Why Do We Face East When We're Boondocking? 🧭
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- Because we often boondock in wide open spaces, it allows us to face our RV in any direction we like. So why do we always face East when we have the option? Here are some tips that may help you find your best direction, too!
On a related side note, we’re excited to let you know that on the same day this video was shot, we also filmed a related, but different, segment about boondocking. That segment will be showing up on our new TV series The RVers, when it debuts on PBS, iTunes, Amazon and other outlets this fall! We will of course keep you posted with further updates as we get closer to the series launch.
In the meantime, check out TheRVers.TV for more info, and follow (and like!) the show on Facebook: / therverstv
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It's amazing how quickly a large window with the sun beating in can heat up the RV. We experience that with our large side windows. Love the layed back feel of this video Peter. Nice job.
Thanks so much Brian. much appreciated. We shot this one in tandem with a related shoot for The RVers, so it's definitely a little bit different style for us, including multiple cameras, and some other TV-related tweaks. Look for more of that here in the future. 😉
We're retired FTers who always face our MH due east when we boondock too. The main reason is we have a 620-watt liftable solar array mounted on the passenger's side of our motorhome, right behind our big awning which faces due south when our coach points east. We lift the array to the optimal angle to improve their output by 20-30% vs flat mounted panels - even more in the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky. It serves as a nice bedroom window awning too, practically lifting itself to the desired angle with a couple gas struts, and it's easy to erect, lower and clean, standing safely on the ground. We're both 67 so don't relish the thought of climbing on our roof to raise and lower our panels every time we move. We use Reflectix inside our windshield both winter and summer to reflect the heat in or out as needed. Double paned windows throughout our coach really make a huge difference in the comfort level too.
By mounting our solar array on the side of our MH, we left the roof free to rack 8, 550W solar panels (4,400 watts) down the length of our 35ft Class A 15" off our roof, above our AC, fan shrouds, etc. They will cover the entire roof, providing some nice shade with plenty of cooling air underneath, further increasing solar output and reducing the heat load on the air conditioners too. We'll have so much solar up there that we don't have to worry about lifting them to improve their output. We're in the middle of this build now. In fact, I just finished the roof rack today. We made it out of 2" aluminum angle, cross braced with 1" aluminum angle. We bought our aluminum racking material in Yuma, where we're wintering over this year, for under $400. Our solar panels, wiring, breakers, all-in-one 48V, 5,000W, 120V PSW Inverter/100A charge controller/battery charger, etc. arrived over the last few weeks, but we're taking our time to get installed over the winter. Our 48v battery bank will use 16, 320ah grade A prismatic cells that we ordered from EEL Batteries for only $1,726. So together with our 560ah (7.1 Kwh)12v bank, we will have a total of 23.5 Kwh of LiFePo-4 batteries onboard (the equivalent of more than 18, 100ah Battleborns) - kept charged with over 5,000 watts of solar.
Great idea! The patio awning makes a huge difference in how hot our RV gets, so having it on the south helps!
Good tips for capturing the heat during cold weather. Conversely, we mostly use our motorhome in the summer months, so we like to have the front windshield face north to minimize passive heat transfer. This keeps our patio on the east side, which is a nice place to sit in the morning, but the hot afternoon sun is on the west and our patio side is mostly shaded.
Nice!! We face north in the summer, too, especially since we don’t need to tilt our solar panels in the summer, eliminating the need to orient them for tilting.
That makes sense. You want to make sure you RV is as comfortable as possible. 🙂
I’ve actually turned my trailer around in the morning when I realized my mistake overnight! The people boondocking near me probably thought I was crazy, but with the wind howling towards my door, I was very uncomfortable trying to keep warm. As well, I’ve found facing south east allows for maximum solar exposure on my fixed panels. Thanks for the video confirming my thought process.
Great info but I must say the spot and views are even better....simply picturesque. Happy travels and stay safe, Lou.
Thanks Lou! Safe travels to you too. 😊👍
Great food for thought! I had never considered which direction to park past the view optimization. Thanks for sharing some great insights! I’ll be dusting off my compass next time I move to a new spot.
Great video as always!! Another advantage for us to point east and having sun being away from the windshield in the afternoon is that our dog Belle loves sitting up on the dash and this protects her from burning up while waiting for us to return if we are away. Take care guys and safe travels!!!
