The Brutally Honest Truth About Gate Guarding in Texas | RV Work Camping Jobs for $200/Day

After a month of not knowing what our next work camping job would be, we were hired for one of the many gate guarding jobs south of San Antonio, Texas. We have absolutely no idea what to expect, but we’re taking you along for the ride to share everything we had to do to get to this point, what RV gate guarding is all about, and the surprise visitor we found hanging around at the job site.
Stick around until the end, though, because that’s when we experience the biggest shock of all.
🎬 Watch What Happens Next (Part 2): • Is This the End? What'...
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00:00 Intro
01:05 The Growing List of RV Projects
03:40 Google Maps Sucks
05:16 How to Get a Gate Guarding Job
10:45 Unexpected Guests at the Drilling Rig
14:29 How the Dog got Her Name
17:50 Honest Thoughts about Gate Guarding
21:08 Our Job Ends Abruptly
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Hey there! We're Joe + Kalyn!
As online entrepreneurs, we thought, "why not work from home... on the road"? So in 2019, we bought and renovated a 2005 Jayco Designer Fifth Wheel, which took us to every state in the lower 48. But the economy hit our business especially hard after the 'vid, spurring us to pivot in new directions and try different strategies, including various RV work camping jobs!
Follow our full-time RV Life journey as we build back our bank accounts in order to fund the biggest RV trip of our lifetime-Alaska.
WE SEND ONLY FUN STUFF ⤵️
bit.ly/OpenRoadingUpdates
REAL-TIME UPDATES + STORIES FROM FULL TIME TRAVEL ⤵️
/ openroading
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[@kamikazekunze]

To avoid Google thinking it knows better. Select the route you want, but ad a stop midway (small town) and that forces it to stay on your route. 👍🏻

[@OpenRoading]

I love intelligent people in the comment section! Thanks! -J

[@user-sumoryabizz]

I've done this too.

[@chiggermagnet]

Thank you, Thank you Thank you, for this simple solution. We prefer to take back roads, and it's so annoying to have Google think it knows better than we do about the route we'd like to take. I'm actually surprised that there's no class action lawsuit against Google for causing people to look away from their driving to select that they would like to continue with a route, or have Google suddenly change it!

[@xtphreak]

I use a Garmin GPS on my bike (Yamaha Super Tenere) and I'm very used to sticking "waypoints" into routes to force it to "go my way". Or just figure out the route and let it recalculate when you don't do as it says.

[@xtphreak]

But the way, I subscribed to see what the "Trinity" storyline does. Good on ya both for caring👍

[@nowlinak]

This dog adopted you!!! It is meant to be. Glad you guys added him to your family. Well done!

[@OpenRoading]

Not sure how this comment got past me without a reply but yes...she really did adopt us not the other way around. -J

[@michaeldomec5275]

Hello Im one of the drivers that frequents these gates. Some gate guards take the job way to seriously and are like robots and very rude lol its nice when you meet friendly salt of the earth folks like yall. South Texas is one of our main areas so hope to see yall n say hello while you are there!!! Cheers

[@OpenRoading]

Our number 1 goal was to be pleasant to the people who came through. We actually miss a couple of the guys that were daily drivers since we've moved on. -J

[@xtrlo]

Thank you for saving the dog!

[@OpenRoading]

❤️🐕

[@superwolf28]

Keep that dog! It’s so hard to find them that chill.

[@OpenRoading]

She is pretty chill that's for sure! -J

[@justwannasay5454]

I sold the house and am currently at an RV park in my 24 foot tt in CA with my dog, Red, and cat, Winnie. I have befriended a homeless, beautiful black cat with green eyes. She went from being very skinny and hanging around the dumpsters to well-fed.😊 I also made a heated bed for her inside my fence around the RV. I will get her fixed. My dog (and cat) dont know what to make of her lbut I think they may come around. lol.I also have "been known" to throw a few scaps to some raccoons and a beautiful CA grey fox with a black stripe on her back. 😮. Taking care of stray animals is a GREAT THING. ❤

[@OpenRoading]

So sweet. I don't recommend adopting the fox and the raccoon though. 😉 -J

[@mrpescadore]

Retired with a 2023 RV available in the backyard, I originally tuned in to check out gate guarding. But I fell in love with Trinity! Thanks for rescuing her, I hope she has a forever home with y’all.

[@OpenRoading]

She does indeed! Thanks so much for watching, new videos featuring Trinity (and with us as supporting cast) every week! -J

[@glendahartwick9252]

Im in tears...Thank You for being kind to her...Shes a precious dog 🩷🐾🩷

[@dawncore9863]

We've been gate guarding since May 2019. It is not a job that everyone will like. We've had good and bad gates. Some are short-term, some long. The nature of the job is uncertain due to a few things. It could be the energy company, the contract with the land owner, personality conflicts, the rig wanting a different Guard company, etc... We've been doing this for 4 1/2 years now. We were out of work (when we wanted to be working) for a total of 12 days in all that time. We were lucky in the fact that we worked all thru COVID. I hope everything works out like you need it to. How's the dog and rabbit getting along?? Y'all stay safe out there!!

[@OpenRoading]

Love hearing stories like yours! We actually ran into another couple who was between gates while we were waiting. Kalyn and I have said to each other that if we weren't also involved in other projects that Gate Guarding is probably THE way to go. We have to be a lot more picky in what gates we take because we don't want to lose progress on our other projects. All in all - good experience! Learned a lot! Dog and rabbit are getting along so far. Not fast friends by any means, but Cody isn't being eyed as a meal by Trinity so that's a good thing! -J

[@dawncore9863]

@@OpenRoading 😅🤣 Not being looked at like a snack is a big improvement! 😎

[@OpenRoading]

Indeed!

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

$250 and you got 12 days? plus moving around expenses??..

[@genespell4340]

​@@edwardmcdermott9948$200 per day. Plus the company had a generator for the people guarding the gate. From what I gathered, they were not paid any additional money for anything.

