From "A" to Egg Part 2: Which One's Warmer?

After buying an egg-shaped fiberglass trailer, I was curious as to how it compared to my old A-frame camper. In this video I share my results of a heat test in cold weather.
For a list of all my videos, please use this link: / @slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
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How I get around:
Trailer: 2008 Outback by Trillium (Formerly 2004 Aliner named Abner)
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 160,000 km
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[@JD-vb5ib]

Hey! I have missed watching! Last six months I pulled a 12 foot used trailer 9.130 miles from West Virginia to Quartzite and back. No internet, no TV, no cell phone. Totally off grid! GREAT ADVENTURES! Saw many "eggs" and that will be my next investment too. Always love your vids! Thanks!

[@SteveCChapman]

I love your heating experiment. One other difference I noticed is that heating an a frame, the heat rises up to the peak, whereas heating a cube rises less to the ceiling.

[@pdacore]

If Slim had 2 curtain rods he could put foam board across them an keep the heat lower in the cabin instead of heating the "attic".

[@SlimPotatohead]

@William, that would also block the vents. SP

[@pdacore]

@@SlimPotatohead Not being well versed in winter camping (beyond watching your videos) would that be a good thing or bad?

[@daveroe8612]

Former Scamp owner, you are absolutely correct. The frame has higher ceiling area to heat. When I stopped for lunch towing my Scamp 13' with outside temp of 25 degrees I could heat it up in 10 minutes to enjoy lunch. Great video as always.

[@SlimPotatohead]

@William, would you plan to cook or shower in the trailer, or out in the snow? If inside you need vents. SP

[@makalapuamegs1056]

Slim your analytical mind is the reason I love watching your videos. You always approach the problem with using the scientific method. This is why the results are more valid. Keep them coming.

[@mariebernier3076]

Thank you for mentioning the scientific method! As a science teacher I can tell you that there are few adults who know it by name! You, Lady, are lovely and smart!

[@maobfh]

I think Abner won the competition, personally. The heater was lower and most importantly, the ceiling was much higher. It took an extra 15 minutes to get a complete pocket of warm air. When you said you were feeling the drafts with Abner, I realized that the noodles weren’t in place. So with four large seams that were not sealed, it held its own against a molded egg with a lower ceiling that was without the gaps. I am surprised with the outcome and it gave me a greater appreciation for the A-Liner. Husband had wanted to get an A Liner but I nixed the idea because I thought the structure would always be too cold or too hot. I will honestly admit that I was also enamored with his parents and his sister’s big and fancy Class A’s with big house batteries. I drove his elderly parents south each winter and back again for several years. I enjoyed pulling over and hitting the automatic level button, getting a good night’s sleep in a large and warm bed then heading back out after breakfast the next morning. After arriving at our final destination, I could have the entire rig plugged in, leveled, water and sewer set up and phone, cable and internet connection in the time it took me to pitch the tent. It took me a good 5-7 years of driving them to realize how close we always stuck to interstates and the fact that it could NOT take me to Yosemite. So, like husband, I am going to pass on the big rigs. Well, I did like the comfort but in order to really enjoy it, I will build out my own rig on a bus or a flat bed and raise the suspension enough to let me go back a ways. You can never really go 4 wheeling in something with such a long wheelbase but the A frame (with split noodles) is looking better with your input. Though getting my hands on some Kevlar and building my own off-road Unimog type of rig is my fantasy rig. Especially once they develop a solar electric engine strong enough to move the rig way off road. And if wishes were horses and I didn’t stray so far off topic. 😁 Thanks again Slim. 🍹 Until next time.

[@TheLicewine]

Thanks for doing all this for us. It's highly appreciated. Thanks, Chris

[@love2craft545]

Well the end of the video explains the two pairs of glasses on the table in the beginning of the video! Lol! Love your videos Slim!

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

I love your videos I especially love this one. It’s one thing to talk about the differences but I actually really love that there’s two of them in your driveway to compare and show us

[@lindawoods6841]

so glad your still making videos,, love the experiments...everything in the trailer is looking good...cannot wait for all this stuff to finally get over so we can see your adventures again...thank you Slim for sharing and always stay safe.

[@amyfraser6964]

Always nice to visit an old friend. Thank you for thecomparison

[@johnhisey3433]

Excellent comparisons Slim P. Thank you so very much for all of the service that you do to help others learn. Take good care.

