RV Buying Tips: What to Look For When You're Buying An RV
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- čas přidán 4. 01. 2017
- RV shopping can be overwhelming! It's easy to get caught up in the floorplan, color scheme, and overall looks. But here are a few important points you might want to consider before you buy. For more information on this topic, visit rvtexasyall.com/rv-tips/buyin....
Want more RV Buying Tips? We've published a part II to this video:
RV Buying Tips, Part II: More Things to Think About When You're Buying an RV • RV Buying Tips: How to...
We (Tom & Stacie) are Native Texans who are all about exploring the Lone Star State in our weekend home on wheels. We're always looking for fun and interesting places to visit. We'd love to hear your suggestions what to look for when buying an RV. Please leave a comment below!
This Video is Part of Our RV Tips Series: • Video
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Safe Travels and Happy Camping!
Thank you for watching! f you enjoyed this video, we invite you to watch our follow up video: RV Buying Tips, Part II: More Things to Think About When You're Buying an RV! czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html
Can I offer a friendly suggestion? In a 29-and-a-half minute video like this, you might want to include a summary of your tips at the end. It will help to remind the viewers what they saw and what points were covered. I don't want to have to go back and watch the whole half-hour video again just to remind myself of the topics you covered.
It's not too late. You don't have to go back and edit the video if that's too much of a hassle. Just add a numbered summary of the points you covered in the description, or even add it to your pinnned comment here.
Thanks for the feedback. Here’s a link to a post on our website where we list these tips and more: rvtexasyall.com/rv-tips/buying-an-rv .
You all need an AWARD . I watched these videos and you were the first ones That were real . You are The Best .
Thanks so much Rebecca!
Why would some ppl dislike this informative video I tell you haters ( it's not our fault your mama don't love you )
I have to Say I am Not Blind to Buying RVs =, In my younger life I had the Opportunity to Build Trailers as a Living Single wide's and some beautiful Triple wide's with a Pool in the Center and or a open patio, so I know how these things are put to gather. I will say it was hurry up an get her Done. Rv and Pull behinds are the Same get er done. Later on in Life I was Able to find a Friend that owned an RV repair shop I was able to Help work on all sorts of RV's, Not for Money but just for the Experience in my off time I learned a Lot from this Guy. No matter what if you are a Person that Hated to Work on Cars, Trucks and always took you vehicles to the Dealer for Repair DO NOT BUY A RV Because your thoughtful experience of Traveling will be ruined because you will be Come a Mechanic whether you like it or not so that being said if you cant stand to get your Hands dirty or you don't know witch end of a Screw driver is the Working end Just Stay Home and Forget about Traveling in a MH Lolololololol, No it is not Funny because there will be Problems and sometimes whether you like it or Not you will have to fix the Problem, or live in misery until you find someone to do it for you and then you will pay the Piper. It is an Adventurer but a Forfiling one. I fortunately have been a Mechanic all my life so its easy for me and I think it could be Easy for Anyone that has the Desire to Try. These Two People Bless there Hearts they have Given most of you the Leading edge on how this all works so go to there Videos and study all of them, they Know what they are Talking about and be Thankful they are Willing to Share there experiences with you all. Hay I am a Mechanic and I really don't need them But its Been 6 Years since I have owned a MH and Things Change, so I get My Catch up on things from, You guessed it these Two, RV Texas Y'ALL. These Two will make your RV experience so much better If you will just Listen to Them, I surely Do. God Bless America and Its Disabled Veterans.
Garry Harris
Hush up now
Thank you for this! I am very far off from buying my first RV (Im young and broke) but this was something I had not thought of, but will definitly look into. Cheers!
First question you should ask yourself is "What are you planning on using an RV for?" Is this going to be your permanent residence or temporary as you head South for the winter or North for the summer? Are you looking for something to go glamping in a few weeks out of the year or will you be traveling for several weeks at a time, several times a year. Will it be just you and you spouse/significant other or will you be taking the kids? And what about pets? Are you planning on staying in RV parks and/or 'improved' campgrounds and/or the occasional overnight at a WalMart parking lot or are you wanting to go off-grid (aka 'boondocking')? When looking at an RV, start look for the 'bad' first. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement and romance that you miss important things. Make a list of the 10 most important things...needs first, wants second.
We agree 100%! In fact, we just filmed a part II for this video and talked about several of these topics.