[@DRSTICKEY]

I love the fact you saved that beautiful dog 🐕 your both my inspiration

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks. She didn’t give us much choice. 😂 Couldn’t imagine life without her now. -J

[@elf150hz]

This brings back memories. I did this for about 8 years in 2000 and then another 3 years with my wife. We have alot of great memories and would love to go back to it. The money is good but can at times get interesting. One thing I would sugest getting is a 4 or 8 camera security system. It can help with the gate guarding and also your protection with living in a travel trailer. Also I worked in upper, mid and lower Texas, even in OK. and NM. Just for fun I bought a telescope for the nights to look at the stars. A lot of good memories. Trinity will make a great addition for you in your travels and life. ✌

[@OpenRoading]

We have some good motion sensors but I do think if I were planning on gate guarding for a longer period of time I would invest in the cameras like you say! -J

[@elf150hz]

When I started back in 2003? The motion sensors were and are a must. As for cameras, I used a VCR to record the video. I would still get the camera system even if you don't continue the gate guarding just because they will make you know what is happening around the trailer when you are in or out of the trailer. I used a wired system back then but now you could get a wireless system and use solar powered caneras up to 900+ feet away. I don't know if you are have protection but there are some bad people comming across the border now (Just to let you know, we live in The RGV, (Mercedes) and have for 15 years now.) An example would be if you are at a Walmart and hear a noise outside at night you could just see what is happening and prepare for it. Anywho, I just want you and your wife to be safe and have fun with your adventures. @@OpenRoading

[@FryedTater]

Trinity is adorable! You can tell she has a lot of love to give y'all! Can't wait for the next episode... Safe travels!

[@OpenRoading]

Very very true! -J

[@johnnybq2]

Trinity is a good girl… those eye brow dogs are usually very friendly and personable both with family and strangers.

[@OpenRoading]

She's amazing! And we just love her tan points. -J

[@arthurmiranda3804]

So glad to see your channel growing Joe!! Great content

[@OpenRoading]

AHH!! So awesome to see you on here! Thanks for the encouragement. Trying my hardest not to end up working at a sorting facility again! Hope med school is treating you well! -J

[@EconomicRefugeesRV]

We do the recruiting for Guard1 at the tent in Quartzsite, and the thing about gate guarding is you never know, once they get to know you better you will more than likely get longer term gates, that can be good as long as it's a good gate !! You can turn down gates if you don"t feel comfortable, just know a lot of people will tell you a lot of negative but we have helped a lot of people to get out of debt and be able to do things they would not been able to do other wise , Remember the best day of gate guarding is your last, but compared to a lot of the jobs out there, you can call a lot of the shots !!

[@OpenRoading]

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. Overall our experience with guard 1 was very positive. They had no issues when we turned down gates and I think we had a good working relationship on the job. Our only negatives (and I don't think we did more then mention it in the video) was: 1. Almost no warning that the job was coming to a close. Maybe this is something that is common across the whole industry but getting 12 hours notice that we had to leave was something we did not expect at all. Even if someone said "Hey, the job is wrapping up so we don't know when but there is a good chance we'll be done in the next few days" would have done a lot to ease the shock of the 12 hour notice. 2. When being recruited for gates the recruiter didn't know some basic information: What type of gate is it? Fracking, Drilling, wrap up? | How much does it pay? These two questions were super basic so getting pitched a gate without knowing the answer to those questions was very odd to me. We actually have recommended Guard 1 to some friends who are currently in the process of applying. So we couldn't have hated it too much. 🤣 We would totally work with guard 1 again if the gate was right. We were paid on time and had no issues with water, power, and sewer. -J

[@JoelUldrych-kh2sc]

Trinity looks exactly like my Emmy who passed. I miss her so much. She was a German Shepherd/Lab mix. ❤

[@OpenRoading]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Animals take so much of our hearts when they go. 😥 -J

[@JoelUldrych-kh2sc]

​@@OpenRoadingThank you.

[@Traveler7450]

I’m thankful that I’m retired and able to travel. I can’t image getting a phone call that suddenly puts you out of work. Keep us posted. On Trinity & thanks for giving her a good home.

[@OpenRoading]

We're working hard on getting our work from home money to be our sole income again - this is just a bump in the road that we'll make it over in no time. Thanks so much for the encouragement! -J

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

Well, I'm guessing that the universal dog distribution system has chosen you to be blessed with Trinity!!!

[@OpenRoading]

@@houseportraitscalligraphy7474 LOL the good old U.D.D.S. 😂 Yep - they got us a good one. -J

[@luiytheninja3655]

I've been struggling with this lately. I have worked for years to get to where I am now, and I am finally working at a large tech company. Only to find the culture is not what it used to be, and that layoffs are a constant fear. So, I'm biding my time, and building my rig, in the meantime, working on my own projects and business ideas. Maybe by the time they decide they pay me too much and let me go, I can finally just go do what I want.

[@OpenRoading]

@@luiytheninja3655 The biggest thing people ask us is "Aren't you worried about retirement?" Honestly? Sure! We were hoping that by now we'd have more saved and that our business would be booming. But it hasn't been the case. But what if I do the 9-5, work my butt off, save $500,000 and the economy tanks and the dollar becomes worthless? Or, what if I get to retirement age and then get a terminal diagnosis? All that to say, there are no promises in life. There is no guarantee of financial security even if you make ALL the "right" choices. You should absolutely make wise and considered choices. People who max out credit cards for travel they can't afford are mortgaging their future for a quick burst of fun. But those considered choices for us meant putting our eggs in the entrepreneurship basket and understanding that basket comes with a very low floor....and a very high ceiling. We chose this path because in the meantime we get to explore, and we get to do it together. We're not guaranteed to be able to do that when we're older. This life isn't romantic. It's even downright hard sometimes. Even a little scary. But I wouldn't trade it. -J

[@cherylsalinas1548]

Hope you found a new job and I hope Trinity does well with you guys. A sweet dog. We respected a dog and we have had her a year and she is still kind of skittish but she is a love bug. Worth it. Be safe ❤️❤️❤️

[@OpenRoading]

More info on the new job next week! Love hearing rescue stories! -J

[@Gilikemail]

My favorite part was watching Trinity's amazing transformation. Thank you for showing her some love.

