Rooftop tent INSULATION kit in 10° F ....is it worth your money?

#rooftoptent #camping #truckcamping #brianwatersoutdoors
Check out the links below for all the gadgets I used / will be using on this setup. Amazon affiliate links can provide the channel a small commission if links are used to purchase, but at no cost to you. Thanks for watching!
Ecoflow Delta 2 Max
For my subscribers:
Use code EFD2MBWO for 5% off all EcoFlow products, valid until Feb. 29th.
EcoFlow Official: bit.ly/3HmzvQC
LiTime 50ah 12.8v Battery
amzn.to/3U0Rnru
www.litime.com/products/litim...
12.8v cigarette style battery pigtail
amzn.to/47w71OZ
120v electric blanket
amzn.to/3SkbdvJ
12v electric blanket
amzn.to/3vzxCx7
Topoak Tent
amzn.to/3Hkl7Hh
Topoak insulator kit
10% discount: TOPOAK40
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topoakoverland.com/products/g...
Bluetooth Thermometer
amzn.to/3Hmg4Ya
Music provided by Epidemic Sounds

[@3187rakkasan]

Hey Brian (Dean). So, realistically, if you were out camping you could hop out and refuel in the middle of the night and have been good to go…IN FACT, you could’ve just refueled at like 10:00-11:00pm, before you went to bed, and you wouldn’t even have to get up at 5:00-6:00 and freeze while refueling! Pretty impressive test. Makes me want to get one of those diesel heaters. (You’ve been through so many, I’ll wait to get your “This is the one I’m sticking with!” Video). Take care buddy!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hi Dean, I could have (and would have) if this was a real scenario top off the fuel tank before bedtime. That would have gotten me through the night, easily👍🏻

[@jakemcclellan8399]

Great video and good idea to do the test before hitting the Wilds of a State Park. Thank You for sharing your video. I will see you in the wild.Jake McClellan The Oregon Boy 👦

[@fishaman7834]

The neighbors looking out the window saying what is this crazy neighbor up to now.. great video.. keep ‘em coming..

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

lol. No doubt

[@whatwasthat3269]

No way, neighbors wanting to be outside camping in the driveway..

[@TheCopperVillageAngler]

Proof of concept: done. Time to go camping! Stay safe out there, Brian, and have fun.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@lawdog516]

Hi Brian, just an observation. It’s difficult to actually ascertain how much actual room you have in the tent, camera views can be deceiving. Couldn’t you put a power station in a corner of the tent inside, that would solve the power station cold problem and you have all the ports for your lights and phone charging. When you camped in the truck it seems like you had a ton of stuff in there and still had room. You had a cooler, drawers, mattress and you still had room, just a thought.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

The only problem with doing that is the power stations are heavy. I have the same Ecoflow Brian has, and it weighs like 50 pounds. Although that's what Ecoflow says, I can attest that it's pretty heavy. He might be able to get a smaller power bank in there to run the electric blanket, but again, lugging one up that ladder may be hazardous in itself.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I just didn’t want to lug a 50lb battery up there. I for sure have enough room, just didn’t want to mess with it.

[@lawdog516]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors 💪 lol

[@georgewacaser4559]

Yes sir, "camp driveway" is the best place to do initial testing. Stay safe sir. It's been 12 below (F) up here in NW Missouri the last two nights. 8" of snow. Sounds like you have a good setup there.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻 stay warm sir!

[@AdamusPrime76]

You should have put that 50ah under the blanket too. Discharging a lifepo under freezing damages the cells.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻 discharging is fine up to -4°. It’s the charging lifepo4 below freezing that damages the cells.

[@vicman1288]

Thanks for the review on the insulation kit for the top oak!! I love this RTT!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@mervinemanuel1668]

great video... suggestion... extend the power cord... so that you can use a smaller power bank with the 12v cig liter in your rooftop so that you can keep the power bank warm with the diesel heater... also when you use the 110 inverter you are changing the power twice.... 110 power is converted from 12v to 110 when the cig lighter is direct 12v... just a suggestion... but i have really been looking into changing my setup to the topoak setup... i like your videos... thanks again...

