3 Improvements, Now the RESULTS! Winter Camping in an RV Part 5

[@2legit64]

People drinking the haterade are just mad because you're living the life that they don't have the guts to embark upon. Carry on knowing that so many of us love your vids.

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Hey, Slim. I, for one, appreciate when you give the temps in both F and C. BTW: All the mods you make are always good. I really enjoy watching you do and explain them. You've given me a couple of real good things I can do with my RV. That heating pad for the battery was a great solution for cold weather camping. The viewer that suggested the reflector was a bonus too. Thanks for all your entertaining and informative videos!

[@MrKeenaz]

@@CreakyCricket You can put a resistor in line to lower the current in return it will drop the heat on your pad.

[@markbernhardt6281]

@@MrKeenaz Even better put a simple thermostat in the box to turn the pad on and off. There really can't be enough insulation in that box at those temperatures.

[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: From some of the comments, it seems many skipped the other videos in this series and went straight to the results! Please, PLEASE see the installation videos before asking the same questions I have already answered. They are listed here: kzbin.info/aero/PL7S0sof9f84L9EjuP97V_NxEDrVbDD2YY Thanks! SP

[@thelmahenriques6454]

Some of us may have just joined your channel.....

[@charlesflores9714]

@@thelmahenriques6454 the title of the video does say “Part 5”. You would think it goes without saying it’s a part of a series. Wouldn’t matter if you just joined or not.

[@Brenda-es3gw]

If it helps to know, the algorithm likes any engagement in the comments section and will put your video in front of more people.

[@SlimPotatohead]

@Brenda, I have no interest in algorithms. I am only interested in real comments. SP

[@rwoods6132]

My wife and I lived in our camper for almost 5 years. You are right, the entrance door is the coldest spot. In the winter time we would hand a surplus army blanket at the door entrance to give a extra layer of air entrapment.

[@markthomas2436]

That is actually a good idea.

[@paulr.3220]

After years of following Mr. Resourceful, I was confident he had considered all safety issues and weighed pro's and con's of each modification. Way to go Slim. Return to the White Mountains in the summer and maybe we will run into each other.

[@tyoung9012]

A skirt around the base of the camper adds huge benefit to warm winter camping. If you don't have a skirt, use snow!

[@richardthomas1743]

Lots of really good information in this video. I am impressed by the little propane heater. I think that for the size of the heater that it does a real good job and it is efficient on fuel. I definitely would consider this heater should I need something like that. Thank you Slim, safe travels and of course thumbs UP! 👍

[@herblapp6134]

Your intentions are always top drawer. You didn't get this pricey htr as a gift from the manufacturer as a thank you for reviewing it. Knowing how frugal you are l want to say thanks. Because with ur reputation and viewer census they'd have been craxy not to give you the unit. But you didn't. This manufacturer came out of this smelling like a rose. Thanks. Oh Slim you did a review of a backup camera but experienced problems. Are you using one now so l can ask for details. Not sure you do as l don't recall a followup review.

[@markbernhardt6281]

@@herblapp6134 who are you talking to?

[@alisalavine1052]

Hiya, Slim. I'm super happy to hear that the Dickinson is a huge success. And thanks for going into detail about how the heater isn't going to catch your bed on fire. I knew that you wouldn't have put yourself in danger but wondered about the heater being so close to your feet nonetheless. Great video! Happy adventuring.

[@papajon62]

Looks like the field testing was a success overall. Well done! Very efficient furnace, I was waiting for those numbers. I wonder if you could hang some sort of insulated curtain across the door to keep out the cold?

[@SlimPotatohead]

I've been thinking of that, just haven't decided on a design. Yes, just tacking a cloth would help, but I think I could do better. Thanks! SP

[@austinhaney2748]

​@@SlimPotatohead Have you thought about using some foamboard and maybe a good piece of wood, cutting it out to shape, mounting it, gluing it, etc. If you don't want to glue maybe you could go the old magnet route.

