Winter Camping with Cold Weather Tips
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มี.ค. 2023
- This week I headed out to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. I go over some tips for cold weather winter truck camping. I don't know everything when it comes to winter camping. But I have lived in northern Minnesota my entire life and have been camping in -40 degree temperatures ever since I was a kid. I go over some questions that you guys have asked in the comments, definitely keep the questions coming. I really want to thank Aaron, a viewer I met while out camping. He gifted me an awesome tool for my camping adventures. I also want to thank all the people that have donated to the channel, everything helps! I'll see you all again down the road.
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God bless you brother. I'm a 56 yo man and me and my children enjoy watching you and your videos day and night due to your highest morals. We are with you brother. Thank you so much for your sacrifices. May God bless you richly.
I appreciate that.
Kenny you are a success story. What you put out there comes back to you.
Thank you, that is awesome to hear. I appreciate it!
Best part about winter camping: No Bugs!
So true 👍
Great video! I love Tuesday’s! Your channel is really taking off, I’m really proud of you. Keep up the good hard work…
Thanks babe. I appreciate all your support!
Your videos are as soothing as Sunday mornings!❤ Always look forward to them.
That was an awesome comment. I love it!
I feel like neighbors in a campground that are also camping in March in MN may not be full of rift raft haha. I’m glad you found your first viewer that recognized you. It’s almost unbelievable at first, but then usually turns out to be great people that are genuinely interested in your content. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Jay!
Hi Kenny, you like coffee like me only have two cups of it, one when I wake up and one to keep me warm b4 I go to bed.
With coffee always have a tin of evaporated milk in a tin yummy.
I live on a widebeam on the Grand Union Canal, basically sleep 💤💤💤💤 in water and sometimes that freezes always good to have something hot in your tummy, when freezing 🥶🥶🥶 cold.
Great 😃👍👍 video.
The electric bike is absolutely awesome
Hope to meet you on the trailer someday!!! Thanks again for a great destination. Pat and Gina
Patrick and Gina, thank you so much for your generosity! It is very much appreciated.
Hi Kenny what Awesome Beautiful Amazing Gorgeous Scenery 😊
Your videos have been an inspiration to me going ahead and getting a truck and camper myself. Some of the best information I found while deciding was your channel. Thank you. Keep the great videos coming, and can’t wait to hit the road of adventures myself
That is awesome. I hope you enjoy the camper!
Another cool video sir!
Thanks Steve
This is in the top 3 videos you have done! Excellent! Really enjoyed it. I watched it twice.
That's awesome to hear! I'm glad you liked it. I was in a good mood, and I think it shined through on video.
Coffee. Without it, the day doesn't start.
The best part of waking up!
Hello Kenny, just love your videos. Something I’ve found quite useful for fire starters is placing 15 to 20 cheap cotton balls in a large prescription bottle then fill with cheap rubbing alcohol . Comes time to start my fire I place about two to three alcohol soaked cotton balls on my kindling and light. Amazing how long each cotton ball will burn.
That's an awesome tip. I'm going to use that for sure.
Cotton ball and Vaseline works great too.
@@Oldrush Going to use that tip!
@@dennyj8650 It was something taught during hunters safety course as part of an emergency survival kit to have at all times. I use this method all the time. 1/4 cotton ball will burn for a few minutes.
@@Oldrush smart techniques
So when will we see some merch that says "Be Kind, Be Honest & We'll See You Down The Road"?
I doubt that's gonna happen any time soon. Lol I'm just enjoying making videos for now.
Kenny, Tuesday has become my favorite day of the week......I get to go camping! Another good video Kenny! Really enjoyed it.
Ron Nash really knew how to design a good camper. Arctic Fox, Nash, O.R.V's are just hard to beat. A Nash 17K has always been a dream of mine.You have done and do put a lot of work renovating and keeping up your camper. Love the big tires on your new bike.....made for the trails & timber.
Those mesh bags are great also for storing potatoes and onions. That steak looked great....the Folgers really smelled good!
Next weeks firewood is on me Kenny!
Thanks Richard! I agree on the campers. These older ones are built really well. Those are some great uses for the mesh bags. I'll definitely be keeping them!
Heres a suggestion kenny. Use that rv pink fluid to use the toliet, keep 1/4 gallon in the tank and everytime you use the toliet, use the rv fluid to dump it.
