Leaning to the Wind with an A-Frame Trailer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มี.ค. 2019
- After beating a snow storm that hit Arizona late February, in New Mexico I found myself with an all too familiar foe, wind. Here's how I rode it out in my A-frame trailer.
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Trailer: 2004 Aliner with around 80,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 200W solar, two 12V batteries (one AGM)
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You do a lot of interesting videos about nature, photography, and recording. But the ones I find the most intense interest in are your survival videos. How to make heat, how to survive storms, how to cook. Those draw me, because they show the dedication you have to getting your shots most people could never get elsewhere where you go.
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Good point, Slim shows us the rough times as well as the beauty of this type of lifestyle few others that I've seen show. Very entertaining.
We have always been partial to anchoring all 4 corners of the trailer to the ground during big wind storms. The cheap Walmart corkscrew anchors used to tether dogs in the yard seem to work pretty well.
I lived in a camper for 3 years, during 1 hurricane it was so windy and loud that I didn't hear the 60+ feet tall trees fall all along my camper... mine survived... a few others didn't.... but man it was windy, thankfully I was parked next to a hedge which broke the worst winds... but I was repairing floor/wall that had rotted so a large area of the camper was just the outer sheet of metal, and the floor had a 2' by 2' hole in it, just losely covered with some wood during the storm, and man those walls where "bending" like crazy, that was a scary night
I've seen a few Aliner's blown apart and each time it was either blown apart while being raised or lowered or a sidewall blew in after the sidewall latches broke the small metal plates out of the roof section. These plates have short screws into the thin ceiling panel, so not a lot of strength there. My Aliner, like all newer ones, has the four of the pivot style sidewall locks like you have up front, not a mix with barrel bolts in the rear like yours. At one point Aliner used barrel bolts all around, but I think they had to change it because if the road side sidewall is not locked properly it will fall on you when you raise the door side sidewall, and the barrel bolt is easier to not lock properly than then pivot style lock. Cross bars set inside between the sidewalls (which I see one of in your video) solve the sidewall latch failure issue and when combined with the high wind kit or a strap as you did are quite effective in winds like you experienced. To prevent wind related failures during raising and lowering the aftermarket Wind Cheeta solution is the most effective solution, its like a seatbelt, if the roof gets lifted by the wind the strap will extract too fast and lock, no other solution that I know of does that. Last June I took a 120kph gust early in the morning in Lake Superior Provincial Park which lifted my Aliner and moved it about a meter sideways (due to the lightning I raised the stabilizers, but I was unable to secure the trailer to the car in time). With the sidewalls well secured and my upgraded Aliner high wind kit (stronger cables and reinforced mounting to the roof extrusions) the trailer stayed intact. Several larger trailers took damage and the few tenters where basically wiped out. Environment Canada sent out a warning five minutes before the storm hit. It hit with extreme winds for just a few minutes and then torrential rain for an hour. I kept telling myself that the trailer makes rain sound worse and tried to ignore it. Then I noted my campsite had 20cm deep water flowing through it.
The worst winds I ever encountered were while driving near Cheyenne Wyoming in December. I had a ski box on the roof that I had to find shelter under an overpass to add extra straps to keep closed and attached to the roof. One section of the road had more than a dozen tractor trailers and RV's on their side. I have encountered strong cross winds with my Aliner in tow and done fine, but nothing like what southwest Wyoming seems to be able to come up with. For some time I lived in Calgary, in Broadcast Hill, on the other side of the hill where the Trans-Canada Highway is located I used to see trailers blown apart by the winds of a chinook coming or going.. literally a trailer frame on the shoulder and a bunch of debris all over the place.
I didn't know trailer farts was a thing. I learn something new everyday.
I've lived the majority of my life in Cheyenne, WY where the wind blows CONSTANTLY, 40 mph is a normal day! I too can fully relate to your physical posture and logical concerns riding this storm out. Over the years I grew to despise the wind and I left Wyoming. I found wind to be very isolating and destructive. I call the wind " Mother Nature's Cosmic Breathe", which is about the nicest way I can describe this senseless act of violence on our planet. Great filming ~ You are a very brave man!