[@nancyfuller4901]

Hi Slim, Another great video. I have a 2019 Casita Spirit Deluxe 17’. I made a winter skirt for it which snaps onto the fiberglass using adhesive snap studs on the trailer, so no holes were drilled into the trailer. The fabric I used is a lightweight vinyl called Stamoid so the cover folds up into a very small package. I camped in the snow during January using the cover and had a three zone thermometer readout inside the trailer. One sensor was near my fresh water tank, one near my water heater, and one under the trailer on the ground. The cover kept the area under the trailer ten to fifteen degrees warmer than the outside air temperature and both tank areas stayed in the high forties and low fifties when the outside air temperature was in the mid twenties. So bottom line for me is that I can camp down to what I figure will be zero degrees Fahrenheit without my tanks freezing up. And as a next step if it was colder than that, I would use a heat lamp or two under the trailer near the tanks. I can send you pictures if you let me know how to do it. I live in NC and could help you with a cover if you get this way after the coast is clear from coronavirus. Stay safe!

[@secondact7151]

I bet you could make a double wall skirt really easy.

[@williambranham6249]

Great idea. I also have a Casita 17 and despise winterizing the little fella. Yours is a great idea.

[@josepha.freivaldsr.9636]

Wonderful. Where did you get the adhesive snaps?

[@azclaimjumper]

Nancy? I'm truly surprised & please to read about your very practical "heat" modification. Do the adhesive snap studs stay on the outside of your Casita year-round? I went online & found Adhesive ONly 3M Stud Sets on a website for EZ Snaps. The product description tells it's designed for removable skirts around the outside of RVs. Do you have any youtube videos showing your modification? I'll be even more surprised if Slim doesn't incorporate "your" modification to his Omelette/Outback.

[@nothere7198]

Winter skirt is a pretty good idea if 3+ Season camping !

[@markhosbach9420]

That Outback's coming together nicely! It looks very cozy and inviting.

[@Simplelittlelife]

Great video Slim.

[@robertscheimann1603]

I really like what your doing with the new trailer. Looks great.

[@oceanbrzzz]

Hi SP. I’m always happy when I see a new SP video. This was great.

[@UtahRoadbase]

I'm so glad to see Slim's videos even though he's not traveling. It's fun to see him experimenting. Thanks Slim!

[@Charlielizard]

I have yet to see you post a bad video. Always look forward to your travels and especially ideas and reviews. Thanks again and wish you all the best!

[@mcgroot2690]

Loving the new set up hun !! You'll not want to come home once you get it all sorted xx

[@geoffsmith4714]

Slim, I love your vids! I have a Chalet A frame. I absolutely love it! I’m constantly getting new ideas for it from watching your videos. Even though you have the egg now, I’m still getting a lot of ideas from you. Thank you, and keep sharing with us. You are a fountain of insight!

[@SB4E.2]

Geoff Smith Congrats! We toured a few Chalets in person, they are gorgeous!

[@meinschatzi8978]

That is what I enjoy... you are always so creative on making it better without a lot of money!

[@privateexposure7384]

You definitely make very good points that I will consider before making a small trailer purchase.

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

I really appreciate you putting this video out. I had a little 'Livin-lite- popup' (all aluminum) camper. It would get SOOOO cold in the . And night time lows, condensation was really bad because of the all aluminum structure. Also, when running the 'Little buddy' EVERYthing would get wet. That's the main reason I sold it. I never stayed in temps like you do. A few nights in the 40's but that's as cold of camping that I experienced. Still, without a heater, it was really cold. I opted not to have 'air or heat', except for a couple nights i tried out the 'little buddy heater'...... Anyway, I had decided to get the A-Liner type trailer after much pondering but when I watched this video, it all came back to me about the cold and zilch on the insulation' and noise. So, I'm back to the drawing board. Just really glad I watched this video!! Thanks again!

[@FLRCQUAD]

Great comparison ,you are the pro on these small trailers for sure thanks Ike

[@michelecupples9071]

I look forward to your new videos. Can’t wait to see the next one.

[@chrismartin8832]

Slim I love watching your videos. They are done so well and keeps the audience eyes on the screen for the whole time at least mine lol. Keep up the great work and can't wait to see the next adventure. Stay safe and stay healthy. God Bless

[@mysound7508]

Thank you so much for all your Aliner videos. I've been watching them all day because I've been considering whether to buy one. I think I still will because like you said I won't be choosing to camp in freezing weather :) You're ingenuity is amazing. Please keep sharing.

