We COOKED our brakes! (Biggest RV mistake)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2021
- We're Olivia and Nathan 👋🏽
What not to do in an RV (Our biggest RV mistake yet!)
We've made our fair share of RV mistakes and RV mishaps but this one so far tops them all, almost an RV disaster! Towing with an SUV hasn't been an issue for us, but when you put it through one of the steepest grades in the country (on the Blue Ridge Parkway) and don't drive it in the smartest way and make a classic RV newbie mistake (you'll see what we mean in the vid), you pay the price! This was hands down the scariest day of RV life for us, and what not to do in an RV.
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What’s your biggest RV mistake or mishap??
I know you probably fixed the brakes already. I drive a semi and it happens. Next time get Ceramic pads for the brakes. Also you can use the cruise control in a lot of cars to slow you down.
Disconnected black tank outlet hose with the valve still open. Just a little stinky! Thank God for the gloves!
Whenever towing and going down steep grades it's always good to go slow in the lowest gear. Also stop frequently to allow brakes to cool.
That’s good advice! Especially for a lot of new RV owners
That's what we should've done...we had to learn it the hard way. Thanks for sharing, solid advice!
Dang! Glad y’all are ok! This is sucky but man is this a great lesson for anyone doing the same thing. I think a lot of people wouldn’t normally share cause they want to seem like pros but this really is really good content! Thanks for sharing y’all!
Thanks Layla, yea we learned things the hard way but are glad we're ok and will be taking different precautions going forward! We'll be getting an RV life app to avoid steep routes and make sure to downshift to an even lower gear...thanks for supporting!
I started LOL on the fire part. What great stories you guys will have for your children. Kids, breaks caught on fire, friendly guy helped us, and we got some free beer. Life is good.
Thanks Fernando! Yes the free beer made it all ok! :)
You smoked those brakes real good!!!! I like how you caught on camera the metal bursting into flames. Great video!!!!!!
Hell yea we did 😂you could smell them too! Guess sometimes we have to learn things the hard way...thanks again!!
Glad you’re okay!
One thing I like about using an RV GPS ( I have the Garmin 890 ), is it will route you the safest way possible with your rigs dimensions/weight. It prompts you on speed changes, upcoming sharp curves, and steep grades!
Also consider turning up your brake gain on your trailers brakes if it has them
Great advice Jeremy! We're looking into upgrading to an RV GPS now so I'll look into that one, really appreciate it thanks for sharing!!
So glad it all turned out okay and you found some good folks to help you out. Impressed with the RV General Manager’s stress reliever gifts! I laughed out loud at the great editing of the twist and turns through the woods and Olivia stress eating. I would have had my hand in the bags too. Hilarious! Olivia, once again, you kept your keen sense in tune to the trailer and vehicle and prevented total failure. Good work, girlina!
Thanks Deb!! Yes the GMs gifts made it all better, so nice of them! We're lucky but will keep being cautious going forward and avoid super steep grades! 👍🏽
Wow! That gave me anxiety too! So glad it wasn’t worse! Scary! 😩
Seeing that smoke from the tires is crazy huh?
Hey Victoria!! Hope you and Tyler are doing well! Yea we got lucky! Pretty hectic though, happy we made it back ok! 🙌🏽
OMG... wow, we are saving up for our first RV next year. We just got the truck and are complete newbs, so glad you made this video!!! Thanks for sharing, you guys are amazing! ❤💛💚💙💜
Our pleasure Sophia, glad it helped you guys out. We definitely learned our lesson and will be avoiding steep grades in the future! All the best!
Oh no! I was so scared for you. Thank goodness you didn’t lose your vehicle and everything was fixable. Thank you for sharing cause that is something some people aren’t aware of happening when towing in the mountains.
We were lucky Lynn, we learned things the hard way but will be more cautious from now on! We've got new brakes now and we'll be avoiding such steep grades. Thanks for watching!
