Travel Day Breakdown // Big Rig RV // Full Time RV Living

#rvchecklist #fulltimerv #hdt
We've had many questions about our breakdown on a travel day, so here are the steps we take when we breakdown for travel.
Check out RV Diem here: / @domorehappy
********** WHO WE ARE ************************
We are Jim and Kellie, a retired couple living full time in our RV and traveling North America in our Heavy Duty RV Hauler, 5th wheel and Smart car. We get to have the freedom to travel the continent, soak up all this beautiful land has to offer, and then fall asleep in our own beds! We are Believers and really enjoy visiting different churches while we travel and are connected with Limitless Church Spokane.
********** SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS ***************
Website/Blog: www.suitetravelsrv.com
Facebook: / jksuitetravels
Instagram: @suite.travels
********* VEHICLES *****************************
Tow Vehicle: 2016 Western Star 5700xe
DD-13 Engine tuned at 505hp
DT-10 Automatic Transmission with double overdrive
Daily Driver: 2017 Smart Prime Cabrio
RV: 2017 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA
*******************************************************

[@showcasecharlie11]

I like to, after dumping and prepping like you, dump some Dawn dish soap in the toilet to dump in tank. As you travel, supposedly the soap breaks down the grease and other build ups. Same thing with the grey water tanks.

[@SoulSaege]

It's amazing how many people call it a hot water heater. It's just a water heater. If the water it was heating was already hot, thered be no need to heat it lol

[@wendimiller6903]

What we do...Paint your jaws in the fifth wheel yellow, it is easier to see that they are closed. Safe Travels!

[@SuiteTravels]

Great advice Wendi! Thank you.

[@brianmoser260]

On a good note we got a guy that works on rv’s so we replace our water heater with a tankless hot water heater and we hard pipe our sewer line and we put concrete blocks under the trailer and I think we have 12 columns to support the trailer without the use of jacks and it really help us out when we move around or use the washing machine and we really like that we will be glad when all the work is done and we love living full time in our Rv and I love working on the inside making more like home

[@portnuefflyer]

That's at least as good as a pre flight as I do on my small plane, very nice. "Kick the tires and light the fire" doesn't apply here!

[@ryandoe11]

Always brush off the top of your slides before bringing them in, they have bugs and all sorts of outdoors debris on them!

[@dcxvimotb1691]

I just happen to come across your channel and It’s great. Really love your presentation and the information.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks for the feedback! Welcome to the community.

[@r.d.r7658]

this couple makes more sense than most ive seen

[@mroland831]

Great job Jim!

[@SaltyJim]

You all scared me. When I saw the title “breakdown” I said “oooh nooo”. But it wasn’t a breakdown it was a break down. Thank God. Glad you all are safe.

[@SuiteTravels]

Ha ha ha.. sorry about that, we are good but was is so funny (not funny) is that our next video IS about a breakdown! Thanks for watching and we hope you and Karen are well!

[@brianmoser260]

Awesome video and love how you all made the check list did the same thing when I haul horses when I wanted go trail riding for the day or when I want to travel and camp with my horses

[@Artsy.Journeys]

That's a LOT of work to break down for travel. I think if I did get to do this, I would do a composting toilet. That way I wouldn't have to fuss with a black tank. It would still have to be emptied, but the resulting compost would be good for flower beds....or so I've heard. That said I always kinda wondered what it might be like or what it might take to do stuff like this. I wasn't too far off, surprisingly, but there was still more than I expected. Good to watch stuff like this.

[@davidschonhardt4958]

That was fantastic!! Thank You for the added comments, and reminding us not to interrupt our list.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks for the kind words David.

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

Great job, it’s amazing how many people come to visit during set up and tear down and sometimes things can get missed while you are trying not to be rude so very good to have a list. We have been RVing most of our lives and now are documenting our Full Time Prep.

[@thegrumpyolgringo]

Very good, smart, and important pre trip ritual, yes it's follow each and every time, the same way. Nicely Done. Thanks for sharing. 😎.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thank you for the kind words. We really appreciate comments and feedback. Look forward to hearing more of your feedback 😎😉

[@driftersden4439]

Love those jack pads have a few sets.

[@DoMoreHappy]

Déjà vu... I feel like I saw this video earlier this week 🤣. In all seriousness it is a great video that we will be watching again and again when we go full time. Checklists, checklists, checklists! We will definitely make sure we have a checklist that we follow every time we set up and breakdown. Thanks so much for the shoutout! Have a safe and awesome weekend! Michael & Tiffany

[@SuiteTravels]

Ha ha ha..funny how that happens!! You are so welcome for the shoutout, you two deserve it, we love you guys and your videos! Thanks again for watching and being so supportive of our channel, we so apprecate you!!

[@birdman7941]

Great video I currently have a camper van but I’m thinking about upgrading to a fifth wheel I love your channel 👍🏻

[@SuiteTravels]

Thank you for the kind words Birdman, we love our fifth wheel but camper vans are pretty cool too! Thank you for being a part of our community and have a great week!