[@dominicteece1722]

Hi Slim, nice work. Always puts a smile on my face when I get the email update to say you've uploaded a video. Always entertaining and informative. Looking forward to you getting back on the road. 👌

[@joharmon2148]

Good comparison, I figured the Aliner would take longer to heat up since the heat would go to the peak first then work it's way done. Thank you for the amusing tests. I always enjoy your channel as you do some really creative things. Stay well and safe

[@lynnej.9357]

We have an OLD Trillium (1979). The guard over the front window is in 3 pieces. Originally, the centre piece was opaque, with a trillium symbol on it. Some previous owner replaced that with a piece of clear plexiglass.. With the front and back curtains open (or removed), we can see right through it with our rear-view mirror. It's not a great view, but we can tell if someone is behind us, and we do appreciate it.

[@Cecilia-fc3sg]

Great video! I enjoyed seeing the your comparisons between the 2.

[@LexandRiot]

Great and pertinent info. Very fun and thorough experiment.

[@janeeley1604]

Oh Mr Potatohead, you’ve done it again! You’ve produced an informative and an entertaining video again. Thank you. Stay safe. Hope the snow stops soon and warm weather abounds. I hear it’s cold there still. Brrrrrrrr!

[@SlimPotatohead]

It's "Slim" Potatohead please! Thanks! SP

[@PhotoStrider]

Thanks for all the time you put into making these videos. 👏👍😀

[@TheDl1000]

Good video slim I am from down under in Australia and for most part we have your exact opposite problem we struggle to keep our campers cool lately we seem to have almost constant summer conditions and if we’re lucky we might need a jumper only very occasionally which is a shame for me as I think I would love to try camping in the snow but where we live that will need a miracle Thank you for the comparison Cheers

[@marcuse.9522]

Looking great slim. Keep up the good work.

[@TheCTFxCsuperfan]

i love the new trailer! it looks so comfy and fun!

[@aired-downdisconnected4125]

I like the map table. Want to make something like that for my new build.

[@robertgullickson8758]

I’m interested in your storage comparison. I enjoyed watching this video. Thank you

[@tink5488]

I hope you can eventually find a spot in the new trailer to put or make your map table in the future. It's one of the defining items not only of your travels but your channel and my personal favorite item in your old trailer. Happy to see that you like the new trailer, and can't wait to see you go on your travels with it!

[@pagewhite8177]

Interesting, thanks Slim.

[@itchyoldfart56]

Awesome video stumbled upon your channel and a been a subscriber for over year ...keep up the good vids... and stay safe out there

[@nigelbush7255]

Another interesting video slim thank you ,and I thought Sweden was cold in April so surprised to see soooo much snow

[@oOTBONE77Oo]

Taking in all the “ifs” and “buts” the Abner gave you some amazing experiences and lots of fun viewing for us followers... love your uploads Slim... please consider a diesel heater as I think it would be very beneficial in the Outback.... stay safe fella 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@mikedillon7268]

Great video!! Thank you for all your hard work!!

[@doramather4729]

Good vedio, very informative, what my husband did put a coating on the floor & roof to add insulation to our all aluminum traveler. This has made our aluminum rv warmer, we also added reflective insulation on our windows. We attach the reflective with heavy duty, commercial Velcro at night this makes it warmer. We have traveled in Sept & October to alaska and Canada. We traveled to Michigan in October & November and stayed warm in our aluminum rv. I like that the reflective is light and easy to remove and store.

[@philipdutton9831]

Yep, I was pulling for the aframe also. I will always associate Slim with Abner! Thanks so much for that legacy!

[@larrynew1]

These are the two trailer styles that fit my boondocking bent. I had a new Scamp on order, but ended up with a used Aliner. Waiting to head back out to the desert this coming winter.

[@DizzyIzzyMom]

Fun video. I have seen other videos you produced and I am looking forward to hearing your results after a full year on the road with your Out Back. Remember you adventure at the truck stop and snow....your new unit will be easier next time you get into the same situation. Travel Safe

[@robertdaone]

A-frame more aero dynamic when folder down, less drag, fits in any garage and doesn't effect rear view while driving is why I bought mine.

[@parmorama]

Great channel Slim👍. Cork tiles are great for insulation and sound deadening, and they look good too.

[@Mark-nt1jf]

I love the fact that you are from Canada, because my wife is from Canada. Because of Canadian law, my kids are also Canadian. I have been to Canada many times and like it there. We talked about moving from the US to Canada, but we don't like the cold. Oh well.

