September 29, 2024 Maryland, USA: Wow, I can't get enough of your amazing videos! Your ingenuity in adapting your trailers for life on the road is truly inspiring. From using children's puzzle mats for warmth and stability to creating a drawer from a wine crate, your creativity knows no bounds. Your solutions are not just quick fixes; they are functional, durable, and incredibly smart. And let's not forget your storytelling and sense of humor - they are top-notch! Your positive attitude in the face of challenges is truly admirable. Keep up the fantastic work! See many of your travels in the future and for now visiting the past. 😊
You have the most "awesomist" simple solutions. Einstein once said, "The solution to the problem needs to be as simple as possible, but no simpler." You rock, My Friend, you absolutely rock!
We don’t yet own an Aliner. But with our last tent camping episode and wind and rain blowing our rain fly at 3 am. Plus the fact that i’m 68 years old! It’s Time. Thank you from Minn.
I always enjoy watching your fixes! My father-in-law would have enjoyed them as well as he would have seen himself in your videos! I have not given up on getting an aliner but everything is on hold right now. My wife is battling cancer and while not giving up she has made her peace and is gathering up all materials I will need when she is gone. She recently made an addendum to her will and she had her best friend and I sit down and presented it to us. She was giving all of her jewelry to her friend as she would know what friend would appreciate the various pieces better than me!
More ingenious ideas . . . and there's absolutely nothing wrong with being cheap if it works. I like to think of it as being frugal, LOL! Thanks, Mr. Slim . . . safe and happy Adventures.
Just spent the weekend in our aliner...looking around to imagine some of your past tips applied to our traveling home...and I come home to a list of ten more!!!! You are my go to pro for sure now. 🤗
Oh my...so nice to see a UK man who worked in the news business and now lives on his canal boat called Cruisin the Cut He gave a lovely rating to your channel because you do a really good job. Here here! Nice job and well done!
Thanks Slim. I keep a small chunk of paraffin wax in my trailer for lubing things in the trailer. The paraffin travels well and does not attract dirt. Regards = Cosmo
Hey Slim great tips I've had my Aliner now for going on 11 years I love it. I can't wait till summer comes around again. I have a question for you have you ever had to replace any of the windows? Last year I cracked one so come spring I have to replace it . Hope you have a tip or two for that . Have a great holiday season!!
I just acquired an ALiner. One of the first things I want to do is to replace the countertops because I have a big piece of formica leftover from when my home was remodeled to sell in 2018. I would not have figured out how to do that! So glad you took your sink out so I could see how!!
Hi, something I learned at work. When you pull the cover off of the stove put foil under the burners if you spill or after several uses just pull the foil out and replace . Quick clean up.
Hi Slim, I have the Sportliner and I find most of your hints very usable. .However the one about the wind down legs I have a different slant on them, I leave them dry. As I sometimes leave the van where it is accessible by others, I wind the legs all the way down with the nose wheel up so that the nose points down as low as possible. Although if someone really wants it they will take it , but the flybynighters , can;t lift the nose due to the legs, and IF they have the winding tool , the amount of noise generated by the legs will wake the dead ... works well out front of the house at night too. We use it to traverse the continent West to East and back North to South to baby sit the grandchildren. I serves us well. ..
On your bumper storage try this: Place the plastic cover in place. You'll now drill two holes into the bumper and cover, one in the middle of the bumper on top and one on the lower outside edge. Now take two cotter keys (using the one arm that is longer than the other put in a slight bend). Pinch the two ends and feed it into the hole - it will not fall out while moving and is easily pulled out when needed. We pulled a fifth wheel for many years and never lost a hose.
Cynthia, there is only one way to be sure, try them both yourself. RV Dealers will show you how comfortable they are inside, but not how they handle driving on a highway or rough road. A scamp is easier to set up and probably better insulated, while an A-frame has less wind drag and allows you to see over it while driving. I like them both! SP
I installed the door "T" catch per your perfect instructions. I didn't particularly like the long "tang" flopping about, so I epoxied a tiny magnet to a metal plate and pop-riveted the plate to the door to hold the end of the tang. No flopping now when the latch isn't engaged. I've put so many of your great ideas to work on my Aliner ! Many thanks, Slim.
