Installing the B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch | What We Learned During the Install

 

There are a few moments in RV life where things suddenly start feeling real.

Buying the RV is one.

Pulling it for the first time is another.

But installing your fifth wheel hitch?
That’s the moment where you realize: do I really know how to do this so that I can put 17,000 pounds on it and it be safe?

👉 “Alright… we’re really doing this.”

When we installed our B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch, we quickly understood why so many RVers recommend it. Before this, we spent hours researching hitches, reading forums, watching videos, and listening to experienced travelers talk about towing safety, ride quality, noise, and reliability.

And honestly… one name kept showing up over and over again.

B&W.

First Impressions Right Out of the Box

The first thing we noticed?

This thing is HEAVY.

Not “kind of heavy.”

REAL heavy.

The build quality immediately stood out. Thick steel, solid welds, and a design that just looked overbuilt in the best possible way.

You could tell right away this wasn’t some lightweight piece of equipment designed to barely survive the highway.

And when you’re towing a large fifth wheel down interstates, mountain roads, construction zones, and rough pavement… confidence matters.

A lot.

https://youtu.be/JFI5b_VTu1I?si=3Cs4f2FGdQWUSSNW

Installation Day

Like most RV projects, what looks simple online usually turns into:

• Multiple tools laying everywhere

• Crawling in and out of the truck bed

• Re-reading instructions

• Watching YouTube again

• Asking, “Wait… does this piece go here?”

The install itself honestly wasn’t terrible, but it definitely takes patience. There were two things that I really needed some advice on and I didn't really find any at all. 
1. The Height (It typically can be installed at 16, 17, 18 inches, what exactly that meant I was unsure of but it has to do with the ride height. I set it at 17 and if I needed to lower it I would later. (But I didn;t)

2. The angle of the mount arms forward or backward. I put them backward because I felt it gave me more cab clearance (and so far I believe I am right)

One thing we appreciated about the B&W Companion setup was how modular it felt. Being able to install the base and head separately made handling the weight much easier.

If you’re installing one yourself, having a second person absolutely helps.

Not optional “nice to have” help…

REAL help.

Especially when lifting and positioning components safely inside the truck bed.

Adjustments Matter More Than People Think

One thing we learned quickly was how important hitch height adjustments are.

This isn’t just:
“Throw it in and go.”

You want the trailer sitting level.
You want proper bed rail clearance.
You want enough turning space.
And you want the truck and RV riding correctly together.

We took extra time checking measurements because getting this wrong can create major towing issues later.

And honestly, this is where newer RV owners sometimes rush the process.

Why We Chose the B&W Companion

For us, a few things stood out:

Build Quality

The hitch feels incredibly solid.

Reputation

We heard more positive feedback about B&W from full-time RVers than almost any other hitch brand.

Ride Quality

Many RVers mentioned smoother towing and reduced chucking compared to other setups.

Removability

Being able to remove the hitch and still have full truck bed access was a big advantage for us.

That matters when your truck is both your tow vehicle AND your everyday vehicle.

Real RV Life Perspective

One thing we’ve learned in RV life:

Cheap mistakes become expensive FAST.

And towing equipment is not where we wanted to cut corners.

Your hitch is literally the connection between your truck and your home on wheels.

That’s not something we wanted to gamble with.

After getting everything installed and finally hooking up for the first tow, there was definitely a moment of relief.

No weird noises.
No shifting.
No surprises.

Just a solid connection that immediately felt more stable and confidence-inspiring.

Final Thoughts

Installing the B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch was one of those RV upgrades that gave us peace of mind more than anything else.

And in RV life, peace of mind matters.

Especially when you’re pulling tens of thousands of pounds across the country.

Would we recommend it?

Absolutely.

It’s heavy.
It’s solid.
It’s built extremely well.
And after using it, we completely understand why so many full-time RVers trust it.

If you’re considering a fifth wheel hitch upgrade or installing one for the first time, hopefully our experience helps make the process a little less intimidating.

🚐 Tanks Full. Worries Empty.

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Stone Mountain Campground FULL Walkthrough | What RVers Need to Know Before Staying Here

There’s something exciting about pulling into a campground you’ve heard people talk about for years… and Stone Mountain Campground was one of those places for us.

https://youtu.be/VWJda4zv-8Q?si=xB55y0bKwsghPYaY

As full-time RV travelers, we’ve learned pretty quickly that pictures online don’t always tell the whole story. Some places look incredible online and disappoint in person. Others quietly surprise you the minute you pull through the gate.

