The VAN'S STUCK IN THE SNOW! - Vermont Winter Van Life - Ep 27

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching!!! Just a heads up! We upgraded the tires to BFG KO2’s and got chains in the van for our journey out west! Love the BFG’s already used them in snow and they’re amazing! Check out our Instagram www.Instagram.com/mathersonthemap for more real time content!

[@vincecarluccio5018]

Check with Mercedes. You might have to use cables instead of chains.

[@dsteck5888]

Yup...KO2s baby...Best tire yet

[@kanehelgren5618]

Awesome video! I love the way you portray the story and all the amazing drone shots!! I was wondering what kind of light bar you went with? Thanks!

[@caroldolan1485]

We got stuck in the snow in Vermont...in a BMW....these 2 guys in a jeep came up the hill and rescued us! I sat in the trunk for weight and they drove us to the top!! A convertible with regular ties was not a good idea!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha I hear ya there, need snow tires up there!!

[@ronethridge9875]

yaw are a great couple/sweet too/love your videos/fun-fun to watch/thanks much

[@margiepeary8003]

WOW!!! From the warm, ⛅ beaches of Florida, to the 🎿 slopes of Vermont... what an enjoyable contrast. 🏖️ 😀🏂

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Yea it was fun switching it up!!!! Haha thanks for watching Margie!

[@OurRetiredLife]

Great video guys. Taylor said it best, "Let's not dwell". Stay safe and have fun!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Yula!! Yep can’t dwell at all!

[@maggiebrattoli383]

I love the real van life. Loading, packing, prepping, etc. Great video. Love you guys. 💕💕

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Maggie!!!

[@wesleymahood8716]

Great comment

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, I love the sound deadening effect of deep snow, so peaceful.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Me too!!!

[@melissag7071]

Glad you got out safe. Made me smile so big seeing you guys having so much fun at Sugerbush in the beautiful snow. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your snowboard Journey. BE SAFE! 🙏

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Melissa! You too!

[@FnAVanLife]

The vibe at Taos New Mexico is epic.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Wish we went!

[@TheRyan183]

If you guys find yourselves in Vermont again let me know, I'll give you a proper tour! You were just a stone's throw from my house. Too bad Ben and Jerry's was closed, but just down the road is an apple cider mill (Cold Hollow Cider Mill) that is open year-around with delicious apple cider and donuts. We're glad to have you!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Aghh we saw that on the map and we’re tempted to go but decided not too, bummer. And thank you! Maybe next winter when we get back on the east coast!! Thanks for watching!

[@Scrambler85]

Great editing, I see the efforts for the different shots. The winter driving shots looks amazing from the warm and never ending rain of the South. I run the KO2's on one of my jeeps, they are good for a lot of conditions, be careful with them in the sand, they like to dig. Always a thumbs up 👍

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Jackie! Good to know about those KO2’s

[@gamesofshaggy4025]

i live in vermont raised an born here. picked a great place for snowbaording

[@guigomusa]

Nice to see you snowboarding on a mountain all to yourselves. No one else on the slopes

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Yea it was wild!!! So empty on a Tuesday!

[@Jacob619619]

(9:10): Here comes Taylor, then bonks her head on the ceiling compartment. (9:15) **BONK** Ow, (bleep)!! (28:04): Kev's reaction to the scrubbing windshield wiper. 😂😂😂😂

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hahaha good times! Thanks for watching Jacob

[@svrds10]

Great VLOG today. Looks like you guys got some really good powder there! Great running into you guys over the weekend & thanks for letting me borrow the ice scraper. Came in clutch and just bought one... Safe travels!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

You got it Ryan! Nice meeting you too!! hope everything worked out with your van and the weather warmed up a bit! 🥶

[@tamaralatta2399]

Taos is Amazing. You should go. There is so much to do there. Taos Mesa Brewery check out Max brew Master. Really you will be missing a wonderful adventure if you skip it.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Wish we could Tamara!!!

