7 RV Mistakes That Shout You're an RV NEWBIE!

[@Augiebracerofam]

If we are arriving after dark, we treat it like “Walmart Camping”. Just take our spot and worry about hookups in the morning. Or maybe just check and connect the shore power. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

[@todayissomeday]

Great tip!

[@mtnpeek6748]

I do the same.

[@1957ShutterBug]

GVWR is the total max your vehicle can weigh. The curb weight is what it weighs before loading it with people liquids and gear. You described the curb weight.

[@ToddM452]

Yep I think she should edit that with a text across the bottom

[@RVersLife]

Wow, what a great video. I've full-time RVed for 10 years and I learned things!! Thank you. We never, never, NEVER have arrived at a campground after dark.

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Papa4them]

Watching your video I love everything that you guys show. I do have a comment to make when you got to your batteries that surprised that most people don’t use terminal covers, for a living I work on boat and RVs and do electrical and electronics work and one thing that is mandatory when making connections on a battery is that you need to put a cover over the terminals so that nothing can in advertently hit that terminal and I know that when you’re closing your door where your batteries are located, you have that chain that holds the door and that could come loose and hit that positive terminal, which most likely would be a ground and short out the batteries causing an issue just something that you and all of the viewers need to be aware of so that you don’t leave these terminals exposed to have a wire or anything in advertently hit them thank you happy camping or and Stacy‘s world glamping

[@readysetretirego]

Being a newbie is cool....and we are all newbies at one piont..... Newbies always get great help from the community...no matter what community your involved in... Your helping

[@kathyfrederking2298]

Today is “Someday” for my husband. He is officially retiring today after over 47 years. I bought him one of your “Today is Someday” T-shirts and he has had it in his office over the last few weeks, looking forward to living the “Someday” for real. Today he is wearing the shirt and it is officially “Someday”. He has worked so hard and deserves a wonderful retirement. Thank you for all you do on your channel and sometimes you do not even know the effect you have on others. The “Today is Someday” has been a motivating factor to us and your channel has given us ideas for our future travels now that we will have the time. Bless you both!

[@todayissomeday]

Congrats!!! What a great feeling to know you can now go and do whatever you want!!! Please share a pic ([e-mail]) with us with him in his shirt.

[@livelongandwander]

Our first, and big 4.5 mo. 8400 mi trip with our 33AA, we left behind a WP regulator and a small metal rod pulling out wood blocks. AND, yes.... we had a bit too much stuff :-) Minor surgery has delayed this years trips. That was too much in the time allotted, knew that going in but route was built on people visits first. We double check each other and ABSOLUTELY do a walk around. Your content was a huge help as we prepared and got started, thanks!

[@TrimansWife]

Last year while camping in the florida panhandle, a couple in a “very expensive” camper pulled in beside us @ 9:30 at night and proceeded to put up at least 4 HUGE lights, and set up their campsite like it was 1 pm. Their bright lights and yelling at each other kept us awake until nearly midnight. The next morning, after quiet time was up, when they were still sleeping, we sat outside and let us dogs play and made sure we had some “loud” discussions. . . Everyone around us did the same thing. Rude rich people are a PITA.

[@HeidiLamb-i1m]

Sometimes you can't help it due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic, accidents, detours, etc. You can plan all you want but no plan is perfect when facing "the enemy" of time.

[@brucealexander9024]

Oops, one correction/clarification...the GVWR is not what the vehicle weighs before you start adding things, it is the MAX the vehicle can weigh, WITH all of the stuff you put in. The UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is what the RV weighs without anything except a full tank of gas/diesel + engine oil + coolant. Your CCC or Cargo Carrying Capacity is your GVWR minus UWR, a full tank of fresh water , a full tank of propane (if applicable), 154 lbs times the number of people it accommodates. Another great video from TiS!

[@airstreamer]

Short travel days are a must for us. We use digital checklists. One thing we kept forgetting was closing the rear hatch on the Airstream. We now have “CLOSE THE REAR HATCH” on our checklist FOUR times! 🤣🤣

[@bbazinet11]

What do you use for digital checklist? (App or what?)

