We are DONE. Is this the end of RV Life?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- We've been living full time in our renovated RV for almost two years, but we have finally hit a wall. We have realized that we can NOT continue living in this RV. What are we going to do next? Follow along to watch us figure it out.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:47 RV Tire Fail
5:06 RV Shopping
13:18 The reality of RV life
16:52 Struggling with making a decision
21:56 Changing the tire
30:02 We've made ONE decision
33:45 Picking up RV Parts
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*Who are we?*
We’re Victoria & Craig! In 2021, we decided that we needed to make life a little more exciting, so we bought a used 2014 Dutchmen Denali 330rls fifth wheel and completely renovated it. Then, we sold our house in Tallahassee, Florida and hit the road full time in our RV! We’ve traveled all around the United States and fell in love with boondocking in our RV at the most beautiful places. You’ll always find us on some kind of outdoor adventure, whether it’s hiking the Grand Canyon, rock climbing in Yosemite or surfing the shores of California. Subscribe to our channel (bit.ly/3ssOjGT) to follow along on our full time RV living adventures!
I want to correct you on 1 point. You and Craig are the BEST RV sales tour people I have ever seen. Thank you for frank observations about quality.
lol thanksss 🤣 You know you're bound to hear it like it is with Craig around
Totally agree! Love watching you both and your comments are always so real plus you’re both seemingly so down to Earth!!!
Completely agree!
So easy to lose sight of economics. If the foundation of your rug is solid, would even $10k make good sense if it gave solid cosmetic , and mechanical redo. 10k would do nothing on a new or late model RV. Life changes when Debt increases. Good luck with decision.
@@frankquintiliani9397 it’s a good point if we felt $10k would have extended the life of the rig beyond 1-2 more years before we ended up trading it in anyways for something new, which we really just didn’t see happening. I do think $10-$12K would have kept it alive a year or two more but then we’d be right back where we were with buying something else and so it really comes down to how long is that $10K going to get you for decisions like these. Also, the value of our quality of life definitely played a role here too.
Don't go into debt. Just fix what needs fixed and upgrade what needs upgraded.
One thing that is true with an RV (for non rich people) is you will either be paying a bank note or a repair bill. If you want neither then you shouldn't own an RV. Pros and Cons to both.
@@murrkem8239Truth 🙌🏻
I found you guys a few months ago and I’m catching up on all your videos. I can honestly say y’all are my favorite RV channel! Keep up the great work!
Thank you! That is really nice to hear.
You guys are my favorite rv you tubers to watch . Some of the other creators complain about every little thing and can’t fix anything on their own . Bought a 22’ Rockwood Minilite travel trailer new in 2016 and only had 1 problem that I fixed myself. It was the control circuit board on the water heater . Lived in it 2.5 years and sold it when covid hit . Don’t buy anything that was made after covid hit . The manufactures figured out how to build them even cheaper .
Thank you so much. I agree covid really lowered the standards on rvs, which already had low standards.
Agree 100% !
My husband and I just got our small RV a month ago. We went with a grey wolf Cherokee 26BDGH. We started following you guys to get some knowledge we found you guys to be so fun and inspiring. Victoria always with a smile despite some issues you guys encounter. Always looking forward to your videos. Thank you guys for motivating and teaching us a lot 💕
So sorry for your problems. I really like how you guys remain calm and look for problem solutions, while accepting bad news with grace. It will get better.
Thank you for the encouragement!! 😄
Outdoors RV Backcountry Series 20BD would have everything you need & no more worries over slides.
We bought a 28yo 40ft diesel pusher class A, built in the days when RVs were built with quality in mind, it has a real truck chassis/drivetrains designed to run 500,000 miles. Interior is all solid wood walls and cabinetry. So far we have invested 1/2 what you paid for your used 5th wheel.
Discount Tire is awesome. I've been using them since the late 1980's and have never had an issue with them warrantying tires under their certificate program.