Stone Mountain Campground honestly landed somewhere in the middle — but in a good way.

The campground itself sits inside Stone Mountain Park, which immediately makes it feel different from a typical RV park. You’re not just staying at a campground… you’re staying inside a massive outdoor attraction area packed with trails, activities, lakes, golf carts, train rides, museums, restaurants, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Georgia.

And when we say this place is BIG… we mean BIG.

First Impressions Pulling In

The drive into the campground was honestly beautiful.

You start weaving through trees and park roads before the campground finally opens up. Right away, it felt more like an outdoor vacation resort than a traditional campground.

The check-in process was straightforward, and the roads inside the campground were easier to navigate than we expected for a large fifth wheel like ours. That matters more than people realize until you’re dragging a 40+ foot RV around tight turns wondering if you’re about to redecorate your camper with tree branches.

One thing we immediately noticed was how spread out the campground felt.

Some campgrounds stack RVs so close together you can hear your neighbor sneeze through the walls. Stone Mountain had areas with decent spacing and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Campground Layout Walkthrough

The campground has a mix of:

• Full hookup RV sites

• Partial hookup sites

• Tent camping

• Yurts

• Cabins

• Group camping areas

That variety gives the campground a very active feeling because you’ve got families, weekend campers, long RV stays, and tourists all mixed together.

Some sites are more wooded and private, while others are more open depending on the loop you stay in.

One thing RVers should know:
Not every site is perfectly level.

That’s pretty common in older campgrounds built around natural terrain, but it’s worth mentioning. We definitely recommend bringing leveling blocks and expecting a little setup adjustment depending on your site.

The roads inside the campground were manageable, though some sections felt tighter than others for larger rigs. Our 38-foot fifth wheel handled it fine, but slower is always better here.

The Atmosphere

This campground has energy.

Not chaotic energy… but active energy.

You constantly see people:

• Riding bikes

• Walking dogs

• Taking golf carts around

• Heading toward activities

• Sitting outside enjoying the evenings

It felt family-oriented without feeling overwhelming.

At night, the campground settled down nicely, and the wooded surroundings gave it a peaceful feel once the daytime crowds faded.

And honestly… sitting outside in the evening after a full day exploring the park just felt good here.

What Makes Stone Mountain Different

The campground itself is solid… but the real advantage is LOCATION.

You’re directly connected to everything inside Stone Mountain Park.

That means you can:

• Ride the Scenic Railroad

• Take the Summit Skyride

• Walk trails

• Visit the lake

• Watch the laser/light shows

• Explore museums

• Visit shops and restaurants

• Rent golf carts or bikes

It almost feels like a hybrid between camping and staying at an outdoor resort destination.

For families especially, there’s enough here to keep people busy for several days without ever leaving the property.

Things RVers Should Know

A few honest observations from our stay:

Cell Service & Internet

We had usable service, but like many wooded campgrounds, signal strength can vary depending on location and carrier.

Site Quality

Some sites were definitely nicer than others. If you’re booking online, spend extra time reviewing site lengths and photos if available.

Big Rig Considerations

Large rigs can fit here, but you’ll want to move carefully through certain loops and intersections.

Busy Seasons

This place can get VERY busy during holidays and weekends.

If you’re looking for quiet isolation deep in nature, this may not be your campground during peak season. But if you enjoy activity and convenience mixed with camping, it works really well.

Final Thoughts

Stone Mountain Campground ended up being one of those places we enjoyed more because of the overall experience than just the campsite itself.

That’s an important distinction.

The campground becomes part of a much bigger adventure once you start exploring everything around it.

For RVers traveling through Georgia, families looking for activities, or anyone wanting a campground that mixes nature with entertainment, this is absolutely worth considering.

Would we stay again?

Yes — especially if we wanted a campground where there’s always something nearby to do without having to constantly drive somewhere else.

And honestly… waking up surrounded by trees while knowing you’re minutes away from trails, trains, mountain views, and evening shows makes this stop feel a little different from your average RV park.

🚐 Tanks Full. Worries Empty.

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Exploring Stone Mountain Park — The Train Ride, The Tram & A Lot More Walking Than We Expected

Some places end up becoming more than just another stop on the map.

That’s exactly what happened when we visited Stone Mountain Park.

https://youtu.be/mFb5a8TkIpA?si=tsw-41G9eabvszt_

When we first pulled in, we honestly thought this would be a fairly quick visit. See the mountain, ride the tram, ride the train and grab a few photos, and move on to the next destination. But the moment we started exploring, we realized this place was much bigger — and much more relaxing — than we expected.

