Our Reserved Site is OCCUPIED! What Happens Now? Travel Day HDT RV. Fulltime RV Life. Travel Florida
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- We were done with the Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, Florida. It was a short drive to Bushnell but the rains came in. And boy did they come in! A lake was forming at the fairgrounds. We didn't want to get stuck. Can we get out without a tow truck?
A site was reserved for us at our next RV Park but we had to get out of Tampa first. They wouldn't give it away, would they? You think everything is set until you discover it's not. What to do? We felt like we didn't matter in the big scheme of RV lIfe.
WE'RE a big rig and everything is tight but this is going to be really snug and we have to find the way to make it work.
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RV Camping
We like to "Switch it Up" between resorts and campgrounds and boondocking is always an option.
We draw inspiration from Keep Your Daydream KYD, Less Junk More Journey, Finding Our Someday and Changing Lanes. We normally travel in an HDT similar to UA-cam channels Suite Travels, Switch it Up and Watts on Wheels. I also get some ideas from the editing style of Happily Ever Hanks @Happilyeverhanks #thankshanks and believe it or not, I actually learned something from MRBeast Mr Beast video's as well. Our journey is the destination but sometimes, our destination is a destination.
Our journey is the destination. We want to share our experiences of our discovery of What's Next.
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com
Tracks:
Outta Here by Jennifer Holm (intro song)
Hurtin' Tomorrow by Glass House
Wicked Games by Philip Ayers
SunRise by Northside
Amazon Shop (no extra charge to you)
A convenient way to see (or buy) the items you see in the video's which may help in your adventure.
www.amazon.com...
We use the Open Roads card for diesel fuel and save a bundle each time we fill up our Big Rig. We also use it to fill up our Onan generator.
The big blue boards (XL version) we use sometimes to get us "un-stuck" is from:
Gotreads.com
Our Class C is built by Thor Motorcoach on a Ford F550 chassis. It's a production build Magnitude model XG32. We tow our red Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind it. We've made some modifications to it so that we can boondock comfortably. Lithium batteries, Victron 3000w multi-plus inverter, dual alternators charge while traveling and mods to the water system greatly enhance it's boondocking capabilities.
Our extreme completely custom 5th wheel is built on a semi-trailer chassis with air suspension and air brakes. Completely loaded it weighs 42,000 lbs rolling down the highway. And we do roll down the highway nearly every week. You see, we believe that if your home has wheels they should be used.
Vehicles:
2016 Volvo VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 SpaceCraft Custom built semi-trailer 5th wheel "Orion"
2023 Thor Magnitude XG32 Class C "Curiosity"
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara "Artemis"
Power system:
3250 watts of solar with Panasonic panels
30.1 KWH of Lithium batteries
2- 4K watt Magnum Inverters deliver power as if we are on shore power
2- 4K watt 240v Cotek Inverters deliver additional power for our LG Mini split HVAC and stove
Coachnet is our roadside assistance company we use but hopefully we don't use them too often. LOL
We are not sponsored by Whataburger but I do enjoy them anytime I can get my hands on one. They used to be just out of Texas but they have expanded.
BIg Truck Big Travels video's are based on our personal experience and not meant nor portrayed as experts in anything we do or say. It's our life on the road and our opinions are not meant to be construed as advice. Enjoy life on the road.
We had the exact same thing happen to us when we were full timing. We got caught in a late snow storm in Denver and had melt between our surge protector and plug. I had forgotten all about it until I saw this video. Take care
Oh man! First time for us. Glad it wasn't the surge guard.
Sondra did that! We’ve been at a campout, heavy rigs on grass… it rained and instead of waiting it out (we were local and could come back the next weekend) some folks panicked. Lots of Class A’s stuck including a Foretravel! I looked at my husband and said we’re not moving are we? He said nope! So we went back the next weekend, hung out and drove our RV home. I agree with you after seeing 500 different rigs and new bells and whistles. Its starts out as oohs and aaahs then you realize what you have is your fit. Great video this week!
