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Chuck Cary
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 8 เม.ย. 2015
DIY ideas related to trucks, camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, biking and backyard projects
Rockwood MiniLite or Flagstaff MicroLite with griddle
The included Suburban Griddle with your Rockwood MiniLite or Flagstaff MicroLite is a great feature. Having it on the side rail of your trailer is especially handy since griddles are level sensitive and you just leveled the trailer for camping anyway. One small issue with the Suburban Griddle however is controlling the wind. This video introduces a way to control the wind and assure even heat for your griddle surface.
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Building A Generator Sled
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Save your back, make it easy to secure and access your generator. Also charge your travel trailer batteries faster and more efficiently with this 60A charger and Honda generator built on a truck bed sled.
Accessing Creek Water
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Having to carry water for remote extended stay dry camping is extra weight that would be nice to avoid. Just 30 or 40 gallons will add 300 lbs to an already supply burdened camper. This video shows how you can filter creek water at your destination for your camper-as long as you are confident there is a good source of creek water close to where you are heading.
Install Lithium Battery Heater
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Installed Off Grid Battery Heater including their thermostat and thermal blanket. I installed mine on two lithium batteries with a separate switch to control both heat pads.
Upgrade to Lithium Batteries On Your TT
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Video shows converting from one Lead Acid to two Lithium on the TT tongue Product links: 1. Vatrer Lithium batteries a.co/d/fSe5MNc 2. AlLi ampmeter a.co/d/i4vZyZY 3. AlLi custom cable for battery monitor a.co/d/gu2kqBP 4. Black tongue box a.co/d/10zxbVF 5. Positive buss bar a.co/d/cAbIVtq 6. Satellite radio a.co/d/hOdWi30 7. 12 volt female plug w fuse a.co/d/0RZnNmE 8. Trucker sat radio antenn...
Lithium Battery charge-install a B to B charger in your vehicle
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Renogy 40A DC To DC Charger Install In 2500 RAM HD Diesel
HD Ram 2500 Dash Cam Install
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Without a cab fuse panel you can connect to a switched ignition wire in the overhead console. This video show exact location of the switched wire in a 2020 HD Ram truck cab.
KODIAK TRUCK BED TENT-PART 3
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Truck bed tent setup, review and upgrades to aid your use of the Kodiak Truck Bed Tent
Kodiak Truck Bed Tent-Part 2
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Building a cot for a truck bed tent. Objective is easy to store, easy/fast to setup with minimal fasteners and provide clothes storage.
Kodiak Truck Bed Tent-Part 1
มุมมอง 2.4K3 ปีที่แล้ว
Simple alternative to making your own stake pocket anchor, and truck rails for Kodiak truck bed tents utilizing UniStruts and SuperStrut parts from local hardware stores
What an awesome idea!! Ty first sharing!!
Hey when you film your videos if you’re using a cell phone tip it sideways so that way there you get the full view otherwise awesome videos
You seem to have the same travel trailer that we just brought home. I am still going through manuals and setting it up. Like you, our dealer put in one lead acid battery so I really like what and how you made the change to Lithium. I was wondering if you're in a southern state or did you use self heating batteries for colder weather? I still have to look into it, but doesn't the Go Power monitor also give battery state of charge and how many volts are in the batteries? OR maybe that reads different info than the AiLi monitor? Anyway, you have a good handle on it so maybe you could explain the difference to me? Also, do you think you'll show a video of how you installed the batteries and ran the wires? Just curious. Thanks again for sharing, we really like the changes you've made.