Thanks for the great pet-related tip! 😊
Concepts are valid - however, the orientation is dictated by the time of year, latitude and elevation. As full-timers we stay in generally warm locations and prefer facing North. This allows us to have the passenger side of the rig shaded by our patio awning for the morning sun. The midday sun hits the rig at the rear where there are no windows so the exposure is minimized and heating is reduced as are A/C requirements. In the later afternoons, the passenger side is shaded and we can enjoy afternoon cocktails without baking as the sun sets.
If we're camping when it's cold we seek to maximize our exposure to the midday sun and prefer to have our cocktails with the sun warming us - so, we'd face the motorhome South to capture every last bit of the sun's heat as it sets.
When we select a campground, we always use Google Maps satellite view to help select the correct site within a campground - we prepare a list and then call the campground. Of course, when boondocking we have greater flexibility, most of the time.
The purpose of the video is to provide considerations based on each individual’s particular situation and preferences. For example, we would never face north in a warm climate, as that leaves our drivers side, with no large awning, exposed to the unprotected heat of the afternoon sun. Obviously, a higher end rig with full awnings on both sides has more options than we do. Etc. As my mother would say, “That’s why they make vanilla & chocolate.” 😉
Sounds like some good reasons. I have window shades, heat and A/C so I just park where it is flat ...not concerned with direction. U guys make great videos, can see how they would be helpful 😊
Nice rig and great advice that we can use with our two RV's that we use while travelling and filming documentaries around Australia
Great video and advice. It's actually the same reasons (except the windshield part) we face East in our 5ver. Our residential refer is on the driver's side, our solar panels tilt towards the passenger side, and our twin awnings are passenger-side so we can shade our campsite and rig from the afternoon sun.
Nice video and good info. I knew right where it was taped when I saw the river, and railroad across the mighty Columbia River. I travel I-84 a lot.
Hello guys! Again, a great tip for all, and for us in Canada especially...it gets cold up here, and we need the warmth of the sun, any season...even in the summer! Hey, that's Canada for you :-) All the best! The Happy Campers from Montréal.
Thanks Remi! Always great to hear from a fellow Canuck!🇨🇦 😊
Our thoughts exactly! You guys are always spot on! Love how thoughtful and meticulous you both are. Must be Virgos?
Thanks Larry! One Libra (Peter) and an Aquarius (John).
Excellent points! This is a great tip for planning the solar tilt side as well! Thanks guys!
-Thomas
When late fall or winter camping I like to point south so the morning sun will warm the coach. If it's a windy spot I tend to put the door on the lee side if possible. We stay at the Oregon coast a lot and the wind is usually north to south and blows just about every day. It's nice to open the door without the wind trying to tear it out of your hand.
Thank for the additional tips to consider, Dan! 😊
Another advantage of facing east is that if you are moving on that day, the early morning sun will quickly melt any frost on the windshield that has accumulated overnight.
Thanks for the excellent additional tip! 👍
Your videos are always so well done and a pleasure to watch. Your channel was the only channel I watched when my wife and I bought our first travel trailer in 2011. Keep up the great work guys.
Thanks so much, Rob! We really appreciate your taking the time to make such a nice comment. You totally made our day. 😊
Great Ideas...
Thank you for sharing
Excellent video! Your production value is going through the roof! I loved your focal shot on the compass and that Dolly zoom! And yes the content was great too! We usually face east too, but depends on the views and temperatures.
Thanks so much. Means the world coming from you. Is that dolly zoom sick or what?! 😁
Good stuff! Recently acquired a Class A rig and had not thought of these tips for staying comfy in the winter.
Great video insight on which way to face. It all makes sense, although 5th wheel here so large rear window, frig on passenger side. They just don't make park sites the right direction.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could choose your campsite in an RV park based on orientation?! 😃
Logical reasoning, love your location. Take care and be safe.
Love the videos between you guys and the Wynn’s are why Eric and I now have a diesel pusher. Safe travels fellas
Some great information and ideas for keeping the rig cooler! Y'all Be Safe!
Looks like you are at the Oregon Washington Border where the river separates border.
Great video.
Thanks Salty! That’s right where we were all right… in Rufus, OR.
We face east as well and for the exact same reasons. Good video.