Sounds like you have great priorities! We are glad to hear you stayed put and didn't panick. Thanks
There was a booth at the FL RV Super Show selling plastic boxes to hold power cord connections so they are waterproof. One of those or something like a modified Pelican box might work to waterproof the connection.
That's a great idea! We will definitely look into a waterproof box. We missed it at the show. Thanks
Florida oak trees are called "live oaks". Great seeing you at the meet and greet on Fri at the show. Thanks for taking the time to meet us. Lou & Jean
Thanks for stopping by the show and we appreciate the kind words, Lou & Jean! Enjoyed it. Travel safe
You both are such a joy to watch, thank you for bringing us along!
Thanks for watching, we enjoy bringing you along on the journey!
AMAZING TRUCK!!! Dave, you out paced yourself with a woman who isn't afraid to drive that dive truck. If she has a sister, I am currently in the market for someone who can back up a trailer. It is rare that there weren't some "loud" voices used. She's a keeper!!
We are glad you enjoyed the video. She is a pretty good driver. Thanks for watching. No sister though... 😆
Great Job Sondra! You driving was superior.
Thank you. She was rolling to beat the band.
David you was talking about the plugs I got thinking if you take a big bucket and drill a hole on each side and put you plug through there that would keep it off the snow and put the cover from the bucket that would keep everything dry Sandra nice job taking the rig over all them wet grass ...see you next week
Good idea on the bucket for the plugs! Yes, that is a good way to keep them from the snow and moisture. The bucket will keep them clean and dry! Amazon does sell something similar which I'm going to look into after this incident. Thanks
All Thrills NO Spills! You are both AWESOME!
Thanks so much, we are enjoying the travels. Excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
I just love watching your channel...I've been driving trucks along time znd I watch you maneuver that rig like it's a volkswagen...kudos to you and your driving bride...:)
You're too kind. We appreciate the compliment! We've had some practice but that's high praise coming from you. Thank you
Wow. I had numerous hot flashes during this video, from your original site being occupied to the maneuvering to get into your final site. Look forward to seeing what you do in Busnell. Enjoy your stay.
It was a crazy day. It's one of those times where you have to laugh. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks
22:50 You need an override valve on your trailer so you can switch from "Normal" mode to "Manual" mode to lift the trailer in those situations like we have on lowboy trailers
I agree. Didn't know about that in 2018 but it would be nice now. Thanks
Hi David! Hi Sondra! Breaking down and leaving is never fun in the rain. She took off and wasn't stopping lol. Yay Sondra! The Whataburger cup in the cup holder looked like it wanted to take off also. Lol. That Pasadena is a sweet looking motorhome anyway. That is a very swampy looking park. Glad you got into that site. Now you can go and have some ice cream. Safe travels!!
Thanks, Sonya. Sondra took off and she was rolling! The swamp was actually kind of cool looking. Thanks again for watching.
Awesome video keep up with a great work and be safe out there.
Thank you for watching and the good wishes.
You two make my day !❤ Ya'll are so funny...
Thank you... and that's on a rainy day! Imagine what we could do in good weather!
It’s funny how you said, you don’t want to step back when buying an RV. It needs to be an upgrade. Lol we went from a class C 32’ 1 slide to a Class A 39’ 4 slides and just recently sold that and bought a travel trailer @ 25’8”. With 1 slide. Because we don’t live in it and only use it occasionally it is different but yeah I feel like as an RV person, you learn what you like and don’t like as well as what works for you in your time of life. We decided to down grade in size while still maintaining our priorities for comfort, For what we use it for. It just made me chuckle when you said that.
You know what, you're right! RVs are like any other purchase; you gotta figure out what works for you. Each stage of life brings about new priorities. Thanks
David you are a master at parking your big RV have a great 10 day stay and unwind a little. See you next week 🥰
Thank you! We try! We'll enjoy the time and some new experiences and see you next week.
i am here for the sound of the air breaks 18:30 ! the icing on the cake (the rig)
😆 🤣 it's funny... but we love that sound too. Very cool!
