Want to RV full-time? Advice from a RV tech

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  • Опубліковано 2 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 64

  • @HappyRamblingCamper
    @HappyRamblingCamper Рік тому +17

    More and more travel nurses full time rv. We been full timing for 5 yrs, my wife is a travel nurse, most contracts for her are 13 weeks long. Though hospital in Brunswick GA kept resigning her for 1 1/2 years. It was nice to to move so much .. rv maintenance is a absolute daily occurrence, everyday I’m doing something. But absolutely love this life

  • @VOOODOOO37
    @VOOODOOO37 11 місяців тому +9

    Full timer now for 7 years, Keystone Cougar 5th wheel, zero issues. Just about every week I do some sort of either maintenance checks, or preventive maintenance work. My trailer never moves, but its not maxed out on weight, I have minimized my life and have very few possessions lol. I do roof checks every 4 months, the annode annual, and seal checks just about daily when I do walk arounds. My trailer is a 4 season, and the tank heaters are invaluable. My advice to anyone thinking about full timing is to be basically handy with tools, and you can fix most anything. Also, RVs are not like houses, so you have to treat them easy, and be sure to get one with enough space vs falling in love with a certain price or design style.

  • @lifeaintover7165
    @lifeaintover7165 Рік тому +13

    As Ive said before. We are retiring next year and going full time. I love this channel and the info you give. It always adds to my list of things to consider and plan for. Thank so much, and I always look forward to the next weeks video.... Oh.. and I love the short ones too. Stay safe.

    • @OmahaWayne
      @OmahaWayne Рік тому +1

      That's awesome, we have 4 years to go before we get there. We plan on camp hosting for the summers in west Iowa and winters in arkansas or someplace snow free. How you going to do it?

  • @bjwieland-doucet5917
    @bjwieland-doucet5917 2 місяці тому +1

    Im.a permanent camper. I currently live in a RV.park full time.

  • @danieljohnston5306
    @danieljohnston5306 Рік тому +5

    As a fair weather summer time part time nomad, here is my tips.
    1. When not in use, park your RV under solid cover! Rent a space or build one if you can, but this will cut your maintenance budget over the life of your RV to a fraction of what it would be.
    2. Winterize your RV properly. Completely drain all tanks and pump RV antifreeze in all lines and fixtures. Pour it in any holding tank. Leave the water heater dry as a bell and replace your sacrificial anode before the next season.
    3. Don’t use a winter heater, use moisture removing products and remove any batteries in smoke detectors and so on.
    Those are the big things of done for years and have very little maintenance costs. Ever! Sun breaks down everything. Mold grows from moisture, which come from simply having a temperature difference between inside and out. Ozone kills all mold, so leave cupboards open to the air.
    Good luck

  • @kristenwolfe2100
    @kristenwolfe2100 2 дні тому

    Thanks for mentioning your shorts. I’ve followed you for a long time and I’ve never seen one. I’m going to try to get them to start showing up in my algorithm.

  • @enigkotik
    @enigkotik Місяць тому

    What's up man? I'm new to your vids and I love them . I hit that subscribe button after watching the first one. I really appreciate the effort you put into such good, usable info. I've been living in a 2017 Jayco Jay flight SLX 264BHW since June 2023, and I can tell anyone reading this that you very much need to do your homework before you jump off into camper living. One of the biggest examples I can give is on whether or not the camper TRULY has ALL SEASON PROTECTION. A covered bottom isn't the same as actual heaters . If you don't have a button on your control panel that is for the underbelly, then that's a good sign it's not ready for freezing and below. I ended up having to buy electric blankets essentially and wrap my black tank pipes to remedy it. Because I didn't pay enough attention, I learned the hard way, for example, how NOT to be able to use your toilet for 2 weeks because of the way I was flushing. I have since the chosen another method LOL. Uh, let's see, oh yeah, I flooded half of my camper because of that as well. There are pros and cons in all things, and that must be taken into account, and the pros work for me. There are endless vids on here from so many people that have more opinion and not enough real life experience. That's a big reason I like your stuff. Plus, you TELL IT LIKE IT IS. I can really appreciate that. It would be so very nice for a handful of guys like you and me to start a company that actually builds campers for full timers like me. Keep up the videos my friend, some of the most informative I've found.

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Місяць тому

      Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Glad the videos are helpful!

  • @TheEmpressShops
    @TheEmpressShops 5 місяців тому +2

    What about a full timer that will be both nomads and boondocker

  • @JeffinTD
    @JeffinTD Рік тому +9

    The main mistake I’ve seen retiring people make is selling their stick built house to buy a new RV and tow vehicle. A few years, health issue or whatever, wanna give up the RV lifestyle- huge depreciation of the RV, real estate appreciated faster than their portfolio…. If you can buy your RV cash and turn your home into an investment property, at least you can reverse the decision without life altering financial damage.