[@TomDealy1]

Hey, great process for breaking down for move day. Cheers!

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks Tom, miss you guys!!

[@TomDealy1]

Suite Travels it’s a two way Miss!! ❤️

[@over50nomads70]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@SuiteTravels]

You're welcome and thank you so much for watching! Have a great week!!😀

[@markleon8149]

Hi you two I saw you traveling west bond on HWY 10 on 1-30 -22 about 4pm I was going east bond in Arizona

[@SuiteTravels]

Hi Mark! Thanks for the shout!

[@QuadeQuick]

Great job on the video. For those of us who are currently RVing vicariously through you, your insight is much appreciated. Now I'm off to virtually drool over some pre-owned HDTs! :-)

[@SuiteTravels]

Ahhh that's too funny Quade! We really appreciate you coming along. Thanks for the kind words....have a blessed day!

[@chrischocolaad9319]

I like the check lists!

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks Chris, it really does help us have peace of mind! Thank you for watching!! 😊

[@allanrgruendle1963]

I think I missed this video I'm slowly catching up but as usual it's a great video folks

[@Gearjammer741]

This video reminded me of the old timer that showed me the ropes in trucking 35 yrs ago. He said, "Youngster plan your work then work your plan." And that I did and it translated into just shy of 4 million accident free miles. That equipment is so expensive and has the potential to do so much damage to property, and heaven forbid people, I just love your methodical check list approach. I hope you both have a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Years.

[@SuiteTravels]

Sounds like a very smart man....and some really good advice. You were fortunate to attain his knowledge - and congratulations on a wonderful career and awesome safety record 👍. As I'm sure you know the folks on the road have no idea just how heavy we are and how long it takes to stop, so we have to be defensive at all times. Completing a checklist enables us to concentrate on our driving skills rather than worry about the little things that should have been taken care of prior to departure. Thanks for being part of our community and have a Merry Christmas.

[@MountainBeaches]

It's always nice to see how others do their breakdown because I learn something new every time. I like that checklist! Thanks for sharing. Safe travels. Norm & Kim

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks....we feel the same way. It seems there's always something that can be added!

[@r.d.r7658]

hes not a trucker hes a rver nothing wrong witha checklist

[@aprilreed684]

You should also always do a check pool make sure your last 10

[@treeclimber1971able]

Just wondering if you all do a tug test after you lock your fifth wheel just to verify that it is closed and locked before you pull up your front jacks if not I suggest you add that to your list... PS awesome rig!!!

[@jlgrizzly7972]

I was wondering the same thing, it only takes once of the jaws not locking to have a tragic mistake that could cost thousands to repair. Like Jeff & Laurie said add it to the check list and I also love your rig and thanks for the video I learned some thing I need to do.

[@PapaDrewsRV]

great video. I loved how you brake down the brake down. No I have not been drinking yet lol. We do much of the same expect we have a pocket hose and a sprayer stick to clean the black tank. I don't have a auto dishwasher. I wish my Dishwashers talk back and some times are defective that is when I unplug them and rest them "The Kids" you all thought I was talking about my wife LOL... No I want to live.... Great Video very good info and what a nice rig you all have.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks Drew. The black and gray flushes are nice and convenient. And no....our dishwasher doesn't talk back 😂

[@justinvegan]

When I was a young boy I always wanted to be a truck driver (early 90's). Told mom, she said no, truck drivers are slobs. People like you all prove her wrong everyday :)

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Its all in how the driver wants to present themselves. When out on the road. Some shower daily, others every other day. Some do not shower and you can smell them a mile away. Im personally the every other day unless i have been sweating. Truck is always clean. Trash always removed and kept a small trash can. Even as far as moping, or vacuuming the floor. Funny part. Im not even a trucker but grew up in one. Though i was with "company drivers" that were family, truck was always the cleanest in the yard. Weekly baths done by our own 2 hands on reset days.

[@darisanshanger1616]

It’s awesome seeing the routine of a travel day! We did a bit of binge watching.. the Louisiana trip looked like so much fun!! I could tell you really liked the driver of the swamp boat. He was a perfect swamp captain!! What a Stinkin treat!!

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks Darisan....welcome!

[@jblackops99]

Don't forget tug test's on fifth wheels

[@Batesphotos]

Another great video! I too have an aviation background (40 years) and use checklists for setting up and breaking down. What did you do? I’m a retired A&P

[@SuiteTravels]

Hey thanks for watching! Jim was in air traffic. Thanks for the nice words.

[@crossroads427]

❤I always give mine a few jerks as well. Lol😂

[@6582rg]

My favorite RV towing setup. Were you a truck driver in your working life? Secondly, what license endorsement did you have to get in your home state to drive your truck? Thanks for the great content.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks DJ. No, wasn't a truck driver in a previous life! We're residents in South Dakota and they don't require any special endorsements for air brakes or weight class. We appreciate you coming along....glad you enjoy the content!