I learned about tire covers for many years i wondered why they did that.
Another thing to consider is strong prevailing winds in the spring season.
Great tip! Thanks for mentioning another consideration.
Guys, this video was awesome! Definitely great tips, especially for us newbie boondockers. Also, the videography was 👌 Miss you two, safe travels!
Thank you so much! We saw you were boondocking in one of our favourite spots... Alabama Hills! Love it!! Don’t feel bad though. We caught a mouse this afternoon too! Miss you too. When are we going to see you again?
Haha good to know we're not alone in the mouse invasion club. We loved Alabama Hills, the scenery is so unique! Hopefully we'll cross paths later this year? I'll text you our travel plans :)
Thanks for all the great insights. One major issue I have is dexterity in my hands as I have arthritis in the joints, plus lack of strength. Right now my husband does the hitching, but I want to be able to in case of an emergency. I’m surprised they don’t make the toad mount hitches that can pivot right and left and extend out to the ball. Thanks again for all your help.
Great info. Now I know what to do when I hit the road. Thanks
🇨🇦 Thank you so much for sharing this great information.👍
Something to think about 🤔 Have a wonderful/ bless Day.🤗
🍃🇺🇸🕊️🌎🕊️🍃
I just found your CZcams page as I started to research the common tasks I will need to get used to (Black/Gray tanks) and I am SO glad I did. You've been living the lifestyle I am just about to dive into because I feel that apartment living is no longer a financially sound idea as my rent goes up and my income doesn't change much. Paying off an RV and living mostly boondocking are what I am looking forward to, but it also means a lot of stress. Simply finding a decent Class C RV is overwhelming because of so many options, but I look forward to seeing if you have any advice about RV purchases. I look forward to seeing more of your videos over time. :)
Welcome! Great to have you here with us. 😊
Great video, never thought about that. Makes a lot sense. Stay safe guys and thanks again.
Thanks Charles! You too. 👍
Your entire video is stuff I never thought of! Great information!
Learn everyday something new!! Thank you very for this video, I cover my wheels even when no sun, I find when it rains, if I don’t they get all dirty and also animals pee on it! I somehow prefer cleaning the cover than the wheel.
Thanks Julie! And we bet that pee is bad for the rubber too. 👍😄
@@RVgeeks 😅Yess! Wash off the Vinyl quickly or it will stain. I put
Protect-All or M303 on the Vinyl.
Very well-thought out reasons. Thanks.
I always enjoy watching your videos. I have the same MADP and you’ve helped me immensely.
Thanks so much, James! Great to hear. 😊
Beautiful motorhome
Thanks! 😊
Thanks for the advice, my friend!
Another great video
Thanks Jeannine! 😊
Living up to your channel name. LOL. I love it.
Thanks for the great idea/s and now I know!
I was going to put a large Solar panel on the driver (North) side, but I might not do that now.
There's a lot of variables to take into consideration, aren't there?!?! Glad we gave you some food for thought!
Thank you both very much ! I love your engineering analytical technique ! Very informative with "Reasoning" Thanks again, Love your Videos. :)
Thanks, Doug! Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a tow-behind camp trailer and facing north, if I can, works the best for me.
Good information. Thanks
As usual, great information and superb presentation. Many thanks for posting. We only purchased our Class A last June and haven't really tried any boondocking adventures yet but will certainly try and remember this as we're trying to plan a westward trip sometime this year from Florida.
Good idea!
Great Tips! Now I know! Thanks!
Great information, thanks!
Hi guys. Have you done a vid on DPs vs gas class As? Specifically maintenance/repair costs, insurance, depreciation etc.. So many warn how much more a DP of similar size costs to maintain. Thx!!
Hey Rob! No... we haven't done a video on Diesel Pushers -vs- Gas Class A's, since we've only ever owned Diesel Pushers and couldn't speak with any authority on the more nuanced details of a gasser (our friends Nikki & Jason Wynn did a comparison that might be of help, though: www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-diesel-or-gas ).
One thing we can share, though, is that over the past 14 years of ownership of our current Newmar DP, we've averaged about $1,500-1,600/year for repair & maintenance. That includes regular oil changes & chassis service, tire replacement, fridge failure (and replacement with a residential refrigerator), and an engine oil leak high on the block (which, honestly, has been our only "repair" item on our engine & chassis of any significance). So that information may help you to plan and/or compare (Marc & Julie Bennett of RVLove have a post about 2 years of repair & service on their gas Class A, which may help: rvlove.com/2016/06/17/2-years-of-rv-repairs-service-costs/ ).