[@OpenRoading]

She has really become a huge part of the family -J

[@gypsycrossroads]

We gate guard as one of our Workamper jobs too just with a different company. We started last September. At our first gate about two weeks in my wife was sitting on the RV step looking at her phone and out of know where she got a big sloppy kiss from a white and black Pit bull. We too took him to the vet... no chip. Put ads all over the place including the towns Facebook page. No one claimed him. So now Loki is part of our family. On our second gate we were requested by Trinity to be their gate guard and were told as the rig moves, we will move with it for as long as we wanted to work. We decided to take a few weeks of vacation time to see my family in CA. When we returned they were wrapping up the drilling. We were told the next gate wasn't going to have a guard at it. We were not ready for that nor budgeted for that. Luckly, the company we work for called us after one day of being off and said they had another gate four hours away. Looks like this one may last into March which lines up almost perfect with another Workamper Job we enjoy doing over the summer. Hope it all works out with Trinity, she like Loki are fortunate enough to find caring people.

[@OpenRoading]

I love it when jobs line up! We've been told we can move with our current one if it ends before we are ready to be done...but we will see. I've learned not to think of anything as a guarantee in this line of work. 😂 -J

[@seanbhaney]

Wow, I'm not quite sure how I wound up watching your video, but it is heartfelt, seemingly genuine, and very interesting! I was wondering if you'd adopt Trinity and so glad you did! I subscribed, mainly to get a sense of your life state and your travels! You're a beautiful couple and I hope the best for you!

[@OpenRoading]

See...I don't know what timezone you are in, but generally if you are watching youtube after midnight "I'm not quite sure how I wound up watching ____" could be a daily mantra. 😂 (speaking from experience here of course). Thanks so much for your super kind words. The goal of our channel is to be as real as humanly possible while also still having some clear personal boundaries. Welcome to the ride! -J

[@user-ux8kv9sc4i]

I'm new here and am happy to have found you. So cool you have a great dog now . We all need to help them out. Love and compassion is the answer.❤

[@OpenRoading]

When you watch tonights video PLEASE make sure you make it all the way to minute 8!!!!!!! -J

[@godislove6611]

Hi guys! I think you both have hearts of gold! ❤ Please keep the faith and I am rooting for you! ❤

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for the encouragement! -J

[@gfody7593]

Trinity has come to you at a good time. She’s a good girl! Thanks for giving her the chance she deserves with your precious bunny.

[@OpenRoading]

She's fitting right into the fam! -J

[@ebenezerwheezer2957]

​@@OpenRoading I'm glad you opened your hearts to Trinity. 😊

[@GrassRootsLiving]

We JUST found your channel. Love it! You two are so real, and so beautiful, and so enjoyable to watch. Thanks for the great video and the fun channel. Hopefully we'll meet on the road. Do ya'll ever do Quartzsite?

[@OpenRoading]

Awe thank you so much for your kindness! We haven't done Quartzite as of yet. A couple years ago we wintered in Gold Canyon outside Phoenix so we could be convinced to stay in that part of the west again. 😁 Although if we were that close I'm pretty sure the Superstition Mtns would be calling us back...hard! We'll have to keep an eye out for each other! Can't miss us when we have the motorcycle on the front of the truck! -J

[@lifenlivin4us]

@@OpenRoading lol True. That would be hard to get used to. I don't know if you've ever seen our channel, but we'll be doing a video soon to let everyone know our 2024 plans. Maybe you can check it out and see if we'll cross paths sometime this year. We hope your sweet bunny is doing well.

[@OpenRoading]

@@lifenlivin4us I will be sure to check it out! I started your shopping trip to Parhump (we boondocked in Beatty and had to make a similar shopping run in 2022) but got super busy. Hoping to finish it up tonight! Cody is still doing well all things considered. Still taking his pain meds and begging for treats which we make sure to never say no to. -J

[@annwilliams1082]

Good morning! Just watched your Instagram post. WOW! Hope all is good your way. Sounds like things are getting added to your bucket list, that are a bit scary. Love watching your adventures and travel life!

[@OpenRoading]

Happy New Year Ann! Yeah - it was interesting the other day for sure! No more earthquakes today though. New experiences every day. -J

[@dianesilverstein6475]

Just found your channel, and subscribed! Look forward to seeing your adventures! P.S. keep that sweet pup!😊

[@OpenRoading]

Watch the video with the thumbnail "Unemployed" for the "Trinity decision" 🙂 -J

[@michaelodonoghue7464]

I am located in South Australia and this was 20 years ago. There were 3 of us guarding a Gate. During the 12 hours of nighttime there were 2 of us, whilst during the 12 hours of daylight, there was only 1. We did Monday to Friday (5 shifts) and another 3 guards covered the weekend. Basically our gate guarding company charged the customer $25 for each Man-hour of guard time. Thus the 6 week contract cost the client $37,800. As a guard supervisor I was earning $22 Australian per hour or $1,320 Australian per week.

[@OpenRoading]

So in 20 years the guard gets about the same and you work all 7 days. Sounds about right. 😂 -J

[@mongolordofdarkness]

​@@OpenRoadingBut you're not at work. You take down their name and what company they work for. The gates aren't that busy.

[@OpenRoading]

What is this in reference to? -J

[@genespell4340]

​@@mongolordofdarknessEven if it isn't your idea of work, it's still work. I think it's something I may look into in the future.

[@404errorpagenotfound.6]

Isn't there some technology that can do this job cheaper and better than humans???