I just wish I knew about them sooner in life, lol.
@@wildrvlife their warranty used to be for the life of the tire, but now I think its the sooner of tire life or 2 years, which ever comes first
As for the slide parts, you might try to contact Lippert yourselves and try to negotiate the return.
That is a good idea.
You guys have a big enough truck, look at travel trailers. You can NOT have 2 dogs and no space and expect to be happy with your smaller spaces. Travel trailers offer lots of space and are not as large and heavy as a 5th wheel. And are cheaper. Grand Design is the best built on the market and ours has held up great. Just a thought
BETTER CHECK YOU STATEMENT ABOUT GRAND DESIGN, "NOT THE REAL TRUTH".
You guys made the right decision. Can't wait to "see" your new rig. Miss you guys- K and M
Thank you!!
You guys are great. Love how you show the challenges of RV life unlike other channels. My travel trailer is a POS as well. They are all built so cheaply.
Hi guys.. I was having a bad day today until I saw your video... I feel better now..❤... You guys are so brave... Jeanne Would have said..oops... Don't know why it caught fire at a rest area... Happy Birthday Victoria... Craig.. With all the problems of that RV... And she is always smiling... She's a keeper... We are looking forward to your next video... Thank you For making me feel better... Stay safe...J&A
I'll be looking for updates daily. You two are so real... good and bad!! Hang in there!
Thank you!! 😁
I really appreciate your channel guys. We just dropped our trailer off after an accident and definitely understand how frustrating all this can be when you are a full timer like us and y'all. Keep on truckin and hope we see you out here now that you are back in the states!
I went back and forth for about 2 years and to the Tampa show twice (and I think we all drooled over that Brinkley 😍). I decided on every type of RV at one time or another (except class A), and finally landed on a 25 foot Airstream that I'm picking up on Friday. It's classic, well-made (tho not perfect by any means), has the composite floors, and is small enough to fit in most places. Good luck on your decision! Love your channel!
Love the background music as you’re repairing the loose metal liner. So glad you have the Brinkley now too!
Outdoors RV makes some decent travel trailer/fifth wheels...give them a look....
Just bought a 2024 Keystone Bullet Crossfire BL1900RD24 (our first). YA'LL are scaring me. But im gonna keep watching.
Loved the edit job. I laughed pretty good. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
You guys are absolutely amazing for keeping up such a happy attitude after having that metal fall down and hit that tire. I’m still so surprised you didn’t let the people at the RV manufacturer have it for all the problems that you’ve had since you bought this hundred thousand dollar trailer.!
I have owned a motorhome for close to 10 years now and the thing is 20 years old and I haven’t had a fraction of the problems that you’ve had with that trailer in just a couple years. And the problems you have are pretty big problems like the slide out not going in easily! That tire problem! Charging problems! Water problems, my gosh
I like hearing your thoughts on the RVs. Your perspective as full timers, as well as your honesty and sense of style is refreshing. I hope you start reviewing lots more!
Small motorhomes will be tough as full timers. I'm excited to hear what you go with! We've been very interested in the Brinkley brand, so it'll be nice if you go that route so I can see the pros and cons :D. I'm excited to see what you decide on!
This was one of the best vids yall have made. You gave a lot of good information (Discount tire warranties, replacing tire how to, what to look for in an rv, etc.) and kept things real and interesting. Great work.
Love the videos. You guys rock! 🇨🇦
We've been doing the full time RV life thing for 6 years. Your maintenance is a little more than usual, but about what you would see living in the rig full time and on the move alot. I'm constantly fixing things in mine and running screws back in. Tackling the repairs yourself would definitely help save time and costs. Or use a mobile mechanic for the big stuff. As far as choosing the right rig, I would keep the 5th wheel. I have noticed those that select small rigs and/or vans do not last long doing RVing full time. It's just too cramped. Larger 5th wheels make better homes on the road. If there is a location you want to be that won't fit the larger rig, just choose the closest one that will and drive your tow vehicle to the attraction. We do a lot of boondocking in ours since we added the solar/Victron/Battleborn setup and that makes boondocking 150% more like home.
