1,100 Miles in 3 Days...RV Living in a HEAT WAVE
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- Free 7 day trial of Weather on the Way (iPhone only): bit.ly/3Et6EbH Use code WILDRV for 10% off your first year!
We're putting full time RV living to the test this week with a 1,100 mile RV trip across the US as we start heading back towards the east coast! Long drive days are a standard part of the RV lifestyle, but this weekend we've got no reservations and it's 100 degrees out! Will we survive boondocking in our RV in this heat?? Watch to find out!
*SHOP & SUPPORT US*
Save 15% on a Harvest Hosts membership! bit.ly/3EzLXuG
Amazon store: amzn.to/3kA3mwI
Shop other Lectric eBikes: lectricebikes.sjv.io/4Pd6vG
SAVE 5% on solar products with code WILDRVLIFE5 at SanTan Solar: bit.ly/santansolar
If you shop the links above, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 🙂
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:27 The next 3 days
3:45 Weather app for RVers
5:04 Packing up for RV travel day #1
8:46 How much does fuel cost
11:41 Blue Beacon RV wash experience
17:00 100 Degrees Heat Wave
18:24 Walmart RV Overnight Review
23:10 Harvest Host Overnight
29:24 RV Travel Day #3
*Who are we?*
We’re Victoria & Craig! In 2021, we decided that we needed to make life a little more exciting, so we bought a used fifth wheel and completely renovated it. Then, we sold our house in Tallahassee, Florida and hit the road full time in our RV! We’ve traveled all around the United States (and Baja Mexico!) and fell in love with boondocking in our RV at the most beautiful places. In 2023, we upgraded to a brand new Brinkley RV Model Z 3100. You’ll always find us on some kind of outdoor adventure, whether it’s hiking the Grand Canyon, rock climbing in Yosemite or surfing the shores of Baja Mexico. Subscribe to our channel (bit.ly/3ssOjGT) to follow along on our full time RV living adventures!
Of all the rv TH-camrs you guys really make me smile. You are so genuine and enjoyable to watch I look forward to your videos every week. Although some days I feel for Craig and his stress level. I travel full time in a 43 foot toy hauler and I really understand his stresses. Keep it up guys!
Thank you so much for that compliment!! And thank you for joining us each week. You definitely understand the stress of big rig towing then! Some of the roads out there will surely make you tense up, or other drivers on the road. Lol those are probably the worst
I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. Even people who don't RV or camp should love y'all's videos. Y'all are cute, funny, smart, and never boring. I only watch y'all and the Hanks. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!! It means a lot to get good feedback like this. Thanks for watching!
I second that!
For the amount of time they've been on TH-cam, they're doing REALLY WELL for subscribers I think. They'll just keep growing. :)
Go girl
A big metal hose clamp over the Valterra valve works pretty good to hold it on without gluing it. At a truck stop reefer is a type of box trailer that is refrigerated. The cooling unit “reefer” runs on diesel. So if you select tractor and reefer it keeps the pump running and allows you to pull forward to fill the reefer tank up with diesel. It’s still just regular #2 diesel not the off road red diesel.
Keep the good videos going.
Blue beacons are commonly known as streakin beacons! I would use them when i was an owner/operator. Some do a good job some not so much. But if they're not busy you can go back around. Most of the time there's a line.
LOL we have just learned of this nickname through the comments on this video. I was surprised there wasn't a line when we showed up!
So cool you guys decided to do Harvest Host. I don’t drink either so it’s why I haven’t paid a lot of attention to it. Curious how you guys end up liking it. Thanks for another fun video!
We don’t drink either, but we love staying at the farms - there are so many options! Highly recommend Harvest Hosts. 😁
We even have a Harvest Host playlist. 😉
th-cam.com/play/PLUisLIU4g3rWVaiDK6vl2fpUMGHShkCNM.html&si=n9UMMMIlFkwYoCDl
Hey guys! Thanks for bring up the Valterra valve issue - I have had the same ? / problem. I read in the comments a fix. If you don’t have it yet, get the Open Roads card. Can save a lot of $$ on the diesel. Safe travels.
ooh glad you found your answer too!! and yes, we need to sign up for that! thank you!