[@TDub_ADV]

@@bbazinet11 We do the same. We use an app called anylist and share the lists so both of us know what the other is doing asnd what has been done when we cross it off the list.

[@joewhite4038]

Thanks for this information. I have used all these tips and only had one newbie mistake. Check lists & walk arounds are so important. Arriving after dark is a newbie’s worst nightmare. Planning is a must to arrive and set up safely and calmly. Can save a marriage or prevent a argument that can spoil an adventure.

[@mikebrant192]

Thank you for these reminders. We have long had a checklist, but it was the SAME checklist, and stuff has changed. As for arriving after dark, stuff happens. We had several instances when we got incredibly and unavoidably delayed, and arrived late. (Lost reservations, construction, weather, flooding, illness - sometimes all at once!) and here's what you do. You grab every light source you have, and do your best. Leave the levelling off and stabilizers up for that night. Don't hook up to utilities for that night - do that in the morning. Just go to bed early.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Well Stacy, you've been beat up enough on the GVWR error so I won't do that. I can however highly recommend the Smart Weigh program by Escapees. I just got mine weighed at their Sumpter Oaks Campground in Florida and Mike was great. I also found out that although I'm within my GVWR I'm heavy on the right (passenger) side by 300 lbs. in the front and 900 lbs. in the rear. Mike also told me my rig is 12' 8" tall which I didn't know. Since I knew I didn't know my height I'd always assumed I was 13' 6' which is the legal maximum. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@lshawndavis]

We use Microsoft To Do for our checklist. We both have the shared list on our phones, and can check off items as we get set up and broken down :-) It’s a great digital tool and allows us to check off items when one of us is outside and the other is inside the trailer. As for after dark, we usually stick to no more than 400 miles and getting in before dark, but we’ve definitely had a few unavoidable delays that have left us driving later and longer than our initial plan. It’s very rare and so if it’s after dark, we don’t disconnect that night, and then do our full disconnect the next morning to avoid mistakes.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

We worked at Mackinaw Mill Creek last year. Wonderful campground. Right across from the island. Beautiful.

[@scottfirman]

Great campground, gets pretty crowded in the peak season. The pool is over crowded most of the time.

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

@@scottfirman it's a pool to cool off. It's not a lap pool. The campground is designed so well. The beauty along the waterfront is amazing. And the view of the island and the Grand Hotel is wonderful.

[@scottfirman]

@PittsWithAPurpose God made the lap pool out front. As far as design, it is not set up well for those without a bathroom setup. We had a popup camper and you had to walk through the woods and down the road a good ways before getting to a bathroom. This was not an option. That woods was covered in toilet paper ,telling me other campers without facilities were using the woods, not walking to the restrooms. We have since gone to a hardside camper with a bathroom. I would NOT recommend that campground for tent or Popup camping. It is more of a glamper camper setup. Especially on the East end. I am referring to the south West side, behind the fancy RV sites, before you get to the camping cabins. There are no restrooms close by.

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

@@scottfirman there are multiple bathrooms. Next time that you book, just be sure that you book near one of them if you are in something without a potty room. They have no control over what you have to camp in, however, you do have control over which site you choose.

[@scottfirman]

@PittsWithAPurpose In peak season? A choice in sites? Not really. As I stated, we are now in a hard side with a bathroom. There were other popup campers and tent campers in that area that agreed, that particular spot needs a restroom, preferably in the wooded area.

[@coachsean9982]

We always plan short travel days. We never want to arrive in the dark. We have been full time for 8 months and it has worked so far.

[@walterrafolski5662]

Great job Stacy, missed seeing Phil. The battery thing is unbelievable although I once tried to drive my class A with the jacks down, buzzer went off and the jacks came up by themselves. That was a lesson I will never forget!

[@todayissomeday]

I had a bit of a back issue, so I had t sit on the bench for most of this one. The back is fine now though.

[@walterrafolski5662]

@@todayissomeday so glad it’s better! Safe travels.

