It's me again. ex-trucker. at 6:12 the silver part that is angled downward, with a couple of scrapes on each side, should be greased. when you back under, the trailer should contact at that silver angle area and your truck should lift the trailer, slightly, and then slide flat into the lock. this will insure there is no gap between the truck and trailer. I know you know what you are doing, this is just another way to ensure a tight, complete lock.
at 5:05 the top of the silver/grey plate should be greased also. And, did you see the gap between the plate and the black hitch-king pin assembly? they should be rubbing together while sliding. If you notice on semi trucks the fifth wheel plate always has grease on them. Please get back with me if the rv world is different than what I shared. don't want to look like a fool. Happy travels.
one more time. shouldn't rely on the trailer side marker lights. right before you leave, or sometime while hooking up, turn on your headlights and emergency flashers and then walk around the rig checking every light and flashers. police can and will give you a ticket for one light out.
pippi pippi pippi. I'm not giving you a hard time, honestly! 14:46. NEVER BLIND SIDE WHILE BACKING. you had no idea if you were gonna hit the utility pole without getting out to check. hook up with a trucker someday. They are full of useful tidbits of safety info. I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all. just want you to be safe
Lot of good tips Pippi. I found it helpful when unhitching, and after you chock the wheels, jump in the truck, put it in neutral and take your foot off of the brake. This will allow the trailer to "settle" against the chocks. Put the truck back in park and continue to unhook. When you release the king pin, the trailer won't roll. It should stay put. It is also easier on your front jacks. Stay safe out there!
As a retired auto body tech, I had to repair plenty of truck beds where people have forgot to drop their landing gear and the 5th came down on the bed smashing the top. Another great video Pippi!
Pippi, this is an outstanding video!!! Dealers should encourage their customers to watch your video as a training aid before leaving the dealership. Hopefully leaving you compensation for your time and work in putting this together. Awesome!
Thank you for the great, detailed video. We have an older class A with no slides. I perform multiple walk arounds prior to departure. I'm in the process of making slap bracelets marked for Jack's, TV antenna, shore powder, sewer line, awning, blinds(open), etc. The idea is to remove them from the item while employing them and attaching them to the steering wheel. You can't forget it if it's in your way on the wheel. Check lists are a must with someone like me with memory issues. Safe travels.
Wow. That's a real eye-opener. I've always dreamed of having a 5th wheel with slides but after watching this video, I think I'm going to save a trailer with slides for when I'm more stationary. I like simplicity and when I'm moving every few weeks, I can't see going through all that. Thanks for another great video. Well done!
@@boson285 True about Pippi. I'm a fulltimer too, but I'm a motorhome gal like she used to be. I know how easy it is to pick up and move with a motorhome and seeing all this puts a lump in my throat.
@@Pack.Leader i'm able to pack and go in 2 hours. That is until I moved north and put a skirt on the trailer. But I stay put in winter. Too much effort dealing with water lines freezing as fast as you start prepping things.
I don't even have a 5th wheel, and probably never will, but find this very organized check list issue really interesting... and fun to see what's involved with setting up and breaking down a site. Thanks for posting.
Great video. I had wishes to go full time RV. But now I am 67 and about to retire. I bought a house in Idaho on a river. I still have my 23 foot trailer for camping. But I doubt I will ever use it much. I have the best view in the world, and I can cast my fly rod from my deck If I am lazy. Glad you have it all figured out. Safe travels.
Always enjoy your videos. The main thing for me is to NEVER get in a hurry. Take your time. Also, I have the same hitch as you on my rig. A few times I had problems with the jaws staying completely open after I released the trailer. I found another hole on the hitch to actually pin the lever open by using the locking pin. It keeps the jaws open as far as possible during disconnect.
Great video. Check list can prevent expensive repairs. I’ve had a few close calls over the years. One thing I do differently though is before plugging in to shore power, I plug in just the surge protector to check the readings to ensure the power is safe. Safe travels!
That was a FANTASTIC video!! You are awesome. One suggestion...we always plug in our EMS and wait two minutes and check the readings before we plug in to rig. That WAS an awesome site!
Pippi, good video. I keep my fresh water hose/fresh water accessories in a medium size tote, just to keep it organized. I also keep my 50 amp cord in a large tote. Once its coiled up in the tote a couple of times, it "remembers" how it should be stored and usually coils up easily from that point on. I leave my front jacks down and apply the trailer brakes and do a "pull test" after I have locked the hitch.
REALLY-REALLY-REALLY Good stuff. So comprehensive and safety oriented. Love the check lists!! The only thing I added to mine was checking tire pressure before departure and vehicle fluids.
Man I miss camping. Once hooked up and running I would always turn the 4 way flashers on and then go back to make sure they were working on the back of the trailer. Good quick way to check to make sure others know what you are going to do.
