Where Am I? | Living in the Ultimate Off Grid Home on Wheels, Full Truck Camper Tour

Go to drinkag1.com/s... to get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Thanks
to AG1 for sponsoring today's video!
A successful marriage requires compromise, and this truck camper is one of them. It allows us to explore America and Canada's wilderness and Parks, providing me with fishing, hunting and foraging opportunities while providing the comforts of home to my wife. She uses the onboard toilet, I use a shovel and a hole in the woods. She uses the shower, I jump in the lake. She cooks on the propane stove top or in the oven, I grill steaks on a fire outside.
The 4 wheel truck provides clearance and traction so we're able to get into remote backcountry spots while being maneuverable enough to squeeze into small, more private campsites in RV parks and campgrounds.
Four season features like a propane furnace and good insulation provides comfort on the coldest nights. 40 gallons of onboard water storage and a pump and hose to fill it from a water spigot at a campground or from a clean mountain river or lake means we never run out of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
My mission on this channel is to help YOU and your family live your dream life so you can become more self reliant, happy, fulfilled and prepared for challenging times.
You can expect to hear more about the way I live, how I got into massive debt, how I got out of it, what drove me to live the outdoor, off grid, self reliant lifestyle, and how I'm more prepared than ever to weather the storms of 2024 and beyond. I answer your questions, I interview people who are living unconventional lives, I try to inspire and motivate you to pursue the life of your dreams, I give you the tips I used to live my dream life and I reflect on my own life - past, present and future.
Apple Podcast: apple.co/40OgrDO
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Podcast: www.buzzsprout...
Patreon: / myselfreliance
Rumble: rumble.com/c/M...
My other KZbin Channel: / @myselfreliance
For exclusive content, Patreon: / myselfreliance
CLOTHING: teespring.com/....
AMAZON LINKS: www.amazon.com....
Best of My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2OfW7ry
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfrelia. .
Mailing Address:
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

[@The_Easy_Life]

54, retired 4 years ago in my northern Lite 10-2 LE. Been full time in it since 2019. I now have the most incredible off grid log cabin homestead I built myself in South Dakota just south of black hills Feel free to swing by. I secured 2x6 boards along the side of truck bed to prevent the camper from shifting works perfectly

[@tombesaw2657]

I'm 54,I sold my business,my wife retires in june and we bought a 5th wheel.if I was going to live to 100yo... I would call my current situation a "midlife" crisis. We are on a tear to see as much of the world as possible. Life is good

[@FeelingPeculiar]

Hell yeah!!

[@_jaeger_fabian]

Don't call it crisis 😉

[@samsdaughterdehaven9990]

do it while you can! you go!

[@wudzen]

❤Thank you so much for treating Callie as a 100% family member , that she is!!!

[@tiger15-q3s]

It is great that you and your wife are traveling together... Travel while your young and have the energy, because old age creeps up on us before we know it.... I miss seeing your videos. I've been wondering where you've been the past few weeks. Take care...and have a safe trip...

[@NorthernRetreat]

Interesting. Off-Grid, cabin life and now Vanlife.👍

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Our 44 yr old son and wife live in their van, and he has it covered in solar panels for energy to mine crypto. He can collapse the panels and drive safely.

[@kilroygirl7347]

Great video Shawn. Enjoy the sights and please be sure to check the types of wildlife in each area you visit in order to protect Callie and yourselves. (Scorpions, Rattlesnakes, etc.) Happy Birthday to your wife! ❤

[@patmurphy6897]

Seeing you and Cali again just made my Friday! Thanks Shawn!

[@Tomhohenadel]

Shawn, sorry I forgot to wish your lovely wife, Happy Birthday. Safe travels

[@zigzag9133]

Absolutely love the camper and truck. If your not a city person and you love to travel with dogs , then you found the best way. My husband and are in our 60’s . We spend 3 months a year doing the same. Hauling luggage and hotels isn’t for many of us. We have a Benz 4wd camper van and a Dachshund. And we wake up to the sound of birds. Enjoy your travels in the US.🥰

[@videodistro]

Velcro is your friend. For instance, the remote for the jacks.... sticky back velcro in the remote and inside of the door - up and out of the way. In any mobile environment velcro can help organize and keep small items safe and handy. There's a good reason it's used a lot un space travel!

