Truck
The toolbox is a Better Built 77213014 Deep Shotgun Tool Box. It has shotgun latches that don't interfere with the tonneau cover! Unfortunately, the SLE line from Better Built is being discontinued, but we hope they will change their mind. It's the only crossover/saddle style box we've found that plays nice with a tonneau cover! We found ours on eBay here: Item no longer available. If that listing is no longer available, search by part number on google.
Out tonneau cover used to be the Access Toolbox Edition Soft, Roll-Up. However, after a few trips with sharp turns, we realized that our pin box was hitting the rails. After about a year of this, the rails were trashed and we researched a different option with no rails.
We now have the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Toolbox Tonneau Cover (84488). It fits perfectly with the toolbox and is much more secure than the soft cover was, with no rails. The drawback, however, is that it needs to be removed to tow the fifth wheel. So, we move it into our garage when we travel. That part is a bit of a pain, but it's not very heavy, and worth it when moving every 10 days to 2 weeks. If we moved more frequently, it might not be a good solution.
The device mounts we use in the truck are from ProClip. See the full article and DISCOUNT!
To mount the GPS and some cameras, we use:
- Builtright Dash Mount: changinglanesrv.com…
- RAM Mounts: changinglanesrv.com…
- AMPS Plate: changinglanesrv.com…
On the bike, we use the Rokform handlebar mount and case. Very solid!
That's the “Snoozer Luxury High Back Console Pet Car Seat” – amzn.to/2MnglBj…
Daisy loves the high side walls much better than the mostly flat bed we had in the truck originally. It straps to the console as well as the floor of the truck, and has a tether you can clip to a harness.
Note: The dog bed has been in and out of stock a lot recently. If its out of stock, just keep checking back.
For our first year (2018), we used the CoPilot GPS app on our iPhones. It stores maps locally and allows you to input RV dimensions and weight in and will route accordingly. However, after an update to the app, it started doing some really crazy routing (get off this exit, do a U-turn and get back on, etc).
In February of 2019, we switched to the Rand McNally OverDryve 7 RV GPS and it was much better than CoPilot. However, after about 6 months, it started giving us some strange routing also. By this time, Eric and Tami (TechnoRV) had changed their recommendation to the Garmin units.
In October of 2019, we switched to the Garmin RV 890 and it is AWESOME! Great big display, voice prompts (that aren't overbearing), and it finds rest areas, service stations, etc along our route with ease! We will have a full review and comparison HERE.
Note: We also did some testing of the GPS feature of RVLIfe (RV Trip wizard) and, while we LOVE RV Trip Wizard, the GPS navigation is lacking. Its routes (compared to the Garmin) can sometimes be MUCH longer. This just solidifies the Garmin RV 890 as our #1 pick.
If you have steel valve stems and enough room for them, the flow through sensors are great! They make it much simpler to add or remove air.
We have flow-through on the RV and caps on the truck. The rims on the truck just don't leave enough space to be able to get an air chuck on them.
Another item of note on the cap sensors. Many of them come with an outer shell that just spins and you need to use a special wrench to get them on and off. This is an anti-theft feature, but it's also very annoying to use that little wrench. I removed and discarded our spinner shell – they just screw apart and come right off.
RV
Our washer and dryer are both Splendide brand. The washer is model ARWXF129W and the dryer is TVM63F.
We DO like them a lot! Sure, they're not the giant full-sized LG's we had in our sticks and bricks, but they do a very good job and it's nice to be able to do laundry in our own home. It's also nice to have them as separate units versus a combo unit. Note: the dryer is vented to the outside. We've heard a lot of bad reviews about non-vented combo units.
We did not install them. We wanted to be able to do out own laundry on day one of RV life, so we negotiated them into the price and had them installed by our dealer (LazyDays youtu.be/fN1_igB-tDQ… ) prior to delivery. We also just didn't want that big of a project on day one! ?
Our awnings are Carefree brand, so we thought it best to buy the same brand of drop shade. We selected this one.
In comes in two parts with the short end (3′) connecting into the awning in the groove (just slides right in). That 3′ section stays on and gets rolled up with the awning. The long 9′ section sippers on and we bungee it down using stakes.
Installing the shade is super simple, but your awning does have to be designed for it. Most awnings have a channel built into the rolling part and the shade just slides right into it from either end.
We leave that main awning our all the time unless the forecast is for winds over 14MPH, or if we're expecting thunderstorms. All of our other awnings, we manage while we're there (pulling them in if they start to get strong winds), and retract when we leave. The awning on our main slide does auto-retrace if it detects buffeting from the wind, but we still bring it in when we leave.
For our first year (2018), we used the CoPilot GPS app on our iPhones. It stores maps locally and allows you to input RV dimensions and weight in and will route accordingly. However, after an update to the app, it started doing some really crazy routing (get off this exit, do a U-turn and get back on, etc).
In February of 2019, we switched to the Rand McNally OverDryve 7 RV GPS and it was much better than CoPilot. However, after about 6 months, it started giving us some strange routing also. By this time, Eric and Tami (TechnoRV) had changed their recommendation to the Garmin units.