Great video! Make sure you check your trailer lights (running, brake, signals), and the trailer brakes before you leave. Also, you have a Cummins engine, so make sure you activate the Exhaust Brake when you activate Tow Haul. Have fun RV'ing.
one thing i could suggest that probably nobody didn't say is after your jaws on the 5th wheel is close, with your tailgate down, do a little pull test just to make sure its latch securely, we do these test even on semi's just for extra benefits.
Pippi,You always do a Great Job explaining things . I have see many costly mistakes when people think they can remember everything,Always make a check list !!
ANOTHER great video! I have a travel trailer but after buying a 1 ton dually diesel I am thinking about a fifth wheel. This video gives me some insight to the setting up and getting ready to leave the sight. Good timing!
Super good job. I've watched numerous similar videos ; this is the best. I learned to use and appreciate checklists as a pilot, and I use them frequently for all sorts of complex routines. RVs, especially larger rigs, are complex machines with multiple, often interrelated, systems. As you you point out, these things are EXPENSIVE, and it is easy to do a bunch of costly damage with just a little too much complacency, or a simple neglectful moment. Teardown and setup, unfortunately, usually happen during stressful times of the move. The checklist is a big help in eliminating stress-induced errors. I keep mine on my clipboard and mark where I am in the process as I go along. On departure there are often "goodbyes" and well-meaning visits from new or old friends, and it's easy to get distracted, lose track of where you are, and make a costly mistake. Similarly, on arrival there are often distracting things going on in a new an unfamiliar place. You may have an escort into the park, who may want to engage you in small talk. Again, the checklist is your friend. I also like to actually say to myself, before doing these essential routines, "Slow down. This is not horseshoes!". Thanks for a really excellent video. You've probably saved a lot of people a lot of grief and/or expense.
Good idea with the check list. I've lost 2 tailgates forgetting to put it down before driving out from under our 5th wheel in the past 25 years. Those things are expensive!!!
good tip for connecting i got from another youtube person. take a wood dowell rod and mark how high the trailer needs to be to connect that way you always know without moving it as your back up :)
It is a good idea to use check lists for something as important as moving day with your RV. I do have a few suggestions though, as follows: Rubber bands tend to dry out and break. Instead, I use the elastic bands that ladies use on their hair to hold pony tales. They hold better than rubber bands and last a whole lot longer. Ever since I found kids peering in my RV windows when I came out of a restaurant, I keep my shades down while traveling. I doubt they sway back and forth much while I am traveling but the curious can just stay that way. Since you have a fifth wheel RV, aligning the hitch is a whole lot easier for you. I have to back up towards my RV, get out and check the relative position, get back in and adjust as needed, again and again until the ball and the socket are perfectly aligned. Sometimes somebody will help but usually I end up doing it alone after my late wife passed away. Be thankful each time you hitch up! If you spray PTFE on your front jacks each time you use them, do you get a buildup of Teflon on the sliding surface of your jacks? Does the WD40 take the thin coating off, preventing build up? I don’t know as I have never used a PTFE spray. If there is no build up, I will have to get some and try it! Instead of a safety pin on your fifth wheel hitch lever, you can use a padlock. I do that on my hitch ball receptacle. There are a number of videos on the internet of some nasty guy pulling the lever on a fifth wheel and when its driver comes back, he doesn’t think about it and starts to drive away ending up with a big mess. I would hate to see that happen to you!! Instead of commercial wheel chalks, I have taken a pressure treated wooden 4X4 and cut two pieces to the exact length and angle to go between the two tires. That way the trailer is blocked from rolling backward and forward at the same time with one piece on each side. When it is time to leave, I just pull the trailer forward until the rear axle comes back down off of them, pick them up and I am ready to roll. I keep a ten foot hose, and two twenty-five foot hoses in my RV. A lot of campgrounds have the utilities right close to the RV on their site. The ten footer is handy in that situation. If I need a fifty footer, I connect the two twenty-five footers together. If I need more than sixty feet, I use the water pump and say that this is not full hookups! If I need to travel keeping food cold in the fridge, I have a hard time remembering to stop on the way into a gas station to turn the fridge off and then to turn it on again after leaving. Gasoline fumes are extremely flammable, even explosive, and should be exposed to no flame! I hate to realize that I forgot once I am in the gas station. I must do better at that! It is important to turn the breaker off before we plug in our power cords. The reason is that our battery chargers in our RVs have capacitors in the line filters that are discharged and plugging the cord into the socket will cause an arc to occur displacing some of the metal between the pins and the sockets. The breaker is designed to take that. Not so plugs and sockets. It looks like you use a “dog bone” on your power cord. That is a good idea. But you should plug in the dog bone first, turn on the breaker, and see if the dog bone status lights say that the power is safe. If it says floating ground, or phase reversal, or any other problem, you will not want to use it but report it to the campground office letting them move you to another site. Some of these conditions can be life threatening. If the dog bone says it is OK, turn the breaker off again, plug in your RV power cord, and turn it back on again. You need to lubricate those steps. You are working too hard to fold them up and probably to pull them back out again. Your back will thank you. When I connect my RV to the tow vehicle, I turn on parking lights and the hazards to go back checking each marker light and each tail light. Sometimes I have to wiggle the connector to get a turn light to flash or unplug and replug to get it. At least I have checked all lights and I can drive down the road with confidence. When backing a trailer, the length of the trailer from the axles to the hitch affects what you have called the response time. The more difficult thing is the rate at which the front end of the tow vehicle comes around. I have towed with vehicles that had a poor turning radius and I had to turn out of a turn while backing a lot earlier than I do now. The vehicle I have now is not that great but those were pretty bad. That little bidirectional level you use is pretty handy but it is too small. Any unevenness in the surface where it is sitting can throw it off. I use a two foot level and turn it ninety degrees to check front to rear after getting the side to side set up. Travel safe! Keep up the good work. Keep those videos coming. Don’t take the length of this to be criticism. Take it as being helpful! I did click the thumbs up button!!
