I like that they didn't trash talk the products. They spent the time explaining why it didn't work for them!

I’ve been a full time RV guy for 10 years. This advice is legit. I made the same mistake of buying the same stuff early on...and half of it I ended up not using. Push in the choke and use your RV for a while before making useless purchases. BTW - I love this channel 😊

You just keep making the videos on the topics you enjoy. That makes them authentic and you are both so enjoyable! Thanks for the great advice and the editing gets better and better!

Harvest host basically pays for itself in 2 nights. Love it. Great for trips where it takes 2-3 days to get to destination. Over night stops at great locations can not be beat. Sorry to disagree, but you’re right, it really depends on type of traveling you do

You are correct, it's a trial and error thing. I know where we frist started out we brought anything we throught we would need, leason learned. As far as surge protection, going cheap is not better. After many years of RVing and going thru many different brands of total electrical surge protectors, we setteled for the best on the market we beileve "Power Watchdog" from Hughes Autoformers. Good stuff guys.

Very interesting list, especially the very last "impulse purchases" for the kitchen. We have found the best thing for us is to hit the thrift and second-hand stores for our kitchen items. The stuff is cheap and if you don't use something you won't get burned on the cost, plus you can always re-donate unwanted items. Plus we aren't worried if something breaks or gets lost. It's a camper - nothing has to match perfectly!

I absolutely love my generator! We almost exclusively boondock, and being able to play a movie for the kids when i need a break has been a lifesaver!

About the invertor generator... being quiet is a welcome by-product but not the main attraction. When a generator produces electricity, the brushes and motor may produce an uneven sine wave pattern of alternating current. (Supposed to be 60hz cycle, but the tops of the sine waves may appear uneven.) This is acceptable for plugging in lamps, motors, etc. But is not controlled enough for electronics such as laptops, cell phones, etc that need a very controlled peak level of power. Your home utility company produces a controlled power, and so does an invertor style generator. Since most campers are wanting to use their electronics while plugged into the RV a/c outlets, the source power needs to have the consistency that an invertor generator provides.

I've been RVing for 2 years now and can totally agree with you on everything you said; my only exception would be the generator. Everything about RVing is personal preference and what works for one person may not work for another. You said your wife really wanted to do more boondocking, so with that in mind, it only made sense you'd invest in a generator. Then she changed her mind, but AFTER you'd already spent the money. I've yet to use my generator on an actual camping trip because I prefer to only stay at full hook up sites; but I know that will not always be the case and I might as well be prepared sooner than later. Besides, we have blackouts in my area once or twice a year lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Having a generator, as well as an RV, really is a piece of mind.

To each their own. Harvest Host is one of the best purchases we made. We use it on almost any trip. I agree you have to be comfortable with boondocking, but the HH membership cost is minimal.

We are in our 4 year of extended part timers, and your suggestions were dead on...thanks for your efforts!

I love the rv video I think I did everything you did but the generator. And I have been camping for 9 years. I don't do it much anymore but in the past I have going to the store and said I need this and I need that and then never use it. I enjoy your videos

Good video. Thanks. You never know when you might need that generator. Especially when you lose electricity at the house

I love you guys and and even though we’re not quite “newbies” anymore we still like hearing other perspectives. Keep up the good work!

Yes on the early release and thanks for the information. A lot of new RVers make the mistake of buying memberships that they will never use.

When it comes to beds the Purple mattress is the best thing I have ever purchased. In fact its the best thing I have purchased in any category. it's really that good.

I'm on the East coast... I'm 62 and I've been camping since I was 18... I absolutely can't get enough and I love it! Great video! 👍

You've got to be kidding? Where have you been going? HH has been tremendous!!! I HIGHLY recommend it. The best usage is in-between getting to your final campground. For example: a 3 day trip to our final d - having a quick stay before getting there is always a winner...

Might or might not know the following; a surge protector will not help with Too low voltage, found this out the hard way. Was getting like 98 volts and ruined several items plus fried the plug in and receptacle also. Bought a cheap little indoor plug in and it continuously reads out in led what voltage we are getting. Hope this helps.