Good info. Thank you
Great vid. Thank you for the advice.
Looks like you are on the Oregon side of the Columbia River.
Thanks Sandi! And you're right on about the location: Rufus, OR! 😊
@@RVgeeks Love our beautiful area. So many places to experience many different things. ❤
Thanks
Great information. How much does it help the solar panels?
Good information on inside temperature control. This is important in places where it warms up as you don't want to run the AC and the generator when something as simple as how/what direction you park can make a big difference.
Tiling the panels in the winter can provide from 25-30% increase in output!
@@RVgeeks That is a pretty significant increase. Anything you can add with solad can save you diesel.
hummm, Makes a lot of sense, great idea.
There has got to be another way other than manually tilting those panels? Great video
Your timing is interesting Jeff. We are planning to redo our entire solar set up this year, and you might want to stay tuned for what we have planned. 😉
makes absolute sense smart
Very interesting. Another thing to think about while boondocking thanks for the info.
I have yet to really figure out the direction I like to face. At the (NOV 2019)vVB I was facing N-NW and that seems to work well for me.
At about HI-Noon, I was starting to get shade on the right side and with the awning out, I got a lot more shade.
If I was to be running the fridge this may not work best because it would be getting sun on it. This summer if I use the fridge I will either cover that side of the fridge or not use it. ??? THANKS FOR THE POINTERS!
There are pros and cons to every rig & floorplan and every time of year. When it gets really hot in the summer, we sometimes face north so that the sun never comes directly in the windshield (no panel tilting needed in summer). But that does put the afternoon sun on the fridge. But it also provides shade on the patio side from the rig itself.
With your experience what type of rig is best for winter camping staying in one spot? Great video
In OUR experience, it's the RV that lets us head south and AVOID winter, LOL! But it's hard to say there's one answer to that question. How severe will your winter be? How settled in can you get (can you get a large, external propane tank? can you install skirting underneath? etc)? Typically, for staying in one spot for any length of time, we'd suggest avoiding a motorized unit... since you're paying extra for a motorized chassis that you're not really taking advantage of (and costs more to maintain), so towables rise to the top. And then look at insulation, if you'll be in cold climes. Arctic packs, well-insulated basements, etc all add to your comfort when the outside temps start falling.
@@RVgeeks thanks
Simply brilliant! Another great tip! Since you have a fiberglass roof, how are your solar panel brackets secured? Safe and Happy Travels!
Brendan & Lena
Thanks Brendan & Lena! We installed them ourselves by drilling into the roof, placing each bracket onto a small bed of Dicor, screwing them down, and adding more Dicor over the brackets and screw heads. Not a drop of water leakage in 14 years. 😊
That looks like
the Columbia River in Oregon.
I second that thought!
I to thinks it was a good video.
It is, indeed, Dan. It's the Army Corps of Engineers site in Rufus. Found it on Campendium ( campendium.com ) and loved it!
RVgeeks: I was Walleye fishing there for the last four days. Did you try the Bulldog Dinner? Or the steak place?
We only ate on board while we were there. Have to try that next time through!
Another great video from you guys.
One question - why do you tow your car and not tow a flat bed trailer and have your car on top of the trailer.?
Stay safe out there
because that is the way most people tow their car!
On less thing you have to find a place to store in a campground. If you were never planning on staying in a campground it might have an advantage to carry other things but that's about all. Just my humble perspective is all.
@@gosman949 I gathered that - surely this puts more wear and tear on your car - anyway someone suggested one less thing to store in a campground which makes more sense
Great question! And as others have mentioned, the biggest issue is finding space to store a trailer in a campground, since only the longest pull-through sites would have room for it. The wear and tear on the car is actually very minimal (just the tires and maybe a little additional wear on the suspension). Our car has been towed behind our RV for its entire 16-year life, and still looks and runs great! It's just so incredibly easy and convenient to flat tow that it's really an awesome way to go!
it is getting harder and harder finding cars and SUVs that can be flat towed. Eventually there will be none as we evolve to electric.
have a good day rhanks foor many good idees ofer the years
One thing not mentioned in this video is...where the heck is that awesome spot yall are at located?