There’s something about this park that immediately slows you down a little.

Maybe it’s the huge open spaces. Maybe it’s seeing families spread out across the grass, kids running around, people sitting under trees, and others simply taking in the scenery. Whatever it is, it didn’t feel rushed. And after spending so much time traveling, that was something we appreciated right away.

One of the first things we decided to do was ride the scenic railroad that circles the mountain. Honestly, we expected it to mainly be for kids, but it turned out to be one of the most relaxing parts of the day. The train slowly rolls through wooded areas, around open fields, and alongside parts of the park that you probably wouldn’t notice otherwise. There wasn’t any hurry to it. No loud chaos. Just a slow ride with views of the massive granite mountain constantly appearing through the trees.

And after enough travel days behind the wheel of a truck pulling a fifth wheel, sitting back and letting someone else do the driving for a little while felt pretty nice.

But the real moment came when we boarded the Summit Skyride tram.

As the tram started climbing the side of Stone Mountain, we both realized pictures really don’t show how massive this place actually is. The higher we went, the more the views started opening up across Georgia. By the time we reached the top, it honestly felt like stepping into a completely different atmosphere.

The wind was stronger. The air felt cooler. And for a few minutes, everything just became quiet.

Standing up there looking out across the horizon gave us one of those rare travel moments where you stop thinking about schedules, campground reservations, diesel prices, editing videos, or planning the next stop. You just stand there and take it in.

Now, we’ll also be honest about something we didn’t fully expect…

There’s a LOT more walking involved here than we realized beforehand.

Even with the tram, there’s still a good amount of walking depending on where you park, what attractions you visit, and how crowded things are. For people like us dealing with knee pain, arthritis, hip problems, or mobility limitations, it’s definitely something worth preparing for ahead of time.

That said, one thing RV life has taught us is that you don’t have to experience places the same way everyone else does.

You don’t have to hike every trail.
You don’t have to rush everywhere.
You don’t have to prove anything.

Sometimes sitting on a bench, riding the train, enjoying the scenery, and taking your time is more than enough.

And honestly, those slower moments usually become the memories that stick with you the longest.

What surprised us most about Stone Mountain Park was how much there was beyond just the mountain itself. The entire park feels like its own little world with walking paths, lakeside areas, picnic spaces, attractions, and places where people simply gather to enjoy being outside together.

It’s one of those destinations that works for almost everyone — families, couples, RV travelers, weekend road-trippers, or even people just looking for somewhere peaceful to spend the day.

By the time we left, we realized this stop wasn’t really about the train or even the tram ride.

It was about slowing down long enough to actually enjoy where we were.

And sometimes, during life on the road, that’s the best part of all.

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Until next time…

God Bless and Safe Travels. 🚐

Stop #1 — Florida to North Shore Landing, Georgia - Costs of 1 week Trip

 

There’s something exciting about the very first stop of a long RV journey.

The RV is packed.
The route is planned.
The tanks are full.

And somewhere in the middle of all that excitement is the reality most people don’t talk about enough:

👉 What does full-time RV travel actually cost?

https://youtu.be/1yHyzzXSV_A?si=ugvp-uIqrkGSrzu7

So for this trip, we decided to start sharing the real numbers behind our travels — the good, the bad, and the surprisingly expensive.

Our first stop took us from Florida to North Shore Landing in Georgia, covering a total of 444 miles.

And honestly?

This first week was a reminder that RV life is equal parts freedom, planning, and learning as you go.

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⛽ Fuel Costs Add Up Fast

Diesel continues to be one of the biggest expenses when traveling with a large fifth wheel.

For this leg of the trip, we spent:

• Diesel Cost: $250.52
• Diesel Savings: $26.88

One thing that really helped was using the Open Roads fuel discount program. If you travel often with a diesel truck, programs like this can make a noticeable difference over time.

When you’re pulling a heavy RV hundreds of miles at a time, every little bit matters.

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🏕️ Campground Costs Were Surprisingly Low

One of the biggest advantages we had on this stop was our Travel Resorts of America membership.

Our campground total for the week came out to:

• Campground Cost: $54.88

That’s not normal pricing for a full week at many campgrounds these days, especially near the water.

Membership camping definitely isn’t for everyone, but on longer trips like this, it can help lower travel costs significantly.

