Full Time RV 6 Month Review (OUR BIG REGRET)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ย. 2024
- Full Time RV 6 Month Review (OUR BIG REGRET). Sit down as we review the last 6 months full time with Ruby. We will talk about full time rv mistakes, newbie regrets, full time rv regrets, emotions, RV mistakes to avoid, and how RVing has changed for us over the last 6 months and our one regret! #fulltimeRV #rvlife #fulltimetravel
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Fun video. I’ve been full time almost 17 years as a woman alone. Those entire years I have been fully solar panel controlled and I do not plug in anywhere. I use BLM state and national parks and I use my memberships in Moose Lodge, Elks and VFW etc. rarely if ever a Walmart. Your experiences bring back similar memories. It has been a great experience for me as I’ve seen all 50 states and some of them more than once.
We cant wait to get solar. We were just talking about the VFW and a few others the other day. Our hat off to you. I am sure you have a wealth of knowledge and adventures!
Hi Karen , my name is Sue and I am also a single female that wants to be an RVer. Can you give me any advice? How did you manage not having a spotter while parking and setting up? I'm wondering if it's even going to be possible for me to do this on my own. I love to travel and meet new people and I thought RVing would be perfect but after watching all these beginners videos, I feel like I won't be able to do this, I'm so overwhelmed. Can you please help??
@@suzannelambert3676 Just keep watching videos, from all kinds of people, with all kinds of rigs, and you'll start to get some great ideas. Yes, it can be overwhelming at first, so just keep exploring. Soon a lot of things will start to seem familiar, and you'll also start to get a sense of what kind of rig, and size, is best suited for your own needs, and what kind of systems of all sorts. RVs run the gamut from 45' behemoth, multimillion dollar buses all the way down to small vans - and some people even live comfortably in their cars. There are things to learn from all of them.
I think that one of the best all-around channels is Bob Wells's CheapRVLiving. He's mostly focused on van conversions, but he does get into some other options - plus you'll see all kinds of other fulltimers pop up in the suggestions list. This channel as well as others get more into the "formal" RV kinds of rigs, and they all have their place.
I'm not out there yet myself, but I've always been adventurous, I've almost always traveled alone (including driving all over the country), and I do have *some* RVing experience from my teens when my family had a tent trailer and we rented regular trailers at times (plus I was a Girl Scout with a lot of regular camping experience, internationally), so there's no doubt in my mind that this is *totally* doable. For *anyone* who really wants to do it.
Backing up (and hooking up if you get a trailer or 5th wheel, or tow anything behind other types), you just need to practice, frankly, as with any new vehicle - and have good mirrors and ideally a backup camera. I've seen some great setups with spotlights on all sides of a rig, top and/or bottom, that help tremendously when it's dark - and you *will* eventually find yourself in that spot. If you're in an actual campground, people will literally come out of the woodwork to help, too. There is also a lot of instruction out there, both online and on the ground.
Just keep exploring online and reading anything else you can get your hands on, and you will eventually figure it out ;-)
You can also rent a range of different kinds of rigs, in different sizes, and they usually come pretty fully equipped for basic needs. Think about taking a smaller one out for a weekend sometime to a campground near where you live to get a taste and to start building your confidence.
HTH and have fun!
Karen Minard, could you tell me more about your solar set up? I would love to learn more from you. I am a single woman too.
That look on Phil's face🤪 when you (Stacy) stated "I already purged my clothes"...😂
I'am surprised that many of the newer RV's aren't equipped with a tankless on demand water which iam sure your aware supply endless hot water requires far less space and maintenance than the standard six or ten gal heaters or are those an option upon RV purchase?.
Great video, thank you for your input.
Regards, Eric
I wish we were tankless. It is on our wish list.
I am so glad I was able to watch this video, got some good ideas. I am a new full-timer/ left full time in 2005 to care for, my mom while she was dying/waiting to get back out when the virus is gone and my daughter is cured of stage 3 cancer. I sure hope to meet you all in my travels, laughs and smiles to ya all
Your family is lucky to have your support! Prayers for your daughters health.
I'm a disabled Army vet and my husband was Navy. We just now started RVing full time.
Thank you for your service and enjoy the nomad life!!
Military mind set is one of the hardest things to get over. I have been struggling with this for years. Everything works a certain way and that's the way it should work, everything has its place and that place is where it should be, plan to make it happen don't plan to fail, a good plan never fails we just fail to plan, and so on this is one of the hardest lessons I've had to learn. When we first started rving almost 15 years ago we would always overplan overpack and overthink but as time goes on we are getting better at it. We have about three more years before we go full time hopefully by then will have enough practice that it won't be so bad. Love your channel love everything you guys do keep up the good work and as always thank you for your service.
You do sound just like Phil!!! Good to know he isn’t the only one. He is starting to relax a teeny tiny bit. Ok not really but I’m hoping!! 😂
Hopefully we will see you guys on the road one day. Thank you for your service and safe travels.
It would be great if you did a video for US military people on how to get the Army Corps of Engineers and the military parks I am unfamiliar as how to do that and I am sure there are other veterans that are not sure how to get these parks. And as always thanks for your service
We did review that a bit in our Camping on a budget video but also plan to address it by itself in video in the future. Thanks for the suggestion....Please keep them coming!