That would be along the Columbia River in Rufus, Oregon! Check Campendium.com for details. 😊
That was my first thought as well! lol
Is that the Eastern end of the Oregon Columbia gorge?
Hi David! This is in Rufus Oregon, along the Columbia River. campendium.com has details about this excellent Army Corps of Engineers location.
@@RVgeeks You guys still in the PacNorthwest? I'm in Portland and would love to hang out if you are near my partner and I.
Thanks so much David. We already shot past Portland and are up in Canada. Maybe we'll catch up with you next time.
Hahaha! I don't even need to watch to know why! Hahaha!
Thank you for the video. How many watts of solar do you have to keep up with your residential fridge and what type of batteries do you use. Thx!
Hi Pamela. We still have the same 375 watts (3 x 125-watt panels) that we installed on our rig when we bought it 14 years ago. About 7 years ago our RV fridge failed, and we switched to a residential unit, and also switched from flooded batteries to AGMs at about that same time, but still the same 440 AH (220 AH usable) bank. That has managed the fridge fairly well, but of course not without also running the generator more than we'd like. This past year we upgraded to a 600 AH (540 usable) Xantrex e-Gen lithium system, which we did a several-part video series about. This year, we'll be doing part 2 of the project, which will be the installation of about 1,280 watts of solar. Stay tuned for updates as we roll out videos in the series.
Thank you for your prompt response. We are thinking we need to switch to lithium and more solar than the rv dealer said it would take. I love the residential fridge but it is a huge pain to try and keep up with. I will find your video series on the Xantrex e-Gen system to study up on the process. I think we are going to have to
sneak up on this project also. Thanks again and safe travels.
Our pleasure, Pamela. These kinds of updates are definitely the kind of thing you can do in spurts. Start with batteries. Then add solar. Then add more solar! 😉 LOL! If planned well, you can do it in a way that makes sure your earliest investments are still good when you're all done.
About how often do you need to clean the roof solar panels?
We generally clean ours whenever we get up on the roof for anything else. Maybe every couple of weeks at most. Unless you're in a really dusty area, that part of the RV stays the cleanest!
Are there videos on class A boondocking best sites
We highly recommend campendium.com!
Love the Canadian magnet on the fridge
Glad you noticed! 🇨🇦
Hey guys - thanks for the videos. Have you guys ever looked into wind turbines? I would think it might be harder if you are in RV parks more but with the volume of boondocking you do, I just wondered. - Rob
Hey Rob. We've only given wind turbines a cursory look. Most of what we've read/seen has made us less interested (noise, difficulty setting up, lack of significant power output, etc). Seems like turbines work great for boaters (more wind on the water AND harder to have solar not being shaded by something), but not as well on land. Although, we have to admit the allure of having power generation capability 24/7 would be nice... solar just doesn't work that great at night, does it? 😉 LOL!
Thanks for the response - would love to learn about wind power for RVs through you guys a as well!
Great info never even thought about the fridge in the hottest part of the year. As always Thanks and look forward to seeing you on PBS
Facing mecca???
Why Do We Face East....So its not for the best Yoga position? LOL! As usual a very informative vid!! Cant wait for the show! Is it ON AIR now? Only date I found was Dec '19??? Sorry if ya covered and I missed!! Thx!
Oh no, Rob... you don't want us doing yoga.... not on camera anyway! 😂 The RVers is set to debut this fall. Don't worry though.... we'll surely be making plenty of announcements about it when the time comes. 😉
@@RVgeeks This fall! Great! Thx!
Gentlemen, I'm looking for some kind of remote temperature monitor system for my older class A. I travel with (2) Chihuahua's and I'm concerned about the temp in the rig while away from it.
Hi Paul. Great question! Unfortunately, since we don't have pets to worry about when we're away from our RV, we don't have any specific recommendations for you in this area. You can check out some of our friends' sites like Technomadia ( technomadia.com ) and Wheeling It ( wheelingit.us ) for their thoughts/recommendations, as they've been traveling with pets for quite a long time. And we saw a large listing of remote temperature monitoring systems listed at RVTailgateLife ( rvtailgatelife.com/2018/rv-pet-temperature-monitors ) that might have some useful info. With any solution, you'll also need to ensure your RV (or the remote temperature monitoring system) has access to the internet so it can remotely alert you.
