RV Living: Buying the Perfect RV & Inspection Checklist!

i love the advice but i do tune out everytime (which is OFTEN) that they say you arent ready to buy one ... unless you took their classes lmao. yahyahyah, i wonder how many people didnt think YOU were ready when you bought your first one.

I’d rather use rest stop bathrooms than fill up our black tank.

So this is my review not my wifes. She said I should just let this go but I felt very discouraged by what has transpired. We have been watching John and Mercedes’ channel for the last year and a half. We were so excited to learn this new adventure they have decided to take on. We learned a couple months ago that we would be able to spend a 5 night trip their for our daughters 21st birthday and we found lots of things to do near. This last week we were sent a email that during the 5 days we would be there they would be celebrating their opening weekend. Their are 6 of us that would be there and we said well that’s great but we made plans to do other things while we were there. We called and they informed us that they would comp our daughter that was celebrating her birthday but the other 5 would have to pay even though we weren’t going to be there for most of the events. That came out to an additional $875.00. We explained that we made the reservations in advance of them deciding to make this their opening weekend and that many people would take our spot as they had a waiting list. In addition due tho the fact that they were forcing us to pay $875.00 we can’t afford. We were told that if we canceled they would take a 50 percent cancellation fee. I am sorry but who are these people. My wife said I guess we will have to let you keep the money as a credit so for a future visit. Really I am struggling to just keep my family fed in this day and time. You want us to pay a additional penalty so you can make more money in your event. So now I am paying to stay somewhere else and you are keeping the 300.00 (not including the membership) because you decided that you wanted to do this event on the weekend we booked months ago. We were forced to try and find someone else who could not only have a opening for our 42 foot 5th wheel. But just to find a spot on a busy holiday weekend. We did find a place but it is a hour away and now we will have that additional drive everyday to go to the places that we planed our trip around. I was very disappointed in the fact that who I thought these people are. Is not who they are. I guess money supersedes their word in keeping our reservations that we had made before all this. Again my wife just said I should let this go but I am upset that now I will have to spend a lot more on fuel costs and time driving my daughter and her friends to try and give her the great 21st birthday I promised. I guess like my father always told me from the Bible you name is worth more than anything. Why to shine a light in the world as Christian’s. I am sorry but I hope you get what you deserve. I hope the $400.00 that you billed from me bearings you what that deserves. Thank you for your time. I will never stay here. David Hirneisen

Fuel efficiency is the most important factor because the diesel shortage will bring everything to a standstill. The Bible tells us that soon "a loaf of bread will cost a days wages", see Revelation 6!
We are living in the end times, the rapture and the 7year Tribulation are right around the corner. Please get saved=be rapture ready: accept JESUS CHRIST as your Lord and Savior today!!! it must come from the bottom of your heart and don't forget that JESUS is GOD, see John 1!
Read biblical end times prophecy, watch Dr. Ron Rhodes video on end times chronology.
Blessings from AB

Yes! An RV buying check list. I love it. So helpful 💙

Last 5th wheel we bought, he demanded the electric and water be hooked up for three days. We came back and checked evderyday to see how it looked. On the third day, yep a major blow out on an inside water line under the sink. CHECK CHECK AND CHECK again before writting that check

a super nice video video❤

Any booster recommend?

John, you are so funny, if I listen to your beautiful wife, Mercedes and see what she need for Sage! I just say you three need to be where you are loved, and where you three feel loved!

This is one of the better videos over the last few months that you have done that I really like. You speak more about getting into the RV lifestyle than pimping Thunder Canyon.

I'm sorry, love you guys with much respect. Ur a lucky man. I can't finish this episode, all I see is a sexy secretary. Take care of ur woman. She's a keeper

Do not use NRVIA inspectors. I made the mistake of hiring one of their instructors. They work off a incomplete checklist and won’t check many things. For example, they won’t even run a hose on the roof to see if it leaks. They won’t look underneath. My hydraulic levelers rehired 3k repair after the so-called inspector said all was great. My roof leaked. Toilet broken, etc.

Thank you

Robertson screws from canada, square

Mercedes’ you are looking amazing, you always look nice but today you have a glow about you. John you look ok too. 😉

Love you guys!

I love the layout of your RV!!!

Great info. Thanks for the check-list and all of the tips. You guys are the best.

BERKEY FILTERS...BEWARE. Our friends sent Berkey water to private testing lab x2 in USA & Europe, it came back 2500% higher for aluminum...post filtering, x4 and x2 filtering from Berkey. We returned Berkey's and all parts for full refund, Berkey would not elaborate on issue, but no issue on full refunds. We have all gone to zero water for inside the RV/house usage

Ok, Great color commentating.

I love watching you guys ,you are real people. I watch a lot of rv videos, some of them seem so fake because they never have issues and are always happy and feeling great all the time. Its like a dream.

I would add, check the dealer reputation. So many people complain that after they buy the RV the dealer doesn't have time for them when they need service or warranty work. After the sale service for me is just as important as the price and model. A good dealer will make our RV experience enjoyable or an absolute nightmare for years to come.

Mercedes made a very good point at the end; don't just rely on the floor plan. If the floor plan is what one that you like, make sure that everything else fits your needs as well! Lot's of helpful info!!

Great video! I watch your videos often. No I am not a scruscriber but do follow pretty closely. I will say this. The more I watch the more I fall for you John. You truly are a knowledgeable man. I watched another video yesterday and your kindness is so apparent with a roar as big as a bear. Like you said you said in yesterday's video I watched, how you delivery your words is what people have a problem with. I giggle because I think it's true. Sitting here from this side of the screen that's all I see. I can understand how people would judge. I would love to meet you in person just to see the whole person and delivery. Sorry to be rambling. Have a blessed day to you and your family.