From Walmart I use a 5 ton bottle jack/stand combo. Reduces amount of space used and works perfect on all terrains.
Man, I feel your pain Craig. I repaired the kitchen slide in our 5th wheel. Bought the parts, jacked up the slide and sold the trailer afterward. Watched plenty of videos for the repairs and researched the country for our next 5th wheel. Hang in there guys. U guys will learn plenty from this. Just glad u guys are safe and have each other to lean on. Take care and travel safe. My wife and I enjoy your content. 🌮 🍺 ⛱️ 🌊
Thank you so much!!
We went from a 2016 29' Grand Design Reflection to a 2021 38' Solitude S Class. We enjoy the upgrade so far.
Nice congratulations!
Feel for you guys! Went to Alaska last year with a two year old 5th wheel and on the return trip we totaled the 5th wheel at destruction bay. The frame cracked horizontally on both sides. No trouble, we had the frame welded and returned home. I still use the 5th wheel.
oh nooo, so glad you're able to still use it! I bet that was a crazy "adventure"!
Happy Birthday!!🎉🎉🎉
My bad just looked at the date. I am sure you have already purchased the new one. Hope you got a good one and wish you the best.
So sorry for your problems. I’ve been in the same spot with my RV. Go with another Fifth Wheel, since you’re use to one now. Y’all are great people. Hope you make the right decision for yourself.
Thank you so much!! I'm sorry to hear you're going through something similar. It can get stressful.
Your attitudes toward adversity is admirable. It is an inspiration to us all. The small challenges you face each day and your cheerful responses are refreshing to us all. We have been rving for nearly eighteen years, and we have had our challenges too. I'd like to think we've handled those as well as you have, but we were not on camera. Keep up the inspiring quests!
Thank you so much for this great compliment! I know we don’t always keep a smile on our face but we do try to approach all the challenges as a part of the “adventure” and it is always QUITE the adventure! 😅
Our ‘RV’ of choice is a ‘78 30’ Argosy that is pretty original. A lot of that construction was not real great because they were going after making it as light as possible. As a result our RV is all aluminum. Found out that we could do a lot more in the interior than we ever thought. Most of our work has been upgrading the materials used to make the “decor”. We’re about to begin full-time RVing at retirement age. Highly looking forward to it!! Good luck to you!
you may want to put some brackets supporting the metal up. drill through the frame and attach the brackets to the frame and the metal strip.
Happy Birthday Beautyful 🤩
You all are the best RB tour people.
Happy Birthday, good luck on getting your RV fixed, Or buying a new one.
Thank you so much!!
❤ your videos! You both (& fur babies) are a delight to watch what full time RV journeys & adventures bring for you. I started out small 24’ RV and worked my way up twice to a larger rig as I too have two large dogs. The extra space made all the difference. So that would be a concern… if you downsize will you miss the extra space? I recently bought an RV from National Indoor RV Centers in Surprise, Arizona. I cannot recommend them highly enough, they deserve 10 stars on their customer service, sales, even recent fiberglass bodywork (tire shop employee rolled in to my RV). They are more family oriented and with any warranty or service work they are in constant communication. They are a great dealership to work with. Happy travels and thanks so much for your great videos!
Oh I absolutely love hearing good things about a dealership experience! I know it doesn’t always go that pleasantly so that is good to know! The space is definitely a concern for us, especially with the dogs…and the fact that we love our toys like paddle boards too!
Just a suggestion on the metal plate above the tire. You may be able to weld on some angle brackets to frame that’ll hold the metal up and stop the screws from pulling through the wood
1st thing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!🎈🎊🎁
Take a look a couple years old GD! I’ve nothing but good things about their service department and talking you through any issues you may have. The mid bunk models would be a great option to turn into a office.
