Good tips! Biggest regret here is, get the inspection done, like you said, prior to purchase. Even though we bought our rig brand new in 2018, there were so many issues we’ve had to deal with on our fifth wheel that might have been avoided if we’d hired an inspector. Word to the wise, just because a camper is new doesn’t mean it won’t have issues. We’ve replaced every appliance with the exception of the propane oven (which rarely gets used). That’s just for starters, folks. We could write a book on the other stuff we’ve repaired or replaced. Warranties don’t always pan out either. Do your homework, you’ll be glad you did!
@@BlueInOrangeAgain Yes, that’s exactly what we’d do. If the dealership pushes back, I’d move on. There are plenty of dealerships to choose from. Doubt they’d want to lose the sale so they’d most likely comply. They already have things set up to do the tutorial on how things work anyway when you go to pick up your rig. I’d just make it part of the deal ahead of time, that your inspector will be there and will be going over everything before you sign on the dotted line.
I thought I was the only chosen one with a magic basket. It’s amazing dirty clothes go in, clean and folded end up back in their drawers. 😂. Great tips and suggestions as usual. RV mattress MUST be upgraded!!!!
Get the inspection. Minimalist is the way to go. Ditch the gadgets. Personalize your rv. Internet is a must. Get the kids that gaming laptop for homeschooling and down time.
Our 4" memory foam topper has made all the difference in the world for my wife and I! Our bed is so comfortable now and we love it as much as our home bed.
We bought our first RV in 2019 and decided to get a bunk house model “just in case the kids decide to go with us”. Our kids are both grown 20 somethings and are not comfortable on those small bunks. We would have gone with a couples camper model and let the kids sleep on the dinette, or on an air mattress on the floor or even in their own tent. Lol They’ve each gone with us less than a handful of nights in 3 yrs. We’re saving to upgrade to what we want in the next year or two.
Before we bought we went to RV school (life on wheels no longer exists but others do) and they told us to find the one we wanted and then go and sit in the chairs and sit on the toilet seat, stand in the shower, lay on the bed (without shoes) and act like we lived in it. We did this and got exactly what we needed because of it. Been full time coming up on 12 years same coach. I definitely agree I should have replaced the mattress sooner but the added pillow top did help a little. 😂 We definitely should have taken less stuff. This is one of the better videos on this topic.
You two are adorable...We just purchase our first RV... so super excited..I have been researching for 2 years and it is finally happening. Great information, just confirms what I have been researching. thank you.
I moved to my camper after divorce. I bought new one with bunk beds and extra sleeping so my 19 year old twins would be able to stay with me. Wrong to busy to stay night come over and stay day and leave. I use them for storage, but might have got a better floor plan if I did not get them bunk beds.
We live in our RV full time and need closet space so we purchased a RV with bunkbeds so that we could convert into a large closet for our clothes...we love it! Storage space is sparse in a RV to say the least.
No on thousand trails (over priced just like KOA), No on hotspots (don't work too expensive), No on Starlink (too expensive with an awkward bulky pole sticking out your rig) Unlimitedville internet works great and way cheaper. No on that mattress brand there are way cheaper options with same quality and not as heavy. I can't remember the rest of the No's. Yes on washer and dryer but not the one they have too expensive and heavy. There are cheaper more efficient options on Amazon. Absolute Yes on professional inspection. If you don't get a professional inspection completed you will end up having to fix all the manufacturers flaws, designs and shitty quality on your own. Never trust what the dealer says (especially camping world) or any sales person in any industry lol. Trying to get items fixed with the individual manufactures such as Lippert, dometic, BAL... Will be just a huge waste of time (window lickers with weak operations and internal processes) Professional inspection is by far the best thing on this list. Good luck people. I love the husband's acting actually 😻 he did good. I need to get me a magic drawer like that!
Good stuff ! Not a full timer but RV'd for 40+ years & do extended trips. We've had just about everything from a tent to a 32' Class A; and now back to a 30' tt. We never rented but as the family & our travels changed we changed types of RV's. Since we are spending more time using our RV (retired now) & not wanting to go full time; we matched our RV mattress to the RV. Topper's didn't work for us. Now no 'getting use to it' anymore. We didn't want a W/D as they are small. We use a laundry mat & using several machines at once about every 10-14 days. We have a rule that once a year we pull everything out. If it hasn't been used, it doesn't go back in. Really helps not packing too much.
I would agree with your list, and most importantly the mattress. We learned with our first RV after the first year to replace the mattress. When we purchased our second RV I ordered the new mattress from Brooklyn before we picked up the RV. Best thing we ever did! Love your videos!
Obviously some great information and the content was spot on. But I gotta say. This was probably the most hysterical video I have have seen any fulltimers do!! Nicely done you guys!!