  • @davidpiper3652
    @davidpiper3652 Рік тому +3

    We full time in a Fifth Wheel, static, we don't own a truck. We bought used and the trailer has not moved from our permanent pitch in six years. Our Suburban water heater rusted through and we had to replace it. The roof is covered in repair patches.

  • @rvnut1133
    @rvnut1133 Рік тому +1

    I am a boondocker all the way.

  • @nicola3060
    @nicola3060 Рік тому +3

    Def broke my rv living full time . 😂 love this channel

  • @KazemaruTenkai
    @KazemaruTenkai 7 місяців тому +2

    I'm interested in becoming either a snowbird or a permanent camper. I just feel like getting away from society as is and the camper/log cabin life style seems nice to me.

  • @mikemason746
    @mikemason746 Рік тому +2

    Keeping weight down is really hard when all your life is packed in the rig. Another reason to not go cheap on a RV if you are full-timing. There is actually a big difference between rigs suitable for full-timing and rigs (almost all of them) meant for weekend use.

  • @duckshadow5168
    @duckshadow5168 Рік тому +1

    I have a 2008 Forest River Lexington, thinking about going workamping/ full time. I bought it used, am happy with it so far. I started out with a new Lance in 95, great way to learn the ins and outs. Gave that to my son with the 91 F350 4wd, 7.3 diesel. he is a ski dive pilot and lives at the airstrip with it. Hope to hear more tips about full timing with mine. Thanks, Michael - Calverton, NY

  • @Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234
    @Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234 Рік тому +2

    Looking forward to this series.

  • @OmahaWayne
    @OmahaWayne Рік тому +1

    Currently a weekender/nomad then become snowbird full time in 4years.

  • @hillcountrylivin
    @hillcountrylivin Рік тому +2

    Appreciate the good information. Looking forward to the next video too.

  • @rogergraves242
    @rogergraves242 9 місяців тому +1

    Right

  • @ScarySpots
    @ScarySpots 10 місяців тому +1

    I’m a combo of boondocker and rv park nomad, depending where I go and currently have a 2021 Wolf Pup 16bhsbl adventure package

  • @sharmansmith8443
    @sharmansmith8443 8 місяців тому +1

    wow, very appreciative of your wisdom!!

  • @jewel9797
    @jewel9797 5 місяців тому

    I'm 28 looking to buy a motorhome will most likely be a boondocker I will say your videos help alot I'm also a mechanic so that should help tremendously definitely got a new subscriber

  • @timburton9514
    @timburton9514 Рік тому +3

    Thoughts on Airstreams?

  • @Ricky-qt4hz
    @Ricky-qt4hz Рік тому +1

    great video

  • @fuzzylon
    @fuzzylon Рік тому +1

    Great videos ! Very well presented !!

  • @lynnpomajzl6209
    @lynnpomajzl6209 Рік тому +1

    Have a question about using a vent cover on the inside of camper AC unit to help reduce the noise? Have you any thoughts on this? Thank you, new to your channel first time commenting/question. 😎

  • @kathryncoker8642
    @kathryncoker8642 Рік тому

    Thanks for the advice on buying used. We are looking at Alliance brand. Also, considering having an incinerator toilet installed. Can you create a video about going to an off grid toilet?

  • @Bruins8851
    @Bruins8851 Рік тому +1

    I am in Canada, new to trailer life and a weekend warrior as ours is permanent at the park. I do check my roof after storms and every couple of weeks and ours is now a year old. What is the best type of caulking we should use for the roof to reseal and keep our roof in great shape?

    • @enigkotik
      @enigkotik Місяць тому

      Heavy duty self leveling. And apply very liberally.

  • @mikew2046
    @mikew2046 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for your sharing and advice
    I will be soon a part-time traveler have recherched for a year and narrowed it to a 27ft class C with only one slide to worry about ... waiting for the right used one to pop up and out of the blue a relative decided to sell their perfectly maintained 2017 Chateau for half of what others are asking..guess who hit the lottery ;-) ......my next question is do I add solor or get a bigger power bank with recharging panels ...it has a generator for extreme hot conditions and I will be off grid most of the time
    Thanks for your help and advice

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому +2

      Sounds like you got a deal! Check out my short video about solar, it is a bit more complicated question to answer unfortunately.
      ua-cam.com/users/shortsc8gHT2SbsJ8?feature=share

    • @mikew2046
      @mikew2046 Рік тому

      Thanks for the information....I will only require (at this point) to make sure I make it from night to day.... No plans on high demand situations and as said always have generator for those situations and will be remote enough it wouldn't bother anyone else....thanks again

  • @francismcgowan5915
    @francismcgowan5915 Рік тому +1

    I not really moving in an rv for the "experience' I'm just doing it for the waay cheaper cost of living

  • @TheIantoJones
    @TheIantoJones Рік тому +1

    Please review the Riverside Retro RV. We don’t know how to turn on our solar in our used 2019 unit :-/

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому +1

      I've added that to my list! Unfortunately my reviews will not cover how to use systems. I would reccomend checking the fuse between the battery and solar charge controller. Solar systems should be always on, so if it is not charging there is a problem somewhere. If it is not a bad fuse, you should probably hire someone to look at the system.