[@P_RO_]

@@SlimPotatohead I hung a comforter blanket over mine, an18ft 94 model old-fashioned travel trailer. The key is to keep all edges tight to the walls and especially the bottom. It stopped a nasty draft and gave me an estimated 5F boost in heat (big difference). Also worthwhile was plastic and painter's tape inside over the windows, roof vents, and rooftop A/C (big difference) a 'skirt' around the bottom outside (moderate difference but wasn't sealed well at all). Stationary living on shore power and has seen nights of 17F with interior about 64F using one 1200W electric "box" heater. As best I can tell it's as much about sealing up unseen tiny air leaks as much as insulating. Reduce or stop airflow and what heat you make tends to stay inside with you.

[@cachecampcruise]

@@SlimPotatohead Do the Reflectix type material with Velcro. :)

[@38below39]

yes, that's what I do . makes a world of difference

[@scottschultz687]

Great job slim 👍 love the winter camping videos!

[@jan6293]

Congratulations Slim ! Success on your insulation and heater for your camper 🔥

[@robhackett6421]

Hi Slim, thanks for allowing your viewers to tag along on a cozy winter camping trip. I was curious on how the solar would perform. Sure enough you updated us on that too! 👍

[@todddunn945]

I am glad to hear the Dickinson heater worked for you. That is exactly the sort of result we get with ours on the boat. You did forget to assess the psychological value of the "cheery" flame at night. Being able to just turn the heater off was one of the reasons we bought a Dickinson propane fireplace. I considered a wood stove, but as you said, they don't turn off quickly. We do leave the fan on for a while after turning the propane off. I am in Maine and am having similar issues with my solar. Fortunately, the snow does slide off after a while. Sounds like you had a great trip.

[@jermsman18]

Great follow up to all the questions! Thanks for being so down to earth slim.

[@peacefulwife5199]

G'Morn'in Slim. I have my coffee and your video. It's a great Friday now. 👍

[@SlimPotatohead]

Morning!

[@evelynjordan2902]

Very informative as usual. I can no longer camp anymore, that’s why I love your videos and adventures ❤❤❤

[@annhysell6064]

Good morning, Slim. Great info, particularly considering the need to move out quickly if necessary. I hadn't considered that. Your time, effort, & $ were well spent. Certainly makes winter camping much more pleasant! Looking forward to your solution for the door. Be well.

[@vanlehman144]

Great video Slim! Always enjoy watching you and learning! I am hoping to get out there myself, I am trying to reinvent myself after suddenly losing my wife last Summer. I love go to and see new places, solo camp, motorcycle tour and camp etc. My little 17 ft camper is not set up for winter camping yet but you have certainly given me some great ideas! Thanks again and stay safe. Look forward to more!

[@АлексейЗахаров-ц2и4с]

Печь дровяная 50см*40см*35См с широкой дверкой, и поддувалом, размеры не меньше, можно больше, надо высыпаться, а не шапками и шишками топить-только берёзой, дубом, сухим!!!! Надо чтоб Вы жили, а печь Вас отапливала хотя бы 3-4 часа давала одному Вам спать 😴💤в тепле! Привет из России!

[@mrv6968]

You are living the life of luxury and comfort for winter camping Slim. I remember my days of winter camping in extreme temperatures of -40 in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie in either a tent or a quonset snow shelter. Thanks for all the informative material for our next generations of winter boondocking..

[@Garrett9339]

Come back to New Hampshire anytime Slim! I found you through a "Winter Camping NH" search on KZbin to see who was crazy enough to document it. You did, and you're doing it right! Cheers.

[@Drmikekuna]