[@MsEnzoh]

Question : Why not incorporate your check of the slides when you do your lights check ?

[@marshaadams5501]

Have you seen the Snap Pads? I think it would be easier than your manual pads.

[@SuiteTravels]

Hi Marsha, we really haven't thought about using them since our system we use now works fine for us! But who knows, maybe in the future? Thanks for watching and have a great week!

[@tharatachtantachayanun1795]

Fc.​ From​ Thailand.

[@_GlockComa]

I really love your lifestyle. Such a lucky couple. We hope to do this someday. Question: why do you mount the car facing that direction, & not the other direction so you dont block your driver side entry/exit? There must be a reason. Thanks!

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks....we love it too! That's the way we loaded it the first time and haven't changed since. If we ever get a storage box on the truck we'll probably change the direction.

[@TipsyMarlinTravels]

👍T.M.T.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thanks guys.

[@fuzzywigglebutt]

Hmmm...2 issues/questions. Do you really pull the tire chocks before hooking up? Do you not do a tug test? Like the video though.

[@SuiteTravels]

Thank you. The tug test has been mentioned many times and we regret not showing it. No, we don't pull the chocks before hooking up

[@mikesowell7969]

Y’all rich!

[@erichakanson9514]

I see you are in the camp that leaves the propane on when travelling. Would you care to share further thoughts about this?

[@showcasecharlie11]

So the fridge will stay cool.

[@waynebiroth5275]

Why don't you close the jaws on hitch before backing into them so they lock automatically

[@SuiteTravels]

Actually they do....

[@iggykonrad8368]

Tire pressures?

[@kevinwilson33513]

Where did you get the bed for your truck made at

[@SuiteTravels]

Hi Kevin. The truck was set up as you see it from the previous owner. He removed the commercial plate and had the bed made in Texas. There are a few fabricators throughout the country that deal in this type of build. Thanks for watching!

[@johnjackson9564]

It looked like you pulled your chocks before you hooked your truck up. No mention of what order that was done.

[@SuiteTravels]

Hmmm....thanks John. I'll have to look at that for the next time we shoot something like that.

[@johnjackson9564]

I didn’t want people to get into a bad habit. I have forgotten to take them out before I try to leave, which is embarrassing, but bending landing gear or having your trailer roll away is more than embarrassment. I am use to maxi brakes now but when I started, trailers had just service brakes and they never held air long enough to be set when you went to hook them up.

[@robm1503]

Is this minimalist camping?

[@brianmoser260]

We brought our 5 th wheel at camping world use we will never do that again we are in the process of getting our roof seal and getting our a/c working right and getting our entry door working were it is not sticking and getting our bath vent fan working and getting a new kitchen faucet install and a few other things that need to be fix camping world is the worse place to buy RV new and used they do not take the time to show you anything and takes forever to get any thing fix for 6 months we had it over at camping world and the only they did is put slide out toppers on three of our slide outs and need fix the roof leak over the bed or work on our a/c units and never once did they address any of the issues so do not buy from camping unless you are rich and have a credit score 800 or better they will not do business with you and they will not show you anything but use trailers that have problems and will not address them to you

[@MrOlddave]

Do you need a CDL to drive that rig or are you allowed to drive with an operator's license since it is an RV?

[@SuiteTravels]

We're not commercial so a driver's license that is required from your home state to drive a Class A motorhome.

[@MrOlddave]

@@SuiteTravels One more question....Do you have to hit the weigh stations? Thanks. Been considering buying something similar.

[@SuiteTravels]

@@MrOlddave We only have to stop at weigh stations that require a certain weight or number of axles....again - not commercial so not required for DOT purposes. You might get more info from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5bVm6OaeMeId9U

[@PeeWeeHenson]

QUESTION; YOU DON'T DO A TEST TUG ON THE PIN AND HITCH AFTER PUTTING THE TRUCK UNDER THE TRAILER, HOW COME??????

[@SuiteTravels]

You're right....we didn't in the video 😣 and we should have. We do it on the walk around. I check out the light connections and then give the handle a good tug. Thanks for pointing it out to us....we won't forget next time 😂. Thanks for watching and welcome to our community!

[@PeeWeeHenson]

@@SuiteTravels LET ME CLARIFY THE "TEST TUG". BACK THE TRUCK TO THE TRAILER, DRIVE THE FIFTH WHEEL PLATE TO THE PIN UNTIL YOU HEAR THE JAWS OF THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK AROUND THE PIN. PUT THE TRUCK IN DRIVE AND PULL FORWARD EVER SO SLIGHTLY TO TEST THE LOCKS TO BE SURE THEY'RE LOCKED ON TO THE PIN. THAT'S HOW WE DID IT BEFORE I RETIRED

[@deandremorrison429]

IOGNEWS

[@SuiteTravels]

.

[@madein_america]

Seem like you skinny blonde blue eyes guy