d the Charleston area, we will have to try to connect and take y'all to a local restaurant! Thanks again and looking forward to new travel videos!

[@jackieallmond437]

To your comments on awnings. We found a product called Save Awning. We found it to be absolutely a game-changer in using your awning. First we have 2 awnings and using this products have been able to leave them out in 40 mph winds with no problems. They also are so easy to undo and let the awnings in if the need arises. Check it out.

[@marianbrinley4389]

Y’all are so cute!! The bloopers at the end made me laugh out loud!!😂😂😂❤❤❤❤ love you guys!

[@Qpitmaster]

This was a great and fun episode! We aren't full-timers, but we travel 125 nights a year in our 5th wheel and have covered 32 states in the past 4 years. I agree with just about ALL of your 'don'ts and do's'. Regarding snap pads, I never understood the hype. We love the Red Andersen Buckets as they prevent using the maximum length (and reduces the stress) of the leveling system. One item that I have that I can't do without is the water pressure gauge. It's inexpensive and I can test the pressure at the spigot. Both of you have great camera presence. Safe travels!

[@edmorse3529]

Awesome video. Definitely hit some great points.

[@tnaranch5198]

What TPMS system do you use? I like the BEEP!!!

[@tnaranch5198]

That question goes out to everyone… I have a 2006 dodge 3500 without a factory system. Need a good aftermarket one!

[@turnbullstravels735]

Totally with you on the awnings. Ours are almost never out, and I can’t even imagine “strapping” our $$$ awnings down. Just not worth it. Also agree on Thousand Trails. We’ve tried their cgs a few times at full price and were not impressed.

[@josephsandall1789]

We love our Thousand Trails membership

[@ireneeickenhorst2326]

Another great video you two make the videos so entertaining. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@discoveryboundrv]

Thank you Irene!

[@rickw5679]

Just found your site and really enjoyed this weeks video. You mentioned your phone being a great tool and i agree. Can you in an upcoming video maybe show the different apps that make life easier for you? Would help me to weed out the useless stuff. Thanks again for an honest video. I'm Still looking for the dumpster where you put your tripod😅

[@daisygirl5368]

Ditto and ditto. Just found the channel and we are newbies. Retiring in 5 months and will be hitting the road. Looking for help with the different apps, from maps, to parks, to boondocking. Oh, we recently figured out our RV black and gray tank wires are reversed. Not sure how that happens. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Definitely looking forward to your channel. Thanks

[@whippleslap]

install seelevel tank sensors, install on the outside of the tank so theres nothing inside to get dirty, and give you levels in percentages not 3rds

[@barbarasabolchick3822]

Another great video!!

[@fifedizzy4563]

Great video! I agree with all your points!

[@timf6916]

Good information. Yes, go slow when Buying things.

[@kwhit6537]

I agree with everything you said.

[@jrrae8102]

Do you have a brand of carpets (indoor and outdoor) that are easy to clean on the road?

[@discoveryboundrv]

Great question. Honestly, every time we visit an RV camping store we look at the outdoor carpets and wait for them to drop down to around $30.00. Most of the time that’s around the holidays. For indoor carpets, we buy ours at Costco. They have the plush carpets that are great for making it cozy inside the RV. No real brand centric, just what is available in the color and style that matches our RV. We change them all out about every 6 months. Unless we accidentally burn the outdoor carpets with campfire embers and sparks like we have done before. With kids and pets, the indoor carpets take a toll. LOL.

[@williamsnider2833]

Agreed, except the blackstone, I hate cleaning it, but the pizza top make for them has merit...

[@jacquetaylor2714]

🎉great info!

[@ralphp3057]

I think it mostly depends on who or how you camp ? Like my jumper / air compressor I use all the time on my bicycles! And love my zero chairs always! Then again I’ve never been in a RV park! I think that is why someone came up with the term , glamping vs camping? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@discoveryboundrv]

Great point Ralph! It always depends on how you camp. Our 43 foot rig limits us on being able to boondock for extended periods without major investment into additional support systems like Batteries, solar, etc. Thats actually why we got the Class-C to help change from Glamp to Camp. 😀 Safe Travels and thanks again for sharing. Best, Lee

[@duaneroepke8840]

First time watching your channel. NOT judgemental but why two RVs? From listening to thus video i deduced you have kids, but a football team?😊 Some things on both list we use and don't use. Love the blackstone griddle. Made a special rack to hold it in basement.

[@georges4562]

Great video ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TomB319]

Hi, why do you have a 5th wheel and a class C rv?

[@mflaig14]

I would suggest RV memberships are just like your DeWalt tools. Find one that suits your needs if you need to save money.

[@walterbredlau7846]

Great informative video like always 👍 Plant ihr in der Zukunft auch mal nach Canada 🇨🇦 zu kommen?