First time I tuned into you. I really enjoyed it. Very relaxed and easy to listen to. Love the music.

We have Zinus mattresses in both our Airbnb's. They are cheap and people RAVE about how comfortable they are. Great choice!

We put a regular mattress in our camper, best thing ever. Heavier than camper mattress. We also installed a good electric protection system. I had heard of horror stories from other RV’ers, worth it. Inverter generators generate cleaner electricity, good for phones, computers, and appliances with computers. That is what you want for an RV.

Absolutely agree with you about getting great surge protection from the get go. Yes it's pricey, but well worth it. We've been discussing the generator issue for 3 yr now. Still don't have 1, but occasionally wish we did. & re kitchen, I use things from the house. I do use 1 of our 44 quart Costco containers & it has all the kitchen & utensils just for RV stuff in it. When we're ready to go it's so easy to just grab it & go. Then we buy replacement things as needed. (I had extra pans & a skillet which went into the RV kitchen so didn't have to buy anything.)

Full timer for 3 years now and with someone would have told me the necessities to buy first. 1. Surge protector that tests Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection Miswired Pedestal Indication 2. Water pressure regulator that allows you to ADJUST THE PRESSURE. The surge protector has identified miswired pedistals as well as an indirect lightening strike and water pressure is so unpredictable. Everything else is just a gadget.

Thank you both for sharing a bit of your Journey! Be Blessed!

I really enjoy your chemistry. You're charming with your interplay, ribbing each other.

As it happens, I have a membership to Harvest Host, and while I haven't used it yet. I actually include it in my planning. I'm excited to try wineries and, orchards and farms later this year.

I love it. Some of the things that were his idea, end up being bad ideas. What happens between my wife and I! Lol! Thanks for the informative video. It is a lot of trial and error when you start camping.

I agree with you on everything except the generator. We carry a smaller one with us, 2000 watts. It saved our rears in Colorado last year. We were boondocking and used every bit of power from the batteries. The lights inside wouldn't even light up. We had to leave that morning and if it wasn't for our generator, we would not even been able to get our slide and awning back in, plus hook up the truck. Luckily, we had about a cup of gas left in our generator and were able to fire it up and pull everything in. Otherwise, we would had to use our hand cranks to do it. I do agree with you on everything else, though.

Hey, this sort of review is always welcome!! Thanks!

That's a good point about last min plans with harvest host. Although my children are grown I'm still a planner...... makes things safer and more fun in my experience. Thx for all info

Please continue to educate us newbies. I love your choice of content 👏🏾👏🏾

Harvest Hosts and Passport America are our favorite discount “membership” programs. They fit perfectly for our family circumstances and travel style. We’ve dropped Good Sam because the 10% discount rarely pencils out for us with our other memberships.

Really nice energy from you guys. This on top of being very earnest and practical about really needing certain things or not, makes anything you talk about enjoyable to listen to. You tried some things, and found out they didn't work out that great - that's solid reviewing right there. Saved me some potentially wasted time shopping items that aren't worth it. Nice work, keep it going!

Nice job,,,, glad you address this topic, there is a lot stuff out there you don’t need. Good advice, is to get out there and camp, then find your camping style - full hook ups, partial hookups, one or two night stays and go, , stay in same camp ground for week or longer, driveway surfing, boondocking, etc. you don’t have to buy everything before your fist trip, chip away it, slow down and enjoy the journey,

Great tips and ideas as usual! I agree 200% with the surge protector, we recently upgraded from the cheapest Camco anylizer to the Hughes Power Watchdog and couldn’t be happier. The Camco almost burnt our camper’s plug up.

You look like a really sweet family. Thanks for sharing these tips. I probably won't be doing much more RV-ing because of circumstances, but it's fun to watch and dream.