[@faithrada]

Awwww Slim.. I only wish there were TWO of you! LOL. Always enjoy spending quality time with you. Spring sure IS taking its time, after seeing your neck of the woods... New England doesn't seem quite so bad. Luckily I have a decent size yard so I just set up my new "Backwoods Bungalow" 2.0 pup tent. I stuck a cot in it and a few blankets and just hang out with my coffee.. listening to the birds. Close your eyes and you could be anywhere! 😉 Be Brave... Be Kind ... Be Safe.

[@brmelectric]

Well slim, I think you made the right move. I too am quite fond of yr new trailer. Im sure it will serve you well, look fwd to more mod cons, and diy fixez.

[@slimsuits3231]

Ahhh thank you....I needed this...

[@jrandyoutdoors]

Enjoyed your vid SP! Thanks for sharing.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

The ending was a shock! Slim Potato Twins!

[@markpashia7067]

Great video, Slim. Cannot wait for this current event in the news to get over! Miss riding along on your travels and also hoping to have a few of my own when this is done. My son was shopping for a rig to buy that I could use when all of this started so we are on hold now. I cannot go out long term for medical reasons, but hope to be able to go for six weeks at a time several times a year when things open up again. Your videos inspire and give me ideas on how to make it work, so thanks for that. Best wishes, Mark

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Mark, when you do get to travel, you will appreciate it far more! There's always a silver lining. Thanks! SP

[@markpashia7067]

@@SlimPotatohead Stay safe and keep up the good work until you can hit the road as we all love your journey. It is helpful always. Thanks.

[@sueprostko3222]

Really enjoy your videos

[@axemanfishing2703]

GREAT video Slim, always enjoy your presentations, and content. One thing I learned from experience as a service supervisor for a large home builder in my city is that, Vaulted ceilings, equal inefficient heating. All the heat rises to the peak, leaving the space feeling colder as a result. I had dealt with this same issue so often that we began suggesting people install ceiling fans to bring the trapped heat back down to circulate it. Made a huge difference. As a result of your findings, I think if I do any winter camping in my aliner, I will velcro a piece of refletix to the celing, straight across side to side and front to back to remove that peak issue. Create a dropped ceiling scenario that I bet would significantly change the results. Cheers and stay safe.

[@jimc.6127]

Your build is awsome. Carpentry is such a gift. I'm far from your lifestyle but I'm sure, like me, hundreds of people enjoy your in depth analysis of the no-mad life.' Potatoe Head' style. Thanks.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks, but I'm not a nomad. SP

[@jimc.6127]

@@SlimPotatohead Why do I always miss your message? You scolded me in the past for a message. Guess I'm a more a 'people' hands on personality. Still learning my u-tube friend.

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Nice 😀 comparison videos are a blast

[@NikJaKen]

Enjoyed the experiment!

[@chaborrogp]

Bravo Maestro!!!, another interesting and entertaining video. Evrebody keep up!

[@freespirit6209]

Interesting. Hope your weather warms up soon! Even from the UK that looks horrific for April!

[@Mike-Capz83]

i hit the like button before i even start watching it! I already know its gonna be good video!

[@montananomad5382]

I always do. LOL

[@jaym9529]

Outback looks better for all around use. Good n Bad weather. Great video. Stay warm 🔥

[@Tuckerclan]

I would have done the cool down at night. My biggest concern is condensation with all that carpet coating in the OutBack. Maybe without all that aluminium it will be less. Stay warm and stay safe, Slim. Thanks for your videos, I look forward to every one of them.

[@Scrambler85]

Good observation

[@azclaimjumper]

Interesting thought/observation.

[@marcpikas2859]

Window frames are the biggest problem in mine for condensation in freezing temp. Wish I had those dometic ones.

[@crazgirl80]

Great job.

[@Michyhauser]

I love your Map Table!!!

[@sonofrobert]

Great video. Love the info. Cheers

[@ibmtpx24]

The heat loss experiment result surprised me. I thought with abner's gap on the roof it would lose heat faster.