1:10+. I originally thought you had changed your intro music. This is an amazing piece of on-the-road music!! Love it -- as much as I love all your videos!
Aawww. Thank you so much!
if you dont want the cans to turn arount from the vibrations... you have to put a small paper in between each one starting from the bottom... it doesnt look good but they wont turn as much haha
😆 🤣 she's trying to figure out something. Thanks for the comment
You two are simply amazing, I have trouble parallel parking. Yikes! You made it 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Just a great job. Hope the weather stays good! See you soon!
Thanks, Susan. We're heading south soon so weather will be warmer.
LOVE YOU GUYS HAPPY TRAVELING
Love you too, AnnaMay. Big hugs!
THIS WAS A NAIL BITER OF A PARKING !! GOOD JOBS GUYS YALL KNOW HOW TO MANEUVER THE RIG OUT STANDING GUYS !!
Thank you. 😆 we get a lot of practice.
Way to much stress. Looks like a beautiful spot. Stay safe and see y’all next week. Gig em
We are so glad you're along for the ride. Each day presents new challenges... some are bigger than others. Thanks
Florida weather has been crazy this winter. Love seeing you guys again. Stay warm, dry and enjoy the manatees. Stay safe, safe travels.
Thanks, it's been a wild winter in Florida for sure! We want to get south.
Add a rubber mat to stop the cans from turning vibration
Thanks. We'll experiment.
I was seriously biting my nails the whole time you were backing in, David! Mad skills🙂
It's a whole different animal backing up that rig. We've had some close calls over the years! Thanks for being there with us.
Good to see I'm not the only one that gets the pain in the rear campgrounds and camp sites. Good job wiggling it in there following the directions from your awesome spotter.
There's enough of those sites to go around... 😆 🤣 Thanks for watching
What about a thin rubber sheet under the cans to prevent them from rotating.
Nice. Need one on the second layer too.
Dave you are an expert with that right getting into that spot, if that was me I would have taken out every tree lol.
😆 🤣 Thanks. There were a lot there. We were fortunate that area was open across from the site.
Have not stayed at Sumter Oaks but used their Smart Weigh facilities a couple of time. Another nice vid!
Thanks for watching!
Yes, they frequently show the tug test.
Everytime we hook up, we tug it! 😆
You guys have excellent skils manuvering that rig. It was both fun and terrifying to watch!
Seriously impressive
Thanks. It was fun and terrifying to actually do it! 😆 🤣
Yeah, I gotta have my cans facing the same way too. And I gotta have the back of my books all even and straight. 😊
I'm with you on that. 🙌 Is got to be organized and neat!
I was listening while driving; you called out Okefenokee Swamp and I had to pull over to see. 😂 I love within a mere 2 miles of the Okefenokee.
Sweet! That's a small world!
Love the camera work as Sondra pulled out of the spot!
Thanks...I was ruuunning a Forest Gump would say! 😆
Sondra, you are amazing! Great driving. ❤
Appreciate the kind words. She was rolling!
Seeing you manover Orin had me on the edge of my seat with the very tight turns and the concrete slab being raised I thought for sure you were going to scrape but I am so glad that you were able to get in without any issues
Thank you. Us too. We came sooo close to that concrete!
She was driving like Forest Gump running. “I was driv-ing.”
😆 🤣 😂 that's good. And sooo true!
This was the first time my heart got jumping in one of your parkings. You two are a great team!
Thanks. It's always a little nerve wracking in RV parks with a lot of trees.
David you are so smart you can fix anything, I’ve always wanted to camp and travel. Love watching . ❤️
Thank you. Very kind. We try and sometimes muddle through it until we get it right. 😆 🤣
What an incredible job you all do driving and maneuvering that rig! I had so many hot flashes 😉 watching this video.
Great job, you do an incredible job if keeping your cool. David you have a very smooth trot while filming Sondra blow thru to the exit at the rv show! Happy Trails! ❤
We appreciate your kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video! There were a few hot flashes happening off camera! Happy Travels!