Thank you very much for this very informative video. I like your thinking process and the way that you verify and test. I have a Promaster Van, which I converted into a camper. When I camp, I'm usually 90-95% off-grid, and I do some winter camping in the Midwest, where it is currently -2F (-19C). I faced many of the same issues and got a comfortable heat level using slightly different techniques. My floor was insulated during the buildout, but I added an inexpensive rug from Target. I used a 5 x 7' rug that I cut out to act as a wall-to-wall carpet. The cheap carpet really made a difference. I also installed a gas Wabasto heater (2000 watts). This little heater feeds off my gas tank and only blows warm air. Yet, it heats up the area similarly to your heater. The Promaster doesn't get hot on a cold day, but it gets tolerable. I made a battery envelope for my solar generator out of Reflextix and some 12v aquarium heating pads. It works, but I will switch to your heating pad method as it is simpler. The solar generator overheats and constantly runs the fan if I leave my insulating envelope on during warming weather. Lastly, I have fairly thick curtains between the front of the van and the living area. When all these are combined, my space is habitable in pretty cold weather. The coldest I have slept in the camper was 9F (-12C), and I was perfectly fine. I could go down to around 5F (-15C), but after that, camping in the van would be more of a survival mode, and I would have to use many layers and blankets.

[@dennisbishop3842]

I like your last comment about knowing when it's time to move on to stay ahead of worsening weather. That's when people get themselves in trouble.

[@MarshaMarsha885]

Slim you are so thorough when you do anything I’m surprised anyone would question you 😊

[@markattardo]

I'm very impressed with your camper upgrades overall. Glad you're not camping in the White Mountains today, there's a serious artic blast moving in. -13F (-36F wind chill) and dropping at 1pm . At least the sun is shining.

[@secondhandrose6214]

I enjoy your thoroughness and video quality; this all makes your channel not only informative but enjoyable. Thanks Slim x

[@Allan-uk9qb]

NICE. you guys go thru trial and error then I benifit not making the same mistakes. Glad you put up more insulation too.

[@MapleMarmite]

Great update and results on the mods. As for the trailer door, you can get inexpensive insulated moving blankets at Princess Auto (in blue or red as I recall) that you could cut down to make a roll up door cover with some Velcro strategically placed to hold it tight to the door. Leftover piece could make an insulated floor mat? On my truck camper I modified the rear to have a man door so I didn’t have to climb over a tailgate and I used an old camper trailer door. Yours is more modern, I know, but when I cut my door down to size I took the inner skin off and found it had old fibreglass batting type insulation that was past its best and had shrunk and sagged in the space. I replaced it with pink foam board cut to fit in between the framework and it seems to work well as the inside of the door doesn’t feel very cold to the touch. A biggish project but it might be worth seeing what is inside the door shell for insulation. I also upgraded the door seal. 👍🏻

[@bill562]

Great work on your vid as usual! You could add 2 screw-in hooks on your wood frame to hang your gloves. I also hang a wool blanket over my sliding door and seal it with rectangular magnets from Harbor Freight. Maybe you could glue a metal strip around your door and do the same. It makes a huge difference. Keep on keeping on!

[@PaulaHicks-f4e]

Thanks for a great video packed with very useful info. I think any improvement you have ever incorporated in any of your campers have been well designed, installed & safe. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Wow, that is great efficiency for heating a camper in below freezing temperatures. The floor insulation really works well. Thank you for the update. Safe travels.

[@ibrahimaldossri2646]

Hi…… many travelers never put emergency plan, thanks for reminding the people I am one of them. Thanks 🙏 keep it up 👍

[@reginanordine496]

Love that little fireplace so much.

[@anon-w9l]

Such a cute heater, very homelike.

[@whitneykovener]

Wow, Thanks for sharing Slim. That heater is a good consideration / choice in heaters. Re: how long it takes to hitch up and get out in an emergency... We camp in a teardrop style camper. When we arrive at a campsite, we can be completely "set up" in 5-7 min including stabilizers. Tear down / hitch up about the same or less. Small campers like Slims / teardrops don't require much time like the larger ones.

[@dawnmancell2330]

Happy camping day I love the snow It'd brings life to our planet have a good one

[@chrishuston4445]

Hey Slim, thanks for the update!

[@dlsmith1961]

Really enjoy your videos and I know you're happy with the results of your improvements. The heater seems to be very efficient and that is probably a sense of comfort to you. I remember a couple years ago you were stranded in the A frame at a truck stop during a winter storm. Looking forward to your next video.

[@PaulaHicks-f4e]

Very informative as usual. I can no longer camp anymore, that’s why I love your videos and adventures

[@pagewhite61]

I’m glad all your improvements worked out. Thank you for another great video.