I second this. I hardly ever pay credit price at all major chain truck stops. The biggest cost to run a semi truck is fuel. Maverik Nitro Fuel Card gives you 10 cents per gallon savings on gas and fuel
Y’all crack me up! I really enjoy watching you two! Always fun and tell it all! Love it! Safe travels!
At blue beacon, you can go back around if they missed spots, I do it with my semi all the time
Ahhh good to know!!
Yup I was gonna say the same go back around show them what they missed.
We usually travel about 65 unless the speed limit is lower. Life’s too short to be in a hurry!!
We are usually at about 65 too. The frustration does admittedly come out when we’re behind someone driving 45 in a 55-60 speed limit area 😆
Stay safe & keep hydrated. Gorgeous pups!!
Love watching your adventures! God bless!
I’m a BDW host in south eastern Washington, and also have a property in Minnesota. We meet some of the coolest people. Have not done the full harvest host yet for when we are traveling. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Well thank you for being a BDW host!! we have used them a number of times and always enjoyed talking with the hosts, I agree that it helps connect you with some awesome people!
Awesome video!! I could feel your pain on the truck wash. Great video blogs!!
Thank you so much!!
Love your channel! Y’all are so fun to watch. We planned on buying a class A and are now leading towards the Brinkley Model G for our Harley and gym equipment. So glad you have a Brinkley so we can follow along for tips and ideas!!
Enjoy your videos. Long time viewer. First time commenting. Love your adventures. Thanks for sharing. You guys make a great team.
Thank you so much for sticking around on all these crazy adventures and for your support!
Yet another great film! Thanks! Now my Sunday after church is complete! Enjoyed it!
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you for joining us this week!
Labor Day Weekend was super hot in Minnesota. I can't imagine not having AC. You guys rock!
Loved the video! It was like we were on the road with you! We left Chicago on a 1100 mile road trip over three days just this last weekend to the Black Hills in South Dakota to begin our Full Time adventure. We stayed at Harvest Host's on two different nights and to our total amazement we stopped at the same Common Cents gas station you guys did in Rapid City! It is so neat to watch you guys do the RV thing full time. Thanks for all the wonderful videos and sharing the trials and tribulations of Full Time Living on the road.
I agree the water did look ocean like. Beautiful scenery thanks for the ride along
thank you for watching!
We enjoy every single episode!! Stay safe and hydriated ❤❤🤩👋
First thing I would have done is plug in the 50 amp, then cranked up both A/C's,😁 then level and set up.....lol . You guys are the best.....I love how you guys roll with it no matter what happens, RVing at its best!
hahah we got that A/C on pretty quick after arrival! thank you so much for joining us on our adventures!
Harvest Hosts are the best! Staying at farms is our favorite option.
I think you’ll find they’ll be some of your most relaxing stays. ☺️
“OL’ Craig” lmao. My name is Craig also….this cracks me up!! 😂🤣😂
Thanks for showing the leveling with the app. We have that and never thought to use it 🤦♀️. We love your videos keep them coming and stay safe on your travels. Maybe we will meet along the way sometime.
That campground in MI was awesome. We stayed there a week a couple years ago. The large grassy area along the lake made for great times in the evening. Safe travels!
Used blue beacon once a week for 42 years.. yes 42 years. Fast great job then when they uped there game adding rain x....game changer ..you two ROCK.
I have been waiting all day for this post!! Yay!! ❤
Awww yay!! Makes us so happy to hear that!
I live just south of Grand Rapids Michigan, i love your videos. It never gets old crossing the Mackinac bridge, however it does get sketchy in the winter time!
thank you for watching!! and I can't imagine crossing that bridge with snow and I bet it can get icy too! Actually, I can't really imagine being in Michigan in the winter at all 🤣 (but I am from Florida lol)
You two are adorable. Great energy and a little sarcasm on top.
thank you so much!
We are host for HH and allow more nights and power. It’s nice meeting other rvers and having them stay with us while we’re not traveling. Hope you enjoy the HH side.
Not sure if this as been addressed. Reefer fuel is not dyed as farm diesel is. Reefer fuel is the same fuel you use in the truck engine. It is not charged a road tax. That’s the only difference.