Watching you experience this has definitely helped me. I will make sure to avoid all 15% grades for sure. This video should be a public service announcement for all RV owners. ;) Thanks
Haha it’s definitely something to keep in mind and watch out for, especially if you use Google maps which has taken us some strange not so RV friendly ways! Thanks Eric!
This taught me so much! Thank you for being so humble to share this.
Yay! So happy it was helpful. Thanks Sarah :)
SOOOOO glad you guys are ok after all of that... how scary! Thank you guys for sharing your experience and the things you learn along the way. Also side note, the edit of Olivia eating allll the snacks is sooo relatable! I was dying lol!
Haha yea Olivia likes to munch! Glad we made it through that whole ordeaal thanks for watching Katie!
So happy y’all are ok! Thank you for sharing because I had no idea.
Thanks Mo and Jen!! It was definitely a big lesson :)
THANKS FOR THE LESSON, GOOD LUCK ON THE REST OF YOUR TRIP.
Thanks Martin! Appreciate the support!
Great show, very lucky you didn’t loose complete control. I dive a semi. Seen people loose their lives . Been looking to do the same as you both in a few years. Bless you both
Thanks Randy! We're be extra cautious going forward! All the best!
Good learning. Always tell my wife we need to use the engine break downhill. In some sense, this was kinda of a blessing because you could have lost the breaks while driving. Good to see you guys are doing well and are sharing your lessons with us
Yeah, we got lucky! Lesson learned. Thanks for your comment!
A couple notes… Looks like you’re driving a 00’s Tahoe, that’s a 4L60E trans. 2nd gear would be fine for towing downhill because there is no overrun clutch, it is locked.
Reach down to your brake controller and manually apply the trailer brakes on a big downhill. That will keep the trailer from pushing you down the hill. If you’re using the truck brakes to maintain speed the trailer brake controller will never sense deceleration so your trailer brakes don’t engage.
Also the shop should’ve flushed your brake fluid. If you boiled the brake fluid it’ll never work as well as it did. And with that old a vehicle, it was probably due anyway.
Glad you got where you were going without further issue. It’s scary when your brakes fail.
Hey Shane! Thanks so much for your help! This is similar advice we were given by a few other people. We have retired the old escalade and are looking for a Ford F250! Hopefully we'll have great luck (and less towing stress) with that. Cheers!
Omg that was anxiety on a different level! So glad you guys are okay. But man, what an amazing beautiful spot you guys were at!
Haha yea that was a hairy situation for sure lol Virginia definitely surprised us with how beautiful it was though and beer afterwards helped too!! Thanks Leslie, hope ya'll are doing well!!
You live and you learn, happy you guys are safe and caught it in time and were prepared for it. I couldnt imagine myself in this situation, i would panic. Anyways on the plus side you got some free beer! :D
Very true Nicole, the beer made it all ok! haha Next time we'll do better!
Ouch, kind of an expensive lesson but at least you got through it safely...and you did make the wedding!! My biggest mistake is not having RV'd yet. Keep truck'in, looking forward to the next video.
Thanks Dad!!! Yea it could've been worse I guess....glad we made it to the campsite in one piece. Thanks for always supporting, you'll soon be out there RVing too!
So glad you are ok. Could have been much worse. Safe travels forward 😌
Thanks Kathy, we are too!! Always a learning curve in RV life but we still love it! :)
Just so you're aware - low gear (or lower gears) isn't only used when going downhill with a trailer.
You would also use it going down any steep grade whether trailering or not.
Secondly, you might want to also start in say 2nd gear (or even low if going uphill) when you first start out from park.
Last use your Tow / Haul switch when towing if you haven't been doing so. It acts like a brake controller.