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🔧 The “Little Costs” Nobody Thinks About

This is where RV travel gets interesting.

People usually focus on fuel and campgrounds, but the small things add up quickly.

During this stop we had:

• Propane: $75.60
• RV Supplies: $66.98
  • Sewer hose
  • Water hose
• Laundry: $9.00
• Social Media / Business Costs: $32.08
  • Business cards for promoting Worries Empty

And then there are the unexpected category killers…

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🍽️ Eating Out & Enjoying the Trip

Sometimes after a long travel day, you just want someone else to cook.

We spent:

• Restaurant Costs: $21.10
• Entertainment: $54.00
  • Golf cart rental

And honestly, those are the moments that become part of the experience.

One thing we’ve learned during RV life is this:

If you only focus on saving money, you can accidentally miss enjoying the places you traveled so far to see.

Sometimes renting the golf cart, grabbing dinner, or slowing down near the lake becomes the memory you remember most.

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📊 Our 7-Day Travel Total

Here’s the complete breakdown for our first stop:

• Fuel: $250.52
• Campground: $54.88
• Miscellaneous & Living Costs: $488.76

Total Travel Cost:

💰 $754.55

Now it’s important to explain something here…

These numbers ONLY include travel-related RV expenses.

They do NOT include:

• Truck payments
• RV payments
• Insurance
• Medical bills
• Regular household expenses

These are simply the costs directly tied to traveling and living on the road during this trip.

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🚐 What We’re Learning

One thing we want this series to do is give people a real-world look at RV travel.

Not the filtered version.
Not the “everything is perfect” version.

The real version.

Some weeks are cheaper.
Some weeks are expensive.
Some stops are worth every penny.
Others teach hard lessons.

But that’s part of the adventure.

And as we continue traveling, we’ll keep sharing the numbers, the experiences, the campground reviews, and the things we wish we knew before hitting the road.

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If you enjoy following real RV travel costs, campground experiences, and life on the road, make sure to follow along with us at Worries Empty as we continue this journey across America.

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God Bless and Safe Travels. 🚐

The Stops, The Stories & The Stuff We Wish We Knew – North Shore Landing at Lake Oconee

We weren't sure what to expect when we arrived in the middle of the night but Some RV stops are just a place to park for the night, this seemed like a place that could be a nice stop for a longer period of time. 

We were asked to create a destination video for the place and we made this video. 

Check out our destination video here.

https://youtu.be/u_jMYl4jFOw?si=F-IXFp-NeGkHCbXp

North Shore Landing ended up being one of those places where you could easily spend your entire trip without ever leaving the property—and honestly, that’s part of what makes it different. 

But honestly the campground was on the lake and had a nice campground type vibe to it. There were some full time or what looked like permanent trailers but....

The first thing you notice is how spread out everything feels. Instead of squeezing RVs into tight rows, the campground has a more relaxed layout with room to breathe. Some spots are tucked near the trees while others sit closer to the water, giving the whole place more of a vacation feel than a typical overnight stop.

And then there’s the lake.

Lake Oconee becomes the backdrop for almost everything here. Early mornings are quiet with fog rolling across the water, and evenings slow down just enough to remind you why people chase lake life in the first place. Whether you’re sitting outside with coffee or taking a walk near sunset, the waterfront atmosphere changes the entire pace of the day.

One thing that really stood out to us was how much there is to actually do here.

The campground has two separate pools, which helps spread people out and gives families plenty of room to relax without everything feeling overcrowded. Near the waterfront, there’s also a small beach area where people were hanging out, letting kids play, or just enjoying the view.

If you’re bringing a boat—or thinking about spending time on the water—the boat ramp and lake access make it easy to get out and explore Lake Oconee itself. You can tell this place was built around the lake lifestyle.

But one of the most unique things here?

The train car cabins.

Seeing actual train cars converted into cabin-style lodging definitely catches your attention the first time you drive by. It gives the campground a personality that feels different from the cookie-cutter RV resorts you see everywhere else. Even if you’re staying in an RV spot, the train cars become one of those things people keep walking over to look at.

And right near the entrance sits another detail that adds to the charm—the train car coffee shop.

It’s one of those little touches that makes the campground feel memorable instead of generic. Grabbing coffee from a train car before starting your day around the lake just fits the vibe of this place.

There’s even a small petting-zoo-style animal area that adds another layer for families and kids. It’s not some giant attraction—but it’s enough to give the campground more personality and create those random little moments people remember from a trip.

What stood out most to us about North Shore Landing wasn’t just one feature.