In October of 2019, we switched to the Garmin RV 890 and it is AWESOME! Great big display, voice prompts (that aren't overbearing), and it finds rest areas, service stations, etc along our route with ease! We will have a full review and comparison HERE.
Note: We also did some testing of the GPS feature of RVLIfe (RV Trip wizard) and, while we LOVE RV Trip Wizard, the GPS navigation is lacking. Its routes (compared to the Garmin) can sometimes be MUCH longer. This just solidifies the Garmin RV 890 as our #1 pick.
We have never used one, so we do not have any first hand experience. That said, we have seen images online of bent Andersen hitches, and a couple of viewers have sent us pics also. Our opinion on them is that we just don't trust it in a non-optimal situation like a hard braking or some kind of accident evading maneuver.
We started out using the Andersen Jack Blocks. We don't use them anymore because we've broken NINE of them (6 we bought and 4 replacements they sent us). Simply unreliable. The bottom edge would break off and they'd sink into the gravel/dirt/ whatever. They are rated for 6K, but broke way under that load. That experience was enough for us to just not trust our entire home (RV) to their engineering.
Many people do love them and they are definitely an easy hitch to manage. It's just not for us.
These are the curtains we used for both the back garage door area (in front of the 3 season doors) as well as for privacy between the living room and garage / guest suite. All super easy to install tension rods and they stay up during travel. Except for on I-90 / I-80 in Indiana! (worst road ever!) ?
✅ 3 season door tension rod
✅ 3 season door curtains
✅ Living / Garage door tension rod
✅ Living / Garage door curtain (1 panel)
The red “cans” under out jacks in some of our videos are Andersen Jack Blocks. We don't use them anymore because we've broken NINE of them (6 we bought and 4 replacements they sent us). Simply unreliable. The bottom edge would break off and they'd sink into the gravel / dirt / whatever.
We've switched to RV SnapPads and love them. They don't help lessen the jack extension like the Jack Blocks did, but they don't break and they stay on the rig, which is great when setting up and breaking down camp.
We've been using our RVSnapPads for several months now and really like them. They are much less expensive direct versus Amazon. changinglanesrv.com…
Note: The same company (RVSnapPad) is going to be coming out with a new product that will integrate with the SnapPads to help with the jack extension / stability this year. We will be helping them prototype those and will do do a video on them when they come out.
In many of our videos you will see a simplisafe alarm. We purchased that system thinking we could self-monitor, but simplisafe can only be remotely monitored, controlled, etc if you have their monitoring service. Alarm system monitoring is not possible when one moves every week or two, due to regulations around integration into the 911 system, etc. So, we couldn't actually arm it when leaving the RV. Sure, it would alarm, but there would be no way for us to be notified, no one to shut if off, and Daisy would go insane. We didn't know this when we bought it, so it was essentially just an expensive door chime for over a year
We've since switched to Ring for our security system and have a full article and video on that here.
I should also note that it doesn't matter if we are hitched to the truck or not. The only time it might matter is if we need to raise the nose of the RV to lower the rear of the RV, making the ramp approach more shallow.
- Wheeldock – wheeldock.com…
- Locking Ratchet Soft-Tye Tie-Downs with Heavy-Duty Latch Hooks – amzn.to/2OnhHwL…
- Deluxe Simulated Sheepskin Thick/Plush Soft-Tye Covers – amzn.to/3etjqvg…
We use the AP Products Propane Tank Gas Level Indicators. Been using them since we got the RV and they work great. You can also get the sensors by themselves and use the phone app.
I use this Waterless RV Wash Wax Mop Kit and LOVE it! I can wash/wax the whole 44 foot rig in about two hours! Three hours if there are a lot of bugs on the cap. Maybe four, if I want to really detail beyond what I can do with the wedge tools in this kit. And it's a “dry” wash, so you can even use it in the majority of parks that don't allow washing, or charge extra to allow you to wash with water.
We've also had the rig cleaned twice at a truck wash. The first one was not a Blu Beacon and they scratched it up a bit (very light brush marks), after which we had it washed and waxed professionally to remove the scratches. Expensive mistake! More recently, the rig was VERY dirty from dust storms and we tried a Blue Beacon truck wash. That one did a great job on the rig AND truck for $44. Will use them again when we can, and maintain using our wash-wax-all kit.
Yes! You can't see our EMS because it's hard-wired inside the RV. We currently have the Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS installed. However, we might be switching to this surge guard soon (changinglanesrv.com…) to review it for TechnoRV. It's newer and the remote display is a lot better.
Pedestal version: (changinglanesrv.com…)
Beware of the basic surge protectors. They are much less expensive but don’t protect against what kills most RV air conditioners, which is low voltage. And low voltage is more common than is should be in RV parks. A good EMS will protect against Open Ground, Open Neutral, Reverse Polarity, Over/Under Voltage, Accidental 240V, and Bad A/C Frequencies.
If you want to go really deep into the topic of RV surge protection, our friends Eric and Tami at TechnoRV have put together this fantastic in-depth article.
If you have steel valve stems and enough room for them, the flow through sensors are great! They make it much simpler to add or remove air.
We have flow-through on the RV and caps on the truck. The rims on the truck just don't leave enough space to be able to get an air chuck on them.
