Its hard to Find Free Camping in the Spring

This week I headed to a couple of State Forests in north central Minnesota. Unfortunately, I leaned that Minnesota closes most Forestry Roads in the spring. I had a knock on my camper door by a very helpful and knowledgeable Conservation Officer. I was not able to camp at my chosen location, but The CO informed me of some other camping options for later in the year. I put on a couple hundred miles over the weekend, the gas prices are really hitting my wallet hard. The upgrades I did to the truck camper last week worked great. I am really happy to have a spray wand to wash dishes, and the batteries kept the furnace running all night with plenty of power to spare. I am going to do a little experiment. I don't believe anyone reads these descriptions, even though I spend a lot of time planning what to say. If you do happen to read this leave, a comment in the video telling me what your favorite truck camper is. I would be absolutely shocked if more than three people leave a comment.
Thanks for coming along on this week travels. I'll see ya' next week!

[@TheJoslynJourney]

Thanks for sharing your trip - always great to tag along with you, even it it wasn't where you were hoping to stay!

[@didibolter9362]

Hi Kenny 🖑! You have made another OUTSTANDING video my friend, YAY! Very beautiful campsite that you picked, very serene and private! Very NICE! ❤ 🤗 🤗 🤗 Your dinners ALWAYS look so delicious and easy to make. 🍝 🍔 🍕 🍜 🍡 🍖 🌽 🍄 🌶 🍤 They must smell just as grand too! 👍👍 🐠🐟🐡🐠Keep Camping 🌲🌲🌲🌲 You really have the knack for boondocking and camping my friend, yes, you sure do, you are MIGHTY IMPRESSIVE Kenny!!! 🤗 🤗 🤗 Your friend, Didi 👋 🌲 🐟 🐟 🐟

[@doodles2814]

Another great video! Loved your french toast recipe, gonna have to try that one!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks, I love this recipe. The trick is to not let the bread rest in the cream for to long. Otherwise it gets a little soft.

[@Shawnmr111]

Thank you for sharing your adventures every week my wife and I love watching it God bless and have a great week

[@downbytheriver501]

Wow, that sunset over the lake was amazing! I really like your voice overs in this one too. Very well put together, I especially enjoyed this trip. It’s great to have friends and relatives to fall back on when all the forests are closed. I deal with the same stuff out here all too often.

[@timcrosby4651]

Good morning Kenny, Tim here from Kansas City (Go Chiefs)...... I’m the one that drove from KC to Minneapolis to pick up our new Palomino truck camper and you gave me some advice on the Timbren products. Thank you so much, the 450 mile drive from Mpls to KC was rough. When I got home and before we headed out west on a 2700 mile road trip I installed the Timbren parts and what a world of difference. The back and forth swaying motion was reduced by 75% I’d say. We boondocked the whole way through Oklahoma Texas New Mexico Arizona Utah Colorado and Kansas. Thanks again for the input, no more seasickness! Stay safe and keep posting please.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the camper. Years ago, before all the forums and wealth of camper information I threw an old 2500 pound camper in the bed of a 1/2 ton pickup. The guy I bought the camper from said it would work fine.....It was a horrible drive home, white knuckles and pooping my pants the hundred mile drive home. Having a proper setup is essential for a good experience. With that said I don't always agree with the weight police on the forums. I'm glad you got your suspension dialed in.

[@mattpeak6634]

Hey Kenny, loved the video. Funny my wife is keto and I'm not too. I've shared with her Mandy's keto recipes. We live fulltime in a 40' 5th wheel but hope to one day get a truck camper for adventures. Would love to get a Northern Lite or a Lance. Lived in MI. for 30 yrs now AZ. I don't miss the cold but I do miss the trees. Thanks for the videos, I love your style.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Matt, I appreciate the comment!

[@e-square9976]

Awesome. Great video. Beautiful sunset and rig…both dirty and clean. Thanks for sharing.

[@kenainmeshik]

Kenny love your videos.and your French Toast ROCKS

[@tced2858]

Nice Kenny, chomping at the bit to get my 811 out for some camping/traveling... safe travels !

[@alanbruce1580]

Wow that French toast looks delicious 😋 never thought of using baguette French bread 🥖 I'll have to try that out, thanks for the recipe guy.

[@mrs.h3]

Wonderful footage! Thank you for sharing!

[@lynncleveland3323]

Kenny great job on the fly, love the video. Look forward to seeing you next week.

[@randylester1219]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. Thanks for sharing. 🤠

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Randy!

[@mandib757]

Awesome video! My favorite truck camper is yours. ;) To be honest I only watched KZbin when you had it on so I has no idea the description thing was a thing. So now that I know I really look forward to reading them. Tuesdays are the best days when your video drops!