Ive never had a problem living in my motorhome in Saskatchewan all winter. Also you could look at getting a diesel heater, i got 2 and an insulated 24-gallon fuel tank. -65 it was +21c 72 f inside.
Love this video Kenny!! Good job bro 👍
Thanks Larry!
Kenny 🎉Awesome🎉 video thanks man! You are such a nice likable guy It’s almost the weekend. Be safe camping this weekend. Can’t wait to see your next video. Thanks again.
Thanks Tim. I'm still think about where I'm going on Saturday. We are supposed to get snow, so it should be fun.
Read in 1 of outdoor magazine Open the curtains in the morning. It helps warm up the rooms. Close them @ helps with the heat. The last 2 years on the road. I've used an electric blanket. 1 of sleeping bags is poncho liner. I also se a sleeping bag liner @ times. I idle the truck. To keep the heater going. I also crack a window for ventilation. Becaus the truck heat will chase you out of the vehicle
My day is brighter when the video says uploaded 1hr ago… always teased by previous videos I’ve already seen
Thanks
Thanks!
Thank you Charles, that is very generous. I really appreciate you helping the channel!
I like it when you walk out in the woods in the pitch black of night, and start telling Bigfoot stories, and how you feel like somebody is watching you. 😮
Thank you ! Absolutely love the content and I hope it pays of much appreciate you!
Thank you for watching!
Hello Kenny - I can see and feel your inner spirt being lifted by all your viewers and your channel. Obviously, it takes years to beat down the years of LE and being Public Safety. You look happy - keep the faith!
Thanks Bryan, that means a lot to me!
Another great video Kenny, you like your steaks the same way I like mine. Salt, pepper and a touch of garlic! I let mine sit out for an hour or two after seasoning and before cooking. Wish I could get out as much as you but watching your videos makes me feel like I am getting out. Be kind, be honest and we’ll see ya down the road!
Thanks Bary. I'm glad you enjoy going on these adventures with me!
Another great weekend with you. Thanks for bringing us along!
Thanks Roycefiles
Found ur videos a few months ago and have more to catch up on but what I’ve seen I’ve loved so far! They are so relaxing and entertaining and I really love ur little cooking segments! Great stuff Kenny! Wish ur girl would be on camera more but I get her wanting privacy. Keep on doing your thing and loving the outdoors! ❤️🚍
Thanks Lisa! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement.
Kenny, we WANT to be with you! A weekend is NEVER long enough for us, we value your company! 😉 🤗 MORE PLEASE!!!
Your steak looked wonderfully delicious! I don't know how you do it, whatever meal you are making, cooking, baking, whatever, you ALWAYS make it look so easy and so very delicious, what is your secret??
I thought that Campsites ALWAYS closed down for the Winter, very interesting! 🔥
I was afraid for you when you went bike riding in the snow and ice, I thought that your bike might slip on the ice. Maybe, you should wear a helmet my friend, you know, just in case. 😉
How do you make your bed so nice?? Is there really that much space up there to make the bed? 🛏 Gee, I guess so.
I ALWAYS want you to drive very carefully in that snow and ice my friend, because you know, "THERE'S ONLY 1 KENNY FOR US AND THAT'S YOU!!! 😍 👦
💻🏞Keep Camping🏞🚙
Your friend,
Didi, 🖑
🐠 🐟 🐠 🐡
I love all your videos beautiful rig and it's roomy. Yeah I don't like being around people either too much noise. So relaxing watching your videos after coming home from work
It's always entertaining and enjoyable watching your videos. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Allen I appreciate you watching.
Love the videos! Love the thought of winter camping. Kids want to do tent and hot stove. But I see these videos and think this is perfect winter camping for me!
I love my old truck camper. It's like im driving out in nature with a small apartment in the bed of my truck. I've been in -35 degree weather and still feel cozy and safe in the truck camper. I also like that it takes no time to set up and get back on the road.
kenny,, like your videos, another minnesotan here...
Very cool Ellwood, maybe I'll see you around some day. Thanks for checking out the videos!
I really enjoy watching your video adventures thanks for sharing 😊
Love you sharing your camping adventures, & look forward to each video (in Florida)
Thanks!
Been looking forward to this all day! Great video, thanks for sharing and bringing us along.