Another item of note on the cap sensors. Many of them come with an outer shell that just spins and you need to use a special wrench to get them on and off. This is an anti-theft feature, but it's also very annoying to use that little wrench. I removed and discarded our spinner shell – they just screw apart and come right off.
Yes! However, we rarely use it for backing up. We use it primarily while driving to make sure we have enough clearance behind us when changing lanes and such. That said, be sure any camera you buy is not limited to just backing up. Furrion used to have an “observation” model (good while driving), and a “backup” one (just for backing). However, it seems they are all observation models now.
We have an older version of this specific one.
These newer models now have versions with side cameras also, but we've not tried those.
Installation note!: Many new RVs come with the mount for the Furrion camera pre-installed. However, many (like ours), have that wired to an always hot 12v connection. This means it's powered 24/7 and can drain your batteries when boondocking, or in storage. We chose to re-wire it to our running lights. This way the camera is only powered when the truck is connected and our lights are on. So, it also serves as a reminder to turn our lights on when towing.
OMG YES! When we first got our RV, we thought the mattress was actually pretty decent. That lasted about a month before it was super flat. We decided to try Mattress Insider‘s 8″ Luxury Gel Foam RV Mattress w/Organic Cotton (our king is 72″ x 80″). LOVE IT!!! It has the option of flipping it over for a firmer feel also. We've slept on it every night for 5 years and it's still as awesome as the day we got it! They have every imaginable RV size and can make custom sizes.
We liked it so much, we got the 5.5″ queen for the guest bed.
If you use our LINK you will get 5% off your purchase!
Yes and no… It's a bit complicated.
The short answer is no. The DOT sticker on the side of the RV does not change. So, from a technical standpoint, the heavier axles (higher UVW) and a fixed weight rating (GVWR) means you have less “official” cargo capacity. The Independent suspension adds approximately 300 lbs per axle. We're not sure what's involved with getting the DOT sticker updated, but knowing government bureaucracy, it's likely not a simple process.
That's the “official” answer. However, on the real-life practical side, the answer is sort of. 🙄
In reality, this added weight means nothing in terms of the actual capacity of the RV since it is the foundation of the RV itself adding the weight. In fact, I’d bet the actual capacity is increased by an amount at least as large as the increase in axle weight, maybe more. But, this is just an opinion based on some common sense. The only things really affected by the added weight are the tires. So, that is something to keep in mind.
For our personal setup, each of our axles (including the tires) are rated at 7K. That's 21K of capacity for a 20K RV. And, considering only 75-80% of the RV's weight rides on the axles, we have a lot more capacity than we need. Thus, our official unofficial opinion is that we're considering the extra weight to be neutral.
This is just our personal take. The added weight of the IS is certainly something to consider if you're not comfortable padding your numbers a bit in a very unofficial fashion.
The short answer is no. In fact, before we got our Ring Security System, we purchased a SimpliSafe before we ever got our RV. You can see it in our original RV tour video. The trouble is with monitoring. To have a monitored system, you need a permanent address (for police dispatch and such), which doesn't work when you move all the time. And, the SimpliSafe system is crippled without monitoring. This is from Simplisafe:
“While most of our customers opt for 24/7 Monitoring with either our Standard Monitoring ($14.99/mo) or our Interactive Monitoring ($24.99/mo) plan, you do have the option of monitoring the system yourself for no additional cost. Unfortunately, while self-monitoring your system there are many limitations. Without 24/7 Monitoring you would only be able to Live Stream and receive Push Notifications from the SimpliSafe cameras but not the SimpliSafe system.”
simplisafe.com…
The Ring Security System, however, can be completely self-monitored. We've been using it for a couple of years now, and it's been great! It does require you have internet access.
Products
When we originally purchased our 2000W Inverter in 2017, there was a fairly decent price jump from the 2KW to the 3KW and the 3KW did not include the remote display. Since 2KW was plenty for what we needed (TV, Computers, Coffee), we went with that.
Sometime in early 2019, our Inverter blew an internal component and needed to be replaced under warranty. When talking to support, we asked if we could pay the difference and upgrade to the 3KW. We still didn't really NEED 3KW, but the price difference had narrowed, and paying the difference now for the extra capacity seemed like a good option since it needed to be replaced anyway. As it turned out, GoPower said: “don't worry about the difference, we'll just send you the 3KW model as the replacement”. SWEET!
Currently (May 2020), the price difference is negligible even when adding the remote panel separately. So, we recommend going straight to the 3KW if there's any chance you'll want that capacity at some point.
✅ Go Power GP-IC3000-12
✅ Go Power GP-ICR-50 Inverter Charger Remote
First, a real quick note on using campground or RV Park Wifi, wifi boosters, etc. Don't waste your time or money. In our 2.5 years on the road thus far, we have never found wifi worth connecting to. This is why we use cellular exclusively.
Right now (July 2020), our entry-level recommendation is the Pepwave MAX BR1 MINI! At around $300, it's not much more than just a plain hotspot. Like you might have seen in our recent Internet video, hotspots are carrier locked and the wifi they generate can be inferior.