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@seymourwrasse3321]

the big surprise is some neighbor didn't call the nice men in the white outfits and a giant butterfly net, when they saw the guy up the street setting up camp in 120 degree weather in the driveway

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

😂👍🏻

[@Steve-Goff]

Very interesting test. We had a pop-up camper for years. We camped into November and it would often times be in the 20’s. We used electric blankets under us and Eden Pure heaters. I slept in basketball shorts and no shirt and was still always hot

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Just the mental picture I needed on this chilly evening Steve - thanks😂

[@insaynestanger]

Loving your setup, I am currently following your camper shell series and love what you did. Do you ever miss your old setup? Or do you like this much better?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I don’t miss the old setup at all honestly. This is just so much more fun, and I like that I can take it off with ease if I do t want anything on the back of my truck👍🏻

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

Those little heaters are amazing, especially for the price. I'm curious about the reason for putting the electric blanket around the Ecoflow, do they have a temp rating that they won't below? I know you shouldn't charge them below freezing, but usually they are okay to discharge well below zero.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

They discharge fine, but lose efficiency when it’s that cold. This was just to help prolong the battery life

[@rerunplaya532]

Detailed power consumption test before REAL WORLD SCENARIOS AND LIFE RISK❤ BWO Teaching us the power consumption basics of survival❤ 👍. Throttle up.. hold position 💪 . Take your time. Excellent knowledge test before! Real thing. Test success 🧪. BWO Saftety first!🙏✨😎. Lets go!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@trevorcassell6489]

Great video. You might want to build a stand for the heater to hang off your truck rack so its closer to the tent. You're losing a lot of heat through the hose.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I ended up getting a tire step. Helps raise up the heater a bit more off the ground.

[@lance3801]

Great job sir

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@CarolinaNightHunter]

Brian you won't need that electric blanket. The heater will be plenty. I have a vevor 5kw and in my tahoe in 0° weather I have heater on low and front windows 3/4 the way down and its still a sweat shop in the back of the truck. They get hot

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

They do get things toasty👍🏻

[@scooterhughes9118]

Now that is sweet! The test run you did with the heat system answered any questions I had about keeping it warm in there. I believe the insulation blanket you put in there helped alot too. Did the blanket cover the floor too? That might be something to think about also. Insulate underneath there too. Then you would have heat all the way around. Top to bottom and side to side lol. We got the same cold system here in east Texas like yall got. 10 to 12 and 14 degrees! Anyway, great test run on that, I'm impressed! Let's get to camping lol ! Yall have a good week Brian! See you in the next one.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Scooter! Yeah, insulating the bottom would help a lot. I think my extra 1” pad I’m putting in there will help

[@marktaflinger6348]

This is one cool tent setup and a very successful test. We have a low of 4 degrees tonight. Stay safe and stay warm.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Mark👍🏻

[@esiebert7625]

That’s funny, both you and Kayak USA post a rooftop tent video at the exact same time to the minute today 😂

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It was planned😉

[@zeesoutdoorsadventures]

Brian they make a tire rack that u put over your tire to climb on rooftop tent but i use mine to set my diesel heater on it run hose into tent works great.Love your channel.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks! I’ve ordered one, but taking a while to get here. Much cheaper than one of those “tire tables”

[@huanganswer]

Nice video! Cool hat!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@mosswelding1]

Nice cold test for sure!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Brian good you moved the ladder,good job a very successful test enjoy 😊

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@mrp55net]

A great video. You could use the same set up to keep part of your house warm if the power goes out. Why did the heater quit - fuel outage? Also, does the Ecoflow have a battery temperature display? It might be helpful to see if the battery temp was above the 32 degree mark by a comfortable margin.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks! The heater just ran out of diesel. Ran for 14 hours on about a gallon. And, unfortunately the Ecoflow does not have an internal temp

[@tommanning7337]

Very cool man, yeah here in Illinois tonight-10 and high tomorrow 1. But looks to get warmer next week and on maybe even 40, let’s hope. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Dang dude. That’s down right chilly

[@Rodneywoods-rm2kt]

Enjoyed The Video Stay Warm It's 9 Here in ohio

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@user-jg1of2vc9z]

Great video. Wondered how long the heater would run on a gallon of fuel. I have a similiar setup (eletric blanket running off a lifepo battery) in my diy squaredrop.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

This test showed that the heater ran for about 14hrs on medium heat setting with a full tank of diesel - about 1.3 gallons

[@richardmaxey713]

WOW....:)

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@seymourwrasse3321]

the heater would probably do even better with the return air hooked up to the inside the space, rather then picking up the 10 degree outside air

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@retnav92]

-2° & -3° here in NW Kentucky the last couple of nights. That friggin' "global warming" is about to wear me out! 🤪

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

lol. Global warming…….