[@vetinger]

Thank you for giving us unbelievable your experience! You do create a great video. I like to watch all of them.

[@Onemattressatatime]

the outside temperature 15f Displacement is amazing for that little heater. Great job.

[@SlimPotatohead]

The actual temperature differential achieved in this video was 45F or 24.5C. That's the difference between the coldest outside temp vs the warmest inside due to the heat generated. Thanks! SP

[@ronsmith1364]

@@SlimPotatohead 60'f pretty warm vs below freezing outdoors. Being in ones comfort zone & pursuing activities you enjoy priceless.

[@c.julien8266]

Thanks for all the research Slim. You've given us a lot of useful info to consider.

[@nhbomar]

Glad you liked NH Slim - thanks for another great video!!

[@kellys.8922]

Great improvements Slim! All look to have done what you expected them to do. Looks like you are set for winter camping now and have a great way to warm up after those wonderful winter walks you go on. I look forward to and greatly enjoy your videos every week. Cheers! 🍻

[@elainemcintyre4407]

Thank you Slim, I really enjoyed your video, wishing you Happy camping, Elaine from Queensland,Australia.

[@funzeevanzee]

Great video. I'm glad you bought that heater and are sharing all the information about it.

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Good morning Slim!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning!

[@lesleywall4186]

Made myself a coffee and spent 20 minutes relaxing with your video. A true pleasure. Thank you

[@bustermcmahan8493]

Very nice improvements Slim! I would get the same type of ladder, but if you bring it inside for a short time and let it thaw before trying to extend it, it will not break. The last one did simply because it was frozen closed, not because it was so brittle due to cold.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Waiting for the inside to be warm is not practical. The lower step certainly did break from cold as it is in a fixed position. The solution is probably just to keep the moisture out by sealing it in a bag. Thanks! SP

[@bikingal4283]

@@SlimPotatohead I have the same exact ladder and live in the south, but I sure learned something new about this ladder that I never would've considered, in case one day I get bold enough to winter camp... sorry your's got broken, it is a great ladder otherwise...

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

What a very thorough and well explained example of real world tests using this little heater. Expensive to run 24/7, but most fuels are expensive these days anyway. I like the convenience of it, that's for sure.

[@JayRSwan]

Your videos are always such a pleasure to watch. Thank you, and I hope you keep it up.

[@bebejsEskew]

Great improvements Slim! All look to have done what you expected them to do. Looks like you are set for winter camping now and have a great way to warm up after those wonderful winter walks you go on. I look forward to and greatly enjoy your videos every week. Cheers!

[@joeburkeson8946]

Hi Slim, looks like you've turned a 3-season camper into something approaching a 4-season sleeper, good going, I would be very satisfied with similar results. I little milder weather and you'll be living like a king.

[@DesertDog8989]

Great! I have a propane gauge that helps me guess without having to disassemble it and "feel" how empty/full the tank is. Great job, Slim! love your videos 🤠

[@SlimPotatohead]

Have you actually tried it in sub-freezing temperatures? Most are completely useless in cold. SP

[@schwags1969]

Great heater choice, turns out to be a good unit for so many reasons.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Great improvements, Slim! Good work and thanks for the updates!

[@johnnyappleseed2058]

Hey Slim! Love your detailed videos, it seem that every problem I encounter you have already resolved! keep up the great work@

[@richardpalmanteer9798]

Just catching up on the last 3 videos and glad the improvements have panned out. until next time, stay warm and as always, "Enjoy The Adventure." forgot this in the last two videos 🤠👍✌

[@davidskaggs9914]

That's a great little heater...going to check it out for my cargo trailer

[@brianviest]

Hi slim, greetings from Czech republic. Im a big fan of you, your trips and all your videos. I like what your job a lot! Im watching all your videos back to the history and spening hours watching them. Can't wait for any new video all the time. Take care.

[@kaykaykayak9368]

What a great little heater !! Thanks for giving details on were it’s hot.