I plan on cooking meth in my RV So I’m thinking a great boondocking set up and a large bathtub do you have any suggestions?
@@armoredsaint6639 There’s an app for that.
Love watching you guys and your adventures. My wife an I are ready to full time as soon as our house sells. Your being very smart in planning and not rushing the full time process. We’ve already spent a year on the process. Good luck on your new adventure.
Thank you Phil! Good luck on your transition to full time life. Keep us posted on your adventures!
Great points! I also agree about the 5w and having to buy a new truck. That is why coaches are a better deal if you roll a lot.
Dang folks... this is one of the best ‘newbies’ post I have found! Thanks so much for your wisdom! Hope to learn more from ya! 😊
Thanks Noreen! Glad you found us. Here's a link to our RV Tips playlist in case you're interested: czcams.com/video/fs3xe1u6Tzo/video.html
I am a fellow Texan and yall are awesome. I am looking forward to more vlogs and watching all of the videos you all produced. Yes Lord, ac is key.
Hi Kim! Thanks for watching! Always great to connect with a fellow Texan. Hope you’re having a great week.
Obviously experienced with lots of really good points. Shopping for my first Motorhome and happy to hear you speak of a number of topics I didn't even think of.Thanks from Boston.
Hi Steven! Thanks for the comment. We're glad you found our video helpful. Best of luck in the search for your motorhome!
My wife and I are in the same boat as Steven now, so this video really helps. You're also very nice folks and down to earth, not trying to be cute or funny, just honest, and that's appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to share the expertise you've gained.
+gmaneis Thanks for your comment. We really appreciate it. Hope our videos help you in your search. Best of luck to you and your wife as you RV shop!
I'm a fellow Texan and totally new to the concept of RVing and learning about RV's, and I thought this video was great. Thank you!
Hey neighbor! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Just came across you guys. I agreed with everything you said, but specially your number 1 on the list. I had a friend whose wife checked to see if she could reach the toilet paper while on the commode. I never would have thought of that. One to add, If you buy a motorhome, take it for a drive. You have to make sure it drive well and you are comfortable driving it.
+Roy Davis Thanks Roy. You are absolutely right about the test drive. We agree 100%.
Very good and informative video. When we were looking at RV's, weight was the most important part of our purchase in part with how much we could spend. We could have bought a 2015 Newmar Ventana LE( Diesel) but we could put more in this 2015 Newmar Canyon Star (Gas) and stay within weight specs. Thanks and please keep making vids guys!! We subscribed to your channel!
+RN - RV Chronicles Thanks for the comment! Interesting point about the weight specs of the coaches you looked at. We think people typically assume that diesels can always carry more than gas motorhomes. Thank you for sharing your experience to remind folks that isn't necessarily the case.
Life has had us crazy busy lately, but we've got some new videos in the works. Thanks for subscribing! We'll be posting a new video soon!
The dealership I work we go by the GVWR and we always ask how much they can pull and then we will check and verify how much they can pull and will only show them stuff they can pull when it’s fully loaded and still have extra pull room we educate our customers very well about the weight aspect of buying a bumper pull it fifth wheel! Thank you for these amazing videos I love to watch them very informative and helpful! 👍🏼👍🏼
That's great to hear Quintin! That education is so important. Thank you.
Great video, thanks!! I'm in Texas too and great to know about the ac! We are first time RV buyers and these were awesome tips!
Hi Pamela! Thanks for your comment and for watching! We are glad you found this video helpful. Best of luck with your RV shopping. :)
New to your channel. We are researching and will be buying our rig this spring for full timing. These videos help so very much. Thanks so much for sharing!
Welcome to our channel! So glad we can help! We have a Part II to this video with more tips, in case you haven’t seen it. czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html Have fun shopping! Keep us posted on what y’all pick.
We haven't purchased yet and thank goodness! You have given us several things to consider.
Thanks!!!
So glad we could help, Rick!
Thank you for all the tips. We are looking to buy a RV in the near future and you two brought out some things we had not considered, so now, thanks to you we.will be able to make a more informed decision. Thanks so much.😊
Glad to help, Ruth! Enjoy your search. And thank you for watching. 😁
Great info! thanks so much! Blessings and Happy Trails
So glad you enjoyed it!, BK! Thank you. Safe travels and happy camping!
Excellent video, this will help a lot of future RVers and even when wanting to replace for another model. Thank you.