We were at Tampa. The only rig we saw that really impressed us was the Renegade super C.
That was nice. We liked the Newell solid feel too.
Love y’all so much y’all are truly a great couple I’m not able to get out anymore due to my health so I really enjoy being able to be with y’all when you are out traveling it makes me think I’m out with y’all thanks for making it possible for me to feel like a part of your travels looking forward to seeing y’all next week stay safe may God bless you both your friend here in Topeka Kansas Steven Van Wagoner
Thank you Steven. We love that you enjoy the channel so much! And excited to have you along on the journey with us. ☺️
Well Dave that was risky your wife driving through the wet grass area's! I think you need a What A Burger Stop! Sondra did a good job!
Oh, yeah! I agree! 😆 as soon as I find one!
ua-cam.com/video/Ztif6zFp8vM/v-deo.htmlsi=_6RYBwtG7wkGButh
Dave Sandra Love's supposed to start putting Whataburger in their truck stops
Wow can u drive.. awesome parking at the end...good video altho I would love to see the rig u were thinking about 😮
It was a tour on the last RV show video.
Lord have mercy!!! I stopped breathing when Orion’s tail was near ground zero on that back up on the pad!!! Whew!!😅
😆 🤣 you and us both! Sondra had a hot flash moment!
The opening scene is called Florida sunshine❤❤❤😂😂😂
😆 🤣 I was drenched in sunshine!
@bigtruckbigtravels I bet I got drenched when I lived there decades ago to so I know how u feel
Awesome video as always kudos to you and your wife for your driving
Thank you! We try to make the driving look easy... and sometimes it isn't. 😆 🤣
David you can add a powered axle to the front steer axle on 6,7 and class 8 trucks. It obviously is not cheap. On most you need a transfer case but EZ Trac makes a hydraulic front steer axle that you can use to get out of a bad spot. They work very well to get out of a spot but you do not use them when driving. Most Super C RVs will not have a front steer drive axle but you can add one especially if it is an M2 they have more choices. Simard Suspensions has a video on EZ Trac.
Oh wow! Never heard of that. A hybrid all-wheel drive for semis! Thanks
I think you have a thing for tight spot camping. Must be that challenge gene. You guys will make it fit, fast and easy without making your arrival(s) a main event for all! lol If I had more thumbs than the two I have, they'd be up too.
😆 🤣 it's funny. We don't seek out tight spots... but with our size, EVERY SPOT is tight! 😆 thanks for watching
You guys are awesome.
Thank you very much. We appreciate your time watching the channel. ☺️
Sondra was like the song you use, "I am out of here!!!".
😆 🤣 oh yeah! I think she was singing it in the cab!
Happy travels!!! ❤❤❤
We are happy to be on the road again!
Wow.. so much braver than I am. With all those trees overhead it reminded me of a state park we went to that had similar large trees that curved over the road - caught one with my solar panel - cracked the panel but didn't do any more damage to the trailer - had to drop the air in the tires to relieve pressure off so I could back away. Thankfully, it was just the single panel and I was able to isolate it from the rest of the set without disturbing our trip. Needless to say, folks in the campground were pulling up chairs to watch us get out of this jam - of course everyone trying to provide helpful "ideas" on what we should do. We did get applause after we were able to lower the trailer enough to get out! LOL!. So, let's say we are a bit uneasy when we see arching trees across the road!! Super job getting into the spot! Team effort for sure!
Thanks. We try to stay out of those kinds of parks with really low branches! That would leave an impression for sure. Thanks
Wow! Bushnell is tricky with a big rig. Great job both of you!
It's not always easy but we enjoy the challenge. We're glad you like our "work". 😆 🤣 Thanks for watching
When your tail end gets close to dragging, when backing like that, dump the trucks airbags until you're clear, then reinflate the bags. This will raise the rear of the trailer 2"-4". Miss you guys down here in Q. Safe Travels
Good suggestion and we appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching.