[@JKGEmslie]

Love your content Slim! I also love your little camper it’s awesome and such a dream of mine to own. I also enjoy your voice. You sound like a Canadian Newscaster. I’m a fellow Canadian who lives permanently in a converted cargo trailer in North Bay Ontario. I have a cubic mini wood stove and a small electric heater that does a great job keeping us toasty down to -20 weather. The Dickinson was my near second choice for a heater and watching this video really makes me want to buy one as they look so awesome. Your build looks great I love your camper. My suggestion to you to greatly improve your insulation value is to use XPS (extruded polystyrene) board on the windows and doors in lieu of the refletix bubble wrap. The insulation difference was very noticeable when I made fitted covers for my door and window and Maxx fan for my rig compared to the bubble insulation. I also used pipe insulators around the outside edge of the foam so they fit tightly in my window and door openings. I highly suggest you try it!! I just use the 1” stuff and it’s relatively cheap and easy to work with.

[@marcwatkins6784]

I'm not a wintertime camper, but watching your video makes me want to be!

[@lacylobdell7455]

I enjoyed your camping trip - almost as much as you did! We don’t get that kind of weather down in south Louisiana so I always enjoy a winter experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeS-7]

It's a nice solution. I like this little stove and the flame makes it all the better. Ambience.

[@coling7091]

That heater definitely makes perfect sense now that I've watched this. Great choice Slim

[@garyfalconer8316]

Hey slim I'm in west Scotland your videos are awesome, I've been watching you since you started ,best youtuber by a mile 😉😀😄

[@craigpeers5676]

The improvements to the van are great. I don’t think l could live in a cold place like you do but l really enjoy your videos. Your a clever bloke. Keep up the good work👍

[@defend223]

You should head to Hancock again this weekend- that's where I'm headed in a square drop..... I live close by. Be great to hang out, I love the thought you put into your data in the videos... It's super helpful. Be well

[@chucknSC]

Congratulations- your diligence has made everything work for you.

[@baconwhiskey821]

Wow great idea adding a view port to the bubble wrap window covers.

[@cherylfarrell1638]

Another excellent video. Good luck on your move. Looks like that jeep is really working out.

[@DzaqetyHuiooaq]

Great video! I love the way you edited this! My dog and I went to an off the grid forest service cabin last weekend and it was just what our souls needed! Happy camping friends! Stay safe and keep up the great videos! XOXO Bri & Laela

[@cesalt2408]

As always, RESPECT! 👍🏼 Watching on FEb 3 and so glad you aren’t there now. I love the heater and will make good use of the Batt warmer idea.

[@kena2224]

Always enjoy your videos . Loved the aframe days and your journey with the wood stove, but this new install is very practical and is safer vs other options while venting the risk gasses and eliminating the moisture issue. Looks like you might still be able to make some hot water for tea on the unit top.

[@judyrobinson9556]

Looks like you've got the improvements all worked out and they're working well for you. I always bring my electric blanket for cool weather camping. Of course, you have to have electrical hookup, which I always do in cooler weather. I camp in state parks, so hookups are available. Sounds like you had an enjoyable time.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Actually, you dont need a hookup for an electric blanket. I carry one that only uses about 40 watts DC. Thanks! SP

[@douglasmacgregor3878]

Thanks for the video I really appreciate your time as I have no time to camp

[@azclaimjumper]

Being able to heat your camper for a week is a real plus. A reflectix panel over the RV's interior door will certainly help. I'm delighted that the stove has met, perhaps exceeded, your expectations. You've gotta KNOW Trillium has been deluged for requests to install a similar heater in their Trillium. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@violetraquelgarcia5143]

Hello from Tucson Az . Nice to hear what You have to say to us. Thanks and be Safe .I 🙏😊

[@mikedevine8141]

I was one of your viewers that asked about the furnace Gan addition. Great to see that you at least read the comments and try out the ideas! Awesome vid and I love the rig. I am really interested in a fifth wheel style to retire in. Would love to hear your thoughts on that.

