UNPOPULAR OPINIONS - RV Setup Mistakes You Make, But Shouldn't

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  • čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
  • These are the common mistakes that every RV owner must avoid. Just like an airplane during take off, the setup of an RV is where most mistakes will happen. This video will prepare you in the best way possible for limiting these stressful moments.
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Komentáře • 476

  • @bobkatc9368
    @bobkatc9368 Před 6 dny +17

    I would not leave the gray tank open for three reasons: 1. You may get sewer gas coming into your trailer, 2. You will want to use a full grey tank to rinse your black hose out. 3. Food may get lodged in your gray tank, it needs additives to break down the food.

    • @bmills9821
      @bmills9821 Před dnem

      we were at a permanent camp site and we left the grey and black tanks open all the time and that was for 10 years. Never any Oder or back ups. But you are correct if your move from site to site the grey tank should always be emptied last as it will back flow into the black and help wash it out.

  • @ShawnPatterson402
    @ShawnPatterson402 Před 3 dny +7

    some great tips in this video. Two things I(we) do before backing in.....first I (as the driver) always get out and do a site check. Look up for overhead obstacles like wires or branches, and look around for low obstacles like water or electric poles, sewer caps, camp site number poles etc. I really want to have a good visual of where I am going. Second I place two small orange cones about 10 feet apart where I want the back of my trailer to end up. This works as a target in my mirrors and as long as I can see the left one along the left side or right one along the right side, then I know I am on target. I just keep them under the rear seat of the tow vehicle, so when I get out and do my check I grab them and once I am satisfied with the route in, then I place my cones and have my target to shoot for. Works for us anyway, although we also use walkie talkies in case I mess up. Continued safe travels....

  • @ATLJonathanH
    @ATLJonathanH Před 8 dny +72

    Early in the process, you should hook up your surge protector and have it run through diagnostics on the power pedestal to make sure that it’s clean. Also turn on the water to make sure it’s coming out. If you wait until you’re disconnected to check both of those items, you will have to break down and hook up again to go to a different spots if those things don’t work.

    • @ladikmk
      @ladikmk Před 8 dny +3

      Great advice! Thanks!

    • @werrog
      @werrog Před 7 dny +2

      Newbie here! If you have an in-line surge protector, as they do, how to you run it through diagnostics on the power supply? Thanks in advance!

    • @stevenjefferys10
      @stevenjefferys10 Před 7 dny +5

      You beat me to it. I was about to say the same thing. I can't count the number of times that we've pulled into a site and the electrical has a problem. I've even rewired some of the connections. It's the very first thing I do when we pull into a site. Like you, I also turn the water on prior to disconnecting and let it run for 30 seconds to make sure that it turns clear and doesn't smell.

    • @deanhopkins4117
      @deanhopkins4117 Před 7 dny +5

      Yes! This is the first thing I do. Also check the sewer. Make sure the cap comes off and the hole isn’t flooded. I’ve seen sewers backed up even for individual sites.

    • @patpowles2129
      @patpowles2129 Před 7 dny +1

      Good advice but what do you do if the pedestal is bad but the campground is 100% full?

  • @4LowRocks
    @4LowRocks Před 7 dny +11

    Have to disagree on leaving the grey tank valve open. First time you get sewer flies in there, you'll regret it - those critters can be difficult to get rid of. Any solids or fats that go down the drain (washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc.) will tend to harden on the bottom of your gray tank (watch a professional tank cleaning service do their work). Lastly, use the stored gray water to flush out the stinky slinky after you've dumped the black tank. I also strongly recommend a circuit checker to test the power at the pedestal before plugging in the surge protector or direct electrical line - doing so will tell you that you have a problem before it could damage your rig or protector. But, we all have our way. Thanks for sharing yours!

  • @StuPedasso
    @StuPedasso Před 7 dny +8

    No explanation for the roses.....? 🌹 Random tiara next week? 👑😆 Excellent video - #ThanksHanks

  • @LPVPisFr33
    @LPVPisFr33 Před 8 dny +37

    Around the 5:00, if you're traveling alone like myself, align the rigg then go out and have look at the spot, ground and air. If you have a couple of small cones put them to create an alley so that way going back in your rigg you'll see them in your mirrors and you'll know your positioning.

    • @earthstar2493
      @earthstar2493 Před 8 dny +2

      THANK YOU!!

    • @krispy1k
      @krispy1k Před 8 dny +6

      Often times I will place something right where I want the drivers side back corner of the camper and will back it in right to that object. Works great.

