Testing Out my New (to me) Truck Camper

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/YENTCH to get 50% off your first order of hair loss treatment.
In this week's video, I take my new-to-me truck camper on a quick overnight test run to see how I like it. Spoiler alert: I love it! Can't wait to get on the road in this thing and share more adventures with y'all.
Sit back, grab a beer, grab a coffee & enjoy!
IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL ❤️
/ jyentch
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM
@jonathanyentch

[@JonathanYentch]

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/YENTCH to get 50% off your first order of hair loss treatment.

[@supersteve8305]

When you boom dock, consider parking the rig so it is facing the way you would have to leave in an emergency, and park it so it would take two vehicles to pin you in, and not just one. Being parked facing the gate would make it easy for one vehicle to pin you in. Yes, I worked in public safety, and have seen some crappy people and things. Great new rig. I'm happy you found it.

[@pamelaklemp5615]

First thing I, too, thought of when I realized he wasn't moving it was leaving it faced forward. Your suggestions are spot-on!

[@Deargdoo]

excellent advice. *takes note*

[@SuperExTINCTGAMING]

rule #22 in zombieland, when in doubt know your way out.

[@paulg492]

Found the Worry Warts

[@PrplAngl]

Very good advice.

[@tjport1980]

I agree. Use the camper for a while and then renovate after you find out what you like and what you don’t

[@celestepalm6949]

Yep, there's zero reason 2 B in a hurry to renovate. Enjoy the camper as-is 4 now...

[@fionasmith6809]

For your chain protection that you used towels for. Why not use pipe insulation tubes (like mini pool noodles) they would give great protection and look good as well!

[@Kaitlin24247]

Great idea

[@RobBrown2288]

My very first thought!

[@malakai8417]

Does it comes with white color? I only see black or gray color insulation....Jon's truck is white

[@jeannerountree952]

I was worried about the moisture being in the towels all the time when it’s wet outside.

[@Nunya9876]

They do make pipe insulation you can wrap around the chain protection and different colors of paint for it to match.

[@blueskunk9163]

Hey JY, new subscriber here. I have to say the thing that attracted me to your channel is your filming style (in addition to the content). You have a calmness about everything you do-- and positivity. You setup establishing shots. You don't fill the videos with music or voiceover. You pay attention to detail and you let the natural sounds draw us in. So thanks for doing all of these videos. The style you have adopted is superb. Please keep doing what you're doing. It's borderline magic and oh so relaxing. No teeth whitener or glitzy sets/backgrounds with LED lighting trying to project an image. You are bringing us all back to nature and living responsibly and within our means with honesty and authenticity. Very commendable. So thank you for sharing!

[@davidjames8587]

I agree. Lol except I didn't see the teeth white part but now I'm 🙃 going to look. It's okay cause I eat dark cocoa powder so my teeth aren't so white either. But yeah I agree with you on the most part. I'm actually learning from this guy. I want to do the same. What got me was the first video I watched he starts out by saying "it's my first night with out rent." And I was hooked.

[@leoameoso820]

Cats suck! You’re vids are great.

[@mr.critic]

3:08 Pipe insulation foam could work too.

[@Joes_Place]

The towels are a great idea, if that doesn’t hold up with the rain and If you have some used bicycle tubes, you can cut them the length of the chains then slice down the middle and wrap around the chain and secure with zip ties. The rubber will hold up well in all conditions and also act as a good damper.

[@doveboyz857]

would pool noodles work?

[@JanandAnn]

Awesome video once again Jonathan! seems like your camera set up is different! what equipment are u using now?

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍, I think you did good on your new camper. For a little over $100.oo you can get a decent backup camera that attaches to your rearview mirror. I bought one for my Jeep because when it is loaded up the rearview mirror is worthless.

[@overland_panda]

Sweet rig! Love the first Gen tundra camper set up. Something cool about your channel is how you make it look accessible. It’s not a $100k rig with fancy gear. That stuff is cool, but it’s inspiring to see it can be done simpler w the same net experience

[@nancyreichenbach2938]

I'm just happy that you have a built in fridge. Bet you love having that! It's a very nice camper!

[@bakosdavid]

This camper is in such mint condition that i'd rather just live with the retro design than renovate it. (Ofc, i'd touch up the electric and gas situation...) Either way hope you'll enjoy it for a long while as i'm sure i'll enjoy the content it will help produce...