Love seeing people pushing their small trailers to the limit. Thanks as usual for the adventurous content Slim!
One of the early and valuable lessons I learned about boondocking was taught to me by the wind spirits of Chaco Canyon. The spirts quickly let their powers be known and disconnected and removed my Napier SUV tent. I now boondock in a converted E-350 extended body van with a fiberglass top. Even in the van the power of the wind spirits is humbling.
Thank you Slim, I have only found your channel recently, due to changing from a Tear Drop Camper to an Avan Cruiseliner. Your hints and tips are part of my Education and Research Program. You may have moved on from your Aline, but your Legacy remains to the benefit of us all. Cheers from Michael. Australia.
My wife and I were camping on the Oregon Coast with our Chalet and there was a line of thunderstorms off the coast; a squall came in right after we went to bed. We were broadside at the wind, and the gusts really shook the trailer back and forth. At one point, the back side lifted up and we could see light between the two sides of the roof - so your ratchet strap definitely is a good idea. The Chalet has the same lock on the front and back sides of the roof - so that's a bit better design than you have. We held each other and just prayed that we would make it through, which we did; and with the stationary front off the coast, we moved a bit inland the next day, so we could enjoy a few big thrunderstorms the next night (LOL). The following day, we drove home and staycationed the rest of the week. But we don't recall having trailer farts with the Chalet...
Hey Slim , from your big fan here in Asia (Philippines) Like I commented earlier in your Outer Space Traveler's Adventures episode, I'm hooked to your videos and we don't even have RV's or travel trailers here. Damn, you're getting me THIS close to bloody building myself one...!
Slim, this winter seems to be bad everywhere. My snowbird friends have all reported extreme conditions in the AZ, NV, CA and NM deserts. I live on the Oregon coast - no snow, just some rain. My neighbors regret leaving!
The thing i like about a Aliner is it folds down for good gas mileage and when folded up it gives much better protection than a popup when in bear country. I would say all the good tips you have given Aliner for free they owe you about 50k for research and development.
I find it hilarious that he has to put up a disclaimer that it is "his trailer and he paid for it"... however, that is the world that we live in. People are so protective of the things they like, that you need to state that it's yours and you intend to do with it what you like or risk being attacked in the comments.
Excellent video as per usual, this is quickly becoming my favorite channel.
That was a nice star-shot of the trailer at 3:35. Cheers.
I would have gone into stealth mode and dropped the aliner flat , glad u
r safe
Great video! We have a 2005 Aliner Expedition, and ours looks exactly like yours, except we have the storage box on the front. Even your interior colors and fabric are the same that we had before I did a facelift on her. Watching the walls move was really scary. Closest we’ve come to that is camping in Georgia when a hurricane came through further south. Got some winds, but the worst was that the fruit on the trees became missiles! Hitting the camper all night. In the morning I was actually surprised the next morning that there were no dents, they sounded so loud. Very happy to see that you and your camper both survived! We also have the same latch setup that you have, but my spouse welded an extra 3/8” onto the end of the bars so that they would not come loose as easily. Mine were actually getting to the point where they no longer stayed in place even when there was no stress on the walls. If you figure out a better system, please be sure to post it. I love watching your videos! You go where I would love to go, but don’t have the time to do that just yet. Happy trails!
Trailer Farts ! Too funny !! Apparently we had an earthquake here in Alberta this morning around 6:00 am.
The first video of yours I saw I was thinking this man is one happy soul. Stay like you are. You mentioned in a video looking back on 7 yrs of videos how some were not so nice. That is because they are probably envious that their life is not making them feel good. Do not change many people like me really do enjoy you. I wish you were my friend.
Oh man. I’ve never been in a trailer like yours, but I think if I’d been in the same situation, I’d have closed down the trailer, lowering the wind resistance, as I were going to drive off with it, aimed the Jeep into the wind. and just slept as best as I could in the Jeep. . I’ve lived in Tornado Alley all my life, been face to face up close looking at Tornados. I’ve got a lot of respect for high winds. Anyway, another great Slim video! Thank you.