One other consideration would be to install an auto-gen start system that could be tied into your RV's thermostat (they come that way from the factory, so there must be a way to retrofit that functionality) so that you could leave the A/C set to the temp you want... and if it needs to come on while you're away, it will start the generator first so it's running when the Air Conditioner(s) kick on.
Hope this helps!
Hey guys, another great video...we appreciate all the info you two provide!
Oh, I have an unrelated question: do you have videos or documents for other Canadians that want to be fulltime RVers? Such topics as mail forwarding and living for an extended time in the US (i.e. Substantial Presence test for IRS)?
Thanks!
Rob Long
Saint John, New Brunswick
Hey Rob! Thanks! On the Canada-US thing... we have a somewhat unusual situation, as we are dual citizens. So, since we have to file US taxes no matter what (required for ALL US citizens, regardless of where they reside), we aren't plugged into all of the tax-related issues that Canadians spending time in the US need to be aware of to avoid having to file in the US. We'd recommend that the CSA (Canadian Snowbird Association - www.snowbirds.org/ ) would be a great resource for this exact kind of thing.
As far as mail forwarding... our US mail is sent to a mail-handling service we use in Michigan called MailboxForwarding ( www.mailboxforwarding.com ). But there are others out there, like the mail service from Escapees.com (we've just been using ours for a long time and aren't looking to change). The service scans all mail received and sends us an email (we can then have them scan the contents for us if needed). Our Canadian mail we have forwarded to a friend... who basically does the same thing for us using an iPhone app called Scanner Pro ( readdle.com/scannerpro ), so we can handle anything that needs our attention as quickly as possible.
Sorry we don't have any videos or blog posts covering this subject... may have to add that to our list of videos we need to shoot! 😉
@@RVgeeks : Thanks! Considering how much time you spend in the US, the thought crossed my mind that you went ahead with dual citizenship!
Did you do your own solar ?
We sure did, Tom! And after we made this video, we installed a new updated system with more than triple the wattage! Here’s the new system: czcams.com/video/beS2qs9GkMo/video.html
Do you know of any Solar tilts that can be done from inside the cable.
This comes up from older RV's that can no longer get on top to tilt... Or disabled people like me.. The roof/ladder will not hold my weight..
That is an awesome and timely question! We're currently planning a completely new solar installation this spring/summer, and if all goes as planned, we will never need to climb on the roof for solar again..... but the panels will still tilt! We don't have enough detail locked down to say any more right now, but it's looking good, and we'll know more within the next month or two. If you can hold off and stay tuned, we're hoping to have an epic video about it completed within the next few months.🤞
👍
Great info. Do you have any suggestions where I could go to experience tow bar hook ups. We currently have a blue ox to tow our 04 CRV, but I would like to see if using a system that affixes to the toad rather then the motorhome might be easier for me to hook up. Rather then two bars that would need to be attached all I’d have would be the one that hooks to the ball of the MH. Also are you aware of any aids that a single person can use to help on alignment? Thank you
Hi Jean! We don't know of any place you could test out tow bar connections. Are you have trouble getting the car lined up with the tow bar, or trouble getting it connected once the car is lined up? It lining up is the problem, you will NEVER get the type of bar that mounts to the car to line up. Those require almost perfectly precise positioning of the car so that the bar will lower right down onto the hitch ball. They are the reason articulated arms very invented! If you're getting the car positioned okay, but are then having trouble getting the bar to connect, it might be the tow bar connections. Was it always a challenge, or has it gotten worse over time? It it's getting worse, maybe lubricating the connecting points will help. We made the switch from Blue Ox to Roadmaster, and while we do prefer Roadmaster's connections, we don't think that there is a significant difference when hooking up. DISconnecting however is much easier with our non-binding Roadmaster bar.
Is that the Columbia River ?
Indeed it is, Georgeana... in Rufus, OR at the Army Corps of Engineers site. Found it on Campendium ( campendium.com )... great spot!
Looks like Rufus
sorry, I didn't read your answer, I just commented. lol
No worries! Rufus is a place so nice, it’s worth saying twice.
We camp there all the time. Avid kiteboarders!