This was such a great video. I don’t have an RV but still enjoyed your tips. I hope to one day! I’ll share this with my friend that does have an RV as of just a few months ago. I’m sure she will find this very helpful.
We are presently in the due diligence phase and this is awesome for quality of life, and cost reducing tips. Many I knew from a prior life, but it is great to see the confirmation, and awesome ideas.
I lost it with the lawnmower! I always take more than I need with me on trips! We haven’t started with an RV yet but I always take a lot more stuff with me that I don’t really need!
My 25’ Class C doesn’t have a built in oven. I really missed baking and making casseroles that are so much better in an oven versus microwave. I ended up purchasing an Omnia brand stove-top oven and love it! I’ve baked cakes and brownies, lasagna, chicken & rice, and all kinds of things. Anything you can bake in a regular oven, you can bake in the Omnia. It works on any kind of stove except an induction. Great for outdoor stoves too when you don’t want to get the RV hot!
I couldn’t agree more with the Starlink! We just started full timing (mostly stationary because we are military) but first we bought Calyx. We finally checked into Starlink and oh my lanta. The difference is ridiculous. Lol I also have a feeling we will need another (bigger) camper in the next year or two because our boys are growing entirely too fast! Love your channel! You guys are fun!
Thank you for these videos, your candid evaluations of products, services and most importantly your mind set as your experience and time RVing grows is invaluable!
Good luck in trying to get into state parks in Florida. We’re totally overpopulated. First we have to contend with snowbirds. Then we have to contend with newbie RVR‘s who started during the pandemic. Lastly, it’s been overcrowded in state parks for years. Usually have to book 11 months out For most popular places and during winter seasons.
Ha! After the FIRST night in our camper, we realized a new mattress was a MUST! Best decision we made. It's hard to believe a mattress that comes in a box is actually more comfortable than the expensive mattress we have at home.
Loved this video the beginning is how I felt when I first started out. I was on my own and brought way to much stuff. I’m back in a sticks and brick but still have RV and I really want to get out and start traveling
I think by us starting off wrong (in some cases), we have learned a lot. We started off tent - TT - 5er - Motorhome gasser moving to (eventually) diesel pusher (or super C). I feel like it's a good progression and it worked for us. All the things we would do differently may not be the same for our friends or others. But I definitely can relate to all you've said.
Hey there! Thanks for watching this video! If you enjoyed it, please don't forget to subscribe to our CZcams channel! → czcams.com/channels/FuE6zYaSBoN3jDDgxuVRgw.html AVOID the PITFALLS we've fallen into → link.gratefulglamper.com/rvlifefavorites
You guys had way too much fun with this video… 😂 The bed scene! 😂 love your tips, though! After being on the road fulltime for over 3 years, I’d have to say we agree with all of them!
Love The Jerk phrase “& that’s all I need” 🤣🤣 We had to upgrade the mattress before we ever even tried to sleep on it- it was literally like laying on a door! Love your channel & thank you again for valuable info & of course the laughs !!
Started (with three kids) RV’ing in ‘93 with a 20 y/o… 23’ class C (bought from the widow of a former commanding officer) I didn’t see it until hubby brought it home🙄 It was the former boss’s “hunting” cabin 😂 I would have had it professionally CLEANED and the carpet ripped out & replaced!!! (Though our kids have wonderful memories of that 70’s SHAG!🤦♀️) In 2000, Our next was a 36’ TT with a bunk house (4 young kids 4-14) no slides but it was perfect for us. I researched for 2 years but never stepped into the floor plan until it arrived from the factory (was I LUCKY!!) Then kids grew up, we down sized to one , and now our second, 26’TT. The biggest recommendation from me??? Take ALL your stuff, lay it out on the table bed… then CUT IT IN HALF!! We had (may still have) TOO MUCH!
Thank you, Charity! Your very informative and candid videos have been a positive reinforcement for my decision to live in an RV. This is a new adventure for me, and sharing what you've learned has been such a comfort in supporting my new chosen lifestyle. Keep up the great work, I'm forever grateful for your channel. 🥰
Fantastic opening. Made me smile. The ironing board was my favorite. Great tips and I will follow your suggestions as I make my prep list for starting my rv life next year.
If you are going to dry camp in the mountains like I did all summer into fall you may want to change out a miserable mattress instead of just getting a memory foam topper. I learned the hard way by attempting to sleep on a hard block of ice when the nights turned cold. When work permitted my husband would come up for a couple days and he threw off enough body heat to keep me warm thru the night, when he wasn't there I slept on the couch, it folded down to a small uncomfortable bed, I'm small myself so it worked, at least it wasn't a block of ice. Beware of memory foam if you dry camp where it gets cold. If I ran my furnace all night it would drain my batteries and propane as well. So I would have to run my generator, and use my gas and I hated coming out of my hidey hole to fill up everything, so remember a "good mattress" can be key to having a good time camping. Happy trails.