Great ideas, and love those solar lights, I believe you can never have to many lights especially solar when being in the outdoors. Excellent video Slim, Thanks again.
Great ideas! =0) We had a '76 Dodge van we used for camping and even though we put in a 25-gallon water tank, we found we had no use for a sink either. We'd wash up dishes in bus bins (like restaurants use for busing tables) and tossed the water in the bushes... with biodegradable soap, of course. We set it up with an outside shower curtain that hung from brackets and rails on the rear doors so we could shower, but had no need for a gray water tank. It worked wonderfully! Sinks may make it feel "homey," but they are a huge waste of space for most campers.
I repaired my bumper problem by drilling a hole top to bottom at the edge. I drilled through the cap as well. Once the cap is inserted I'd drop a stainless pin through the hole.
I like to use the phrase "Intuitive Engineering". Both the R.V. and Boating world have their retail shops with their gimmicky gizmos that cost an arm and a leg and first born for collateral, ... and the stuff barely lasts a single season. The only thing I would recommend on your bumper compartment latch is to use stainless wire. Most bailing wire is low grade steel and will rust fairly quickly. You could also use re-bar tie wire which has a (usually blue) vinyl coating to help prevent rust. At least put a visual or even hands on inspection on your weekly "pre-flight" list. Great job on the drawer latches!
Great ideas! If I may make a suggestion, on your bumper cap, drill a hole top and bottom through the bumper and cap, a few mm from the edge. Drop a skewer through it to pin it in place.
Love your videos, Slim! You are so informative and I love your modifications! I also love your descriptions of your hikes and visits. Please don’t stop!!!
grease is a good lubrication too, and just a bout the best thing you can put on the stabilizer, after putting your door latch on, you should always put a see thru type or white silicone over the screws or rivets, be cause the water will get in any hole.
Widely applicable tips. My sliding door squeaks where the gasket scrapes against the painted wood. WD40 is a very temporary fix. I think the wax will work longer. Plus, I’m pretty sure I have some in the garage. Thanks!
If you could add links to the other installments in this series in the description that would be really handy and welcome! YT is crappy atm with NOT showing things in order, I came here directly from your 2nd stealth camping vid.
Loved it mate Awesome ideas Just bought a 23 yr old one And looking at your smarts is fantastic thank you 🙏 I do TH-cam also hunting gold So I will be getting it ready for the bush and rivers Cheers 🍻 CrouchOz
... good job Slim... but, knowin' me, i'm gonna wait til you upgrade your rig... then i'm gonna buy this'n ; ) now, Thanks for the video(s), in case i don't accomplish the afore mentioned ; )
Slim, bicycle or motorcycle chain lube can be used to lube the stabs, this lube is a wax based substance that comes in a spray or squirt type of bottle and is designed to lube without accumulating road grit. Also my aliner came with a door brace from the factory, it's on the lower part of the door near the bottom so doesn't help with the upper door problem, but does hold the door open in a similar fashion as yours. Great ideas though. I installed drawers in the cabinet by the entry door replacing those crappy plastic bins that were in there, used drawer slides just like you did, much better storage solution.
Thanks Tom, I'll give the chain lube a try. Strange they put a door brace on the bottom. With it on top, you can leave the top part open and vent the trailer, but keep the bottom closed to keep small animals or children safe inside. SP
another way of keeping your end cap in place on your rear storage tube is to drill a hole on the top of the tube and a hole in the bottom directly below the top hole. using a metal clothes hanger, cut it to length and bend it into a "J" and put the wire into the holes with the "J" up side down . it will not come out of the holes during travel and it allows you to gain access to the 2" by 4''s you have in the tube
Love your videos! Been trying to decide what I want...Van or Aline? Every time I think I know, I see your new ideas and get confused again 🤔. I'd like to think I could make some extra space like you have...Keep them coming.