As a guy with a big truck and really big toy hauler, sure is attractive to have a small, light, great usable space for a single guy camping. The saving in costs to pull a small a frame wound be a huge bonus as well. Great channel, and safe travels from 🇨🇦
Great video, thanks !
I will be sharing this with my sister and brother-in-law! They had a Caddy that made a farting noise and a number of technicians said it was nothing to worry about. They named their Caddy “Rosie,” and we’d ride in it and laugh every time Rosie farted! Hysterical!
O man I’m dying laughing at the trailer farts 😂. To funny
We have a back door on our house that does that occasionally when the wind is just right. Sounds like someone giving a giant “raspberry.” The fart is funnier!
Hilarious
another great story from you!
You help get my Monday's goin!
Spring time in the SW definitely means windy. Go into almost any western store and ask for a stampede strap, that will help keep a cowboy hat on.
For some reason I really enjoy seeing your videos when the weather is extreme. I think it brings Bach fond memories of camping with my grandparents in Arkansas. We had a Sears canvas tent with poles and camp in all sorts of weather. I loved the crazy weather. Seeing you hunkered down in your Aliner floods my memory. Thank you.
Brilliant vlog
Slim, you are a wonderful teacher! Happy Trails 💕
I always enjoy your videos and your adventurous spirit.
Another great episode. Keep safe.
YESSSSSS WHAT A GREAT MONDAY!
Thanks for the upload, AGAIN!
What a great video! I love your stuff!!!
another good, interesting video Slim, thanks for sharing.
Thank u so much for taking the time to explain everything on your trailer 😊..I'm wanting to buy something small like a travel trailer to pull with my equinox I don't know much about it but it's good to learn 😊 ..I'm at the age of retirement I want to enjoy camping or do some traveling and u have been the motivation to do it ...my kids are all out of the nest so it time to do fun things and be at peace with nature after long time of been a mom and doing for others it's time to enjoy life before I can't ...thank u so much for the inspiration ! My journey begins ☺️
Great info...
Thanks for sharing your windy days, nice to see what happens out in the desert, be safe traveling,
Well done 👍 thank you 🙏
Brilliant as usual ... thank you! We’ve all been there: high winds ... rig shaking ... but life is an adventure! Keep on trucking ...
Buying an Aliner this week and looking forward to trying some of this guy's mods and tricks to get mine set up right! I don't plan on living in it, but it'll be great for road trips. Just having a comfortable bed, a place to make coffee in the morning, and something warmer than a tent, especially if it gets really cold at night will be different! This trailer will be an experiment to see if I feel it's worth having one, and these videos have taught me a lot about the pros and cons, and how to improve this design. Have to say thanks for all of this!
Great video, Slim. Glad you made it through that wind storm.
Oh god Slim. Love the T shirt and trailer toots. Always enjoy your videos and travel safe.
Hey the 2nd comment bout anchoring the 4 corners down with those corkscrew anchors is worth trying. Thanks. Craig. Pa. Guy
Thank you for your clever informative videos, and the humor. I laughed so hard at the trailer farts I cried - the sound was so unexpected. Bless you and keep the information and laughter coming.
I look forward to your videos more than any others. Always such good information. And always entertaining!! Thanks!
Wow!!! Just Wow!!!!
As always, I absolutely loved this video. Thanks for putting out another great one my friend 😊
Slim enjoyed this video.. stay safe and keep the awesome videos comeing.
you should team up with a trailer manufacturer and help them redesign an A-Frame. Your videos make me want to get one and all of your modifications and fixes are very valuable and should be a standard I think.
Love the SRV reference! Rock on, Mr. Slim!
I feel for you. I rode out the last two Florida East Coast tropical storms in my small travel trailer. Stay safe and safe travels.
I don't know how I ended up here watching this video but one thing I could say is: thanks for the laugh, living in NY quarantine and watching the video you made my day better and I'm here at the living room lol when I heard that noise and you said Trailer farts. I had two rewinded and watching a couple of times. You have a new subscriber.
Glad you got through that storm! Seems like it was wild!