Great video. One small suggestion is to consider attaching your breakaway cable to the truck instead of the hitch. If there’s a problem with the hitch disconnecting, the safety afforded by the cable is gone. Happy travels!
We have a class A. Hubby always plugs our power cord into the power supply with the surge protector on it to make sure the supply doesn’t have anything wrong with it , flip the breakers to be sure that all the lights are green. If so then you know you are ok to plug into your rig. Several times hubby has found a fault in the power supply we had to have the ground replaced at one Rv Pk before we could plug in.
Hi Pippi. Here's a tip. After you hook up to the kingpin, slightly Raise your front Jack's. If the kingpin is not locked, it'll just pop out of its holder before moving forward. If the list test works, then retract the front Jack's the rest of the way up and continue with your hookup.
A couple of points: Checking the trailer side marker lights may tell you that the running light circuit is connected and hot (and that's probably the tail lights too), but it doesn't tell you if the trailer's brake or turn signals are working. Also, if a tail light is getting current but defective, the side markers don't tell you that. Turn your lights on, including blinkers, during your walk-around. My first rule of trailers is, "the lights don't work." Also, some of us need to check/adjust/readjust our trailer brake controller in the truck for level and gain (aggressiveness). That would be on my list, along with a visual (not just pressure) tire check.
HI Pippi way to go you did it Thank you for doing this video I'm super proud of you I do have a tip for you try putting a wooden dowel when your closing the drawers so they stay shut
Good video and using a check list is the only way to good with so many things that has to be covered in setup and take down of a fifth wheel or trailer. I would add a couple of things to your list. Check all tire sidewalls for bubbles or bumps on both the ones you can see and the inter ones every time you hook up. I check mine at each fuel stop too. Blow outs tear up the underside of your RV and can cause other problems too. Check your lug nuts on the fifth wheel daily when you have removed a wheel and weekly after they no longer need tighten. I lube my king pin with PTFE or silicon spray each time I hook up too. One thing I do when arriving at my site before backing in is to install my electric power monitor to see if there is good power. This way if power is bad, I can get a different site before wasting time unhooking.
"Love Your RV" had a great idea for cutting a stick to the correct height for hitching. Also about putting a piece of tape on the stick to determine clearance for the slides.
A little hint about your water hoses, always coil them up so that they dry out and then screw the male & female connectors together so that grunge doesn't get inside the hoses
Once my trailer is clear I do one last check of the camping spot to make sure nothing is left behind such as something that may have slipped under the trailer or any chocks I've accidentally run over. When testing lights I put the park lights on and activate four way flashers. If the rear bulbs blink from bright to dim I know everything is working. (No need to check the turn signals individually unless you've recently messed with trailer wiring.)
10:00 Pearl is just so well behaved :) … also pretty amazed the dogs didn't start barking at the squirls, so i guess Pearl has at least some good influence on Chase. ^^
If you have emergency escape windows, be sure they are locked securely. One of ours popped open on a busy freeway in New Orleans. Had to pull over and stop to secure it. Said a prayer and got back on the busy freeway.
Very nice and informative video..... Were just starting out with a 5th Wheel and your video gives us a lot to think about. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Great job and awesome video!! You're killing it out there with those mad organizational and backing up skills!!! I Love to use a list for everything, almost to an obsession, but I guess that comes from my military experience. Loved this one! Keep it up and safe travels!
Pippi, another way to check and make sure your kingpin is locked in before you raise the jacks is to apply the trailer brakes fully and try to pull forward. if it's not locked, the kingpin will side out but the trailer will not drop.
Yep, truck drivers do that same thing. Additionally, you will not have that issue with the B&W hitch. If you can close the latch and secure it and visually see the pin inside the jaws as you connect the trailer lights, then you know it is locked in. BTW, you should get a 7 way olug installed in the bed, saves the paint on the tailgate.