Hi V, a Van or an Aliner can be a tough choice for a single traveler as they both have their advantages. Why I personally chose an A-frame over a van was because I did not want to always have to lug my bed around when I travel. I can leave the trailer at camp, hit town or the rugged backroads with my tow vehicle. I also liked the standing room, especially on cold rainy days. Thanks! SP
Just subscribed and really enjoy your videos and will take advantage of the knowledge you share. My problem is I am NOT mechanically inclined. My philosophy has always been measure once cut as many times as needed. Obviously, that has not served me very well in life. Also, due to a lack of tools I usually end up paying someone to do whatever repairs I need accomplished. Please continue making the videos as I’m sure there are many things, I can learn from you.
On that rear bumper cover, what about a hole through the top of the bumper and through the cover and insert a nail through it to keep it in place, I doubt the nail would work its way out especially if you used a large size nail and made the hole somewhat small to keep the nail from moving very freely but yet easy enough to remove without too much trouble by hand.
I just purchased 2017 arrowhead chalet. Could you explain step by step on how to properly turn on electricity power and also for refrigerator. Thank you and find your video's to be very helpful.
September 29, 2024 Maryland, USA: Wow, I can't get enough of your amazing videos! Your ingenuity in adapting your trailers for life on the road is truly inspiring. From using children's puzzle mats for warmth and stability to creating a drawer from a wine crate, your creativity knows no bounds. Your solutions are not just quick fixes; they are functional, durable, and incredibly smart. And let's not forget your storytelling and sense of humor - they are top-notch! Your positive attitude in the face of challenges is truly admirable. Keep up the fantastic work! See many of your travels in the future and for now visiting the past. 😊
You have the most "awesomist" simple solutions. Einstein once said, "The solution to the problem needs to be as simple as possible, but no simpler." You rock, My Friend, you absolutely rock!
This guy is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of us.
We don’t yet own an Aliner. But with our last tent camping episode and wind and rain blowing our rain fly at 3 am. Plus the fact that i’m 68 years old! It’s Time. Thank you from Minn.
I could listen to that squeak all day long
I like to watch your videos even though I don’t have an A-Frame Trailer. You are such a creative person.
The original A-liner kitchen was a notch above particle board, great fix.
I am continually impressed by Slim's ingenuity and his dedication to the Aliner. Very creative dude!
The Aliner company should hire him as a consultant on how to improve their Aliner trailers.
I always enjoy watching your fixes! My father-in-law would have enjoyed them as well as he would have seen himself in your videos! I have not given up on getting an aliner but everything is on hold right now. My wife is battling cancer and while not giving up she has made her peace and is gathering up all materials I will need when she is gone. She recently made an addendum to her will and she had her best friend and I sit down and presented it to us. She was giving all of her jewelry to her friend as she would know what friend would appreciate the various pieces better than me!
May she be comfortable and at peace
Hi Herb, may you and your wife find comfort and love in these difficult times. SP
I'm sorry!
More ingenious ideas . . . and there's absolutely nothing wrong with being cheap if it works. I like to think of it as being frugal, LOL! Thanks, Mr. Slim . . . safe and happy Adventures.
Another "Oh WOW" video! You are an excellent teacher with a very creative mind. Thank you for sharing with us!
You are so smart! A real “Macgyver”. You go the extra mile to do it right.
Always simple, always appreciated
The counter top was flawless! The material you used almost looked like a buffed stainless steel. Very nice choice!
You're an amazing guy, so talented. Men must have more engineering neurons lol. Fascinating.
I can’t get over how inventive and clever you are!
I've watched this at least 3 times and love what you did to the counter top and cabinet.
