Stuck in the Snow | We Learn the HARD Way

We get stuck a total of 5 times in our own driveway in our attempt to head to town.
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[@debbiesander4853]

I’m watching this 4 years after it was filmed. You guys have come a long way! You have so much heavy equipment now to deal with the snow. 👍

[@Tina-jh2sk]

Same here

[@maineshire]

Chains, get some chains!😊

[@anciskold541]

HAHAHA! I'm sorry guys but... When you drive in snow you have to take it VERY easy with the accelerator when you take off with your car. I live in Härnösand, in the middle of Sweden and I know snow and driving in snow. And that Polaris plow.... waste of time. But you'll learn! Love your channel!

[@dianehorgan9066]

Understatement of the year...."Eric Works really hard....we both work really hard!!!" I'm exhausted just watching you!!! At least you save money on gym membership! 😂 In the UK if we get a smattering of snow....the country grinds to a halt!!! Love yous guys. ❤️

[@martinbond46]

That first part was painful to watch, but you kids do usually think ahead. I am confident you will learn from these experiences. I am enjoying the nostalgia your channel gives me. Thank you.

[@dakodaami6973]

5:30 you need to keep the tundra in 4 wheel drive. That why you keep slipping trying to move the trailer

[@mahalathacker6513]

Most TRD trucks are only 2 wheel drive.

[@youwillneverguess]

@@mahalathacker6513 It depends where you are at. For example most trucks sold new in places like Texas or Arizona, are 2wd and then that is of course reflected in the used vehicles available for sale.

[@kimmurphy6864]

Y’all are young enough to handle anything.... I remember those days like it was yesterday lol. Wish I was young again lol. 😃

[@nathanmciver6737]

Your only as old as you think. Keep on moving pimp! Lol ;)

[@angelamarie4137]

I do too. I remember my car doors all being frozen shut and having to dig the car out of the snow. And one time I went off the road into a ditch an a couple park rangers had to pull my car out. Lol

[@yanknoz9710]

I watch these videos and have the utmost respect for you two young folks. Your hard working and determined. That's all that's needed for success. Don't sweat the mistakes. They're our teachers. If I had a nickel for every mistake I made!😉👍👍👍👍👍

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

yanknoz appreciate that 😀

[@susanwollner6623]

My Dad said he used the car mats and bought bigger ones to help. He also bought tire chains.

[@eriknilsson1688]

A classic in Sweden haha! Grandma used to take her "cross country skis?" to assist the nearest retirement home the days the nurses couldn't get to work due to snow.

[@frankie2234]

A nice young couple growing together with adventures. Good luck.

[@judithreynolds1657]

frankie2234 yes, very nice 👍 but where is the $$$ coming from?

[@killahjeep]

you need a better plow.. that trip forward isnt doing you any favors... I highly recommend a snowblower, or even a plow for the tundra.. and chains....

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

I totally agree with you and just got a great deal on a tracked honda snowblower! Thanks for commenting

[@killahjeep]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska I have an older 28" Honda tracked blower.. works awesome... until j blew the motor.. check oil often..

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Will do thanks for the tip!👍

[@killahjeep]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska I should note I had it for nearly 18 years.. best snowblowers on the market in my opinion...

[@thebad300]

he needs a truck with better 4wd

[@MemphisMojo15s]

All the critics bashing these people for what? They're having fun and seemingly doing just fine! The truck is capable and I do believe they understand now that chains are a must so no need to beat these guys in the ground over it. Keep up the good work! Nice truck, nice Polaris, beautiful snow!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

is what it is your comment made us smile because that day we were totally having fun. Our tundra is a wonderful 4wd truck, we did learn a lot about snow in that respect this past winter season 😁

[@MemphisMojo15s]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska I'm glad you enjoyed the comment :-) I love snow too! Lived in it my entire life :-)

[@lbrown6859]

AMEN it is what it is. Some folks are just trying to be helpful, Some folks just like to be hateful!!

[@jameshall3482]

If I was young again I would be there in a heart beat! Love watching your adventures.

