24 Inches in 24 Hours: Snowstorm Chaos Strikes the Off-Grid Cabin!

[@jimdelong949]

In 1986 I had an old 1974 Chevy Nova. We had a 2 foot unexpected snow that year. The snow plows hadn't done anything.. My boss still wanted me to come to work about 7 miles away. I was stupid enough to try it I drove all the way on unplowed roads pushing snow coming up over the top of my hood. I made it. I was the only one besides my boss. I found out that he had spent the night there.. We haven't had that much snow since. That is a scary drop off even in good weather. I bet it's nice to have the electric gate opener in this kind of weather. I'm glad you found your sled and got the snowmobile going. One good thing about the snow is a nice back drop to the cabin. It reminds me of one of those winter calendar pictures😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I can imagine you running that nova through the snow.....what a cool old memory. Best wishes my friend

[@anacrespo9726]

I lived in CHICAGO LAKE SIDE. 😮😮😮😅 NO THANK YOU. MY BONES CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE. ❤BLESSINGS FROM PUERTO RICO ETERNAL LIFE. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

[@stevewalters4565]

Winter Wonderland! Keep on Truckin!🥶🇺🇸

[@Darenbranch]

I love her excited laughter as they are driving up to the cabin, like a kid at Christmas 😂😂🙏

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Daren......Jen always finds the joy in the situation. It's what I love about her

[@linsie5466]

Beautiful Winter wonderland ❤❤❤

[@marthaturki4891]

You and Jen and the fur babies be safe in the snow!😍😍🐾🐾

[@MikeZMonroe]

- If you have a leaf blower (powerful) it sure might be handy knocking down snow off tractor, solar panels etc. At least worth a try? - Hmmm… a little touchy on frozen solar batteries?

[@howieskitchen4321]

Great idea

[@davidlee9299]

I used a blower on my panels last few days. Ya it works but not much more than a half inch. A roof rake with a rubber edge for deeper snow... which I need to dig out. ..

[@juliederry3719]

Jen sounds like you love the snow, it does look beautiful and so does the cabin especially with the outdoor lights on, looks so Christmasy, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧

[@MILife45]

LOVE HEARING THE JOY IN YOUR LAUGHTER JEN!!! 😂❤❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you......life is good here

[@83kaszas]

Such wonderfull intro/start witth the music and the doggoos xD it set a certain good vibe,nice video,thank You:)

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you too!

[@GailMay-wd7bv]

We loved it Jen when you came up and scared Jay and he jumped!! 🤣

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@GailMay-wd7bv 🤣🤣🤣

[@alicianneboyle2443]

Yeah Jen that was the best 😂😂😂😂 pmsl ​@@OffgridwithJayandJen

[@WarmDikNCider]

My sister in law laughs just like Jen and I can't stand it. Her name is Jen too..... 😂 My sister in law also lives near your downstate residence so its gotta be something in the water.. lol

[@georgedavidson7986]

I agree. Had to take annoying

[@Homesteading9876]

I grew up with the saying if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. I guess that doesn't apply in 2024 anymore.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Two complaining comments out of George......dually noted,

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Some cry and complain......others laugh it off. I prefer the laughing

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Yeah.....lots of people rather complain than enjoy the journey and adventure.

[@vam-34]

Wow! That's one serious snowstorm, so beautiful. So cute watching the puppies playing in the snow, burying themselves 😅 Jen so glad you could see the funny side of it all 😂 Beautiful shot out from the battery shed to the sky with the sun trying to peep through the clouds. Breathtaking! Wow, a ton of work materialises when the snow shows it's face & you are away from home. Can't turn your back for a minute 😷 Jay, well done for getting the truck down the hill!! Had to hold my breath. 😮 Yahoo 💃to finding the black sled & finding no mice in the engine & the snowmobile started!! Happy Jay!! 😂 Beautiful, stunning video. Very enjoyable x

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Vam......all worked out 😁

[@solaregg507]

Lots of rude comments on here. Ignore the haters. I'ts another winter for me here in WI and I'm not fully prepared this year that's for sure. Always so much to do when youre building and living off grid.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Always keyboard warriors. All good. Thanks for being here ! Truly appreciate it

[@solaregg507]

You're one of my favorite channels

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@solaregg507 thank you! We love hearing that! Truly appreciate the support!!!