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Congratulations on your full time adventures. We just went full time the first of November of this year. We also have a utube channel that ive not mastered too good yet but its called Ran with Vic Rv adventures and any help i could get i would appreciate
I just discovered you by TH-cam suggestion. At first, I will admit, I rolled my eyes and thought "oh another full time RV channel; not enough of those!", but clicked for a quick look. Less than a minute in I subscribed and went back to the beginning. In such a short time, you have such a natural and pleasant camera presence, and the video titles indicate very good content ideas. Haven't really started watching videos yet, but look forward to getting to know you; I'm already convinced I'm going to really like you both. Safe travels.
Well I consider that a huge compliment! Thank you so much. We are trying to just be ourselves and put up info we wish we had while doing our own research and of course have fun along the way. If you really want a good laugh and want to see the real us check out the Hot Springs video. Thanks for joining us! Safe travels.
As a new owner of a 44’ fifth wheel and trucker you know by now truckers don’t mind at all RVs fueling in truck lanes. Just fuel and move forward so you don’t occupy the pump longer than necessary.
Side, check out Max Mileage from Pittsburgh Power. It’s a diesel additive that causes your fuel to burn hotter thus keeping your engine and DPF filter/system cleaner.
Great video. My wife and I have separate break-down to leave chores...but.. we then double check each other. Luckily, my wife will not skip any steps and will check EVERYTHING outside before we leave. We could have had some of the exact same experiences if she was not as thorough. We use walkie talkies and make sure all lights are working and the tow bar is secured.
That is a really smart idea. Maybe we should do the same. It would be easier to see things missed that way. We also do a light check and double check that the tow cars wheels are turning and not dragging. I have heard to many of those horror stories and I would be a nervous wreck if I didn't know for sure they were turning. Thanks for watching and safe travels.
We accidentally left our son's black lab (a real jewel) tied to our retractable steps. She died. It was a lack of preparation. No one would EVER want this outcome. Can't be too thorough.
@@NancyLudden2 Oh no! That is terrible.
We use walkie talkies too. They really save the vocal cords.
Love the series.. it appears “he” has a hard time with parting from his items, thats ok. We left a 2500’ft house to a 32’ class C to a 26’ trailer and now in a 24’ trailer- all full time. We both do not miss our “stuff”. The less we have the less we have to maintain but mainly LESS laundry. We have a19’ TH which gives us room for a dual sports bike and are waiting until March to hit the road for who knows how long. I bought a tiny washer/spinner to take which i’m really excited about. Basically, it’s ok to keep downsizing because you can always upgrade if you really want too. What I’d like to hear from other travelers are what areas/roads and such that people have encountered that caused problems ie: road super narrow, roads to nowhere, roads where you couldn’t turn around stuff like that. My husband rides dirt bike off road so he’s familiar due to weather conditions and what to stay out of. Keep the vlogs coming.
He did have a hard time purging initially but once we purchased the RV it got real! So he was able to really get rid of stuff. Although, I cant get him to consider anything smaller than our 35 ft! Good think I like our RV.
Good question! Adding it to the list.
So much of what you said rings true to when we took off on our boat for a few years - the purging, the not knowing your neighbors when living in a house, the like-mindedness and the desire to slow down. We are still in the vacation-mode when we are in our trailer (we still live on the boat) and on every trip we go on I say, “I can’t wait to get bored in a spot!” - this video was a suggested video - nice to find you -Heather
Thanks for giving us a chance to share our newbie story. A boat is very interesting. I am not sure I could do the boat thing. Do you stay in one spot or move around? Thanks for watching and safe travels!
Oh my gosh, you guys are adorable! This video popped up as a recommended video and I'm glad it did. We subscribed, and now we need to go back and watch the last six months. Hope to run into you on the road sometime!
Awww, thank you so much! You are so sweet. Stay up to date on where we are on our fb or ig pages so we will know if we are in the same area! Thanks for watching and safe travels.
Same thing just happened to me. I'm retired military, too, and retired from my after military job. Not quite full time rv yet, but we're working up to it. Last year we were on the road about 4 months; this year we plan on 8-10. Full time ... maybe next year? Really enjoyed the 2 vids I just watched, subbed, and now I have some catching up to do. Safe travels and hope to see you on the road.
It was so nostalgic watching this video. Hubby and I full timed for 12 years starting in the late 1970s before electric rooms and loved it, no regrets at all. We have a lot of wonderful memories and now laugh at the embarrassing - we had a 5th wheel and visited the factory where it was built. We unhooked to run around and left the trailer at the factory - backing in to hook up and leave he didn't stop to put the tailgate up and backed into the trailer cutting a little of the skin. Hubby hates stickers in vehicles - he put one over the slit and nobody knew what it was covering. No one saw him do it that we know about - who knows.
Have a wonderful RVing life and stay safe.
@@leonastreva4049 What a cool story!
You will love the Army corps of engineers parks. We use them a lot and love them. Always beautiful, very nice people, animals very interesting. Well kept, prices are good. The only one that had agrivation was holiday weekends the kids are sometimes not as supervised as much as they should be. East Texas around Marshall is 3 wonderful parks, Johnson creek, and two more on lake of the pines.
