Preparing our Vehicles for a Cold Dark Alaskan Winter

[@gracieshepardtothemax1743]

I just realized why I love your guys channel so much… it feels like I’m hanging out with a friend. Just real. No drama. No judgement. No clickbait thumbnails or titles. Interesting topics. I’ve gained confidence in my gardening, I found some weights and burp lids and fermented my jalapeños & habaneros! So good. You are teachers, you are humble, you are amazing! Cheers from Alberta! ❤

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you :)

[@faithrada]

It's True. Anyone who has you two for neighbors.. their property just doubled in value. 😅

[@gracieshepardtothemax1743]

@@faithrada exactly! I’ve always hated the cold. But watching them. I can make the best of it.

[@captainamerica1797]

There will always be drama in the human race !!!

[@kristenevans4557]

Life in off-grid Alaska requires SKILLS and Eric and Arial have those in abundance!

[@robertsteele-is4ug]

damn right

[@frederickmoller]

They are one in a million IMO, really GREAT people!

[@pattibrown1809]

No argument from me!

[@amord4635]

Yup, except using slingshot😅

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

​@@amord4635😂 he's got a flat band now, watch out!

[@gailvicente6854]

I'm utterly amazed that Eric seems to figure out how to do everything mechanical and electrical. Amazing!!

[@DeterminedDIYer]

That's how my mom is. MY husband Eric is good at it too, but my mom is more tenacious about it lol.

[@SagebrushRambles]

It's called the Internet lol.

[@jm823]

💪

[@angelamarie4137]

​@@SagebrushRamblesYou don't do things as well as he does with car maintenance and repairs unless somebody personally taught you.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

@@angelamarie4137 no I don't think so. I fixed my washing machine with a KZbin video. My mom fixed her tractor without any help.

[@claudiademoss6040]

ERIC: When you get old, and infirmities restrict you from doing all the work you wantused to, you can teach classes. You're amazing at explaining what you're doing. SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE!!!

[@Yesica1993]

Yes, he'd be great!

[@scrappyquilter102]

Never in my life did I think anyone could ever make brake pads interesting! Well done! Thanks Eric!

[@jd37691]

🤣😆😂😁😅

[@gator1959]

the Q hut is already a game changer, even with it only being partially complete. Just keeping the vehicles snow free is going to save you loads of time.

[@PopsieLouisiana59]

Thinking a second Qhut (smaller) might be in order.

[@Maddie-gb7rw]

a Q hut compound!!!

[@straubdavid9]

@@PopsieLouisiana59 Just for firewood?🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵

[@1944chevytruck]

Your truck battery posts needs cleaning... clean with warm water and baking soda.... wire brush both battery posts use toothbrush or wire brush. flush with water and wipe dry paper towel.... wire brush posts and all connections.... apply a light coating of any style grease (i use bearing grease) to all posts and wire connection ends...No more white battery post corrosion! ... been doing this for 55 years.

[@yoop177]

Tks for this tip

[@lrfox49]

I’m a 74 yr old lady, lol, you are amazing! The only videos I don’t watch are hunting ones. I love the wildlife in nature. If I was starving I’d eat fish even though I don’t like it much. You have so many accomplishments and memories is what it’s all about!

[@danadowney6024]

My favourite Alaskans!!! Omg Eric!!! Is there anything you can’t do??? Everyone needs an Eric in their lives!!! 🩵❄️🩵❄️🩵

[@peggyjean5530]

Unfortunately we can't all find an Eric anymore.

[@kevinwiley9696]

AWESOME work Eric!! So nice to have someone who is mechanical in nature but also someone who is willing to do DIY!!!

[@andreamorrison8419]

So happy to see you've moved everything inside now! The amount of room is awesome

[@TheMartywall]

Hi Eric & Ariel, Just a small word of caution, when doing welding on any modern machinery, best to remove the Ground/Earth from the battery and disconnect the alternator, to avoid any electrical damage to your vehicles/equipment. Love the videos. Best wishes from Ireland.

[@robertheintz8017]

Better yet, just clamp on the light rack. Now there is a spot to rust where the weld is.