Thank you Ron! We’re so glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for putting this together. I am up in Canada shopping for an RV. Your Video has been a huge help. Thanks
Hi Keener! So glad that we could help. We just filmed a follow-up video to this one the other day and will be publishing it soon (possibly this Sunday?).
What a great video guys, there is so much to check and look out for...Look at your front steps, make sure they are solid and not spungy or bouncy.. also make sure your outside awning doesnt stop at your front door or you will have a water fall if it rains, they act as gutters...Most time the dealer will not explain to you that the big refregerater that is so beautiful and big and just like your house only runs off elect..make sure your refrigerator runs off propane and elect...safe and fun travels to all🤗
Great tips Robin! Thanks for sharing. Safe travels!
I agree we were just going to buy any old RV till we saw your video. Now we’re going to slow down ( a lot) and do more research. We’re in no hurry. Thank you
Great idea! Glad we could help. We appreciate you watching. Best of luck with your search! Let us know what you get.
me too!
All the bathroom tips were very very useful! Thank you so much...
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for being so thorough!
Thank you for watching!
GREAT INFO!! Thanks for sharing. And YALL are right. The damn Texas heat factors in everything we do during the summer. Each summer in like "WHY IN THE HELL AM I STILL HERE?" see yall down the road in about a year.
Thanks Neil! Glad you enjoyed the video. Safe travels!
Thanks! Very helpful and a pleasure to watch!
Thanks so much Jimbo! Glad we could help!
Thank you I enjoyed it..... learned a lot. Be blessed. Have fun
Thank you for watching. So glad you enjoyed it.
Hi... I found your videos yesterday and have really enjoyed them. We are planning to purchase a trailer next year here in Texas and this is great information for research. Thank you both!
Welcome Susan! Glad you found us. Have fun RV shopping!
Thank you for sharing great tips! This was extremely helpful !
+June Costello Thank You June! We appreciate you watching.
Regarding RV toilets, I like some of the newer 5th wheel restrooms where the toilet is next to the shower. It's a nasty subject, but there are often instances where you need to spray the bowl clean. I like having the option to grab the shower head out of the shower and do that instead of having to plumb a sprayer next to the toilet. I've even had instances where we kept a Super-Soaker squirt gun in the toilet closet when we had that type of setup.
Very good video. We just bought a Winnie Minnie 25 ft. travel trailer and just love it. We were going to be putting it too close to our total towing capacity with our Toyo Sequoia, so we bought a new used 2500 HD Chevy pickup with tow package. Great combo and now we can put that little camper just about anywhere.
+M. Steve Bean Awesome Steve! Have fun out there!
Yep, you just stated my philosophy: I'll haul it if it fits!
Great video and vlog, I know about the ac as you mentioned, here in south Florida its a must with the high humidity and heat, and in winter we're invaded with our fellow rver's from the north so campsites are few. BTW, from my perspective, everystate is a northern state,lol.
Thanks! We always feel at home when we’re in South Florida since we share the same weather. :)
Really nice job! Lots of good info! Thanks!
Thanks so much Warren! Glad you enjoyed it.
Good advice and an education on living on the road. And also what to findba a rv thst will fit your needs. Everyone is different AZ nd their needs as well. Thsnk you so much.
Very true Helen. What is right for one person is completely different from someone else. Thank you.
I have 5500 lbs in carrying ability in my motorhome, and if we tow I'm using up that volume quickly. If you are towing in particular be very conscious of your gvcw.
Great couple and great advice! ❤️
Thank you TJ! We appreciate you watching!
This video should be required viewing for perspective buyers. The only topic I would add is RV insulation. It does not pertain to everyone, but enough that there should be knowledge so that perspective buyers can make a decision on whether or not it matters for their needs. We plan on using our RV during the colder months, but good insulation also helps in high heat. Thanks for posting this info!
Good tip! Thanks Bobbi.
just discover your channel and love you both, Thank you soooo much about talking about the weight issue. We were one of those people also.
Welcome Suzette! We’re glad you found us. We believe weight is a super important topic in RVing. Thanks so much for your note.
Y'all are awesome - thanks for the info!
You’re welcome George! Thank you. We have a Part II to this video with more tips if you’re interested... czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html
stumbled across your video. Enjoyed the tips and food for thought provided. Thank you for sharing and keeping it real. God bless you.