Hello Kevin. Thanks for your comments. I am along way from knowing a lot about 12 volt systems but I may be a little ahead of you with respect to when we each purchased the trailer. My trailer is a Rockwood 2204S which has twin beds. We absolutely love this floor plan and was shock to learn that this model was eliminated in the 2024 line up for Rockwood. It has a sister model in Flagstaff but not sure that it has been eliminated too but I would think so since they resource materials together. If you have this same '03 2204S model, I have lots of suggestions to improve the trailer-let me know and I will send a walk through video and go through what we have done so far and my short term plans. Regarding the lithium batteries and meters. I believe the Go Power meter is a solar charger meter that shows total volts, amps being solar charged and amp hours that have been used since the last reset with the App. I have not been able to find amp hours left. It might have percent left but I have not been able to get it to go there. I read on the forum that it is not very accurate but I use it to quickly check volts and it seems to be close to the AiLi amp meter. But what the AiLi shunt gives you is amp hours left and percent left which is what I wanted. The wiring for the AiLi amp meter (where I installed it on the table front between the beds) was quite easy--runs from behind the table up and stapled to the ceiling of the pass-through. It runs forward and to the port side corner by the access door. There are a bunch of wires hidden by a small false box-it goes into that and down beneath the trailer and runs forward on the trailer frame with the other wires to the hole in my battery box. As far as the rest of the coach wires I kept the exact lines coming in to the old battery terminals going to the new lithium- except I used the negative from battery B for my shunt and the positive from battery A for my positive bus bar. I built some cables to parallel the batteries and to attach the bus bar and shunt. The bus bar and shunt are sitting on top of a 4x6 block of wood that fits in front of the batteries and I screwed in place from the outside front of the box. I live in Washington State but don't plan on using my trailer in the winter so I purchased lithium batteries with temperature cut off but passed on the BMS that will turn on built in heat pads-adds a little more to the price of the batteries because its likely a more popular brand like Renogy or Battle Born. I figured it was one of things I didn't think I really really needed. The most affordable batteries I was shopping have temperature cut offs but don't offer heating functions. The battery I picked had good reviews for the low temperature cut off, high temperature cut offs and their claims regarding power. Kevin, good luck with your project and look forward to hearing back which model trailer you have. You will find lots of help on this forum and some members that have a tremendous understanding of the electrical systems in a travel trailer.
Sorry Kevin. I thought you were responding from a forum I am on for Forest River products. It is a good resource.
@@chuckcary5204 Thank you for the reply, it's what I was hoping to learn. We bought a 2023 Rockwood MiniLite 2204S for the floor plan as well! We got it this year because we knew it was being eliminated from the choices available, but plan to really start vacationing even more next year. The dealer still had a 2023 on the lot with a discounted price and all used ones were many states away from us. We're in MN but may head towards Florida in February or March, once we've got a few trips under our belts. I'll be putting in the battery monitor soon and pretty much copying your tool box and wiring. Thanks again for the video and your response did answer my questions on how to do the wiring. I was also planning on creating a night stand between the twin beds, so again thanks for sharing your concept. We do have a dog however that will most likely sleep on one of the smaller mattresses between us on most trips. Thanks for telling me about the Forest River Forum as well, I'll check that out soon as well. I will keep on eye out for any more videos you create.
Great series, Chuck !!!! The 1st 3 were most helpful for my needs. Haven't bought the tent yet, but when I do, I'll just need the basic stuff for now. The mounting bracket you fashioned was a VERY important issue for me. I'm a retired machinist and have had to adapt to many issues in my machining designs. This is greatness !!
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VIDEO !!!!!! That hardware is readily available everywhere !!! Thank you !!! All of that Unistrut hardware can be purchased in stainless steel as well. NEW SUBSCRIBER....***EDIT: you MUST be some type of engineer !!! I can see it. I'm a machinist. I have watched SEVERAL reviews on a variety of truck tents and I was MOSTLY informed by this 4 part series. Based on your videos and ideas, I have purchased one of these Kodiak truck tents. THIS part 1 video was most informative and, frankly, I plan to steal your ideas !🤣 At first, I'll just use the taller clamps until I can get all of the hardware to copy what you have done. The modification is so innovative and compelling, I find it hard to believe it hasn't been patented !! OR IF IT HAS....please tell me who sells it and how much. I can't, for the life of me, understand why Kodiak hasn't purchased the design from you. If you haven't patented and sold it, you should. Think of your grandchildren. You could set them up. EDIT #2: As it turns out, my Toyota Tacoma doesn't have those stake pockets. I decided to utilize those slide mounting brackets below the rail. I designed a bracket that will bolt to those slide rails an will fit anywhere on the rail I want. I'm making 6 brackets. Your slide is on top and mine will be a side mount but will work the same way.