[@friedalumpkins]

Such an amazing young couple. Wishing I was young and could do the kind of things you do

[@brucecowdrey2835]

I’m hooked on watching you guys. I’ll say this, you are not afraid of hard work. What were your professions before you moved? 👍

[@chad8251]

i think she was a dentist hygenist idk about him

[@katherinewillie9776]

Build a woodshed before next winter!! Shoveling off the firewood sucks! I learned my lesson my first winter, 17 years ago. 💋✌

[@redcossack245]

Oh the memories watching this brings back. In 5 years of living in Northern Idaho we got stuck or slid off the road four times and helped others 5 times. Nice to watch from a warm and cozy office drinking warm coffee!!

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

Knowing you and watching your videos, this difficult confinement has been somewhat a bit more bearable…my admiration of you both as a perfect team and how a loving couple ought to be, injects hope. Perhaps this world has a chance after all… God bless you both and your precious ambition.👍❤️😘

[@AlmostHomestead]

The adventure continues. Man that’s a lot of snow. That little Polaris was a good investment. Take care guys.

[@traviscore8681]

Chains work wonders guys. Enjoying the videos

[@nickdonaldson8993]

Great to see you working together on your challenges. Free useable stuff is always a bonus. Thanks for sharing.

[@susannegalligan8600]

You make watching you work very easy!! It’s so beautiful there. Sounds of your fire, wonderful. Thanks for the video.

[@kemhughes5895]

Poor Eric, l felt bad for how many times that you guys got stuck. But you and Ariel have such good attitudes about everything. It didn’t seem to bother you guys at all.

[@ronaldcoleman1323]

I’ve had my share of getting stuck also. You did well.

[@ihop8783]

Your teamwork is awesome.

[@mitzimarquez2410]

I've never seen so much snow. Wow 😳. It is so heart warming to see you both working together as a team. Blessings to you both 💖

[@rabbitchaser101]

Oh yes the huge snow falls. Northern Michigan specializes in those. Grab your a self an old snow beater. Old plow truck that just stays in your driveway. Throw 5 or 6 hundred pounds in the bed. Huge time saver. Great job getting it all dug out.

[@jackwebb437]

I follow another family who are quasi-homesteaders. It is so interesting to see the similarities and yet individual differences. I really enjoy watching both channels. If it wasn’t for our age, my wife said that it would’ve been good for us to have taken a similar path.

[@celesteknox1529]

Beautiful there I live in the south where I have summer year around,a little cold during January, February, we might have cold two after that back in the 80's you guys are great.

[@MrRDVIII]

Been there done that, I took us awhile but we now have a 40hp tractor with a pto driven snowblower. 16-20 feet a year. Enjoy and learn.

[@puirYorick]

Ah, memories. I do NOT miss dealing with several feet of snowfall after a blizzard. Worse yet, digging out stuck vehicles *during* a blizzard.

[@sohailakhtar5474]

You guys are really amazing and hard working couple.It’s very difficult to remove heavy snow but you both take it so easy impressive.Keep working and smiling.

[@rbdymock]

Loved your video! Made my day!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Definitely a lot of snow! Hopefully that doesn't end up hindering you two too much. Nice score on the materials. 👍

[@kiasmine]

That was a lot of snow!!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

Oh my what a mess! Looks like yall got out ok! Wow, that's so much snow!!❄❄❄

[@shellybielawski1773]

Y’all are hard workers for sure. Love y’all

[@ruthiemay423]

I am so thankful that your videos have improved so much over the years. No more anoying noisetracks. Your current music is lovely. Thank you!!! ❤❤❤ May 2024.

[@Zenkaz967]

Great free stuff!🥰

[@sylviafoust9545]

Bless your heart!

[@MNJay1]

That's quite the pickle. I don't know all the circumstances surrounding this dilemma. I'm from Minnesota. We get our fare share of snow and cold. I made the mistake once to wait for two storms to move through, a day apart from each other, before I plowed. Never ever again. I'd rather plow 3 times of 8 inches vs one time of 24 inches. I'll go out in the middle of it puking out snow to clear, then go out again when it's done. It's way, WAY too much for the plow truck if I wait. Yes I got stuck. It took 3 hours to get it unstuck, by myself. Using a 4 wheeler with a plow and a shovel for underneath. I feel your pain.