[@ejs6010]

I love Stacy's ring at 1:25. Very beautiful! A check list is crucial, and use it every time. Arriving before dark is a prime concern too. Do a walk around at every stop and put hands on doors, bend down and touch the tires, look at the suspension - professional CDL drivers do this (by law) - RVers should too. We also try to consider dual purpose for items (when possible) to help reduce weight, clutter. etc. Great tips!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@christinacantu8390]

We are not an RV newbie, but we did arrive late to our campsite, (but not before letting them know we were going to be late) back to why we were late, WE had a BLOWOUT tire 😮 and couldn’t get our roadside assistance to come out and fix it. Took them 6 hours before they finally sent someone out. Thankfully we gave ourselves plenty of time to get to our destination that we made it before dark. We’ve done that before and will never do it again. So always remember things can happen, so make plans and think ahead. Thank you for giving us this important information.😊

[@LetsTurnItUpWorld]

All about that checklist life. Great job Stacy. If you're stuffing those closets in that mansion on wheels, just imagine us in a much smaller RV. 😂 Miss y'all! Keep up the great work! hugs to both you and Phil. ❤

[@todayissomeday]

LOL! Mansion!! Not at all! Just a big ol box to carry all of Stacy's stuff! Miss you guys as well!! Will you be at the Rally???? Say YES!

[@mrzif0013]

Love the channel. Good information but Full-Timers do some screaming also not just newbie's. Many full-timers doing newbie stuff, too. I do not park on grass sites in spring and fall.

[@scottfirman]

I love sitting out in my lot and watching the Noob or weekend warrior setting up camp. Yelling and fumbling around, getting the famous poop shower because they didn't hook up their sewer line properly. All great entertainment. To be fair, I was a noob myself at one time. Everyone learns, sometimes, the hard way.

[@pamelaklemp5615]

Wonderful knowledge packed video. Functional, practical experience and advice for any newbie. I saved this video to a Private (for me only) PLAYLIST to reference again and again. You both explain your topics very well, easy to understand. Thank you so much. Safe Travels to You and Yours always 🛣🚍💯👍❤

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jsherinjr]

Only thing worse than setting up in the dark is setting up when it’s pouring down rain. We always do our best to be at the campground before sun goes down.

[@desertdan100]

I disagree about arriving after dark as long as it isn't after 10 pm. In the years past, we have had things out of our control happen that detained us. We always plan on arriving with at least 2 hours of sunlight left. Sometimes, you have to push on to make up time for a reservation that changes or comes up open sooner. Sometimes, weather forces you to divert or change plans. We travel across the rockies a lot to see family.

[@Scott_KJ4ABQ]

I try not to arrive after dark, but sometimes it can't be helped. When this happens, I only do what is necessary i.e. level the trailer, electric and water, and take as much as need be, and be as quiet as possible. If it's raining so, be it. There are dry cloths inside when I finish. The key is taking your time and use a forehead flashlight.

[@brianlykins6663]

Great video, Stacy. I could not agree more about a checklist. After you've been traveling / camping a while, anyone can get a little lax and complacent, and bingo, that's when something will jump up and bite you in the seat of your pants. Having a checklist, using it, and double checking to make certain nothing was missed. Height and weight items were equally important. Having to back up a long distance when you find a short overpass would not be fun. I've always heard, if you want to know the best way of doing something, find the folks that have been doing something the longest time. Love ya'lls videos and sharing your information. It's easy to see why Phil keeps you around, smart and cute. I guess that shows how smart he is. Great team is the result. Keep up the great work. God bless ya'll and stay safe out there on your travels.

[@stevenslate2888]

Arriving before dark is best.

[@1024gerrydeb]

A check list is a must! We printed on on paper put in a clear (sleeve) plastic cover then use a dry erase marker. Arriving before dark is the best. We have watched others show after dark and it does scream newbie. I do feel sorry for them it always looks like a Circus show but not in a good way.

[@noohmz]

For height and weight info, should take a queue from aviation, where the aircraft tail number is typically engraved on a small plastic tag and adhered to the pilot dash. A plate with the height and weight could help; having the info right there.

[@shaeh7350]

Just found your channel, glad that I did. I really appreciate how clear and informative the information comes across. Thank you!