[@bobabooie6389]

That 2005 fifth wheel is probably built stronger than the new ones👍🇺🇲

[@OpenRoading]

We have been coming to a similar conclusion… -J

[@matsulli2086]

Definitely a cliff hanger video! We just missed you in your travels as we are host at an RV park in Fredericksburg Texas!

[@OpenRoading]

Oh yeah! We drove a stones throw from ya'll in this video. We took 281 most of the way down (Google kept trying to throw me back over on the interstate 😂) -J

[@desertpointadventures]

Subscribed to follow Trinity's story! Enjoyed many other videos over the last few days. Great storytelling and quality editing!

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much for sharing such kind words with us! - K

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so so much. So very kind of you to take the time and let us know we're doing a good job. We hope to earn each view! -J

[@ssnerd583]

I've worked in the oil fields of Texas and Louisiana and Oklahoma and New Mexico for almost 15 years....and it takes a while to get the whole thing figured out......once you DO get 'the pulse' of the job down, you will be able to tell very easily what is going on on the job by what trucks are coming and going and when.....the guys who work on the rig can also be great source of info for rig operations ......

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for sharing! We had a good relationship with a few of the guys coming on and off. Honestly some of the nicest people we've met on the road. -J

[@ssnerd583]

The 'oil field community' is smaller than you would think and everybody looks out for everybody......gate guards included. @@OpenRoading

[@debbiemccormack781]

Sorry about your bunny. So hard to lose our beloved pets. We had to put down our 15 year old dog who has fulltimed with us this past 10 years. SO so hard. We were going to spread his ashes at one of our favorite hiking places, but decided he should come to Alaska with us as Alaska is the only state he didn't make it to. So his ashes will travel along with us this May to Alaska! I hope your bunny continues to be pain free.

[@OpenRoading]

Losing a pet is so so hard. We had another rabbit that we also lost this past summer which made the news that much more difficult. However, Cody has been taking his meds daily like a champ and continues to rule the RV. We feel lucky to have had 4-5 months more with him already and cherish every day longer that we get. -J

[@potatothorn]

very interesting thanks for sharing your experience

[@philipforder9183]

Guys, remember, it's the journey, the freedom to choose, you've made decisions and go with the flow, chill each and take each day as it comes! I know that sounds very generic but it's true, you can let it be nerve racking, or, there is freedom knowing gate keeping is a means to an end, thank God you have that to sustain & get ahead! There are a ton of us that envy your adventure, and we are living vicariously through you two! You have each other, your dog found you, enjoy!

[@OpenRoading]

I love this! Thank you - sometimes it's hard to remember in the stressful moments that they are just moments. -J

[@nathanurick8320]

This is my first video of yours and I’m hooked, I just enjoy regular people.

[@OpenRoading]

Regular people, that is us through and through! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to drop us a comment. -J

[@juliohur4001]

I used to work with a guy that would say "mash" that button, I laughed every time he said it. Good luck, can't wait for the next video.

[@OpenRoading]

MASH IT! 😂 -J

[@christiangraham506]

That puppy is absolutely adorable and I hope you keep her and give her a great loving home!!!

[@OpenRoading]

We did. 🥰 -J

[@frankstith7800]

Subbed, tho this the 1st video of yours that I have seen. Good luck w/Trinity. I believe Exciting times are ahead for all of you. Happy trails…

[@OpenRoading]

KZbin seemed to deem this video worthy to send out to more people. 😁 Thanks so much for subscribing and letting us know you're here! -J

[@OpenRoading]

(As far as old content that you missed is concerned....watch anything published before October 2023 with the knowledge that we didn't really have a good grasp on how to make interesting content before that point in time. Not saying it's terrible....it's just not....as good? 😂)

[@11110010]

If you want more control of your GPS routing and keep it from rerouting you automatically set one or more waypoints on the route you want to take

[@OpenRoading]

Great advice. Thank you! - K

[@wildrvlife]

That Google maps issue is exactly how we ended up with our RV Garmin! It’s crazy how it will just switch routes with no announcement!

[@OpenRoading]

We will have to consider something like that sometime. Usually we can get away with google and pre-planning but this was just downright annoying. -J

[@homermcclain4599]

I'm a retired truck driver I used to deliver New York City a lot more than I ever wanted to and most of the time that same mapping system that you are telling the truth about would actually show me setting somewhere about 200 miles off in Atlantic Ocean not good when you're down in the burrows it wasn't for security issues that I had no partner being caught up in I'll take up this skate garden gate guarding gig spent my long younger life working the oil fields I loved it but then also love truck driving I worked since 1965 and now I'm taking what IRS gives me out which makes me look back to all the years when I had a son and a family that told me all that work I was doing what worth it dad I can kind of agree well spoken on this gate gig job from an old rough neck keep sunny side up and free roads in front of you

[@marklisinski3192]

Trinity is a blessing. A gift. Let her be family. We got Trixie when we moved here. The people who had her no longer wanted her so she's part of our family now and she's more than welcome. Just lover her and let her love you. She'll see what it's like to be around good people now

[@OpenRoading]

I don't know if you've watched any of the videos after this one but yes, Trinity has been an absolutely amazing addition to the family. I don't think a more perfect fit of a dog exists. (I type as we finish our breakfast smoothies from the couch and she is resting up against Kalyn's lap.) -J

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Glad I found your channel. I subbed!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for the subscribe! -J

[@jerryvanderwier2310]

Thank you for taking care of Trinity🥰🐶🥳

[@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852]

Awesome job for multitasking. Pup will come around ❣️🐾🐾❣️. Please keep her, she found you for a reason 💞

[@OpenRoading]

We did. :) She's part of the family now. -J

[@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852]

@@OpenRoading good to hear👍🤓👍❣️🐾🐾❣️.she looks like a gentle giant😁. And looks like she picked people that would love her.❣️..time and patience..❣️ New sub here,enjoy yr content 👍

[@OpenRoading]

@@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852 Thanks so much! -J

[@thecherryrvlife]

My dad lives in a town adjacent to the LBJ Grasslands - we stay there (though not on FS904) when visiting him. Awesome place. If you pick up a Texas road map from the Texas Dept of Highways (get them at the Tourist Info Centers when entering Texas), all the picnic areas along the state highways are marked with black dots on the map. Not all picnic areas are suitable for all RVs - google satellite view is a big help making sure you can get in and out.