Great advice. I made some of the same mistakes and your recommendations on what to do to improve your choices are right on! Your overall advice on waiting to buy things until you take a few camping trips should help others to avoid our mistakes. Can't wait to watch your video on the things you are glad you bought.

My first time watching a great couple; and thanks for keeping it real.

Don't worry about the haters. They're just miserable people. Great video! Thanks!

Thank you. I am a newb with an old motor home that my dad gave me. I don’t know what I’m doing but I love to camp.

I swear that intro was actual footage from every conversation with my wife lol

Good call on the Southwire Surge Protector...I have the same one.... it's excellent

Thanks for the info on the surge protector. Been toying with getting one over the last 8 years. Now I have an idea of what brand to go with-was thinking of Camco but you saved me the trouble!

What a perfect little family! You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the great info!

I know some folks don't like harbor freight, but their solid rubber wheel chocks are a good purchase and well worth the money.

Great video for newbies like us. Thanks so much.

totally agree with all these. we are a year into RVing and we did all those purchases and didnt use any of it, probably because we havent boondocked yet. we would like to but havent yet.

Yes, please do an early release. Thanks for the info.

Good stuff! Tho, these may be good things to some, it's nice to hear why they didn't work out for you! ❤️

Good video . You were real and honest . I like how you talked about the things but didn’t trash them . Happy camping ! 😊

The first think we discovered in the UK was we didn't need a massive RV as roads were not built for them. So we opted for a Motorhome that cost £5,000 and 16ft long. All gadgets had to have 3 uses. It's very easy to end up buying gadgets that you dont need. For example coffee machines when you can buy coffee bags. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Ps vehicle weight is a big factor in the UK as driving licence is around 3,500kg on most licences. Best wishes from old George and Jane 👍🤠👫🇬🇧

We purposefully plan to use our memberships first-especially when out on weekends when other campgrounds are scheduled by weekenders months in advance. Nice to have alternates, so everyone can get out for adventures!

Thanks I found your info of what was not really needed and especially investing in good surge protector. Brand new RVers.

Always good to have a generator because you never know if you are going to need it. First time I have seen one of your videos and I like this one.

I do agree with you on several of the items that you said were a waste of money. After RVing for the last eleven I have tried different products, some with great success, and other were a waste on money. I will however disagree with the generator topic. Generators are a valuable addition to any RV as long as it’s large enough to power the AC. As a dirt bike rider the generator allows us to boondock at locations that have no RV hookups while riding our bikes ( ie motocross tracks, etc) as well as running the AC when we stop for an extended period of time to keep our dogs cool.

Great video folks! Next time maybe drop the camera and play with the kids? I raised my children tent and wilderness camping in Montana. We rock climb, canoe and kayak, mountain bike, snowshoe while camping year round. Gearing up for RV and motorcycle camping with my Lady isn't expensive do to good quality older gear. Light packers and ultra light hikers have good light weight and minimalist gear. Cutting weight even from the RV means cutting clutter. I Thank You also for not putting down manufacturers. I do not hire contractors or sub contractors that build themselves up by putting down the competition. Every person and product proves themselves over time as you folks do with your fun and earnest approach to sharing your lives getting outdoors with your children. Thank You! Hoka Hey

Yes it is true. One tends to THINK one Needs all this Stuff., but soon finds out a lot of it isn't necessary. One thing about the stuff, get things that are dual or multi purpose. Stacking type things, & items that are several pieces which all fit into the bigger container with a lid that closes it all up. Soft sided, flexible style containers can squeeze in a smaller space allowing for additional items to fit as well. I also got the INVERTER early on expecting to boondock more often & do expect to do so again in 2021., so though I haven't required it, it will get used & I won't pay the higher price several months from now when I want to have it to use. I eliminated need for sheets by pulling my sleeping bag out to use next trip. My mattress isn't bad, but could be better, so I know what you're talking about regarding lack of comfort over time. A set of ramps is better instead of carrying a bunch of boards to level the rig. True about memberships. I have some that have yet to be used, so money was wasted. Wheel chocks made of yellow plastic does indeed breakdown over time. For only about $43.oo get a set of Bal Products 28010 X-Chock Tire Locking Chock for RV/Trailers. They're a solid fix to the problem of unintended movement. They are like putting on parking brakes in your car., they don't roll.