[@МаксимИванов-с9ф]

to the left of the bedroom entrance, Shishkin's painting "morning in the pine forest" hangs on the wall. This painting has its own story. Greetings from Russia.))) 🙃

[@petersimmel860]

I have told you before Shawn that I live my life through you. Some of us just can’t do these things you do. That’s why you’re so important to many people. Love this channel.

[@BobWilliams-o2e]

Hi Shawn, I love your new camper. I use to do walkthroughs with new customers at an RV Dealership in southern Ontario for 6 years. I must say for your first time doing this, you did an excellent job. I'll give you a 9.5 out of 10. Hope you enjoy the RV life.

[@doug6189]

Welcome to the States and enjoy your time here!

[@thomasirvin2317]

Shawn I absolutely love watching your videos! As crazy as this world is right now at least I can clear my head for a while and just watch the amazing lifestyle that you live!! So thank you and have a great day!!!

[@kiddobee3610]

Southwest I really enjoyed the Grand Canyon, Superstition Mountains, and the Petrified Forest. The Wave in Utah looks amazing also. Cholla cactus probably is what Cali encountered, their spines are like porcupine quills and are designed to slough off easily and stick you. They look deceptively soft ! These days I hear about dogs going to kennels less and less. It's usually house sitting arrangements or sleepovers at relatives houses.

[@tced2858]

Welcome to the club, I had a Lance 861, which was totaled in a rear end collision, now I have a Arctic Fox 811, you will love traveling in a TC.

[@jangrahame4891]

Shawn's squirrel moment: "Oh there's a bass coming right up to the shore." ...back to the tour. But you just know the rest of this tour he's thinking of that bass.😊

[@Roheryn100]

I laughed and exclaimed “ Oh look, squirrel !”

[@theodorehowe2262]

Looks like you have a great setup for traveling with the truck camper, very self contained unit. My motor home is 32’ long and provides all the necessary equipment needed for our travel. Enjoy your trips and being able to see the beautiful countryside in your home on wheels.

[@reneewilson1753]

Hi Shawn, on our RV trips there is an additional water filtration system that you can screw on to the filler hose to give you additional filtration. Looks like you are having fun.

[@tonykaram7640]

Good to hear from you again. I was worried about you for the last two weeks

[@stevegrace6732]

Glad to see your traveling have fun

[@NormaGregg-d6z]

Welcome to USA I hope you enjoy your visit. I have missed seeing your videos. Best of luck in your travels.❤

[@louisacipriano5329]

What an incredible piece of kit. It should be measured in comfort per square inch!

[@pennireid4017]

If you store your boots outside in the US west, particularly the desert, check them for snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas before you stick your feet into them. They like to hide in there, and I have been surprised more than once to find a critter in my boots. Also, if you are concerned about Cali jumping out of the truck or running into the willy wags and possibly getting bit by a rattle snake, you can ask your vet for the two injections (a few weeks apart) that minimize the effects of the snake bite so she would not get as sick. They need to be given a few weeks before you head out and if I remember correctly they will last for @ six months.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

I noticed slide in campers are making a big comeback and that makes sense for a lot of people. Also, a lot less problems than a motorhome.

[@billnedberg4869]

My wife and I have an older truck camper we use when we are doing an overnighter or going to a 2 day music fest or something when I don't feel like hauling our regular camper. Love having that option. We used to just van camp and this is so much more comfortable.

[@breheaton4758]

❤thanks Shawn for still making vedio,s, for new year.blessings to you n family..hugs Jesus love you,s...thanks.peace....

[@robrotondo4881]

Hell yea, a cribbage player!

[@donaldhofman5257]

Yes, you noticed that, too!

[@debbiputman3482]

68 and just bought a vintage trailer to build out and travel with my mini American Eskimo Dog. Like Callie, Clara loves to go anywhere and everywhere with me!