[@OpenRoading]

Oh that is an awesome tip! Thank you!! More states need these picnic areas. I've never seen so many and it made stopping for a travel break so much easier. -J

[@TammyLynn-163]

Hello from Oklahoma! I'm new to your channel and I'm hooked! So, I subscribed. I really like your "Let's Get Lost" baseball cap, btw. I guess I'll be binge watching all your past videos on this quiet Sunday after a night of tornadoes. ❤

[@OpenRoading]

You had an "exciting" couple of days! I hope you made it out unscathed. The tornadoes looked so crazy every video I saw I had to research to make sure it wasn't fake. So so crazy! -J

[@saras4181]

So glad you're taking care of Trinity! I subscribed because of Trinity. We travel with our pup so I prefer watching others with pups!

[@OpenRoading]

So glad you're here for the adventure! If you haven't watched "Unemployed" yet you'll want to! -J

[@stcroixpaintingpros5586]

Oh boy,, this is bringing back memories of oil rigs in ND. They need constant water & lots of supplies 24-7. There is absolutely no way anyone sticks around for more than 30 days! I was sort of happy to see them cut you guys free early because you needed a break from that 24 hour/day job. Always love seeing your video pop up & cant wait to see what's next!

[@OpenRoading]

We always love seeing familiar names in the comments week after week! We we're hoping to go 30 days since it wasn't a busy rig, buttttttt as you'll see in a week or two, it really worked out very well for us by lining us up pretty perfectly for our next gig. -J

[@David_Arteman]

If you don't want to be re routed you can add a couple of towns on YOUR route as Waypoints. Problem solved.

[@OpenRoading]

And this is why I love the internet. Thank you sir! -J

[@Scrambler85]

Great video, just found your channel and subscribed. 👍

[@OpenRoading]

Welcome!! Thank you!! ☺️ -K

[@rebeccaj]

Aww you kept her❤️ Enjoying catching up on your journey 🥰

[@OpenRoading]

Indeed we did. 🙂-J

[@brittabrand6645]

We gave up on Google maps long time ago….. we absolutely love Trinity- she is a perfect fit for the family ❤

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah...thinking we may have to find another map solution before Alaska. We've used google for 4 years though and haven't hit a low bridge yet! So that's good right!? 😂 (If you've ever hit a low bridge I apologize!) -J

[@SapioiT]

For Google Maps (if you're not using Waze already), you can get it to stop by adding stops along the route, but not actually stopping there, so it knows you definitely want to take that route.

[@OpenRoading]

So many people in the comments here that are much smarter with technology than I am. I'm here for it! Thank you! -J

[@KuptisOriginal]

I get that but one shouldn't have to do that once a route is picked. Apple Maps is just as bad.

[@OpenRoading]

@@KuptisOriginal 100%. Like...I picked this route! If you think something is better, offer it...BUT DON'T SWITCH WITHOUT MY CONSENT! 😂 -J

[@TheSilmarillian]

Hello from down under not sure if we have gate keepers here but sounds interesting and the hound adopted you two not the other way around , new sub here great content indeed. Glad you added Trinity to your mix stay safe.

[@OpenRoading]

She 1000% adopted us. Started by stealing our chair. -J

[@pascopirate]

Thank you for your content.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for watching! -K

[@jamesstilwell1041]

So cool, you were probably meant to meet the dog. The gate is secondary!!! The more people I meet , the more I like my dog!!!!?

[@d.j_cam]

thank you for saving the dog ❤

[@OpenRoading]

😀

[@jamesclark5310]

Thanks!

[@richcollins513]

15:43 you make that man happy. Look at his smile. World needs more happy couples. Dont ever separate.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much! She does indeed make me not just a better guy but indeed a happier one! Separation is not in the game plan. If we ever have to “choose between _____ and us” we always choose us. 😄 -J

[@doodlebug4022]

Trinity should definitely be part of your family!!!

[@OpenRoading]

Stay tuned! -J

[@bobabooie6389]

I'm glad you adopted Trinity👍🇺🇲

[@OpenRoading]

We are too! Couldn’t imagine life without her at this point. -J

[@terryfuselier8241]

We have been traveling in our RV for 7 years. We use multiple Apps for travel days; Wazes, Google, Maps, and our Atlas. Maps is usually the best. Love your videos.

[@OpenRoading]

That's funny.... because if maps is apple maps...That app bugs me more than google maps. 😂 I don't know why it just doesn't work the way my brain does. Just goes to show how much of "what app is best" comes down to pure preference for sure!! -J

[@Mizz.Person]

New sub. This is my first video if you guys and you just seem like salt of the earth, good humans. Thank you for sharing! :)😊

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much. I got the notification of this comment right after I got one (on a different video) where someone...was less nice. Thank you. This cooled me down and reminded me that the world is full of encouraging people and not to let the discouraging ones get me down. -J

[@GenderSkins]

Well your gate guarding is definitely way different then my level 3 security work for Pinkerton back in the 1990’s. That included everything from guarding a hole in the ground, to air port gate guarding to work in bank security as an armed guard escorting bank tellers transferring money from the main bank to their drive through. But it still ended the same way in many cases.

[@OpenRoading]

Yes, this is level 2 work so a little bit down the ladder from what you were doing for sure. 🙂 -J

[@sjeffreyw]

The dog has adopted you, so I think you take it with you.