You guys are great keep up the great work and enjoy life to the fullest 💙. Love the Ram/ Brinkley combo
Thank you so much!! 😊 I do like how the truck kind of matches the Brinkley with color/style, it worked out good!
Wisconsin is beautiful in the summer. Hopefully you get to explore more of it. Sturgis Bay and all the festivals are so fun. You are in for a treat. The waterfalls and camping up there is amazing.
We only got to spend one night there but are definitely going to have to go back one day! It was so pretty!
@@wildrvlife you definitely will. You missed a lot. Apple orchards, Pumpkin Patches, all the light houses, parks. Great hiking! Very well worth it.
We will be getting our Brinkley in November. So excited. We have watched you all faithfully since you got yours. About hiccups. I get them several times a day. Every time I eat, get out of bed, roll over. It’s just part of my life. That trip of yours seems like a really long one. We’ve gone from S.F. to Phoenix and stopped over twice, and had bad weather over the grapevine pass, sleeting sideways and zero visibility. This was in March in a 35 ft motorhome not towing anything. They were long during days! We do plan to get a Valterra gate valve since we don’t like surprises and plan to tuck our generator closer to the tailgate. We already have it, a Predator from Harbor Freight. One of our first long trips in the Brinkley will be back over that darn grapevine to visit Rich Solar for our install. I’ll mention the fuse issues when we go down there. We are starting out without an inverter, just a BB GC3 and will have to just wing it that first night if we stop. At least we know how to get there, and plan to catch a NASCAR race in Fontana. AFTER solar goes on. We decided on the 2900 for size and weight, no dogs currently but maybe another schnauzer in the future. Under20 lbs. We joined the Brinkley Facebook group - I’ve never had Facebook ever and it’s a bit scary for me since I’m very private but I did it. If you guys are on there I will look for you. Sorry so long, lots to cover! ❤ you both. And by the way, I chew gum when I’m driving, never any other time!
I have used the truck wash like the one you went through. But, I just had the RV trailer washed and not the pickup truck. It cost about $36 and they did not use a super powerful power wash setting. The trailer was cleaned off well. My main concern was the bugs on the front and the road dirt on the lower skirts. I figured I could take the truck through a car wash for $20 after we got to the RV park. I would do it again but just to get most of the bugs and dirt off before I did a more thorough job later. Love your videos.
Very brilliant channel 🎉keep it up guys❤
Done it before twice! The first time it was still dirty in spots, I had them redo the wash at no charge the guys did a great job the second run thru and they did not put up a fuss. they actually guarantee it.
great video,
1100 miles over 3 days doesn't happen for me anymore. Used to be like that in my first 2 years. Now that is a 5 day trip or 2 weekends if I don't travel during the workweek. :) I agree. BB is ok when in a pinch. Wish more RV parks allowed you to wash your rig/tow vehicle. I don't let BB use any brushes and no acid. Things they use on the semi-trucks. Too harsh on the clear coat and I don't trust the brushes are not contaminated. You are so right about how much time/energy we put into knowing the weather where we are and where we are going. I love Windy for weather where I am at. You found a pretty cool weather app for travel days! Tollbooths stress me out. Lately I have been getting lucky and they just bill my license plate. Glad you made it with no traffic incidents. Another enjoyable episode. p.s. Those rear door covers for the dogs that you mentioned using in your truck in a previous vid, are now in mine and I love them. Appreciate the Pro Tip. :)
We try not to do these long hauls too often either because they are quite exhausting! Good points about the BB wash. And so glad those door covers are working for you!! They have really helped protect our doors. I know they'd be covered in scratches if we didn't have them. Thank you for watching!
Awesome video. I have heard other TH-camr say that if your batteries are dead, you can disconnect your RV house battery (from the charger or inverter) then you can connect the truck, the running truck’s power will be able to power the slides. Where does Craig get his hats,?
American watching in the UK. Love your videos. Always brings a smile. 😁
thank you so much for watching!!
Me too!
Craig, instead of fuses on the solar maybe use in-line weather proof circuit breakers. Use breakers about 20% higher rated than the highest amperage your solar produces. Adding a dc to dc charger is a great ad-on, not hard to do. It will manage the charge rate for your lithium batteries so they don't try to pull too many amps from your trucks alternator. Safe travels!
