Our RV is FALLING APART!? Cross Country RV Road Trip to Baja California

We’re headed out on a cross country RV road trip from Tampa, Florida to Baja California Mexico! On the way, we face LOTS of RV life problems. Honestly, it felt like our RV was falling apart left and right. However, the reality of RV living is that things aren’t always perfect and RVs break…often.

Watch as we navigate these challenges on the road while still trying to stay on track to get our RV to Baja California in less than 3 weeks. And be sure to subscribe to see if we make it there week!

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Travel Day 1
2:03 Fixing the back wall in Marianna, FL
6:32 Travel Day 2
9:13 Problems on the road
11:24 Tornados in Texas
15:14 Fixing the underbelly
16:33 Travel Day 3

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*Who are we?*
We’re Victoria & Craig, a full-time travel couple currently living the RV lifestyle! In 2021, we realized life was too short to wait to chase our dreams, so we purchased a used fifth wheel camper and completely renovated it. After selling our house in Florida, we set off on our journey as full-time RVers. Full time RV living has taken us across the United States, Baja Mexico, and Canada, where we’ve fallen in love with boondocking in stunning locations and living an epic adventure travel lifestyle. In 2023, we upgraded to a brand new Brinkley RV Model Z 3100.

[wildrvlife]

Leave us your words of encouragement below, because I think Craig is about ready to throw the RV away after the week we've had 😅

[Andrew_travels_New_Zealand]

I have been watching a few of your videos lately. You guys are fun. Craig really does have his own way of saying things, honest and to the point, and without candy-coating. Grumpy humour when having to fix things that shouldn't have to be fixed.

[northernredneck]

I love seeing young people handy and capable of dealing with issues not having to cry and call for help. Yall didn't even whine about it to youtube. Just figured out the issues and how to solve them. I'm genuinely impressed.

[jimandellenmeadows]

JImmy V said it give up, Don't ever give up!"

[donnab-dpty]

We enjoy your blog. Saw your repair of your back wall to deck joint. I found that excessive weight on the hitch can bend the I beam members. The box is suspended on outriggers to the frame and since the box is rigid, any deflection in the frame will drag the deck down. Taking that heavy spare off the back would be a good preventive measure. Pulling a string along the bottom of each I beam will disclose any frame deflection. If those members are bent, the recommended fix is to jack up the drooping members and box weld a steel plate on the inside of each I beam from ahead of the axles to the rear. Some have suggested welding heavy wall square tubing along the bottom. The axles act as a fulcrum. Hope that helps. There are some great welders in the larger towns in Mexico. Mike

[XPLORCAMPER]

I must say that you handled all of the bad situations very well. Get-er-dun type of people which is what is needed when RVing. So glad you were able to continue your journey with your positive outlook and engineering fortitude. Stay safe and keep positive.

[charlottedendy]

We have a Puma 5th wheel converted to gooseneck hitch. Our 1st trip out the rubber under belly cover fell down just far enough to drag highway and something punctured our black water tank. My husband used bungee cords to hold it up untill trip was over. He purchased same flat bar you did to be more secure, so far so good, 2 years later. Warranty covered black tank.

[ChrisElrodPastor]

Discovered your channel after seeing you around the Tampa RV Super Show. We are cracking up and empathizing with you - love Craig's unfiltered thoughts on camera!

[bgonz]

We’re new to this lifestyle, but definitely appreciate the can-do attitude that you guys exhibit. Great videos!

[Sopchoppygirl]

Craig is so great at fixing everything! We have a Denali 5th wheel and starting to have leaking issues too. Although our back wall hasn’t come loose yet! I’m loving your videos. Kind of like watching my own kids. They’re really great quality. It’s so nice to see y’all living your best life. God Bless you and safe travels to Baja.

[trustme]

I always try to know beforehand when bad weather is imminent. I watch the radar to anticipate where bad weather will be and when, listen to forecasts and we keep a weather alert radio with us. Then I plan an escape, should it become necessary. Yeah, it's a pain to move but whats worse, moving or losing your rig and maybe dying? I also try to avoid rain when possible. It's very worthwhile to me. I just watch the radar and compare that area to clear areas on a map and stop or drive out of it's path. Worst case is you drive a little out of the way. So what. I will also search out bridges or even gas station canopies to park under in heavy rain, hail or other damaging weather. Don't get trapped in low lying land that will flood or near creeks, streams or rivers. Whats pretty and scenic now can turn into a nightmare in 20 minutes. Less time than you can pack up in.
Snow and/or ice, get to a truck stop or some safe place that will get plowed and stay put until the roads are clean and dry.
If you are stuck where you are, do not park anywhere near trees, power lines or downwind of potential flying debris like other RVs, flimsy buildings and other such things. Keep in mind that many buildings have rocks covering their roofs that like to become airborne during tornadoes.
Do you carry emergency tools like a snow shovel and a garage broom for the roof (it's important to remove all snow from the roof), a dirt shovel, traction mats, window scraper, windshield washer fluid, a tow strap with a means to connect it to the truck or trailer?

[mellcomm]

Chin up! Days are coming that it will be smooooth sailing! Then it will happen again :( Your Border Collie is just beautiful! Happy travels!

[rollingwiththebolings]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. You are lucky to have such a handy person to work on those things. It doesn't matter if it is new or old, there is always going to be something to work on. Great video.

[godevarcooper]

6:07 oh lord - i am so happy that you understand how yo repair that damage with that RV back wall

[larryk]

There's a saying, if it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all! You handled everything just right, one at a time. When you get a new RV, you'll know exactly what to look for. Love the dogs.😊

[TimothyBroome-ejwp]

I started watching y'alls videos yesterday. So far so good 👍 I'm enjoying all the mechanical tips and trip logs and the campsites y'all were in Colorado on the 1st one and in the flood in Texas and having to do all those repairs. Y'all stay safe, happy trails!!

[caseystjames]

I feel for y’all because of mishaps and wish you happier safe travels. It’s good to see your positivity. PEACE

[kathleenrutherford]

You guys are Rock Stars!! WOW I need your expertise, you can fix anything! I am so extremely proud of you, I am now following you guys

[gcslade]

Just found your channel. I'm really impressed by how well you deal with challenges and just keep on rolling. BTW, my brother has the same make of 5th wheel and his back wall bottom section became detached as well. He had to deal with temp repairs (similar to what you did) and had constant anxiety with it for over two years because he didn't want to make the back wall issue someone else's problem. He finally decided to have the whole back wall completely rebuilt before selling it at a big loss. It was obvious when they pulled the rear wall out, the root issue was poor design and workmanship.

[thewanderingshores]

What a crazy adventure, may the remaining miles be filled with peace and quiet and visiting with The Wandering Shores for a few days. Safe travels. PS great video