Kia Ora my Pipernicker ! My goodness, you sure know how to create suspense 🥺...ha ha ha ...the stuff that drives dad's nutzo !!! As Intelligent as U R, 1 cannot believe U do not have a bailout, backup plan, hidden away up your sleeve, like the other great magicians ! It's all very entertaining ... watching your long legged adopted babies pace & schlurp (is that a word ? ) 😊. Drive & stay safe Pipper !
Probably one of the best side views of your nice looking trailer. Off the hitching topic, I noticed the type of steps on your truck. Would you mind giving me a quick view of how you like them, how do the assist stepping in and if picking a step would you go with the same style. I’m shopping to replace ours.
We also have one of those crazy drawers that just won't stay closed on travel days. It's my first look over spot before opening the slide! Really good video - you covered a lot! :-)
Pippi, I noticed that you have the surge protector attached to your power cord when plugging to the post. I think that it is a good idea to plug the surge protector in and turn on power and let it check for errors first, then if safe shut off the breaker and hook up power cord and turn on the breaker. Doing so I have found at one park that one leg of power wasn't working. At another park there was low voltage on one leg. Neither should have damaged the coach but I was able to get maintenance to repair them. Also I see that you have the same B&W hitch that I have. I really like and think it greatly reduces hitching errors.
You do a wonderful job hippie instructing and telling people how things need to be done in an organized manner sometimes life goes and throws you a left curve and we want to go right so you did do a very wonderful job and at this time I'd like to commend you on your beautiful home you've gotten I haven't seen you in awhile and I thought you were going to get married hookup I didn't expect that but hey it's nice and keep up the good work
Noticing you disconnecting your water hose, I bought quick disconnects for my water...that way I don't have to keep unscrewing the thing. I just pop it off like an air hose connection.
@@crashs278 basically she's wrote up a pre trip for rv's. And i have seen a few people drop there trailers not tug testing i think her video is informational and very informative
Hey,Pippi did you ever see / watch “ Recovery..38 Foot “ RV on it’s side” On you tube... ? Hill and Auto Body Towing, ( an unbelievable wreckage) ...WHAT A LESSON for Fifth Wheelers to avoid
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to retract the rear jacks before raising the front jacks to the hitch height?.. Seems like you would put unnecessary stress on the rear jacks...
I would suggest laminating the list and posting it inside your cable storage bay door. Although you don't "need" it, one day you may have a helper, or simply the fact that it is there, will remind you them of all the steps at a glance.
It's me again. ex-trucker. at 6:12 the silver part that is angled downward, with a couple of scrapes on each side, should be greased. when you back under, the trailer should contact at that silver angle area and your truck should lift the trailer, slightly, and then slide flat into the lock. this will insure there is no gap between the truck and trailer. I know you know what you are doing, this is just another way to ensure a tight, complete lock.
at 5:05 the top of the silver/grey plate should be greased also. And, did you see the gap between the plate and the black hitch-king pin assembly? they should be rubbing together while sliding. If you notice on semi trucks the fifth wheel plate always has grease on them.
Please get back with me if the rv world is different than what I shared. don't want to look like a fool. Happy travels.
one more time. shouldn't rely on the trailer side marker lights. right before you leave, or sometime while hooking up, turn on your headlights and emergency flashers and then walk around the rig checking every light and flashers. police can and will give you a ticket for one light out.
pippi pippi pippi. I'm not giving you a hard time, honestly! 14:46. NEVER BLIND SIDE WHILE BACKING. you had no idea if you were gonna hit the utility pole without getting out to check. hook up with a trucker someday. They are full of useful tidbits of safety info. I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all. just want you to be safe
Lot of good tips Pippi.
I found it helpful when unhitching, and after you chock the wheels, jump in the truck, put it in neutral and take your foot off of the brake. This will allow the trailer to "settle" against the chocks. Put the truck back in park and continue to unhook. When you release the king pin, the trailer won't roll. It should stay put. It is also easier on your front jacks. Stay safe out there!
As a retired auto body tech, I had to repair plenty of truck beds where people have forgot to drop their landing gear and the 5th came down on the bed smashing the top. Another great video Pippi!
My mother made that mistake. But she got a couple miles down the road before the trailer decided to slide off the hitch.
Rving is not for the faint of heart or shallow of pocket. You do a great job. Good luck.
Pippi, this is an outstanding video!!! Dealers should encourage their customers to watch your video as a training aid before leaving the dealership. Hopefully leaving you compensation for your time and work in putting this together. Awesome!
Thank you for the great, detailed video. We have an older class A with no slides. I perform multiple walk arounds prior to departure. I'm in the process of making slap bracelets marked for Jack's, TV antenna, shore powder, sewer line, awning, blinds(open), etc. The idea is to remove them from the item while employing them and attaching them to the steering wheel. You can't forget it if it's in your way on the wheel. Check lists are a must with someone like me with memory issues. Safe travels.