We love Mill Creek campground. When we stayed we were right across from the lake. Hope you enjoyed your stay.
honestly one of the best campgrounds we've stayed at!
Great video thanks for sharing
thank you for watching!
Waupaca is a nice little town. Stay safe and healthy.
it was such a pretty and peaceful place!
I appreciate your comments about Harvest Host. We don’t drink alcohol either, and that’s always been my biggest concern there. Seems like we would love it otherwise 😊
We don’t drink either, but we love staying at the farms - there are so many options! Highly recommend Harvest Hosts. 😁
We even have a Harvest Host playlist. 😉
th-cam.com/play/PLUisLIU4g3rWVaiDK6vl2fpUMGHShkCNM.html&si=n9UMMMIlFkwYoCDl
Great to see you using the Streaking Beacon. We use it and we have used Harvest Host 11 times this year and we love it. Pull that Generator out lol
hahah we probably should have gotten it out, but it's just such a hassle for only one day 😆
Haha. Taking a deep breath and holding it in always works for me!
I was trying that and they just kept coming! 😆🤣
It's not stand upside down and drink frog juice, Craig, to get rid of hiccups. It's bend over and drink water from a glass or coffee mug. And also try not to let it go up your nose while you're doing it. It works every time!
I'm pretty sure frog juice is involved, lol.
Hey we have unit 133 and we just plug into the truck to get enough battery to pull in slides and bring up jacks. But definitely have extra fuses on hand many folks seem to be blowing fuses pulling in slides with low voltage
Enjoying your videos!
Ooh good to know!! Thank you! And we’re 101! I feel like I should be on a mission to meet whoever has 100 and 102 😆
Ol’ Craig I had to laugh when you started to sing “On the Road Again.” Every time we head out in our MotorHome I sing that song, I’m glad I’m not the only one :)
I feel your pain, We did 950 in 2 days. I like that you guys don't do a hole lot of music just with endless videos. We have been RVing for 4 years the long drive days always get boring. Great content.
lol you know what it's like then! do-able but it gets exhausting. and thank you so much!
Just saw this video. Finally an area I’m familiar with. If this was Labor Day weekend we were on the other side of the Straits where you crossed the bridge. How cool was that!! Just missed ya all!! BTW, enjoying your videos, hang in there and stay safe!!
That's awesome. We just missed you. And thank you!
Next time go back around and make them rewash it. I’m a truck driver. Sometimes it takes 2-3 try’s for them to get it perfect. Blue beacons moto should be get a streakin at the blue beacon.
We have four 300AH batteries in the bay of our Z3100 and it is enough to run 1 of our ACs overnight (8-10 hours depending on temps). Wanted to make sure we could boondock for at least 1 night in hotter weather and it has worked great over last 2 months.
1200Ah of batteries? Holy moly. 😅
We recently brought our Chevy Silverado and 23’ Airstream (no citrus) through the Blue Beacon Truck Wash outside of Knoxville. My husband was thrilled with the job because it usually takes us all day to wash both vehicles. I, on the other hand, found that for the $93. (Including a nice tip) it wasn’t worth the cost. There was still a dirt film left behind that I could drag my finger through and see that the Airstream was not as clean as when we give our rig a nice “bath” ourselves.
It didn't look like Maverick thought you got too many snacks...🙃 I know y'all aren't used to trips that long. Years ago, I drove a truck, an 1100 miles was a straight-thru trip for me. Eighteen - 24hours depending on where it was. I'm glad you got to full hook-ups so you could cool off and have water! Y'all have fun!
Maverick couldn't even fathom the possibility of there being such a thing as "too many snacks" 🤣🤣 I bet those were long days!! Definitely not something we're used to, thank you for watching!!
I'm really surprised you can't bring in the slides just using the power from the truck wiring. We don't have a monster land barge like you guys, but all the RVs we've had would roll in the slides just from the truck, even if the RV batteries were dead.
They apparently never turned the ignition on and started it. The altinator would be more than Enough power.
We ended up using the truck to juice up the batteries some. You also can, in most cases, use the power from the truck to pull up jacks and slides in, but there is a potential to blow fuses because you "should" really only be using your RV batteries to power them to ensure correct voltage, etc. But, I think many people do it all the time without problems.