[@OpenRoading]

She has definitely worked her way into our hearts! - K

[@cargoon-cargoconversionbui2880]

Great video guys!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much! -J

[@homermcclain4599]

That is completely true and I am in agreement with you friend.

[@OpenRoading]

Great! I'm glad we agree. On what...I'm not sure but so glad we agree! 😂 -J

[@NadineMcSpadden]

Oh I hope you keep Trinity 😀. She is so sweet

[@OpenRoading]

Stay tuned! (I type as she lays to me). -J

[@georgehartle8902]

Great video. Google maps does that to me as well. I'm not sure how to remedy it.

[@OpenRoading]

I’ve never had it be THAT frustrating. It kept trying to change us over for at least an hour. -J

[@espresso3623]

Just found your channel. Love it

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for tuning in!! - K

[@TPBurrow]

I mashed it, very endearing vid, enjoy your journeys folks:)

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for mashing!! -J

[@intentsglampingtx]

Trinity (I named her Patch; because she's from the oil patch😝) will be the BEST dog ever! She's a "pleaser" and recognizes y'alls compasion. I worked in the oil/gas industry for many years, and dealt with a lot of 'newbie' gate guards over rhe years. Y'all definitely seemed to have a good grasp; so I'm sure you'll get another assignment soon. I also had a short-lived life of full-time RVing; so I'm connecting with you guys on multiple levels at this point! OF COURSE, I'M SUBSCRIBING‼️ I'm two weeks late to the game! I'm hoping for the follow-up as soon as I hit send! 😁🤣 Hang in there, y'all. If Trinity needs a forever home, I'm in League City, TX. (and I would NEVER rename her! That's Trinity! Did you name her after the river? 😁

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for being so awesome. Trinity has found her forever home…with us. 😀. So one of the companies we were working for at the time was Trinity… 😂 -J

[@kencotton4645]

Having do shift work, I can’t imagine having only two folks to monitor a gate 24/7. I can’t imagine you being able to last beyond the first 30 days without being completely exhausted.

[@OpenRoading]

I think for a super busy gate I'd agree. And of course it wears on you with any gate, but if you manage the hours well with each other, giving each other some extra time when needed, you can make it work! -J

[@philliphall5198]

It’s only right if you keep her and love her ❤ It’s the right thing to do and You’ll know it too 😊 Welcome to Texas

[@stephainerose8765]

🎉 you asked for it you got it ! First time viewer first time subscriber, I hit the like button you're so cute 🌴Stephanie🌹Rose her from Florida👣 Thanks for letting me tag along! Thanks 4 being awesome paw parents💕 It's all about the journey and who you share it with ❗ Thanks for sharing it with me 🇺🇸

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for being here! -J

[@DudeAndDogsSailing]

Im subscribed for the dog. Love the name. I think you will be great dog owners. She just needs lots of love and as much socialization as possible. She probably had a tough early life and doesnt understand yet that most people are good. She probably "knows" 3-4 people ever and half hit her. Great video.

[@OpenRoading]

She's getting lots of love! If you haven't seen the "Unemployed" video you'll want to watch it. 🙂 -J

[@happycamper00blake]

I bet a campsite in California still cost an arm or leg 🤕. Here in Arkansas I pay $350 a month for a spot with electric, water, trash, wifi , cable. If I ever left Arkansas I would be very poor.😒. Prices are so different and expensive across our country. It's bs

[@OpenRoading]

We RVed through California last year and spent most of the time boondocking because you are correct, campgrounds on the west coast are expensive....along with fuel. -J

[@edellenburg78]

Never been here before but love the content and here to see what's next. I also smashed that button for your husband lol

[@OpenRoading]

YESS!!!! SMASH THAT BUTTON! 😂 Thanks so much for stopping by! If you are looking for a Trinity update we do have e a couple more videos out after this one. Just go to the videos section on our channel page. -J

[@profoundseeker9434]

Well.,,, just found your channel and imma friggin hooked already… so do a short or something to lets us know y’all are good and trinity is good,,,,, geez

[@OpenRoading]

Tomorrow. 8pm Eastern time. You can make it! 😁 -J

[@philconfer4192]

The company should have let you know that when you commit to a time period it is with the company not an exact site. We have been guarding with J&G and they are very good about giving you an idea of how long your time could be, yes "could" is the opportune word, because a gate could end or be extended for any reason. The best advice I would give anyone is, be flexible. Understand that the time is approximate and make the best of every gate you sit.

[@OpenRoading]

Oh this is very interesting. The 30 days with a company was certainly not made clear to us - that said I'm not sure how I feel about that as I'm saying "yes" to a gate, not a company. The type of gate we needed to be at was quite specific so with one gate ending we couldn't simply shift to another gate without considering whether or not it was a good fit. Ultimately, our experience at this first gate was a good one - we were just caught completely off guard (no pun intended) by the suddenness of completion. -J

[@philconfer4192]

@@OpenRoadingAlso remember you are an independent contractor; you can say no to a gate. The company should be able to tell you what phase the operation is in. We have done Flowback and it is not that busy either.

[@OpenRoading]

@@philconfer4192 Yep - We said no to several! I just don't get the 30 day commitment part. I understand if I sign up for a gate I'm committing to 30 days but if it ends early am I still supposed to be exclusively with them until the 30 days is up? Guard 1 didn't treat me that way (We are currently working another gate with another company) but I don't know if I burned a bridge unintentionally. We assumed since the gate was done, our commitment was done. -J

[@philconfer4192]

@@OpenRoading Not sure about the bridge burning, we have only worked with J&G. I have heard of people leaving a company to work with other companies for a variety of reasons. Getting paid normally being the top reason. I hope that you guys get settled with a company that fits your needs. For us J&G has been a very good fit.