[@douglashickman7725]

Sorry,... But it was such a great Adventure to be on the sled,snowmobile Gotta love the Laughter... your both an inspiration

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks my friend..Best wishes

[@lyonspainter]

The forced laughing is driving me nuts!😮

[@rebekahwells3737]

Jen, I look forward to your videos every day! I love watching the snow videos. We live in Texas and it’s hard for me to imagine what it takes to get through that much snow. Stay warm and cozy in your awesome cabin.

[@QuietCottage]

The drive into the property was beautiful. It reminds me of those first snows at home in Minnesota. We lived across the street from a city park. Of course, there were many trees coated with snow on the branches. We walked everywhere back then so cars & traffic were not a problem. The big boys in the neighborhood would walk the path in the street on the way to school. The little kids followed one by one. Soon the snowmen would appear in our front lawns. Great memories.

[@milo6971]

I have never been behind on a schedule or overlooked a storm warning and had to scramble....(sarcasm of course) guess it makes the haters feel a warm glow in their two size too small hearts.... great work prioritizing and executing in a tough situation!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ya everyone must be able to predict everything! Wish they'd share that knowledge 🤣. Some people just like to be a critic and aren't happy in life. All is good here tho :D Thanks for watching! Appreciate it!

[@BrGon-s2p]

Wow you guys are back there going at a good clip jay. Good thing you guys are pioneers. Seems like jen loves it she so full of giggles. Can't wait to see how the wind mill helps out was thinking of going that route myseld. Looking forward to seeing that video where you connect it in your system. You remind me so much of myself when I was younger. Keep plugging

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Best wishes my friend

[@alicianneboyle2443]

Love 💕 your sense of humor and your laugh Jen 🤗 Don't LET NO ONE TAKE THAT FROM YOU!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK LOL

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you my friend. I needed that. 😁

[@jaywimer4415]

You have absolutely convinced me that is not the life for me! Best wishes for you

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is a bit much sometimes, but worth it

[@tw.hendrickson]

Insulate the inside of the doors to the electrical/battery shed and add a small light bulb for minimal heat.

[@virginiavilas]

TROOPERS !!!! ❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ I watched the entire video with my head under the blankets - keeping warm 😄. Glad you got there when you did. Beautiful country. Wonderful video skills. Thanks 🙏 guys !!!! -V

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awe, thanks VV

[@landjml]

I'm not gunna lie. The amount of takes Jen took to take to grab wood was pretty impressive. I would be freezing for each take. 😂 I watch from the TV app, and rarely comment. Just wanted to say great job, you too! From TN, Jason & Jessica

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol thanks for appreciating it! It does make it take 3x longer 🤣🤣 , but adds to the videos so it's worth it :D . Thanks for noticing and appreciating!

[@alicianneboyle2443]

Yes Jen when I seen you doing that I thought oh gosh that's the hard way lol. I use a dolly and a tote I put the tote on the dolly use a bungee cord to keep it in place put the wood in the tote and haul my wood in the house. I unload it and then wheel the dolly back out & do it again. Totally so much easier

[@DodgyFPV]

Those Dogs love the snow, made me laugh thanks.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

They do love the snow!

[@LR-xx5ig]

The dog looks so cute cuddled up together in front of the fire😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

🙂🙂🙂 they love the wood stove!

[@peterkohan9525]

No snow here in Pa. You guys need a plow on that side by side. Stay safe and warm. Have a blessed week.

[@johnr3603]

Anti gel for diesel tractor?

[@alyciapeters5073]

Having a good time in the sled! Thanks for the pull!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nigelovery2545]

Great to see you are both ok,but you need to insulate your doors to keep batterys warm,you done all around but not the doors.Good luck.

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

We have lots of work to do to ensure our batteries will be warm. We had our order come from Signature solar but now we won't be able to install until the spring. House is sold conditionally but the buyers are not having much action on their home. Anyway, good job keeping it together guys! You do have to laugh at crappy situations sometimes. ❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hope it all works out for you guys with the house. Exciting to start a big adventure.

[@brendahogue5487]

Jay love and enjoy your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen getting back to the cabin. Getting the solar power up and going. Jay be careful

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lots of love Brenda

[@c.davidcook3565]

You should start startling Jay on a regular basis 😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I do just don't catch it on camera often enough 🤣

[@ronaalexander825]

We have lived up here since 2003. This is our latest first snowfall and it is epic! 😂 Those judging your preparedness, they need to walk a mile or so in your snowshoes! Not many places get dumped on like us. They canceled school! That hasn't happened for a snowfall in years!! They also don't understand our 4 seasons June, July, August, and WINTER! We normally have snow from October thru May!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is a crazy thing for sure. Those who don't understand...just don't understand, it's ok. Lol

[@mariapietrangelo3145]

Glad you are both safe and no one stole you sled. Might have to insulate the solar shed a bit in winter.