[@georgechilidis8446]

A very well documented video, I’m happy that you made it back home safely. I was only 10 in 1966 when I experience -45C winter weather in Montréal Quebec Canada 🇨🇦 as we immigrated from Chania Crete the largest Greek island our home only 100 meters from the beach 🏖 I was just a kid with my 7 year old sister growing up two streets from Little Italy 🇮🇹 here in Montréal… i enjoy your videos Kevin

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you George! Happy New Year! -45C must be bitter cold 🥶 Greece is on our list, we have yet to visit, do you go back from time to time?

[@georgechilidis8446]

@@MathersOnTheMap Happy New year Kevin & Taylor wishing you have a blast in 2022. Yes I been going back to my hometown in Chania Crete (island) the last 12 years on my 2 weeks vacation but of the pandemic didn't travel the last 2 and maybe 2022. Crete is a must on your list. "Humans have inhabited the island since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Crete was the centre of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 2700 to 1420 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece." Our family home was only 120 steps to the beach of Agii Apostoli, it will be unforgettable as I now try to explore more every year I go. I'm only 66 ... Take care stay strong ..

[@dmwi1549]

Great scenery. I’m surprised you didn’t have people lined up outside because of the great smelling chicken! Put BFG KO2’s on my Sprinter last summer. Tire shop paid me for still new Kumhos the van had from the factory. Something your viewers can try if they buy a new van. Great tires so far.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Woah really? That’s a sweet deal and a good idea for others!

[@dmwi1549]

My tire dealer sells consumer but also services a lot of commercial and construction. So he probably has sprinter owners looking for this size. He charged me the same as other stores I shopped, then gave me $115 per tire for the take offs. He originally said they couldn’t have more than 300-500 miles on them. Since I had a trip planned he allowed 700. Really good deal I thought. I see people trying to sell rims and tires on Sprinter Source for $500-600. This was hassle free. These will be my winter tires/wheels if I choose to go with aluminum rims and larger tires down the road.

[@dmwi1549]

I’m planning on picking up a set of MaxTrax for this type of situation. After see your slide off and Venture4WD’s first slide off with his Rebel maybe some chains would be good to have? His van came with BFG’s. I already pack a tow strap and shovel and I found where that tow hook is stored that screws into the front bumper. Glad you had a safe trip, no damage, just good info for all of us with vans.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We bought cheap max trax off amazon and got us out of a bad stuck in Idaho highly recommend them

[@elizabethroblyer5615]

Taos is the best place ever!!!

[@emmarowse8071]

Very glad you got back home safe and sound 😊. I’ve only skied at Mountain Creek, NJ when we lived in the States for two years from 1999. Very different to skiing in Europe but just as wonderful. Look after yourselves

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We snowboarding in Saas few Switzerland and loved it! We want to go to more places in Europe!

[@emmarowse8071]

@@MathersOnTheMap oh wow that sounds amazing! I’ve not skied in Switzerland just France and Italy. I want to go back to Alpe d’Huez before my knees completely let me down. It was fun snowboarding with you 😊

[@PictureMeFree]

Hand warmers for the GoPro batteries

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I hear ya! I do keep the extra batteries in the inside pocket but I guess that’s the key

[@PictureMeFree]

@@MathersOnTheMap tape one to the case while you’re recording too. It’s the temperature that drains the batteries.

[@gerardfenn3988]

3:15 mark, Thats the way the GSP is on Sunday nights heading home from the shore. But just keep thinking, soon it will start to move. UGH!!!

[@janivoutilainen2610]

That's why put the maxxfan right on top of the stove :D

[@G.J..Journeys]

Hi from Scotland. New subscriber. Nice to have the episodes numbered so we can look back.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Graeme! I appreciate it!!