@@wildrvlifeYeah, I've never blown a fuse, but you have a much bigger rig than ours, so your slides and jacks may pull more current than ours.
We used Blue Beacon a couple of times - the last time they left dirt and streaks / never again !!
At blue beacon, you pull out of the bay and stop. If they miss some spot they will make it right!
This extension brings the hose further away from the ground. it easier in some cases to hook up your sewer hose to the drain
Really Enjoy you guys
Fun trip. We are full timers and have been for years. We are never in a hurry to get anywhere. Thats the whole point for us as retirees. We get there when we do. And I drive if I want to. Or hang out at a Harvest or boon dock between the RV parks or state parks/ national parks. And try to get as many Geocach hits along the way. Never in a hurry. NO STRESS!! Have fun!
I was a truck driver for years and I’ve used Blue Beacon a lot and have had great luck. They’re real good on making it right before you leave the site so next time tell them of the problem areas
I have had trucks and rvs for 40 years. In my experience it’s the same with both and all over the nation, some truck washes are better than others as it is with any service. They’ll never get it 100% clean but it’s like you said, it gets the bugs off and it looks better than being dirty
Love me some Blue Beacon washes
You should try X-Chocks to stabilize the trailer when parked. They are amazing!
We have used the truck wash before, and like you , they did just an ok job🥴. You mentioned installing the soft starts-we did and did not have good luck with them. A mobil tech came and took it out and he said he would not advise them, they could damage the ac unit. We bought 2 compact, light weight generators that can run in line together. They do the trick just fine.
Interesting! We had a soft start on our last RV and it seemed to do fine, but will do a little more research. We do really like being able to run the A/C on just the solar power when the sun is out
Have a soft start on our 5th wheel and it allows us to run it on 15amp plug in. The only thing that a soft start does, is alleviate the start spike in power. That allows us to run with only a 2000 watt generator when no plug ins handy.
You may know this....tip: when using your Fantastic type ceiling fans, close up the RV, turn on a fan (the furthest from the area where you are using) on exhaust and then open a window in the area you are in. Been doing that in all our RV's and homes for more than 50 years. Good luck!
Yesss! It’s crazy how good those fans can actually circulate the air! Even with the crazy heat, they at least kept it below the outside temp!
Oh, I wish we had known you were so close to us in Waupaca! We live in New London & have an urban farm. You could have stayed here with full hookups & I would have fed you guys. Only for you guys, though. We are not on Harvest Host. My hubby said to tell you that if you had your old rig you wouldn't have had to wait for the sun to come up to put your slides in. You had Craig power then. He misses Craig pushing them in. Have fun on your travels & stay safe.
Thank you so much. It sounds like it would have been a fantastic place to stay. I don't think Craig will ever miss that rv. 😆
Not all Blue Beacon's are the same. Some locations do a really GREAT job! FYI the Cheyenne Wy location does a wonderful job. We've been using them for the last 38 years.
I have always found that hitching up the truck 7 pin and running the truck gives enough energy to pull in slides and don't have dc to dc.
Nice!! Thanks for the tip. I'm sure I'll run into more siruati9ns like that when I'm back east.
Wow, that was a long haul! OK, did I miss why ya'll are going g so far lol? No truck or RV problems makes for a great trip.
It's about time to start heading back east to see family, but we had some friends we wanted to visit in Michigan, so we had to make a long haul over to make sure our paths aligned! And right?! can you believe it?? that far with no major problems! 🙌
I'm a truck driver I've been in streaking Beacon a laugh. That's why they call them streaking because they streak everything up. And if you don't like how they wash it, you can always go around and make them wash it again.
Love y’all and your videos! First time commenter, long time watcher. How do you hang your curtains?
Hey there, it’s funny, you guys stayed in King and you’re in our neck of the woods. We are in Green Lake, but my parents live in Manawa which is only about 20 minutes from them. Cool 👍😎
Michigan has more lakes than any state. For those that have never been there everyone is shocked at our Great Lakes. Enjoy the beautiful state of Michigan there is a lot to see there! ❤
It really is so shocking to see the Great Lakes, especially as you look out and can't even see the other side. So beautiful here!