Glad you enjoyed it! We published a Part II to this video, in case you are interested: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html
FANTASTIC VIDEO! Thank You for the tips. My husband and I are planning to buy a small 25' Forest River Roo hybrid trailer to start with. One that has 2 opposing slide outs to increase floor space so we don't feel cramped. It's plenty light enough for my 2015 Ford Expedition with HD towing to handle and still allow some essentials as well as the 2 of us in it.
Hi Carol. Thank you for watching! Enjoy your RV shopping. :)
Excellent Info. We bought a Jeep Cherokee with tow package and decided to get a small trailer to evacuate from Hurricanes in. We ended up Getting a small trailer weighing 3100 lbs empty with the GVWR equal to the tow capacity of the Jeep, which we end up using more than we thought we would. I will not name the brand and model as I do not want to maybe influence someone else and have them end up with a lemon. No problems towing and handling. We live in South Louisiana and the trailer is small enough that the 13500 works well, keeping the temps 30 degrees lower than outside, but as you noted, the NOISE. The shower is adequate sized. I am 5' 10 and fit in quite well and I am skinny. My wife is under 5' and also has no problems. We do have a quick disconnect accessed through a little door on the side, which is a lot better to many that have one under the unit, and exposed to dirt and road hazards. Has a ladder and I think that should be a requirement for any RV.
Hi Gerard! We're glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing your experience. The quick disconnect through a door on the side is great. Glad you are enjoying your camper. Hope y'all have a great week!
Great info!! Thanks.
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your very informative video! My husband and I have had a 26' travel trailer for the past 4 years and have outgrown it. We are considering a Class A motor home but not sure where to even start. You don't know what you don't know until you get to see these videos. We do agree that we shouldn't be in a hurry. We actually bought one while on vacation in Florida but they couldn't get it fixed, so we never drove it off the lot. I'm just so glad that deal fell through because we have way too much to learn before we make that kind of purchase.
Thanks Gail! We’re glad our video was helpful for you. We published a follow up to this video recently with a few more tips, in case you’re interested: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html. Have fun with your search!
Gail Carter bu
Thank you for this video!
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching!
Thanks to both of you, great video! My wife and I are preparing to buy our first camper. (tow behind) So this will be interesting!
Hi Mike! So glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your camper shopping! We have a part II to this video that you might be interested in with some additional buying tips: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html .
Great video ..Thank you..
You’re welcome Gail. Thank you
exceptionally helpful!!!
+crazyjoelowe Thank you!
While we will be looking at a B or small C, all your points still make sense. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, David. Have fun shopping!
just found you guys tonight really like your video extremely informative. I also subscribed tonight will be checking out your other videos. you both came across very well.
Larry
+Larry Kuhn Hi Larry! Thanks so much for your comment. We really appreciate it! Welcome to our channel. We hope you enjoy it! --Tom & Stacie
Just discovered your channel. We're getting ramped up because we close on our home in 2 weeks from today, in Plainview Texas and waiting to get our travel trailer from Michigan. Happy trails 😊
Awesome! Thanks for joining us. Congrats on closing on your home and getting your travel trailer. Safe travels!
I just need 19k $ and I will buy the one I want. I only have 300.00 right now but its a start.
Every little bit is a step toward your goal.
Great tips, many thanks. Even though I'm in Australia this is most helpful. We get very hot summers here.
Howdy from Texas! Thanks for watching. We’re glad you enjoyed this video. We recently published a “part 2” with more RV buying tips in case you are interested: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html.
Awesome video! Great tips for traveling in Rv’s. Being from Texas living in the Texas Panhandle we have more than our share of tornadoes! Have bee n enjoying your videos! God bless you and keep you safe!
Thanks so much Lester! Stay safe!
All good tips, it still baffels me why RV dealers will not repair issues prior to the sale, or have the RV clean prior to you looking at it even when you have made an appointment. I know it's a cost thing. Automotive dealers could never get away with that. But don't let that be the desiding factor. As long as it gets repaired before you take it off the lot. Thanks
+Casual RV'er Thanks for the comment!
Thanks, great info!
You’re welcome Karim! Thank you
My wife and I decided to go full time a couple of years ago. People told us to buy one and live in it for a while... then we would know what we really need. They were so right!
We started with a travel trailer (Forest River, Windjammer 3029W) for the 1st 18 months and learned what our "must haves" are:
1) Full size refrigerator.