The magic basket cracked me up! My dad called that the magic of marriage…he opening his draws and his socks and underwear was in there and his closet was full of his shirts. 😂
Just bought our first RV! and, we love it but we are a little cramped. A slide out for some extra space would've been nice to have, with dogs walking around but we'll make do.
We are on our 3rd Rv. Yes, we sold first coach and bought too large an Rv then (FINALLY) sold the 36’ class A and bought a 30’ Class A, which was the size of RV #1. I pack WAY too much food. Need more organization, and will do so before next big trip in July.
I agree. I use a car dolly just because not all vehicles are able to be configured to prevent the kilometers/miles from being racked up while flat-towing. 4-wheel drive vehicles usually have an option to have the drive train into a neutral option thereby bypassing the transmission and odometer.
You left out Harvest Host! We’re traveling from the Tampa area to Yellowstone at the end of May and using HH for almost all our one night stays along our route.
Wow, what a great video. Entertaining and informative. My wife and I have watched hundreds of travel videos, this one is now in our top 5! Sooooo, we are subscribing to our first channel , Yours. Thanks for all your hard work and your awesome creativity. We just bought our first rv, we hit the road this summer, and we will be purchasing items we need from your on line store soon. My wife really really loves your channel.
We have really enjoyed our washer and dryer. I would never have dreamed they would be one of my favorite things. Differently? I would have loved to have changed our house batteries over to lithium, but when I noticed the house batteries had died we were leaving the next morning on a trip so I was stuck with replacement AEG batteries. Other than that I have no real complaints. We love our Monaco Dynasty. 🤗💝🤗
No issues yet, but I wish I had gotten the professional inspection. I also wish an inspector near me came up in my search. The one that came up was 5 hours away, so $500 for travel, which I understand, $500 and up for the inspection. I didn’t want to spend the $ and thought I could trust the local small dealer. Wrong! Trust no one.
What I noticed is that thousand trails is never close to the attractions. Sometimes you have to drive 2 hours one way to get close. So that’s 4 hours of driving a day just to save a little bit, but wait, are you really saving? Renting RVs are quite expensive. You might also get turned off, because renting them usually comes with base models and you have to load and unload your stuff every trip. It would give a first bad impression. Most people go through a few RVs to figure out what they like.
Agreed that most Thousand Trails campgrounds are not near desirable areas. But we found in Florida, they are near all sorts of fun places to visit. Thanks for watching
For a weekend warrior like myself, I wholeheartedly agree with these (well, the ones that relate to weekend camping). I will make sure to keep the rest in mind I ever get to full-time RV. Thank you for your thorough approach to your videos. And I love the bloopers. I actually look forward to those. 😆
lol .. entered b4 I finished. We thought when we bought we would be on the road a lot more but due to health we haven't. But what I would do if I was going to do it again, would be to get a smaller rig. We have a 35' class C and with just the 2 of us.. we don't need it. I think a van type would suit us much better. Thanks for the content guys.. always enjoy! Luv the magic basket..... 😆
Inspector !!!!!!! FOR SURE. I purchased a 2011 Tiffen Allegro Red 36qsa. It's a beaut Clark but man let me tell you we have spent a ton of money on her due to lack of proper maintenance.I was told all the batteries had been replaced. The house batteries were bone dry and sulfated. $750 chaching and the front sway bar was broken and all bushings worn totally out. Chaching And the list goes on and on. Dealers are in business to make a profit but c'mon man.
Since we keep our vehicles for usually 10 Years or more, resale value isn’t something we are concerned with since we keep them past the bottom end of the depreciation scale.
Ha I had a feeling when they started talking about Internet Starlink was going to be mentioned 😂 I think I would like the RV life seems interesting if I had an RV I would add Solar panels To the RV’s roof.
I'm trying to prioritize my upgrades at this point. Flat-tow is a definite, Starlink for sure, washer/dryer--yes, my mattress is actually nice for me. Thinking big-time about going solar/lithium and converting to induction vs. propane cooking & possibly even getting rid of all gas (furnace, hot water heater, stove, oven). Will be a multi-year project I think. Anyone have experience going propane free?
Great video! How does it work. Do you guys live in your RV all year or just in the summers? How about work, school, church, social life? I've always thought RVs were for summer vacations for teachers who got the entire summer off. I'm clueless but fascinated by this. Can you enlighten me?
Thousand Trails RV parks will not accept your rig if you have done outside repairs that don't "look professional" and my 2000 rig was too old for many of their parks as well... make sure you read the fine print before buying... I never got to use the membership and no refund.
Im in NH and just bought a used class c. None of the rv service places have anytime to service unless you purchased from them. Lots of business and shortage of help being the case. Ive begun the repair learning curve.