[@rebeccaledford2096]

I get so excited when the videos are long! Y’all are amazing, relatable, down to earth, hard working and dang SMART! Y’all can do anything you try! Keep up the good work! Watching from Bama! ❤

[@sadiesadiemarriedlady7900]

Me too!!! Roll Tide!!

[@rebeccaledford2096]

@@sadiesadiemarriedlady7900 Roll Tide Roll!!!

[@anna27446]

Roll Tide!!!! I grew up on Maxwell Air Force Base, my brother lives in Daphne! ♥️🐘♥️

[@rebeccaledford2096]

@@anna27446 Guntersville here!!

[@PoliteTeeth]

I would literally listen to either of you read from a jar of Mayo for 6 hours. 😂 another great video ❤

[@StarshineInTHEnorth]

Haha☺️ nice🪶

[@ErinLogan-x3p]

Eric is absolutely incredibly gifted. He never fails to amaze me. YOU BOTH ARE INCREDIBLY AWESOME ❤❤

[@SamSung-ww3rp]

That tape on the board to make sure the new lights were lined up like the old ones, simple and brilliant!

[@MichelleCouplandHairStudio]

I’m so happy for you two. You both have worked so hard for this.

[@hombredeacero3131]

Massive difference on the lighting. Loved the gigantic V in the sky that the feathered friends displayed.

[@aidans6257]

I love all your vids, the travel, cooking, gardening, hunting and fishing, all of them - but these are my favourite. Seeing you two getting stuff done and preparing for winter is so satisfying. Huge thanks

[@lauramason9250]

I can't believe I just sat and watched a 46 minute video of vehicle maintenance for Alaska cold weather. I'm in Dallas TX, and nothing you did applies to me. And yet I watched and was totally enthralled through the whole video!! 😄💜

[@dingc.velasco6038]

Nobody prepares for the cold season better than you and Arielle do Eric. l think you can make a long what-to-do video on such winter preparations which will serve as a reminder and helpful guide to others. BTW, its lovely to see how you saw completing the Quonset Hut first, will become centrally helpful to your repair and other heavy preparation needs. MORE POWER!!

[@forthrightnight]

Eric, if you're night vision is a little off try amber sunglasses at night, or when it's overcast, or foggy, or snowing. Same principle as the fog lights. Works for me.

[@novampires223]

They make a big difference for sure.

[@albertstahl3474]

Light amber sunglasses/gogles (with prescription lenses if necessary) are standard equipment for alpine skiing and work great while driving at night in foggy/snowy conditions - cheers from Belgium

[@suzannesnow7485]

Awesome work! Eric & Arielle, that was most EN-LIGHTENING!😉❤

[@di4085]

I'm impressed with all of the modifications that you made on your equipment. My father would enjoy watching this since he's always tinkering on things. It's nice to know that you're older Toyota Tundra has over 300,000 Mi and is still going strong. I like the hanger shell that you have your equipment stored in. That's a different shape compared to what I've seen.

[@frederickmoller]

Toyota vehicles are generally the best and long lasting, I owned an 1982 4X4 base Hilux and it was the best truck that I ever owned next to my 1996 Ford F150 base 4X4 both awesome trucks.

[@LauraE.9897]

I love that you gave an old blanket to help out the squirrels. My mom loves the squirrels in her yard & feeds them peant butter sandwiches almost daily. If she doesn't get them out early enough they bang on her sliding glass door or hang upside down from the eaves & look in the kitchen window for her. Squirrels can be fun to watch. Great planning with getting your shop going this summer. It will be great to keep the snow off of things & it will be amazing when completed.

[@spingirl4855]

You are extremely talented at fixing just about everything!!

[@wandagordon6453]

Always amazed at what y’all can do. I can’t do any auto repairs but, it’s interesting to watch. All the hard work on the Q-hut build made this job worth while. Love seeing the snow. It was 73 today here in the South. Y’all take care and God bless! 😀❤️

[@rajanmahal3866]

This channel is so addictive, I live in an apartment in toronto and watching how to upgrade a tractor 😊. Thanks guys

[@madzabinga8382]

Eric, my dude. You make it look too easy. You're like a professional Alaskan!