2) Two air conditioners. One just doesn't cool the unit enough.
3) A big pantry inside the unit, NOT in a slide-out. In a slide the bread goes bad fast in summer and in winter everything is half frozen.
4) Living space is the most important. You spend most of your time in the living room and kitchen area. Having a killer master bedroom is less important.
5) Lots of counter space. When preparing meals indoors, counter space is paramount.
6) Big rectangular shower. Corner showers are too small.
7) No "dinette booth". A free-standing table and chairs is far more practical for us.
8) Six-point leveling jack system.
So, we upgraded to a big 5th wheel (Grand design, Reflection 367BHS). We looked at a hundred RVs before choosing this one, and this thing checks all the right boxes for us.
Congrats on going full time! You’re right. The best way to know what is important for you is through experience.
HalfCrazy520 thank you for sharing your list of must haves. I’m looking to buy a 5th wheel to live in during the week to reduce my commute and road time for work. Closet space is key for my work clothes.
We have s fifth wheel and are looking at upgrading. Thanks for the tips. You mentioned a lot of things to look out for, for me it wash the dual heating water heater. I honestly didn’t know they would outfit one with a single way to heat up the water.
Hi Ira! Thanks for watching. Glad we could help. Good luck with your search!
Yours was an excellent video. Thank you.
Thank you. We’re glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you both!
You are very welcome, Samaria. Thanks for watching!
Good job guys!!
Thanks Robert!
Very good info thank you
Thank you Larry
Good video. Lots to consider.
Thanks Brenda!
I bought a 95 allegro to live in Florida without looking at the roof before purchasing. They got me good the whole roof was rotten and tar over it leaked everywhere. lesson leaned here. Thank you for the advice I plan on using it on my next buy .🇺🇸
So sorry to hear about your roof. Hope you have better luck on your next one. Be sure to feel all around the floors and walls (especially around windows and doors) for soft spots and signs of water intrusion.
So helpful!!!!!
Thank you, Christina!
Thanks a lot for your information
Thank you for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it.
We have a 2008 Tiffin Phaeton, absolutely love it!
We love our Tiffin too, Cathy!
Excellent thoughtful video.
Thank you David. We're glad you enjoyed it. We have a Part II to this video if you're interested: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html
You guys gave some great information. I am going to start looking this year for one. It is definitely over whelming.
+Jim DeLucia Thanks Jim! Good luck with your search. Let us know if you have any questions.
I know you can't tell me what is the best RV for me but maybe you can give me some advise. I am thinking about a Class C. I would like to go to the Super C so I get the Diesel. With the Super C you also get a lot more upgrades. I know the Super C Starts getting close to the price of a Class A Gas. Any help would be appreciated.
+Jim DeLucia One big thing to pay close attention to with any RV is the weight rating. There should be a yellow sticker either in the house door frame or on the driver's wall that tells you all of the weight limits for that vehicle. You'll want to know how much weight you can carry overall, how much weight is safe for the front axle, the rear axle and what it can tow. Always remember to consider the size of your water, fuel & propane tanks because all of that contributes to the travel weight (as do people, pets and stuff in general). Super Cs generally have more storage space than Cs and should be able to carry more weight. But never assume. Another thing to think about is where you want to camp. If you want to be primarily in RV Parks, most will fit a Super C no problem (though there are always exceptions). State & National Parks sometimes have length & height restrictions. So while you're shopping, do a little research on places that you might like to go to check for size constraints. We have a series of videos where we tour RVs. As far as Cs go, we've published a tour of a Dynamax Super C & a Coachmen Freelander C. Will be doing more in the future.
you guys are awesome, great advise....
Thanks Diana!
Great information on a number of topics. Over the years I have owned class A class B. So true, you need to be a person that enjoys fixing and making the rig better. Ask yourself if you want to live on blacktop or have the freedom to adventure beyond it. Thanks to all who take time to share their experiences with a honest heart. MH are a big investment and what you say is true. Have monies set aside allocated for the RV. Years ago, it was safe to pull off the highway onto a dirt road open the windows enjoy the fresh cool air which makes for a great night of sleep.which can't be done with a 40ft plus. I have retired and looking to back into another R V . Keep making your videos t;hey are very helpful. thanks, God Bless !
Thank you Janalee! Congratulations on your retirement and best of luck with your search for your next RV! We appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences.