I’m just catching up with some of your earlier videos. This one is special and absolutely touched my funny bone and of course the heart too. Honestly, what you two experienced in your first 6 months of rving reminded me of my first ever experience in owning an rv and traveling with my favorite Labrador while towing a Focus on all four. That was 22 years ago right after I retired and the stories I could tell are in many respects similar to yours. OMG, talking about feeling a host of emotions and quickly coming to the conclusion that my type A , driver/driver personality has to change and give way to humor and slow down or die of a cardiac arrest. To be honest, after raising 4 kids solo, traveling with the family pets and dealing with all of the problems you covered and then some were actually a piece of cake. I’ve learned over many years what humility really means and how to slow down and laugh a lot at myself. You two are absolutely adorable and for me, watching your videos lifts the spirits and puts a smile on my face. Thank you!
Thanks Dan. We have learned and experienced a ton since this video.
You guys really crack me up. I am 5 months from retirement and then on the road during the winter till my spouse can retire. Trying to file your mistakes away for future reference. Fast forward to 2021, you are involved in Army Corps of Engineers campground education. I think these are the absolutely best hidden gems out there. Love these parks. Looking forward to finally trying out some of the Military Fam Camps too. See you on the road.
This video just popped up in my suggested videos and since we are about to downsize to an RV, I thought it would be helpful to watch. We will be stationary, but may one day travel. As an ex-trucker, I can tell you that 95% of the truck stops are going to be very welcoming. Also, you can pay for a shower at any of the truck stops. Little America (Flagstaff, Az, Little America, Wy, and there is one more location in the North) have amazing shower rooms with nice soaking bath tubs. Each of their locations also have a hotel attached if you just want to get a room for a night. Be sure and pick up "What's at the Next Exit" book (if you haven't already) and that will give you locations of truck stops, restaurants, shopping, camping, etc. Best of luck on your journeys.
Thanks for the information! I dont have the Whats at the Next Exit book. We will pick one up the next time we fill up. Good luck with your RV search.
I liked the comment about setting up and everyone watching, it is one of the things I always like whether I am RV'ing or sailing, get in early, get your anchor down, and your lawn chair ready for the show as others come in. A few years back I was working up on the Cassiar Highway and living in my RV. No matter what was happening at work I always made it back to camp early on the days the Alaska Caravans were coming in, the show was always amazing. Always great to learn from others mistakes, Lord knows I have made enough of my own.
That is cool. I never thought about sailboats setting up!
Thank you so much for your candor. We are still in the planning phase of full-timing. Your advice and experience is so helpful.
Hey guys, love the channel. Also retired military. Some advice, I have the blue ox tow system and a tow dolly. We’re not full timers but maybe one day. The advice is, if you flat tow, and you have back problems (I do as well) look hard at getting a on-board brake system. I have the brake buddy. It’s a brake that you have to remove and reinstall whenever you flat tow. You’ve probably seen them. We’ll mine has just about thrown my back out on several occasions. And it’s not the weight, it’s the awkwardness of how it goes in. In fact I started with the blue ox flat tow system and switched to the tow dolly because of it. And now I see the straps are somewhat the same pain in the back (and other places). So if you can afford, look at an on-board brakes system that is just plug-in and forget. It’ll make like much easier. Again really enjoy your videos. Hope to see you on the road some day. Right now we are just snow birds in the winter, we head to Florida Jan-feb, but one day we’ll be ready to let it all go and travel. Safe travels to you.
I didn’t read all the posts so it may have been mentioned already. Since you mentioned Pilot Truck stops get yourselves the Pilot Rewards card. Each time you fill up it gives a penny (I think that’s still right) per gallon of Diesel. You can redeem the points in the store. You can get a Loves card and it will do the same thing at Loves.
We did get a rewards card after we made this video. We love the gas savings and the ability to pay at the pump.
The tire story is hysterical! Thanks for sharing and your service to this great country guys!
Thank you! Safe travels to you!
I loved this video, and the way you two interact together. We lived in a 21' RV for about 14 months back in 2000, and have been dreaming and planning ever since to go full-time again when we retire. We have finally become empty nesters (we raised a granddaughter who is now 19) and I have retired, with my hubby retiring in January. We are in the process of getting rid of stuff. In 2000 we kept our house and rented it, and had a storage unit, because our home-schooled son was entering high school and needed a transcript, according to the navy recruiter, who had tested him for nuclear power specialist. This time, everything goes. As much as I am excited about going full-time again, I am also SCARED!! You know, that What the heck are we doing?!? feeling. So I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for the honest input.
I was very scared too! I mean it goes against everything we are taught to do right? But I figured if we hated it then we could always just buy more stuff right? I hope you love it as much as we do. Happy purging!
I’d say our experiences mirror yours. We’ve purged a couple of times and we’re ready again! Funny how the pace slows down and you discover that it’s easier to just slow down. That’s one reason I’m not a fan of reservations, at all. I’m here to wander. I love my tow bar and the cool M&G braking system, it is fantastic. Thanks for the video!
We have really slowed from our sticks and bricks life but we are still a work in progress. Still working to slow down on the road.
Just found your channel enjoyed watching your six month review we just retired from the military after 23 years and hopefully will be full-time RVing and a few years from now but starting our planning phase looking forward to more videos of yours
Thank you for your service!! Enjoy the research phase....we became addicted.
Just found you guys, great job. If you don't have one get an Oxgenics shower head for increased water pressure and water savings.
Hey Don! Thanks for watching. I think we have one but Im not sure. I need to investigate that. Safe travels.