[@deannacalef3513]

When we lived in Fairbanks, we plugged in our jeep to keep it working. The only time the jeep didnt work was during a long power outage. That took some effork to defrost the jeep, but it worked out. I think there are a major contingency of guardian angels in Alaska. May they be with you. ❤

[@ablacksquare]

I’m not a mechanically inclined thinker but this was interesting to see your process and how simple some of the jobs were. It also seems like if you want to live at a certain level you have to make the necessary investments in learning, hard work, reliable goods and tenacity. You both display this every video.

[@suemckee1598]

Antifreeze is deadly to dogs and cats. They love the taste of it. Figure you already know that but I just had to say it. Please don't let your pets get near it before you clean it up. Great job on fixing the vehicle.

[@Coyote-tc1ww]

They changed that years ago, not deadly anymore, but still get rid of it correctly

[@pennykafai4645]

Whilst cat sitting my daughters cat whilst she was on honeymoon it somehow ingested anti freeze no clue where he got it. Took him to emergency vet they confirmed he has antifreeze in his system. He screamed in pain and the vet immediately put him out of his pain. It was the worst call I had to make to my daughter.

[@belieftransformation]

Great progress; thanks for sharing! You’re so good at planning & getting things done! Blessings to everyone 🤗💗🇨🇦

[@vickieyoung7122]

Is there anything Eric can't fix or build ? This guy's amazing !

[@janninehaslam9204]

Excited a new video from my favourite Alaskan homesteaders!!!! Love the long vlogs . I'm still binge watching your earlier vlogs.....all your hard work over the spring and summer, you can both enjoy your rest now ❤❤❤❤ xjx

[@aazelyen]

The freeze plugs on the engine are so when you don't have the correct coolant solution in your engine and it freezes, when the water expands and turns into ice it pushes the plugs out rather than cracking your engine block.

[@JamesDean-hk6zv]

Remember, diesel gels in cold weather. Fuel additive will be important. See what your tractor can burn in extreme cold, such as a kerosene blend.

[@gregyohngy]

Ha! I made the same comment about cold weather fuel additives and kerosene, except I just mentioned for the heater.

[@GardeningwithPurpose329]

So awesome to have a very knowledgeable husband like Eric! ❤

[@leonzios10]

As soon as you mentioned the block heater and the fact you might lose "a bit" of the coolant, I knew exactly what was going to happen lol. Much love from Canada.

[@DeanJohnson67]

love the yearly winter prep videos! Also already received the large SLA 2024 Calendars!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Wowza that was fast! Thank you ❤😊

[@halfabee]

I had my phone in my hand and the notification came through and there was already 8 likes.

[@catgynt9148]

6 minutes in and 338 👍🏼

[@MaryObi-v5d]

I was late at 25 mins... 1.3k likes 😅❤

[@ithinkdoyou]

36 minutes and it is 1.7k

[@Maranatha49]

Well deserved for noble folks 👏

[@julesgitu8287]

I like before I watch coz I know I am gonna like anyways 😊

[@mybeautifullifewithhuskys1101]

Great video guys I can’t wait for your winter adventures!! Love your channel you guys are so inspiring and am looking forward to the new area photography..hi to Bo and Bandit xo

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

Well done on getting all your prep work done for the coming freezing weather and snow. The lights look amazing. What a difference. Stay safe. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@edgarwillcut6265]

I love how far you kids have come since you left the lower 48, and may God bless you 2 this winter

[@jjallie18]

It always looks so beautiful in winter!❤

[@loufarbus2330]

You two are literally worth your weight in gold. Imagine how much it would have cost to take all those vehicles into a shop and have someone else do all that work. Amazing range of skills to have.

[@katieleonard6391]

You're both very talented DIY'ers! The new led Tundra lights are so much better. Enjoy!! 💙

[@Bushmoose]

I cant believe you guys don't have at least a million subs yet? You both are so resilient and down to earth and it's such a joy to watch your channel!