    • @TheIantoJones
      @TheIantoJones Рік тому

      @@undercoverrvtech Thank you very much!

  • @SILLYHLLBLLY
    @SILLYHLLBLLY 7 місяців тому

    Please give me your opinion on the Ember Travel trailers for full time living. Considering for my travel Job.

  • @paigeladd6701
    @paigeladd6701 Рік тому +1

    What do you consider a quality RV for full-timing? How can we determine this?

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому

      This video will help you figure out the type of RV to get - ua-cam.com/video/2Th4LYnR1Wk/v-deo.html

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому

      And then this is my first review video where I walk through different appliances and manufactures - ua-cam.com/video/Ejf9b1qDR0k/v-deo.html. I've reviewed 127 other RVs like these 3 so I would watch the review videos as they come out and that will help you know how to spot a quality camper when you're shopping.

  • @rossetti1313
    @rossetti1313 Рік тому

    Is there any service that will inspect an rv before you buy it?

  • @ericvictoria8651
    @ericvictoria8651 Рік тому

    Was that your full time RV shown in Video. The Renegade made by Harney Coach Works which Was a company under Safari. If so, a very rare and we'll made RV. I have a 1999 Safari Class C 3010 made by Harney Coach Works and it's still solid to this day.

  • @KimmyAlvarez-r9l
    @KimmyAlvarez-r9l 2 місяці тому

    We are trying to find the best 5th wheel for us we are going to be new on full time living we move all around the US. We move twice every year we have 4 kids what RV will you recommend us?

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  2 місяці тому

      Great question! Let's talk through it. I offer consulting where I get on a call with you and we can talk through your budget, camping goals and I can review any RV listings you’re considering - undercoverrvshopper.com/book-a-consultation/

  • @kevinhansen7116
    @kevinhansen7116 Рік тому +1

    I've not heard Snow Birds called full time before. Huh.

  • @PeggyWest1127
    @PeggyWest1127 Рік тому

    Where do you go to weigh your RV?

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому

      Search for CAT scales, usually found at truck stops. You can also get the Weigh My Truck app which makes the process easier.

  • @jneihart2
    @jneihart2 Рік тому

    I keep hearing "always buy used"... however I am not convinced that one will not be purchasing someone elses total disaster that they have covered up!! Oh sure one can pay to have it "inspected", but what responsibility does the "inspector" assume for the expensive issues he/she missed?

    • @enigkotik
      @enigkotik Місяць тому

      I bought used the first time for more than one reason, mainly price of course because I paid cash. I think I'm the 3rd owner of this 2017 model, very modest jayco. Yes I got some of their wear and tear, and also had to buy a brand new a/c, because just like he said in one of his vids that the freon will leak out. Anyway just make SURE no matter which one you look at, no matter at a huge dealership or from an individual, look at EVERY SQUARE INCH and take notes and pictures.

  • @endeavorrv
    @endeavorrv Рік тому +2

    Nope, nope, nope. We are full timers and we do NOT fit any of your categories. We boondock, we do power, we work on the road part time, we move the camper nightly, bi weekly, weekly, bi monthly and monthly. We rarely if ever do RV parks. We own a 2022 Lance which is new and awesome.

  • @garycramer3768
    @garycramer3768 11 місяців тому +1

    We’re permanent campers

  • @billymustang3241
    @billymustang3241 Рік тому

    Like #365. Get it? Hehe 😁👍. New sub!

    • @undercoverrvtech
      @undercoverrvtech  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the sub!

    • @billymustang3241
      @billymustang3241 Рік тому

      @howtonotbreakyourrv going full time real soon so your channel is GOLD i appreciate it! 🙏

  • @monicalifornia_
    @monicalifornia_ Рік тому

    Rule number 1. Run as fast as you can from any RV dealership. (unless you stay in driving distance of Jacob) Sheeeesh RVs are such garbage.

  • @schlz69
    @schlz69 Рік тому +1

    Ahh slide seal conditioner. You are SO Wrong on this!!!! First off, the seal manufacturers says Soapy water ONLY, just clean them. In Practice, conditioning your seals, actually breaks down the rubber, this is very evident as it leaves a black line on the side of the slide, even after just a short time (less than a week) As a full time Transient, I can tell you from much experience, as well as OEM Training, slide seal conditioner is not helping prolong anything, it is actually reducing the life of your slide seals.