We are in a Tiffin product too! Change your shower head for sure to Oxygenic’s. Why they put that cheap stuff in them I don’t know!
My husband was Navy, me Air force, both disabled. Now full time vanlifers! It will be a year Oct 2nd. We are boondockers, solar, lithium batteries and a DC to DC charger for a backup.. ❤️👍
(We are currently in Douglas Wyoming with our drive shaft hanging down.. argg at least we are safe and no rush)
Fingers crossed for a timely reapir!
We are preparing to go full time in our RV and a tow vehicle was one of our biggest concerns. We went back and forth between the dolly and flat towing (either way we had to buy another vehicle). We ended up choosing to flat tow. It was a rather expensive proposition, but we’re so happy we did. Did a 2-week, 2,000+ mile test run and absolutely loved it! It was worth every penny!
We cant wait to switch to a flat tow!! The dolly is just no fun.
That was a nice review. I would like to add that after 15 years using our present 30' motorhome I got careless and drove off with the shore power cable plugged into the side of our house. We drove for 5 miles with about 20' of cable dragging behind and a car following for a long time didn't even signal that we had a problem. It didn't hurt the cable but it ground the prongs off of the plug. We didn't find out until we parked for our traditional breakfast at the waffle shop and a lady pointed it out. Fortunately, we were passing an RV supply store on the way and I was able to get a new plug and replace it when we got to the RV resort. Now my checklist includes a walk-around inside and outside. (We are not full time RVers)
OH NO!! So glad to know we are not the only ones! Thank goodness you were able to easily fix it. I cant believe no one flagged you down. We also use our checklist to prevent that in the future.
With your Pilot/Flying J card you should get a shower point if you buy more than 50 gallons. Truck stop showers are usually large enough for 2, just bring your flip flops because the shower floor may give you athlete's foot.
We drivers dont hate RVs in the truck stop as long as you don't open your slides. I can't tell you how many times that I've heard of slides getting damaged when a truck backs in beside an RV. I've seen an RV taking up 3 spots because all of their slides were open. That's when a manager or Police get called.
Thanks for the shower tip! We do know about public showers. We were both in the Navy and served on ships.
I hope those who 'camp' at truck stops are few and far between. That is just the absence of common courtesy! smh
Thanks for watching be safe out there! Those little guys assume the big guys can stop on a dime! We really do have a greater respect for truckers after driving the RV!
No idea how anyone can give you guys a thumbs down on this. We too are retired military and agree with about 100% of your advice and we’ve experienced nearly all the same stuff. We’ve been FT for 9 months now and haven’t looked back.
Especially agree with the “tourist mode” concept. We’re still in it a bit, but learning to slow down for sure.
Be safe!
Kelly & Kathy M.
“Away We Go 2.0!”
We’ll Catch You Down The Road
I guess we can't please everyone! Oh well....Thanks for hanging out with us!
For cold weather camping, you are quite correct, sun or no sun, given that the RV does not have house like insulation, the furnace will run and 20 gallons of LPG will go pretty fast. In Canada at least, and in the winter, it can be quite difficult to find a station that supplies auto propane as most will only fill the bbq tanks. So, we have gone to using electric heaters in the RV. Just get a 1500 W ceramic heater from say WalMart and depending on the size of the RV perhaps two of them. Now, obviously you have to be plugged into do this, but with these running on power you are already paying for you can reduce the inconvenience. The other thing you can do, assuming that you are moochdocking and have only a 15A plug, run another line out a window or whatever to a different plug and connect that to a heater. If you do enough of this type of arrangement, you can make such a thing permanent. Here is a link to the connection I installed in my RV. th-cam.com/video/uOzDPeXrExc/w-d-xo.html We are thinking of going at least in part on the road after I retire in about 3 years. Your stories as you get started are fascinating and interesting. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Henri
Thanks for the info. We are always learning.
I use to drive semis folks, and most professional truck drivers don't care as long as they can sleep. By law, they are required to shut down, and truly don't care about travelers, but plz keep slides in, or park along the grass.
Yes, always glove up when fueling, they have dirty, greasy gloves on grabbing those handles on the pumps.
Also if you save your points on your fuel cards, you get free showers,( always use shower shoes) also merchandise, so use those cards and sign up!
We live in Michigan, and will become snowbirds this November after hubby Bob retires. We've had a new 35'11 trailer in our driveway since December 2018, and will take our maiden voyage May 22...next month and I've been packed for a month now..lol
Hope to see ya someplace warm someday. Until then, God bless you both, and safe, loving and relaxed travels to ya both.
Thank you for the input and for reminding people not to pull out there slides unless over grass!
At least you own your limitations. Being a farm boy from the midwest it makes me chuckle at the escapades of people that have limited experience with trailers and equipment in general. I'm one of those that need your popcorn to watch your struggles. Backing up our trailer, breaking camp in 10 minutes, are all things we grew up doing as youngsters. Good luck learning. Most cost themselves a few grand before they become proficient. Congrats on your adventure. Good Luck!
Well its a same you didnt see us months ago. That popcorn would have been so much better with our show! lol
As truckers and rvers(although not full time..yet), if you get fuel at a truck stop, you can get a free shower. Unlimited time, unlimited hot water, and clean. And you don't have to wash towels or clean the bathroom ! Win Win.