[@BillSprague]

Thank you for taking the backroads and showing us the huge versatility of the truck camper. The drone footage was stunning and I see why you work so hard to get out there. Thanks for a great video and a keeper breakfast recipe! Take care!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate that!

[@laurahockman6341]

I read the descriptions 95% of the time. My favorite camper is the one I will be buying this month! 🤞🤞

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's so awesome! Have fun.

[@TheEdelKampers]

Hi Kenny. My husband's favorite truck camper is a Lance but we have a Palomino pop up truck camper. We really love going on adventures with her. Your french toast looked yummy. PS. Yes, we read the description all the way through. Have a wonderful rest of your week. Mary 💕Fred

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks, I am shocked! I really thought I was wasting my time writing the description. I'm glad to hear you guys are reading them. Lance's are great campers. I have never owned a Palomino but been through a few. They do look like a nice lightweight camper.

[@kenknowles2120]

Dam your French Toast looked awesome. Thanks for the great views and sunset. Here's hoping next weekend is a bit more relaxing..

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Well....im just getting that one edited out....I got stuck big time driving through the woods while looking for a camping spot. The frost is starting to go out and the ground is really soft. I dug for 2 days and 9 hours...finally got another truck to pull me out. It should be a good video other then poor audio from wind. You will have to check back Tuesday.

[@kenknowles2120]

Oh man not good. Fun in the mud..

[@Helen-ry7zp]

Hi Kenny have not seen this video before, I always read the descriptions that is the first thing I do…and you. My friend are my favorite KZbin camper 😌😌

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thank you so much Helen. I really appreciate you.

[@shanehanson7514]

Keto diet her thing 😆 🤣 😂 😹 love it !!! Breads are my weaknesses 😆 🤣 😂 It's cool to hear more people are not afraid to just and sit and watch a little TV and go explore. Camping is forever always changing

[@JessicaWanders]

My favourite truck camper is one that's on the truck and ready to go! :D I am loaded up and excited to get out this week to start the camping season up here in British Columbia. It's still pretty chilly and the weather is calling for rain but nothing is going to stop me :P I love seeing you cooking in the camper! Great video as always :D

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Well, I know I’m a little late reading this but I always read your description! And I’m the nerd that reads the introduction to a book so there 😂

[@Jayjay-kn8gm]

Love your content as usual. Look forward to next weeks episode.

[@mrmorrison299]

My favorite truck camper is the one I built! Great video 👍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks! I am proven wrong!

[@whuop-wadeshumbleopinion625]

Oh, and yes, I do read your descriptions. Always a nice narrative/introduction for the video content.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Good to know! I wondered if I was wasting my time on them. I'm glad to hear you take the time to read them.

[@ontariotrailcameras6619]

Good video Ken. To bad the roads where closed off

[@markgasparro]

Great footage Kenny, thanks for bringing us on your adventures!! Safe travels

[@50spudman]

Another great video. I’m going to take a guess that you’re some sort of law enforcement. Looking forward to the next adventure. 👍✌️

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I had 10 years in. I got out of LE within the last year.

[@mariahgrove7625]

Love watching your videos

[@MissouriPenny]

Love your channel thankyou

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That awsome, thanks!

[@monique9636]

Hi! Professional chef of 30 years here. Very nice French toast you got there. One tip, add a healthy pinch of salt into your egg/milk mixture. Salt added to a sweet dish adds depth and something we refer to as “intangible flavor”, when something is wonderfully delicious and you’re not quite sure why. Give it a try, and if you like it you can mail me some of that amazing maple syrup!😉 Greetings from NYC. Just found your channel and I’m loving it. Subscribed immediately 👍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's a great tip! I think a little salt would make a big difference. I'm going to add that the next time. Thanks for checking out the channel and subscribing.

[@susanhill9166]

Looks nice Kenny, but to cold for me, i would be crying in pain with Osteoarthritis x x x

[@AirBourn]

Sorry to shock you, but my favorite truck rig is the Cirrus 820, hands down. 😏

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I have not seen one in person, but i would like too. There is a dealer a few hours south that will have a Cirrus show up on the lot every once in a while, ill have to check it out. I watched a few tour videos and really like how innovative the company is.

[@theathjr]

That french toast looked AMAZING !!!!! I gotta order some north maple syrup asap

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It was delicious!

[@whuop-wadeshumbleopinion625]

Love your sunset time lapses. And another great video from our friend, Kenny. Awesomeness. Keep up the great adventures!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Minnesota is a beautiful state.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I agree Minnesota is beautiful. I wish we had Mountains, we do have a Ridge on the North Shore called the Sawtooth Mountains, but they are not Mountains. But I am happy to live here.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@KennyOfAllTradesour lakes trump mountains imo

[@Paul-rc1pk]

winter camping done nicely!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@SquarebodyTruckCamper]

that French toast looked so good. glad to see you still getting out there in the truck camper

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Camping in the Winter was nice because I never had chores around the house to do on the weekends. Now the garage needs to be cleaned out. I need to do a Spring clean up in the yard and then the weekly mowing begins. But the plan is to still have a video out every Tuesday. Are you all wrapped up on your camper? Going to be doing any travel videos this summer?