It was the combination of everything together.

The lake.
The pools.
The train cars.
The waterfront atmosphere.
The slower pace.

The Train Car Coffee Shop at the entrance is a great place for a little morning pickup. 

Some campgrounds are built simply for parking RVs.

This one feels built for making memories.

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🎥 Follow our journey on YouTube:
Worries Empty – Dawn & Trevor’s RV Life Adventures
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#WorriesEmpty #RVLife #LakeOconee #NorthShoreLanding #FullTimeRVLiving #RVTravel #GeorgiaCamping #RVResort

Staying at North Shore Landing KOA on Lake Oconee – The Kind of Stop That Slows You Down (In a Good Way)

Some RV stops are just places to park.

And then there are the ones that make you pause a little…
Take a breath…
And actually enjoy where you are.

This was one of those places.

Our stay at North Shore Landing KOA on Lake Oconee wasn’t about rushing to see everything.

It was about slowing down—and honestly, that’s something started doing this so we could enjoy more of.
Watch the video here. 

https://youtu.be/W48Xa4x2lSo?si=cLM0KlGl-ZKq928t

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🚐 First Impressions (And Why They Matter)

Pulling into a new campground always brings that same quiet question in the back of your mind—what’s this one going to be like? After a while on the road, you can usually tell within the first few minutes whether a place is going to feel right.

Right away, this one felt different.

It wasn’t overly packed, and it definitely wasn’t chaotic. There was a calmness to it, a sense that you weren’t being squeezed into a spot just to maximize space. Instead, there was room to breathe. The sites were spaced out enough to feel comfortable, and the layout didn’t give you that “stacked on top of each other” feeling that so many campgrounds fall into. If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you know how big of a deal that really is.

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🌅 The Lake Changes Everything

Being right on Lake Oconee adds something that’s hard to fully explain until you experience it for yourself.

The mornings felt quieter, almost like the day eased in instead of starting all at once. Evenings seemed to stretch a little longer, giving you more time to sit, relax, and just be present. There’s something about being near the water that naturally slows everything down. Whether it was sitting outside with a cup of coffee in the morning or winding down at the end of the day, the lake slowly became part of our routine without us even realizing it.

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🛠️ Campground Setup & Experience

From a practical standpoint, this stop made life easy—and that’s not something we take for granted.

After a travel day, the last thing you want is a complicated setup, and thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. Getting positioned felt smooth and manageable, with enough space to work without feeling rushed or cramped. Everything just seemed to fall into place the way it should.

Once we were set up, there wasn’t any scrambling or frustration. It was one of those rare transitions where you go from travel mode to living mode without missing a beat. And honestly, those are the kinds of stops you remember.

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🚶‍♂️ What We Did While We Were There

This wasn’t a stop where we felt the need to fill every minute with activity—and that’s exactly what made it so good.

We spent time walking the property, taking in the surroundings, and enjoying the slower pace. A lot of our time was simply spent by the water, letting the environment set the tone instead of trying to control it. We talked with other campers, shared stories, and let the days unfold naturally.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do in a place like this is resist the urge to overplan. Not every stop needs to be packed with things to do. Some places are better experienced by just being there.

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⚠️ The Details That Matter

We’ve learned over time that it’s not just the views that define a campground—it’s the details.

Things like cleanliness, maintenance, site spacing, and the overall feel of the place all play a role in whether we’d come back or recommend it to others. These are the things that don’t always stand out immediately, but they make a lasting impact.

Here, those details held up. The campground felt cared for, maintained, and thoughtfully laid out. It wasn’t just about looking good—it functioned well too, and that’s what really matters when you’re living in your RV full-time.

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🧭 Where This Fits in RV Life

Not every stop on the road needs to be a big destination with a long checklist of things to do.

Some places serve a different purpose.

They give you time to reset, to catch up, and to simply exist without feeling like you need to be constantly moving or exploring. In a lifestyle that’s always in motion, those kinds of stops become more valuable than you might expect.

That’s exactly what this stay felt like for us.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Our time at North Shore Landing KOA wasn’t about checking off attractions or staying busy every minute of the day. It was about experiencing a place that naturally encouraged us to slow down.

And when you’re living a life that’s always moving forward, those moments of slowing down become something you start to appreciate more and more.

Sometimes, the best stops aren’t the ones that demand your attention.

They’re the ones that quietly earn it.

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💬 Let’s Hear From You

Have you ever stayed somewhere that made you slow down like this?