This was SO helpful!!
haha you've found our biggest mistake vid! I just replied to your other comment :) let us know if you have any questions! Happy to help
Without any further information, I would say your problem was NOT failing to down shift, although it helps. You didn't sense the need to down shift because the brake was dragging so bad and partially controlling your speed. Your issue was the right rear brake. The front brakes provide 80 or 85% of the stopping power so riding the brakes down the grade would have heated the front brakes. Most likely the problem was a stuck right rear caliper piston so the brake would not release. This happens due to poor brake maintenance and low quality repairs. The rear pads were worn out most likely because they have been dragging for awhile. Typically you will change front pads 2 or 3 times before doing the rears. You need to learn to be aware of dragging brakes. Do this when stopped at a light on a slight grade. Put it in neutral and see if the vehicle will roll. No roll = brakes hanging up. The vehicle will also pull one way or the other during normal braking. The extra heat could warp a rotor and you'd feel the brake pedal pulsating during braking.
If you get in a jam, as you did, pry the pad back in and drive slowly using the parking brake and the trailer brakes only and the bad brake won't heat.
Wow, this was a very appreciated and thorough breakdown of something we hadn't considered. I'll definitely look into that and test that out. Thanks for the help!
Great informative video. We may retire early and do this. We used to have a pop up camper when the kids were little and would spend the summers in different places. Now they are as old as you guys 😂 and we are sort of empty nesters. Anyway, I am glad to stumble across your channel. You got a new follower 😉
Hi Helena! We're happy you found us :) RV life is a blast! It's a lot of work somedays but the pay off has been totally worth it for us. So many retirees doing it. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Sounds like everyone there was very nice and helpful. Glad y’all was ok!
Yea the staff at Devil's Backbone CAmp were incredible, the beers definitely made it all better 🙌🏽 thanks for watching William!
I tried saving my brakes by using lower gears and now stranded in hells canyon waiting for a new transmission. Make the best of the journey I say.
What vehicle?
So true, you never know what things can come up...hope you're all good now and back at it again! Cheers!
The service person gave you some very good information when traveling on steep grades. I’ve seen plenty of people with their brakes on 🔥, and it’s a very scary scene. Luckily you utilized your fire extinguisher to control the fire to keep it from doing excessive damage to your tow vehicle. If your continuing to utilize your SUV for towing, you might want to upgrade your vehicles brakes to a system designed for towing specifically. Take Care
I need to put my trailer fire extinguisher in the truck now.
@@OurGoldRoad Have a spare for your trailer and your vehicle, just in case. You never know when you will need them. Take Care
Very true Tim, we were lucky to be quick with the fire extinguisher before any major damage...we just upgraded our brakes so hopefully we'll be ok from here on out! Thanks for supporting!
So happy you guys are safe. ❤️
thanks Joanie!
I had this same thing happen to me in my Excursion. Brakes caught on fire after speeding down the mountain and having to emergency stop because of debri in the road. I have since switched to Power Stop Drilled and Slotted brake roters. Look into them they make a world of difference while towing my 37 FT Grand Design Reflection Travel Trailer down steep mountains.
Hi, I have a 7.3 Excursion. I am looking to buy a TT but do I need 4wd? and if I don't what mods could you recommend. I will look into the Power Stop Drilled and Slotted brake rotors.
Scary times...good to know thanks for sharing that!
I'm always nervous when I see an suv pulling a trailer.
Seems like most folks have an f150 or bigger.
Also... using the trailer break to slow you down now and then on those big hills may help.
Yea we are a bit nervous too sometimes even though our vehicle has enough towing capacity for our rig...we will eventually upgrade our car but not anytime soon. Thanks for looking out Monica, always appreciate it! :)
It's not what you drive but knowing your towing capacity is important. The Cadillac Escalade should have enough towing capacity for Coleman trailer.
Some lessons just cost a lot more than the free ones 🤷🏻♂️
Truth bomb Jesse, def learned it the hard way 😂
When I bought my first RV, I stupidly towed through the mountains with no trailer breaks. I knew nothing when I started. Now, I cringe at all the mistakes I made along the way. 😂😂😂 No one is perfect, and we can all learn from each other.
Love your videos!!!!!!
Thanks Will!! All the best!