[@redjeepoutdoors7037]

Just ordered the AG1. Will be 75 in a week and hope this helps me make it another 25 years. Really like your videos. I hope to retire soon and get my own channel rolling. Thanks Shawn.

[@lieuwina]

Happy 50th birthday Mrs James and enjoy your break away you two. Shawn you deserve this break and I am so glad you and Mrs James are having this break and enjoying yourselves. Take care and safe travels.

[@UnNoSeQue2]

Great to see you no woodworking, but enjoying your time with your wife and Cali. I just love your van, such nice looking van. Welcome to the Great United State of America, Happy Traveling.

[@mscharylee]

I am so glad to see that you are alright Shawn. I was worried about you after you went against the grain to help others with what is going on in the world today. May God protect you and your loved ones. Thanks for being such a great teacher.

[@suecrossland8026]

Thank you for sharing your trip.

[@ran1234dy]

Great video Shawn. Enjoy your trip. You should put the attachable screens on the furnace exhaust, fridge vent and hot water tank to eliminate various flying insects.

[@PabloP169]

A massive difference in the use of technology versus what you have in the cabin. I too am from Australia and have a 4WD Mercedes Sprinter fully fitted out for travel and use it all the time when away from home, whether for 4 days or 3 months. That is my home away from home and have been all over Oz using it in the last 6 years, either doing volunteer work, visiting friends and relatives plus a bit of tourist site visiting of course.

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

i love that you guys put so much thought into cali's comforts and well being, we are the same way. after my husbands best friend passed away last year (mini schnauzer, her name was izzy) my son bought my husband a english bulldog 6 months ago, her name is hashbrown or "hashie" (her brothers name is tater tot which is my sons dog) she is 8 months old and there is no way he would leave her anywhere. if she can't go we aren't going...lol...so i get it.

[@fathersonoutdoors7487]

Great video buddy it looks awesome come to Newfoundland Canada for a trip lots of great back roads to explore

[@ShawnJames1]

I've hunted there twice but I'm definitely going with my wife in the future

[@pinkposie5550]

Welcome to the USA and enjoy your trip 😀

[@donnaprice7931]

Caught your camper preview on your fellow Canadians channel. Enjoy the US...soooooo much to see here. Hello from southern VA. Happy 50th Birthday Mrs. James.

[@spman40004]

Happy Birthday Ms. James ! Love that you take cali everywhere. She's part of the family just like my crew. Safe travels.

[@lakelady2194]

So happy that you and your wife are having an enjoyable trip to some of the lower states. Hope you enjoyed traveling through Louisiana and Texas.

[@maryhudgins9133]

Hope you and the missus are enjoying yourselves. You deserve it.Glad , always , to see and hear about Callie

[@criscavi19]

Congratulations for your new mobile home. I wish you both the best in your trip and a safe return.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

My goal is for the 2 of us to be in health, meaning off supplements, medicines, prescriptions, and no more doctor visits. I plan to grow and raise all our food, even meat. Of course even wild game harvest, and preserving in every way possible. Won't be needing store bought green drinks!

[@maficstudios]

Of course the irony is that it's the warmest winter in living memory back home. Took the dog for a walk without a coat on myself yesterday, and then spent a half hour getting the mud off of his belly. Something to be said to be somewhere that isn't traumatically weird. :)

[@tedlivermore6955]

Yeah I work outside at night in southern ontario and it's been an easy winter.Cheers

[@DavidWvu]

Happy Birthday Mrs. James. That is one of the nicest truck campers I've ever seen. Thank you Shawn for the full tour. Stay safe and enjoy your time visiting and camping the U.S. Hopefully some day you can tour my State of West Virginia. There's so many places here to camp whether it's State Parks or off-grid boondocking and dispersed camping. Numerous hiking trails in the Appalachian mountains. Great trout fishing streams and lakes. Whitewater rafting and snow skiing are popular too.

[@wendyheadley3345]

Glad to have you. I love on Alabama. 20 miles out of Birmingham south. Hope you two have a wonderful time. Happy Birthday to your wife.