Good tips. However, do NOT hire an NRVTA inspector. They work off an incomplete checklist and only catch the most obvious things. In our case we hired one of their instructors. They didn’t catch a leaking roof, the auto levelers not working properly, and a couple other large issues. Hire an inspector, yes. But do not hire one from NRVTA
@@GratefulGlamper thank you for the correction. I had the acronym wrong. That is exactly who folks should avoid. They work off a checklist and won’t so much as squirt a hose on the roof to see if is leaking.
Hey there, we have a few different videos where we’ve talked about mobile internet we’ve used over the past 4 years. You can check them out here: czcams.com/video/C66UiqMJEhw/video.html
Thank you. I hope to see you camping soon as I hope to purchase my RV soon. I would like to retire and see as many parks as I can. I enjoy yours and learning from you.
Thank you for the video! We hope to be on the road December 1st, full timing with three kiddos! We aren’t sure how much life is left in our vehicle (or could be 1 year or 3 years) but we do know that we can not flat tow it. We need to decide if I am going to drive it separately or choose to invest/hassle with a dolly. Any advice? How long did you tow with the dolly? (Our first initiation trip will be from December-July going from Indianapolis to the Keys and back, so not across the country). Let us know if you pass through Indianapolis before December 2022!
@@GratefulGlamper I keep hearing that it’s a hassle. I’m thinking we will drive around our car until it’s time to purchase a new one. Then purchase one that is compatible with 4 down towing. Thank you! And YES I will reach out when we are in FL next winter, I see it’s your happy place. We are taking your advice and going with the TT camping pass + trails collection. We have family in FL so we figured despite the popularity of wintering there, we would give it a try. Do you find that you can often book 2 full weeks at the TT Camp grounds. Or do you have to move more often?
Good tips! Biggest regret here is, get the inspection done, like you said, prior to purchase. Even though we bought our rig brand new in 2018, there were so many issues we’ve had to deal with on our fifth wheel that might have been avoided if we’d hired an inspector. Word to the wise, just because a camper is new doesn’t mean it won’t have issues. We’ve replaced every appliance with the exception of the propane oven (which rarely gets used). That’s just for starters, folks. We could write a book on the other stuff we’ve repaired or replaced. Warranties don’t always pan out either. Do your homework, you’ll be glad you did!
For sure, thanks for sharing
@@BlueInOrangeAgain Yes, that’s exactly what we’d do. If the dealership pushes back, I’d move on. There are plenty of dealerships to choose from. Doubt they’d want to lose the sale so they’d most likely comply. They already have things set up to do the tutorial on how things work anyway when you go to pick up your rig. I’d just make it part of the deal ahead of time, that your inspector will be there and will be going over everything before you sign on the dotted line.
I would get a magic basket.
😂 Everyone should have one
I thought I was the only chosen one with a magic basket. It’s amazing dirty clothes go in, clean and folded end up back in their drawers. 😂. Great tips and suggestions as usual. RV mattress MUST be upgraded!!!!
Seems you too have the magic basket option in your RV! 😂 Thanks for watching
Get the inspection. Minimalist is the way to go. Ditch the gadgets. Personalize your rv. Internet is a must. Get the kids that gaming laptop for homeschooling and down time.
Very helpful for someone who is starting to put a plan together for the move to RVing. Thank you!
We have a sleep number bed in our RV. We have different needs in a mattress, so this was a great investment for us.
Our 4" memory foam topper has made all the difference in the world for my wife and I! Our bed is so comfortable now and we love it as much as our home bed.
We bought our first RV in 2019 and decided to get a bunk house model “just in case the kids decide to go with us”. Our kids are both grown 20 somethings and are not comfortable on those small bunks. We would have gone with a couples camper model and let the kids sleep on the dinette, or on an air mattress on the floor or even in their own tent. Lol
They’ve each gone with us less than a handful of nights in 3 yrs. We’re saving to upgrade to what we want in the next year or two.
👍🏻
Im in the same situation having rear bunks, im going to remodel the space into a laundry room and add a washer/dryer combo
We always think of our kids first, no matter their age!
Before we bought we went to RV school (life on wheels no longer exists but others do) and they told us to find the one we wanted and then go and sit in the chairs and sit on the toilet seat, stand in the shower, lay on the bed (without shoes) and act like we lived in it. We did this and got exactly what we needed because of it. Been full time coming up on 12 years same coach.
I definitely agree I should have replaced the mattress sooner but the added pillow top did help a little. 😂
We definitely should have taken less stuff.
This is one of the better videos on this topic.
Thanks for watching and for the comment
You two are adorable...We just purchase our first RV... so super excited..I have been researching for 2 years and it is finally happening. Great information, just confirms what I have been researching. thank you.
Best wishes in your future travels!
I moved to my camper after divorce. I bought new one with bunk beds and extra sleeping so my 19 year old twins would be able to stay with me. Wrong to busy to stay night come over and stay day and leave. I use them for storage, but might have got a better floor plan if I did not get them bunk beds.