I just had PTSD from watching your video. Same thing happened to me. Doing fine pulling a trailer, then went to stop, and brake pedal went to the floor. Rear rotors were smoking hot. Had to let them cool and try driving back down off of the mountain. I feel for you Nathan. The stress is real in those situations. What an awesome campground throwing in some brewskies for you guys. I am sure that felt great.
Hey Jedidiah! Yea it's no joke as you know, the beers made it all good though! :)
Good video guys.
Thanks Outdoor Warehouse!
@1:41 did Nathan put a ring on it???
@6:08 That's a lot of snacks y'all got there...
Glad y'all are safe!!!
haha he did! Jan 2021! :-) must. have. snacks! Thanks Other Chef!
Our first trailer was a Uhaul CT13. If you don’t know, it weighs about 1,000lbs. (I could hook it up to my truck by pulling it by hand). But that also means that you almost can’t feel it behind it you when towing. When we camping at Dinosaur Valley SP, we drove off from our site to explore and forget to unhook. I didn’t even feel the trailer behind me and pulled the power cable out of the site hook up. Luckily nothing was damaged.
Dang that's a crazy story, glad nothing got damaged! All the best, thanks for sharing!
Reminds me of the time I smoked my brakes on my motorcycle on the Tail of the Dragon. Lost my rear brake completely and pulled over to a wide spot. My front brake was red hot, you could have lit a smoke on it.
Scary moment no doubt, thanks for sharing! Glad you made it out ok Rick!
This happened to me last week on a 14% Steep Grade I smelled my brakes as soon as I reached the bottom but didn’t catch a fire tho but it was freaking scary, It was my first time driving my Truck Camper too.
Love your videos. Hate your visit to Devil's Backbone was a bit stressful. May I suggest two websites that can be of great assistance in avoiding situations just as the one you experienced.
Check out RV Trip wizard , along with Campground Reviews. They both mention avoiding the route you took on the approach into Devils Backbone. Unfortunately most GPS units and apps suggest your route. Reading the reviews and seeing the route suggested in RV Trip wizard they mention taking a alternate route to get back to the interstate highway. Wish could have met you there as this is where we are going this upcoming weekend. Have fun and Safe travels!!
That would have been fun Rob, thanks for all the great tips! We'll check those two out! All the best, same to you!
Glad you are O.K. A trailer that weight would be much safer towing with a 3/4 ton truck. I know I know others will say it's fine to tow with an SUV but now you see why it isn't. 3/4 ton has much much larger brakes for this reason. Again I'm glad you both are O.K.
Thanks Bill!! Yea we will 💯definitely get a 3/4 ton truck or even a 1 ton on our next USA tour! We would be able to sleep peacefully at night with that even on steeper grades! Thanks for the support!
Glad you guys were OK. Does your Caddy have Tow/Haul mode? Also, have you guys used RV LIfe in the app store? I can find RV friendly routes with navigation.
Hey Carlos! Yes it does, we have a tow button for the trailer. We haven't used the RV Life app but are going to get it from now on to avoiding steep grades going forward! Solid advice, thanks for sharing!
That could have been really bad. You're really lucky and handled that perfectly. I live in Virginia and know that stretch of road you were talking about on the BR Parkway. By chance, were you guys using a brake controller in your Escalade? As I understand it they don't come in them but are pre-wired for a brake controller unit. That would have contributed having a 7K# trailer pushing you down hill without brakes on the trailer itself. Just curious. Loving your channel and hope you keep it up. I'm getting excited for this years camping season, we have our first trip in a couple of weeks to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. -Rick
Hey Rick! We were not using a brake controller and the roads were slick from the rain and very very steep. Bad choice of road and riding the brakes way too much...lesson learned. All the best and safe travels!
When a 4x4 Cadillac SUV’s brakes catch fire, you definitely have overused your brakes.