You said you can't pull off the road with a 40ft plus. Why not?
Hi Joe. It’s not that you can’t pull off, but the bigger your vehicle is, the more difficult it is to find parking or maneuver around obstacles.
Your video was enlightening and showed to slow down and think. Have a long way to go but want to get it right
Good info...u guys rock....
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
A great question on a motor coach GAS or Diesel, we are thinking about it
Great Video! Thumbs Up!
Thanks Mia!
Just found you guys, this is great information. I would have never thought of weight...oh my goodness.
Hi Anita! Welcome to our channel. We’re glad to help. Happy New Year!
Great tips thanks.
Thank you Tom! Glad you enjoyed it.
great information
Thanks!
thank you so much!
You’re very welcome! If you’re interested, we have a sequel video to this one that offers a few more things to think about when you are RV shopping: czcams.com/video/143d4Tbg9H4/video.html
Thanks so much, I'm looking to buy
Glad you enjoyed it Alison! Have fun shopping.
Thank you both for the good info .How bout making a video on what brand RV,s to stay away from and what are the best motor to have in the RV for gas milage.
Thanks for watching and thank you for the suggestions.
I want to bring up another topic that should be delved into for current and future RVers, and that is SAFETY. Have you guys looked at some clips of motorhome/RV accidents right here on YT? This just blows my mind. There are people who can afford hundreds of thousands of dollars motorhomes, right? And multi-million dollar buses. There are people buying used motorhomes still many thousands of dollars. How many are aware of just how unsafe these RVs really are? The most atrocious are the big motorhomes. How do folks who have so much money not have any awareness of safety? In the RV accident clips I watched, I could not spot a single deployed airbag. ARE THERE NO AIRBAGS? It's not uncommon in frontal crashes for the front of the motorhome to be smashed to smitherines...the front end just completely gone. Windshield.... gone. The driver and passenger are completely exposed to whatever flying debris there is. What happened to the windshield? Did it come in toward the occupants? Plus there appears to be a high rollover risk on the big motorhomes. I JUST DON"T GET THIS AT ALL. Why are consumers of drivables not demanding SAFETY?
Great video, even better at 1.75x speed.
!!!!!!!!!! Jaja
We have an rv love it. Time for another. One thing for sure i would not buy a new rv for maney reason's money,from the start to the finish. You can find really good deals out there. I would also buy from a one owner. You pretty know what your getting.. Good travels and be safe. You never know, we may just may meet down the road
We agree, Helen. There are some good deals out there.
great tips
Thank you Brenda
all good points and many more to consider, lol.
everyone do your research and
never take your checkbook with you when looking at RVs.
+SKPjoe Coursegold LOL! Yep! That checkbook in hand can be a dangerous thing! 😄
Good comments on the weights! I would add that when it comes to towables there are 2 weights to consider, the one most people will look at if they pay attention to weight at all is the max trailer weight for the truck. The one that is not considered as much is the payload of the truck and comparing the hitch weight of the camper. 3/4 tons can suprise you how fast the payload dissappears. Many of them today are legally rated to 17,000 lbs of trailer and 10,000 lbs for gross vehicle weight but by the time you have the very popular crew cab short bed 4x4 there is around 2000 lbs of payload available...counting a 150lb driver...its easy by the time you have passengers, tool box, and a 200lb hitch system to be closer to 1200 lbs left for pin/hitch weight. Well at 1200 lbs to stay within the weight rating the MAX camper weight if its a travel trailer with only 10% tongue weight is 12,000lbs or a 5th wheel with only 15% pin weight is a whopping 8,000 lbs. So really if you want a trailer that the half tons should be able to pull get a 3/4 ton, if you want a trailer that a 3/4 should be able to pull get a 1 ton single wheel, and so on.
Sorry for the semi technical rant. lol
+Matt Hillman Excellent point, Matt. You are absolutely right. Thanks for the tip!
Matt Hillman, this was a great add on. We aren’t using our small trailer because our truck isn’t road worthy at the moment and we plan to upgrade both. Our big question has been, what is the best truck for the job? The Dealer told us they have had to turn away buyers with trucks that can’t haul the weight. Yes, this is a good dealership that wants to stand by their product. Thanks much for the helpful information!!!