That's so nice of you to say! Thanks 😊
Have watched from the beginning look farward to Tuesday night if u ever come east let me know I could show u some cool spots in my neck of the woods
That would be awesome! One day I hope to have more time to travel.
Well good morning Kenny, very beautiful wonderful video. I love it. That winter camping like that just looks so relaxing keep up the good videos and keep them coming.
Southerner here appreciating your videos.
Cozy! ❄️🤩❄️
Thanks!
Just found your channel this week when researching suspension upgrades for my truck camper rig (picking up some felling wedges at Tractor Supply in a few days). I am semi retired and travel full-time in my FWC pop-up camper. Really enjoy your videos...well made with lots of useful info. Happy to be a new subscriber.
Thanks, that is awesome to hear. Safe travels out on the roads!
@@KennyOfAllTrades you as well!
So,so relaxing just watching!!
Thank you I really appreciate your comment.
Good tips and great video, thanks Kenny!
Thanks Tim. I appreciate you watching!
Looks like you had a pleasant time. That is what caping is all about.
It was really nice. Thanks for checking back in this week. I appreciate you watching!
Great video Kenny! Answered a lot of questions! Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your weekend.
Thanks for watching Gary
Good job on the video Kenny. I'm really enjoying it.
Thanks James!
I always keep the bedroom window cracked to allow fresh air in. It also keeps you from getting that clammy feeling by keeping C02 level down.
Very true Lawrence.
Tuesdays are my favorite days! Another banger video my friend! I've seen your truck in passing a couple times so far. I'm just waiting for the day we cross paths out in the woods or campground. It would be awesome to sit and b.s. for a bit! Have a great week Kenny!
Thanks Steve! You'll probably find me at Paulbeck's picking up groceries or fueling up at Holiday. If you see me, definitely stop by and say hi!
I truly look forward to your weekly trips , after seeing your adventures in the camper I’m planning on having some camping adventures myself In future!! Thank you for sharing information and adventures !! Cloquet Minnesota
Alan that is awesome! I have slept at the Cloquet Walmart so many times. I would get off work Friday night, drive 1.5 hours to the Cloquet Walmart to sleep, then start my videos on Saturday in the Superior forest. It is so cool that you are watching from Cloquet.
Great, nice quiet, peaceful weekend. P.S. gotta mention that great steak !👍🥩
Thanks for watching!
Outstanding video 👍. Once I get mine built (truck camper), I'm going to have to let you teach me ice fishing 🎣, and I'll meet you in NM or AZ and show you how I prospect for gold. That steak 🥩 looked great 👍. Can't wait until next Tuesday.
Sounds like a deal Randy!
Hi Kenny, We are so glad that you have had a good week and have been meeting such nice people along the way. You have an amazing channel and great group of subscribers. Those are some really great tips for winter camping and taking care of your TC. Fred loved the cheesy cauliflower bake. I am going to try and make little fried cauliflower cakes out of the last of the left overs to go with our breakfast tomorrow. Enjoyed the video. Have a great week and see you next Tuesday. Mary 💕 Fred
That's awesome. I glad to hear you guys enjoyed the dish. I thought it got better every day.
@@KennyOfAllTrades We agree that it got better everyday for sure.
Paying attention - almost as cold here in WI - we get your weather when it gets done with you! That steak made me hungry, LOL.
Nothing like a medium rare steak cooked over a fire. Well done mate.
Thanks Heather. I appreciate the comment.
Balmy 35 outside ( bike riding weather ) enjoyed the Q&A
Thanks again for your videos and good to see your channel growing
Thanks Eric!
Great video, Kenny. I am sure it's a ton of work making them, but sure do appreciate watching them.
Bye the way, that steak did look perfect.
Thanks Ken!
Awesome video as always Kenny 👌🏽
Thanks! Get ready for more snow! Thankfully, it looks like it's gonna be south of us.
@@KennyOfAllTrades Totally! I’m going to be in the cabin Thursday - Friday morning. Can’t wait!
Awesome, it's supposed to snow Thrusday night and then sun Friday morning up here. It should be a beautiful opportunity to make a video.
Great video as usual Kenny. Good tips on truck camping. I stay in my TC down here in the Keys January through end of March. TC allows me to bring my boat. Your tip on doing the dishes is spot on. If I could add one thing it would be a spatula is my most used utility in the kitchen. I use it after every meal making sure when I actually wash the dishes there is virtually no food on the plates or silverware. Grey tank stays much fresher as temps down here do not get lower than 70 degrees.