Excellent advice on looking back at your experience. Thank you for posting. As a part time RV'r and full time homeowner I can tell you exactly why you did not have any 'deep' conversations with your neighbors. It is because you actually have to work and you do not have time to hear any crap like that. I prefer to avoid listening to my neighbors go on about anything other than hi. So you are not missing anything :)
:) lol Safe travels!
Talk of the tow dolly brought back similar memories for me. I enthusiastically defended my choice of the tow dolly early on because I didn't have anything to flat tow. Getting the car on the dolly and lined up straight was the worst part. Stopping at the first couple rest areas to double check the straps, and re-tighten was also a pain. Once we bought the CRV and set it up to flat tow, we have never looked back. When we picked up our DP a couple months ago, it came with a Tow Dolly. I keep trying to think of a use for it, but I just can't find one as nothing we own at this point can be pulled on a Tow Dolly. It is taking up too much room in my Gag are and needs to go I think.
You 2 are so right about the friendships and community for sure. That is the thing that we love the most and so glad we met you guys in our travels. Can't wait to hook up again and hear the stories in person over a cold one. See you down the road.
We are so glad to have met you as well. We are sooooo looking forward to our meet up after the first of the year.....so much to catch up on!!! We may need many cold ones!!!
I’m a Boondocker host in Charlevoix Michigan and would certainly welcome you. Thanks for all your information I am a new subscriber and I love to listen to you guys. We have been part time six months and six months off for the last six years and have volunteered everywhere and have done some wonderful traveling and also have meant fabulous people that we keep in touch with
That sounds awesome!! We need to decide on a volunteer mission!
We have been full timing for 7 months, we met some great people. I hate it when we leave or when we have to wave goodbye to them.
The thing I learned the hard way is to make sure the spare tire actually is the right tire/rim for the RV. I got a flat tire on the Interstate, pulled over, took the spare off the back, took the wheel that was flat off, and the threaded studs did not line up with the holes for the the studs. Somebody had just gotten a wheel, any wheel, and mounted it on the back. Ain't we got fun!!!
Oh wow! That would not be fun either. Isn't it crazy what people do?
We can see how starting off so fast can wear you out quickly. You guys have jammed a lot into 6 months. Glad you found your sweet spot.
We really have but it has been an amazing ride. Just time to slow down and take the time to enjoy the little stuff.
We did the same thing as you at about 2 months, out of the blue Deb called the 5th wheel home. When that happened everything changed, everything became comfortable and laid back then.
I agree! For us too. It is home and I find it weird when people dont understand why we are ok not sleeping in their guest room. lol
For showers consider a national health club. Prices vary but I know of several with van conversions who do this
Yes, we have planet fitness and have used it several times! Safe travels
One year since we walked into Lazydays, never having camped and drove out in a new class C! We’ve had many of the same”experiences”. I look forward to your next video.
Awesome! It was our first camping experience as well minus some tent camping as kids! Safe travels
I just found you guys. I'm going to subscribe & follow you guys. I just turned 65 on a fixed income but I so want to do the RV life. Everyone that I'm following, that had tow vehicles, have gotten rid of the tow vehicles...will look for your RV tour...You guys have great sharing!! Can't wait to watch more of your videos. Truckers ate on a time crunch and working but most RVers let them go first to gas up etc. Which truckers appreciate that. ..God bless you. Travelling mercies!
We hope to be another channel that you are following that ditched the dolly!! Maybe after the first of the year. Cross your fingers for us! Thanks for watching and good luck going RV.
"PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS WATCHING", YES, I'M ONE OF THOSE. NEW TRUCK, NEW TRAILER, OLD BACKING SKILLS, ALWAYS A GOOD TIME AND GOOD SHOW. AFTER AWHILE IT HURTS AND I WALK OVER AND HELP. EVERYBODY GETS A FIRST TIME
:)
We had our fan on our stove vent die, it didn't even phase us. I went over to the bathroom and flipped on that fan to vent the RV. Finished dinner, then after dinner I checked the model brand on the vent hood and order a new fan. No ruffled feathers. Stuff happens, it's about how you handle it. Regarding reservations, we have made them and we haven't. I have found, places along the highway it's better to have reservations, destination locations need reservations. But, a state park in the winter (cold weather), no reservations needed.
I like that. It is always better when you go with flow instead of letting it spin you up.
The Flying J truck stops have RV parking out front. We would not recommend that area for any rigs over 35' though. 40 footers have a tight fit.
Check prices ahead of time because sometimes the diesel fuel is less expensive at the RV fuel pumps, and sometimes the truck pumps are less.
Starting our rv adventure in about a month. A little secret - my dad's older brother will not get on a plane - he's 81 & just drove his rv from New Mexico to West Virginia and then back.
So enjoy Ruby for years to come 😊 God Bless and happy trails
Wow! Good for him.
@@todayissomeday he amazes me
Great Information!!!! Thank you very much for sharing and documenting. We too are planning on going full time once retired from the military and law enforcement. We cannot wait! Thank you for your service. Safe travels!
Thanks Lazio! Thanks for your service!!! You are going to love the lifestyle. How soon and what RV do you have in mind?
Thanks guys. Good information and tips. I've written them down in preparation for our full time RV adventure next year.
Wow!! There is no way in Heck this Jarhead will use a tow-dolly ! I’m so glad I’ve got Sailors to recon this out for me! Great video!