Great video on your Kodiak truck tent! Can you tell me what size is your truck bed and more about the jig set up that you created for it? Where do you get the parts that you used and does the tray accommodate a bed cover if so what kind? Thank you
I have sold the truck bed tent because I sold my GMC Canyon. But it was a great tent that fit will in the Canyon with its 6’ bed. The Kodiak folks make this one for mid-size trucks but also for 6’ full size trucks and full size 8’ beds-check out their web site. The jigs were produced using parts from Big R ranch store and Home Depot. Thanks for your comments.
Thank you so much for your videos. I have been camping all my life but now at 64yrs old I am about to order a Kodiak truck tent this week. I was especially glad to see the fly as I intended to also do that. Now I know what to look for. Stay safe and God bless.
The name is Jackery not Zachary lol.
You are correct. And I mispronounced it throughout. And it makes sense as in zacks for power. Thanks for your reply.
This guy should get a job with Ellis tents ! The Ellis guy need somewhere to spend the night while he works on the two day project of putting up his tent . There is something very weird about this whole world of “ tent people “ ! Very weird . It’s like … how technical and long and boring can I make putting up a tent video be ? Now we are into haemoglobin !!! It’s a tent video for goodness sake !!! Part 4 of how to put a tent up !!!! Pet 4 , day 2 probably !!!!
Liked this show, will now go watch more of you videos.
Thanks for posting the vid, I just bought this tent and took it out today for the 1st setup... definitely frustrating the 1st time, but Im sure I'll get faster. Im coming from a Gazelle T4 popup tent which takes about 2 minutes to setup, but needed to get up off the ground.
Appreciate your comments, Drew. I have not posted a new video in a while but need to catch up. Like you I spent most of my camping and hunting days on the ground, then graduated to a truck canopy, then to the Kodiak and most recently purchased a travel trailer. I will still hang in the Kodiak for solo trips but I just could not figure a simple way to sleep comfortably when my wife was along. I ended up back on the ground. So, now I have plenty of upgrades to do on a MiniLite travel trailer. Cheers
Very clever. Fastenal will have all the parts, they also offer a service where they will build kits. They may have a minimum. They do this for industrial and commercial accounts. Best price without an account will be to order online. Items they don't have in your local branch can be ordered. They have very quick shipping to pick up at branch.
Did you have to cut the stake pockets out of the bed rails on the bulkhead side? I have a 22 Canyon and the holes are closed. Also, is your bed a short or long bed? Really enjoyed your videos and upgrades. The unistrut and brackets with all your accessories is pure genius.
Fastenal will have all the parts, they also offer a service where they will build kits. They may have a minimum. They do this for industrial and commercial accounts. Best price without an account will be to order online. Items they don't have in your local branch can be ordered. They have very quick shipping to pick up at branch.
I really like that tent
Slid a piece of pool noddle 2 feet long, between the tent, and rear window, allows rain run away not drip towards the rear window
Great suggestion-incorporate next trip!
Hello where can I find that canopy? Thanks
So the tarp I use is called a Slumberjack Roadhouse. I bought mine from Amazon, 5 years ago-I see they still have them for $130.
@@chuckcary5204 I plan on getting the Kodiak truck tent soon enough and I like your set up.
@@chuckcary5204 another quick question I want to get a tonneau cover but with the Kodiak truck tent would I need one with side or top mounted rails? Thanks
@@Jeschitown That is an issue-the rail that comes with the Kodiak has brackets that interfere with a tonneau. You can mount the rail after opening the tonneau each time or a more permanently solution is to make your own rail which I did in my first video on Kodiak truck bed tents-check it out
@@chuckcary5204 ah ok I'll watch your video but I'm also ok with just mounting the tents rail each time of use thank you
I couldn't have done any better than you did! But I'll learn right along with you
Great videos, I just got the Kodiak and that is the big complaint I have as well. The large C clamps just cut into to much space in the bed, then your always having to adjust around them. I am having problems finding all the parts that you used and wanted to see if you are willing to build kits for guys like me. I would really be interested in purchasing one if you would. Really appreciate your videos keep em coming!!
Fastenal will have all the parts, they also offer a service where they will build kits. They may have a minimum. They do this for industrial and commercial accounts. Best price without an account will be to order online. Items they don't have in your local branch can be ordered. They have very quick shipping to pick up at branch.