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnwinter9722]

All around great advice! After a pop up and three travel trailers over 28 years I am not a newbie, I suppose. However, I learn more all the time. One thing I now know is the height of my new Rockwood Mini-Lite. 10' 11". I learned it and retained it because I rented a storage garage (new RV, right?) for the winter that had a garage door opening of 12'. Tight, but made it. As a pilot, I am going to pull the checklists and use 'em. So easy to forget...

[@doughinkle2947]

I can agree with all of that. Although I did hit #7 on your list due to issues with my tow vehicle that got us to our destination well after dark.

[@mtnpeek6748]

I sometimes arrive after dark especially in the winter when the days are short. I have a motorhome and don’t tow a vehicle. I travel alone so moving days are long. I have to walk the dogs, feed the dogs, make coffee and breakfast for myself, do dishes, pack up inside and out, dump tanks, fill water, get groceries and run any other errands, navigate and do all the driving. Some of these things can sometimes be done the night before but lots can’t. Whew! It’s a long day.

[@todayissomeday]

That does sound like a long day. It can be hard, especially in winter when the days are shorter, to arrive before dark.

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Very well done!! I am not a fan of arriving after dark. It is unsafe, and disruptive to others, and just plain rude to the campground hosts/managers. If for some unforeseen reason that we will be arriving late…we spend boondock, wallydock, or casino dock so as not to be a nuisance to others. I am also not a fan of early departures for much the same reasons.

[@turnbullstravels735]

Can’t agree more about arriving with plenty of daylight. We always target an arrival time of 2 or 3 pm, giving us a cushion for traffic issues, a slow fill up, etc. As we start our 5th full time year, and adding in several part time years before that, we can recall arriving in the dark exactly 3 times. At least 2 of those are among our worst travel days ever.

[@rickrichardson5329]

Wonderful video and being repetitive on the todo list is helpful. I believe even with a listyou can get side tracked. Thanks for sharing

[@todayissomeday]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Graybeard1405]

Nice content, except the mentioned GVWR mixup with Curb weight. These items should not be limited to newbies, but categorized as ACI mistakes that we all suffer from occasionally.(anal cranial inversion). Thanks for highlighting the lack of knowledge that some folks have about their equipment. Be safe, stay healthy and have fun!

[@TravelingSag]

Thanks for sharing Stacy!

[@stevemcbride2685]

Good reminders even for us salty ones. We never never arrived after dark. Only drive 2-3 hours a day. It took us two days to go from. Vegas to Mesa. Usually leave at 11:00 and stop no later than 2:00

[@markmattson4752]

Hey Phil you better check that purge list to make sure your not on the list Lol 😂

[@todayissomeday]

She needs me to drive! I'm a keeper!!! LOL

[@markmattson4752]

Yeah I new that job security . You both can take a joke safe travels 👍

[@MakingMyAbodeOTR]

We accidentally arrived after dark once 😬 it kinda sucked...never again 😅

[@todayissomeday]

So did we when we were doing our shake down trips. That is when we discovered we would never do it again.

[@etrimbleable]

Just listening for new info.

[@loumadonna2262]

Thanks for the important reminders. Fyi, we were unsubscribed from you guys but back in. This is happening way too often with multiple sites. Hmmm

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

Alot of good information. It needs to be said. Good job.

[@todayissomeday]

Much appreciated

[@dandemitri1532]

There is no reason for driving in the dark as a norm, and for me now, never 😊, ya'll keep up the fun.

[@AKRichardM]

Newbie error. GVWR vs Curb weight! You mixed them up!

[@carychiasson9834]

Rain was pouring out comedy on stage. Everyone laughed since there wasn't any "dry" jokes.

[@richardlaborde6460]

Arriving to a campground at night is never optimal but we often arrive at night to a Cracker Barrel or other type boondocking spot. Nightfall adds to the unknowns and we always try to arrive before dark.

[@graciek.2403]

What if you are an RV newbie like me? Everyone was an RV newbie at some point. I do appreciate all the tips. Trust me, I’m doing everything I can to be prepared and safe and yes I’m happy to say I am an RV newbie!