I have to hand it to you! I love how organized and cautious you are. Safe travels.
Hi elizabeth
Wow. That's a real eye-opener. I've always dreamed of having a 5th wheel with slides but after watching this video, I think I'm going to save a trailer with slides for when I'm more stationary. I like simplicity and when I'm moving every few weeks, I can't see going through all that. Thanks for another great video. Well done!
Pippi puts more effort into things than most of us. Additionally, when full timing there is more to watch for.
@@boson285 True about Pippi. I'm a fulltimer too, but I'm a motorhome gal like she used to be. I know how easy it is to pick up and move with a motorhome and seeing all this puts a lump in my throat.
@@Pack.Leader i'm able to pack and go in 2 hours. That is until I moved north and put a skirt on the trailer. But I stay put in winter. Too much effort dealing with water lines freezing as fast as you start prepping things.
Thorough information on hitching and unhitching. Good blessings to you and the babies.
you are the first I see where you go that extra step and clean and lube the jacks..
is that code for something
This was a VERY informative video. You did a great job showing an RVer-wanna-be, like me, what to expect. Thanks!
Great video. Check lists are ALWAYS used by pilots. It is the best way not to miss anything!
But sir.needed more money to life
Check list were used before the crew was allowed to use the aircraft. Crew Chiefs lived by them to get the aircraft ready to fly.
@@johnirwin1837 o 🤖💤,
do you have a chek list for your CHECKLISTS???????
I don't even have a 5th wheel, and probably never will, but find this very organized check list issue really interesting... and fun to see what's involved with setting up and breaking down a site. Thanks for posting.
Pippi: You are just an awesome young woman! I admire your independence and fearlessness! Continued safe travels to you, and kisses to Chase and Pearl.
Thanks for the tips Pippi.
check your patron page Pippi.
Great video. I had wishes to go full time RV. But now I am 67 and about to retire. I bought a house in Idaho on a river. I still have my 23 foot trailer for camping. But I doubt I will ever use it much. I have the best view in the world, and I can cast my fly rod from my deck If I am lazy. Glad you have it all figured out. Safe travels.
Always enjoy your videos. The main thing for me is to NEVER get in a hurry. Take your time. Also, I have the same hitch as you on my rig. A few times I had problems with the jaws staying completely open after I released the trailer. I found another hole on the hitch to actually pin the lever open by using the locking pin. It keeps the jaws open as far as possible during disconnect.
You are one smart young lady, I learned quite a bit today thanks, be safe 😎
Great video. Check list can prevent expensive repairs. I’ve had a few close calls over the years. One thing I do differently though is before plugging in to shore power, I plug in just the surge protector to check the readings to ensure the power is safe. Safe travels!
What an incredibly well rounded woman, has talents and abilities and all the things that make her amazing!!! You are such an inspiration Pippi
Pippi, thanks for walking through all that. Seeing the steps & having a checklist make those processes less intimidating.
That was a FANTASTIC video!! You are awesome. One suggestion...we always plug in our EMS and wait two minutes and check the readings before we plug in to rig. That WAS an awesome site!
Pippi, good video. I keep my fresh water hose/fresh water accessories in a medium size tote, just to keep it organized. I also keep my 50 amp cord in a large tote. Once its coiled up in the tote a couple of times, it "remembers" how it should be stored and usually coils up easily from that point on. I leave my front jacks down and apply the trailer brakes and do a "pull test" after I have locked the hitch.
REALLY-REALLY-REALLY Good stuff. So comprehensive and safety oriented. Love the check lists!! The only thing I added to mine was checking tire pressure before departure and vehicle fluids.
I have those on the print out list that you can download along with a couple other items. I’m glad you liked it!
Man I miss camping. Once hooked up and running I would always turn the 4 way flashers on and then go back to make sure they were working on the back of the trailer. Good quick way to check to make sure others know what you are going to do.
You convinced me,I do not want a 5th wheel rv... too much to worry about!...only good for long term stays....
Great video! Make sure you check your trailer lights (running, brake, signals), and the trailer brakes before you leave.
Also, you have a Cummins engine, so make sure you activate the Exhaust Brake when you activate Tow Haul. Have fun RV'ing.
I miss the old motorhome. It was so much simpler to break camp and set up. Excellent tips
Wow. I had no idea of all the things to do. My hat's off to your skills. Your dog's really travel well. Be safe
one thing i could suggest that probably nobody didn't say is after your jaws on the 5th wheel is close, with your tailgate down, do a little pull test just to make sure its latch securely, we do these test even on semi's just for extra benefits.
Pippi,You always do a Great Job explaining things . I have see many costly mistakes when people think they can remember everything,Always make a check list !!
ANOTHER great video! I have a travel trailer but after buying a 1 ton dually diesel I am thinking about a fifth wheel. This video gives me some insight to the setting up and getting ready to leave the sight. Good timing!