We live in our RV full time and need closet space so we purchased a RV with bunkbeds so that we could convert into a large closet for our clothes...we love it! Storage space is sparse in a RV to say the least.
Very true, thanks for watching
Very informative. You guys mentioned things I hadn't thought of. We hope to get our first RV soon so that we have more freedom and budget to travel.
No on thousand trails (over priced just like KOA), No on hotspots (don't work too expensive), No on Starlink (too expensive with an awkward bulky pole sticking out your rig) Unlimitedville internet works great and way cheaper. No on that mattress brand there are way cheaper options with same quality and not as heavy. I can't remember the rest of the No's. Yes on washer and dryer but not the one they have too expensive and heavy. There are cheaper more efficient options on Amazon. Absolute Yes on professional inspection. If you don't get a professional inspection completed you will end up having to fix all the manufacturers flaws, designs and shitty quality on your own. Never trust what the dealer says (especially camping world) or any sales person in any industry lol. Trying to get items fixed with the individual manufactures such as Lippert, dometic, BAL... Will be just a huge waste of time (window lickers with weak operations and internal processes) Professional inspection is by far the best thing on this list.
Good luck people. I love the husband's acting actually 😻 he did good. I need to get me a magic drawer like that!
Good stuff ! Not a full timer but RV'd for 40+ years & do extended trips. We've had just about everything from a tent to a 32' Class A; and now back to a 30' tt. We never rented but as the family & our travels changed we changed types of RV's. Since we are spending more time using our RV (retired now) & not wanting to go full time; we matched our RV mattress to the RV. Topper's didn't work for us. Now no 'getting use to it' anymore. We didn't want a W/D as they are small. We use a laundry mat & using several machines at once about every 10-14 days. We have a rule that once a year we pull everything out. If it hasn't been used, it doesn't go back in. Really helps not packing too much.
Awesome, thanks for sharing 💙
I would agree with your list, and most importantly the mattress. We learned with our first RV after the first year to replace the mattress. When we purchased our second RV I ordered the new mattress from Brooklyn before we picked up the RV. Best thing we ever did!
Love your videos!
Thanks!
Obviously some great information and the content was spot on. But I gotta say. This was probably the most hysterical video I have have seen any fulltimers do!! Nicely done you guys!!
Thanks so much!
This was such a great video. I don’t have an RV but still enjoyed your tips. I hope to one day! I’ll share this with my friend that does have an RV as of just a few months ago. I’m sure she will find this very helpful.
Thanks for watching and sharing
We are presently in the due diligence phase and this is awesome for quality of life, and cost reducing tips. Many I knew from a prior life, but it is great to see the confirmation, and awesome ideas.
👍🏻
I lost it with the lawnmower! I always take more than I need with me on trips! We haven’t started with an RV yet but I always take a lot more stuff with me that I don’t really need!
My 25’ Class C doesn’t have a built in oven. I really missed baking and making casseroles that are so much better in an oven versus microwave. I ended up purchasing an Omnia brand stove-top oven and love it! I’ve baked cakes and brownies, lasagna, chicken & rice, and all kinds of things. Anything you can bake in a regular oven, you can bake in the Omnia. It works on any kind of stove except an induction. Great for outdoor stoves too when you don’t want to get the RV hot!
Awesome, thanks for sharing that option!
I think the best advice is to have an independant inspecter inspect the unit prior to purchase. New or used.
Absolutely
I couldn’t agree more with the Starlink! We just started full timing (mostly stationary because we are military) but first we bought Calyx. We finally checked into Starlink and oh my lanta. The difference is ridiculous. Lol I also have a feeling we will need another (bigger) camper in the next year or two because our boys are growing entirely too fast! Love your channel! You guys are fun!
Thanks!
Thanks for your service!
Signed:
Navy Wife, Navy Daughter (brat) and Army mom-n-love!
Thank you for these videos, your candid evaluations of products, services and most importantly your mind set as your experience and time RVing grows is invaluable!
Thanks for watching 💙
Y’all are funny! If the RV is rocking, it’s just the washer!! Lol
Good luck in trying to get into state parks in Florida. We’re totally overpopulated. First we have to contend with snowbirds. Then we have to contend with newbie RVR‘s who started during the pandemic. Lastly, it’s been overcrowded in state parks for years. Usually have to book 11 months out For most popular places and during winter seasons.
😮
Ha! After the FIRST night in our camper, we realized a new mattress was a MUST! Best decision we made. It's hard to believe a mattress that comes in a box is actually more comfortable than the expensive mattress we have at home.
I'll 2nd that!
Loved this video the beginning is how I felt when I first started out. I was on my own and brought way to much stuff. I’m back in a sticks and brick but still have RV and I really want to get out and start traveling
We also brought and bought way too much stuff! Thanks for watching.