That's a great tip! I'll use the spatula tip from now on. Thanks for watching.
NICE 🥶👍👍👍👍👍
I really like the steps on your truck camper, I'm building out a boxtruck and I need some steps like that.
They are really nice. They are manufactured by Torklift. They are built real well. I weigh close to 300 pounds, and they hold me with no problems.
Kenny, I really appreciate your vids. It has to be quite exhausting editing your vids after the weekend and then working full time. Thank you!!
It can be exhausting. I make the videos on the weekend and edit them to upload on Tuesdays. That usually means I sleep for 2 hours on Sunday, work Monday, and sleep for 2 hours Monday night. I try to stay awake on Tuesdays when i get home from work to answer comments... but sometimes pass out. So far, I've been able to keep up this crazy schedule. I hope one day to make content full-time. I figure if I give 200%, I should be able to make it happen. I'm just starting my lunch break, so I'm gonna make tomorrow's thumbnail. Thank you so much for checking out the older videos and leaving a comment!
Kathio is my favorite spot in the winter. I've tented those sites and built quinzhees at those sites
Maybe we will run into each other this winter. Make sure to say hi if you see me.
Awesome as always. That steak looked like one you might have seen on the Flintstones if it had a handle!! Lol. Thanks again
Thanks Jimmy. Maybe in the next video, I will do a giant tomahawk steak over the coals!
Your channel is great 👍
Thanks Jimmy
I grew up in Minnesota near Rochester. The only thing I miss is the Lakes. Now live in the warm free State of Texas. Wouldn't live anywhere else.
I hear you! Thankfully, up in the land of rocks and cows, Minnesota still feels like home. I will say the older I get, the more I'm getting fed up with the cold. Thankfully, we do have an awesome fall season.......it only lasts about three days....but it is awesome!
@@KennyOfAllTrades been in the low 80's here lately.
Almost summer to you.
A cold day is 50°.
That sounds awesome right now!
@@KennyOfAllTrades I was cleaning my truck camper today and had to turn the AC ON.
Also great motorcycle weather.
Many motorcycle rallies going on here in Texas right now.
That is a beautiful prank visit there often
I bet in the fall it is stunning. Unfortunately, the fire tower was closed for winter. It would have been awesome to get a night lapse up there.
Man, you did it again…another splendid weekend adventure! Glad to see your channel is taking off, you deserve it man…one of the nicest guys out here on YT (along with Vic and Larry of course)! Speaking of Larry, pretty sweet you gotta text from him while filming!
Btw-is Mandi ever gonna get her e-bike back?! 😝
Oh yeah, happy to see your steak didn’t end up in the coals 😂
Is it next Tuesday yet? 🤔
As always, stay safe out there…..
Thanks Mike!
I agree Mike! 🚲
What up Kenny, good too see you again.
Hope you enjoyed the adventure this week!
@@KennyOfAllTrades I did.
Id love for me and my children to meet you in person some day
❤❤❤
Hi Kenny. That was so nice when you let your fan ride your e-bike. Thanks so much for all of the tips. Mmmm that steak looks yummy! May I have a bite? Lol is the slide custom made or did it come with the camper?
Hay Kathy, thanks for watching! The camper came with a slide. It's an older 2004 Arctic Fox model M860. They stopped production of this camper around 2005. It is Arctic Fox last wood framed construction camper.
Steak looks great
It was so good. It tasted like smoked brisket. The fat rendered down, making it so tender.
You make winter camping look so relaxing. Thanks for taking us along again.
Btw, I thought you installed a diesel heater in the camper. Did I imagine that?
I haven't installed one yet. About a year ago, I helped a friend install one in an ambulance he was converting. Maybe that's what you are thinking of. I'm still on the fence about where to mount one in the camper.
@@KennyOfAllTrades
I'm still building out my bus, so I want to install it now so I don't have that issue later. Love that I can tap into my fuel tank instead of having that small tank.
That's a great idea. Those heaters are super efficient, and having it pull from your fuel take would be nice.
❤❤❤🎉
Those Walmart steaks when prepared right are pretty good.. 😏
For sure! Little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rest... that's a perfect recipe for a cheap steak.