The MINI is NOT carrier locked, has much better wifi, and has an ethernet port for wired connectivity. It's Pepwave's entry-level device and it can accept SIM cards for AT&T or Verizon (and T-Mobile). In fact, it accepts TWO SIM cards at the same time, allowing you to switch back and forth at will, or set up automatic failover (fail-over can take a minute or so). Pair the Mini with an unlimited data plan and you've got a little more flexibility if you plan on using two carriers as we do, or if you might want two carriers in the future.
If you're not sure what to get, reach out to MobileMustHave (please click our link first) and they can help get you into a solution that fits your needs! ??
These are just a couple of basic options, but there are a whole lot more at Mobile Must Have! We'll be testing out some higher-end gear soon and, of course, there will be a video!
We use a WheelDock (wheeldock.com…) and four straps.
The WheelDock has a piston you trigger with your foot to lock in the wheel versus having to rock it in and out. We don't bolt it in at all, it just sits on the floor and I strap Lucile down on the front forks and rear bars.
We demonstrate it a bit here youtu.be/_X-LAY8Fwlw?t=1341…,
then later here youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ?t=1268…
and even more here: youtu.be/f56_8ecCTaI?t=777…
Our washer and dryer are both Splendide brand. The washer is model ARWXF129W and the dryer is TVM63F.
We DO like them a lot! Sure, they're not the giant full-sized LG's we had in our sticks and bricks, but they do a very good job and it's nice to be able to do laundry in our own home. It's also nice to have them as separate units versus a combo unit. Note: the dryer is vented to the outside. We've heard a lot of bad reviews about non-vented combo units.
We did not install them. We wanted to be able to do out own laundry on day one of RV life, so we negotiated them into the price and had them installed by our dealer (LazyDays youtu.be/fN1_igB-tDQ… ) prior to delivery. We also just didn't want that big of a project on day one! ?
The toolbox is a Better Built 77213014 Deep Shotgun Tool Box. It has shotgun latches that don't interfere with the tonneau cover! Unfortunately, the SLE line from Better Built is being discontinued, but we hope they will change their mind. It's the only crossover/saddle style box we've found that plays nice with a tonneau cover! We found ours on eBay here: Item no longer available. If that listing is no longer available, search by part number on google.
Out tonneau cover used to be the Access Toolbox Edition Soft, Roll-Up. However, after a few trips with sharp turns, we realized that our pin box was hitting the rails. After about a year of this, the rails were trashed and we researched a different option with no rails.
We now have the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Toolbox Tonneau Cover (84488). It fits perfectly with the toolbox and is much more secure than the soft cover was, with no rails. The drawback, however, is that it needs to be removed to tow the fifth wheel. So, we move it into our garage when we travel. That part is a bit of a pain, but it's not very heavy, and worth it when moving every 10 days to 2 weeks. If we moved more frequently, it might not be a good solution.
We got them from Crazy Al's Biker Helmets (changinglanesrv.com…). We're on our second set of SOA Inspired DOT Beanie Helmets and LOVE them! First set just got beat up after a few years. VERY comfortable and DOT Approved. Yes, we know they don't offer the same protection as a full face helmet but it's definitely better than NO helmet! ?
The device mounts we use in the truck are from ProClip. See the full article and DISCOUNT!
To mount the GPS and some cameras, we use:
- Builtright Dash Mount: changinglanesrv.com…
- RAM Mounts: changinglanesrv.com…
- AMPS Plate: changinglanesrv.com…
On the bike, we use the Rokform handlebar mount and case. Very solid!
We both wear Sena Smart Cycling Helmets. They connect using Bluetooth and have amazing noise cancellation! Even while riding, we're able to just talk to each other without the wind noise. We also recommend the optional Visor.
Our awnings are Carefree brand, so we thought it best to buy the same brand of drop shade. We selected this one.
In comes in two parts with the short end (3′) connecting into the awning in the groove (just slides right in). That 3′ section stays on and gets rolled up with the awning. The long 9′ section sippers on and we bungee it down using stakes.
Installing the shade is super simple, but your awning does have to be designed for it. Most awnings have a channel built into the rolling part and the shade just slides right into it from either end.
We leave that main awning our all the time unless the forecast is for winds over 14MPH, or if we're expecting thunderstorms. All of our other awnings, we manage while we're there (pulling them in if they start to get strong winds), and retract when we leave. The awning on our main slide does auto-retrace if it detects buffeting from the wind, but we still bring it in when we leave.
That is our Solo Stove Bonfire! This thing is so much better than a standard fire pit or campfire! It has a double-wall design with vents in the right places for maximum airflow. This means it burns super clean and is almost smokeless! We can now hang out by the fire without smelling like smoke and needing a shower after! We have a lot more fires now… The Bonfire is usually much less expensive direct versus Amazon: changinglanesrv.com…
That's the “Snoozer Luxury High Back Console Pet Car Seat” – amzn.to/2MnglBj…
Daisy loves the high side walls much better than the mostly flat bed we had in the truck originally. It straps to the console as well as the floor of the truck, and has a tether you can clip to a harness.
Note: The dog bed has been in and out of stock a lot recently. If its out of stock, just keep checking back.
For our first year (2018), we used the CoPilot GPS app on our iPhones. It stores maps locally and allows you to input RV dimensions and weight in and will route accordingly. However, after an update to the app, it started doing some really crazy routing (get off this exit, do a U-turn and get back on, etc).