[@OpenRoading]

@@philconfer4192 Being new to the whole process I'm more focused on finding the right gates that fit and then making sure it's a reputable company. J&G was wonderful in helping us get set up and then they were actually the ones that pointed us to other recruiters since they didn't have anything available for us right away. So far we've worked for S&S and Guard 1 and would recommend them both. -J

[@FWMCBigFoot]

That was not very nice. "They don't want to hire people who don't know what day of the week it is." I'm retired, and that would be me and my wife. 😂 Very good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@OpenRoading]

Hahaha!! I don’t know sometimes either!! Too funny. -J

[@tonibowen1020]

The first time I woke up and didn't know what day it was - I knew I was officially retired!

[@NickGoesFar]

I work a 14 day on 14 day off schedule - it all blends together for me 🤣

[@xtphreak]

When I worked Prudhoe Bay, I did 21 12's on, 21 off. I wasn't even sure what week it was!!

[@SparkeyCox]

LOL - I have to double check the day too. I would hate to see what that would be like if I was on stuff. hehehehe

[@jeffboquist3904]

Good show

[@mikeclassing5263]

Just came across your channel and subscribed , hope things work out for ya thats a bummer the way things happened , wish your were near NC my fur buddy Max and I would give Trinity a loving comy home , she is so cute .

[@OpenRoading]

She is so adorable! Stay tuned for tomorrow's video to see what happens with her. 😄 - K

[@RoadTrippingFrank]

ok so i subscribed because i want to see trnity have a good home, BUT if she doesnt stay with you i will unsubscribe.....They say if a dog finds you and they stay around its for a good reason.... Dogs pick who they love.... I have 3 dogs and they all found me, i didnt go looking for them.... and my 3 dogs are the most loving, loyal and caring dogs.......

[@OpenRoading]

Hi Frank! I need you to promise me something....Promise me that you will watch all the way to minute 7 or 8 of our next video (comes out Friday night). It will be worth it, trust me. 🙂 -J

[@RoadTrippingFrank]

@@OpenRoading as long as you promise that if you ever come thru Tucson arizona you stop and say hello

[@OpenRoading]

We want to see more of your National Park so we'll be through someday! -J

[@RoadTrippingFrank]

@@OpenRoading which park is that?

[@OpenRoading]

@@RoadTrippingFrank Saguaro national park!

[@jamesclark5310]

If it is JG gate guarding . Don't they have a spot for you in there yard till the next opening? From the Beet Harvest. I have a question. Did you look at actually driving for a farmer. They start posting in July for corn and/or Beet, on there website. I was paid $30 hr straight time and $20 hr prior to them starting just to interior clean the equipment. That's if your planning for next year. No CDL required!! Gate guarding is something i have been checking into but not real enthusiastic on the idea. Since I'm single but looking for a partner to be able to live on site. I seen a vid on one of these channels. And after i believe 6 months of traveling thru Alaska there total expenditures were in the low 30k range. Keep up the real life video's there enjoyable.

[@OpenRoading]

First, Thanks so much for the Super Thanks! I don't think I will ever get used to seeing those notifications. We never expected anyone to ever give us anything toward this adventure so frankly I'm floored by the generosity we've been shown every time it happens. THANK YOU! So, this particular gate was with Guard 1. JG didn't have any openings for us at the time. Guard 1 treated us well and I'd work with them again. Guard 1 did offer another gate within a day, BUT it was a fracking job and we knew the extra traffic was going to put a crimp in our ability to accomplish our other work so we had to turn that down. Those are really good driving rates! Was that in ND? I believe (don't quote me) the farmers around Drayton were paying $20 an hour. I think the drivers were ultimately getting paid more than us once it all shook out, but not much more. That was secondhand information on my part though. $30K doesn't seem far fetched for Alaska. I know Happily Ever Hanks spent around $13K over the course of 70ish days. The $15K we are saving is for specific expenses: Gas, Excursions, and some financial buffer. By removing gas from our normal living budget (which is one of our bigger line items generally) that will help free up money in that budget to cover the added expense of food etc. -J

[@jamesclark5310]

@@OpenRoading it was in Ada, Mn. About half way between Grand Forks and Fargo. Closer to Fargo. While you were/are Gateguarding , do you know if any of the cdl drivers were workcamping? I'm very familiar with the oilfields in the Basin of Utah and alot of oilfield hands stay in RV's but not, specifically as workcampers as Water haulers. The "Patch" will wear a person out. Very transient occupation. That's why i was wondering if you knew if the cdl drivers were workcamping vs permanent employees. Also a question on your editing program. Which one do you use ? I know youtube takes a huge cut. have you considered starting a Patreon ? Seems to me that maybe a good option. Have a Happy New Year and God Bless.

[@OpenRoading]

@@jamesclark5310 I don't know if any of the drivers were workcampers but if I were to guess I don't think they were. As to editing program we use Wondershare Filmora. I'm familiar with, and have used, Premiere and Final Cut, but in my opinion Filmora gives you the biggest bang for your buck especially if you are new to editing. We actually switched from Final Cut to Wondershare because Kalyn wanted to learn editing and was overwhelmed by Final Cut. So we haven't considered Patreon because we don't want to have another platform to maintain. Yes, KZbin takes something like 30% and if the person does a superthanks from an apple device Apple also take a giant chunk. Honestly...this is something we are still trying to figure out how to approach because we aren't asking for money, and don't want to give that appearance. Please don't get me wrong here, there is absolutely nothing wrong with channels who use Patreon or who solicit donations from viewers, it's just not the route we wanted to take. At least not while we are finding our feet here on KZbin. We do have a Paypal link that we've shared with people who have asked (it's paypal.me/openroading ) We both continue to be overwhelmed when people give! -J

[@martjebicker9168]

Stone Voss rocks when it comes to those awnings. Ingrid will walk you through the proper measurements and then installation. We have a 20yr old monaco. Not ever having an rv before, Ingrid was invaluable and my awning looks great over my bedroom slide out. KZbin university is also very helpful.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for the rec! -J

[@willdrivesu7914]

That seems like a lot of trouble and hoops to jump through to get a job where they can just cut you off like that. I'll be interested to see if you try to get hired on for another gate and how quick the process is.