Please get a impact wrench that works off the batteries you already have… I was feeling your pain trying to get those lug nuts busted loose!!! I’m surprised you didn’t get your knuckles busted!!
And get a torque wrench from Harbor Freight!
We have looked at some nice grand designs. They are an option. I have an electric impact, but it was buried in our storage. Normally, I can bust them loose pretty quick lol.
You guys - so sorry about all the issues. Honestly, we decided on what rig to get by watching as many rv tours and rv travel videos as possible. It's a 34ft rear living 5th wheel and we still like it although it would be nice if it was 4-5 ft shorter. Since you live in it and have 2 dogs I don't see how you could go smaller than a short fifth wheel. The basement space comes in handy. Also then you have a bedroom door in case Craig needs to make a call. We love Discount Tire. Central America? I hope the conditions are better there than Mexico. After watching people traveling in Mexico with RVs there's no way I would take ours to Mexico or anywhere south of there. We're wishing you luck, sending prayers, and will be watching to see what you decide.
Thank you so much! I think the roads are actually worse there than mexico. So we would probably only try in a very small rig.
First of all: you two have an awesome channel. Your Baja vlog pulled me in and now my wife and I are hooked. Most engaging RV content on youtube, IMO.
You asked for reports from others about our RV buying experiences. We found a used Class A 2003 WInnebago Brave 30w last year with 45k miles on it for $30k on rvtrader and we are so happy. Older RVs were definitely made to last (compared to today)... no cheap interior, all wood, and just so much more homey and pleasant than the modern "high end hotel" aesthetic that is just lame.
It was several states away, but we just made a trip out of going to get it and bring it back home. We've since put 4k and three have been some small issues here and there but it's been a dream overall. Highly recommended to go this way :)
Comments like that truly make our day, thank you so much!! I agree about the older RVs, we've talked to a number of people with rigs around the 2005 mark that are still going real strong. They really just don't make them like they used to... Like everything else I suppose! 😅
We just bought a 2014 Kodiak dutchman. It was used and in decent shape. We are happy with it. We went with a 2 year loan. The overall experience went well. The saleswoman was great. It was a no pressure sale. Unlike camping world which we never even went to look in person, called about 10 to 15 times a day and it wasn't even the local dealer. Why they would call from hundreds of miles away....... blows my mind. I guess sales were down. Love your videos
Dont give up .thats a test of your love,life, your in this together if you need a up grade get one. You deserve the best when you travel.
Thank you for the encouragement!!
Love the energy and problem solving attitude, my recommendation is for you guys to repair the slide, you have the energy and knowledge to do it, do some tide up with the drawers, that shouldn't take too long, then sale it at a better price, and much quicker, and now you will have more money to use towards buying something better.
Good luck, looking forward to see what you guys deside.
Thank you!
We just purchased Forest River Palamino Real lite Couples trailer from a private seller. We absolutely loved our buying experience. They spent over 2hrs answering our questions and it was a good deal.
We just went through all the mental gyrations you guys are going through. We landed on an early 2000s class A and traded our F250 for a Jeep. The quality of the class A motor homes built from 2000 to 2008 is incredible. It’s pretty easy to find a coach that has been well maintained for under $60,000.
Contact Lippert, explain your situation and see if they can take the parts back and or tell you what models they would fit
Yeah, I didn't think about that. Good call.
Would reach out to Lippert and explain the situation. They are a huge company that seems to be interested in good customer service. They may allow you to return the new parts for a refund. When it comes to major decisions, prayer is always a great first step! 😊
I’d recommend Arctic Fox or Outdoors Rv since they are 4 season and have off road chassis.