Hi guys. Have a Slide question. Are Slides only sealed against water/dust etc when fully in or fully out? Like overnighting in a parking lot and you can only put a slide out halfway. Is it sealed? Thx!
Hi Rob! Only sealed when fully in or out. We would suggest that if you can’t extend it all the way, leave it all the way in.
@@RVgeeks As always really appreciate the info!! Thx!
Where was this shot? It looks a lot like the Columbia Gorge.
Yes indeed! In Rufus, Oregon.
What a beautiful spot to boondock ! ..... Care to share ?
We would like to know as well, if you care to share..... Great video. Thanks for all you do. You are one of our favorites.
:-) I would like to know as well plus how did you find that place ???
Looks like the Columbia Gorge to me. Maybe around Rufus, Oregon just off of I-84.
@@BCJohns143 Thats what I thought as well!
This is indeed Rufus Oregon! Look on campendium.com for details about this excellent Army Corps of Engineers location.
Really cool info! We’re in a 20-foot Class B, and my wife has a nice engineering bent already, but these are some great tips for thought! Loved your presentation! Seems so natural.
Thanks Jim! 😊
Fellas is that the Columbia River Valley near Quincy, WA?
Very close! That’s the Columbia River in Rufus, OR. Good eye, Henri!
Ha! Very close. Hope all is well with you two, its been years since we last exchanged comments.
It has been a long time! Great to hear from you. Hope all is well. 👍
@@HenriBeaudoin BTW… do we remember correctly that you were building out a Blue Bird? How’s that been going?
Excellent memory!! I sold it :(
A friend of mine ripped out the Cummins and installed it in his 1960s motorhome. The rest was scrapped.
I have an 33ft Outdoors RV Travel Trailer I pull with my Ram 3500 now. Next time you are in Washington let's hit the Boondocks! Need to break in my Freedom SW 3012 and Solar install 👍
Come on now these videos where possible before Patreon. I park mine in the same direction it's the only thing I don't like about fifth wheels they have too many windows.
Hi Lawrence! We know our big rig might make us appear pretty well off, but we actually live on a fairly tight budget. We did say that Patreon has "helped"... and in a very real way that support has made the video you see here today possible. We could *never* have captured all that amazing aerial footage without our brand new Mavic 2 Zoom (including that sick dolly zoom shot at the end!). And the perfect rack focus onto the rear-view mirror and more vivid color throughout are courtesy of our brand new Sony NX80 video camera, which also allowed us to do this as a 2-camera shoot. And those ultra-smooth pans on the tires and fridge were done with our new (and expensive!) fluid head tripod. The crystal clear sound came from our awesome new lavalier mic system. All of this new gear is allowing us to up our production values more than ever, and we were willing/able to make the investment partly because of Patreon. We hope the new look you'll be seeing in many of our upcoming videos was worth it! 😃
Why is covering the tires important?
Because the UV rays from the sun are extremely damaging to the rubber, especially over time.
@@RVgeeks I would think that'd be the same with car and light truck tires as well.
The reason it’s not a problem for other vehicles mostly has to do with the low miles RVs usually experience. People generally drive their cars far enough each year to wear the tread out before the tires age out, or have a chance to be ruined by UV.
@@RVgeeks Ahhh! Okay. That makes sense. 🙂
Love your videos !!! Have a question I have been pondering for sometime. I use tire covers on my 5th wheel but why...... I never use tire cover on my truck, and never have them on the 5th wheel when I'm moving...LOL. what condition / veriables are present when not moving ?
Hi Michael! It's because RV tires age out before the tread wears out, and direct sun is so damaging to the rubber, reducing their usable lifespan. Nothing is different when moving.... it;'s just that covers have to be off when rolling. If the tire covers could be used while driving, it would be good for them!
Great common sense advice. Very good video.
Oh for Petesake! The real reason you face east is so you can bow to Mecca when you get out of bed!😆
I pull my pants down and moon Mecca every morning!
@@tumbleweedking5668 Well that is kind of cheeky!
Thanks for the great info!!!
I thought the RV and big rig positioning was to signal the lot lizards for the $40 special. Now I know better. Thanks.
😂
Do folk really need to have the obvious pointed out?
Many of these things weren't obvious to us when we first started RVing, and based on some of the comments we've received here, we're not alone.
You got too much time
Uh.... we're full-timers.