    • @jackg7225
      @jackg7225 Před 7 dny +7

      Nice tip, thanks. I have a new trailer and have been camping a lot over the last two weeks and moved my tt 3 times. Adding cones to the list of stuff I need.

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 7 dny +4

      Great tip!

    • @46fd04
      @46fd04 Před 7 dny +5

      If I'm alone backing into a curved site with trees, I use 2 orange pylons to mark the trees I don't wanna hit

  • @amyzellmerWanderlust
    @amyzellmerWanderlust Před 8 dny +24

    I've never seen anyone talk about turning the power off before hooking up the power cord -- super smart!

    • @davidmccartney7577
      @davidmccartney7577 Před 8 dny +3

      Always

    • @43Waylon
      @43Waylon Před 7 dny +2

      If the breaker is on it will arc to your plug as you push it in and eventually wear out the end of your terminals.

  • @chrisy939
    @chrisy939 Před 3 dny +3

    Ummm are we going to talk about how JACKED Carl looks?!?? My man has some serious gains! Great job bro.

  • @assigrossman7487
    @assigrossman7487 Před 3 dny +2

    Another thing to remember when first arriving at the campground is filling up the fresh water tank if there’s no water hookup. We had an instance where we parked and leveled our RV only to realize that we have forgotten to fill up the fresh water tank.

  • @danmoore4795
    @danmoore4795 Před 7 dny +13

    Excellent video. Only thing we do different is spray the water connection down with a disinfectant bleach solution. 10%bleach/90% water in a spray bottle. Then flush after 30 seconds. You never know what the previous camper did such as rinse the stinky slinky directly at connection. Better to be safe then sorry.

  • @brettaustin8725
    @brettaustin8725 Před 8 dny +17

    Make sure you leave plenty of gray water in to flush out the hose after you release the black water. Some older campers do not have a black water washout hose.

    • @edgewood2441
      @edgewood2441 Před 7 dny

      You know at Hotels, you needn’t worry about shit hoses!!

  • @stuckinatlanta1
    @stuckinatlanta1 Před dnem +2

    This is gold! As newbies, it sure helps to see someone else walking through their process. Being methodical is where it’s at! Thanks for making this video.

  • @salliannebrown8129
    @salliannebrown8129 Před 8 dny +19

    Thanks Hanks! Your first tip of "full bellies; empty bladders" is the best advice! Over the last 38 years of RVing has proved this time and again. ❤

  • @user-qv8ut8fe9o
    @user-qv8ut8fe9o Před 6 dny +4

    Enjoyed the video - couple of comments - Add another 'S' to Class - Check for Satellite (Starlink or TV) Obstructions. I connect the electric BEFORE I do the leveling - that way I don't run into possible LOW battery voltage issues with the auto leveler. I also connect the RV end first and then plug into the pedestal. That way there is NO possibility of something being wrong and having a "live" cable laying on the ground that you grab. When hooking up the water - You had the pressure gauge - make sure you actually check the pressure. You had your gloves and sanitizer. You called out the sanitizer, but not the gloves. Those are a MUST also!!! Again - Good video and thanks for the reminders!!!!!

  • @philhoneycutt9153
    @philhoneycutt9153 Před 7 dny +8

    Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? You taught this old dog a lot of new tricks! Great video!

  • @timbloomer7645
    @timbloomer7645 Před 5 dny +3

    Hey Carl, I agree with you totally of turning off breakers before you hook up. But one thing I would like to suggest as a union electrician for 25+ years. please, when you turn that breaker on turn your face away from it, they can explode.

    • @MRDUILA
      @MRDUILA Před dnem +1

      And do it with one finger.

  • @elkmontb10
    @elkmontb10 Před 8 dny +16

    You checked to see if you were close enough to the hookups, but you never checked to see if the water worked (not enough pressure, etc) or if the electric worked properly. If there was a problem with either or all, you would have to rehook after you leveled, etc and move to another site. First thing I do after backing in is check these even before I check for slide clearance.

    • @diann546
      @diann546 Před 8 dny +1

      Also ck for any charred outlets.

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 7 dny

      That's a good one that we thought about but since RVing for 7 years, have only seen that once. And we still stayed in the site as a ranger came over to fix the electric.

    • @Placek774
      @Placek774 Před 7 dny

      ​@@HappilyEverHanks
      You really should fix that wheel fender. That exposed metal skirting is very sharp. Its only a matter of time before someone cuts themselves.

  • @johnspencer6280
    @johnspencer6280 Před dnem +1

    Great ideas y'all! One thing I would add (for those that don't use an in-line surge protector) is to check the power pedestal BEFORE you begin checking anything else. You don't want to get everything else set up and then discover that your power pedestal is bad, and you are going to have to move sites anyway. I keep my Watchdog in the bed of the truck so I can quickly check that the power situation is good.