[@1jackvalley580]

When this camper was built they made things really well, so much better materials were used when it was built so change your mattress and have the electrical looked at and the air conditioning checked out, and you should be good to go👍🙏

[@brucemillhiser2072]

Nice Camper and there is nothing wrong with "old school"! We've had our pu camper since 99, the only things I've done besides the usual maintenance is added all LED lights, a few USB's a new converter when the original failed and 100w solar panel on the roof. Old School is still cool!!

[@kimberlymarshall2068]

Another great video,Jonathan -the previous owners took good care of the camper. You will make it your own soon - it looks really nice on the truck. You might want to look into FireBox Stove (he has a KZbin channel as well as an online store with lots of gear) for alternative cooking when you are out of propane, etc. There are different sizes and they work with scraps of wood, fuel bars, other. The guy cooks some amazing meals on these stoves that fold up into small tins, etc.

[@kriskabin]

Nice looking older camper, looks really good with your tundra. I had the same truck & thought pretty seriously about getting a camper like yours for it, but I decided to sell it & I bought a used Toyota Highlander. (I removed the back seats in this suv & stealth camp in it. For me, I needed a tiny & reliable camper that I could stay inside & get to the driver's seat to drive away in sketchy situations.) Enjoy your sweet little camper👌

[@thomasharhen2168]

Definitely turn the truck around for a fast escape, you never know!!!

[@geoffmolyneux9173]

Just put an inverter in your truck. Then use your 12volt charger that you have. Plug the charger in to an extension cord. Plug the extension cord into your inverter. Put an isolation relay on DC side of your inverter. So Inverter only runs while engine is running. With the above battery charging method, your batteries will always be charged correctly. But you will need about 2 to 3 hours of engine running to charge batteries. Assuming a 15 amp charge rate. I have a 750 watt manual inverter. So when you apply power it is running Then you also need a charger that remembers what it was last set at, and turns on and starts charging without one pressing any buttons. I also have a 100 watt solar panel, that I plug into the camper using the RV power plug on side of camper. I also have a little 1400 harbor freight inverter generator that I use when I camp under trees, or winter camping. My lead Acid batteries are now about 10 years old. Still working. Do not discharge your batteries less than 50% SOC. Change your camper light bulbs to LED. You will get more light for less energy used. Put a manual isolation switch on your camper battery to stop it from draining while you have it parked. You might have had a light turned on that you forgot, or propane fridge, or CO sensor, or fan or water pump. These all use DC from your battery. The 3 way fridge will also drain DC power very fast when the 120 watt element is used in DC mode, or 120 AC mode. DC mode draws about 10 amps at 12 Volts DC. 120VAC draws about 1 amp. But if you are using an onboard converter/inverter to run the fridge at 120. Then you will still draw 10 amps from battery. The group 24 battery that you have, has about 90 amp hour capacity. So 90/2 is equal to 45 amp hours at 12 Volts. So max fridge run time on DC is 45/10=4.5 hours. Then your lead Acid battery will be at 50% SOC. Any less then you will kill your battery.

[@TheSkeetergirl]

Carry bear spray. I’m afraid you’re going to have an encounter with a mountain booger.

[@Duncangonefishin]

Hey go solar, my '03 Adventurer camper is all solar, (propane for fridge, stove, heat) two 120 watt panels, two12 volt RV deep cycle batteries, Samlexsolar controller. The truck only powers the outside brake, tail, clearance lights. I can charge my phone and anything else 12 volt inside, powers Stereo/DVD, TV furnace fan etc. I camp year around in interior of BC. The batteries lasted 7 years before I needed to replace.

[@survival7691]

You need one of those small cooks blow torches to heat the top of your lunchables!

[@pamelaklemp5615]

Hoping your truck camper is going to be everything you want and need it to be for your adventures. Growing up my Dad had a truck camper, many wonderful camping and fishing weekends were enjoyed in that camper. Life-long memories were had and I'm wishing the same wonderful karma for you with yours. I like the basic Floorplan of it and it seems to have very good bones for upgrading and mods. Cheers, cheers and more cheers 🍻 👍 😀

[@kevnrob1]

Jonathan - reverse your anchor springs & hooks. Notice the opening where the hook moves in and out. That opening lets water get inside the spring tube. The other end is a solid bolt and the water remains trapped inside the tube. The tube and spring will rust out and fail. If you put the bolt end up and the opening down, water will not get in and everything will stay dry.