[@charlenegrady8781]

Great job today Eric. Looks like you are as prepared as you can be for the winter. Thank you for sharing. Take care. Have a blessed weekend✌️🥰🇺🇸

[@sunnylifecrochet]

Eric of all trades!! Arielle hug him tight and never let him go. Eric one of the good ones. Eric same for you!

[@brentadler9539]

With the brake pads cooking, your pedal brake fade may have caused the brake fluid to boil and create vapor reducing the breaking efficiency. I would recommend a brake fluid change. Just speaking from experience as a mechanic.😊

[@Aussiehomestead1965]

Ladies and gentlemen... this video is an example of WHY this channel is THE BEST on You tube 🙏 Regards from Australia 🦘🦘

[@MiMi34652]

4 days & 24K...wow! I love watching these 2 working so hard...I am somewhat envious but planning to start my 23 yr dream of developing a place in the midwest. I've wanted to live a rural life since I was a kid. Made some wrong turns along the way but headed in the right direction now. Eric & Arielle , you are an inspiration to me ❤

[@marthaturki4891]

We are still in the nineties and using our A/C. The snow is beautiful!❤❤🐾🐾

[@bonniedugle1763]

A " handy" man is a wife's true blessing. Love love a man who can fix things. Eric, you are awesome!!

[@DavidSmith-bw3bk]

Another comment to repeat the same as others....Your ability at anything mechanic is amazing. You are so smart. Thank you for teaching so many

[@thoryl4375]

Both of you simply amaze me, unbelievable the knowledge you have on any job you tackle,well done and your lights will give you the safety required to drive in Alaska at night..we have same problem with kangaroos and emu here in Australia

[@nanigoose]

The lights remind me of a sci-fi movie that says, take me to your leader!

[@danamama6766]

I loved all of this but the thing that always melts me is how you care for the dogs (and all creatures you have) and happy again to see you bracing with winterizing and preparing. That was a brilliant way of aiming your lights. hugs and luv

[@jd37691]

Yes, I'm a licensed veterinary nurse & it warns my heart to see how well they care for their animals. I'm in a business where I see a lot of un-cared for & abused animals. 😢

[@jeanneamato8278]

You are so freaking amazing at learning and using your knowledge. Ariel is also amazing. Anyone would thrilled to have her knowledge. I’d watch you even if your vid was 4 hours.

[@ciberbri59]

I’ve been looking into dual battery systems and there’s lots of good videos by knowledgeable guys. Generally you don’t want to charge starter batteries and deep cycle batteries from the same alternator without adding a dc-dc charger to isolate them from each other. $100-$200. Hope that helps. Much respect for the thorough and energetic way you guys prepare for winter in Alaska. Brrrrrrrr!

[@chrissaucier9386]

Its certainly getting here. Its funny seeing the sun rise and set in the south 😂 Crazy to think about what kind of cold we're slowly rolling into

[@dougrobins8291]

That white crud on the positive terminal of your truck battery will continue to build until the electrical connection is broken. I'd suggest that you remove the connector and scrape an wire brush the white dust off, and after reattaching everything, make a strong solution of baking soda and water and brush the connector and top of the battery...it will foam as it neutralizes the acid from the battery....and you just rinse it off with a lot of water. Preventative maintenance that is just about free.

[@kellysmith948]

I have watched you both for 4 yrs now and still love your channel. I wait until my 8 kids go to bed so gives me something to look forward to watching.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Glad we can give you some alone time ;)

[@ssarog1]

10-24-23 Just got the new calendar and love the picture of the cow moose with new born calves. All the pictures are your usual quality of photography and balance. Thanks to you both for a wonderful experience I get to enjoy time after time.

[@stephaniemahar6870]

Seriously Eric and Ariel, How the heck do you know how to do all this stuff. I only know how to put gas in my car. Lol. I admire you both for all you know how to do!!!

[@joesphbest3120]

My favorite couple at work again, getting things done for the coming winter, nice having a place to put your truck, tractor, your other equipment. Putting lights on tractor is very smart as in winter doesn't get light very early there. May you two have a nice winter and all works out for you.😊❤❤👍🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌻🌻🌻

[@scottperine8027]

I’m enjoying this class immensely,you guys have always had the best chemistry and attitudes covering some very technical jobs,kudos!!!