I think by us starting off wrong (in some cases), we have learned a lot. We started off tent - TT - 5er - Motorhome gasser moving to (eventually) diesel pusher (or super C). I feel like it's a good progression and it worked for us. All the things we would do differently may not be the same for our friends or others. But I definitely can relate to all you've said.
👍🏻
Hey there! Thanks for watching this video! If you enjoyed it, please don't forget to subscribe to our CZcams channel! → czcams.com/channels/FuE6zYaSBoN3jDDgxuVRgw.html AVOID the PITFALLS we've fallen into → link.gratefulglamper.com/rvlifefavorites
You guys had way too much fun with this video… 😂 The bed scene! 😂 love your tips, though! After being on the road fulltime for over 3 years, I’d have to say we agree with all of them!
This was a fun one to make- thanks for watching
Composting the toilet and then diverting the liquid into the Rv black/grey tank. Best of both worlds.
Love The Jerk phrase “& that’s all I need” 🤣🤣 We had to upgrade the mattress before we ever even tried to sleep on it- it was literally like laying on a door! Love your channel & thank you again for valuable info & of course the laughs !!
Thanks for watching! Gotta love the good, classic movies
Started (with three kids) RV’ing in ‘93 with a 20 y/o… 23’ class C (bought from the widow of a former commanding officer) I didn’t see it until hubby brought it home🙄
It was the former boss’s “hunting” cabin 😂
I would have had it professionally CLEANED and the carpet ripped out & replaced!!! (Though our kids have wonderful memories of that 70’s SHAG!🤦♀️)
In 2000, Our next was a 36’ TT with a bunk house (4 young kids 4-14) no slides but it was perfect for us. I researched for 2 years but never stepped into the floor plan until it arrived from the factory (was I LUCKY!!)
Then kids grew up, we down sized to one , and now our second, 26’TT.
The biggest recommendation from me??? Take ALL your stuff, lay it out on the table bed… then CUT IT IN HALF!!
We had (may still have) TOO MUCH!
😂👍🏻
Thank you, Charity! Your very informative and candid videos have been a positive reinforcement for my decision to live in an RV. This is a new adventure for me, and sharing what you've learned has been such a comfort in supporting my new chosen lifestyle. Keep up the great work, I'm forever grateful for your channel. 🥰
Fantastic opening. Made me smile. The ironing board was my favorite. Great tips and I will follow your suggestions as I make my prep list for starting my rv life next year.
Thanks for watching
If you are going to dry camp in the mountains like I did all summer into fall you may want to change out a miserable mattress instead of just getting a memory foam topper. I learned the hard way by attempting to sleep on a hard block of ice when the nights turned cold. When work permitted my husband would come up for a couple days and he threw off enough body heat to keep me warm thru the night, when he wasn't there I slept on the couch, it folded down to a small uncomfortable bed, I'm small myself so it worked, at least it wasn't a block of ice. Beware of memory foam if you dry camp where it gets cold. If I ran my furnace all night it would drain my batteries and propane as well. So I would have to run my generator, and use my gas and I hated coming out of my hidey hole to fill up everything, so remember a "good mattress" can be key to having a good time camping. Happy trails.
The magic basket cracked me up! My dad called that the magic of marriage…he opening his draws and his socks and underwear was in there and his closet was full of his shirts. 😂
😂
Just bought our first RV! and, we love it but we are a little cramped. A slide out for some extra space would've been nice to have, with dogs walking around but we'll make do.
👍🏻
We are on our 3rd Rv. Yes, we sold first coach and bought too large an Rv then (FINALLY) sold the 36’ class A and bought a 30’ Class A, which was the size of RV #1. I pack WAY too much food. Need more organization, and will do so before next big trip in July.
👍🏻
I looked into renting, not paying 1,500 for a weekend.
I’ll watch YT to see the mistakes of others. Seems like most are upgrading.
Some Upgrades are totally worth it and others no so much. Thanks for watching.
Excellent video. new RVer's need this type of content. Great Job y'all
Thanks for watching
Love this list. Unfortunately, not all vehicles can be flat towed which is one reason why I am thinking about a TT.
I agree. I use a car dolly just because not all vehicles are able to be configured to prevent the kilometers/miles from being racked up while flat-towing. 4-wheel drive vehicles usually have an option to have the drive train into a neutral option thereby bypassing the transmission and odometer.
@@alanlaird Unfortunately, I don't believe that is the case with my beloved 4Runner which means it has to be trailered.
That was my only comments as I watched the video
@@coffenut yep. I have a standard transmission FJ Cruiser. Cannot flat tow it.😔
You left out Harvest Host! We’re traveling from the Tampa area to Yellowstone at the end of May and using HH for almost all our one night stays along our route.
Awesome!
