What not to do in an RV (Our biggest RV mistake yet!)

30 thoughts on “What not to do in an RV (Our biggest RV mistake yet!)”

• What’s your biggest RV mistake or mishap??

• Do you guys have a Brake Controller on your tow vehicle?

• Does she edit video for a living?

• 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.

• 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

• Good video guys.

• This taught me so much! Thank you for being so humble to share this.

• This was SO helpful!!

• 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 😉

• I love my dodge 2500 diesel with an engine break!

• 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!!

• When a 4×4 Cadillac SUV’s brakes catch fire, you definitely have overused your brakes.

• 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.

• 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.

• So happy you guys are safe. ❤️

• 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.

• 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.

• Keep fire extinguisher #2 in the car.. Glad things worked out safely,. Happy Trails !!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Holy Moley!@!!

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• So happy y’all are ok! Thank you for sharing because I had no idea.

• Consequence of Americans who can't drive manual transmission. No idea how to use lower gear.

• 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!

• @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!!! <3

• 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.

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