In February of 2019, we switched to the Rand McNally OverDryve 7 RV GPS and it was much better than CoPilot. However, after about 6 months, it started giving us some strange routing also. By this time, Eric and Tami (TechnoRV) had changed their recommendation to the Garmin units.
In October of 2019, we switched to the Garmin RV 890 and it is AWESOME! Great big display, voice prompts (that aren't overbearing), and it finds rest areas, service stations, etc along our route with ease! We will have a full review and comparison HERE.
Note: We also did some testing of the GPS feature of RVLIfe (RV Trip wizard) and, while we LOVE RV Trip Wizard, the GPS navigation is lacking. Its routes (compared to the Garmin) can sometimes be MUCH longer. This just solidifies the Garmin RV 890 as our #1 pick.
We have never used one, so we do not have any first hand experience. That said, we have seen images online of bent Andersen hitches, and a couple of viewers have sent us pics also. Our opinion on them is that we just don't trust it in a non-optimal situation like a hard braking or some kind of accident evading maneuver.
We started out using the Andersen Jack Blocks. We don't use them anymore because we've broken NINE of them (6 we bought and 4 replacements they sent us). Simply unreliable. The bottom edge would break off and they'd sink into the gravel/dirt/ whatever. They are rated for 6K, but broke way under that load. That experience was enough for us to just not trust our entire home (RV) to their engineering.
Many people do love them and they are definitely an easy hitch to manage. It's just not for us.
So far, we just ride them out. We've been in bad storms with winds up to 60Mph with no issues other than it being super noisy. Luckily no hail to date (fingers crossed). We do keep a weather radio / warning system mounted behind our TV that's on all the time and we double check it if storms are coming. We also have a portable radio for the truck.
When we get to each new location, we also make note of shelters so we have a plan in the event of a sudden severe storm or tornado. In the event of a hurricane, we can just pack up and leave the area. We never travel with wind over 30mph.
These are the curtains we used for both the back garage door area (in front of the 3 season doors) as well as for privacy between the living room and garage / guest suite. All super easy to install tension rods and they stay up during travel. Except for on I-90 / I-80 in Indiana! (worst road ever!) ?
✅ 3 season door tension rod
✅ 3 season door curtains
✅ Living / Garage door tension rod
✅ Living / Garage door curtain (1 panel)
Our primary camera is a Canon R5 Full Frame Mirrorless with RF 13-35mm F2.8 and RF 24-105mm F4 and the Rode Video Mic Pro Plus (VMP+). We mount this on a DJI Ronin RSC 2 (gimbal) whenever practical (almost never) to get smooth footage.
We use 4 GoPros (2x Hero 10 and 2x Hero 9) (one with the Media Mod) for some vlog-mode shots and as a secondary angle camera when using the Canon if the light is good. When we're walking around filming something like an RV show, the Canon / Ronin, and GoPro 9 are what we use most. We use Go Pro Jaws Flex Clamps to mount them in various locations on the truck and RV.
On the motorcycle (Lucille), we use the four GoPros mounted in various locations using Go Pro Jaws Flex Clamps as well as some hard mounts. We also have one GoPro Hero 7 mounted in a Karma Grip (Tara manually filming).
For aerial (drone) shots, we use the DJI Mavic Air 2.
For voice audio, when we need to cut out external noise, we use the Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Dual Channel Wireless Microphone System.
We've also recently added some Peak Design gear to our inventory. We have the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod as well as the Capture Camera Clip and Camera Strap. The Capture Camera Clip has been AWESOME on hikes, attached to the Camelback Backpack.
All of our camera equipment is here in our Amazon store (changinglanesrv.com…) also, including things that we don't use anymore (things we started out with) but still recommend.
The red “cans” under out jacks in some of our videos are Andersen Jack Blocks. We don't use them anymore because we've broken NINE of them (6 we bought and 4 replacements they sent us). Simply unreliable. The bottom edge would break off and they'd sink into the gravel / dirt / whatever.
We've switched to RV SnapPads and love them. They don't help lessen the jack extension like the Jack Blocks did, but they don't break and they stay on the rig, which is great when setting up and breaking down camp.
We've been using our RVSnapPads for several months now and really like them. They are much less expensive direct versus Amazon. changinglanesrv.com…
Note: The same company (RVSnapPad) is going to be coming out with a new product that will integrate with the SnapPads to help with the jack extension / stability this year. We will be helping them prototype those and will do do a video on them when they come out.
In many of our videos you will see a simplisafe alarm. We purchased that system thinking we could self-monitor, but simplisafe can only be remotely monitored, controlled, etc if you have their monitoring service. Alarm system monitoring is not possible when one moves every week or two, due to regulations around integration into the 911 system, etc. So, we couldn't actually arm it when leaving the RV. Sure, it would alarm, but there would be no way for us to be notified, no one to shut if off, and Daisy would go insane. We didn't know this when we bought it, so it was essentially just an expensive door chime for over a year
We've since switched to Ring for our security system and have a full article and video on that here.