[@davidsimon4387]

Thanks Guys 🙂 Your Heart speaks through your Eyes ❤️ God Bless 🙏

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lots of love my friend

[@glengillis7775]

I was breathing just as hard as you. That's a steep hill in a foot of snow. Glad your batteries are coming back. Well as a snowmobiler that is not the way to bring your sleds out of storage. I was cringing as you tried to get it to move. Your belt was not happy. Glad your all up and running again. Thanks for the video enjoy your weather.

[@airman6822]

LOL, if I left my sled parked in the woods over summer there would be 0% chance it would start. Even stored in a nice trailer, they don't start sometimes. I just don't have that luck. Love the snow! Cheers!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is amazing I agree.

[@MILife45]

29:41 in your rear view you can actually see the steepness of that crazy hill!! 😂😂😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I like it, it is hard to get the point in the videos

[@MILife45]

@OffgridwithJayandJen believe me I know! Lol 😆 we drove it too 🤣

[@stephendouglas6328]

Showing 59.5K subs now. I'm pretty sure you can round up at this point.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Woot woot

[@johnkirby6547]

Thanks for sharing the ride along video, glad you made it safely and the water was still working. I missed the wind turbine setup, I'll look for it. Curious how it works out for you.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We have a whole video for it coming up! We didn't get it 100% done before leaving for the holiday, finished it up today! Be on the lookout!

[@airman6822]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen I was wondering how I missed that video. Glad I'm not crazy...completely anyway, LOL.

[@connieschachel9705]

Thanks for reminding me why we moved frim Wisconsin to Southern Missouri. I hate the politics but love that there is little snow.

[@silentsheepdog44]

Def heat the batteries before charging. You can look into adding an incandescent or heating bulb to the battery box (on top of making sure it’s fully insulated) to make sure it’s protected from winter temps. I know, never ending projects and learning. I am moving my new lithium batteries inside (instead of my attached shed) to protect them. Keep it up guys!

[@watchman11000]

Tip for descending a steep hill engine braking. Turn off traction control, otherwise vehicle will free wheel when it detects a wheel slipping. Ask me how I found that out, almost caused me to wreck. And it was in my Ram 1500 4x4 too.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Smart. I do turn off traction control often in the snow.....it just boggs you down when you need that extra power

[@jerrystout3032]

Use your black sled to haul that firewood in 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@steffyd2009]

Good job guys ❤

[@chuckbowne5161]

Another great vid

[@MinnesotaMegOffGrid]

I think Jay needs to ask Santa for a new winter coat!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Im getting my use out of this one, lol

[@avalonhomestead9077]

Hi guys, first snow is always an exciting time, some good, some not so good. Jay when you saw the batteries pulling 800 watts to get heated to charge, that may have been the cause to why the batteries drained to almost zero. Maybe between the solar panels and when you hook up the wind turbine, it’ll generate at least 800 watts. Seeing some comments about putting a light or heat lamp in the shed may pull less than 800 watts and you’ll be ahead of the game. Put a thermostat switch on the light to go on and off at 35 degrees.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Good ideas. I was counting on the heat off the inverter to heat the space.....but i might have to finally insulate those doors, lol

[@muskegonhunterscamp]

Awesome snowmobile/sled shots. The crawlspace of the cabin, warmer than the cabin. Batteries, colder than the crawlspace of the cabin..... Probably a '25' project however having your LiPo's heated by the earth, say 4' below grade might be something to explore. Can't wait to see the results of the wind turbine, such a natural for your location.

[@shannonsullivan1968]

Keep plugging away at the projects. 👍🏻

[@MILife45]

43:08 got ❄️ SNOW in meh face 😂 cannot see man lol😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol

[@ronjones5651]

One of the reasons why those batteries are so efficient is that they don't build much heat internally at all. You will need a heat source so they can take a charge. I use simple heating pads with a thermal switch. They only need to be just above freezing to take a charge :)

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

Wow ! You could share a little of that snow 👍,

[@alpinealpine2793]

The crazy lady cackling is like wow.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

She loves the snow.....more of a kid giggling if you see it in a positive way rather than negative.