[@OpenRoading]

So we could have been on a new gate the next day - however it was a busier gate for the same pay and it would have caused Kalyn to have to put the progress on her business on pause and I probably would have had to stop editing for this channel - because of that we said no and waited. We got offered probably 4 gates from different companies during the next week, all similar situations. We got our next gate 10 days later and it's been wonderful. The cut off point is simply when the project is done. So when they are done drilling, fracking, or whatever is going on, they no longer need the gate. Our issue was the lack of a heads up - would have been amazing if we had been made aware 2-3 days prior that we were wrapping up and that we'd be done soon. We wouldn't have even needed an exact end date, just to be made aware. -J

[@lisaannh.y.357]

What company do you go through to find these opportunities? @@OpenRoading

[@OpenRoading]

@@lisaannh.y.357 So with our limited experience, companies I recommend looking into: J&G (haven't worked with them but TONS of good reviews and they walked us through the process of getting certified. They just did not have a gate when we were ready) Guard 1 - Company we worked for in this vid. Only complaint about the whole thing was how it all ended but that may be typical for the industry - I don't know. S&S - Another company we have worked for. All in Texas. There are plenty of other companies just make sure you do some google research because some are better than others and some appear to be downright awful to work for (like.....not paying you on time etc). -J

[@sewdutch2]

You got me, I subscribed! I want to be a solo workamper. I recently had a similar experience of being found by a dog. And my youngest son just became a guard for a power plant and had to go through the same preparation. BTW, he makes $20/hr, 12 hrs/day, 6 days a week, far more than what I do (bus driving). And he's only 18. 😮

[@OpenRoading]

Hopefully he can put away some of that cash for the future! I think when I was 18 I was making $7 an hour and stupidly putting away nothing. 😂 -J

[@robertfalcon6083]

Suckered me in! Subscribed! Best of luck!!

[@OpenRoading]

Welcome!! -K

[@dawnnewedge7822]

What is Kayln’s business so we can help support?

[@OpenRoading]

That's so sweet of you to ask. You can find all things Kalyn over at kalynbrooke.com and kzbin.info But let me warn you...too much time over there may cause you to buy a planner, learn Notion, and get your life organized. 😀 -J

[@user-ny2ld2gy5i]

Use a GPS and not a phone.

[@OpenRoading]

We’re thinking about it! -K

[@user-jo5ff1xv7u]

Use a rand McNally rv gps

[@catherinemartin6740]

Oh what a cliffhanger so not nice hahaha loving your shenanigans keep them coming ❤❤❤❤

[@OpenRoading]

More adventure next week! We promise. Never a dull moment over here. -J

[@lakeseminole]

I have several comments. You two are very closely connected as man and wife. I noticed how he was concerned about her safety as he went to town for items. At 67 years of age I never heard of gate guarding! Great to learn something new. Trinity is a great dog and was meant for you both. I hope as I watch future videos, he is a part of your close team!

[@OpenRoading]

Trinity is fully part of the family now. She's been such an amazing addition and has brought such joy. Kalyn and I from day one have been committed to our relationship. We've had some rough roads as any couple does but we don't give up on our vows. -J

[@jayc4283]

Cool what you are doing, best wishes for the future. At the risk of being a wet towel, try not do dig for leveling if you can at all avoid it. It can easily set off erosion and a hole that does not just return to hard compacted like you found it. Some places who cares, and so much worse happens, but since you leave and never see it again, thought I would plant a seed if you choose to look into it. Happy travels !!!

[@OpenRoading]

We rarely do it. This was probably the 3rd time in 5 years. I’m sure we’ll be back in this neck of the woods at some point so I will check in to see what havok I created. -J

[@jayc4283]

@@OpenRoading it might have a zip line in it if you take too long ;-P

[@OpenRoading]

@@jayc4283 Helping spur on the local economy one RV leveling situation at a time. -J

[@JayandTash]

Soon to be new full time RV couple here from Alberta Canada. Just stumbled on to my our channel. We will be following intently on your journey. Best of luck! Followed and subscribed! PS, sorry about your furry family member,, we too just had to amputate our dog(nala) rear leg due to cancer. She also has a limited time left with us. Stay strong.

[@OpenRoading]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your dog! I hope the surgery was successful in gaining more happy times together. -J

[@jackdeth2004]

Sounds like the well/pad finished up. I'm surprised that no one gave you an idea that the job was almost over though. When they are about done with a project they have a general idea when they will be completely finished. in about 7 years of working on drilling rigs I only had 2 wells where they called it quits early. but even then it took some time for them to finish up everything that had to be done on location before the site was empty.

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah. We started to get suspicious about 1 day before but no heads up. From what I’ve heard from other guards it’s a pretty common thing…the guard is often out of the communication loop. -J

[@ajf5823]

I hate when the GPS thinks it knows better and switches your route! 🤦‍♀️ I also totally agree about Texas roads and the crazy speed limits and western half smells like an oil refinery

[@OpenRoading]

"Smells like an oil refinery" 😂 It's true. -J

[@ajf5823]

@@OpenRoading…l had such a headache after driving hours through west Texas! I don’t know how people live with it!

[@OpenRoading]

@@ajf5823 Just don't take up smoking. 💥 -J

[@deborahlakowski4831]

Love your movie clips

[@OpenRoading]

Have you seen our short where we recreate a scene from "The Island" 😂 I think it's our most underrated piece of content ever. kzbin.infojBBQTbzGWf8?si=T2AKrapuuxESPCPC

[@chistinemartel9043]

You have a great chemistry together. And I will for sure follow you guys and really hope Trinity stays with you.

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much. If you check out the video "Unemployed" you'll get the second half of Trinity's adoption story. After being married for almost 17 years I'm so glad we've got some chemistry! 😀 -J