Hugs. We’re old enough now that we’ve had similar situations many times. No fun at all. I know you’ll make it through and I know you’ll figure it out. My encouragement would be to stay out of debt and Craig fix that rv up the best you can for a sale. Then keep it or sell it to buy a used one that you like. Choose the right thing even if it’s the more difficult choice. It’s time to pass this well used hunk on without getting submerged in debt. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Awe love that space age cafe… it one of my childhood memories and I’m in my 60’s😮 now!
Whatever you choose make sure it is spec's as "full time" it should say it on the label. Sales will tell you everything is full time, but you want to see it on the MFG label. 🙏🙏 enjoy the process! ❤
Thanks for being real! They are ridicules expensive!
JMHO. I think buying new is a little crazy. We’ve owned a 5th wheel and now a motorhome (05 country coach). For both purchases we had our max price we were willing to pay and then set out to buy the best quality/condition our budget allowed. We found something with solid bones that we can update
I hope you find the perfect RV for you guys. looking at all the repairs needed, I would be looking for a different RV also. I’m so thankful you didn’t have a blowout on that tire😮😮!! And, Happy Birthday Victoria!!
Good luck with your choice I’ll say a prayer for you two
Thank you! God bless!
It seems like 95% of everything built are poorly made, crappy parts, etc. Find yourself an “investment” not just a trailer/motor home. Resale and quality of life are the investments. For example the last made Via’s, Airstream, Brinkley, Mercedes diesel. If you can decide what then shop the used market. Everything has already been done and they hold their value. Love your channel and your honesty, Rob & Cotton.
Good advice!! Thank you for coming along on our adventure!
As we move towards our next life change (retirement). We too are looking to get smaller for easier travel and accessibility to national parks. We recently saw the Winnebago Vista 29NP. The only thing I dislike is that it is a gas engine. Might work for y’all too!
Oh I think I’ve seen some of those around at campgrounds! They do seem pretty versatile with the size of them
Well, you two are funny to follow looking at new RV's.
Irene Iron just posted a video of their new Alliance 5th wheel. Perfect for what you could use! Do not even consider trading, you will be paying them to take it. Sell it for what you can get and currently new ones are being discounted up to 35% if no trades.
This is the first video of yours I have watched and loved it! You keep it real and still are smiling! We have a 2018 30' trailer that we bought new and had to repair water damage to the slide because the factory installed the bottom seal on the slide wrong and it allowed water to drain into the floor of the slide. We repaired it ourselves because the dealer wanted $2400 to fix it. we repaired it for under $300 and a couple months of our time. It took that long because I was recovering from my 5th major back surgery in 6 years. we are in our mid-seventies but we are going to sell the trailer later this year and buy a 40' class A motorhome to go full time in. We're getting our house ready to sell so we can travel. Keep a positive attitude and live a full life!! we're looking at class A motorhomes in the 2000 to 2007 model years because after extensive searching we know that those years were at the height of quality for the industry and are built better than any class A's until you get into the top price points for class A coaches. we are specifically looking at Monaco and Beaver brands in those model years. we had a class C motorhome rental in the early 1980's and I thought quality was bad then. The new models are just as bad - In my opinion.
Thank you so much for watching and coming along on our adventure! These are all great points. I actually know so many people with RVs from 2000-2007 that seem like they are lasting so much better!
It doesn’t matter anything you buy there’s always things falling apart we got a 2021 and it has been in the shop more than we have had it
Have unfortunately heard this more than a few times 😩
Happy birthday, stay safe on the road. 🎂
Thank you so much!
I'm shocked that they didn't use something like liquid nails and then screws for the metal slide guard over the tires. As for the wire support, the stock ones seem to break every few years. I fabricated my own with some vinyl fence stripping and some 1/4 rubber material and it's been lasting longer than the stock parts.
Must get: impact driver to loosen and tighten wheel nuts when changing tires.
Promise it will all work out, ❤
Thank you!!
I love the rig you guys decided to go with! I won't say it on here yet since you haven't released the info but I've really been eyeballing that same model here lately. Seems like a quality and well thought out rig.