[@herbertjanzen3707]

My grandpa who built his house and cottage, was a barber with his own business, fixed any vehicle issue and fished many Saskatchewan lakes would tell you that as you get older the brain can always figure out what to do in any situation but the body will eventually fail. Good vibes. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@PaullaWells]

Great light upgrade and I'd say much needed. I am so glad y'all finally put the heaters on the trucks. You'll be so glad when it gets to the coldest there because without them you'd shatter your fan belt.

[@ritasnider2998]

I love watching you guys. I was married for fifty five years before I became a widow. I love that you have a great friendship, it will take you through anything. Love and respect. God bless you both. The scenery is beautiful

[@panhandleoff-roadranch2212]

Don’t forget diesel anti gel. Power service is my favorite I use it in my semi truck.

[@CarolEmmett-w6g]

Love your show keep up the great work me and husband love your show

[@HelgaHands117]

Love you both! So glad I found you! You’re doing an amazing job! During excessive heat in AZ from July to September I was able to binge watch and enjoy every movie you posted for the last 5 years!while you’re hunkering down for winter we’re opening back up down here in the south west to fishing, hunting, winter garden and my chickens and quail enjoying cooler weather! Keep your vehicles and tools in good shape as they’ll thank you for it and last for years to come!

[@0230Raveena]

Excuse me for being so forward but I think you're an amazing man. I've watched many of your videos and you are skilled and hands on at so many things, including cooking. Its a great trait to have to survive living in a place like Alaska. That shed is great to secure everything out of the elements.

[@juliewood6513]

You guys make off-grid living look so easy. We all could use next door neighbors like you guys.

[@robink620]

Eric is a Jack of all trade and a master of many. Between the two of you I doubt there isn’t anything you can’t do.

[@maryricketts8526]

Great lights. Going to make a HUGE difference.

[@mkbarber65]

Hi from Ontario Canada! Just a cautionary word, the block heater is likely 1500w, with the trickle charger, oil pan heater and the battery heater you may trip the 15A circuit. I would suggest the block heater should be on its own single circuit to prevent not having any of your heaters functioning when you need them the most. My wife and I watch your videos together and we both love the scenery and just the day to day activities. Be well and stay safe

[@cassidyarmstrong7173]

You guys make me so happy!! Thank you for allowing us to see all of your adventures through video. Makes me smile every time I get a notification. =) Runnells, Iowa.

[@deblarsen8528]

Arielle you are a wonderful videographer! Eric your skill set is AWESOME! My husband is one who can fix anything. I enjoy watching the 2 of you work together cuz it's like watching my husband and me work together. In perspective I am 70 yrs young and my husband just turned 68, so we are slowing down a little! 😊 Keep doing what you are doing! You show us how living the good life can be! Until your next video ~~~ Stay safe, healthy, warm and happy! ❤️❄️❤❄️

[@Jinz-re2hh]

The amber will be really noticeable when you're driving through a snow storm or heavy snow much better than regular color

[@robobloxgamer524]

In 71-73 I was stationed at Ft, Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK. I had a VW 1600 CC fastback (although it wasn't very fast) Since it was air cooled, I had no block heater, but I did have an oil pan heater, a battery heater, and a small heater inside the car to warm the inside. Even with all the supplemental heat, when the temps got to about -10 F, I couldn't drive it because the car heater wasn't strong enough to keep the inside of the windows ice free. Driving along using an ice scraper on the inside of the windshield wasn't very safe, Watching you install the heaters on your equipment brought back many memories of my two winters in Alaska. Even with the cold temps, the way to survive is preparation, and you two have that attitude. Good luck with your adventure and stay safe.