[@SquarebodyTruckCamper]

@@KennyOfAllTrades my camper is still in progress. My latest video is about where it’s at. But I have a camping trip scheduled for September, so my goal is to have it road worthy by then.

[@minivandokker4freelife]

Good Vibes ....✌️✌️✌️🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹...arrived to Italy ...👍👏👏👏

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@NelsonsRetreat]

if you ever make it up to the TRUE north,, haha,, Lake of the woods area, i can point you to a LOT of free camping spots

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That would be awesome! I have fished out of Wigwam Resourt a few times. The guides up there put us on walleye and sauger every time. That is an incredible lake!

[@goober9983]

Bet your new steps would work really good on that Hill you parked on. 😂

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Vary true!

[@peatdeloosha2463]

I've stolen a few recipes from you and this french toast will undoubtedly be another one. That will be Sunday morning for sure. Any idea what brand pan that is you were using ?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It's called " Gotham Steel ". It probably came from Walmart or a garage sale. I've had it for a few years and it's holding up well.

[@johns5091]

I read your messages on every video I watch

[@1tpmg]

Another great video ! You mentioned getting out of your uniform. What do you do for work ?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I work for the state.

[@jeffreywaychoff5506]

Hey Kenny I know your Truck Camper was used and you did a lot of restoration work that turned out really nice, did you purchase your Truck new ? Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Both purchased used. I had the camper for 5 years and the truck for 3 years. I was using a 3/4 ton with this camper prior to the 1 ton. It is unfortunate what is happening with the prices is of campers and trucks nowadays. Unfortunately I could not afford buying this truck or camper today. I paid 6 grand for the camper. And I paid 28 grand for the truck. It had 90k miles when I bought it from a dealer. I have done a little bit of work to the camper. I used it for 2 years before digging into it. I replaced the front cap.check out my video called Covered Bridges and boondocking. I go into what i had to fix on the camper.

[@jeffreywaychoff5506]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Okay Thanks. I'm looking into a new Ram 4500 and a Lance 1172 it's about $150,000.00 and that's just the rig. It's Crazy times. Just need to know who is holding the Pin to pop this bubble we are living in.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I feel sorry for the young people out there trying to establish their family and credit. Jobs in Central Minnesota cannot pay what it takes to buy the American dream. Honestly though I don't know that dream even exists anymore.

[@charlesb4267]

You mentioned the tall shop door suitable to fig your rig and I am curious if you have ever measured the total height of the unit, that would be to the top of the highest vent on the roof. I wonder how it compares to my brothers camper on a dually which tend to be lower sometimes due to smaller tires vs some single wheel pickups. Mind you he has extra leafs in the rear to support the weight but his total height is 11' 10" or close to that, a lot of so called 12 foot doors would hardly be tall enough if even as shop door openings usually are slightly under their designated height and width.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I measured mine a few years ago. I would hate to take the AC unit on a low bridge. I'm at 12'6" to the top on my AC. It's a tall unit. Thankfully the shop door is 14 foot.

[@charlesb4267]

@@KennyOfAllTrades That is tall, my brothers camper has no air con unit but the vents are about 10" tall. I just keep thinking your unit would feel top heavy with the singles, my brothers is no thrill either and was actually scary dangerous until he put the largest aftermarket stabilizers on the front and rear. The basement system with the tanks really jacks up camper compared to the older type of campers ( that had no place for any size of a fresh water tank, never mind they never had sewer tanks ) . Something tells me you have good spider senses when your near a low bridge or a tunnel is looming up in the distance !

[@BillSprague]

@@charlesb4267 check out the modifications Kenny’s done to his truck to make it stable in one of his other videos. Take care.

[@charlesb4267]

@@BillSprague I believe I had seen some of that a while ago, I've forgotten what items he added other then the larger tires and am curious to update my forgetful mind and look up those videos. But will say there typically is quite a difference between a dually and single wheel truck, that tire track width sure makes a difference as long as the suspension and stabilizer bars are large enough and shocks in good condition . I don't recall if Kenny had done a weight test video on his unit but an example of my brothers unit, even though the gross axle weight ratings are not being exceeded, the gross vehicle weight is 500 lb over. There is a reason why those buying the largest campers have had to go to 550 trucks and yet the camper manufacture pretends a one ton is sufficient, a number of the camper manufacturers are playing games with their actual weights and that is not the consumers fault at all. Keep in mind Kenny's camper is geared around a 6.5 foot bed, not an 8 foot bed with a huge overhang well behind that yet so what I am mentioning with my brothers unit is certainly a different animal, its not an apples to apples comparison.