Great insight about the generator. I always think, when looking at rvs, that it's important to have one. But you made a good case for why it is not always necessary. Really enjoyed the rest of your list

Thank you for taking the time to make this really great video!

Thank yall so much....I will be getting on the road soon. You have a handsome husband and beautiful kids.oh yeah you are beautiful too. A lovely family 👪. Be safe and bless

Y’all are ADORABLE❣️ Thank you for sharing your insights!!! ❤️

OMG! Newbie here...haven’t even found my RV yet. This was full of GREAT info! Thanks so much!

Great points guys! Totally agree that it’s easy to get caught up when you’re “new” with feeling like you “need” a bunch of random gadgets - in a small space that fills up super quick! Keep up the newbie videos for sure 😀 Aaron & Nicole

thanks for the video, my wife and love harvest host, but find few or no host were we often go on trips. Totally agree about the surge guard. with the generator I have use alot in 2020 bc of covid we spend over 45 nights dry camping and use many time for ac and to recharge battering from cloudy weather and almost exclusively boondock so we use it often but I also have a med size solar setup that runs everything we use but the ac if we have quality sun light

I love talking about camping too! It doesn't matter how long someone's been a camper... there's always something new to learn! We invested in a solar generator this year... Actually, we ended up with two. The Jackery 300 and the 1000... We live in the northeast as well... and no power means no coffee LoL The 1000 can run our percolator and lots of small appliances for us. I think it can handle the refrigerator too. We have a large contractor generator for the house, but that is loud and makes a lot of fumes. We are so happy to have these now for camping and around the house. I love camping gadgets too, but yes, there are a few that I have and don't really use. I think I used our collapsable silicone bowl twice in three years HaHa! ...Thanks for the great content and videography! I love your editing work and background music! Enjoy this Christmas season! We all need the JOY! ~ Maria

No it’s a great idea to make this video! Thanks for the info!!

Please keep making videos about everything because I dont know much yet 🤦‍♀️🤣 I appreciate it & you guys make me laugh lol Have safe travels!

Outstanding we have been full time 17 years

Blessing. Thank u for not smashing the products. U should be PSA ambassador

I love all your videos and your great sense of humor, as well as your reality check on kids. Camping with kids is hard, and I’m a lot like Fawn. I am all about fun…with electricity and water. We have a pop up, but it’s a big one and it’s pretty nice. We do still have to use the bathhouse, mostly by choice, but my husband would (and has) slept in the Subaru in the driveway. Keep it up, guys! I love your budget minded comments, as well. Not everyone out there has a huge budget, and I think it’s just so helpful to say that.

You two were made for each other

Returned our unused Costco generator that we determined we really don't need. Thanks guys!

My husband and I live in a van so our needs are slightly different and we mostly boondock but I love the information on the surge protector because I do think about that I don't have one and have looked at the camco one now I know ..don't bother! Ty ❤️

Thanks guys!!! Great video. I felt it to be honest - very enlightening. I hate purchasing things that don't work or aren't what they claim. This will save rv'ers lots of heartache & money. 👍

Thanks for sharing! I have the camco surge protector. Now I'm worried. Has anyone else had a similar experience of having issues?

Thanks for this advice We are getting ours next month and am holding back in the impulse buying!!

Thanks for sharing! Please an early release! Quick question... What do you do for bedding? I found awesome towels that dry fast and are compact for the linen closet but great, warm and compact sheets/comforters/sleeping bags they all still elude me!! LOL Anyone with any suggestions?! Vie 🇨🇦

We love this video and agree with your advise because not common to see other channels bring up the truth of the most common mistakes or regret purchases made such as all the memberships or different purchases that really are not needed. Agreed with the power surge! Out of all of my RV subscriptions of outtakes, you won hands 🙌🏼 down... I laughed so hard at the end about the clothes. We look forward to the next video, you do such a great job editing them! Thanks for keeping it real too!