[@williamillg]

Such a great and informative video! Awesome job! I’m shocked at how quick the temperature in the tent dropped after the heater turned off. Do you think the insulation really helped make that much of a difference?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks, I do think it actually helped out quite a bit

[@williamillg]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors okay, that’s what I was wondering! Hoping the temps stay pretty cool so you can “test it in the wild.” 🤪

[@brianbonessa6876]

Very informative video, as usual. Now, you are going to think I am crazy with the weather there at 12 degrees, but have you thought about how you are going to cool that roof top tent when it's 100 degrees out there?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

lol. Not crazy, I’ve got a few plans in mind👍🏻

[@jaimeguajardo2294]

How do I become as cool as you sir?! LOL

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lolol

[@Michael_Darquea]

its cute you think its cold in Texas we're I am it's - 10 with a windchill of - 30

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@clarencewiles963]

I don’t know what to say. That insulation kit is nice it looks like you have a black tab to attach a light in the upper center. I’m glad you picked up on the diesel jel additive maybe your wife can bring you a Peanut and jelly sandwich this night. Also don’t forget body heat will add more heat to the sleeping bag.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@alanhuhta6189]

If you’re worried about gelling up use no 1 diesel or kerosene you shouldn’t have any problems ! I’m a mechanic we had a trailer fleet that used diesel heaters ! We have very cold weather here in northern Minnesota sometimes 30-40 below

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻 I did buy some kerosene, but I do t know where you guys get it so cheap! I paid $12 for a gallon

[@alanhuhta6189]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors kerosene is always expensive because it’s refined better so much cleaner burning but it’s worth it eliminates gelling problems and heater won’t get clogged up with soot

[@everywherewestoutdoors]

Use some cheap pipe insulation to fill in the crack in your back window. Cut it to fit the back window with a gap for your exstention cord.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I was going to use a pool noodle….but I guess it grew legs since this summer and ran away when I went to grab it for this.

[@jimdaly5077]

Hi verry good test run, you need to have confidence in your equipment 👍🐝☃️

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Dan.W.05]

Looks like a successful test.. I'm started to wonder how many apps do you have on your phone.. you have alot of things that you can run off your phone..lol

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

lol. Too many

[@markjensen663]

I really don’t think you need the diesel heater set at 68degrees all night. If your under covers or in an electric blanket including your body heat you would be overheating in there. That fuel tank should easily last you all night.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@williamsuttle3645]

KZbinr out of Canada LONE WOLF 902 goes winter camping all the time, but he says to never depend on wood stove, diesel heaters etc, because they break. He uses them but has a good - degree sleeping bag as his main warmth. Keep that in mind. Js

[@williamsuttle3645]

I like this set up though. How many kwh is that diesel heater? 5 or 8? I know you have said in another video but didn't hear in this one. BTW, I'm in Missouri right now, high today 10, low lat night was -1⁰ night before last was -5⁰. In my rv. My pillow got up next to the wall, I rolled over the frozen part of the pillow hit my neck- rude awakening. Keeping water from freezing is fun. Yes I have a heated hose.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I watched a few of his vids too. Good stuff👍🏻

[@jasonfillmore2991]

Awesome vid. Did the diesel heater run out of fuel that’s why it stopped? I’m on the edge of buying one just not sure.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yeah, just ran out of diesel. Ran for 14hrs off a gallon of diesel on medium heat setting

[@ryanlongino6505]

👍👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@retnav92]

Good test. Can you fold the rtt down with the insulation kit? Was the electric blanket fully blocking the vents on each side of the EcoFlow?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I had space in the sides between the blanket and the Ecoflow to still allow some airflow👍🏻

[@Lisa_P73]

If you wrap that diesel heater hose going up to your tent with an insulation wrap, the air will stay warmer as it travels up into the tent. Just a bit of advice is coming from a Minnesota ice fisherwoman. Stay warm down there.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Good idea, thank you👍🏻

[@rocknsnowryan9400]

Yeah they make insulated air ducts. You could probably turn the temp down even more with being more efficient. It'd be cool to see how much longer you'd go with simply swapping out the duct work.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You have some kind of a link for this insulted 3” duct? This is an “insulated” duct, but it’s basically just foil lined.