Just spent the weekend in our aliner...looking around to imagine some of your past tips applied to our traveling home...and I come home to a list of ten more!!!! You are my go to pro for sure now. 🤗
Oh my...so nice to see a UK man who worked in the news business and now lives on his canal boat called Cruisin the Cut He gave a lovely rating to your channel because you do a really good job. Here here! Nice job and well done!
Thanks Slim. I keep a small chunk of paraffin wax in my trailer for lubing things in the trailer. The paraffin travels well and does not attract dirt. Regards = Cosmo
Paraffin also makes a good fire starter if you just put a few shavings mixed with paper or cardboard under your wood.
Hey Slim great tips I've had my Aliner now for going on 11 years I love it. I can't wait till summer comes around again. I have a question for you have you ever had to replace any of the windows? Last year I cracked one so come spring I have to replace it . Hope you have a tip or two for that . Have a great holiday season!!
Love that you took the sink out. Looks nice and more work space.
We can ALWAYS get ideas (for improvement) from you, Slim…👍🏼👍🏼😃‼️
What a marvel you are!! I want an airliner!
Useful ideas, eventhough I don't own an Aliner trailer! Thank you! Much appreciated :)
I just acquired an ALiner. One of the first things I want to do is to replace the countertops because I have a big piece of formica leftover from when my home was remodeled to sell in 2018. I would not have figured out how to do that! So glad you took your sink out so I could see how!!
Hi, something I learned at work. When you pull the cover off of the stove put foil under the burners if you spill or after several uses just pull the foil out and replace . Quick clean up.
Hi Slim, I have the Sportliner and I find most of your hints very usable. .However the one about the wind down legs I have a different slant on them, I leave them dry. As I sometimes leave the van where it is accessible by others, I wind the legs all the way down with the nose wheel up so that the nose points down as low as possible. Although if someone really wants it they will take it , but the flybynighters , can;t lift the nose due to the legs, and IF they have the winding tool , the amount of noise generated by the legs will wake the dead ... works well out front of the house at night too. We use it to traverse the continent West to East and back North to South to baby sit the grandchildren. I serves us well.
..
Here's an idea. You have a cordless drill. I would use a socket and extension in your drill to quickly deploy your stabilizers.
On your bumper storage try this: Place the plastic cover in place. You'll now drill two holes into the bumper and cover, one in the middle of the bumper on top and one on the lower outside edge. Now take two cotter keys (using the one arm that is longer than the other put in a slight bend). Pinch the two ends and feed it into the hole - it will not fall out while moving and is easily pulled out when needed. We pulled a fifth wheel for many years and never lost a hose.
Hands down you are one of the most handy and creative folks ive observed on youtube. You make me smile
slim P you got me now debating a scamp over a Aline..great tips any way no matter what i choose.
Cynthia, there is only one way to be sure, try them both yourself. RV Dealers will show you how comfortable they are inside, but not how they handle driving on a highway or rough road. A scamp is easier to set up and probably better insulated, while an A-frame has less wind drag and allows you to see over it while driving. I like them both! SP
That cabinet looks amazing! MUCH better than the original.
The bumper end cap, my first instinct there was a cotter pin. It would hold the plug in but be easy to pull and open the bumper.
I installed the door "T" catch per your perfect instructions. I didn't particularly like the long "tang" flopping about, so I epoxied a tiny magnet to a metal plate and pop-riveted the plate to the door to hold the end of the tang. No flopping now when the latch isn't engaged. I've put so many of your great ideas to work on my Aliner ! Many thanks, Slim.
Smart idea Jerry. Thanks! SP
Some good ideas, here. Wasn't aware of the Luci light. Love it.
@12:25, let's get some heat shrink tubing on those 12v-dc connectors. Always good to cover those positives in case they vibrate lose.
Smart ideas , love watching .
Great ideas, and love those solar lights, I believe you can never have to many lights especially solar when being in the outdoors. Excellent video Slim, Thanks again.
