A Dust Storm and a power failure in Death Valley

Traveling from Quartzsite we headed to Death Valley for a week of hiking and living in the desert near Death Valley National Park. It was quite a week as we experienced a dust storm and complete power failure in the same week!
#deathvalleynationalpark, #fulltimerv, #hiking, #boondocking, #hdt, #fulltimervlife, #glamping, #customrv, #camping

[@raoulroberts2024]

What a cool hike. Cannonball!😄

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you. It was very cool! Appreciate your comment and watching the channel.

[@josieruiz3946]

When u cut wood cut it on top of a wood, this way you won't ruin your axe. I know a piece of wood is heavy, but a small round thick cut shape will help. Love seeing you have so much energy, but this will this is easy for you. Have a blessed days to come.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Great point, Josie! Thanks and I'll try to do that in the future.

[@KeenanModica]

I love these videos 🤩

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I enjoy putting the videos together and glad you enjoyed them. More to come every week.

[@martymain1907]

We so enjoy your channel and vicariously travel with you while we are rooted at home to help care for my 101 year old mom. While we're anxious to get back on the road, we're fairly content to remain here and follow our friends on KZbin. THANK YOU! Marty and Sue

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you very much for the kind comments. Hope to see you in the future. I'll try to keep the videos coming.

[@abbasssibatra8682]

👍

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you. We got through it but freaked us out a little.

[@bobhatten4583]

I've just subscribed to your channel and I'm really enjoying traveling with you. Thank for bringing me along.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thanks for subscribing, Bob. I'm glad you're sharing in our journey. More to come, lots to see our there.

[@scottashe8463]

The viedo on dry camping in Death Valley was awesome. I'm glad David solved the no power problem. On the hiking trip if all that was red you would think you were on Mars. You guys have so much fun 💓 keep on keeping on.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Death Valley is such a cool place, Scott. I didn't think I would like it years ago but it is one of my favorite places to visit. Glad you enjoyed the video. It did feel like we were on another planet. 😎

[@marcelracine4154]

Very much liking your videos. Have a 730 and working on getting on the road. Saw you wearing some San Diego garb, so wondering if you are from there. Wish I had an email for you so I could ask more specific questions about your travels and methods of doing things, like tanks on truck for transfers. Enjoy your journey.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I'll add an email shortly. Thanks for the comments. Not from San Diego but love the area. We were there a month ago.

[@22howards]

Beautiful scenery! That dust storm was very interesting (I see a truck wash in the not too distant future). And how many times did the wood fall over before David got it cut? And again, Bloopers are great!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Truck wash was definitely in the very near future! I think the wood fell about 2 or 3 times...lol. Thanks for the comments. Glad you're enjoying it.

[@doneriteauto]

We are Pahrump Nevada We have a lot of coming here and big mountains to ride in Mike & Terry

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hey Mike & Terry- We love that area of NV and CA. The mountains are so beautiful and majestic. Of course, DVNP is a favorite of ours. We've never stayed in Pahrump, but we're thinking about it next time we're in the area. Thanks for the comment.

[@stephenpolos1689]

Good video 😀 what kind of rig do you have and size is it a new horizon 🤔 looks like your tires are 22.5 not sure have a good time 😃

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

It's a custom 5th wheel built on a semi trailer chassis. Not a New Horizon. Tires are 22.5. We're 46'6" long and weigh 42K lbs (trailer).

[@ZebraFacts]

This is the second video I have watched on your channel. It's been a lot of years now that I have driven through Death Valley, but I never went to the lowest point. Seeing the narrow edge of the cliff driving you were doing, I couldn't have gone there anyway. My fear of heights is just too extreme. What's odd about that is I didn't have this issue when I was in my twenties. Not as bad, at least. Thanks for doing it for me. I'm quite amazed at how youthful you two seem to be. I'm 65 now and it's been probably 15 years since I have been able to hike like that, and about 8 years since I have been able to pick up big rocks like what was around your fire pit. Get out and do this stuff while you can!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you and glad we were able to run those roads with you. We're definitely going to hit it as long as we can...who knows how long that will be? We love the Death Vally area and our campsite was fun to "landscape". Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😎😊

[@innerspaceavailable]

Thanks for another great video. Have yall ever had any problem with people snooping around while you are out there or away from the rig?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

We have camera's that record on a DVR and have never seen anyone just snooping around while we're gone. Lots of "looky loo's" (lol) but nothing bad or intrusive. Everyone has been really nice. Lot of curious people but that's understandable. Thanks for the comment and I hope you have a great day.

[@doneriteauto]

We are in Pahrump Nevada We watch your channel all the time We can give you electricity and water if you want to stop by

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

We love the Death Valley area but have never been to Pahrump. We'll have to make room in our schedule next time we are out that way. Thanks for the comments. 😃 Appreciate the time watching the channel.

[@MaryWehmeier]

@@bigtruckbigtravelsyou need to go to pahrump. Nice little town.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@MaryWehmeier we're definitely planning on it next time we go to Death Valley. Thanks for the comments. 😃

[@samwalker3441]

Shoulda done a little CCW Bad Moon Rising at Badwater.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

That would have been awesome...next time.

[@jeannealex2560]

Hi guys...we just found your channel and subscribed ...looking forward to meeting you sometime...are you going to be at the HDT rally in Hutchinson?....we have a lot of the same friends but we are not full-time yet...enjoyed your videos...take care and stay safe...J&A

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Unfortunately, we will miss Hutch this year. Hope to catch up sometime. Thanks for the comments.