Wow, what a great video. Entertaining and informative. My wife and I have watched hundreds of travel videos, this one is now in our top 5!
Sooooo, we are subscribing to our first channel , Yours. Thanks for all your hard work and your awesome creativity. We just bought our first rv, we hit the road this summer, and we will be purchasing items we need from your on line store soon. My wife really really loves your channel.
Thanks for the kind words! Maybe we will see you there this summer!
We have really enjoyed our washer and dryer. I would never have dreamed they would be one of my favorite things. Differently? I would have loved to have changed our house batteries over to lithium, but when I noticed the house batteries had died we were leaving the next morning on a trip so I was stuck with replacement AEG batteries. Other than that I have no real complaints. We love our Monaco Dynasty. 🤗💝🤗
We will be upgrading our house batteries to lithium this week (thanks to battleborn). Thanks for watching and for the comment
@@GratefulGlamper I am so jealous 😭 Seriously though I can't wait for your review on them. 🙂🙂🙂
Definitely would find an inspector. Love my Motor home but have been battling plumbing issues since day one.
Love the creative tilt to the video. Safe travels
"All I need is this lamp." 🤣🤣🤣High five the hub for me, please.
Lol, will do! 😂
No issues yet, but I wish I had gotten the professional inspection. I also wish an inspector near me came up in my search. The one that came up was 5 hours away, so $500 for travel, which I understand, $500 and up for the inspection. I didn’t want to spend the $ and thought I could trust the local small dealer. Wrong! Trust no one.
Oh man. Hard lesson for sure
What I noticed is that thousand trails is never close to the attractions. Sometimes you have to drive 2 hours one way to get close. So that’s 4 hours of driving a day just to save a little bit, but wait, are you really saving?
Renting RVs are quite expensive. You might also get turned off, because renting them usually comes with base models and you have to load and unload your stuff every trip. It would give a first bad impression. Most people go through a few RVs to figure out what they like.
Agreed that most Thousand Trails campgrounds are not near desirable areas. But we found in Florida, they are near all sorts of fun places to visit. Thanks for watching
Great information!!
👍🏻💙
Thank you for all this info!!! Wow. I'm looking into RV/VanLife. And this is very helpful. I will be saving this video!!! Happy Glamping!!
Safe travels!
For a weekend warrior like myself, I wholeheartedly agree with these (well, the ones that relate to weekend camping). I will make sure to keep the rest in mind I ever get to full-time RV. Thank you for your thorough approach to your videos. And I love the bloopers. I actually look forward to those. 😆
Thanks!
lol .. entered b4 I finished. We thought when we bought we would be on the road a lot more but due to health we haven't. But what I would do if I was going to do it again, would be to get a smaller rig. We have a 35' class C and with just the 2 of us.. we don't need it. I think a van type would suit us much better. Thanks for the content guys.. always enjoy! Luv the magic basket..... 😆
Thanks for watching
I’ve had my rv for about 18 months and there’s a piece of wood right in the middle of the mattress. Time for a swap, thanks for the info, all of it!
Thanks for watching
Definitely one of your greatest videos yet. Thanks for the comedy. You guys did a great job.
Agree!
Thanks!
I would make sure to have dual AC units for sure!
Inspector !!!!!!! FOR SURE. I purchased a 2011 Tiffen Allegro Red 36qsa. It's a beaut Clark but man let me tell you we have spent a ton of money on her due to lack of proper maintenance.I was told all the batteries had been replaced. The house batteries were bone dry and sulfated. $750 chaching and the front sway bar was broken and all bushings worn totally out. Chaching And the list goes on and on. Dealers are in business to make a profit but c'mon man.
Oh man, that’s such a bummer! Thanks for sharing your experience
Free Camping areas.
Solar power v camp power
Great suggestions for newbies like my wife and I, thank you!!
Thanks for watching
You guys are so awesome! 👏 Good video editing and 🤞 goodluck
Thanks for the kind compliment and for watching!
You guys are awesome! Very entertaining! The Nickelback concert bit was hilarious!
Love “The Jerk” innuendo I got it!!! All I need is this.. lol
“The Jerk” reference in the beginning 😉
👍🏻😉
Just FYI. Flat towing will run up the mileage on your car, wiping out its resale value. Just something to consider.
Since we keep our vehicles for usually 10
Years or more, resale value isn’t something we are concerned with since we keep them past the bottom end of the depreciation scale.
😂 You guys crack me up. It’s like moving day! 😂
i have a 2013 fleetwood, it came with one of those magic clothes baskets too,
😂
Great video and awesome tips. We are definitely going to get one of those diesel savings cards before we head back to texas in a few weeks.
omg we totally over packed in our campervan lol. i totally know how to do it next time we leave
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That intro 😂 no lawnmower “why?”🤣😂😂😂
😂
I'd like to add, go straight and get lithium and skip AGM/lead acid batteries. Great channel and subbed!