  • @UTBanjo
    @UTBanjo Před 7 dny +2

    Scrape your dishes well to keep food out of your gray. Also, close your gray valve before showers the night before you leave. That soapy water from the gray will help clean/flush your sewer hose after you dump the black.

  • @darwinmyers769
    @darwinmyers769 Před 7 dny +6

    I enjoyed your video including your new class acronym. But I do have to say wrong wrong wrong on walking behind while backing. Never walk behind always to the rear and on the side. If you trip and fall and bump your head and driver doesn’t see you. You could become a people pancake. I learned about your measuring stick from you 3 years ago and it is wonderful. Thanks Hanks

    • @Elizabeth-rq1vi
      @Elizabeth-rq1vi Před 7 dny +1

      I agree! My father drilled it into all of us to NEVER stand behind anything backing up. If the driver can’t see you, you are in a danger zone. They can run over you.

  • @harryduncan6699
    @harryduncan6699 Před 7 dny +3

    Suggestion: I keep a spray bottle of Alcohol with the hoses. So I can sanitize connections, hands and rubber gloves before putting them away. I never store sewer with Water hoses or attachments. You can also spray the water supply faucet, just in case the last camper had sewer hands and undid his hoses.

  • @kylemcfarlane107
    @kylemcfarlane107 Před 7 dny +2

    Something else that we learned is before we get too settled, we use surge protector to make sure that power pedestal is functioning properly.

  • @johnlynch5221
    @johnlynch5221 Před dnem +1

    It's a good start up vid for newer RVers and reinforcement for some of us that been around.
    Safety Chanes on travel trailers. I keep them on until I after I separate from the hitch ball. You never know if it decides to jump the chocks, or you forgot them.
    MY 1' spirit level is the best tool on the rig.

  • @joeblow123
    @joeblow123 Před 8 dny +7

    good idea to flush the faucet before hooking the pressure regulator up to clear any debris or critters that took up residence before you got there.

  • @JEEPIMPACT
    @JEEPIMPACT Před 8 dny +8

    Great video! It had never occurred to me to just lay the level on the outside of the RV. I can't believe I missed something so obvious for so long.

    • @jonedwards2107
      @jonedwards2107 Před dnem +1

      I have a bidirectional level permanently attached to one side of the trailer hitch. If the trailer is not level side to side, I slip the leveler behind or in front of the low-side tire, move onto it, slip the other part into place, then pop the hitch lock, raise it of the ball, then if I have to lower it (very unlikely as I have a flipped axle) then I disconnect, move the vehicle and lower it into place. At high altitudes, I leave the tow vehicle electric connected, as if we get cloudy weather and my solar fails after several days, I use the car power to recharge my batteries. My generator isn’t jetted for high altitude, and in Utah, camping above 7000 feet elevation is quite common.

  • @micheleulrich-hb2ok
    @micheleulrich-hb2ok Před 2 dny +1

    Love your tips! I would like to add one thing to your list. Make sure to sanitize the spigot before connecting your water. I have seen people push their sewer hose over the spigot to rinse it out!

  • @rscottcaldwell
    @rscottcaldwell Před 3 dny +1

    We have marked our level to test room for slide. Multi use tool versus carrying something extra. Also as weekend camper, we keep grey tanks closed so we get a good flush when we empty

  • @KoolJourney
    @KoolJourney Před 6 dny +3

    This was an amazing video, jam-packed with great info. We fulltimed for 10 years and EVERYTHING you shared is spot on. Instead of learning these through the school of "hard knocks", I wish we had this when we started full timing. Literally, we tried to drive off with the electrical cord connected once and another time with the satellite TV dish still up on top of the RV (Yikes!). We were lucky to not have any major mishaps. We are huge fans of checklists and we never check something off until one of us had "eyes on" and saw it happen. It is too easy to just scan the list and say it is all done, but trust us (and you), something will go wrong eventually. Thank you for this great video, it should be required watching for all new RVers (and maybe some veterans too!).

  • @shawnwade302
    @shawnwade302 Před 6 dny +2

    As a professional truck driver many times I will back into a place without a father or getting out to look because I backed trailers numerous times a day. In some instances if there's another truck driver available I will use them as a spotter but in really tight backing spots even with a spotter I will get out walk to the back of the trailer and look at the situation over so I have a good picture in my mind of what's going on. When you do that sometimes your spotter might look at you funny thinking you don't trust them but that's simply not the case. People can tell you that you're not going to hit something but to get the trailer exactly where you want it sometimes you just have to have a visual picture in your mind.