Hahahahahaha!!
EXCELLENT video, Phil & Stacy!! New subscriber/viewer here!! Going to be binge watching a few of your vids for more adventures! FYI: The Pilot/Flying J card also affords travelers ~ 5¢ to 6¢ off *per gallon* of fuel. The great thing is it isn't a "credit card" per se, it's connected to a debit/credit account and the amount owed is automatically withdrawn monthly.
We are waiting for our card now. With as much fuel as we purchase that 5 cents will make a huge difference! Thanks for the tip! Safe travels.
I know this is an old video but I just caught up with you. We did the exact same thing with our tire monitoring system on a convertible that we flat tow. Came out of the car why because I wanted to be pretty to show my friends, not good. Broke the valve stem flat tire. I so sympathize.
This video really performed well compared to your subs and views because this is really valuable info for people like us that are getting ready to go full time "someday soon". This was the first video of yours that I discovered, I subbed to keep up to date with your journey. I haven't seen a video of yours that goes deep into your story, if there is one, please point it out for me. The story is what I believe hooks your community to keep up with your experiences. You guys kind of remind me of "keep your daydream", minus the kids. Looking forward to seeing more!!
We talk about it a bit in our first video. It is also our about us on the home page: th-cam.com/video/GQljxEueUl4/w-d-xo.html Is this what you mean? I think as we have grown more comfortable behind the camera we have exposed more of ourselves and who we are. The connection is what we are after. Hopefully we are getting better at that aspect as we go along.
Thank you so much for joining us. We take the comparison to KYD as a HUGE compliment. We love them and their channel. Thanks again and safe travels.
Great video. I’ve never come across your channel, happy I did. We’ve been “full time” for a year, and you’ve made me look back at my own worst mistakes and best choices. We are headed out to Utah and starting our second year full time. So far a wonderful adventure. Hope we meet up on the road. I’ll keep an eye 👁 out!
Welcome Carolyn! So glad you found us! It has been amazing for us this past year as well. Enjoy Utah and stay save out there.
So glad I found y’all. We have a Red,too,named BAMA BOSS. We’re from Alabama. We were actually at Red Bay for warranty work when they had the crazy crash. I’m so glad to follow some one with the same rig.
Great name for your rig!! Welcome! We are so glad you are here.
Lol Loved it!! Recommendation: Join Planet Fitness!! Awesome showers ( pressure, hot water and no mess in your RV!!) We love all the stories and your rapport! We are going to have so much fun when we get together!! We have had some of the same experiences and can relate so well! thanks for being so real!
We are already on it!! We use it all the time.
Hello, I am new to your site and enjoying it a lot. We do not have a diesel motorhome, we have gas, and what we carry is a CFN gas card. If we find that the gas stations are too small or hard to get out of, especially while towing our car we can go to the CFN stations. They may be a little more expensive than the gas stations, but they do big trucks and I know there is almost always a lot of room to get in and out.
Thanks Vicky...welcome aboard!
Thanks for sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly for us pre- newbies! Taking down notes, notes and more notes even after watching you tube videos for the past 5 years!!! Or... maybe it's just the bloopers!!! Safe travels.
Brendan & Lena
Very well done video. We have a Tiffin Phaeton and in the beginning we used a dolly for the first 4 trips and realized it was not what what we wanted, flat tow is the way to go. After two years, we are actually ready to downsize to a class C motorhome .
We cant wait to ditch dolly....hopefully in March we can divorce her! :) I could downsize but Phil no way!
I am loving that you guys popped up in my feed. From one retired military to another WOOHOOO. Congrats on taking this journey and thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you for your service!
Thank YOU for BOTH of yours. We know it is not an easy thing at times but it is an amazing experience and really creates lasting bonds.
We also started off with a plan and didn't want to deviate from the plan, we soon learned that we are coddiwomplers and the plan wasn't conducive to good coddiwompling. After we got a few months under our belt and realized that we could ALWAYS find somewhere to sleep, after all our home was right behind us, we relaxed a lot and I think now we only make reservations rarely, like holiday weekends if we really want to be somewhere at a specific time. Other than that we have coddiwompled all over the continent. Oh yah, what the heck is coddiwompling?
Coddiwomple [KAHD-ee-wahm-puhl]
v. 1. To travel purposely towards a vague, as yet unknown destination
I LOVE this!! It is really true right!
You can tow a vehicle with a flat on the other two tires. You don't need a flatbed.
Hi Phil and Stacy! Great video! I couldn't help but laugh, half way through, when I remembered Stacy saying she's "a quiet person'"! LOL! It also reminded me of a quote I learned many years ago: 'when Momma ain't happy ain't NObody happy'...h,mmm. Don't worry a bit about mistakes you make; you should hear about the dumb mistakes 'I' made during 38 years as a coast to coast truck driver [after my eight years in the Air Force]. Anyway, travel safe, stay happy, love God, and, keep the videos coming!
(12/05/2018 Wednesday 9:18amCST Houston, Texas)
Thank you for your service! And your quote is spot on! lol Thanks for hanging out with us and safe travels.
Thanks for sharing this, I'll ask my wife to watch too. We are going full time in the next year (or close to it) and will be hitting military bases primarily because of what I'll be doing, and because I can. We have no experience at all so are watching everything we can.