[@1jackvalley580]

I kind of think if Jonathan wanted us to know his personal business about what he paid for the camper he probably would have told us

[@chingp7583]

I love your sense of humor when you did that ad for Keeps 🤣

[@malakai8417]

The coffee "woo" I hope your back..Good luck to your future adventures!

[@danandtab7463]

Doesn’t really look like you’d need to change too much. Everything looks great on this camper, especially that loft floor. Looks certainly worth that journey to Canada! 🎉

[@pattijohnson8197]

Nice little camper! It looks good on the outside and inside, too. Always time to renovate after you figure out how you'd like it to be. Great choice!

[@jrinbody1]

Once you get your battery try to switch out your lights with LEDs less draw longer life way better

[@stanw909]

Double nut your battery which is perfectly fine for your camper. The reason you lost power is because the connection came loose from vibration. You also might have blown a fuse or two.

[@BaconNBeer]

It will be interesting to see what you do with your camper. You got the dream shell for you. When I was on the road I used solar and a small Yamaha 900 watt generator which worked great.

[@badmofo6462]

Try using pipe insulators on your chains, you can get them at Lowe's or Home Depot

[@veetour]

Your videos are great. Keep up the good work. That camper is the Slumber Queen 2.0. It has the same size and functionality, but looks to be more durable for wet weather outdoors of your region.

[@NomadicNorthwoods]

Good to see your at it again. Enjoy your transparency.

[@janisganey3954]

It is the most precious cat I’ve ever seen. You do have nice hair.

[@sharongibson1161]

You're very lucky, you have an amazing setup with that camper !!!! Safe camping !!

[@carnation22]

Yr cat is definitely precious, so adorable and most huggable 🐈🐈

[@genespell4340]

The battery that you need for your camper is a deep cycle marine battery. They have thicker plates that won't warp when a lot of power is being drawn from the battery.

[@celestepalm6949]

So the previous owner actually knew what they were doing there...I thought a marine battery would be superior but wasn't 100% certain.

[@guylongley1573]

Just a shakedown run. You really looked happy camping for the first time in it. I really like that camper.👍😁

[@kathyclark2394]

Your cat is precious. I love cats. I have 3. They love staying outside until it gets cold.

[@rouxchat6033]

I travel with my small dog, a senior cat, and a tiny blind kitten found in the woods. It's nice to have companions and they alert me to things I can't hear, see, or smell. 🐶 😸 🐱

[@aaronzierke9920]

When inspecting a propain system all you do is follow the lines and look for damage or corrosion. Odds are there is none on that new off a camper. How ever you may want to replace the regulator. So to be sure there is no leaks. Hook it all up. Open the valve on the tank. Then close it. Or just leave it open and look for frost. If none then light stove furnace and refrigerator. Once again follow the lines and look for frost. If none. No problem. The most likely place for a leak will be the regulator at the tank. If the stove the refrigerator and furnace all work. Not much to worry about. Your on your own with the electric.

[@theathjr]

Jonathan that camper looks great on the ol Toyoter. I almost died when you said adult lunchable was on the dinner menu. So funny. Can’t wait to see Tess’s opinion about it

[@kitaoden703]

I just love your new home and I like that you're taking your time to refurbish ❤️🍕

[@mikesand8136]

Always have used marine batteries in all(5) of my campers, they discharge slowly and are designed to take mutiple recharging. Have them in my Class A motorhome right now. Thanks

[@rouxchat6033]

Same! 😊

[@michelle14749]

it really is an awesome camper!

[@janetlrye1742]

The MOST PRECIOUScat I’ve ever seen!!!!!!

[@puddingtime3497]

I used seat belt pads to cover my straps, look pretty good as well. nice video as always!

[@ThinkHEAVEN-YouTube]

Ah, you're such a GREAT ADVERTISER! You should do this as some kind of job!

[@morgancarter193]

Lol you have a Yeti and a Bigfoot in one video. Awesome 👏

[@thereminpitchknob4059]

No matter what you put under the side mounts to keep the bed paint, it will leave a mark or pattern.