True that...🤣
scary moment for sure. Definitely need to let the engine and transmission do the work on long grades. They put 1st (or Low) on the transmission for a reason I guess. It will rev high and probably be on the noisy side, but it will be safe and won't hurt the engine or transmission one bit. If you are in your lowest gear and still find you are going to fast just brake fairly hard for a second or two to slow yourself down and then let off, and repeat a few seconds later if needed again, but never ride on gentle braking or it will generate massive heat. Scary stuff, but once you get the experience you will be just fine. Safe travels.
You need a dodge diesel lol I tow a 15k 5th wheel and with the engine break alone, I don't even have to touch my breaks going down a 8% grade. It's prety amazing. I was never a dodge guy, but this truck is winning me over
Got a Ford 250 with much better towing capacity and so far we're happy with it! Thanks for sharing though, dodge makes good trucks too!
Ended up here from the new truck video
Did you have electronic breaks for the trailer on this trip? or did you just relied on the SUV breaks? looking to visit that campground ourselves
for what it's worth: brakes continue to increase in temperature for about 15 mins after you stop.
This makes 100% sense! The fire happened 5-10 minutes after we stopped and turned the car off. Thanks Mike! We appreciate the tip!
I would have a electronic brake control module installed in your suv and have them show you how to adjust it. then you can utilize the electric brakes on your camper. It would only cost a couple of hundred bucks at any camper or uhaul service center. It will make trailering your camper much easier and less wear on your vehicle brakes.
Good to know Jim! We'll look into it, all the best!
Wow that was scary!!
Dude it wass..but we made it through 💪🏽
I am truly enjoying your journey! Are you still traveling or are you done with your around the US RV travels?
We are still traveling Ivan! 😊 glad you’re enjoying the vids! Where are you from? Are you full time too?
@@ONWorldTravel no we are part timers, we go away during the summers. We did a 70days summer trip this past summer and looking forward to next summer. Research for our trip is what brought me to your channel, we are from Maryland and are planning to drive to RI, Maine, NH, Vermont, Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes and back home.
Does your camper have trailer brakes? That will help in the slowing of the rig, most campers do anymore and you have a brake controller in your vehicle.
Yes it does which helped but the roads were slick from the rain and the inclines horrendous...shoud've downshifted to 2nd or 1st..
I love my dodge 2500 diesel with an engine break!
🙌🏽
Do you have a brake control because a brake control would help
No we don't unfortunately...would have definitely helped though...thanks for watching William!
lesson learned! Now, move on and explore! Greetings from Athens, Greece!
Wise words Nicolas! Live, learn, and move on! Cheers!
Holy Moley!@!!
Yea it was no joke!!
Do you guys have a Brake Controller on your tow vehicle?
Hey Vince, We do not have a brake controller for our trailer
@@ONWorldTravel that would help tremendously to not over heat your pulling vehicle brakes. Great Channel btw!!
@@vincea4christ if we keep our travel trailer with this truck, we'll def look into it. We're hoping on our next tour, we'll have a more powerful truck so we'll never have that drama again haha thanks Vince!!
OK, THIS IS A YEAR OLD. YOU MAY HAVE LEARNED A EXCITING LESSON WITH THIS. I'M GUESSING YOU BOUGHT YOUR TRUCK TO AVOID THINGS LIKE THIS.
More dancing 💃 please 🙏
haha definitely more coming soon!
The road is too narrow to be called a "parkway".
True that
Does she edit video for a living?
Yea Olivia used to do some filming in her last job, now we both edit together as a team!! Thanks for watching!
Driving way to fast with a camper...
Yea we probably were going a bit too fast, will definitely take it easier on grades from here on out...thanks for watching Scott!
Learn to DOWNSHIFT !!!!
Stay off the brakes as much as possible !!
1st gear & 15 mph is COMPLETELY fine.
Tires & wheels also may be damaged due to heat.
Wheel bearings also got hot.
Yea we learned a lot of that the hard way, thanks for sharing John!
You need to go to Waffle House and have some grits with honey…..yum!
Will try it Shelley! Thanks for the tip! 👌🏽