Do you prefer quiet, slower-paced campgrounds—or places packed with activity?

We’d love to hear what kind of traveler you are.

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🔔 Follow the Journey

If you’re looking for honest campground experiences and real RV life insights—

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#Hashtags

#WorriesEmpty #RVLife #LakeOconee #KOA #RVTravel #CampgroundReview #FullTimeRV #RVAdventure

The Travel Days No One Talks About – Bike Rack Mishaps, Fuel Stops & Arriving After Dark

There’s a part of RV life that rarely makes it into the photos or videos.

It’s not the mountain views or the quiet mornings at camp.
It’s not the destinations people dream about.

It’s the travel days in between.

The long stretches of highway.
The constant focus.
The unexpected moments that remind you this lifestyle isn’t always as simple as it looks.

And if we’re being honest…
those are the days that teach you the most.

Check out the video and see how this trip started

https://youtu.be/wURdd4IrapA?si=7MRUAOoZO_ZBpm1h

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🚐 The Reality of Moving from One Place to Another

On paper, travel days seem straightforward. You pack up, hook up, and head to the next destination.

But once you’re actually living it, you realize pretty quickly that it’s a whole different experience.

When you’re towing a fifth wheel, every mile requires attention. You’re watching your mirrors, thinking about your height and weight, planning where you’ll stop, and constantly staying aware of everything around you. It’s not stressful in a bad way—but it demands respect.

Because out here, small oversights don’t stay small for long.

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🚲 The Bike Rack Mishap That Got Our Attention

One of the hardest lessons we learned came from something we thought we had handled.

We had our bikes mounted on a rear rack—secure, tight, and ready for the road. Or at least, that’s what we believed.

Somewhere along the drive, something shifted.

We didn’t notice it right away. but someone flagged us down and told us our bike had fallen off the rack. And by the time we did, one of the bikes had been dragging long enough to do real damage. The tire was gone, parts were bent, and we were left standing there trying to figure out how something that seemed so secure could fail. It was a 200lb bike rack rated for RV's and our Bikes are 62lbs each. 

That moment stuck with us.

It reminded us that on the road, assumptions can cost you. Since then, we’ve made it a habit to double-check everything—not just before we leave, but during travel days too. We’ve reinforced our setup, adjusted how we carry gear, and most importantly, we’ve stopped trusting “it should be fine.”

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⛽ Fuel Stops Aren’t as Simple as They Look

                                  

Fueling up is another one of those things that changes completely when you’re towing.

What used to be a quick stop now requires planning. You start thinking about the layout of the station before you even pull in—how tight the turns are, whether there’s enough clearance, and if there’s room to get out without backing up.

We’ve learned to lean toward truck stops whenever possible. They’re built for larger rigs, and they take a lot of the guesswork out of the process.

Because pulling into the wrong gas station with a setup like ours isn’t just inconvenient…

It can put you in a position you don’t want to be in.

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🌙 Arriving After Dark – Not Ideal, But Sometimes Real

No matter how much you plan, there will be days when you arrive after dark.

Maybe traffic slowed things down. Maybe a stop took longer than expected. Or maybe the day just didn’t unfold the way you thought it would.

And now you’re pulling into a campground with limited visibility, trying to back into a site with a large rig.

It’s not something we aim for—but it happens.

When it does, everything slows down. Communication becomes more important. Every movement is more deliberate. There’s no rushing it, because the margin for error shrinks quickly in the dark.

Over time, we’ve learned to prepare for it, even if we try to avoid it. Having lights ready, taking extra time, and being willing to reset and try again has made a big difference.

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⚠️ What Travel Days Have Taught Us

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from moving from place to place, it’s this:

Travel days are where experience is built.

They teach you to pay attention.
They remind you to stay humble.
And they show you that no matter how prepared you think you are, there’s always something new to learn.

You start to realize that it’s not about having everything go perfectly. It’s about knowing how to respond when it doesn’t.

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🚐 Why This Matters for RV Life

It’s easy to focus on the destinations—and don’t get us wrong, they’re incredible.

But the truth is, a big part of RV life happens on the road between those places.

Those miles shape how you travel.
They shape how you prepare.
And over time, they shape how confident you become.

The more you experience, the more you understand what works for you—and what doesn’t.

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💭 Final Thoughts

We’ve had travel days that went exactly as planned.

And we’ve had others that didn’t.

But every one of them has taught us something we didn’t know before.

If you’re on this journey—or thinking about starting it—just know this:

The road will test you a little.