Haha, shhh!!
@@wildrvlife I won’t say a word lol
Happy Birthday!!!🎉🎂🎁🎈😄
Thank you so much!
I'm back! Was off grid the last month, but just got back home. Missed you guys and your adventures. I had 0 problems with the RV this trip.
Oh that’s awesome!! So glad you made it through with no issues, sounds like an amazing trip, where we’re you traveling?
@Wild RV Life ,we actually didn't have much of a plan but we drove 6 hrs from home. Arriving in a the little town of Pioche, NV. Ended up staying almost a month. We never do that but it was a fun place for us. We have a side by side and love off roading. The countryside is riddled with abandoned mines you can explore as well.
Hi guys, I feel your pain. The wife and I love your channel and have been watching for quite sometime. If you’re given any thought to a travel trailer I have two suggestions that may work for you. We recently downsized from a 40 ft diesel pusher to a 30 ft travel trailer and are so happy with our new rig. I suggest you look at two trailers that might work great for you guys. East to West Alta 2600 KRB and the Outback 292 URL. We have the 2600 KRB and love it. No matter what you buy never pay MSRP. If you can’t get 30% off of MSRP then walk away. We purchased our rig from Camping World, which I don’t recommend. But they happily accepted our offer of 30% below MSRP out the door, don’t let them add any additional charges. If you guys would like to talk more I would love to hear from you guys. Good luck in your journeys. 😊
Thank you for watching! I will have to look into them. I'm not too familiar with them.
I just added your channel to my list. If you keep up a little maintenance every week, things like your drawers and cabinets would be fine. I had one drawer on my 2016 TT get a loose bottom. So while I had my gorilla glue and clamps out I reinforced every cabinet and drawer. I also go around to all my cabinets every trip to make sure the screws stay tight.
I so hate your having more bad luck with the rig. However, I think your making a wise choice of looking at getting something else vs sinking a fortune into repairs continuously. Looking forward to see what yall get next!
Thank you so much.
Thank you! We have felt good about continuing to fix this old thing up to this point but there does come a point that it just doesn’t make sense anymore and I think we’ve finally reached that point 😅
So many of these TH-camrs have issues with newer RVs the roof falling off when they're only your old, and other amazing the garbage Construction. I've owned every shape and size of RV and now I have 36 ft Holiday Rambler pusher, with Cummins. Of all of them the best were a cargo mate converted 20-foot trailer and a 1964 Greyhound bus with Detroit Diesel. That's really the way to go. Including air ride air brakes and leveling
Happy Happy Birthday
We converted a promaster cargo van! Our ideal travel is to spend time in airbnbs when we cant use the van. Something to consider!
I would recommend a travel trailer around the size 28 or 32. It would be both comfortable and easy to travel with and can fit the heavy travel lifestyle you both want to have together. If you want a good deal on a camper look at RV actions a lot of good rvs that are like brand new but did not sell go there to allow for dealers to bring in new rvs and campers.
Battery impacts are a must!!
We really in enjoy our outdoors RV. Made in Oregon 👍
Have y’all ever looked into cargo trailer (toy haulers)?? You can build your layout from scratch. I’ve looked into both school bus’s and rvs. With a school bus the ceilings are only 6’4 at its tallest point so you’ll need to do a ceiling raise unless your 5’2 plus by time you rebuild your engine your gonna be in pretty deep. Vs if you have something like a cargo trailer and it breaks down you still have the truck while it gets fixed. I’m currently looking into goosenecks cargo trailers I can build from scratch. You’ll spend less money doing it yourself/ the quality of your build is what you want it to be. Good luck y’all!