[@fadiskaf1736]

First time I watch your videos, and I love it. You guys are a hard working couple and look very genuine. Look forward for more fun videos. Stay warm and take care of yourselves. You just gained a new subscriber.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you! :)

[@boris2873]

Two tire chain on the tundra & Polaris would help alot. Life long Alaskan and I'm still learning.👍

[@boris2873]

I carry 8 sandbags in my half ton truck if I'm not hauling stuf,the weight helps alot plus when it rains I can use 2 on my driveway and still have enough for weight. The Polaris would probably push snow better to with weight in the bed if you don't already have it.

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Happy New Year you two. That's a lot of snow! Very pretty. Free stuff, awesome. You make a great team, stay toasty!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Happy New Year!

[@cekfraun]

I felt so bad for you, getting stuck in the snow so many times! I live in Maine and can definitely relate. I have a 4WD Subaru Outback now, though, so no more getting stuck, and someone else does the plowing for me. You guys are awesome. Keep up the good work. :-)

[@pattifoote1714]

Your stove should be burning all the time in your condition up there. We live in Upstate NY and when we start it, it doesn’t go out until May, just saying. You may want to stack your wood on your deck and keep refilling that when the weather permits it. Love your channel❤️🤗

[@brandoncomeau130]

I love your channel I’ve watched and re watched all your videos I think you guys are great!

[@lynsmith2698]

Awww yes....the 1st winter in a new place is always the hardest. when we moved up to northern BC (from down near vancouver) it was a real learning curve. You guys have rocked it over the years. We can look back and laugh eh.

[@2007KB]

Great score on all the stuff!

[@ramil6219]

Super video. Milan from Přerov CZ.

[@kimmurphy6864]

Please always keep emergency clothes, blankets n gear in your vehicles 😃

[@markw9841]

Entertaining.... Makes me glad I have a 4WD with studs.... And a contract with a plow company in Anchorage.

[@daveporter6123]

My solution is fun. Get a nice log-attach it too your plow for weight. couple eye screws and a chain with hooks. Gotta get chains for the tundra and put 6 concrete blocks in the back with a couple bags of sand. Dump your fire ash on/in the driveway. Peace! Need a nice working air pump let out air from tires, Install chains,then air tires back up.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Whatever. Wood ash is what they have and works great, especially during the ice season in march april.

[@ringmemarak7369]

My favorite videos

[@terrykunst3883]

Love finding free treasures

[@jcampbell100]

Oh yes been there done that. Thanks for vid,

[@geina4412]

" Are you stuck in that snow again? How did that happen 😂😂😂 I have been binge watching all your videos since I discovered your channel. Love you guys.

[@soniadiez5748]

Hi 🙋🏻‍♀️, i’ve been watching about month or so I love you guys, I wish I was young enough to do that. You guys are both blessed because you both work together and you seem to both like each other a lot and that’s awesome. You need to build a garage to keep your vehicles under neath and out of the snow so you can plow.

[@daveporter6123]

7 cords min every year. Have extra too share if needed or barter and reserve encase someone becomes ill during winter.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Dave Porter, great advice! We are hoping to have an extra years worth by next winter :)

[@rustyiron]

Nothing wrong with the shovel you have, can't get enough snow on it to hurt yourself lifting. Don't wait for the snow to stop before you start plowing. Marking the edge of the drive way should keep you out of the ditch.

[@BreakingFreeOffGrid]

Yep chains 👍 Score on the free stuff. Love your property!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thanks guys!

[@JD-gi4nv]

I have taken to showing this video to family members for a good laugh. I turn it on, sit back and wait for people i'm showing to start laughing and shouting out NO, why is he doing that.? Being from North Dakota and Minnesota we have learned the hard way just like you.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Ugh, snow is so much work !!! I bet next year you will be plowing at the first inch and plow way back !!! Some markers along your path will save you a lot of frustration:) Here in northern Minnesota we have tall markers on every curb, fire hydrants (in town), parking lot perimeter and along driveways !!! I’m tired of winters 🥺

[@donnburge9774]

At least you weren't here 30 plus years ago I lived on Church Road when I was still dirt we used to get 8 feet of snow

[@xxlxpman]

Nokian Hakkapellieta snow tires and two sets of chains. Recommend by the mountain roads of Montana!

[@jerrysmith3414]

take a 55 gallon drum and saw in half from top to bottom , each half will make a good schouvel to push snow and to dump u just lean barrell foward ..u can make a handle,one for each barrel by useing a peace of wood..lay the drum side ways and in middle of drum and middle of top to bottom scres a lag bolt into the wood from inside the drum into your handle on the other side will slide over the snow n push more with each pass . utube has videos on things made from 55 gallon drums .