[@jeannealex2560]

@@bigtruckbigtravels well darn.😒..oh well...hope to be in quartzite next January..maybe then..🥰

[@mrsbigtruckbigtravels726]

@@jeannealex2560 Well... our travel plans are usually pretty sporadic and after 6.5 years of full timing we haven't gotten into a "groove" yet or basic travel pattern. I guess you can say we are consistently inconsistent 🤷‍♀️. Our travel plans are a little up in the air right now. We might be in Florida for Jan/Feb. Then prepping for Alaska 2023 in Mar/Apr. Hopefully our paths will cross before then. 😊

[@62classic4d]

David & Sondra I really like your truck bed setup. Can/Will you tell me who built/setup the layout? (& specs?) Thank You

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Herrin Welding Service out of Kilgore, TX designed and built the bed based on our requirements.

[@dankarau2307]

Been enjoying your channel. We are currently selling our acerage to go fulltime. Looking seriously at a HDT. Can you please tell me the specs on your 780 Volvo? I'm looking around for one now and would live to hear your thoughts on yours! What would you change...what are "must haves"?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Love our 780. 500 hp is a must. We added a tandem since it was single but that's because of our trailer pin weight at 13K lbs. Both tandem axles should be powered (power divider). Enhanced cruise would be nice, get back cyclers in seats and security immobilizer. Don't get the TPMS system. We got a sink in ours and really like it but you give up some space for auxiliary cab heat. We have a 2.64 rear end but would change it to 2.88 or 3.08. I think the 2.64 lags a little up the mtns.

[@dankarau2307]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Thanks...what does your Spacecraft weight? We currently have a Cedar Creek but are looking at a custom New Horizons 42'-ish so max weight would be under 30K Lbs with a pin weight around 6500 - 7500 max.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@dankarau2307 total wt is 42K lbs with a pin weight of 13K lbs.

[@dankarau2307]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Ah...that explains the need for tandems! Those Spacecraft are beautiful! You should do a video on your truck and all the features you have. I was thinking of putting fresh and black tanks in ours as that would be really convenient!

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@dankarau2307 lol... that's a future video for sure. We've used our fresh & grey tanks on the truck countless times. Easier than moving the trailer!

[@susanjenkins6866]

Luv u guys not music tho😊

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Appreciate you hanging in there, Susan. Sorry that you don't like the music though. Hope you stick around...maybe my selections will get better?

[@billstoys8324]

I think that you need to charge lithium batteries to their full capacity occasionally so that they get balanced out.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Yes, Bill. Lithium batteries generally "live" between 90% - 5% discharge rate but we now try to keep them charged up.

[@lindawalker404]

Dear David how are you? I hope your back is better. What happened that you couldn't lift heavy things? David l want to ask you something. When l saw your family name l wondered if you are of Hawain descent are you? Please feel free not to answer this question but your name is very interesting. So both of youu have a great time and give my best to your charming wife for me. Aloha😊

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Aloha Linda, I couldn't lift anything heavy for about 6 weeks because I had a hernia operation and was recovering. Lol...Sondra was getting a workout! Yes, my father was the eldest brother to Duke Kahanamoku and I grew up in Hawaii. 😊

[@lindawalker404]

A her IA wow l have a rather big one at the bottom of my back which co ers 4 damaged vertabraes stuck around my coach's it hurts like a son of +×÷=^_ but the do tors won't remove it yet. So as long as you and So dra are in shape continue exploring. ✨

[@lindawalker404]

Loll meant a hernia on my coccys.

[@musimowingmoreinc9031]

Will your new Jeep fit on the back of the truck in place of Pathfinder?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Unfortunately, no, it will not. So right now if we want to take the Jeep we either take the Class C or drive separately. We're working on a solution but we also don't think we want to double tow either. It's a dilemma for sure. Thanks for the comments. 😃

[@samwalker3441]

Yeah. Rental people need all they can get.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

I think there should be more of a training course for people renting RVs from the rental companies. Lots of unique features on an RV that you don't have elsewhere. Thanks for the comment.

[@jonwilson4844]

So exactly how much was the fill up?🤔

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

We have the fuel discount card with TSD. It ended up being about $550 which wasn't bad considering what was about to happen!

[@bkseyer]

How big is the water tank on the truck?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hi Brian. It's a 60 gal tank on the truck. Just enough for 5 loads of laundry that Sondra wants to do! Lol. It's a nice buffer. Thanks for the comments.

[@CoolRVEverything]

Where is the location that looked like an old mobile home park?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

It is about 25 miles outside Death Valley National Park. It's on the California side. We can't figure out what it used to be... Mobile home Park? Campground? Park model cabins for some resort? Great place, nonetheless. Thanks for the comment.

[@CoolRVEverything]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Can you post the GPS location?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@CoolRVEverything GPS: 36.3391, -116.5996

[@CoolRVEverything]

@@bigtruckbigtravels Awesome, thank ya.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

@@CoolRVEverything no problem. Cool place. We love Death Valley.

[@seanrichardson266]

What type of drone do you use?

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Sean, it's a Hollystone for cost reasons...I recently got a DJI Mini 2 for Christmas and it's really super duper nice. It was a deal at Costco because the DJI 3 was coming out. I've started flying the mini 2 and it's night and day different than the Hollystone.

[@danjohnson7767]

I know this will get kicked but thank you President Biden.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Hope you enjoyed it. Have a great day.

[@SixDayWar67]

-and especially the inflation and printing money money money

[@raoulroberts2024]

What a cool hike. Cannonball!😄

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Thank you for watching the channel. We're excited to be able to share our experiences with everyone and to give back to the RV community.