[@tylerbarrett6652]

Thanks for sharing all of this with us. I've been wanting a truck bed camper for a while - but brand new is just too expensive. I look for a used one that I can freshen up - but it's nice to know there is such a thing as an all-weather four season option. Eager to see you back at THE cabin as I've been missing your content. I love to see you make such progress and the prioritization you employ in your methods.

[@loisferguson2041]

Thanks for sharing this video! My husband is about to retire and I already am. It would be a great way to see the country!

[@barbarataylor1135]

GLAD YOU VISITED OUR STATE. I DON'T LIVE IN HOUSTON CITY LIMITS I LIVE IN HARRIS COUNTY. 😊IF YOU DIDN'T GO TO NEW MEXICO YOU MISSED CARLDS BAD CAVERNS IT'S BEAUTIFUL . BEEN THERE 2 TIMES.

[@heidipustelniak652]

How fun! We have lots of interesting places to see!

[@lexistapleton687]

Hopefully you both enjoy your trip to US. Glad you are still posting vids. Give Kali a hug from me. Love u all.

[@jbthor9032]

So I now know and I see what you are doing. It's good to see you are getting out around the country. Nice camper. 👍 you got it all there. Enjoy your trip. I'll keep watching.

[@rc7074]

Now you're overlanding? Sweet!

[@tomst9417]

Welcome to the US, enjoy the visit and nice to see you are taking a break from cold and snow. Good idea to stay out of the cities as there is so much mayhem and madness happening daily. The camper looks comfortable and very efficient.

[@reminaya]

Hey Shawn, started watching you when you started your first cabin years back. It was awesome! I just wanted to mention that a friend of ours recommended, turning the water pump off on the camper because RV plumbing is famous for leaking or bursting. Speaking of Cali, that cactus you mentioned is probably Cholla (Choy-ya), and is the bain of every animal (even tires) in the desert. Gotta watch your shoes too! Very nasty.

[@2lmdi]

Yup, slang for Cholla is "jumping cactus".... take a wide berth as they literally break off parts and throw them at intruders... great defense.

[@marylouise890]

@@2lmdiDang. Call a plant alive just took on a new meaning! 😮

[@KraftyKaren-7]

Yes I learned about them when I was 7 years old was running around d while we were camping in the freest here in Arizona and my cousin was infront of me running and had brushed that Choya cactus and it landed on my left leg I was covered in them I panicked and was trying to shake them off and they were going in deeper so my brother had to take plyers to pull them out of my leg was so painful. So I stay way clear of them at all cost.

[@KraftyKaren-7]

And yes we as kids called them Jumping Cactus

[@MrPossumeyes]

Thankyou Shawn. Appreciated.

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks for the tour Shawn. 😁👍🏼

[@jennstuart2031]

Great travel living setup! I have been full-time with a teardrop since 2011. I've added a PNW summer camp in the woods with a little 'standy' trailer on it. It's interesting to see your emergency gear behind the drivers seat, which is where my emer gear migrated to. The driver needs to get to that stuff first and quick. I have long enjoyed and appreciated your videos. Many thanks for the content and time spent to get it to all of us out here. Wishing you all good. Happy journey.

[@dougtravins9624]

Glad you're touring the USA and you have an excellent setup to roam in. These experiences, along with your Canadian experiences, highlight what a beautiful planet God created for us to exist in.

[@krystynazurekmansell1313]

Wow, I was wondering where were you. Beautiful to spend time like that with your wife and Cali. Enjoy you trip further and finding your video with all the news definitely make me smile. 😄💞 Stay safe.

[@CADesignStudio]

Absolutely love the way you're living your life...right down to how Cali is a big part of it.

[@jarosawmichajow6571]

Pozdrawiam z UK. Miłej podróży i wypoczynku w kamperze ❤

[@syrenadurager]

I had a boarder collie and I drove a jet A fuel truck and trailer for a company that my husband and I worked for , we were a helicopter/ truck team. He flew -I drove. our dog was so nice to everyone until he was in my fuel truck. Nobody got in unless I was in it. He actually bit a crew member trying to bid us farewell when the contract was over. Miss him every day. I got him when he was 6 weeks old and he passed away not long after we moved from the US to Austria, he was 14.