I'll get to the point… It's not cheap! But, it's also much less expensive than it was even 6 months ago with Pepwave's release of the Max Transit Duo! Prior to that, dual modem cellular embedded routers were double or triple the price. That said, here's what the prices are today (2020-Jul-29):
✅ Ultimate Road Warrior Bundle with MobileMark Antenna (Our Kit): $1345
✅ MMH Dual Carrier Unlimited Data: $189 (First Month) $250/mo thereafter
✅ Pepwave AP One AC Mini (Interior WiFi Access Point): $149
✅ XPOL High Gain LTE MIMO Antenna: $182
✅ WeBoost 25′ Telescoping Mounting Pole: $130
✅ NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE Switch ~$80
✅ APC 600VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector~$65
Add in maybe $100 in miscellaneous costs like ethernet cabling, roof junction, etc… We're looking at around $2300 initial investment and $250/mo for data. That's a lot and we get that. But we, like many others on the road full time, use the internet for our livelihood. Considering we're talking about home-like internet strapped to a box that moves all over the country, that's not too bad!
Another consideration is, you don't need all of this stuff at once. We did, so we could test all of it. One could easily start out with just the main kit and data plans for around $1500, and add the rest on later, if ever.
I should also note that it doesn't matter if we are hitched to the truck or not. The only time it might matter is if we need to raise the nose of the RV to lower the rear of the RV, making the ramp approach more shallow.
- Wheeldock – wheeldock.com…
- Locking Ratchet Soft-Tye Tie-Downs with Heavy-Duty Latch Hooks – amzn.to/2OnhHwL…
- Deluxe Simulated Sheepskin Thick/Plush Soft-Tye Covers – amzn.to/3etjqvg…
We use the AP Products Propane Tank Gas Level Indicators. Been using them since we got the RV and they work great. You can also get the sensors by themselves and use the phone app.
I use this Waterless RV Wash Wax Mop Kit and LOVE it! I can wash/wax the whole 44 foot rig in about two hours! Three hours if there are a lot of bugs on the cap. Maybe four, if I want to really detail beyond what I can do with the wedge tools in this kit. And it's a “dry” wash, so you can even use it in the majority of parks that don't allow washing, or charge extra to allow you to wash with water.
We've also had the rig cleaned twice at a truck wash. The first one was not a Blu Beacon and they scratched it up a bit (very light brush marks), after which we had it washed and waxed professionally to remove the scratches. Expensive mistake! More recently, the rig was VERY dirty from dust storms and we tried a Blue Beacon truck wash. That one did a great job on the rig AND truck for $44. Will use them again when we can, and maintain using our wash-wax-all kit.
We never leave her unless we're on full hookups and can leave the AC / Heat Pump on. No different than when we lived in a house. However, RV park power being what it is (sometimes unreliable), we use MarCELL to keep an eye on Daisy's environment when we're not home.
It monitors power, temperature, and humidity. It does require service, which is $99/yr. You set thresholds (high and low) online for both temperature and humidity and define notification methods (text/email) all online. Then, when anything is amiss with anything, both Tara and I get emailed and texted immediately. You can also check the temp and humidity online. The MarCELL has been very reliable.
Additionally, since we have reliable internet, we've been testing the Govee WiFi Temperature Humidity Monitor (amzn.to/3antyDz…). Since it uses our existing wifi, there are no extra fees. So far, it seems good, but we need to test the notifications a bit more. We will update this FAQ and maybe produce a video once we're done testing.
Yes! You can't see our EMS because it's hard-wired inside the RV. We currently have the Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS installed. However, we might be switching to this surge guard soon (changinglanesrv.com…) to review it for TechnoRV. It's newer and the remote display is a lot better.
Pedestal version: (changinglanesrv.com…)
Beware of the basic surge protectors. They are much less expensive but don’t protect against what kills most RV air conditioners, which is low voltage. And low voltage is more common than is should be in RV parks. A good EMS will protect against Open Ground, Open Neutral, Reverse Polarity, Over/Under Voltage, Accidental 240V, and Bad A/C Frequencies.
If you want to go really deep into the topic of RV surge protection, our friends Eric and Tami at TechnoRV have put together this fantastic in-depth article.
Short answer… No. We thought we'd save money by purchasing a Dyson-like vacuum, but it died after a year. We've since purchased this Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner and it has so much more power than the Moosoo did. I guess the old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely came into play here!
If you have steel valve stems and enough room for them, the flow through sensors are great! They make it much simpler to add or remove air.
We have flow-through on the RV and caps on the truck. The rims on the truck just don't leave enough space to be able to get an air chuck on them.
Another item of note on the cap sensors. Many of them come with an outer shell that just spins and you need to use a special wrench to get them on and off. This is an anti-theft feature, but it's also very annoying to use that little wrench. I removed and discarded our spinner shell – they just screw apart and come right off.
The short answer is.. meh. It's an okay kayak. It colapses nicely for storage and is very sturdy. It tracks well and we stay dry. But, there's just something missing. It's not as solid as a hard shell, and paddling over the inflated sides is not as easy as a hard side kayak. Long story short, those little things make it not quite as fun, which leads to us just not using it very much. It feels like paddling a raft and not a kayak. Additionally, at some point, while sitting in the bed of our truck, it got a hole in it. It's a simple patch to do, but the motivation just isn't there to fix it and take it out. We ended up giving it to Tara's brother to try out.