Super good job. I've watched numerous similar videos ; this is the best. I learned to use and appreciate checklists as a pilot, and I use them frequently for all sorts of complex routines. RVs, especially larger rigs, are complex machines with multiple, often interrelated, systems. As you you point out, these things are EXPENSIVE, and it is easy to do a bunch of costly damage with just a little too much complacency, or a simple neglectful moment.
Teardown and setup, unfortunately, usually happen during stressful times of the move. The checklist is a big help in eliminating stress-induced errors. I keep mine on my clipboard and mark where I am in the process as I go along. On departure there are often "goodbyes" and well-meaning visits from new or old friends, and it's easy to get distracted, lose track of where you are, and make a costly mistake. Similarly, on arrival there are often distracting things going on in a new an unfamiliar place. You may have an escort into the park, who may want to engage you in small talk. Again, the checklist is your friend.
I also like to actually say to myself, before doing these essential routines, "Slow down. This is not horseshoes!".
Thanks for a really excellent video. You've probably saved a lot of people a lot of grief and/or expense.
YOU ARE AMAZING. Every guys dream. You go girl.
Good idea with the check list. I've lost 2 tailgates forgetting to put it down before driving out from under our 5th wheel in the past 25 years. Those things are expensive!!!
Wow...had no idea of what it takes to relocate, very educational and exhausting.
I like when Pippi says "frigerator".
good tip for connecting i got from another youtube person. take a wood dowell rod and mark how high the trailer needs to be to connect that way you always know without moving it as your back up :)
It is a good idea to use check lists for something as important as moving day with your RV. I do have a few suggestions though, as follows:
Rubber bands tend to dry out and break. Instead, I use the elastic bands that ladies use on their hair to hold pony tales. They hold better than rubber bands and last a whole lot longer.
Ever since I found kids peering in my RV windows when I came out of a restaurant, I keep my shades down while traveling. I doubt they sway back and forth much while I am traveling but the curious can just stay that way.
Since you have a fifth wheel RV, aligning the hitch is a whole lot easier for you. I have to back up towards my RV, get out and check the relative position, get back in and adjust as needed, again and again until the ball and the socket are perfectly aligned. Sometimes somebody will help but usually I end up doing it alone after my late wife passed away. Be thankful each time you hitch up!
If you spray PTFE on your front jacks each time you use them, do you get a buildup of Teflon on the sliding surface of your jacks? Does the WD40 take the thin coating off, preventing build up? I don’t know as I have never used a PTFE spray. If there is no build up, I will have to get some and try it!
Instead of a safety pin on your fifth wheel hitch lever, you can use a padlock. I do that on my hitch ball receptacle. There are a number of videos on the internet of some nasty guy pulling the lever on a fifth wheel and when its driver comes back, he doesn’t think about it and starts to drive away ending up with a big mess. I would hate to see that happen to you!!
Instead of commercial wheel chalks, I have taken a pressure treated wooden 4X4 and cut two pieces to the exact length and angle to go between the two tires. That way the trailer is blocked from rolling backward and forward at the same time with one piece on each side. When it is time to leave, I just pull the trailer forward until the rear axle comes back down off of them, pick them up and I am ready to roll.
I keep a ten foot hose, and two twenty-five foot hoses in my RV. A lot of campgrounds have the utilities right close to the RV on their site. The ten footer is handy in that situation. If I need a fifty footer, I connect the two twenty-five footers together. If I need more than sixty feet, I use the water pump and say that this is not full hookups!
If I need to travel keeping food cold in the fridge, I have a hard time remembering to stop on the way into a gas station to turn the fridge off and then to turn it on again after leaving. Gasoline fumes are extremely flammable, even explosive, and should be exposed to no flame! I hate to realize that I forgot once I am in the gas station. I must do better at that!
It is important to turn the breaker off before we plug in our power cords. The reason is that our battery chargers in our RVs have capacitors in the line filters that are discharged and plugging the cord into the socket will cause an arc to occur displacing some of the metal between the pins and the sockets. The breaker is designed to take that. Not so plugs and sockets.
It looks like you use a “dog bone” on your power cord. That is a good idea. But you should plug in the dog bone first, turn on the breaker, and see if the dog bone status lights say that the power is safe. If it says floating ground, or phase reversal, or any other problem, you will not want to use it but report it to the campground office letting them move you to another site. Some of these conditions can be life threatening. If the dog bone says it is OK, turn the breaker off again, plug in your RV power cord, and turn it back on again.
You need to lubricate those steps. You are working too hard to fold them up and probably to pull them back out again. Your back will thank you.
When I connect my RV to the tow vehicle, I turn on parking lights and the hazards to go back checking each marker light and each tail light. Sometimes I have to wiggle the connector to get a turn light to flash or unplug and replug to get it. At least I have checked all lights and I can drive down the road with confidence.