[@clarac3258]

My camper has a very similar layout and I LOVE my dinette with the couch. I've seen many people remove them to create more storage but I use mine all the time! I do use it as a dining area but I use it most when it's too cold or there are too many bugs to sit outside in the evenings. I store a couple of small throw pillows in the over head cabinets for reading or watching movies and it's just as comfortable as hanging out on my couch at home.

[@maxineoliver7404]

Love the new camper!👍 I like how you've tested it out in a lot of ways-inside and out(like the light💡not working on ya,for example)!That wood is kinda nice, I agree! I'm glad that you gave it a nice,quiet environment!And you're right-that is most certainly a precious cat!!🐈Take care!🏞☕

[@johnmarks903]

This camper is so much better then the last one you had. The last 1 you had look like it sucked. This one so much more better and it’s pretty close to the slumber just built better. I really enjoy watching your camping trips John you are a awesome guy I learned a lot from you

[@elliottcasanova4675]

You can use pool noodles for the chains , works better than the towel

[@chilidog73]

I miss the epic b-toll and drone shots. One thing that really drew me to you was the peaceful outdoor footage and fantastic folksy jazzy music you always use. Great taste and I love it!

[@myvanlife1]

I think that is a really nice camper, nice find!!!

[@mrshaneyt43]

That’s how I’ve always tested my gas systems . Turn it on and if it works and I don’t blow up …alls good 👍

[@roastingpeanuts]

Careful with out the brackets, when the camper does up and down in your truck as you drive the chains will want to pull straight and could dent your bed sides

[@larryjernigan2947]

Love your camper. I have a 2005 Tundra that looks a lot like yours but it isn’t 4 Wheel drive, and it has a V6 instead of a V8. But I would love to have a camper on it like your Bigfoot camper. I live down South and I bet they are rare around here. Does yours have a microwave oven? If it does, you could have boiled your water for your coffee in it. Maybe you should get one if you don’t want to always use your stove to heat your water. Looks like you will really enjoy camping in your “new rig”. Stay safe Jonathan.

[@emmas1082]

You made an excellent decision to move to Oregon, there are so many opportunities for video ideas especially due to the fact that you are so close to Canada. Thank you for giving me a birds eye view of your adventures. You know how to tell a story, are likable, and interesting 🥰❤️

[@RG-hf9em]

Thanks for taking us along on your 1st camp night with your new camper👌 It looks cool, cozy and comfortable.. once your electricity is hooked up you'll definitely be on the road faster. How much did the camper cost around?🙏 Is there a shower ? Happy travels🍀

[@kevjo13]

Always face ur camper the way you want to leave in case of emergency. Also change the wash cloths before winter they will get wet freeze and even rust the chains. Pool noodles are easy and cheap.

[@joenicoud5967]

Good luck with your new digs

[@chrislarimore4096]

Nope My Cats but still cute kitty, it's always good to test out a new camper or set-up to see what needs to be done or what you can live with or without and what needs to be done,

[@jacquezghardy]

Hey J! Try pool noodles! They are foamy and cushion, water resistant and cheap! And I’m sure you could find a color to match

[@kathleenschmidt1489]

It’s been fun watching your journey. The Keeps commercial was a hoot.

[@edwinacaparelli9911]

The bigfoot is awesome. I'm so happy that it works for you and that you found the right one. Your good people! Love your vibe and videos.

[@robertmcdonald5277]

Camper looks good as is. Just give it a good cleaning. And you set.change out the gold hardware to brushed nickel. It change the whole look. Did my 1999 prowler, same blue, and wood color.

[@robertmcdonald5277]

Don't want to mess with a classic.

[@valeriehopkins644]

Thanks for the great views. Many happy trips with Big Foot. First camping experience, the camper had a short. Quite the shocking experience.

[@pureblood3581]

That camper is badass

[@adventureoverland2984]

Glad you’re back. 😁

[@TheRealDebH]

Google maps only tells you if a road is closed if it knows it's closed. Normally someone has to report it to them for them to be able to add it to the map/route.

[@bobdrago6965]

If you don’t have one, buy a wireless back up camera!

[@coleengoodell7523]

Love the new camper. Can't wait to see everything that it has to offer in play. It's obvious that someone took very good care of it. Happy adverntures!

[@Subieadventures]

Awesome upload . As always maybe a pool noodle around the chains ?

[@nichole812]

You could use pool noodles cut to fit around your camper tiedown chains. 🙂

[@thereminpitchknob4059]

Great 4 seasons truck camper.