  • @sheithaus100
    @sheithaus100 Před 7 dny +2

    Hi Hanks, Just a suggestion to add to your set-up checklist; Before you start setting up, check your electrical post and water standpipe to ensure they are in proper working order. If the electrical outlet isn't supplying the proper voltage/amperage or your water supply doesn't work well you might be moving to another site.

  • @bernardstevens3613
    @bernardstevens3613 Před 8 dny +11

    One of the BEST Setup Videos I've ever seen! GREAT JOB TEAM HANKS!

  • @markvanderlinde8226
    @markvanderlinde8226 Před 8 dny +4

    I will never leave my gray tank valve open ever . Just because a park we where staying at had a sewerage back up and the Rvs that left there tanks open had sewerage came up in to a few Rvs. One being a new $500,000+ class A motorhome. what a mess that owner had on his hands , It smells so bad in side.

  • @jeepn4us
    @jeepn4us Před 7 dny +1

    We “always” check the power at the camp spot electrical pedestal before we unhook our 5th wheel. We have had occasions that there was an electrical fault caught by our surge protector and had to move sites.

  • @kendallbennett7451
    @kendallbennett7451 Před 7 dny +2

    Leaving the gray tank valve open can sometimes cause nasty smells inside the RV coming out of the sewer and up through the showers. Simple fix an RV tech showed me is to use the stinky slinky holder to make a pea trap right as the hose exits the RV so gray water sits there and blocks the smells from coming up :) Just remember the straighten it out before you dump the black tank :)

  • @Wesjamisonrealestate
    @Wesjamisonrealestate Před 8 dny +7

    Surge protector is a must as it not only protects from spikes in power but also low voltage which can also damage your power panel. Good call Hanks!

    • @krispy1k
      @krispy1k Před 8 dny +2

      Be aware that a lot of surge protectors don't cover low voltage so be sure to purchase one that does. And yes, they are more expensive.

    • @campingqueen8121
      @campingqueen8121 Před 7 dny

      @@krispy1kWe upgraded This year on our surge protector. We spent a good part of a month in Texas and just didn’t want any surprises. It was worth the extra cost to have the assurance and peace of mind

    • @chasingEdgar
      @chasingEdgar Před 6 dny

      @@krispy1k Yes and good point.

  • @explorationsrenovations5982

    Great vid. The only thing I would add near the very beginning is to actually CHECK the utility connections (water and electric work properly) before even backing in.

  • @ScottBarton-x1x
    @ScottBarton-x1x Před 7 dny +1

    Another good rule of thumb. Even though your leveling and slides are both 12v systems and capable of being used with only your battery, they draw a very large load. Go ahead and hook up your power before leveling and let the converter do most of the work. I

  • @jerrytalley802
    @jerrytalley802 Před 6 dny +1

    Excellent idea to push the air out of the water hose. I will remember that next time

  • @bigtimejabroni
    @bigtimejabroni Před 6 hodinami +1

    After you flush out the water filter, hose and connect the RV to the city water, turn the water on slowly. The water pumps are made cheaply, and too much sudden pressure can open the back pressure valve filling your fresh water tank. Happened to me. 2 days into the trip and there was water dripping out of the fresh water fill and tank was full.

  • @outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078

    Great video! Yeah, tire chock! LOL!! First and last thing to do. Definitely! My first camper (a popup camper) I almost lost because I didn't chock the tires. Unlevel site with a steep hill off the back of it. When the ball dropped out of the tongue, the camper took off backwards. I am so glad I hadn't taken the safety chains off yet. They were the only thing that kept it from rolling away. In 2021 I bought a new 26 foot with a 10 foot slide off the back. First time out, we had a small site, so I wanted to try to get as much room out of it as I could. I got it backed in, leveled and all that. Went to put the slide out and it would only go halfway, because there was a tree in the way. Had to re-hook and start all over.

  • @psumurph
    @psumurph Před 6 dny +2

    Ok - I’m sitting here watching this episode w my son who is a kinesiology major at Penn State. And we’re noting that both of you manage to stay super fit even though you’re on the road full time - which seems impossible. Would you consider a video on wellness while living the rv lifestyle? We think it would be super interesting for the Hanks community! Love your channel - thanks Hanks!!!

  • @bobwaldron420
    @bobwaldron420 Před 2 dny +1

    Some great advice here! For newbies & "experienced" campers.

  • @marcusaponte1287
    @marcusaponte1287 Před 7 dny +1

    The water 💧 thing also lets any contamination from the spicket/ hose to flush out before being connected to the rv pipes….