[@rememberandhonorstories]

Enjoy your videos Shawn. You guys have it all figured out.

[@dennisdavis8649]

Sounds like a good lifestyle. I have thought about it several times selling my home and trying something like that. Drive all over the U.S.A. and Canada just me and my dog.

[@yana1955]

Would love to see a pin map of all the places you visited!

[@davidlawson6238]

Awesome setup efficient love it great video thank you

[@atlekaland9404]

In Norway, we have "home kennels" which allows you to bring your dog to us and he/she will stay in our home, on the couch if that is what the dog is used to. We have had a lot of dogs in our home and they all recognize when they are coming to us with joy. Perhaps there is someone that could take Cali for a week or two in Canada and give her long walks and affection if you choose to have a family getaway sometime :-)

[@salliewilson4188]

Hi Shawn, I have missed you guys very much. I look every Friday, hoping to see you. I signed up for Patreon the very first time you mentioned it, only to find I can't afford it. I am on Medicaid and very low income, living in Fort Myers, Florida. I realize that you will be on Patreon more and more because KZbin has changed its algorithms or something. Since I cannot afford Patreon I guess we are slowly saying goodbye. It's so sad because I used to live in Northern Michigan and being outdoors and building things myself was what brought me closer to heaven. So, I have been watching you forever and every time I do, I am brought back to what I love so much, surviving on my own, and being close to nature. I will miss you so much, as all they want to do down here is play Bingo. I admire you both and Cali too. You are always in my prayers and thank you for all the joy you have brought to me over the years. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

[@rogerpfundt7590]

Shawn, the name of the cactus that Cally got into is Jumping Cholla

[@stephief344]

We live in California. I have followed you for quite some time. I am learning. Slowly, but surely moving forward. I recently taught myself to water bath can and will work on pressure canning soon. If you get the opportunity, we have beaches. Not all are packed with people. Los Padres National Forest encompasses huge areas of wilderness, stretching from beaches into mountains. I believe they even do trail rides. Joshua Tree is desert hiking. Northern Coast is amazing! Beaches and Redwood forests side-by-side. The logging history is very interesting. Good luck and stay safe.

[@darrendavidsonoutdoors]

I love those campers. I'm the same way when it comes to vacations. If I can't bring my dog, I'm not going. Hoping one day I can have a set up like that but for now my vacations are usually in a canoe and tent. I agree with camping in the middle of nowhere where my dog can run free. He hates being tied up as well which is why I usually avoid Provincial parks or campgrounds with a ton of rules.

[@arg6193]

So awesome! I love pickup truck campers. Thank you for thr tour of your setup!

[@bonesetranch]

We've had a similar truck camper for over 20 years now. We recently added an Eco Flow battery bank and it really changes the way we enjoy our remote camping (you can see that installation on our channel). Getting farther away in remote sites is the reason we went with a truck camper. I also added a small ATV winch to a roof rack to help me load and unload a canoe on the road. Being able to have that canoe with us adds to our adventures. Have fun on your trip.

[@sandyb9967]

Enjoy! Safe travels!

[@grahamball364]

Shawn hi with reference to the underside of your mattress you could put in the stuff that you put laminated floors heat and reflects the cold underneath your riddles. Very much looking forward to seeing this one to the end for my ideas. Stay safe bye-bye.

[@sukay2249]

So awesome! We miss you and as always, very interesting. Thank you so much!

[@williamrhea3535]

Good for you Shawn, when my wife and I traveled we always had our three little dogs with us. They were great travelers and because of them we saw most of the US at ground level instead of fly over type of traveling. I can assure you we had much more fun and trouble and all that was involved with traveling with our furry babies but now looking back it was the best life ever. Safe travels to you and your wife and Calie.

[@itsmepd1]

When he said it works for us, works for the family, after talking about where they stay so Callie doesn’t have to be on a leash, was the ultimate “my dog is family” statement. 😊

[@B-leafer]

Welcome neighbor! Glad to have you stop by!