For the amount you could get a pre 2009 (quality went to trash from the 2008 market crash and on) class A rig, either gas (get a Workhorse chassis with the Alison transmission for sure) or a diesel pusher you could find nice rigs for around $30-40k and they are solid! You could sell the fiver and the truck and get a little toad to tow behind the rig and you guys would be set! Class A or another fifth wheel… at the end of the day that is where it is at. The two best options and nicest rigs made…
You should look at a Vibe, well built
We have been full time rving for 5 years and I fill your pain. I would recommend looking at an older well made coach. We ended up with a 2007 Newmar ventana and we pull our full size truck with a Harley in the back. If you want a well made smaller trailer maybe a lilsnoozy or big foot. Also an older country coach or beaver even 20 years old is better then any new trailer out there. Hang in there the adventures are always better then the problems.
We bought a fixer upper for our 1st rig a 2006 at 32ft & payed $10k for it. We kept it about a year & a half but then upgraded just in August to 2016 Grand Design Momentum. We understand the struggle of "do you put more money in & fix what you have that's paid off or do you upgrade". We decided to upgrade so we looked all over Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, etc. We found an older couple that wanted to stop full time & bought a house so we got theirs for a good deal. We won't ever buy brand new cause they have tons of issues, also. Buying a few years old means most the kinks are worked out, not all, but most. We've srill had to do a little here & there but no more than our 2006 did. Way less, actually. We couldn't be happier with iur upgrade. We went a little larger with this one cause I wanted the "toy hauler garage" part for my own craft room. Once we get where we're going, we move the side by side out and I convert it to my craft room. Then put it up & load the toy when we move.
You guys make good arguments. Make a person think about the pros and cons of getting starting Rving.
There are definitely two sides to every scenario!
Craig is pretty handy and certainly could put new brakes on for a fraction of the cost. I replaced my brakes with new ones from e-trailer and I'm not a mechanic.
Oh yeah he definitely could! He’s changed brakes like that before but it’s just all a lot of maintenance due for a trailer that is already not going to last traveling for many more miles likely
Really great episode - thanks for taking us along. I totally agree it is time to get rid of that rig. That said, when you were shopping I could not stop yelling at the TV! LOL Don't get a smaller rig, you will regret it! If you were to add all your stuff and the dogs in a Class B van you are going to be so crowded. I live and travel full time in my rig - it's a Grand Design Momentum toy hauler. For me alone it is the perfect size as a replacement for my house. I have room for everything I need and I can bring my e-bike and motorcycle wherever I go. Now, again for me it works. It's 42 feet long plus a dually Ford f450. I am almost 60' going down the road. For the places you want to go this would not work. I can't imagine driving it through those roads in Mexico!!! But, Grand Design makes other styles like the Solitude that are very full time friendly and smaller than the Momentum. IMO I really think you need more space. Plus if you get a Class B your home has to go to the grocery store, laundry out to dinner, etc. I really think you need a separate vehicle (your current truck is perfect) so you can make side trips and not have to unhook. Anyway - my bottom line and advice, don't get something so small that you will be tripping over each other and the dogs. Good luck guys - can't wait to see what you end up getting!!
Thank you so much for coming along with our indecisive selves! We are definitely having apprehensions about a smaller rig, I (Victoria) think it would become stressful trying to work remotely with us all in that small space, especially with the number of calls and meetings I have
@@wildrvlife Totally agree. I still work and having the fifth wheel garage set up as an office works perfectly. I can shut the door and me and the doggo are in our on world.
Discount Tire is AMAZING!
Absolutely! They are the best I've found so far.
You are both enjoyable how you present/ share very entertaining
Thank you so much!!
You already got the truck (anything wrong with the truck?) - stick with a TT or 5th wheel. Get used Pre-Covid. Look at OutdoorsRV made in Oregon (not Indiana) for quality. Small company mostly seen west and Pacific NW. Good Luck. GD would be my next choice - always hear good stuff about them.
Yes, Grand Design Solitude or Arctic Fox or Lance. Those are top rated campers, all 4 seasons rated. Its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!
Some campers are rated 4 seasons capable but they have exposed dump valves outside the heated underbelly. That's a freeze break waiting to happen! Keystone!