Just saw a video for an airstream that had 630 pounds of weight left before it hit max gvwr. People don't realize that when you fill your water tank, you're adding at least 300 pounds. That means that you would literally have about 270 pounds of cargo weight left. WOW!! That's like....nothing!!
I told them that for the asking price of 74,000, that is just ridiculous.
We’ve noticed that on some also. It would be almost impossible not to go over the weight limit on some RVs.
Great advice, y'all! Now, I don't want to sound like a know-it-all because we're still camping in a tent (in the tent's defense, it's a really great tent!) but from my experience in the transportation industry, being able to stop your rig is even more important than being able to make it go. Down here on the coastal plains, it isn't so much a problem, but get out there on the slopes, even in the Hill Country, and you'll notice some people barely making it up the grade and riding the breaks all the way down because they have to to keep the thing from running away from them. Not long ago, we camped with some great friends who tow a big toy hauler and even his F-350 dually had a front caliper stick on one of the first grades around Pleasanton. Knowing how to set your trailer breaks will save you lots of wear and tear on your tow vehicle, your knuckles and nerves and maybe even some lives. Also, for all the bumper pull enthusiasts, please invest in good anti sway control bars! It's just really important to have control of your rig at all times. We want to see you and yours in the campground, not with all your stuff scattered alongside the road! Love, peace and bacon grease!
Great tips Jay! Thank you for taking the time to add to the conversation. Safety first!
jay dietric
What about checking every cabinet and drawer because they are not all as they appear to be. Some are false cabinets blocked in with equipment. Some drawers are fake or very short. Some do not work well because they have cheap hardware. Some are stapled and not well built. Or missing like medicine cabinets or linen cabinets in bathrooms. I say check every storage space and have a list of essential items which will need storage space and make sure that space is there.
Very good point, Doris. Thanks for the comment.
Y'all are so funny,
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Hey loved the video, very helpful. We are going to be first time buyers and were wondering what type RV do you have now?
Hi Gosia. Thank you! We currently have a 2014 Thor Palazzo 33.2. It is a 35’ diesel pusher.
you had me at "Weight"!
i am looking to buy my first and first thing i do i look for the occc sticker then i go in.
i take a picture of the make/model, then a picture of the yellow sticker with occc, then i go in.
small C on a Mercedes chasis are nice, but occc is bad if you arent a 150# person and plan on bringing more than your spouse.
+Frank Gioia Hi Frank! Thanks for the comment. Great idea to take pictures of the make/model & yellow sticker. It can get tough to remember all of the important details when you look at several different models. We're going to add your tip to our list.
We think weight is probably the least studied detail by folks shopping RVs, but it is so important. Good Luck with your search!
Open the draws and tap on the bottom. I've seen/felt some that I thought my fingers would poke through.
Plastic facets is on my list to check for and look at the access to see how easy it is to change them.
Back to weights, found this site and it has good glossary of the different weights categories.
www.rvsafety.com/weighing/weighing-glossary
I have a little spreadsheet that i made. I put in factors for traveling with water, waste, LP, etc and when I enter the OCCC, it will give me a rough estimate of available weight after my wife and I are in it.
I saw some rigs at the Hersey show this past fall that had an OCCC of just over 300 pounds. Talk about Scary. You look at this small C (B+) and the last thing you would assume is that it can't hold much more.
+Frank Gioia So true. We've been really surprised by the weight allowances of some we've seen.
I've got a 20ft Jayco with at 13.5k BTU AC and I just spent a few weeks camping in south Texas this summer with 100+F days.
Wow, that’s too hot for me now!
@@rvamericayall Our Waggle Pet monitor showed the highest temperature in the RV was about 78F the whole time.
Upgrade the tires who manufactures always go light on original tires you won't regret going 14 16 ply
Thanks for the tip! We agree, good tires are critical.
Yes the shower is always too small, and the funny part is that we are currently camping in a hand made teardrop camper That we made.
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Thanks. I watched that one as well. Do you have any videos on manually leveling an RV Motorhome?
We don't. But the RV Geeks do: czcams.com/video/2j2AsW5oHAA/video.html
I suggest as a buyer, make sure Everything on your list is fixed "Before" you take delivery of that unit. Do Not believe the salesperson when they say to bring it back for repairs later. Don't Do That!!!! Make them fix it now. Patience when taking delivery will save you many headaches down the road. Thanks. Joseph. 👍😀
Great advice Joseph! Thanks