[@bonilsson3161]

Really like your videos, and I really like the Dickinson heather. Love the smart solution for air intake...very clever. 4500 btu is on the low side though but my problem will be delivery to Sweden and added cost. I love the design, I love the simplicity and as I see it its fairly easy to install. Here its more diesel heather people go to if you want external smoke exhaust, and thats what I have found available locally. Very nice work with your floor insulation!

[@markbernhardt6281]

A simple curtain keeping your sleeping area smaller would easily get half of the camper to 70 degrees, and the other half 50F. Another amazing video.

[@skiphamblin2185]

Great video Slim, and great info. Love the new heater and the location makes sense. Good luck to you and see you in the next video, and thanks so much.

[@jameshodgins1937]

Glad your new heater is working out well for you.

[@chrishelms1967]

Seems like a great solution

[@Monarch67]

I love the way you explain things. Can't wait to see where you head next. Stay safe!

[@powderriver2424]

I'm a big fan of these heaters, I have no issues on where it's located, personally I think it's the best choice because as mentioned it's only 61 degrees, and that's probably perfect, being just over where you sleep you will be warm, and you can easily control it without climbing out of bed.

[@certaindeaf8315]

KZbinr Gonagain installed a steel, vented propane heater in his family's rigs.. they can get hot enough to boil water and can burn wood in emergencies. Pretty slick.

[@WheresJoseToday-im1gr]

Sir Slim, I live in the White Mountains of Arizona. Between 6000 and 7,000 feet +. We get below freezing temperatures and snow. For the door, you can hang a thick blanket from a thrift shop, or an old army blanket- maybe even double it up. Can work for windows too. Have you thought of making an easy on/off skirt for the camper? This would help a bit in keeping wind from really lowering that floor temperature. Anyway, great video and great heater!!! Thanks for showing us that option-it’s a great one!!!

[@debjukes5548]

Hi there Slim…they also make 12 volt heating pads you could use on your bed for extra heat if you needed as well. Also if you did need to chill your fridge you could put an ice block in the in-fridge freezer to keep it cold because the cold goes to the bottom. If you have that kind of freezer….lol

[@sassykat7605]

Slim, I think you did an excellent job on your new heater.

[@judyabernathy80]

You have really done a great job of tricking out your camper. It looks so nice and cozy. Enjoy yourself!! Be safe!! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@Zazu2You]

Excellent video!! I agree, the heater is a big success!! I hope you enjoyed your stay in New Hampshire. Cheers!!

[@reedandjulie1013]

Thanks for another great video! I am sure your improvements will work out well for you. I had to cut into the belly wrap of my trailer. I used gorilla tape to patch the cut. After a while the tape came loose at the ends and I found that rubberized spray sealant has held the tape in place for a couple years now. Please keep up the good work!

[@joycefranklin8981]

I too appreciate the temperature in F as well as C, remember a lot Of your fans live in the US. Thank you.

[@THEpineapples101]

Ah, for under the camper where the foam insulation was? Good point!

[@russelltucker1539]

I really do like the way you cover all of your bases, because of the troll's. However, the amount of information that was given should answer any and all questions. It did for me. Thanks, And Safe Travels.

[@JeffinBville]

Incredible efficiency with that propane heater!

[@lindaroyal8161]

I'm glad you explained all the questions and concerns about the heater, many of mine were certainly answered. When you were gone all day, it's going to take time to get all the contents in the camper up to room temperature after everything has been getting cold all day. Once contents are heated up, it feels warmer. As far as the door being a cold area, I suggest you get a thermal drape panel and hang across the door,, that would block some more of the heat from escaping. I think insulating underneath and the walls made a huge difference. I think all the improvements paid off.

[@morphergaming0531]

Wow, very impressed with the numbers, that's an across the board win. I was thinking about installing insulation under the deck, that was extremely helpful getting the temp and it has sold me, appreciated.

[@Dutchy-1168]

Just a great little heater …. You Sir , will not freeze ! ‼️‼️🇨🇦‼️‼️

[@michaelmcnair1880]

Although I wasn't worried about your heater being a fire hazard because I've learned through watching your videos that you're a cautious realist, I really appreciate all those temperature readings. Now I know exactly how this heater can be installed. So much more information than simple specifications.