This is our first RV as well. We knew nothing other than what I remember from camping as a kid which was mainly tents! We did the same thing you are doing now research, research, research! Army COE and military bases are our favorite places to stay. Thanks for watching and good luck.
You, Me & the RV Navy SCPO still reserving. 2 and a half more to go until I can fully retire but who’s counting.
Nice insights here. We full-timed for a couple of months and then bought a home base (RV Port Home) here in Florida. I agree that RVers are cool people by and large - especially if they are full/part-timers. We are both introverted - and it brings us out of our shell. The Purging part is still underway, LOL, I agree that it never ends. We are currently waiting on our new rig to be built - so let us know if you are in central Florida this winter and need a FHU spot as our guests at our resort.
Thanks so much!! But I don't think we will make to FL this year. We have chosen to freeze our butts off this winter!! lol Actually, we will be with family through Christmas and then we head to AZ but FL is on the list for next winter.
A new rig is so exciting!! Congrats!!
What a great video! I'm just finding you so I need to start from the beginning to catch up on your prior videos. We just purchased our "George" (5th wheel) a month ago which is parked at the lake for us to enjoy on the weekends and holidays for a while. We will eventually get on the road for full time RV living but until then I'm watching as many videos and reading everything I can. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures!
Congrats on George!! I hope you love him as we love our Ruby!
Love it! Great info as always! Hope to meet you on the road!
I hope so too!
Great video on lessons learned in your first six months. Awesome... keep going guys! Like the bloopers!
Thanks Alberto. The bloopers come natural! lol Thanks for watching and safe travels.
Just found y'all. New subscriber. Congratulations on your 1st 6 months.
Thank you Chuck and welcome.
I enjoy your quick shot of the old D model B-52 in the back ground in your introduction. I worked on them for 4 years during the Viet Nam years. Been working jets most of my life. Happy traveling..
That is so cool! Thank you so much for your service!
Well you have a Tiffin.. Good choice.. or Holiday Rambler.. The Alegra was a good model and the Open Road I think.. Keep therm 34 or under..
I’m in PA, and trust me, it would not have helped to leave the blinds up. There isn’t enough sun. You probably extended your propane. I live in mine up here and alternate between a 100lb and 30lb. I’m done with winter.
Well good to know we didnt screw that up too! All in all it was lessons learned for us! I bet you are done with winter. It is COLD up there.
I wanted to add to my comments. We started in a Tiffin Open Road. Had it for four years. It was OK, but we decided to down size. We now have a Class C and we are happy with it. Being full time it works for us. At least we cut our expenses in half. Plus it easier to get around. Oh, my tow level on our unit is 10,000 pounds - which I only had 5,000 with my Tiffin. Later guys.
Nice. A lot of people end up going smaller. Not sure if I can talk Phil in to that. Not yet at least! lol
This was a great video. We are almost to our one year anniversary on the road. It has been an amazing adventure. Hope to see you down the road one day.
Jen McMartin A year is awesome!!! Hope you love it as much as we do!!!Hopefully we will meet up down the road! Safe travels.
You guys are wonderful. Too funny when Phil said "I saw something shiny". I hope Hubby and I have as much fun as you guys when we get to go on our RV adventures!
You guys are SO AWESOME!! I have binge watched your channel the last two weekends! lol Haven't even caught up on American Idol or This Is Us because I'm pulling you guys up to see what's next! Hubby and I are preparing to go FT in the next few months! Currently shopping for our Class A. Thanks for all the GREAT info! Maybe we'll run into Ya'll on the road sometime! Safe travels!
Wow we ranked higher than This is Us!! That is huge! lol Thanks for hanging out with us! Good luck with your rv search. I hope you find exactly what you are looking for. Of course I am going to recommend an inspection before purchase by an outside source! We will see ya out there!
p.s. Thank you both for your service!! My son serves in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. He was on the USS George Washington and deployed for his first 4 years of service, then served with Beachmasters in San Diego for 2 year and now back in Japan on base in Yokosuka. Again, thank you both for your dedication to our country!
Please thank your son for his service for us! We actually were both stationed in Yoko and that is where we met! I would love to go back there after all these years. I really loved it there.
@@todayissomeday I will let him know - what a nice coincidence! He loves it there so much that he requested a second deployment to go back after he finished his duty in San Diego 4 years ago! Have a wonderful holiday and maybe we will catch up with you on the road someday - would love to meet you!
@@glendabranch5993 That would be awesome! We love meet ups. Keep up date on our locations via fb or ig. If we are close by let us know and we can see if it works out. Oh, and I don't blame him.....I would go back to Yoko in a minute! Merry Christmas.
Flat towing has a lot of potential places to make errors and
Leave out “pins” . Suggestion make a check list/follow a routine, it helps prevent these things from happening. Great video,happy travels
A check list always helps!! Safe travels.
you can now have instant hot wateer system put into your rig. Get rid of the shower head a d buy one that is brand new at the rv store. it increases pressure by a mile. Great video, Welcome along for the ride.
It is on the list but flat tow comes first!! Thanks for watching.
The wife a d I are about 1 year out. Really looking forward to full timing. Appreciate your videos. A big help. Thank you both. Tim and Linda Teach.
Awesome! So glad you are hanging out with us.
Viewed a couple of videos now and do like the sincerity. Also the honest and open reveal of experiences with the RV "Ruby".
Thanks so much and welcome!