Hey, Bushnell's in Sumter County that part of it is the oak trees we have what they call Live Oak and then we have water Oak and we have a whole bunch of different Laurel Oaks and all those other ones but I use a bin to cover my when I extend my 50 amp
Thanks. We didn't realize it in the beginning.
The good news is that if the economy goes upside down, you and Sondra would be great truckload team drivers! Thanks for sharing, be safe out there.
We'll keep that in mind. We hope to stay retired though! Thanks for watching!
Just like your labels, all of my clothes turn inside out in the dryer ! I also saw those connector protector covers at the Tampa show. They weren't cheap though. Maybe $55 ? I have used the Homer bucket with the slots and holes for the power cord before in deep snow in Wisconsin and it works fine.
And if you use wool dryer balls they always end up inside your long sleeve shirts! Good to know about the bucket. They have them on Amazon but you've given me an idea. Thanks
👍💯🎯🇺🇸🔥
Y’all are the best
Thank you very much
I thought Sondra was leaving you behind for a minute…lol. Enjoy your days resetting and look forward to another video.
😆 I thought so too for a moment. I just kept running and hoped she'd stop!
Do you do a tugtest after reconnecting the trailer?
Everytime we connect, we do an "aggressive" tug test. I don't show it because nothing happens... as it should! 😆 🤣
Yhat was great except for that tree close call as nd the concrete slab looked small❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
That tree was in a bad place for us! But, it's all good. Thanks
We were just at the Escapee park there just below Bushnell about a month ago in our Class C Coachmen 319B Leprechaun at 32 ft. That park has some seriously tight turns in it and some very old roadage. Kudos on that manuvering.
Thank you. Sometimes trees are overrated! 😆 🤣
Love you guys set up, would love to have one like that, I've been a semi truck driver for 30+ years, so no problem there, just my wife prefers a Motorhome. So she can move around while traveling. Looking to full time this year can't wait hello form Wisconsin, soon to be Florida residents.
Understood. You'd transition smoothly but you've got to keep everyone happy in this lifestyle. Thanks for watching
Great video. I always enjoy that RV Show!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the show.
You are close to my neck of the woods. It's been cold here in Florida. Stay warm and enjoy your stay.
Thanks. It's been a little chilly. We're excited to get to south Florida for a little warmer weather.
Suggestion, it may not be the most secure idea. But get you a like shoebox. Size rubber made type tub and cuddle hole in each end that you can put your cord through and then seal it up. And that way it will be a little more safe and secure and waterproof a little bit. They may even make something like that. But I don't know I don't RV. But I love watching you guys and watching your travels and watching all the neat pictures that y'all take. If you get to indiana near indianapolis area Let me know and I will come to meet you for a meal o. P s sorry no whataburger I keep wishing that we get one soon.
For your spice cabinet, put a little bit of Velcro on the bottom of your bottle. And then you just refill your bottle instead of having to turn them around all the time. Joshua nezy way to keep a mid alphabet order
Thanks for the great idea! Amazon does sell something similar to what you're describing so I'm going to look into it. Thanks
Several thousand people had a collective sigh of relief when you guys were back on the pavement. Great driving
😆 and one person who was running outside!
The sound seemed like in a can while driving in your rig.
😆 🤣 a nervous cup!
Sandra the cans n spices don’t stay facing out because when u go down the road it’s like the old football game from the 70’s n 80’s ya turn it on an the players vibrate.
The road make everything vibrate going down the road be blessed
😆 🤣 that's funny... and true. But why do they all turn around? Even the players in that game ran forward sometimes!
Get a milk crate and cut Handles out to rest cord above ground during snow.
That's good. Need to cover the connection too. Thanks
❤ when you're spotting the trailer you could use your cell phones to call each other and talk on the cellphone speaker signal
True. We have Sena bluetooth headsets that work great... we were just being lazy.
What a rig up you all have❤
Thank you. It's our home and we enjoy this lifestyle and all the places it takes us. Thanks for watching the channel 😀
Not sure if that would have been considered a "swamp" or a "stand" but either way those are Cypress trees and they are protected in Florida. Was cool to see.