[@jimbroniec7359]

Sledding!! YES

[@stevewhitaker1474]

Looks like the dogs' collars are very tight. Nice place; I like your setup.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We love our dogs and they are very well cared for.

[@TeresaPatterson-l5o]

Do you have a drilled well?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

No well here ! It would be too deep and expensive (not to mention impossible to get a big well digging truck up by cabin) maybe well get one down at by camp one day, right now we collect and use Rainwater . Check out that video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmi6l2igbJ52n5I We will show you all what we do in the winter soon!

[@brandonkyrimis1175]

That's the best type of snow especially when we plow it off the highway...

[@alyciapeters5073]

Hey J, nice job remembering gloves 🧤!!!

[@rabiabaloch6111]

❤️ lovely… please share more of shoveling part … thanks

[@vonheise]

We use a Big Boy propane heater for power outages, in the garage, or wherever we need quick heat. Quick and easy, just carry a 20 lb tank as we have several from old gas grills.

[@sammyrichardson8078]

I look every day for a new video

[@johndanley5411]

I thought you were going to get all the way to the cabin at frist but I was wrong 😂😂😂❤love the vedio God Bless yall 🙏 ❤️

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Almost made it, lol

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Sure is pretty but I don't miss it. 75° here in Arizona today. 😂😊❤❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol, jelly

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

You have to love that white stuff it's so pretty 😃, When you get dumps like that nice to have that tractor ready :) If you can get work done without plowing it will melt, Here way in the north & we still inly have 5"s hard to make skidoo trails, Stay warm"

[@dantheman6698]

the obvious answer is to re-locate the batteries into the cabin where they will be warmer for longer because of more insulation and the log fire. if you expect the cabin temp to ever drop too low then also have one of those china diesel heaters set on a thermostat and it could not only blow warm air into the cabin but underneath as well to keep your water pipes warmer. its what i'd do. i'd never keep the batteries and inverters in a cold shed outside.

[@paulmccarroll6604]

Do you have a leaf blower to clean the solar panels?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Little too much snow for that this time

[@SandraVanLankvelt]

Will you be putting insulation in the door where your batteries are? A lot of snow for sure you have there. Be safe and stay warm including the pup's. God Bless and have fun.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

That's the plan!

[@svravenflintlock7526]

I got just a dusting of snow, quarter mile off Lake Huron. I was really hoping for at least a little more. I think you got WWAAAYY more than bargained for. Fun!

[@nelsonpagan1971]

Don't you need to insulate the doors for the battery for solar

[@jetman258]

Oo put chains on those tires

[@tenneyconstruction7323]

Great video. welcome to winter, right!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Yay for winter, lol

[@johnr3603]

Keep in it real,👍🏻

[@kimnelligan9820]

I thought you guys were gonna get a lot of snow over the weekend. It got pretty deep. Didn’t it love the video and thank you for showing all the snow here in south eastern Michigan. We got about a half an inch and that was about it, but we’ve gotten the cold temperatures. It’s terrible❤❤

[@georgewheeldon-f8s]

shell shocked living where you do knowing whats coming every winter how poorly prepaired you were for that

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I think we did ok, lots got done, but not all

[@miwa4783]

You might be able to quickly blow the snow off the panels with a leaf blower if it's now too wet or frozen🥶

[@justme5544]

The snow is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing, especially the dogs living their best life! So cute!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

They love playing in the snow. They also love the naps afterwards!! 🤣

[@timclark7507]

Get a small electric blanket to plug into the generator to warm the batteries.

[@ronaalexander825]

Thank you for the update! Our outdoor camera is buried in the SNOW!😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha......it is alittle crazy

[@kimnelligan9820]

I thought you guys were gonna get a lot of snow over the weekend. It got pretty deep. Didn’t it love the video and thank you for showing all the snow here in south eastern Michigan. We got about a half an inch and that was about it, but we’ve gotten the cold temperatures. It’s terrible

[@MILife45]

48:05 lucky the ground hasn't froze yet. Thae skirting insulated in the ground heat ❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

This is probably it......good call guys

[@chesterharvey5425]

Hey Jay I heat my cabin all winter long I use a Mr. Heater 30,000 BYU and a few 100 LB propane tanks it would be awesome for you guy to use on the few days your gone and you could always turn it off when you got back just some feed for thought.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

That would be nice for sure

[@davidpatrick1813]

Have you thought of bringing your equipment batteries to the solar she or such to keep warm and charged?