But it will also teach you a lot.

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💬 Let’s Hear From You

What’s a travel day lesson you’ll never forget?

👉 We’d love to hear your story—drop it below.

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🔔 Follow the Journey

If you want real-world RV advice—the kind that comes from actually living it—

👉 Subscribe here: https://youtube.com/@worriesempty?sub_confirmation=1

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Soft Truck Bed Cover Install on a GMC 3500 Denali (Step-by-Step + Real Experience)

 I realized quickly that I needed a Cover for the bed of my truck. I learned this because we ended up in some Sketchy Neighborhoods and we needed a way to secure the things in our truck while traveling. Its not like the bed cover would totally secure everything but it definitely would deter, so I bought a bed cover and it was relatively reasonably priced at around $190 from Amazon. 

Also I made a Video about it to help others because, as most people know if you need to do something and you don't know how to do it you search for it on YouTube. 

https://youtu.be/4oW6VfSdPas?si=byYUYy2-X-

If you’re traveling full-time in an RV like we are, your truck bed becomes more than just storage…

It becomes your garage, your gear locker, and sometimes your lifeline on the road.

That’s exactly why we decided to install a soft truck bed cover on our GMC 3500 Denali—and in this video, we walk through the entire process.

But the video we made goes deeper…

👉 The install
👉 What we learned
👉 And whether it’s actually worth it for RV life

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🎥 Watch the Full Install Video

This video shows the full step-by-step install, along with our real-time thoughts during the process.

👉 Watch the full install here:

(Embed YouTube Video Here: https://youtu.be/4oW6VfSdPas?si=byYUYy2-X-2iOFfG)

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🚐 Why We Installed a Soft Bed Cover

When you’re towing a fifth wheel like we are, your truck bed is constantly exposed to:

• Rain

• Road debris

• Dust and dirt

• Theft risks at stops (this is a deterence)

We needed something that would:

✔ Protect our gear
✔ Be easy to install
✔ Not interfere with towing
✔ Be flexible for everyday use

A soft bed cover checked all those boxes. + it was super cost effective

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🛠️ Installation Overview (Step-by-Step)

The install itself was surprisingly straightforward.

Here’s the basic breakdown:

1. Unboxing & Layout

• Lay out all parts before starting

• Make sure nothing is missing (don’t skip this)

2. Clamp the Rails

• Attach the side rails to the truck bed

• Align them evenly—this matters later

3. Secure the Cover

• Attach the soft cover to the rails

• Make sure tension is even across the top

4. Adjust & Tighten

• Check for sagging or uneven areas

• Tighten clamps as needed

5. Final Fit Check

• Open and close it a few times

• Make sure it seals properly

👉 Total time: About 30–60 minutes

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⚠️ The Stuff We Wish We Knew

Let’s keep it real—this is where most installs go wrong.

Here’s what we learned:

• Alignment is everything → If your rails are off even slightly, the cover won’t seal right

• Don’t overtighten clamps → You can damage the bed rails

• Check tension after first drive → It may loosen slightly

• Weather seal matters → Take your time here

These are small things…
But they make a big difference long-term.

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👍 Pros of a Soft Bed Cover

After installing and using it, here’s what stands out:

✔ Quick and easy install
✔ Lightweight and flexible
✔ Easy access to your truck bed
✔ More affordable than hard covers
✔ Works great with fifth wheel towing setups

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👎 Cons to Consider

Nothing is perfect—and this is where you need to decide if it fits your lifestyle:

✖ Not as secure as a hard cover
✖ Can wear over time with heavy use
✖ Less rigid protection for heavy impacts

For us?

👉 The pros outweigh the cons—especially for RV life.

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🚐 Why This Matters for RV Life

This isn’t just about a truck accessory.

It’s about protecting your setup while living on the road.

When you’re moving constantly:

• Your gear matters

• Your storage matters

• Your efficiency matters

A simple upgrade like this can make your day-to-day life a whole lot easier.

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💭 Final Thoughts

This install wasn’t complicated…

But it was one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference.

If you’re:

• Traveling full-time

• Hauling gear regularly

• Or just want better protection for your truck bed

👉 A soft bed cover is absolutely worth considering.

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🧭 What’s Coming Next

We’re continuing to dial in our truck and RV setup.

Coming soon:

• More truck upgrades

• RV setup improvements

• Real-world gear reviews

• Things we wish we did sooner

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💬 Let’s Hear From You

Do you run a soft cover or a hard cover?