You guys are great. The five worst purchases video was valuable as I plan my next RV purchase. When you are ready to let go of 20-30k one is not thinking about $20 bucks here or that cool gadget that only cost $6.88 at Cabelas. Obviously it would add up! The most important seed you planted is buy quality and don’t try the cheap quick fix like the mattress topper. I will really look at the next RV mattress as an important feature to negotiate an upgrade to close my RV sale if needed. Thanks for sharing your family with us too!

I bought our second RV in January 2020, and would really love to be allowed to use it again soon! We did manage two trips last year, but before the pandemic it was 5-6 trips a year. What I most regretted buying was plastic plates and bowls - it took only a couple of trips before I replaced them with cheap pottery ones. I did - and do - have membership of France Passion, which is one of the European equivalents of your Harvest Hosts, and we use them quite a lot. Especially one wine merchant in the very south of France..... We do plan our trips in advance, but allow a lot of flexibility, so if we decide we don't feel like being sociable one night we can spend that night in the local supermarket car park (this has actually happened!).

Thank you, both!

Love your guys down to earth videos. Not trying yo be over the top and I can tell you guys care about each other.

Yeah, surge suppressors are important. I’m a huge fan of Hughes Autoformers. I think they make the best product, whether you are just buying a Watchdog or going all the way up to an autoformer.

What a cute couple! I love the interactions between the two of you! Your love for each other really shows through. Great information too. I would say, personally that the generator--while maybe not used as much--would be indispensable for extended blackouts. And even though boondocking may not be the preferred mode of camping, it just may become necessary. You never know. However, a less expensive one may have been more appropriate. Hind-sight is always 20/20.

I'm still hunting for a used Scamp(to renovate). I've started keeping a list of things I THINK I'll need for an RV. I appreciate the common sense info. I'm sure it will save me some money.

first time viewer of your videos! I thought this video was great. You guys remind me ALOT of myself and wife....lol. I also agree with nearly every word you said......we bought the plastic wheel chocks and then replaced with rubber. We bought the generator, have barely used it, my wife hates boondocking, but overall, I am still kind of glad we have it, but we really don't need it....lol. And, when we first bought our camper, we ran out and bought stuff for the kitchen and have slowly been taking it out piece by piece and replacing most of it with paper plates, trash bags and paper towels. I will for sure check out some more of your videos.

Excellent video! Whenever people post on FB that they just bought an RV and what are the must haves, there are always so many comments about things they probably don't need at all. To your point - perhaps it's best to take the new RV out for a spin to see what you really need. ! Great advice guys! Looking forward to the next video!

But the gadgets make me really happy!

We love Harvest Hosts and have stayed more than enough times to make it worthwhile. I can fully understand why your family didn’t use it.much, if we still had young kids we might not have used HH much.

I Agree....thank you

Oh my gosh, I needed that. As first time RV purchaser I THIRST for gadgets and gizmos!!🤪

Love the mom vs pop reaction to "potty".

This is the first video i watched and i love you guys. very simple and straight forward advice! Cute couple.

Paying for a year subscription to RV Trip Wizard was worth every single penny.

Great Information!! We are about to get started and wanted to go buy a bunch of stuff now I can hold up on some of these things--Thank you

Not all things are right for all people..THANK YOU for sharing what you found did not work for you.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! My wife and I will be renting our first RV next month and your video was very helpful.

Just found your channel..I've done most of these mistakes! LOL What I love is a honest assessment of boon docking not being your thing,,wow how refreshing,,I am not going to climb rocks and hike long trails, just want to get out and explore and admire the areas...using some of my loved things from home,,,not camping stuff.thank you! After I break a bunch of stuff, then I'll get the paper plates.haha

Pro tip...put a band aid on microphone....!...great video...was in market for surge protector.