The wind in the desert is fierce. I usually go in the summer and have experienced loud windy nights in a tent. Can't wait for my summer vacation. I especially luv your desert videos with the desert flora and fauna. The drier and warmer climate is what I have enjoyed and still enjoy during my summer vacays.
Loved this video and all the others I’ve watched. Who cares what the negative people have to say. I’ve enjoyed all of your different types of videos from landscapes to A frame gadgets and fixes. I also loved your video stuck in a snow storm. Keep up the great work and enjoying life. Hope some day to meet up and visit.
Very impressive, both the A Liner and your judgement on handling the winds.
I really appreciate all the hard work you put into your video's. Always informative and full of positivity. You and the Swampboss (off grid guy) here on TH-cam remind me of each other. Always overcoming obstacles. The 2 guys I appreciate the most here on TH-cam.
Wow windy ! I think the Aliner did well another brilliant little story
Great video Slim. Cheers!!!
I thought a trailer like yours was a good idea, until this video. I know what force the wind can exert after driving tractor/trailers , for many years. Nothing like the thrill of seeing your rear trailer wheels lift off the ground.
I know all to well about wind storms! I live in Hobbs which was right by where you were. I’m am glad you did get to see an amazing New Mexico sun set after you were sand blasted by our lovely wind. Thanks for another awesome video! 🌅
You reminded me of the late winter/early spring I lived in a mobile home near Lubbock, Tx. Trailer shook all night long. Mixed blessings as spring and summer approached and the winds calmed, we were then in Tornado season.
Awesome!!!!!!
Scary and cool at the same time. You da man, Slim. Safe travels.
Hello I'm watching this on May 18. 2019.
You are certainly an adventurous dude. Happy camping and safe travels 👍
Thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos. As a fellow Aliner owner for two years now I have learned a lot from you. Peace
Had a small run of weather bad luck! Bummer slim, keep up the great work and remember. We love slim!
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Glad to see you and your trailer survived the storm intact. Where I live in S.W. Oregon, I am surrounded by 100' tall fir trees. When the wind blows, such as you have just experienced, I find myself praying a lot. Fortunately, these type of storms are rare here and, so far, have caused little to no damage. I really enjoy your videos. Safe travels!
I always enjoy your videos. I haven't been able to travel like you have and it's nice to see all the places you visit. I love the idea of being off grid and self sufficient.😁
I sure wouldn't want to be out there camping in a wind storm. Glad you handled it well .
There is a lot of lore spread around in some of the A-Frame online groups regarding wind. Some gadgets that are supposed to help are often mentioned.
My thought is keeping the integrity of the fit between the roof and walls is the main thing. All four pieces have to interlock. You're right to be concerned about that latch.
The roof halves interlock at the peak, so keeping them together is important. One of the first things I picked up was a ratcheting cargo strap like you use. If the latches do their job, you shouldn't need it, but belt and suspenders is a good policy.
Others are concerned with the side walls blowing in. I noticed you have a shower rod across yours. Some people are putting in cargo bars there. My thought is, if the wind was so strong that it could push the side in, it would have to lift both halves of the roof first. Keeping that from happening - secure latches all around - is key. I'm even considering putting a threaded insert or captive nut on the lips of the roof and putting a bolt through the edge of the side wall to secure everything in a high wind.
Love your little home, and I just really enjoy seeing how you maintain and fix the issues come up. An engineering background would help with dealing with some things... but I am thankful you are willing to share your knowledge with folks. Really enjoyed this video also! Thank you for taking the time to put it together.
You got me looking for places to stealth camp and things to rivet. Funny I don’t have a camper. Love your videos and have watched them all. Thx
Thanks for the suggestions for safety in the wind. My Aliner made it through a windstorm in Anza Borrego (wind gusts clocked at 72 mph). The back roof was iffy. I actually lay in bed gripping the edge or the bubble window (trailer is a 2014) as the back roof was bulging and I feared those barrel latches wouldn’t hold. Made it! I will implement all your thoughtful ideas for safety. Thanks, Slim!
man you are living my dream and a inspiration also you are a great film maker i am reminded of documentaries from my youth the seventies thank you for the inspiration and the joy of nature
I'm in Pahrump in the heavy winds with my Expedition. Not much sleep last night. Great observations and another great video!