👉 Drop a comment and tell us what’s worked (or not worked) for you.

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🔔 Follow the Journey

If you want real-world RV advice and gear setups that actually work—

👉 Subscribe here: https://youtube.com/@worriesempty?sub_confirmation=1

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#WorriesEmpty #TruckBuild #RVLife #TruckAccessories #GMC3500 #TruckBedCover #RVSetup #FullTimeRV

We did it and we went Full Time in Our RV.

Who We Are: Starting Full-Time RV Life in Our 50s (With 2 Dogs)

Every journey has a starting point. For us it was in 2024 with our plan to start traveling and this video was our introduction and the kick-off of our YouTube Channel to help us document our RV Travels. 

We weren't looking at heading to just a place on a map…
But towards memories, and a commitment to making travel a way of life.

For us, it wasn’t loud.
It wasn’t dramatic.

It was a quiet realization:

There had to be more than just going through the motions of everyday life.

And that’s where Worries Empty begins.

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🚐 Quick Snapshot (Who We Are)

• 👋 Who: Trevor & Dawn

• 🐾 Travel Companions: Lucy & Ethel (our Shih Tzu girls)

• 🚐 Lifestyle: Full-Time RV Living across the United States

• 🎯 Mission: Share real, honest RV life—the good, the bad, and what no one tells you

• Home Base: Florida

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🎥 Watch Our First Video (The Beginning)

This video isn’t just our first upload…

It’s our introduction.
Our “why.”
The moment we stopped talking about this life—and actually stepped into it.

We made it and looking back on it it was wonky, awkward, and we realized we had a lot to learn and as we proceeded we think (maybe falsely) that we got better.

👉 Watch the full video below to meet us and see how it all started.

https://youtu.be/WRsuPfY4Rtc?si=cDGSgc84mo1CwCkx

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🛣️ Why We Chose RV Life

This wasn’t about running away from something.

It was about moving toward something better.

More freedom.
More experiences.
More time together.

And if we’re being real…

Less “we’ll do it someday.”

Because someday has a way of turning into never and that wasn't what we wanted to do we wanted to start now and figure it out even if we didn't have all the answers we would just roll with it. 

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🐾 Meet Lucy & Ethel (The Real Bosses)

We don’t travel alone.

Lucy and Ethel—our two Shih Tzus—are part of every mile, every stop, and every story.

They’ve adapted to RV life better than we expected…and honestly, they’ve become a big part of, why we love it so much. We take them everywhere, Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Washington, the beach, Mt. Rushmore, literally everyplace we can take them we try. 

Stick around long enough—you’ll see what we mean by taking them everywhere

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🎯 The Intent Behind This Journey

We didn’t start Worries Empty to impress anyone, we did it for us

We started the YouTube Channel to be real.

To show:

• What RV life is actually like

• The mistakes people don’t talk about

• And the lessons we’re learning along the way

Because real life doesn’t come perfectly edited.

And neither will this journey.

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🔥 What “Worries Empty” Really Means

Tanks Full. Worries Empty.

It’s not about having a perfect life.

It’s about choosing a different one.

Letting go of what doesn’t matter…
And holding tight to what does.

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💭 What You Can Expect From Us

If you follow along, you’ll start to see our journey in the form of;

• Real RV travel experiences

• Honest campground and destination reviews

• Mistakes (we’ll make plenty)

• Practical tips we wish we knew earlier

• A little humor along the way

We’re not here to sell you a dream.

We’re here to show you the reality—so you can decide if this life is right for you.

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🧭 What’s Coming Next

This is just the beginning.

Over the next few posts you will start to see how our travels evolved and consequently how our videos also evolved to hopefully tell a better story.

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❤️ Why This Matters

If you’ve ever felt that pull…

That quiet voice telling you there’s more out there—

We get it.

We felt it too.

And this journey?

It’s our answer to that voice.

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💬 Let’s Hear From You

Thinking about RV life?

Already on the road?

👉 Drop a comment below and tell us where you’re at in your journey—we’d love to hear your story.

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🔔 Follow the Journey

This BLOG is a great place to start. But we also post weekly videos and would love to have you follow along. 

If you want real-world RV advice from people actually living it—

👉 Subscribe here: https://youtube.com/@worriesempty?sub_confirmation=1

We’re just getting started.

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#WorriesEmpty #RVLife #FullTimeRV #RVLiving #RVLifeWithDogs #TravelLife #LifeOnTheRoad #RVAdventure