[@beaumarty405]

Wow! Mega nice Camper. Really luxurious.

[@joyjoy7126]

Been missing your videos. Glad to see you are okay 👍 Enjoy your trip be careful .

[@thedr309]

few years back i was wworking out of town alot so i got a truck camper for my truck not as big as yours or as nice but it worked for me an my dog, had boss over for steaks one night an had planned on eating by the fire but winds picked up so we moved in side while sitting at the table the boss asked for salt i reached over to the counter without getting up and handed him the salt he looked at me an said something i never forgot he said "well one thing is for sure, if you cant reach it from the table you just aint got it!!" i laughed and agreed. glad ya'll had a good time shame you didn't come through Georgia, you could of camped in my back yard, only 700 acres....lol love both channels!

[@valeriaproductions]

Although I have been living off grid since 2016, started with a trailer and now I've been living in my very small truck camper for about 6 months now - loving it! Glad you are getting away from the cold for a while - Happy Birthday to your Wife ! Hope you have a wonderful time. :)

[@liudmilaasanova9643]

Ой, на стене картина русских художников Шишкина и Савицкого "Утро в сосновом лесу". Приятно.) Shawn James, привет! Смотрю твои ролики, очень нравятся. Классно и профессионально сняты ролики, звук, кадр, сценарий. Ты молодец! Рукастый парень, дом построил, мастерски все делал. Удачи тебе во всем.)

[@susanwithyahinthemist]

Really nice.

[@barbaragiesbrecht6004]

We took a trip across Canada 5 years ago for almost 7 weeks. It was wonderful. I live in western Canada but born in the Maritimes. Father was American from Eastern USA, so saw a lot of America growing up. It was a great trip. Going to do it again soon. We pulled a 24 foot camper. Was perfect!

[@Павел-ш8р5й]

Картина на стене, просто чудо :)!!

[@sinbads.4189]

My hats are off to you, Shaun. If Cali can't come, there's no reason to be there. 😊

[@zemquoi]

I love that at 36:00, even while filming and narrating, the hunter spots a bass in the shallows! You are the best Shawn. I am so into your new (to us) rig! I have been looking for one myself so this information is timely. I only wish I could have talked you into swinging a bit more south so I could show you Western Appalachia. Safe travels!

[@gretahamilton3483]

Happy Birthday to Mrs. James. Everyone loves Callie! I'm sure that people are enjoying getting to meet and pet Callie, as well as meet you and Mrs. James. Enjoy your visit to the US.

[@KraftyKaren-7]

I just wanted to say I really love your rig setup. And on another note PLEASE be careful of rattlesnakes and sidewinders with Cali running freely. As the temps get warmer the snakes will be coming out usually durning in warm weather, seeking warm sunny spots in the desert. If you start to see lizards out and about, so are the snakes. Just an FYI in case you weren’t aware. F your interested can check out Quartzite Arizona there’s Solent of free camping or low spend camping around, also in the northern areas in Arizona as well. Enjoy your visit here. 😊

[@wbehrens62]

Your a good man Shawn. Take care of mama and you will be back at the cabin soon enough :). I'm sure Cali is having fun as well.

[@marianfrances4959]

Welcome to the world of 4-season truck camping! Happy belated birthday to Mrs. James🎉 Enjoy your trip!! 👍😎🇨🇦💫🔥🌱🐾

[@charlieward9500]

I'm 53 and will be 54 in October. I like that camper you have Mr. James. I enjoy both of your channels.

[@sparky42]

been a hard laborer my entire life ( tradesman ) 50 years and now at age 70 my body feels like it was run over by a truck . I left the Northeast Tundra for the warmth of Florida and built a brand new home . I don't lift a finger to do anything except pleasurable activities anymore and I enjoy watching the birds ..... done

[@nancyrea3863]

Perfect age for camper traveling. Enjoy. Give Cali a hug.

[@daretodream...898]

Welcome. A quick note: A Britta water filter will not filter out Giardia, Cytosporidium, etc. Be careful of your water source. ... The water in northeast Texas is questionable.