Another great video it's always nice to see someone you know
Thanks Walton, it was vary cool meeting Aaron.
That is the only way to eat a steak. Enjoy for us all.
Thanks Pamela
If this has already been asked, I apologize but, do you have a topper(awning) over your slide? I can’t tell if you do or don’t. If you don’t, how do you clear snow/ice from the top before retracting it back in? Thanks! Absolutely love your videos and tutorials about your camper, it’s features and how you deal with things in general while dispersed camping. Thank you.
I don't. I've thought about getting one. I know it would help with snow and rain. I go up on the roof and use a small compact l leaf blower to clear the slide roof. I use the blower often to clean dirt and dust out of the camper.
Thanks for another great video. Might have missed this in a past video but do you have an affiliate link for your e-bike? Would love to pick one of those up.
Thanks Josh! I appreciate all the support for the channel. I did throw a link in a video for the bike the first time I took it out. Unfortunately, I don't do affiliate links. I don't want my reviews of a product to be swayed by a promise of a financial kickback. I'll give you a link to the manufacturer so you can see all they have to offer.
engwe-bikes.com/collections/all-ebikes?gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwdU0jZvvjHUI_r8PXmeIVB0EDuuDtcuc1BHAL45RN2_2mTiaZmkzihBoCAKsQAvD_BwE
Thanks Kenny, appreciate the info
Awesome video thanks for sharing…. Why do you put the strap on the slide????
I started doing that after going down old logging roads. That slide takes a beating, and the only thing holding it in place is the break on the motor. I figured I'd take some of the stress when being bounced around.
Great video and great practical tips. Let me give you one for your steak that I learned from a tennis buddy who is a chef at a restaurant where dinner for you and your bride will cost you $1,000+.
Just before you put it on the grill, hopefully as close to normal room temperature as possible, press it between paper towels, wash clothes, etc., to try to get out every bit of moisture you can. You can also do this by leaving it in the refrigerator uncovered for several days but the squeezing trick is just quicker. This looks like you've made a mistake because immediately afterwards the steak will be half as thick as it was originally. Don't worry, during the cooking process the thickness comes back right away.
It sounds counterintuitive but this will actually make your steak more tender and juicier. The moisture you're getting out is not fat. It is water typically pumped into most cuts of meat during processing to add weight. That water turns to steam as the steak is cooking and makes the meat tough. While your steak obviously wasn't tough, removing the moisture can literally make it so tender it can be cut with a fork. Cuts such as filet mignon almost flake apart.
This also allows you to buy less expensive cuts of meat that will still be tender when you cook them. Meats you buy in a butcher shop are less likely to need this. Notice they are in the cooler uncovered which is already drying them out. Meat that you buy at chain stires wrapped in cellophane with the maxi pad underneath absolutely require this.
That is great information. I'm definitely going to do that next time.
You nay have explained this b4 i started watching your channel but what's with the ratchet strap attached to the slide when you close it? Issues not closing tight? Great job as always....👍
I haven't had any issues with the slide yet. I put that there because while driving down forertry trails that the slide mechanism takes a beating. The ratchet strap is helping keep everything tight.
Thanks for the video Kenny. It’s always interesting watching your video every Tuesday. I heard big winter storm coming Friday. Are you still planning to go camp this weekend?
Yes, I'll be out there. I think we will just get a few inches here. Looks like the Cities will get most of the snow. I'll be about 3.5 hours north of them.
Hope you didn't get stuck in all that snow....we got almost a foot Saturday!
It was a lot of snow! I went to Lake Bemidji for the weekend. I just got home. The roads were horrible but the video should be 👍
@Kenny Of All Trades awesome. I ended up in Iron river wi for the weekend and received almost 2 feet of snow. It's still a blizzard there. I also just got back down south. I almost got stuck. I'm looking forward to your video. Cheers
Be safe!!
Hey Kenny,
Off-grid, what are you using to heat the camper, and what energy source?
Thanks in advance, and I love your channel.
Thanks! I'm using the factory forced air furnace that runs off propane. The house batteries will power the fan all night.