[@paulag1955]

Your dog is sooooo cute!

[@thomasschauss6429]

Fun in the winter wonderland

[@lizatl1]

One of my favorite videos. I can sit warm and snug and chuckle at your snow perils. I appreciate the serious nature of each event but you youngsters are so capable that I know you will work things out...with such charm and humor.

[@wayupnort6271]

Just catching up on all your past videos! I bet when you got the 6x6 and a proper width plow it was a revelation in snow plowing! 😁. I used to have one here in NW MN. They are plowing beasts! Cheers from the birthplace of Polaris!

[@carmancloud]

It’s all about the rocking!

[@r.dennis3916]

I use an old 4x drive tractor with a pto snow blower attached to rear. While I hate twisting around to see, it makes for a lot easier Clean up.

[@Wilderstead]

No 4WD on the Tundra? If not, I see a new truck in your future!! LOL . Get some tire chains for both that and the polaris. They'll come in handy on more than one occasion I bet. And make sure you keep em in the truck and the side by side! That's quite the snow fall. And winter is just getting started. Stay warm Guys!! Happy New Year!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Yeah the ol tundra has 4x4, that trailer full of snow held her back!

[@zeus3358]

My Sierra would have pulled that out no problem. Did he have it in Auto or 4 by 4? Because I don't see the front tire spinning half the time. And I live in Canada and we get a hell of a lot more snow than that. I got stuck in my driveway and that's because I forgot to take traction control off. At least the snow was over the front tires when I was stuck and hung up. Watching this video is just sad

[@unimogdave]

Snow tires are great on the hwy with couple inchs but you really need a serious snow tire like the BFG KO2. You also should have a recovery strap. If you have to use chains put an old tire between tow. You will damage your ATV and truck using a chain.

[@pete3028]

I had to laugh at the second "tundra stuck" point.. I've been there before D-rip-R-rip-D-rip-R-rrrrriiipp it.. then realization moment you need a shovel! Hello from (the future and) a bit further south in Canada .. started watching your adventure from the start. Keep it up.. I love these accounts of your experience and will share them with everyone I know.

[@uncleredneck3802]

You can cut your wood usage a lot by installing a steel drum on stove pipe and use a fan and dlow on it and use a lot of heat going out the stove pipe.

[@russf6572]

Lots of snow! I think that's the reason I ended up in Oregon rather than Alaska when I left Michigan in 1987. 30 years of 'real' winter was more than enough. Now when I want snow I can drive up to Mt. Hood. (In 34 years I YET to drive up there for the snow!)

[@lebleup]

I don’t even mess around with whether to use chains or not. In a hilly environment at 7900 ft, it’s a recipe for getting stuck without chains. Not good at sub freezing and the white stuff relentlessly coming down.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Agreed, we will get those chains on next time. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hawyee4582]

I'm looking forward to the exciting festivities when I move back from the lower 48. I need a new 4x4 my Corolla wont cut it in Alaska.

[@sgrvtl7183]

Love free stuff!!

[@danjenlilyful]

i would love to live out there, the cost tho of everything .... seeing u use the atv for plowing I just kept thinking a bobcat would be amazing then saw the price... I wish I had a skill I could make money from working from home to afford this... thank you for the videos!

[@jerrysmith3414]

id also put some cusion foam around battery to keep warm along with charger if not just secure in barn where it dont demand so much attention .

[@joemilbourne3151]

The first thing you do when you stuck in snow is unhitch the trailer, 2/ long term build a vehicle and equipment shed three sides and a steep roof and 3/ if the snow is over a foot deep clear it before try to get through it other that keep on going in your great adventure love your video's !!

[@hhcosminnet]

It was fun watching you struggle and learn, making mistakes. I think you could use a teracota stove or better a masonry stove. They have a lot more mass to heat up so once they heat up you are warm for many hours. That cast iron stove will get cold very fast once the fire is done. I use teracota stove at my country house and it's great. They are/were really popular in Europe. They are not hard to build. Would make for a nice project. Having a lot of fun watching your adventures.