When backing a trailer, the length of the trailer from the axles to the hitch affects what you have called the response time. The more difficult thing is the rate at which the front end of the tow vehicle comes around. I have towed with vehicles that had a poor turning radius and I had to turn out of a turn while backing a lot earlier than I do now. The vehicle I have now is not that great but those were pretty bad.
That little bidirectional level you use is pretty handy but it is too small. Any unevenness in the surface where it is sitting can throw it off. I use a two foot level and turn it ninety degrees to check front to rear after getting the side to side set up.
Travel safe! Keep up the good work. Keep those videos coming. Don’t take the length of this to be criticism. Take it as being helpful! I did click the thumbs up button!!
Great video. One small suggestion is to consider attaching your breakaway cable to the truck instead of the hitch. If there’s a problem with the hitch disconnecting, the safety afforded by the cable is gone. Happy travels!
Great tip on backing up and making sure the camper is where you want it moving. Enjoyed your video. Bob
We have a class A. Hubby always plugs our power cord into the power supply with the surge protector on it to make sure the supply doesn’t have anything wrong with it , flip the breakers to be sure that all the lights are green. If so then you know you are ok to plug into your rig. Several times hubby has found a fault in the power supply we had to have the ground replaced at one Rv Pk before we could plug in.
I just love watching and making sure all is well with you ENJOY
Hi Pippi. Here's a tip. After you hook up to the kingpin, slightly Raise your front Jack's. If the kingpin is not locked, it'll just pop out of its holder before moving forward. If the list test works, then retract the front Jack's the rest of the way up and continue with your hookup.
A couple of points:
Checking the trailer side marker lights may tell you that the running light circuit is connected and hot (and that's probably the tail lights too), but it doesn't tell you if the trailer's brake or turn signals are working. Also, if a tail light is getting current but defective, the side markers don't tell you that. Turn your lights on, including blinkers, during your walk-around. My first rule of trailers is, "the lights don't work."
Also, some of us need to check/adjust/readjust our trailer brake controller in the truck for level and gain (aggressiveness). That would be on my list, along with a visual (not just pressure) tire check.
I love your videos Pippi even though I just have a teardrop,your ideas always inspire me. I want to know where is that luxurious campground??
Thank you Pippi. This was exactly what I wanted to know about with 5th wheel rv's.
HI Pippi way to go you did it Thank you for doing this video I'm super proud of you I do have a tip for you try putting a wooden dowel when your closing the drawers so they stay shut
Good video and using a check list is the only way to good with so many things that has to be covered in setup and take down of a fifth wheel or trailer. I would add a couple of things to your list.
Check all tire sidewalls for bubbles or bumps on both the ones you can see and the inter ones every time you hook up. I check mine at each fuel stop too. Blow outs tear up the underside of your RV and can cause other problems too.
Check your lug nuts on the fifth wheel daily when you have removed a wheel and weekly after they no longer need tighten.
I lube my king pin with PTFE or silicon spray each time I hook up too.
One thing I do when arriving at my site before backing in is to install my electric power monitor to see if there is good power. This way if power is bad, I can get a different site before wasting time unhooking.
"Love Your RV" had a great idea for cutting a stick to the correct height for hitching. Also about putting a piece of tape on the stick to determine clearance for the slides.
I bet the title of this video broke the hearts of many your fans and followers. My wife and I enjoy your videos, respectfully.
Thank you for all the information. This really helps especially for us newbies on the road. Safe travels. Love your videos and this community.☺
A little hint about your water hoses, always coil them up so that they dry out and then screw the male & female connectors together so that grunge doesn't get inside the hoses
Thanks for showing us how it's done 😊
Once my trailer is clear I do one last check of the camping spot to make sure nothing is left behind such as something that may have slipped under the trailer or any chocks I've accidentally run over.
When testing lights I put the park lights on and activate four way flashers. If the rear bulbs blink from bright to dim I know everything is working. (No need to check the turn signals individually unless you've recently messed with trailer wiring.)
this has got to be ur best & excellent vid cuz i have almost the same wheeler & truck setup ..gonna put this one to save, thanx
10:00 Pearl is just so well behaved :) … also pretty amazed the dogs didn't start barking at the squirls, so i guess Pearl has at least some good influence on Chase. ^^
Great title.
If you have emergency escape windows, be sure they are locked securely. One of ours popped open on a busy freeway in New Orleans. Had to pull over and stop to secure it. Said a prayer and got back on the busy freeway.
Well done,good backing job also !!
Excellent!!
Awesome video well done 👍 🛠🛠🇨🇦🇨🇦
Very nice and informative video..... Were just starting out with a 5th Wheel and your video gives us a lot to think about. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Best video of all!!! Well done!!
Excellent video Pippi! I always used checklists as a pilot and truck driver. " An ounce of prevention……"
Great tips, I never thought about wiping the Jack's.
Can't "like" this video enough. Great job! Can't wait till I can put all your lessons to a new lifestyle someday for me.