[@HoneyandMe]

I remember as a kid, camping with my parents and siblings in an old Lionel tent trailer. My Mom would wake up and get the tea kettle going not only for tea, but also because it heated up the trailer. We'd lie in our sleeping bags, waiting for the chill to leave so we could get up and get dressed and have tea! It was definitely a step up from camping in our old canvas tent, but I'm sure enjoying the 'luxury' of my little RV, Honey! Gotta love a built in furnace!! 'Egg'-sellent comparison, Slim! Hopefully, you are almost done with the snow as we are here at our hillside home in BC.-Sue

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Yeah, I read owner reviews, leaks, noise and drafts were the problems. Movable walls...who would have thought it??? Great experiment as only Slim can do !!!👍👍👍

[@klouism1]

Thank you for the video very interesting. I think I like your new camper the best though. Stay well and happy.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Really cool!

[@SolarSailor1967]

That split screen time vs. temperature comparison was top notch production.

[@1tpmg]

Great research study. And perseverance

[@plove523]

Excellent !

[@baileydillion9331]

Nice experiment. I must say I’m going to miss Abner but I am really excited about getting to know the outback. And I love the red throat feels really makes it pop.

[@abefrohman1759]

Interesting comparison Slim

[@carolyntolliver1146]

We love our 16' Casita. You will find places in the cupboards above. Love your Outback too.

[@karenbrindle3889]

Very good and helpful

[@genekied]

Cold and snowy in Montana too, Springtime in the Rockies.

[@PeterSkjdtIpsen]

Lovely video. Thank you 👍🏼

[@margaretdavis1874]

I think the "Outback'" deserves a more human like name. Maybe you could have a "Name The Egg" contest between all your loyal subscribers. SPH Subscribers can enter a name and then Slim can choose his favorite three then we can vote on them.

[@montananomad5382]

Ok, good idea!

[@peteanderson1665]

Great job on the video I know it takes time to edit but you are getting real good at it 👍

[@nothere7198]

Good vid, thanks for some insight and well done covering some of the possible reasons for the differences. As for seeing what's behind you I expect you've looked into rear view cameras a bit. They're pretty good, cheap, and easy to set up (especially the wireless ones) now. EDIT : Ah ah ! I see in an earlier comment/reply you have two cameras just waiting for a chance to install !

[@Scrambler85]

I don't comment often but that was very interesting. Always a thumbs up for the video 👍

[@cajunjamis9001]

WELL DONE!

[@grannyrsh5553]

Not being able to see behind was our biggest drawback we had when moving from our pop up trailer to a travel trailer. Our trailer came ready wired for a backup camera and we figured out that we can bungee our camera monitor to our rear view mirror which gives us a good view behind the trailer. (Got that tip from Ray from Love Your RV). It works really well.

[@angelabrade3374]

This was brilliant . I got it wrong though re the heat loss . I would have believed the insulation in the Outback would have kept the heat longer . Just goes to show eh. It was nice seeing the Aliner again . Great video Slim 😊

[@mariasalazar7576]

I love the outback!!

[@Piterworkshop]

very good video and very good comparison

[@richardmattingly7000]

One can't help be feel that the Outback is like a toothsome young thing tickling Slim's whiskers where his A-Liner is the aging spouse that's sagging a bit and knows he's growing more distant each day. But such is the life of a trailer and when old Abner is folded down for the last time by Slim perhaps a final shot of him rolling away into the setting sun might be in his final video. 🇨🇦🌄

[@kennyc388]

Beautiful !!

[@averagealice8877]

I’m not surprised by these results! There’s a psychological aspect to feeling warm as well, and just having all those Aliner joined panels in the back of ones mind doesn’t feel as solid and warm.

[@CGAZ66]

The plastic on the windows does help retain heat for sure.

[@franielee38]

omgoodness!!! Yay for the Outback!!

[@ndlz1]

My experience is salesmen lie. They say Oh, great! Really good! Thinking, I really need to sell this thing. I’d say “Look use common sense, if you’re out in the environment, and it’s hot out you’ll probably be hot in your rig, if it’s cold you’re going to freeze your butt.” Provide for comfort as best as you can, but most of all- Enjoy the experience of being in the palms of Mother Earth.🙏🏻

[@cynthiarenfrow8619]

Love your videos Thank You

[@booniebuster4193]

Hello Slim. Another interesting video. Thanks. You could get some external mirrors to attach to your two vehicle mirrors that will allow you to see pretty much directly behind the trailer. I have a fold-down popup tent camper. It has an A/C unit on top which makes is pretty difficult to see what's behind me when towing. The external mirrors fixed that problem. I can't wait for this virus restriction in California to over so I can get back out there and do some boondocking.