Great ideas! =0) We had a '76 Dodge van we used for camping and even though we put in a 25-gallon water tank, we found we had no use for a sink either. We'd wash up dishes in bus bins (like restaurants use for busing tables) and tossed the water in the bushes... with biodegradable soap, of course. We set it up with an outside shower curtain that hung from brackets and rails on the rear doors so we could shower, but had no need for a gray water tank. It worked wonderfully! Sinks may make it feel "homey," but they are a huge waste of space for most campers.
As always learned a few things that will com in handy in our 5th wheel.
genius drawer catch.. the spring Is boss
Hi Slim,
Fantastic ideas!!! Thanks for enlightening us with these handy tasks.
Formica top looks great! I want to get rid of my sink too. Thanks for the info.
Just Wow! Awesome fixes! Thanks for sharing 😉😀👍 Be safe, Be blessed.
Wow! those are awesome ideas! love the sink to no sink mod!
good stuff, as usual. my favorite is your beautiful kitchen sink, counter top, vanity & drawer; really beautiful.
Great job and love the new counter.
Thanks for the tip on using wax paste for the squeaky stabiliser screws. And the trick for cleaning caulking was handy too.
wow! you impres me with your ideas and repairs!
I repaired my bumper problem by drilling a hole top to bottom at the edge. I drilled through the cap as well. Once the cap is inserted I'd drop a stainless pin through the hole.
I like to use the phrase "Intuitive Engineering". Both the R.V. and Boating world have their retail shops with their gimmicky gizmos that cost an arm and a leg and first born for collateral, ... and the stuff barely lasts a single season. The only thing I would recommend on your bumper compartment latch is to use stainless wire. Most bailing wire is low grade steel and will rust fairly quickly. You could also use re-bar tie wire which has a (usually blue) vinyl coating to help prevent rust. At least put a visual or even hands on inspection on your weekly "pre-flight" list. Great job on the drawer latches!
He said it was an "on the road fix". He used what he had at the time.
Wax with graphite melted into it is great for friction surfaces like the screw for the jacks.
Charcoal fluid works to clean too.
I have that same vintage Craftsman Saber saw that I bought at a local Pawn shop...works great!! Another great video!!
Awesome as usual, thanks Slim.
10 total thumbs up, great vids, looking for the next one😄
More great tips, Slim. Thanks! I love how you reworked the cabinet. I can't imagine that I'll use the sink in my Chalet so I may just do what you did.
More great ideas Slim. Thanks, John
I love the kitchen and floor remakes. Your pretty handy.
wow! So cool! Thank you for fresh ideas!
Well done! We don't use our sink either. Love your fixes. Happy travels!
Love your videos....Greetings from Northern Ireland
Hi Slim - Great ideas! Thanks, Bob
Great ideas! If I may make a suggestion, on your bumper cap, drill a hole top and bottom through the bumper and cap, a few mm from the edge. Drop a skewer through it to pin it in place.
Love your videos, Slim! You are so informative and I love your modifications! I also love your descriptions of your hikes and visits. Please don’t stop!!!
Thank you Slim😊
Great show, being Creative. Buddy T -you’re Biggest fan🏕
you're really talented as a DIYer
grease is a good lubrication too, and just a bout the best thing you can put on the stabilizer, after putting your door latch on, you should always put a see thru type or white silicone over the screws or rivets, be cause the water will get in any hole.
Another handy video! Couple of ideas here I can use. Well done. 😊 --Mark
Widely applicable tips. My sliding door squeaks where the gasket scrapes against the painted wood. WD40 is a very temporary fix. I think the wax will work longer. Plus, I’m pretty sure I have some in the garage. Thanks!
If you could add links to the other installments in this series in the description that would be really handy and welcome! YT is crappy atm with NOT showing things in order, I came here directly from your 2nd stealth camping vid.