[@douglasrobbie9998]

Given the time and $s you spent to get new solar panels, bats, etc, surprised that cleaning off all the solar panels to get maximum power was not your first chore. Definitely need an extension to your snow rake.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We had plans to get one before the snowfall but we were predicted to get this snow when we left for the holiday . It wasn't due to come until this week. We have one now tho you'll see it in a video soon

[@LR-xx5ig]

Do you guys not live up there full time? Do you have another home.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We have a place downstate we go to occasionally to see friends and family. Kinda like some people downstate have a place upstate they go to on occasionally on weekends we do the opposite! We live up here and go down state occasionally! Had to travel to see family just like many others did for the holiday!

[@joankline343]

Gosh that looks like a fun place to live! ❤ Now all you need is a pond so you can go swimming or ice skating. 😉 What a wonderful view and a beautiful cabin to snuggle up in when you're done for the day. What more could you ask for want or need? Heck you can have a snow mobile party get away at your cabin. 😅 Lot's of exercise with a great view. 😉 I bet if you put the invite out you'd have lots of company. 😂 Happy Holiday's! 🦌 🛷 🎄 ⛇ 🗓 🍷 🎉 ❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I love it!

[@carolsweet8592]

You have a beautiful homestead keep the snow up there in live in Knoxville Tennessee we dont get snow like that so glad we don’t I don’t like snow at all

[@stephendouglas6328]

Windmill??? 😮

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ya we will have a full video coming soon on it! Some things may be out of order for a couple weeks !

[@DigginWithDeej]

This amount of snow is common for your area of Michigan. Last 2 years were mild, this is normal fot the state. I thought you prepared on your last video. Fun times. I miss our place in the UP

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We did get lucky the last two years

[@johnviewer2305]

My dad used corn cobs soaked in diesel fuel...used a pair of old tongs...set a piece of wood down and corn cob on top...light it...

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice

[@canajian]

Afternoon 🖐😎👍

[@paperchaser9565]

Do you keep a shovel in your foyer area? Is the wind turbine actually giving you power now?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Snow shovels close by yes. The wind turbine is still working out the kinks

[@BrendaHewitt-y1w]

We got hit real hard in ontario, Gravenhurst area!take Care.😊

[@seymourpro6097]

Add some bricks/blocks/slabs in the battery shed and give then some heat from the generator exhaust in the winter. This should help them to stay above freezing. Even find a cheap kerosene or diesel heater to keep the batteries warm enough.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Good idea

[@thomaswhite5871]

Wisdom I learned get snowboots early or downstate... they disappeared fast up hear

[@griffithsalan]

Love the dogs coats. Where did you get them?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Jen bought them from a lady on facebook , if you're interested in them send us a message on fb and jen can get you the link for the lady who makes them

[@griffithsalan]

@ thank you very much

[@99suspects]

When out in the wild, leaving collars and jackets on dogs is the worst thing you can do. They can tangle in brush and your pet might die from exposure as many dogs will not call out when stuck. City people suck. I feel sorry for the dogs but no tears for the owners

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@99suspects this is the most ridiculous comment I've read in 4 years on YT. These dogs are so spoiled they never leave our sight.....by choice. These aren't farm dogs or homesteading dogs, they are very loved and well cared for. What a lame comment from this guy.

[@Vetteman40th]

Yes Gaylord broke all-time 24 hr. snow fall with 24.7". Gaylord has since received 43'" since Thanksgiving.

[@toddmc1012]

Why didn't you clear off all the solar panels?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Our snow brush wasn't long enough . We got a new one just last night when we went to town ! You'll see soon!

[@MinnesotaMegOffGrid]

Question on the pups. What are all their collars for? I'm guessing gps tracker, one for a leash, but then what's the other for? They have as many "necklaces" as Mr. T!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The other one is a glow one for night time so we can see them! I probably could combine 2 of them .. Just need time lol. It will go on my never ending list of things to do lol.

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

I've heard you can run a lightbulb in the solar room and keep it warm enough **if it's insulated well. I sure enjoyed watching the snow fall, and I'm going to find the windmill video now because somehow I missed that one.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We haven't finished the wind turbine one yet! It's coming! Things will be a little out of order for a couple weeks due to the snow storm !