For sure, thanks for watching
“All I need is this lamp.” Yes, The Jerk!
😂
Ha I had a feeling when they started talking about Internet Starlink was going to be mentioned 😂 I think I would like the RV life seems interesting if I had an RV I would add
Solar panels To the RV’s roof.
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Great video! Yes, I hired two professional RV inspectors for two different new RVs.
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Love the Jerk line!
😉
Enjoyed the content! Great ideas 🖖🏻😘🙏🏻👍🏻
Thanks for watching
My rv with shower only no tub. And one with no sink in bathroom
Lol love the beginning
I just bought RV mattress. I hope it’s as good as advertised
We love ours! We are getting another one for our home base since we’ve been sleeping so well on the one in the RV.
Great intro!
Thank you!
I'm trying to prioritize my upgrades at this point. Flat-tow is a definite, Starlink for sure, washer/dryer--yes, my mattress is actually nice for me. Thinking big-time about going solar/lithium and converting to induction vs. propane cooking & possibly even getting rid of all gas (furnace, hot water heater, stove, oven). Will be a multi-year project I think. Anyone have experience going propane free?
We got rid of our propane stove also - still have propane hot water but would love to upgrade that too at some point.
Great video! How does it work. Do you guys live in your RV all year or just in the summers? How about work, school, church, social life? I've always thought RVs were for summer vacations for teachers who got the entire summer off. I'm clueless but fascinated by this. Can you enlighten me?
This actually applies to standard homes. We need so much less than we actually think we do.
Very true
Intro and exit were brilliant loved the outtakes
Thank you!
People are not meant to live cramped and crowded. It will take a serious toll and a smile can't fix it.
You guys are funny! GREAT info, thank you, I'm getting an RV to renovate this summer and this info is gold:)
Awesome, have fun with the reno!
Lots of great advice here, thank you!
Thanks for watching
Thousand Trails RV parks will not accept your rig if you have done outside repairs that don't "look professional" and my 2000 rig was too old for many of their parks as well... make sure you read the fine print before buying... I never got to use the membership and no refund.
We have a thousand trails membership that we’ve been using several month now, no problems.
Im in NH and just bought a used class c. None of the rv service places have anytime to service unless you purchased from them.
Lots of business and shortage of help being the case.
Ive begun the repair learning curve.
Good tips. However, do NOT hire an NRVTA inspector. They work off an incomplete checklist and only catch the most obvious things. In our case we hired one of their instructors. They didn’t catch a leaking roof, the auto levelers not working properly, and a couple other large issues. Hire an inspector, yes. But do not hire one from NRVTA
We recommend a certified inspector from the NRVTA - National RV Training Academy.
@@GratefulGlamper thank you for the correction. I had the acronym wrong. That is exactly who folks should avoid. They work off a checklist and won’t so much as squirt a hose on the roof to see if is leaking.
Cute presentation of valuable information.
Thank you!
WOW…huge thank you!!!
You might want to edit this in the Starlink portion. Maybe, tell us what else you have used that might not be as good as Starlink, but an come close.
Hey there, we have a few different videos where we’ve talked about mobile internet we’ve used over the past 4 years. You can check them out here: czcams.com/video/C66UiqMJEhw/video.html
czcams.com/video/0fNX6s8xIK4/video.html
Thank you. I hope to see you camping soon as I hope to purchase my RV soon. I would like to retire and see as many parks as I can. I enjoy yours and learning from you.
This was so helpful thank you!!!
Thanks for watching
Omg you two make me laugh so hard. Love the intro!
Great video guys!
Thanks! Hope travel life is treating you all well!
Thank you for the video! We hope to be on the road December 1st, full timing with three kiddos!
We aren’t sure how much life is left in our vehicle (or could be 1 year or 3 years) but we do know that we can not flat tow it. We need to decide if I am going to drive it separately or choose to invest/hassle with a dolly. Any advice? How long did you tow with the dolly? (Our first initiation trip will be from December-July going from Indianapolis to the Keys and back, so not across the country). Let us know if you pass through Indianapolis before December 2022!
We used our Dolly for only about 6 months and it was too much of a hassle. Best wishes - maybe we will see you out there
@@GratefulGlamper I keep hearing that it’s a hassle. I’m thinking we will drive around our car until it’s time to purchase a new one. Then purchase one that is compatible with 4 down towing. Thank you! And YES I will reach out when we are in FL next winter, I see it’s your happy place.
We are taking your advice and going with the TT camping pass + trails collection. We have family in FL so we figured despite the popularity of wintering there, we would give it a try. Do you find that you can often book 2 full weeks at the TT Camp grounds. Or do you have to move more often?
Hey y’all
Hey Paul!
Great Advice … Thanks so much for the Information and How we can avoid some newbie mistakes #GratefulGlampersRule