If you are not happy with Blue Beacons wash job you just tell them… they will pull it back in a redo the entire rig for nothing… I’ve done it on my motorbus and race trailer. They also give you a receipt for 50% off your next visit to any beacon! I’ve washed my rig 100’s of times and only had bad experience 2-3 times. Happy Trails!
Hi guys hope yous get there safe ❤
thank you!!
Buy a short extension for sewer hose there will be some places that you will need it
I would go back and show them what they missed.
Have heard that you have to be really careful with those Blue Beacon truck washes because some use a harsh chemical because the semi's are so dirty but it is really hard on RV finishes.
Ahhh good to know!
We’ve camped there. Loved it except for the geese. Have a great time. Mandy
it really is a pretty campground, especially the lake!
We are looking to go up to Mackinaw next September! Would love to see a campground tour and name of this campground!!
Love your videos!!!
It's Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground and we've got some more shots of it coming in next week's video!
I use a dab of E6000 adhesive. This is the stuff that they put on credit cards to stick on the paper when you get a new card. So it is like super strong rubber cement but can be removed easily.
ohh I didn't realize that was the stuff they put on credit cards... good to know!
They make a glue on version of the Valtera valve, super simple to install and never have to worry about having a poopsie.
ohhh good to know, didn't realize that, thank you!
The refer fuel is the same fuel. It is just not taxed it is the same as equipment fuel that is not taxed as it is used off the highways.
Definitely do videos more often
I wish we could put out more videos, maybe one day hopefully!
Welcome to Michigan guys. We live about 85 miles south of Mackinac City, just outside of Grayling. We ill be passing thru there on our way to the UP for a week long camping trip to Tahquamenon Falls. Really enjoy your videos. We would be glad to host you guys any time on our property with water and electric hook-up. (Sorry, only 20amp)
Oh that's so awesome!! We're heading further south, but this whole area is such a great place to be! well, in the summer. i'm not so sure on those Michigan winters lol!
Are you all near Forbush Cross Country Ski Shop?? We love it there! ❤
@@adventuresofMomDadGirlWhiteDog We are very close to Forbush Corners, maybe 8 miles south.
@@scotthansen1287 That's so cool! Love that area! We also love Lewiston. My husband's favorite burger is from Tally's Log Cabin. 🍔
Ellijay is about an hour from here.. It's just beautiful over here.
We drilled a hole in top of valve and out a screw in to keep it from turning.
If i can't get glue to stick to it, that will be what I do as well, most likely. I'm glad to hear it worked out for you guys.
Hi, I just subscribed to your channel because I noticed you had plants. Will you please share how to care for them in the RV? I would greatly appreciate it.
Love to see Victoria drive for a while! Just putting it out there. Lol
Look into a honda eu1000 generator, they're small enough to carry in 1 hand, i use mine just for charging the batteries directly with a NOCO charger on cloudy days, it'll run almost 10 hrs on a ½ gal of gas, i keep it full and carry a 1 gal can of xtra gas... safe travels guys ✌️
we're thinking of switching to something like that! with the solar, we don't usually need the generator and so something smaller to just top off the batteries on occasion would probably be perfect.
I’m surprised y’all don’t have a Open Roads fuel card! We use HH as much as we can when traveling. We’ve stayed at peach orchards, cattle ranches and other places that aren’t wineries or breweries.
good to know about HH! I think we are going to enjoy getting to take advantage of more of the locations. We need to get signed up for Open Roads, we have just never done it!
I would be working on that solar. We have an onboard generator and a portable one. I DON’T DO BEING HOT WELL.
We had the parts ordered but they were arriving at our next destination. The fuses are the special MC4 connector fuses and they can be hard to find locally. Craig also is not a fan of hot weather 🥵
Mrs Blackfish is our fly killer, lost count on how many horsefly’s she nabbed on our camping adventure in northern AB 😂😂
hahah! someone has got to do the dirty work lol
I always go through Blue Beacon. You can go back through, and they will rewash it until you are satisfied.
Good to know! Didn’t realize that!
Hey guys when you visit a BLUE BEACON. YOUR CAMPER AND TRUCK IS SUPPOSED TO BE SPOTLESS. LET THEM KNOW. THEY WILL REWASH IT 100% SATISFACTION
Love your channel