[@Lisa_P73]

​@@BrianWatersOutdoors you just need to make sure it's got a foam core and not the air bubbles. The foam core will hold the heat better. It's a simple DIY that's inexpensive and works. Roll it out to the length of your hose. So this is for a 25-ft roll. If you have a longer hose than 25 ft you buy a bigger role. Unroll it. Then trim it to the circumference or a little bit more of your nose. Wrap it around your house and fix it with either duct tape or Gorilla Tape. We use it when we go ice fishing, camping in the cold, we also rap or outside lines and lines close to the foundation where it is colder here at the house. SmartSHIELD -10mm Reflective Insulation roll, Foam Core Radiant Barrier, Thermal Insulation Shield - Engineered Foil (48" x 25ft) a.co/d/aSeDsH1

[@travelinwithTODD]

i am in Michigan and we are in a cold cold time with snow. but that's normal for us. i would kill for at least 17 degrees now! lol. i was thinking of taking my teardrop out for a winter camping trip but have the same fears as you. not sure if i want to do it.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yeah…Texas would just tap out and shut down with those temps.

[@jdtallant3751]

Greetings from East Texas. I may have missed it, but why did the heater shut off. Was it out of fuel or something else? Thanks for your channel and stay warm.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Greetings! The heater just ran out of fuel. Ran for 14 hrs off a gallon of diesel and shut down around 6:30am this morning.

[@rbljackson]

Stupid question. Im new to the diesel heaters, and this unit looks to be a nice one and fully self contained for the most part. In reading about it, it also has altitude compensation and bluetooth controls. Can this be left outside and get rained/snowed on while in use without damage?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I would not leave it outside in the rain. There is no weather sealing on this box

[@pamelaklemp5615]

Did you use a Carbon Monoxide Detector to measure the Fuel Emissions in your Air Space? If so, did it go off as a WARNING ⚠️ at anytime throughout the night? Might also want to insulate your extention cords too.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I do keep a carbon monoxide detector in the tent. Did not detect any amount👍🏻

[@signelengis]

Cold tonight too. Isn't that the same setup as Ria has? She has a bigger rooftop though.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Tia has a tent on top of her defender. Little diff setup, but same premise

[@madmoto4837]

ok , so i bought the tool box diesel heater from amazon , with it it had items frequently bought with this item, 3'' vent hose heavy duty, it looks to small to me , what size hose did you get?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’m using a 3” dryer duct

[@madmoto4837]

Thanks brian it ended up working it just looked really small. First trip out with the top oak with the heater , 20* and two inches of unexpected snow, both worked great, bought an retractable awning similar to yours , hope we get a little better weather for the next trip here in Ohio.

[@3187rakkasan]

Does the diesel heater make the inside of the tent stink at all (from fumes)?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Not at all

[@steventaylor3296]

What kind of electric heated blanket is that you have?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I don’t remember the brand, but there is a link for this in the video description👍🏻

[@ThomasStudios17]

not sure if anyone asked but why did the diesel heater shut off?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes, just ran out of fuel. Ran for 14 hours off a gallon of diesel on medium setting👍🏻

[@ThomasStudios17]

Ohh ok perfect… great video !!!

[@black_widow_overland]

Why did the heater shut off?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Ran out of fuel. Got about 14 hrs running in middle heat level on a full tank

[@black_widow_overland]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors ahh.. ok. What size of hose are you using?

[@NEXLVLPRODUCTIONS]

Indiana -7°

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@NEXLVLPRODUCTIONS]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors no there's nothing thumbs up about that 🤣🤣🤣 #unicornplate #coldasf

[@heathm7951]

I’m in Ohio and it was -4 degrees

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

That’s a bit chilly