[@63GBPackerfan]

On our virgin trip, we extended our jacks to where the “excessive slope” light lit up. I didn’t think twice about it and left it for two days, only to bend one of the jacks. The other thing was we left our door awning extended as we were leaving, but caught it before it got damaged. We’ve only arrived after dark once, when we were going to boondock at a rest stop, but it was closed. We found a nearby RV park that had a spot, but it was dark and I really didn’t like doing that.

[@bruceschafer7142]

We are workampers. Many parks will not allow you to park when it's dark.

[@deborahgarrison4349]

Purge good tip for sticks and bricks, and for those packing for vacation. Have learned the less I have the more I enjoy.

[@todayissomeday]

Right on

[@celticrocker03]

Thank you for all the info! BTW I'm a newbie..........

[@todayissomeday]

You are so welcome!

[@HMccafferty-tg7es]

An arrival time has many variables and yeah sometimes it might be dark when you get in. Darkness also will vary by time of year. Life happens so no judgement unless it is super late.

[@radstayathomedad9178]

Nope I setup mostly after dark because when I’m traveling somewhere it’s usually an all day trip and having 2 small children that constantly need food and bathroom breaks it just seems to work out that way. Would I like to make it before dark? Yes but it doesn’t pose a problem. I unwind my water hose and hook it up and use my surge protector to check to make sure there are no issues with the pedestal just like I normally would, I Aleta have a flashlight handy and my Rv came with lights inside all the compartments so.. I just do the minimum, hook up the water hose and the electrical and I leave the stinky slinky for the next day since I usually travel on empty tanks. I also don’t setup chairs or anything else that night, just back in and dinner then bed. My Rv isn’t really tall, only a bit over 8 foot and it’s only 21 feet long, a class b. It’s easy to park and I can get away with what I do after dark. Maybe if you’re in a class a towing a trailer you’d need to not be doing that at night trying to find your spot and get in it but my little class b and the little bit of setup I do on arrival doesn’t require much effort nor is it dangerous at night.

[@Shopsktkolsc]

Interesting video. Thank you

[@karylstephenson2653]

Very good video! Great information!!!

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephsandall1789]

I schedule a 250 -300 mile day. Leave around 8:30-9:00 arrivXZe around 3:00-3:30

[@oldguy1030]

Technically, I'm not a newbie but I generally feel like one. #7 I do not consider to be a newbie mistake. It is, however, unfortunate. Sometimes due to mishaps and scheduling late arrivals are unavoidable. Avoid if possible as possible as there are a potential pitfalls - and sometimes safety issues.

[@AllenCunningham-ih7fm]

When we were just up the street from Disney Land in Anaheim, Ca., i saw a guy take off with his awning out , and took out the stop sign at the exit , i tried to get his attention , but he ignored me and was in a rush , poor guy

[@TDub_ADV]

We strongly prefer to arrive at any campground well before dark, really we try tyo get there right at check-in time if we can for a more relaxed setup at the end of a drive. We have a 46' toyhauler and backing it up in the dark is not exactly ideal..... Doable? yes. Ideal? no. There are always exceptions but we like to go no more than 300 miles in a day and try to keep it under 250 to keep the travel day short and to make sure we arrive in the early afternoon. If we do arrive late ill only hook up power if its hot and i need the AC's otherwise it can wait until morning.

[@karenelder7444]

Another good video. Thanks. 👍

[@debrawalters3897]

Great info & tips

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melanierhine593]

On our very first trip we arrived after dark. It was terrible! Never again!

[@cindyjohnston3134]

I cannot drive at night so arriving anywhere near or after dark is a no go.

[@aswinos6077]

Cute skit with Phil! 😂

[@todayissomeday]

Aw shucks! LOL

[@jeffsteele1295]

Great information thanks so much.

[@todayissomeday]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danfergus8602]

You sort of missed one. The campsite I'm at now, the PVC collars that the sewer lines are connected are not glued to the pipe in the ground. I pointed that out to the staff and they said they did it on purpose. Too many people have tried to leave without disconnecting sewer lines and tore the pipes out of the ground. Now all that happens is the connector comes lose and goes down the road with the RV.