[@Retired-nohurry]

I own a 2010 northern lite.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's the camper I was looking for before I bought the Arctic Fox. They hold there value really well....unfortunately I was never able to afford it.

[@Retired-nohurry]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I got it three years ago, used, before the prices went crazy.

[@SpykersB]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I remember Kenny when you had your buddy on your channel who had the northern lite, and how much you liked his, at the time I was still researching what truck camper I wanted. I really liked the Artic Fox 1140, it was more inline with what I wanted to spend, and that mod was my fav if I had to have a slide, because I have to have an on-board gen. But when I saw this utube couple have the 1150 on same truck as mine I was like 😳 holy crap, that camper is bigger than I realized, and it looks likes its too heavy even on a dually. So it was looking like maybe the 990, but I really didn’t want a slide, so I decided to go check out these other campers half the cost of AF, that had no slide, thought I’ll just add on my wants, but sitting down and mashing it out, I couldn’t get them all, so disappointed I look over n see a northern lite, didn’t know they sold em. It was dumb ass luck, they had one with all my wants that a customer ordered but it was ordered wrong for them so they walked away, me I walked into it and was stunned! I really, really liked it! And I’m super fussy. It’s 15G over my budgeted amount that I wanted to spend though, but to not have to deal with a slide, or a tpo roof really got me excited lol! (Yeah not my first camper, lol.) So its a 2022, 10-2 se, with their version of a dry bath, still at the dealers getting its gen…. funny….but I thought well Kenny really likes em too! One really has to see these northern lites in person, because they are sooooo much nicer than in a picture. But yeah and also so much more expensive too! Some day you’ll get one! Meanwhile what you got right now is pretty darn good imo! 🍻

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I'm sure you'll love the camper. I would be excited to have that two piece fiberglass unit. One day I'll find a Northern Lite if it's meant to be. Definitely go check out Vics channel, "Down by the river". He lives full-time out of his Northern Lite up in Montana. We did a collaborative video back in November and I took a tour of his camper. I absolutely loved it.

[@downbytheriver501]

@@SpykersB my ears are burnin!

[@shannoncook5904]

What year is your camper? What did you pay for it? How much can I expect to pay today for a similar camper today?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

The camper is a 2004 Arctic Fox M860. I paid 6 grand around 7 years ago. Today, the value is around 9 grand. Prices are starting to drop. I look at campers on Market Place often. I'm seeing some nice older Lance truck campers for 5 to 8 grand again. Originally, I wanted a Northern Lite. I was finding older used ones for around 10-11 grand 8 years ago. Those ones today are still selling for 20k. They are nice campers. But don't believe when people say they are waterproof because of their design. I've seen people drop 15,000 on a 30 year old Northern Light only to find it completely rotten. There are some really good deals to be found out there.

[@tpseeker3367]

Thanks again for showing us around. Coming from the South where we usually don't Trust anyone Nice people can be scary, idiots & aholes we know how to deal with, butt the 👃nosey ones I despise. Hate it when they know how many plies of TP we use & try to recommend a different brand. Now that's a Shop. Surprised your relative doesn't have an undercarriage sprayer on 2 wheels.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Oh he does, I didn't get it on film. I think your correct on how you read people

[@jefflink4671]

Minnesota nice, as a lifelong resident, it is overrated in my experience. Nose problems always. Just can not mind their own business.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

For sure. If your from here you know, And if you ever moved into a small town, you've lived it.

[@patboda4173]

You don't need the whipping cream, really, trust me. I make really good French toast and would never use. whopping cream. I love my family! That's so not good for you. Take care of yourself!

[@tommackay7433]

What’s your cholesterol level, Kenny?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I have no clue. I have yearly cancer screening from an issue a few years back. The doctor says , " I'm as healthy as a horse."

[@downbytheriver501]

Wow, that sunset over the lake was amazing! I really like your voice overs in this one too. Very well put together, I especially enjoyed this trip. It’s great to have friends and relatives to fall back on when all the forests are closed. I deal with the same stuff out here all too often.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks, I hope all is going well on the job site. We reached 75 degrees this weekend. The frost went out and I buried the truck and camper up to the frame.......the good news is my buddy came to the rescue. He drives a Ford and couldn't be more happy pulling out the Duramax. I will admit, the 6.0 has the best sounding turbo. How's cabin life? Ready to get back on the road?

[@downbytheriver501]

@@KennyOfAllTrades thanks buddy. Yeah, huge progress today. Finished the biggest phase of the whole project today. Now just 2 more phases left and thank god I will be hitting the road again I think(hope) for a week or so before I am going to head back into another large project that will likely take me well into late June. Really hoping to take some serious time off this summer for adventures because I will be working myself into burnout if I don’t take at least a few weeks this summer.