Changing Lanes' Honest Take: Preparing the Lineage 31ZW for Full-Time RV Life

Getting Real About RV Prep: Changing Lanes' Lineage 31ZW Adventure

Changing Lanes is known for their honest and insightful RV content, and this video is no exception. They document their journey preparing a Grand Design Lineage 31ZW for its maiden voyage. This isn't just a tour; it's a practical guide filled with real-world challenges and solutions that any RVer can appreciate. If you want to know the nitty-gritty details of getting an RV truly travel-ready, keep reading.

Generator Glitches and AC Bliss

The initial generator startup presented a small hurdle. Chad encountered a fault and had to troubleshoot it manually. This highlights a common reality of RVing: things don't always go as planned. "I don't know why I had a fault in there, but I started it down there manually. It started up, you know, it hasn't been run before." However, once the generator was running, the dual Gree air conditioners proved to be a significant win. They were surprisingly quiet, even with both units and the convection oven running at high power. Chad notes, "Both ACs are running and all you can hear is the whisper of air. I gotta say, it's a pretty quiet generator." This is a major plus for comfortable living, especially in hot climates.

The AC systems are not inverter-based. With only a single 300 amp-hour battery, running the ACs off-grid isn't an option. The decision to opt for generator power showcases the realities of energy management in this particular setup. Understanding these limitations is key to planning your power usage effectively.

Water Woes and Plumbing Realities

A small plumbing mishap served as a crucial reminder to always turn off the water pump when traveling. When Chad activated the pump, a loose shower head connection created a fountain. "Here's a prime example of why you turn the water pump off when you travel. When I turned the water pump on to go to the bathroom, I immediately heard some water spraying and the shower head fell down and somehow knocked this. It was creating a nice little fountain." He also emphasized the importance of bleeding the pressure to prevent future incidents. This simple step can save you from potential water damage and headaches down the road. It's these small, practical tips that make Changing Lanes' content so valuable.

Tara noticed a smell near the air conditioner vent when flushing the tanks, highlighting the proximity of the air ducting to the black tank system. This raises a valid point about potential odor issues in motorhomes where the wet bay and other systems are more integrated. Routine and thorough tank maintenance becomes even more critical in these designs.

Tech Upgrades and Towing Prep

The video dedicates a significant portion to setting up the Jeep Grand Cherokee for flat towing. This involved a three-day installation process, which they promise to cover in a separate video. This highlights the time and effort required to properly equip a tow vehicle. They also installed a new TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) from a Road Tech. Chad appreciates having a single display for all ten tires, including those on the RV and the Jeep. "I still prefer when possible to have all of our tires in one display. It's just kind of nice. It's also great for pre-travel. The day before you pop this out, check all 10 tires, easy peasy." This provides peace of mind and enhances safety on the road.

They opted for the TST 770 and the new Road Tech TPMS. Chad found the Road Tech system solid and similar to the TST, appreciating the magnetic mount. Proper tire monitoring is essential for safe RV travel, and their thorough approach showcases best practices for pre-trip checks.

Essential Gear and Practical Considerations

Changing Lanes emphasizes the importance of having the right tools and accessories. They show their assortment of tools in one of the storage bays, including wiring supplies. Also shown is a 30-foot CAMCO extension cord to bridge the distance to the electrical hookup at their location. They also mentioned the use of Hughes Autoformer and Surge Guard. The wet bay's design, with the close proximity of freshwater and sewer connections, is a point of concern. Chad acknowledges the need to keep everything clean and separated. He also showed the Thule EasyFold XT bike rack.

Tara's initial impressions of the Lineage 31ZW reveal both excitement and realistic expectations. She noted the spaciousness of the interior, particularly the living area, and commented on the comfortable seats. However, she also pointed out minor inconveniences, such as the mirror height in the bathroom. "Everything in an RV is a give and take and you always figure out ways to modify your behavior to fit the RV 'cause you have to." This pragmatic approach reflects the mindset of experienced RVers who understand that compromise and adaptation are part of the lifestyle.

Liquified Black Tank Treatment

Changing Lanes is a big proponent of Liquified black tank treatment and use it in all of their RVs. Kim from Liquified delivered a bottle to them personally. "We've been RVing for eight years now and over those eight years we've tried many, many black tank treatments and none of them stands up as good as Liquified." They appreciate its effectiveness in eliminating odors and its ease of use. This strong endorsement highlights the importance of proper black tank maintenance for a pleasant RV experience.

Key Takeaways

Generator Reliability: Be prepared for potential generator issues, especially with new units. Test thoroughly before departure.
Water Pump Awareness: Always turn off the water pump when traveling to prevent leaks and water damage.
Tire Monitoring is Crucial: Invest in a reliable TPMS for both the RV and tow vehicle.
Black Tank Maintenance Matters: Use a high-quality black tank treatment to prevent odors.
Every RV is a Compromise: Be prepared to adapt and modify your behavior to fit the RV's limitations.
Plan for Tech Integration: Consider cellular internet access with a Pepwave router and Starlink.

Final Thoughts

Changing Lanes provides a valuable glimpse into the realities of preparing an RV for travel. Their honest assessment of the Lineage 31ZW, combined with practical tips and solutions, makes this video a must-watch for both experienced and aspiring RVers. Be sure to watch the full video to get all the details and see their first adventure in the Lineage unfold!

Credit: Changing Lanes