  • @geemoe3064
    @geemoe3064 Před 6 dny +1

    Great process you created here! You can get a small plug in electrical tester if your surge protector is "in line". We've had several sites that had bad electrical issues at the box and this has saved us from redoing the setup process. We also sanitize the water spicket and then flush the water before we hook up the hose. We've seen people do black water flushes without an anti siphon attachment on... nasty stuff.

  • @twodogsandtheirfamily
    @twodogsandtheirfamily Před 8 dny +5

    Definitely not the beginning of the camping season for us, 17 different campgrounds over the past 3-4 months. We always keep the pups in the vehicle until we get about 90% setup at least. They like the A/C :) Also we use a wooden dowel that is just like your measuring stick, with multiple measurements. 🐾🐾

  • @BuildingByFaith
    @BuildingByFaith Před dnem

    Pretty good overview. I also flush the water filter before I hook up to the camper connection. I also keep the grey valve closed because I use it to flush the sewer line after black drain. BTW, I like the old "diving board" steps better.

  • @philstucker1312
    @philstucker1312 Před 5 dny +1

    Great video! I always run water before I hookup to flush out any bugs that may have made a new home for themselves. This was a great refresher video. Thanks!

  • @GIMRRC
    @GIMRRC Před 8 dny +2

    Great video. I would just suggest checking the electric and water first. I run my surge protector through the test process until it says everything is okay. I also just turn on the water spigot to make sure it’s working. If the electric has a problem, the campground may have to move you to another site, so I do this before unhooking. Thanks for you great videos!

  • @Tedsma
    @Tedsma Před 7 dny +1

    Great video as always Hanks! I have to agree with others that say to check the pedestal and water before leveling and unhooking. Avoids having to break out more snacks when the rig has to be moved. 😉

  • @user-rt2mr2dp1g
    @user-rt2mr2dp1g Před 7 dny +1

    I really enjoy your videos. Here is something I learned (it’s easier with a portable surge protector) we check the power to the pedestal before we do anything else in case we have to move to another site. And before hooking up to water we wash the spigot in case previous campers were newbie’s and hooked up their black tank flush hose there before leaving (yuck). These we not my ideas. I got them from seasoned Rv’ers

  • @TheDocBurns
    @TheDocBurns Před 8 dny +3

    Keep the gray water valve closed so it will flush the hose after draining the black water tank.

  • @sarah5442
    @sarah5442 Před 4 dny +1

    When connecting electric, always connect LOAD (RV) to SOURCE (pedestal). When unhooking just reverse. And you are so correct about switching off breakers before inserting or pulling connections. Good job friends!

  • @patriciamckean4186
    @patriciamckean4186 Před 7 dny +1

    Love your info. Don't get lax...that's when accidents happen. 😊

  • @HomeGurl54
    @HomeGurl54 Před 8 dny +3

    Rv was backing up into the spot behind us and the driver couldn’t see or hear the spotter. Spotter is screaming stop 3 times and on the 3rd stop we heard a crash. Jumped up to look out the window and they freaking backed their rig into our truck🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

  • @rickrichardson5329
    @rickrichardson5329 Před 8 dny +2

    Thanks Hanks for the tutorial on setting up. I believe that is something you cannot express enough. Like you said if your not careful you can get lax and forget something. Ya'll stay safe.

  • @Graybeard1405
    @Graybeard1405 Před 7 dny +2

    Thanks! great video for beginners and to reinforce the basics for veterans. When I first started, I saw your measuring stick video, and promptly “stole” your idea. I marked my hiking staff, because it is always handy on the back seat of the truck. I travel solo, so without the benefit of a spotter the very first thing I do is pull out the EMS and check the pedestal while walking the site. I also turn on the water source, and check the type of sewer connection. When that is done and the site is reconnoitered, then I put out orange cones in strategic locations to line up and show me where to stop based on info from my measurements. I also use a level mate so that I know how my levels are before exiting the cab. Solo traveling breeds a different way of thinking, but the basics are the same. Setup does, unfortunately take a lot longer. Travel safely, stay healthy and have fun. And once again, THANKS HANKS’!

  • @johnaz1018
    @johnaz1018 Před 6 dny +1

    Great remake with added material. I always plug in camper first then go to pedestal check circuit breakers and then plug in and turn on . Saves me steps . Oh the sewer connection screws into the sewer pipe. I learned that after several years lol

  • @turnbullstravels735
    @turnbullstravels735 Před 7 dny +1

    Eeek! You guys need a surge protector at the pole! Even if you have an in-line, it’s still a good idea to put one on the pole. Better to sacrifice that $150 one than the on-board system!