I appreciate the input Cearon. I have included a link to all my videos in the video description. Thanks! SP
Loved it mate
Awesome ideas
Just bought a 23 yr old one
And looking at your smarts is fantastic thank you 🙏
I do TH-cam also hunting gold
So I will be getting it ready for the bush and rivers
Cheers 🍻
CrouchOz
... good job Slim... but, knowin' me, i'm gonna wait til you upgrade your rig... then i'm gonna buy this'n ; ) now, Thanks for the video(s), in case i don't accomplish the afore mentioned ; )
on the bumper cap, maybe a long thin spring or one of those tiny bungee cords between the screws would last longer. Thanks for the ideas.
I don't have an Aliner but, I like your videos.
Best 10 so far. Good job on counter.
You are our fierce leader
FAT SAM Salute!
BRILLIANT LATCH IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!! THX
A lot of good ideas as usual. A-Liner should hire you as an engineer and consultant. I would have thought that an indoor sink would be a good thing.
Thanks! An indoor sink is good, however a dishpan does just as well and can be stowed away. SP
Hey have wood grain foam flooring at Home Depot. Watch out for moisture build up under it though.
I always give you a thumbs up buddy on every video I see .. Your cool. 👍👍
Another hit vid Slim!
Thanks again for all your info.
that dark Formica new "sink" top looks a LOT better... nice
Slim, bicycle or motorcycle chain lube can be used to lube the stabs, this lube is a wax based substance that comes in a spray or squirt type of bottle and is designed to lube without accumulating road grit.
Also my aliner came with a door brace from the factory, it's on the lower part of the door near the bottom so doesn't help with the upper door problem, but does hold the door open in a similar fashion as yours.
Great ideas though. I installed drawers in the cabinet by the entry door replacing those crappy plastic bins that were in there, used drawer slides just like you did, much better storage solution.
Thanks Tom, I'll give the chain lube a try. Strange they put a door brace on the bottom. With it on top, you can leave the top part open and vent the trailer, but keep the bottom closed to keep small animals or children safe inside. SP
another way of keeping your end cap in place on your rear storage tube is to drill a hole on the top of the tube and a hole in the bottom directly below the top hole. using a metal clothes hanger, cut it to length and bend it into a "J" and put the wire into the holes with the "J" up side down . it will not come out of the holes during travel and it allows you to gain access to the 2" by 4''s you have in the tube
The cabinet looks great!
You are very talented! Great video!
Great ideas 👍 Take care & God Bless ✌️
Love your videos! Been trying to decide what I want...Van or Aline? Every time I think I know, I see your new ideas and get confused again 🤔. I'd like to think I could make some extra space like you have...Keep them coming.
Hi V, a Van or an Aliner can be a tough choice for a single traveler as they both have their advantages. Why I personally chose an A-frame over a van was because I did not want to always have to lug my bed around when I travel. I can leave the trailer at camp, hit town or the rugged backroads with my tow vehicle. I also liked the standing room, especially on cold rainy days. Thanks! SP
You are amazingly talented!
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
Just subscribed and really enjoy your videos and will take advantage of the knowledge you share. My problem is I am NOT mechanically inclined. My philosophy has always been measure once cut as many times as needed. Obviously, that has not served me very well in life. Also, due to a lack of tools I usually end up paying someone to do whatever repairs I need accomplished. Please continue making the videos as I’m sure there are many things, I can learn from you.
On that rear bumper cover, what about a hole through the top of the bumper and through the cover and insert a nail through it to keep it in place, I doubt the nail would work its way out especially if you used a large size nail and made the hole somewhat small to keep the nail from moving very freely but yet easy enough to remove without too much trouble by hand.
We found the same flimsy attachment for the cabinets in our Class A. Wherever they can safe a dime, they save it.
Wonderful and creative ideas!
I just purchased 2017 arrowhead chalet. Could you explain step by step on how to properly turn on electricity power and also for refrigerator. Thank you and find your video's to be very helpful.
Sorry, I never had a Chalet. Best to talk to an RV shop for that. SP
You have soo much common sense. Enjoy the videos.
I think I would want a sink
Great video and some great ideas.