You're correct to point out the option. I think it would be a stand. Thanks
Very good point about a new RV not being a step back. Back in 2009 during the "cash for clunkers" frenzy we had an eligible vehicle that we would've used along with a 5 year old sedan on a new sedan, and almost did it when my wife pointed out we were just getting another sedan. Our family was growing at the time and an SUV would've been a better choice, but we wanted the 2010 model, which they didn't have. So we bagged it. Sure we would've have a new car, but we keep em long, and that original car was trouble free until 2021 when we sold it as we no longer needed it. I didn't get the $6,000 I would've for the clunker but long term we did better overall. Its important to look past the glossy brochure!
It's amazing how the things we want in the moment sometimes aren't what we really need. Thanks for sharing your story! That was a great decision.
All I kept thinking was mosquitos.
😆 🤣 We were fortunate that there were none. Whew!
Really enjoy watching you guys nice tagging along
Glad you enjoy it. We're having a great time! And really excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
Enjoy your stay, great job getting parked.
Thanks for the support. We're looking forward to it.
Have you ever thought of using a couple FRS handheld radios to communicate with each other when you’re maneuvering the trailer into tight areas?
We have Sena bluetooth headsets which work great... we're just being lazy. Thanks
That was GREAT FOOTAGE!!! Loved it
Thanks so much, we really appreciate it!
Impressive rig you have there
Thank you. It's home.
"When in doubt, throttle out!" Nice job, keeping the rig from sinking!
That's the one thing we can control in the moment. Sometimes, a little speed is a good thing. Appreciate you watching.
We've talked about getting a semi, but this has cured that and we'll stick with the 3500 :)
😆 🤣 it's a different world for sure. A lot of advantages to being a little less long... and big.
good driving sir
Thank you. We appreciate that comment.
What a lovely couple!
Thank you.
Nice back up driving as always, however, you guys have headsets why not use them more often?
You're correct. Just lazy. We thought it would be easier with the other site. Next time...
Thank You God Bless
You bet. We hope you enjoy the journey.
Sondra knows how to drive!
She was rockin' it!
Well Dave nice job swjng the wagon around that tight spot. Cindy allways is amazed at how i can swing things around. As i told her, practice makes perfect.
So tommarow is insulation day for the basement. Then drywall. That will make one more job done. Want to list the sticks and brick so we can hit the road in March. Trying to know the little things down each week.
Liked the first track of music on this video.
Safe travels and roads Brian and Cindy, "xtreambydesign with passion"
Thanks. Your progress sounds exciting! Good luck.
Your parking is amazing!
Thank you! We've had some practice. It's all tight in Orion and Voyager! 😆
Get thin rubber shelving mats would keep the cans from turning.
Great idea. Thanks
Whoooo Hoooooo Sondra did a great job in driving!! The girl has skills!! =}
Sondra's got it goin' on! Yeah!
Well this one had me on the edge of my seat. Great parking job! Did the office say why the first site was occupied?
It caught them by surprise. They didn't realize it and never spoke to them so we never found out why. Actually, that was a first for us.
Be sure you visit Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park in Gainesville while you are in Florida. You might spot wild horses, bison, sandhill cranes, and more from the observation tower at the visitor's center. You will definitely want to go to the North entrance at LaChua Trail to walk on the boardwalk to see so much great wildlife, especially HUGE alligators!
Thanks. We've been there before but didn't explore a lot. And that was several years ago.
Welcome to Sumter County. ENJOY, from Continental Country Club!!!!
Oh, my! Thanks. I feel very first class right now!
Sondra! I see your San Diego jacket! Love it!
Love that area of SoCal.thanks
Have you thought of lining the cupboard with a piece of thin rubber or nonskid material?
Yes and we're thinking of the second level of cans too.
Hey guys! It’s “Sumter Oaks” cause you’re in Sumter County.
😆 🤣 Thanks. We get it after staying there and traveling around the area. Didn't know it at first.