[@scottfirman]

I fail to see how that is even possible. I suppose they also rip the water line out as well? Where does this make ANY sense?

[@johnpak5938]

Hi. I've been your subscriber for sometime. But, I'm not newbie. I don't even have my own vehicle. I went through unfortunate stroke happening the year that pandemic happened. And when I got released from hospital, hospital filled out online application for SSDI, and until I got approved for it, I didn't have any income. So I couldn't pay my car payment, and lost my car. Anyway, I like your videos. So, I'm asking if you would react to the video, star spangle banner as you never heard it.?

[@livelongandwander]

She checks me on the outside and I check her on the inside, noting like a second set of eyes to catch stuff

[@meridethhendry5733]

Great reminders!

[@richardwarren7492]

Something happened, arrived late? Parking lights only and don't hook up, wait until the AM. As to batteries while managing and being a host at a county park, some folks were having an issue with lights, I asked if the batteries were good or had been checked - - Their answer? We have batteries? I kid you not. A biggie? Learn how your waste dump works without making a mess!!!

[@TomSpurlock]

You described CURB WEIGHT, not GVWR. Total weight with all your stuff loaded is GVWR, including food, clothes, BBQ, lawn chairs, full tanks of water and fuel, EVERYTHING. And you're not a newbie!

[@jimspohn3888]

very Good

[@todayissomeday]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@missouritravelers]

You should have told my wife 😊

[@carychiasson9834]

801 Days NO coffee or caffeine

[@ZenHulk]

First if someone is labeling you a newbie, that's not full timing. My family did it for decades and we stopped when it went from a couple thousand to a couple hundred thousand. When we did it up until 2010 it was a fun community, now its millennials thinking its ok to tear up the US.. As for GVWR its a joke made up for the Dept of Transportation, i worked at Dorf for 34 yrs as an engineer, and that number is so fluid its crazy, the same F350 body rv or truck can be the same and different as they roll off. If you base you're towing off these numbers you're county down for a frame disaster, or accident. Plus if you're planning you're trip out of an rv magazine you will be 120th in line for reservations, because the one thing Americans are is lazy, look at a picture in a magazine and article written by some guy in his rv and submitted to the magazine and go there that is not full timing. Ive watched a couple of your videos, i thought the ninja grill one was good, but i think making money or just making videos will cause the rv industry to fail just like the movie industry, sooner or later millennials will say i don't want to buy a bluray how about a someone invent netflix, which is dying, same as rvs the real rvers buy nice rigs the millennials vans and they just go where they want and destroy everything, i live in Utah and know this, seen this, they ruined parking lots, national parks, rv parks new 10 year ule, its going away in a decade, when a rv park has to charge 400 a night due to property taxes and to keep millennials out. Edited that's it on lithium batteries, how about they will explode ask any engineer or any burned out rv on the freeway, Layton UTAH 4/2024, and most firefighters will toast marshmallows they can't put them out.

[@SeanBaxley-wm7lc]

Everyone has to start somewhere. No shame on being new to rv life. It’s not rocket science. I personally could care less what everyone else things

[@brucefranklin6765]

How do you do a 4 corner weigh with 5th wheel?

[@skyler_wa]

They put separate scales under each tire as shown at 4:13 in the video. Also, truck gets weighed with and without trailer attached so pin weight can be determined.

[@brucefranklin6765]

@@skyler_wa so how many scales are needed for a triple axle 5th wheel if your weighing the 5th wheel separately?

[@skyler_wa]

@@brucefranklin6765 When they did mine, they had four scales, so they can do four tires at a time, and then move the scales to four other tires and weigh them, and keep repeating, until they get all the tires done.

[@Jack-b3z2m]

NEVER EVER ARRIVE AFTER DARK.

[@pathillin2210]

That RV should be much lighter since Stacy was throwing out Phil’s clothes.

[@todayissomeday]

Too funny!

[@JamesShepherd-xm7mi]

rriiy