During the winter months, I sometimes stay at state park campgrounds. Oftentimes, they will plow out 2 or 3 campsites. They are always empty. If they have shore power, I use a 1000-watt ceramic heater. It does a great job keeping the camper warm even when temps fall below zero. The only time the electric heater struggles to keep the camper warm is in high winds. When the slide is out, the cold air finds it way in. I have been out in -40 degree temperatures. The factory furnace runs nonstop, but the camper will stay 70 degrees. On those super cold weekends, I go through 1 20-lb tank in 24 to 36 hours. A lot depends on the wind.
I have not installed a diesel heater yet. I'm saving to buy a commercial grade Wabasto heater. My brother-in-law is a long-haul driver. He does not have many issues with his heater. Every person I see using the knockoff Amazon heaters on TH-cam has issues. I can't have my furnace stop working when it -40. I've had my truck fail to start 3 times since I started the channel. I'm often in areas with no cell service. Having my heater not work could be deadly. I do carry a Mr. Buddy for backup along with a dozen cans of gell heat. That's my last resort.
@@KennyOfAllTrades - Thank you for this detailed info! I'm new to the overlanding/camping world (about a year in), so I'm still learning bunches!
Your channel is affecting people in a positive way. Keep doing you!
I always enjoy your videos but it's still too crazy cold for me that's why I live in New Mexico I saw you were watching Puss in Boots lol
Lol. Thanks Kevin. I had The Office on. It's my go-to show. That was a commercial. 😆 I can't wait for it to warm up. Today, the forecast is calling for 7 to 8 inches of snow on Saturday. If nothing else, I should get a pretty snow-covered video this upcoming weekend.
@Kenny Of All Trades thank you for sharing your experience and camper tips. Have a great week
@@kthom89 You too Kevin!
Swammy said you need a dog and you call it TOBY!
BINGO!
Have you been to all the state parks? Don't recall how many there were, but I never appreciated them as much as I should have when I was younger.
Great question. It was
this winter that I learned how many parks provided winter camping. Last winter, I struggled to make videos every weekend because I couldn't find places to go. Once I learned there are over 20 state parks that plow out a few sites, it made winter camping easier. I have only camped at a few state parks in the summer months. I believe there are over 80 parks all together. Most of them are booked out over 100 in advance. I usually make plans on Friday when I head out on Saturday. The state parks are so beautiful. I can see why they are full all summer. But it's magical in the winter because they are empty!
Have you ever performed maintenance on the slider mechanisms?
Just slide lubricant spray on the tracks and rollers. I have not made any adjustments. I have had to tighten the lag bots down that hold the motor base plate to the floor. I noticed that after 15 years, they had backed out a little.
Hi Kenny still trying to catch up on your videos…really love them…also are you a police officer 👮?
Former. I changed carrers at the beginning of the channel. For the last 2 years I been a state employee in the Department of Public Safty. Pryor to that, yes, I was a police officer.
Hey Kenny, Do you leave your camper on your truck? I do and was just wondering if anyone else does.
I do leave it on. I have a beater with a heater that I use for my daily driver. The camper stays in the truck parked outside, waiting for the weekend. It's been off maybe 2 or 3 times in the last few years.
Enjoy your videos. Mind me asking, what is the reason for the ratchet strap on the slide?
During the summer months, I take my camper way back in the woods down forestry trails looking for the most remote camping. My truck and camper take a beating. The strap is to hold the slide in more securely. I think it helps. The camper is 20 years old, I'm just trying to take some of the load off the motor keeping everything secure.
@Kenny Of All Trades Ah ok. That was sort of what I figured. Taking stress off the gears and whatnot underneath. It's definitely understandable. You mentioned watching for soft walls. Have you ever had a truck camper leak?
Oh yes! I've owned a lot of truck campers over the years. They all leak, It's just a matter of time. Hopefully, you will catch it soon enough and dry out the wet area. I will have a dehumidifier and fans to dry out the wood. If you don't catch it soon enough and the wood dry rots, it can sometimes still be fixed with marine grade Epoxy. The stuff they use in boats to repair soft hulls and Stearns. If that doesn't work, it's time to rebuild. I have had to replace the front nose cap on this camper 5 or 6 years ago.
@Kenny Of All Trades Having a leak is my first fear about putting big money into buying a TC lol. Do you go around and reseal your joints and compartments and whatnot regularly? I feel like repairing water damage would be a nightmare .