Right now, we have been using the Oru Haven (changinglanesrv.com…), and it's absolutely amazing! It is a bit expensive, but it fits the bill very nicely! When set up, it's VERY sturdy and feels like a regular kayak. So far, we love it. But, we won't make a video until we thoroughly test it and they have more in stock.
Note: ORU is going to be releasing a Gen 2 of the Haven and we will test that out and make a video, but that will likely be in late spring / early summer. You might be able to find a refurbished Gen 1, however.
Yes! However, we rarely use it for backing up. We use it primarily while driving to make sure we have enough clearance behind us when changing lanes and such. That said, be sure any camera you buy is not limited to just backing up. Furrion used to have an “observation” model (good while driving), and a “backup” one (just for backing). However, it seems they are all observation models now.
We have an older version of this specific one.
These newer models now have versions with side cameras also, but we've not tried those.
Installation note!: Many new RVs come with the mount for the Furrion camera pre-installed. However, many (like ours), have that wired to an always hot 12v connection. This means it's powered 24/7 and can drain your batteries when boondocking, or in storage. We chose to re-wire it to our running lights. This way the camera is only powered when the truck is connected and our lights are on. So, it also serves as a reminder to turn our lights on when towing.
OMG YES! When we first got our RV, we thought the mattress was actually pretty decent. That lasted about a month before it was super flat. We decided to try Mattress Insider‘s 8″ Luxury Gel Foam RV Mattress w/Organic Cotton (our king is 72″ x 80″). LOVE IT!!! It has the option of flipping it over for a firmer feel also. We've slept on it every night for 5 years and it's still as awesome as the day we got it! They have every imaginable RV size and can make custom sizes.
We liked it so much, we got the 5.5″ queen for the guest bed.
If you use our LINK you will get 5% off your purchase!
Yes and no… It's a bit complicated.
The short answer is no. The DOT sticker on the side of the RV does not change. So, from a technical standpoint, the heavier axles (higher UVW) and a fixed weight rating (GVWR) means you have less “official” cargo capacity. The Independent suspension adds approximately 300 lbs per axle. We're not sure what's involved with getting the DOT sticker updated, but knowing government bureaucracy, it's likely not a simple process.
That's the “official” answer. However, on the real-life practical side, the answer is sort of. 🙄
In reality, this added weight means nothing in terms of the actual capacity of the RV since it is the foundation of the RV itself adding the weight. In fact, I’d bet the actual capacity is increased by an amount at least as large as the increase in axle weight, maybe more. But, this is just an opinion based on some common sense. The only things really affected by the added weight are the tires. So, that is something to keep in mind.
For our personal setup, each of our axles (including the tires) are rated at 7K. That's 21K of capacity for a 20K RV. And, considering only 75-80% of the RV's weight rides on the axles, we have a lot more capacity than we need. Thus, our official unofficial opinion is that we're considering the extra weight to be neutral.
This is just our personal take. The added weight of the IS is certainly something to consider if you're not comfortable padding your numbers a bit in a very unofficial fashion.
The short answer is no. In fact, before we got our Ring Security System, we purchased a SimpliSafe before we ever got our RV. You can see it in our original RV tour video. The trouble is with monitoring. To have a monitored system, you need a permanent address (for police dispatch and such), which doesn't work when you move all the time. And, the SimpliSafe system is crippled without monitoring. This is from Simplisafe:
“While most of our customers opt for 24/7 Monitoring with either our Standard Monitoring ($14.99/mo) or our Interactive Monitoring ($24.99/mo) plan, you do have the option of monitoring the system yourself for no additional cost. Unfortunately, while self-monitoring your system there are many limitations. Without 24/7 Monitoring you would only be able to Live Stream and receive Push Notifications from the SimpliSafe cameras but not the SimpliSafe system.”
simplisafe.com…
The Ring Security System, however, can be completely self-monitored. We've been using it for a couple of years now, and it's been great! It does require you have internet access.
Motorcycle
We use a WheelDock (wheeldock.com…) and four straps.
The WheelDock has a piston you trigger with your foot to lock in the wheel versus having to rock it in and out. We don't bolt it in at all, it just sits on the floor and I strap Lucile down on the front forks and rear bars.
We demonstrate it a bit here youtu.be/_X-LAY8Fwlw?t=1341…,
then later here youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ?t=1268…
and even more here: youtu.be/f56_8ecCTaI?t=777…
We got them from Crazy Al's Biker Helmets (changinglanesrv.com…). We're on our second set of SOA Inspired DOT Beanie Helmets and LOVE them! First set just got beat up after a few years. VERY comfortable and DOT Approved. Yes, we know they don't offer the same protection as a full face helmet but it's definitely better than NO helmet! ?
I should also note that it doesn't matter if we are hitched to the truck or not. The only time it might matter is if we need to raise the nose of the RV to lower the rear of the RV, making the ramp approach more shallow.
- Wheeldock – wheeldock.com…
- Locking Ratchet Soft-Tye Tie-Downs with Heavy-Duty Latch Hooks – amzn.to/2OnhHwL…
- Deluxe Simulated Sheepskin Thick/Plush Soft-Tye Covers – amzn.to/3etjqvg…
Mobile Internet
First, a real quick note on using campground or RV Park Wifi, wifi boosters, etc. Don't waste your time or money. In our 2.5 years on the road thus far, we have never found wifi worth connecting to. This is why we use cellular exclusively.