[@gregmotsinger2769]

You should keep that battery charger handy I just had a dead battery,this last weekend..and had to get a jump, so I'm buying one this weekend lol and mines a diesel truck so gotta have 2 batterys.

[@discoveryboundrv]

You’re right! What a coincidence. We just had to buy two new batteries for the truck this past weekend. We did keep the charger, but realized it has to be used (discharged and re-charged) every so often to get anything out of it. We didn’t use it for a long time and when we needed it, there was nothing there. We’re still RV newbies. 😀 Best, Pam & Lee

[@br31000]

The blower will inflate any air mattress, pool float or tubes in seconds. Way faster than air pump Also, it’s awesome for starting fires and maintaining them They forget our #1 item …. The Sportbrella It’s a quick umbrella for campfires in cold weather or light rain You only need half the wood to burn as heat is redirected back at you inside sportbrella

[@kathybeeston6429]

Maybe you should flush the black tank. "Stuff" gets hung up. Love your videos. Thanks for the useful information. ❤

[@mike_adams]

Agreed on the Awning .. we have a 2021 NP377 .. fearful to even use those sails. What TPMS system you upgraded to? Favorite section were the bloopers ... 😂

[@ThePackDad]

Soaked and flushed my blk tank last fall for a week and got it down to just one light showing the lowest level. Let it sit in my driveway unused for 2 days and it showed 3/4 full !!! 🤣😂🤣

[@cheapreviews0]

Can you update the description with links to ALL items you listed please?

[@rogerwilkins4068]

Kathryn has me putting tripod if we are hanging for a bit. Paid $25 for it. It pleases her so I’m happy.

[@turdboman]

what is the tripod used for ??

[@rogerwilkins4068]

@@turdboman bought a used one & it helps stabilize our 5th wheel

[@tomowens4311]

Your never controversial. Love watching yall live your life.. Love and agree with your needs and don’t needs..

[@discoveryboundrv]

Thanks Tom!

[@hollisconant2566]

i have had a rv since 1973 and never needed tpms or ever had a flat in over 5hundered thousand miles

[@discoveryboundrv]

You definitely have great luck. I hope it keeps going for you. We had 5 flat tires in 2 years. With a 43 Foot 5th Wheel, I would definitely want to know when our tires are starting to fail. Safe travels! Best, Lee

[@therealcomment1811]

Very good info...

[@jimcolts]

Lee....if I understood what you ACTUALLY said you DON'T HAVE rvsnap pads.....SO....of course you have never used them!!😂 IF you get them and PUT them on.....then you will ALWAYS use them.😁

[@discoveryboundrv]

LOL. You are 100% right. 😀 There are so many things that you can purchase for the RV that makes life better. The problem is that there are hundreds of things you can buy. Most of the time you just go with what you have and steer the camper to your next location. When we get Snap Pads, we will give feedback on a deeper level. Best, Lee

[@rogergraves242]

U might need it for The Truck.

[@theodorehyatt1782]

Make sure you have break away lanyard if you let your kids put those lights around their neck

[@josephsandall1789]

We never use the fire pits.

[@anniedew2592]

100% on the zero gravity chair.

[@michillekrantz5154]

Zero chair ,,we used ours for star gazing

[@ricktaylor6373]

Like what you said. True. We don’t use memberships, cool zero chairs, snap pads and all the other gimmicks that you see out here. As for gps we use google maps and a big buck trucker atlas, I spent 40 years trucking and they never failed me and I’m 64 and haven’t failed me in our motor home. No garmin or rv life and all that crap. Just saying.

[@nal13nal13]

Yep

[@JoeT.1960]

Lee sent me the tiypod

[@JohnSmith-eo3zl]

Here's a tip to help your tank sensors. At least your black tank get up a day. And then you won't have to put toilet paper down there. Let's chance of it clogging up your sensors.😊

[@momof5kiddos]

They make bidet’s for RV’s? I mean I guess they probably do but never heard anyone say anything before.

[@hollisconant2566]

this whole video is a commercail

[@discoveryboundrv]

It was fun to make it and we hope it helps other RVers.

[@rogergraves242]

Waste of money on Tribpod for Fifthwheel

[@heberbelles916]

Why do you have 2 RVs ??? isent that costly ?

[@camillaal-abdulla3845]

You should just give the tripod to me, not throw it away! I'm full time, stationary...And poor...😞

[@livingthervdream2081]

why are you traveling with two RV's. what's the backstory on that?

[@discoveryboundrv]

We just released a new Q&A video that answers a lot of questions and comments that we get including that one. 😀

[@rogergraves242]

Why Do Y’A Have 2-RV’s.

[@mikethewingman9704]

whats T P M S ?

[@discoveryboundrv]

Hi Mike! That’s Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Best, Pam

[@franwellman8328]

We use Thousnd Trails when ever we can which is most of the time. I, like hundreds of us are living on alot less money than you youtubers.

[@bernardstevens3613]

Great Video, lots of information! Thanks for Sharing!