Greetings From The Deep South! Firstly, let me congratulate you on your excellent upgrades/mods, as well as, your talent for producing clear and concise detailed informational videos for those of us who wish to get the most from our Kodiaks. I have purchased a Kodiak to compliment my new single cab 4x4 F-150. The truck is equipped with a 6 1/2 bed that barely affords enough length for sleeping on a raised wooden platform I built to serve as a bed and provide lockable secured storage. Located and strapped in the recesses between the wheel well and tailgate are deep cell batteries, one on each side. The one change I might suggest on your system is in regards to lighting. Walmart sells an under-rail 8 cluster led light set complete with hardware utilizing a plunger to activate the light when the tail-gate is opened. With the addition of a simple 12 volt on/off switch, I have found this kit to be a very convenient feature for the truck bed. These very small lights are more than adequate but do not draw enough wattage for a deep cell to notice. JRM ial (idiot at large)
Really liked the videos Chuck! Thanks. Gonna look into this for my F150.
Fastenal will have all the parts, they also offer a service where they will build kits. They may have a minimum. They do this for industrial and commercial accounts. Best price without an account will be to order online. Items they don't have in your local branch can be ordered. They have very quick shipping to pick up at branch.
Really nicely engineered!
Fastenal will have all the parts, they also offer a service where they will build kits. They may have a minimum. They do this for industrial and commercial accounts. Best price without an account will be to order online. Items they don't have in your local branch can be ordered. They have very quick shipping to pick up at branch.
nice video!! ive been considering this tent. I have a chase rack on my truck. Do u think if would fit over it?
Well not sure. Depends on the rack but my guess is it could maybe be modified to go under it and fabric cut on the two corners to wrap the supports. If it has wings on the sides I don’t think it will work but all depends on the design. Good luck
Hello Mr. Cary, I plan on buying the Kodiak Tent for my Tacoma when it gets restocked in a few weeks! I see you have a BAK revolver which I recently bought and currently waiting for in the mail, that being said this video was very informative for my situation and has made me abundantly excited to start overlanding!
Your Taco will use the same mid-size Kodiak Tent as my Canyon. For overlanding it so much better than the trendy truck top tents. Besides not adding to drag and negatively affecting gas mileage you have ready access to the truck cab, have a much tougher tent material that is excellent for a heater or stoves, stores away in a light/small duffle and is a fraction of the price. It fits so nice under your roll up bed cover. I would suggest looking at Family Tent Camping for their supply or ETA. Have fun and thanks for your comments
I'm waiting for delivery of my Kodiak tent, which should ship around Dec. 1, according to Kodiak. They seem to be in pretty high demand because people are finding out the nylon truck bed tents just don't hold up that well, especially if you're going to use them a lot, as I plan to. Your setup is ingenious and I'm planning to incorporate a lot of the features you used, and can have most of it ready in time for delivery of the tent. Thank you for taking the time to show me how to make the most of it!
I would agree that the nylon tent will not hold up. Also you can't help wondering why the nylon truck rack/top tents are so popular. Seems like an awkward placement and a cold spot to spend the night. Hope your Kodiak tent arrives on schedule
Stumbled upon your channel great content and info I am a Kodiak canvas truck tent owner myself and you've given me lots of ideas will continue to watch and have subscribed
Thanks Willie--I hope to get out in my Kodiak more this next year. We'll stay in touch.
Thank you for taking the time.
Been considering that tent...thanks for the well done review. Was that a new "cold handle' pan I saw on your stove or cleaned up well?
Thanks for your comment-it is a very well made tent. In fact I have it ready for a hunting trip tomorrow. What I like is having it all tucked in beneath my tonneau cover and not having to haul anything. And a mid-size Canyon diesel is great on the forest service roads plus 30 mpg is sweet too. Yes, I pack a cowboy cold handle skillet. I found it (old and badly bent), banged and cleaned it back into service.
Great upgrades for the Kodiak Truck tent. I'm making modifications to allow for highway travel. I placed heavy duty netting over the canvas and bolted down the cross bar system. I found that removing the front awning allows for better air flow around the truck bed tent at highway speeds. Anyways, Thanks for sharing your upgrades!
COOL !!!!!
You're smarter than the tent take it down an do it again practice make perfect