  • @tobbywhitmore3721
    @tobbywhitmore3721 Před 7 dny +2

    Never hurts to have a reminder of how to set up

  • @JRock-wr1xn
    @JRock-wr1xn Před dnem +1

    Great advice! Thanks and safe travels!

  • @bethrichards2640
    @bethrichards2640 Před 7 dny +1

    All good stuff, thank you! We're both ex-military and use the tried and true hand signals. Together, we're in and set up in time to hear neighbors getting loud with each other in frustration. By myself, suuuuuper slooow, as I get out 50 times to go check everything. Not graceful and not quick. Always willing to help out another solo camper back in though :D

    • @bethrichards2640
      @bethrichards2640 Před 7 dny +1

      Should add that military, and oil field, hand signals are huge and can be seen from far away, in fog and driving rain, nearly always, and created to be very distinguishable. It's nearly impossible to confuse one for another.

  • @joanjackson9374
    @joanjackson9374 Před 7 dny +1

    Everyone should watch this before their first trip and every time they haven’t used the camper for awhile. Good job you guys!

  • @burtbennett
    @burtbennett Před 7 dny +1

    Great tips for the majority of folks. We deviate just a bit. Once at the site, the wife takes the dog on leash and helps me position the FW. She then takes the dog for a walk while I setup the exterior and extend the slides. The wife takes over from there and sets up the interior while I sit back, usually at the picnic table, and drink a cold adult beverage 🙂

  • @dhillman7522
    @dhillman7522 Před 8 dny +2

    love it. My wife and I always go through our check list when hooking up no matter what. Also one other trick we like that serves two purposes, after hooking up water and sewer I use the hookup in the nautilaus bay to put water in the sewer pipe. I let the sewer hose sag down at the end of the sewer line support to make a pee trap. This keeps the fumes out and bleads the air out of the water hose.

  • @jam5158
    @jam5158 Před 4 dny

    Glad you mentioned the emergency brake cable that is a point I always make to people I see disconnecting. With a TT I also don't disconnect the safety chains till after I disconnect for that very reason. I have seen 2 TT's go rolling back because the chalks slipped out. One went into a ditch. It wasn't pretty. It was a beer and popcorn day watching the tow truck pull them out.

  • @wwkwoods
    @wwkwoods Před 6 dny +1

    I love watching y'all. I was fortunate as a child to have a family that pulled a popup trailer. I base my RV life on those memories and we each had our own particular duties. Single female traveler pulling a 25' tongue pull with backup camera that also runs while traveling so I can see better for lane changes!

  • @garym4956
    @garym4956 Před 8 dny +1

    Walkie-talkies work for us because we often camp where there is no cell signal. We always have the spotter stand directly behind the rig where she can see low overhang, branches or wires. If I can’t see her in my Sideview mirrors, she is always available in my rearview camera. We also had to change the commands from left or right to driver/passenger.

  • @danielbraun6661
    @danielbraun6661 Před 8 dny +11

    Very very good. I've been RVing for 30 years in Class As, Class Cs, 5th wheelers and truck campers. You hit all very good points. And yes, people, including me, should never ever get complacent in doing the necessary steps. Do I assume you'll do a another video on tearing down and leaving. One big step I remember when I had my 5th wheels, is after hooking the RV up to the truck hitch, no matter how sophisticated you think that hitch is, is never forget to do the "tug test". You don't want that 5th wheel to come crashing down on the bed of the truck.

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 7 dny

      That's a great one! We always do the pull test!

    • @virginiac.4482
      @virginiac.4482 Před 7 dny +1

      Good info! I often have to do this by myself and my one mantra is "chocks first, levelers last" when setting up and " levelers first and chocks last " when breaking camp.

  • @patdubois4204
    @patdubois4204 Před 4 dny

    Thanks for the informative video! You definitely got the conversation going for setting up RV’s. Was good to read the comments. We have a check list too and use it every time. Each task is assigned to one of us )hubby or wife) Love the empty the bladder and fill the belly. One important task we do prior to leaving one site to move to another is say a prayer for safety and thank God for the opportunity to travel and see his great creation.
    Happy travels!