You are so smart and resourceful! I love all your videos, thanks for posting!
Great job and awesome video!! You're killing it out there with those mad organizational and backing up skills!!! I Love to use a list for everything, almost to an obsession, but I guess that comes from my military experience. Loved this one! Keep it up and safe travels!
Pippi, another way to check and make sure your kingpin is locked in before you raise the jacks is to apply the trailer brakes fully and try to pull forward. if it's not locked, the kingpin will side out but the trailer will not drop.
Yep, truck drivers do that same thing. Additionally, you will not have that issue with the B&W hitch. If you can close the latch and secure it and visually see the pin inside the jaws as you connect the trailer lights, then you know it is locked in. BTW, you should get a 7 way olug installed in the bed, saves the paint on the tailgate.
Kia Ora my Pipernicker ! My goodness, you sure know how to create suspense 🥺...ha ha ha ...the stuff that drives dad's nutzo !!! As Intelligent as U R, 1 cannot believe U do not have a bailout, backup plan, hidden away up your sleeve, like the other great magicians ! It's all very entertaining ... watching your long legged adopted babies pace & schlurp (is that a word ? ) 😊. Drive & stay safe Pipper !
*_Cool, and thank you!_*
Probably one of the best side views of your nice looking trailer.
Off the hitching topic, I noticed the type of steps on your truck. Would you mind giving me a quick view of how you like them, how do the assist stepping in and if picking a step would you go with the same style. I’m shopping to replace ours.
We also have one of those crazy drawers that just won't stay closed on travel days. It's my first look over spot before opening the slide! Really good video - you covered a lot! :-)
Well done! Even so for seasoned rv’ers!👍
You are amazing!
Pippi, I noticed that you have the surge protector attached to your power cord when plugging to the post. I think that it is a good idea to plug the surge protector in and turn on power and let it check for errors first, then if safe shut off the breaker and hook up power cord and turn on the breaker. Doing so I have found at one park that one leg of power wasn't working. At another park there was low voltage on one leg. Neither should have damaged the coach but I was able to get maintenance to repair them. Also I see that you have the same B&W hitch that I have. I really like and think it greatly reduces hitching errors.
Like your greyhounds. I have 2 my self. Have fun.
❤️
Wow another great video packed with valuable information. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe. Keep up the great video's
Hi Pippi! You should watch the 11’-8” bridge video to see what happens when you don’t put down your antenna.
Nice Job! You should lube your step hinges so you can flip them up with ease!
They should have resistant so they don't flip open
@@Steve-zf8zn The weight of them keeps them closed. Have not had them flip out in twenty years!
Thats a lot of work but well worth it. because your channel is so fun!
You do a wonderful job hippie instructing and telling people how things need to be done in an organized manner sometimes life goes and throws you a left curve and we want to go right so you did do a very wonderful job and at this time I'd like to commend you on your beautiful home you've gotten I haven't seen you in awhile and I thought you were going to get married hookup I didn't expect that but hey it's nice and keep up the good work
Great detailed video. I can see that a 5r would be too much work for me. I have enough just to do with my little travel trailer.
Well done. Check out Strike Hold. It’s one of the best dry lubs and it’s available from Amazon.
Awesome job!
Holly crap , this is why I prefer a motorhome lol , was a great video
Super great video we have a class A but thinking about a 5th wheel
Wow, that's quite a list! I've wondered what you have to go through for set up and tear down. The dogs certainly seem to have their routine down, lol.
Great video just bought my rv.
Congrats!!!
Noticing you disconnecting your water hose, I bought quick disconnects for my water...that way I don't have to keep unscrewing the thing. I just pop it off like an air hose connection.
Pippi we truckers call that a tug test we set the trailer breaks then give a quick tug. With the truck( tractor) to make sure the king pin is set
wrangler Dave, tug test is the only way to go.. also a trucker and it’s amazing how many people just pin and drive away.. scary really
@@crashs278 basically she's wrote up a pre trip for rv's. And i have seen a few people drop there trailers not tug testing i think her video is informational and very informative
Hello from Tampa!
Hey,Pippi did you ever see / watch “ Recovery..38 Foot “ RV on it’s side”
On you tube... ? Hill and Auto Body Towing, ( an unbelievable wreckage)
...WHAT A LESSON for Fifth Wheelers to avoid
Been there. Done that. Now we travel in a Class B.
Great tips, thank you!
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to retract the rear jacks before raising the front jacks to the hitch height?.. Seems like you would put unnecessary stress on the rear jacks...
I would suggest laminating the list and posting it inside your cable storage bay door. Although you don't "need" it, one day you may have a helper, or simply the fact that it is there, will remind you them of all the steps at a glance.
hi Pippi
Very nice video. I check my hitch four or five times to. Had a friend drop his on his pickup very bad deal
Ouch! No bueno!
I realy like your videos. I had to replace my power awning arm after my wife bent it to crap lol and your video helped. Keep it up