I've learned that wind forecasts can vary depending on the location of the weather station and your actual locale. Terrain and vegetation influence the effects of wind and wind gusts.
In such a bad weather is always nice to stay together. (my occasional wishful thinking) Had to share it. Loved your video.
Great video Mr. Potatohead. We live in NM and it's cool to see you in our vast, dusty state enjoying yourself and braving the elements. Your experience with high wind in Eddy County has our high wind experience beat. Our max winds were at Trinidad Lake SP in CO as the remnants of a hurricane blew across the west. Our popup was slapping and rattling all night, but it wasn't so windy we were concerned for our safety. It was just plain bothersome. We will soon be heading to Brantley Lake SP to pop up for a few nights and explore a large hole in the ground over by Carlsbad. I hope we don't time that trip perfectly with the spring winds, but if we do, I just may have to make a video about it. CU on the road.................................AO
Good afternoon from the UK. Love your videos. Xx
Totally right on Video
I loved this one...trailer farts and wind blowing like in a gale force storm! Slim always watch every video you make. Will enjoy watching your remedy for this one. I go,for simply adding two more of the same type of clamps on the other side. But you know a lot more than I do.
I would love to get me a used Aliner and make all the improvements you have but....my wife is considered terminal and I am 80 next month. So I am going to ride it out with her and we will see which one of goes first. In the meantime I’ll continue to enjoy reading each of your remaining videos! 😊
That was great. Reminded me of my popup where canvas on both ends were ripped off the trailer by super high winds.
thanks for sharing another informative and entertaining video safe journeys ahead
I've been thinking to myself that with all the bad storms lately (and getting worse), it's not the best year to be heading out!! I never liked storms. Oh well, I won't let it stop me. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it provides exposure therapy! I remember a few storms from your vlogs, even though I'm a fairly new subscriber. Thanks for the funny trailer fart story. Glad you found a fix for that!
LOL, so funny "trailer farts"!!! Love your vids, keep 'em coming!
What a neat t-shirt out of this world.
You are an imaginative and creative man! I have no doubt you will solve the latch problem for the back roof section! I can picture you creating latches similar to the ones on the front roof section! Trailer Farts, talk about "breaking wind"!! LMAO
Great video, as always. We have a Taxa Outdoors Cricket. When the wind blows with that intensity we turn the rear, which is lower than the front, into the wind. We also lower the top, but in doing that with a Cricket one can still move around and live inside the unit. It gives us a cozy and safe hideaway during the wind storm. Oh, and as with you we hitch the trailer to the Jeep.
TRAILER FARTS!!!!! That's something I never thought I would have to ever think about. I love it.
Sure Slim, blame it on the trailer, worked at school with the kid behind you! The timing was absolutely perfect, and your facial expression was priceless! Sure, trailer farts!
Omy...loved it. Also love your shirts. Woohoo
Thanks for the comic relief! We love your videos and your Aliner (for you). We’re gonna try our full time adventure in an old 2002 Class A DP. I’m sure we’ll be hearing trailer farts ever time we see an Aliner out there and thinking of this video.
Lol !
That was just breezy for New Mexico !!! 😀
Awesome video!
Hey slim me and my family get our first popup on Saturday looking forward to camp this year thanks for the videos
You keep tempting the wind gods. several times you say "it could be worse" and then... it is lol. I'm not familiar with how A-frames go up but I would worry about the side walls un latching and coming down on you when you're sleeping, thanks for explaining. Loved the trailer farts also, too funny!
I love the name of ur trailer and that picture thank you Bonnie Dozier calera al
Had a modification thought. When you get home to where your guy that does welding. Get some type of thick walled tubing attached to the front and back of the Aliner that extends side ways. Something that isn't in the way during travel or normal camping, but can be opened up at all 4 corners with extra stabilizer jacks. Increase the footprint slightly to increase stability.
Really enjoy the videos. Safe travels Slim.
That was scary! I’m glad you were okay.