  • @dukestockslager9572
    @dukestockslager9572 Před 8 dny +2

    We’ve been doing doing this for 35 years and truly appreciated this REFRESHER! Fun and truly appreciate the Hanks- thank you!😀

  • @dennisbeek6958
    @dennisbeek6958 Před 7 dny +1

    Carl, two things I would do differently. First, always make sure if the law states, Parks have an anti siphon valve on the freshwater service. Many Health departments require it so that if there is an interruption in water pressure, the units pressure doesn't back flow into the parks water system.
    Also, sometimes insect, spiders, salamanders will climb up into the parks spigot to drink the water. I always turn on the spicket for a quick flush before I hook up my water hose, regulator, or filter. That way I can see the clarity of the Park's water. I can tell you how many times rust has been in the line. When in doubt I use a clean white bucket to see what's going into my system. I like seeing you use a regulator with a gauge.👍
    Secondly I would recommend always checking polarity of the parks electrical system and the voltage before turning on costly appliances.. Many camp hosts and State Park employees are not electricians. Sometimes you don't know what you're hooking up to.
    Just my 2 cents.

  • @fformer
    @fformer Před 7 dny +1

    Fantastic video guys, you put a lot of thought into this one. We appreciate all your efforts, your humor and your knowledge. You are a Class act!

  • @johanstrieter-bh2wq
    @johanstrieter-bh2wq Před 6 dny +1

    This is a great video all the information you provided is what every camp should do. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a camper or an RV or a tent. Once again, thank you for all the work you do you guys are great funny and I love to watch your videos.

  • @maryhamilton2053
    @maryhamilton2053 Před 7 dny +1

    What a great helpful video! You people are my people 🤣 I’m a RN myself and we are methodical by choice. I am a bit over potty trained !👍🤣 love your tips they are spot on. Been towing alone 14 years as for vacation. Happy Camper all my life. 😉
    My father , the electrician, plugged into the site power w/o a surge protector and blew up everything in the 31 ft motorhome! Hard lesson to learn. The campsite power was wired backwards. Sadly, They refused to take responsibility . I like the surge protector I connect externally so it tells me if the campsite power is wired correctly before I plug in my rig. Also my travel trailer must be unplugged from the truck before I plug into shore power. Otherwise it confuses the power hookup…
    Always watching you two, Camp On!!🌺👏🏼😉

  • @laurakilmer8652
    @laurakilmer8652 Před 7 dny +1

    You folks have a very easy way of describing information I should have known about this CLASS 50 yrs ago. I just do it and sometimes I have messed up. thanks Hanks.

  • @MM-fe9mz
    @MM-fe9mz Před 7 dny +1

    The slideout marker pole is a good idea

  • @JFSMASH
    @JFSMASH Před 3 dny

    Thanks Hanks!! Love your videos!

  • @hailster
    @hailster Před 7 dny +1

    Great video as always. I'll add one more thing to the backing up section, don't be afraid to pull out and reset. I've had times that I didn't want to and it ended up causing me more headaches than it would have if I would have just reset. I like the idea of keeping the kids and pets in the car until the camper is disconnected. Often times my wife and kids will get out and get the dog out of the car right away, this does add more things to watch for when backing up and trying to get things setup, I'll be enforcing this rule going forward.

  • @jparker177
    @jparker177 Před 2 dny

    Great video guys!

  • @buzzward812
    @buzzward812 Před 8 dny +4

    I’ll take the old style steps every day. In 2017 my wife and I bought a new Cedar Creek with those really nice one piece steps that fold up into the doorway. So we got in a pinch and spent the night in a rest area and I was worried that if the steps were out someone might trip over them or worse yet run over them. So I tied a rope to them and pulled them up when we went to bed. Yep you guessed it. An 18 wheeler parked so close that we couldn’t get the door fully open so we could lower the steps. We finally got people’s attention by yelling out the window but nobody could find the truck driver. So after almost two hours I was able to climb out the emergency window and pull the camper forward so my wife could get out. Right before we left the driver showed up with his wife. He lived close to there so his wife picked him up so he could spend a night at home. When we pulled out she was still chewing him out for parking so close. My new camper has fold down steps.

    • @werrog
      @werrog Před 7 dny

      WOW!

    • @turnbullstravels735
      @turnbullstravels735 Před 7 dny

      That’s a great story! We had old style steps on our travel trailer and didn’t want these fold in steps…pictured dirt coming inside. Now it’s irrelevant in a motorhome…but we have had to watch those come out at truck stops if the furl island curb is too high.

  • @BrianRRenfro
    @BrianRRenfro Před 7 dny +1

    When I hookup my water I just barely screw it on the inlet, turn on the water and it will push the air out, then tighten up the connection, gets ALL the air out that way and the hose doesn't drain out before I can hook it up. Also its best to turn off everything in the RV before turning on or off the breaker on the pedestal. If you are running A/Cs and such it will arc inside the breaker and wear it out. Doesn't really affect you much but maybe the next guy and causes the campground to have more maintainance AND each time erodes the contacts so it carries a little less without heating up. Normal breakers aren't meant to be uses as switches, they do make specials one for that, but 99/100 campgrounds just have a regular old, household, breaker.