If you can't get screws to work on the frame, try pop rivets. Then all you have to do is drill the whole and use the pop rivets.
Only use steel pop rivets!
I’m pretty sure you guys made a reasonable choice for your travel needs. But the questions you ask and struggles with are the same I think most of us go through. Each type of rig has pros and cons. None of them have great quality if you are using them fulltime. For me I think an enclosed cargo trailer converted might be the perfect rig. But that takes time. But you do get to choose the quality materials you want. Keep it up.
I currently own a 2015 5th wheel in which we bought used. Just some minor issues so far.
In my opinion you all should fix your 5th wheel trailer.
Another awesome video!!!
That's really awesome that you've only had minor issues so far! I really do think that the one we got was very poorly manufactured.... and we obviously put a lot of miles on it!
Keep Looking
Look into an Airstream No slide outs to bother with A lot of money for one but last longer . Good resale on them as well
After 28 years of owning three 5th wheels, two travel trailers, small pickup camper, 32’ Class C (last year) and built a overland trailer during Covid (see my build under my profile), I’ve found there’s not a perfect RV. My wife works remotely, we have 3 dogs and full-time it’s about 95% boondocking, we prefer the mountains over anything. We sold our class c last summer and bought a 2023 Grand Design Reflection 303rls, it has been great with very few small issues. I do wish it was shorter but it feels homey and works for us since she works and with the 3 dogs. Alaska was the plan this summer but my wife was in an accident and will be in rehab for the next few months, so Alaska 2024! If you do buy new make sure you get at least 30% off of MSRP. If you go with GD let me know and I will give you my dealers name.
Oh wow that is a lot of experience to go off of! And we are thinking along the same lines that there really isn’t just a perfect rig, not for all situations anyways. We would love to have a small rig that can “go anywhere” but like you, that just isn’t going to be comfortable with someone working remotely full time and bigger dogs. Glad to hear about your good experience so far with the Grand Design! Hope your wife recovers quickly too, we are planning Alaska for 2024 as well!
@@wildrvlife as handy as Craig is you’ll be fine making repairs on a new rig. They way I look at it I would rather spend a little bit of money fixing something instead of turning it into warranty and having the hassle since we full time. Just like our bathroom skylight was crack from the screws being too tight. Sent GD an email explaining to them and told them to send me a new one with sealant and I would take care of it. If we cross paths in Alaska I will buy you a cold one 🍻.
If i was in your shoes and trying to travel where you mentioned, i'd look at 4 specific brands. Black Series, Airstream, Northwood Artic Fox or Outdoors RV. they'll have big enough set ups to fit the dogs and stay under 25ft.
These are all brands we’ve heard good things about! Especially the Arctic Foxes!
call Lippert and ask if they can be returned, as Craig said the slide repair parts may fit some thing eles. worth a shot, what's it cost to call $0.00
Wonder if you could put another piece of wood between the metal and the floor of the slide then you could put longer screws through the metal and then have thicker wood to hold it up? Just a thought.
That's a good idea. I believe I could.
WoW Becareful
I’m on my 3rd RV in one year, lol. My first was a new Intel Horizon, so I needed a truck. I sold all of that and have a class C Winnebego. It’s great but too big for just me and my dogs and parrot. Now I’m selling this and buying a used Free Spirit Van. I’m excited, it will be great for me.
You guys need to buy a Grand Design! All campers have their problems, but so far I have been amazed how Grand Design has had our back on our Reflection 303RLS that we have owned since new for 6 years! We live in Wisconsin and have traveled to all four corners of the country and the entire Midwest with it. You might want to look at a Reflection or a Solitude if and when you get a chance or even a Momentum if interested in a toy hauler. Good luck at whatever you decide. Really enjoy watching your adventures.
We’ve heard so many good things about Grand Design! Definitely one of the brands that seems to stand out