OMG! Y’all are killing me! I am truly learning from y’all... and I will remember all of y’all almost disasters.. good information to remember....I am getting ready to solo Rv with my soon to be Lillian....Thank y’all... enjoy life and keep moving to new adventures...
How exciting! I hope you love it as much as we do.
Ive been Rv'ing for 12 years. Last trip I forgot to retract the TV antennae. Low hanging branches ripped it off. Though on my behalf my wife is supposed to take care of things on the inside, and since the antennae crank is on the inside it's her fault. LOL! Yeah I know Team effort fail. You two need to check out Harvest Hosts, especially the winery's and brewery's. If you drink that is. Good times, I'm enjoying the videos.
We have used Harvest Hosts a few times and love them! We need to get up a video on them. And we love visiting both the winery's and brewery's with a few farms thrown in for good measure!
You guys seem like an awesome couple. Love your banter and great chemistry. Wishing you both the very best and safe travels.
Thanks so much
Great vid, guys. To pick-up on your description of the "immediate" friendships you've made, it's similar to being in the military community, I think. I remem my USAF days, and you made friends very quickly, in part, due to the commonality (e.g., the military); you didn't know who or when someone was leaving, and your extended family weren't there. Those friends were/are a great support system. Y'all Be Safe!
Very true! Thanks for watching and Happy New Year
As a retired military how do you deal with health care? Do you do VA? Tricare prime? What about doctors? Do you focus on military campgrounds? What do you do about internet?
We return to San Antonio every 6-12 months for appointments using Tricare. We do not use the VA but we have friends that do use them as they travel. We just chose to use docs outside the military. We use military campgrounds when ever we can. For internet we use AT&T with a Weboost and MiMo.
I know you've not visited the West Coast yet; I wanted to inform you about a Casino campground. In Laughlin, NV, Don Laughlin's Riverside Hotel & Casino has an RV campground which is huge! Don't knw the pricing but week days are cheaper than weekends.
Thanks so much!
Love your videos. We moochdocked off of our kids last summer. We will be full time in within 4 years and your videos are helping us.
We re in our 50s- now starting the plan to go fulltime. We still have some debt so we’re thinking we ld like to finish getting rid of it first. You inspire us to do so ASAP!! 😁
You can do it!! You would feel like a million bucks if you were debt free!
Just found you guys. You are great!!! I'm retiring early at the end of February. My wife and I are hitting the road at the beginning of June. So looking forward to it.
Great info and one of the best of all !!! We recommend you because we don’t have to watch and listen to all the pet stories, your program is Truly are all about RV informative! Thanks!
This is your first video that I have watched and I can’t wait to watch your others! We are a former military family and we are preparing to RV for awhile before retiring to AZ. Hopefully we will meet up with you guys on the road 😄
Welcome to our community! Thank you both for you your service and sacrifice.
Omg !! I have an MDX and I did not know that I don’t have a spare tire.... thanks for sharing!!
Happy to help!
Supposedly the best car to flat-tow is a Tesla because as you tow it, it is charging the battery (and you can charge the Tesla from a campground hookup or your solar panels)
That is cool
I've never grabbed hold of diesel pump handles that were slimy, but I'll carry gloves from now own.
Safe travels
Even at a regular gas station, diesel is slimy (I have a bumper pull that I tow behind a diesel F250, so don't just fill up at truck stops). Gloves are a must.
I know right where you're at with the flat tire dilemma. I've owned a truck for 18 years. I have a spare but I just recently found out (the hard way) one of the jack handle components was missing. Couldn't get the spare down from it's mounting location. Fortunately, the tire wasn't completely flat and I was near a Goodyear tire store and I caught them just before they closed for the night. I limped over there and they took care of it for me. Close call.
Lots of good tips. We just bit the bullet and traded cars so we can flat tow... even though we are not full timing.
I don’t blame you. We can’t wait to ditch ours!!
Hi - I stumbled across your TH-cam channel when I searched "full time rv living" and so glad that I did. I love your open and honest assessment of your first 6 months! We just started ourselves in July 2017. We have been stationed in Colorado Springs for almost a year because my husband had an opportunity for a work assignment and we wanted to "replenish" for 2019. I wanted to comment about your experience with leaving Ruby in PA and not leaving your shades open. Yes, a ton of warmth comes in during the larger windows during the day but I'm wondering whether it cancels out by leaving them open at night because the shades serve as insulation. Just something to think about as we have had this question ourselves. I am now following your channel and I look forward to more videos along your journey! I will let you know when we actually post to our TH-cam channel on a regular basis when we get back on the road in March. We are on TH-cam as Our Savory Journey with a whole 5 videos thus far! haha You can also find us on FB by the same name and I do post to that fairly often :-)
Its possible the open shades over night may have reduced the overnight insulation but I think the warmth through the windows would do more to warm up the RV and the heater would be able to shut off during the day. But since I hate the cold I don't think I will be testing this theory! So it will remain an 'I think' instead of an 'I know'. lol
Good luck with your YT channel. We are having a lot of fun with ours. Safe travels.
We are planning to Rv fulltime this year. We bought a travel trailer. Love your videos!
Awesome!! Congrats on your rig. Safe travels
Thank you! You inspire me! I have a plan to buy an RV, and live in there! I'm like you, like girl who can't wait to get in the road
That is awesome!