  • @brucehale6151
    @brucehale6151 Před 3 dny

    Hey Hanks!!! We are at Echo Basin, second year (thanks to you), and Tom asked about you hosting a rally here? We love this place, and the family that runs it!

  • @werrog
    @werrog Před 7 dny +1

    Thanks for this outstanding video! We love your channel. We've been following for just under two months, and while we've backpacked throughout the country for over 50 years, we are new to RVing. We love your positivity, your kindness to each other, and your advice!

  • @z3r0trust
    @z3r0trust Před 6 dny

    We've been trailer camping for a few years and never thought to leave the gray water valve open during our stay. That would make things a lot easier. Thanks for the idea and good video.

  • @jerrytalley802
    @jerrytalley802 Před 6 dny +1

    This was a great idea so you can’t miss anything.

  • @joyfulhomemaker8053
    @joyfulhomemaker8053 Před 5 dny

    Slides:
    We have a tap system when putting out slides. I go around to make sure nothing has gotten in the way and my hubs (and one of the child helpers) gives me a tap when it’s safe to go.
    I remember one set up where you couldn’t tell that one of our kitchen cabinets came open in travel. TWO of our YETI mugs fell behind the slide. Thank goodness we constantly check things. Those yetis would have destroyed our slide.
    We also had the kiddo helping w leveling put the level behind the slide when she was done w it 😬
    We noticed just in time so damage was minimal but man that was a lesson learned

  • @tinawilliams7888
    @tinawilliams7888 Před dnem

    We love you guys!!! Thank you for all you do for us!!!

  • @JeffreyMiller-gt6ee
    @JeffreyMiller-gt6ee Před 8 dny +1

    We also check that the rv has power from the pedestal prior to unhooking. We have had to move twice for a bad pedestal. Also, we have had a bad 50amp breaker that had to be replaced, which could be a problem if they dont have the ability to change it on the spot. Great job, guys! Good tips!

  • @raoulroberts
    @raoulroberts Před 7 dny +1

    Great reminder about the steps being up and off the ground before starting the leveling process.

  • @rvadventureseekers
    @rvadventureseekers Před 7 dny +1

    Also , plug in your surge protector to make sure you have good wiring and turn on the water, check for pressure

  • @thomasharhen2168
    @thomasharhen2168 Před 8 dny +1

    Good for yall for doing this

  • @johnwinter9722
    @johnwinter9722 Před 7 dny +1

    Great video. I have been RVing for 28 years in a pop up and three travel trailers. I printed the checklist and will have it laminated. Then I will keep it in my truck. Only thing I would add is to add 3-5 gallons of clean water to the black tank before flushing. Water in the black tank is your friend! I use the 5 gallon bucket that I use to cover my tongue jack. Also, always flush the filter with the clean water hose. Thanks!

  • @andreagoodling2133
    @andreagoodling2133 Před 7 dny +1

    Great refresher. Plus learned some new thing. You too are so fun to watch. Love the humor.

  • @carolynnkaster9457
    @carolynnkaster9457 Před 7 dny +1

    I actually put my cat in the RV first. He goes straight to the litter box! He then hides under a quilt on the sofa. I do check for him before I put the slide out. He gets the back seat in the truck when we are traveling. He wears a harness that is connected to the center headrest. It's long enough for him to move around a bit, but not so long that he will fall off the seat if we have to stop quickly.

  • @kimgiese3469
    @kimgiese3469 Před 8 dny +1

    Turning off the 50 Amp breaker before you connect, Thank you for this information. My spouse and adult son were very impressed that I recommend this. Thank you for that!

  • @jeanlewis3823
    @jeanlewis3823 Před 8 dny

    Acronym’s you guys really are nurses! Love it.

  • @joyfulhomemaker8053
    @joyfulhomemaker8053 Před 5 dny

    We have a gooseneck hitch. It’s so fun watching the rig come up off of it

  • @AJ-HawksToxicFinger
    @AJ-HawksToxicFinger Před 7 dny +1

    Such great content.
    I don't even own my RV yet but thanks to your videos I feel so much more prepared with every step in the process from shopping to camping -even repairs!

  • @davidklein1565
    @davidklein1565 Před 8 dny +1

    Very helpful, thx Hanks!

  • @Myopinion411
    @Myopinion411 Před 7 dny +1

    I love all of your tips, tricks and info videos. Safe travels to y'all