[@brianshanahan3878]

Great video and LOVE the KEEPS promo with that music... lol

[@atcay81]

Just love this beast ❣️ Way to go Jono 🤘😎

[@kazumibear6683]

What an awesome day! A post from Mav, Steve Wallis and Jonathan. ☝️☝️☝️

[@jesseanderson4322]

Did you end up taking that green wire off your tie down extensions, that would be your ground for your electrical system. Could be why you don't have power, then again i assume you connected it correctly afterwards. Best of luck, awesome camper.

[@frankackley3631]

Always thought the deep cell marine batteries were best to use..

[@8rett]

Love it dude!! Can't wait to see all the new adventures you get into with this new camper!

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hey Gm Johnathan what's going on man for the 1st shake down travel of the camper you did amazing I would have stopped at the Walmart and got my self a Back up battery just as a what if the other one didn't work

[@eliciamccoy3326]

Looks very nice the way it is . Stay safe and enjoy your life

[@jonathanandtalley4391]

You got an awesome camper on your truck it a keeper.

[@RunawayRoses]

You’ll love the Bigfoot, hopefully there’s no major water damage to it and it will be perfect for you! Fingers crossed 🤞

[@phreadi]

I wouldn't bet on google maps to be able to keep track of what are probably weekly or even daily changes to FS road openings/closures status' in an ongoing massive burn recovery operation like the clack riverside fire.

[@missmajestic2158]

Your cats precious, but my cat is precious too Johnathan. 🐈❤️🤗

[@jeanettelopez4323]

Buy those rubber sheets from home depot that you could wrap around instead of towels

[@johannemilsom7503]

Oh, my dear Jonathan, you are not yet thirty and already lamenting what happened to the days when..? That's kinda sad......🤔 Anyway, your cat is gorgeous! And you do have bee - au - ti - ful hair! You do look awfully cute in the baseball cap, but I would like to see that gorgeous hair more often! Until then, I'll watch your sponsorship ad! Kinky much! I love your new camper. The best of both worlds. Have you considered taking your cat along on some of your trips? like Emi, in Canada?

[@JonnyDIY]

Mann I haven't had a lunchable in 25 years!!! 🤣💕👍

[@USAMontanan]

Great videos! I just discovered your channel a week ago and am binge watching them all. I recently took the long haul up the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean! You should go on an epic Arctic trip like that (if you haven’t already…) Liked and subscribed to your channel! Keep up the good humble work!

[@ThinkHEAVEN-YouTube]

When I first saw it, I thought, "That looks like a NORTHERN LITE!". But NO - 'tis ANOTHER great Canadian make (a Bigfoot!). No doubt WAY BETTER - than that "Queen" - of slumber. Great investment, my friend!

[@glendahamm5530]

JONATHAN, PLEASE GET SOME CURTAINS BEFORE YOU TAKE ANOTHER TRIP !!!! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU HAD A CAT, BUT SHE(?) WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!! ♥️ TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS. SENDING LOVE FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS! ♥️♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@tammyandthetomcats8668]

Im new to your channel and love your adventures. I have a 2002 Bigfoot 21’ travel trailer. First thing I did was replace the mattress (with natural cotton fiber). Then I replaced the brass knobs, recovered the seat cushions and thats about it. You don’t want to do too much to these Bigfoots! Enjoy!

[@cherishpearl777]

Yay. I just now watched your last video and I immediately clicked on this one! I’m so happy for you !

[@angelamurphy3331]

I love cats and yes I'm bias. Love your new rig ! 😺💚🍀💚😺

[@judyzwemke9305]

Big Foot looks great sitting down in the truck bed. We never traveled with the propane on.

[@rouxchat6033]

I also shut mine off but everyone tells me that it isn't necessary.

[@davidmills1639]

Good choice with a Bigfoot camper. We have a 1990 Lance that has been well taken care of it’s entire life. When you need parts or replacement needs, may I suggest Laurelhurst Distributors. They are located by the PDX airport. Excellent staff and inventory. We hope to camp with you sometime

[@MrSketchyCharacter]

"Rebuilding" the jacks is super simple. I have a similar setup on my 1st gen tundra, and rebuilt all 4 jacks in one chill evening. Have fun out there. We love getting lost here on Vancouver Island.