[@DukeStreetBill]

Lay down some firewood, split side up, at right angles to the slipping tires; try to tuck the first piece right under the tire.

[@fourbyfourer]

The lady is quite the worker, and a good fire starter.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Yes she is! Not afraid to get her hands dirty 💪😎

[@jeep4ron]

Lower your tire pressure to 15-20lbs. That’s the first thing I do when I get stuck. Get some tracks for that Polaris that would do the trick. To bad there so much money . It’s all fun anyway. A shovel goes a long way in the snow.! And a lot better than MUD..!! LOL. Nice to get some good looking free stuff right. Stay warm and have a great night you two..!!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thanks for the tips! I see a proper snow shovel in our near future!

[@aspendell209]

Greetings from down the road near Big Lake. If you tilt your solar panels down about 5 degrees from vertical, it will prevent most of the snow and ice from collecting on them. This is a fairly common practice in Alaska during the deep winter months, when the sun doesn't get much more than 5 degrees above the treeline. Any power lost due to not being aligned with the suns path will be recouped by the solar rays reflecting off the snow. You should not notice any net difference, and performance may even improve, at least through February.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Howdy neighbor! We agree we need a steeper angle on our panels, we have to modify our mount a little to achieve this, maybe this spring? Great tip on the sun reflecting off the snow we never thought of that! Have a great weekend!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Looks like you need to add a differential lock to make all 4 tires spin instead of limited slip during normal use. A plow on truck would be a good thing during winter as well.

[@fnnnknorth]

To see a female that grew up in the bay area that admits that Erik is the muscle in the relationship! Blows my mind. We all have our biological strengths. Love the snow 🇨🇦 and the comments. Thanks for sharing. There’s many of us that envy your adventures (and videos).

[@stephaniebranstetter1834]

My husband and I will be moving to the Wasilla area in May! Looks like we are the exact same age as both of you:) Maybe our paths will cross! Love your channel, you're living our dream. Can't wait to be there next winter.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Very cool! We love it here! But...it is -12 F today... Oh well we've got the wood stove going nice and hot! I'm sure we will run into each other these towns are very small! 😀✌

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Some day you will regard -20 as nothing to write home about.

[@michaelbodner2955]

Chains on all fours, and tighten up the springs on the plow

[@akrealestatebroker]

I live in Anchorage. Better get a truck with a plow. Ford F250 has excellent front ends for heavy plow work. Blessings!

[@everettlamborn]

chains! there great for that weather

[@howdygunslingers3496]

too much fun,,,

[@williamwalter8554]

Hi Arielle and Eric, I was thinking about the snow issue and how to solve it. What do you think about geothermally heated antifreeze solution or even in combination with solar evacuated tubes. Heating an IBC tote of antifreeze that is piped out with pex tubing or whatever can withstand the harsh winters under your driveway, chicken coop even the out house. Now a secondary problem to solve is how muddy your driveway gets and driving over the pipe. It would start with grading the driveway properly removing ruts and such, then laying the pipe loop down, adding 2 to 3 inches of sand over it, followed by landscaping fabric (this will keep the gravel from sinking into the ground) then a few inches of gravel. I'd think that would give you a good road surface for your driveway. Hope you like the idea and can work it into your future. Cheers, Bill P.S. An obvious afterthought having the gravel on the driveway will reduce a lot of your mud problems come spring thaw.

[@michaelarchangelthehammer]

Sidenote..I was a Toyota mastertech in history..and I replaced a few of the front diffs on the tundra and ifs cruisers, just be cautious about spinning them up during snow/mud time,at some point they find traction and then pop ...this was in Washington state

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thanks for the tip, I think I need to put my chains on next time it snows that much and I need to use my trailer. Got our tundra with 100k on it now has 227k... She's getting old!

[@cortezj29]

The plow needs to be at least as wide as the outside edge of your tires. That way the tires track over the surface cleared by the plow. You would need a 66 inch wide plow for a midsize Polaris.

[@stevediduck9963]

Pretty slick spot for those solar panels. I'm surprised your Tundra got stuck and more than once. Probably because lack of weight in your box. Not sure how heavy that tandem is but it's fairly low so it's plowing snow. We use to have a Toyota FourRunner. All the year we had it, it never got stuck. Best 4x4 we ever had. Anyway the quad made the difference. See you have a newer type now.