The square head screws are called Robertson screws

I love how happy you both look making this video. Keep smiling, and thank you for what you give to the RV community.

Something you should be aware of that nobody thinks about unless you’ve been there like we have… make sure the island if there is one doesn’t block the residential fridge from being able to be removed if needing repairs. We had a mobile D suite that our whirlpool fridge had a cooling issue basically it quit cooling so we called whirlpool and they said we had to call a tech out, so we called several RV repair techs only to be told because it’s a residential fridge they wouldn’t touch it and that we have to call a company that works on residential fridges, so we proceeded to call techs that work on residential fridges and nobody would come out because it was in an RV. Finally we got a private guy to come out and look at it and he knew what was wrong but in order to replace the bad part in the back of the fridge it had to be pulled out, but the island was in the way and he refused to move the island as it required a lot of work to take it apart so he said he could order the part but we had to get a Rv tech to remove the island. We aren’t alone as others have had this problem also. Just a hint from 5 year RV veterans. We went back to a class A lol. Looking forward to meeting you guys this Wednesday and seeing if we can help where needed.

Happy Sunday. Enjoying you hit the aspects of RVing as always. Great way to end the week, start the week. Have a blessed week!

Open access door to water heater. Is there caulk around the propane line where it comes through. My RV did not have the caulk and I did not know it was a potential safety issue until water heater class.

Open refrigerator access door. Is it clear to the top vent.

To check roof you need to get on your hands and knees. Getting on your hands and knees gets you within a couple feet of the roof.

I will download your checklist! Every time we look at RV s whether at a show or from a private seller I always step in the shower, sit on the toilet and at the table. I try really hard to envision myself doing normal things like, cooking dinner, I think the hubs gets a bit embarrassed but I gotta know if it will work for me (if momma’s not happy, nobody will be happy). Do you recommend multiple looks at a trailer, it seems like it’s a one and done thing but to go over all the stuff in the checklist I think you’ll need multiple looks?

Am not in the market for an RV, but watched anyway,
love your honesty, and sence of humor, you guys are a joy to watch, God bless all you do.

I love your front kitchen

Thanks guys. I watched yesterday too. All great information.

Pooping in a bucket!…… who needs a bucket!…..lol

Another item to bring with you is a tape measure. Great video👍💯

Mercedes Mercedes Mercedes!!!! You guys have a great day.

WOW!!! What a fabulous RV buying checklist! I agree 100%. I think I have experience in this department, as we took almost FIVE years (watching the prices go up!) to buy our first RV (1995 Jayco, self-contained, tent/fold down trailer) AND we took another eight years or so trying to decide between a motorhome or a new hard-sided trailer…which would also require the purchase of a new tow vehicle. After MUCH debate and numerous visits to dealers, we chose our Lucy…a 2016 Navion-M by Winnebago/Itasca. You absolutely MUST do that checklist you two have compiled: KNOW exactly what your actual needs are and what extras you will want. Price, of course, is a huge factor. We chose the Navion class C as it is a fuel-saver, being a diesel and getting up to 16 mpg, is so easy to drive, and can fit in parking areas larger motorhomes can’t. Plus, it has a top quality Mercedes motor. As you have said several times, you’ve GOT to be checking out everything for damage, safety issues, bent or cracked areas (especially if it’s a used RV), and be PICKY! You’re shelling out a ton of money for whatever RV you choose, and you have every right ,and responsibility to your family, to make sure your purchase is in tip top shape. Water filter…yes; tire pressure monitor….yes. AND, do NOT allow yourselves to be rushed through your walkthrough. You have every right and responsibility everything is tested and working and all components are present and in working order. Thanks once again you two…I’m sooooo proud of just how much you’ve come since beginning your RV adventures! Much love, Virginia ❤️. (Hi Sage! 💕💕💕)

I pay a certified RVIA inspector to inspect the RV, even a new one. They know exactly what to look for and out for. If the dealer or seller say you don't need it or allow an "Outsider" to do inspections, walk away. A professional will see things you will miss. Most have a moisture meter because bleach water can hide mold and I've even seen some that were painted to hide discoloring.

Great video guys. The best video we’ve seen on checking an RV prior to purchase. Checklist hits all of the points. You guys are great and Thunder Canyon is an unbelievably beautiful place. Love ❤️ it and love 💕 you both and Sage. Thanks for all you do.

👍

Those square head screws are called Robertson head screws. Invented by a Canadian named Robertson. IMHO they are far superior to the Philips.

You two are awesome. Just saying.

Excellent excellent advice guys! I think God for John and Mercedes because I could have totally messed up everything when buying my first RV motorhome. Because of their advice and wisdom, we could have possibly bought something we would have regretted. One of the best tips - rent one before buying! Best advice ever!

When storing your RV between trips, if you can plug it in somewhere, get yourself a small dehumidifier. Especially important if you live in the south where there is very high humidity. We Keep ours by our house and go out every few days and the chamber is full of water. I would hate to see what the motorhome would look like if we had not been doing this!

I would add, just one thing. If you are going to use lithium batteries. Do not use the cheap plastic battery boxes. Those batteries are expensive. If you have the outside arrangement. Know the dimensions of a secure battery box. And make sure it will fit.

A bag of doughnettes will keep you sane and on your game.

Where do we fit in?
I'll do it like a bear in the woods
My wife wants her own private bathroom.