Right now (July 2020), our entry-level recommendation is the Pepwave MAX BR1 MINI! At around $300, it's not much more than just a plain hotspot. Like you might have seen in our recent Internet video, hotspots are carrier locked and the wifi they generate can be inferior.
The MINI is NOT carrier locked, has much better wifi, and has an ethernet port for wired connectivity. It's Pepwave's entry-level device and it can accept SIM cards for AT&T or Verizon (and T-Mobile). In fact, it accepts TWO SIM cards at the same time, allowing you to switch back and forth at will, or set up automatic failover (fail-over can take a minute or so). Pair the Mini with an unlimited data plan and you've got a little more flexibility if you plan on using two carriers as we do, or if you might want two carriers in the future.
If you're not sure what to get, reach out to MobileMustHave (please click our link first) and they can help get you into a solution that fits your needs! ??
These are just a couple of basic options, but there are a whole lot more at Mobile Must Have! We'll be testing out some higher-end gear soon and, of course, there will be a video!
I'll get to the point… It's not cheap! But, it's also much less expensive than it was even 6 months ago with Pepwave's release of the Max Transit Duo! Prior to that, dual modem cellular embedded routers were double or triple the price. That said, here's what the prices are today (2020-Jul-29):
✅ Ultimate Road Warrior Bundle with MobileMark Antenna (Our Kit): $1345
✅ MMH Dual Carrier Unlimited Data: $189 (First Month) $250/mo thereafter
✅ Pepwave AP One AC Mini (Interior WiFi Access Point): $149
✅ XPOL High Gain LTE MIMO Antenna: $182
✅ WeBoost 25′ Telescoping Mounting Pole: $130
✅ NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE Switch ~$80
✅ APC 600VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector~$65
Add in maybe $100 in miscellaneous costs like ethernet cabling, roof junction, etc… We're looking at around $2300 initial investment and $250/mo for data. That's a lot and we get that. But we, like many others on the road full time, use the internet for our livelihood. Considering we're talking about home-like internet strapped to a box that moves all over the country, that's not too bad!
Another consideration is, you don't need all of this stuff at once. We did, so we could test all of it. One could easily start out with just the main kit and data plans for around $1500, and add the rest on later, if ever.
Miscellaneous
So far, we just ride them out. We've been in bad storms with winds up to 60Mph with no issues other than it being super noisy. Luckily no hail to date (fingers crossed). We do keep a weather radio / warning system mounted behind our TV that's on all the time and we double check it if storms are coming. We also have a portable radio for the truck.
When we get to each new location, we also make note of shelters so we have a plan in the event of a sudden severe storm or tornado. In the event of a hurricane, we can just pack up and leave the area. We never travel with wind over 30mph.
We never leave her unless we're on full hookups and can leave the AC / Heat Pump on. No different than when we lived in a house. However, RV park power being what it is (sometimes unreliable), we use MarCELL to keep an eye on Daisy's environment when we're not home.
It monitors power, temperature, and humidity. It does require service, which is $99/yr. You set thresholds (high and low) online for both temperature and humidity and define notification methods (text/email) all online. Then, when anything is amiss with anything, both Tara and I get emailed and texted immediately. You can also check the temp and humidity online. The MarCELL has been very reliable.
Additionally, since we have reliable internet, we've been testing the Govee WiFi Temperature Humidity Monitor (amzn.to/3antyDz…). Since it uses our existing wifi, there are no extra fees. So far, it seems good, but we need to test the notifications a bit more. We will update this FAQ and maybe produce a video once we're done testing.
Changing Lanes
Our primary camera is a Canon R5 Full Frame Mirrorless with RF 13-35mm F2.8 and RF 24-105mm F4 and the Rode Video Mic Pro Plus (VMP+). We mount this on a DJI Ronin RSC 2 (gimbal) whenever practical (almost never) to get smooth footage.
We use 4 GoPros (2x Hero 10 and 2x Hero 9) (one with the Media Mod) for some vlog-mode shots and as a secondary angle camera when using the Canon if the light is good. When we're walking around filming something like an RV show, the Canon / Ronin, and GoPro 9 are what we use most. We use Go Pro Jaws Flex Clamps to mount them in various locations on the truck and RV.
On the motorcycle (Lucille), we use the four GoPros mounted in various locations using Go Pro Jaws Flex Clamps as well as some hard mounts. We also have one GoPro Hero 7 mounted in a Karma Grip (Tara manually filming).
For aerial (drone) shots, we use the DJI Mavic Air 2.
For voice audio, when we need to cut out external noise, we use the Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Dual Channel Wireless Microphone System.
We've also recently added some Peak Design gear to our inventory. We have the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod as well as the Capture Camera Clip and Camera Strap. The Capture Camera Clip has been AWESOME on hikes, attached to the Camelback Backpack.
All of our camera equipment is here in our Amazon store (changinglanesrv.com…) also, including things that we don't use anymore (things we started out with) but still recommend.