I check my seals often and reseal questionable areas 2 or 3 times a year. Here is my suggestion....buy a cheap old truck camper and use it until it's falling apart. Don't worry if you get a leak. It's gonna happen! Just stay on top of it. (Obviously, don't buy one that's already trashed)
If you spend 4 to 5 grand and get 5 to 6 years out of it, you'll be doing good. When it's completely trashed, you can part it out. The stove, sink, and windows all sell for home built fish shanties. If you live in the north.
Have u ever used a electric blanket in the camper? B safe in u travels.
I haven't, but only because I don't run the generator all night. But know that I have a bigger power station I'll be trying an electric blanket this winter. That's a great idea!
Kenny, where did you have space to mount your inverter? Did you connect it so that all a/c plugs are active or only a select few? (I have an AF 990 too.)
My camper inverter is mounted on top of the battery box. It's in the area under the sink. I ran a plug from the inverter to the shore power plug. That is how I power the entire camper with my trucks' dual altornators. It works well to run the coffee pot or the air conditioner. You can see in the video I mounted a on-off switch for the inverter on the lower cabinet. I leave the inverter off unless I need 120v because the inverter has a power draw even if nothing is connected.
@@KennyOfAllTrades Thanks for info!! Seriously, big thanks. I'll look at that space as soon as Colorado warms up a little. Did you also install a cutover switch of any type?
I did install a switch to turn off the camper converter. That way, if the inverter is running, and my truck is off, the house batteries are not trying to charge themselves.
I also installed a solenoid under the hood to disconnect power from the truck to the camper. I activate the solenoid with my headlights. So if my truck is off, the camper will not drain down the batteries. If I use my trucks remote start, the headlights come on, and I can use the inverter to make coffee.
What brand backup camera did you install that has the screen as the “mirror”?
Here is what i ordered back in 2020. I really like it. The brand name is Promido. Https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07ZF9FK6W?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Thank you so much!
info on ebike please Kenny!
My kids ride the Engwe ebike. They really like it. It has held up just fine the last year. My daily bike for the channel is a Rad Mini 4. It's my favorite because it folds up and can be transported in the back seat. The build quality is better than the Engwe, but it costs 1000.00 more. The Engwe is a great sub 1000 dollar bike. Once you ride a higher quality 3000 dollar bike, you can tell the difference. If you don't have a lot of experience with ebikes, the Engwe will be an absolute blast. The little differences are that the higher costing bikes will be quieter. The power will engage quicker with the turn of the pedals. It's little things like that where you will see differences. The power and battery life seem to be the same across the board. A 750 watt bike with an 18 amp hour battery will perform the same no matter what bike you are buying. That has been my experience.
We had a truck camper on our 4x4 diesel superduty. It allowed us to tow our Wrangler deep into the back country where we found a lot of peace & quiet & fun trails & good fishing. We also liked to camp in the snow. Oh, sure it is fun to sit about a campfire in the snow but once darkness falls as it does early in the winter the fun kinda goes out of it as the temp drops so we found ourselves hiding in the camper until bedtime. We had a 10ft camper but that still was pretty tight for 2 or 3 of us crammed in there. So, we traded it for a class A Winnebago. Wow! what a lotta room does to change the camping experience but sadly, we now camp in Rv parks & not the backcountry anymore.
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I do want to travel the US in a class A or C. I would love a summer of museums and history tours while staying at Harvest Hosts across America. I think that would be awesome!
I'm sure there will be a time in my life when I'm not running from civilization. Right now, I like to find remote spots because I deal with people all week. If I ever have a chance to travel full-time, I won't always search out solitude.
Did you say it was illegal to forage for firewood from dead trees in Minnesota?
Yes, the state does not allow us to pick up dead and down wood in the parks. It's ok in the forest. Just not on state park land. They want us to buy their approved wood at the Ranger station.
Hi Kenny. Why don’t you wear a bike helmet whilst out riding?
Good question. Mandi has mentioned it before as well. I have even looked at helmets a few times, I never found one that fit properly, but i was looking at Walmart. I know I should have one. I grew up in the 80s riding BMX and trail bikes. Back then, we never thought of wearing helmets, so it's never became a habit for me. As a police officer, I held many, many, many bike rodeos for the community. While speaking with the kids, I always stressed the importance of wearing a helmet! Now I need to put it to practice.
Never bare hand the fire pit people always throw bottles and whatnot in there
That is very true.