[@richardmelanson7947]

OMG that is a lot of work to do on the trucks. You know a lot about the mechanics and all the electrical components needed to function properly during such low temperatures in Alaska. Until your next video,take care and be safe. (Judy NB)🌲🇨🇦

[@debrasaints3809]

My favorite Alaskan couple! Y’all got lots of work done. I sure hope you get that heater working Eric. Those two fur babies really love to be warm and snuggly. The shop sure did turn out handy. After this winter I’ll bet your solar panel project will really get going. Eric your work ethic is amazing. I love how you don’t give up and figure it out. Y’all work together so well. I missed y’all cooking together this time. I look forward to your next projects. It will be interesting to see how cold it gets there. But, it seems like you got everything ready for the winter. Y’all stay warm. Sending blessings and live 🙏🏼

[@robyn7287]

Seems like a design fault not to have lights higher up on the tractor. Well done. Every season requires so much work but Eric and Ariel are more than capable and find enjoyment in it all as we do watching them. 😊

[@paulprigge1209]

They are pretty particular with rollover protection system rops About adding anything to it. It will void your warranty or whatever

[@DavidCowan-vq6st]

Well your skills and knowledge Eric have paid off for your winter prep of all your vehicles. Arial's skills are just as important as well. You two are one awesome team !!!!

[@lynnloehr1566]

We are getting ready for winter too, in Wyoming. Hubby just put amber fog lights on our truck too! We always learn something watching your videos. Great video as always. We had snow last week but it's been 60 this week.

[@Miss449686]

My calendar 2024 arrived today -- pictures are great. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves beauty of nature and animals.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Wonderful!

[@berniecoles2337]

Nothing like burning diesel to save the planet doing a DPF regen. 🤪 Thanks for sharing your life with us, your videos are well presented and informative. It gives a great perspective of life in Alaska and how to cope with the seasons. Best wishes from Wales, UK.

[@MaineUSA]

This Is a joke

[@stubbi]

If you really heat up the tractor and use it more and more agressively you do not need to regen.

[@centexan]

It's so much more pleasant when you just talk rather than projecting so hard (yelling). You have a good channel.

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Well done🎉👏👏 WOW, So much work preparing for winter. That shop is AWESOME!!

[@micheleharris2361]

What a lot of work! I love seeing you tackle the weather prep - it always amazes me how much you are able to do, and it makes me wonder what you used to do before you 'retired'. Then you say that you're learning new things all the time - very cool! Nice to see you, too, Arielle! :D

[@ABNMPmama]

The Quonset hut is so impressive. Seeing all that white, cold floof on the floor makes me curious on how y’all will finish enclosing it. I’ll be back to finish watching this video after the sun goes down. It’s a beautiful 73° in Oklahoma, and too much to do! ❤️

[@heidihughes8806]

Gosh Eric, is there anything you can't do! Between you both you can tackle anything!! That's one of the reasons I love watching your videos. You are both so practical and always organised and prepared for any eventuality, everything you do is so professionally done, from everyday tasks to any major jobs. You are ying and yang, always on the same page and you are thriving, living the Alaskan life. Thank you so much for sharing your fascinating lives with us 💕💕💕

[@paulastorm4213]

Moth balls for squirrels / mice to keep out around anything with wires

[@spencerhaddock2372]

You guys are awesome, great job with winterizing. Eric i will confirm for you being a tractor technician for Kubota for 5 years now, your regen issues are normally based on how you operate the unit. So for it to automatically regen when your using the tractor keep the rpm's up around 2500 or more to keep the exhaust temperature up. Alot of idling time, only driving short distances and low rpm's will build the particulate matter in the dpf quickly. If the computer doesnt see all needs are met to perform a regen or the unit is shut off before one has completed it will bump up into the next control level. Different brands and models use different amounts of pm to determine what level it is in and usually level 3 and for sure 4 will require a parked regen. Hope this helps and thank you guys for your amazing videos of your lifestyle. Been following you for past couple years and the build of the root cellar at your last property is what pulled me into watching you guys. Much love from a small town in Oklahoma!

[@glenwaldner7178]

Hey Eric, if you plugged that block heater in without antifreeze in the block it’s a good chance you burned it out! Like using a electric kettle without water.

[@douglasbooker8330]

You guy’s get it done no matter the obstacles PERIOD ! Eric is the jack of all trades. Great job you guy’s. Stay blessed.

[@tonyjones9715]

I always look forward to seeing your videos. You both get me Wishing I was young again. I have spent most of my life in Alaska. God bless you both. Will be looking forward to the next one.😊