[@ABonRMS]

Glad you both had a good time, no damage to the van and "got out of Dodge" before the freezing rain and ice hit. I dont know what Vermont got but the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is snow, and ice. My local roads are ok driving but everything is iced up. While in college I used to ski at the former Glen Ellen Ski area before it was purchased by Sugarbush. Then it wasn't as expensive nor as crowded as Sugarbush. So glad you had a nice trip and you got home before the snow and ice that followed. Snow tires and even a set of chains would be reassuring if you are going to CA after CO. Sometimes the mountain pass is closed to car without snow tires or chains. I know trucks are required to have chains, if your classified as a truck they may require chains. Practice putting them on with a good set of spreaders in your driveway in NJ if you haven't used them before.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you! yea we got lucky we were able to get towed out when we did because it was getting worse and worse. We got KO2s and a pair of chains as well! You will get a $1000 fine if you don't have chains and need a tow out in CO.

[@danrussell3439]

They make a zip tie tire chain easy to install for when you are stuck not a substitute for snow tires or chains but they work in an emergency look around on KZbin

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Good to know I’ll check that out thanks Dan!

[@NealBritt]

In our neck of the woods (Home state for my fiancée), but now we’re down in Florida! Would have loved to show you two some incredible places back up there! Maybe we’ll catch you on the road sometime since home base is now in Albuquerque when we aren’t on the road. Taos (Pronounced Taws, like a long w) is a must. My fiancée just finished up a travel nurse assignment there before we came to Florida. Beautiful place, amazing people, great culture and food! Plus home of the Earthship homes community! Enjoy guys!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I wish we could! We have limited time on the winter road trip and had to rule it out. Hopefully we can make it there in the future though! Taylor used to travel nurse too, that’s awesome!

[@andreadesantis4102]

Happy new year 2022☃️

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Happy New Year!

[@knoxyouraveragetravelers]

We went skiing in Taos a couple years ago and we loved it! We are hoping to get back out to Santa Fe and Taos soon!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Agh it’s on our list we need to make it eventually but not this trip

[@adriankung1625]

That was some rockin' drone footage again! Looking forward to the upcoming Winter Wonderland scenery wherever you head next. Glad you got the new tires -- and chains. I was gonna say you really need chains as well for those conditions. Protect your investment and mobile chalet/ accommodations. Safe and Happy travels!! Also would be very interested in what kinds of things you need to do to keep your van's systems working in cold weather, and issues you need to keep on top of or beware of regarding heating and plumbing.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Adrian!!! We got a video in store for you regarding winter in the van, we experienced some nights where it was 0’F not sure what that is in C? -16? Hopefully it will be out in 2 weeks or so

[@billinns7676]

You two make me laugh.... I''m a Marine... I say go to Chaos!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha thanks Bill!! And thank you for your service!

[@cjg8822]

Wow 😳 no snow tires on in Vt. 🤞🏻 Good luck 🍀 hope you don’t get stuck!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Yea we gambled and lost! All good now

[@andrewkorol4758]

how do you keep plumbing/water tanks from freezing? would love a video about winterizing a van for ski season

[@alansach8437]

Most of the time you just winterize (drain all water from the fresh water system and blow out the lines or fill them with RV antifreeze). This means that you carry fresh water in bottles for drinking and washing. If you choose you can pour some RV antifreeze into the black water tank so you can use the toilet in emergencies (though if you flush by pouring bottled water in the toilet you must add more antifreeze or just use antifreeze to flush). A few high end RVs are now being sold with heated tanks and lines, which can be used in the winter without special accommodations, except turning on the heat lines.

[@cosmenogueiradealmeida6062]

🇧🇷😃👍Greetings from Brazil! I am Brazilian written on this channel, and I love watching your videos.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

thank you Cosme! We hope to visit Brazil eventually!

[@bjbhehir]

Glad you didn't damage the van!! It sounds like you have an Ikon Pass? As much as I like the Sprinters for many reason my 2020 AWD Transit is an absolute beast in the snow!! It's much better than my Outback and Highlander with only All Season Tires!! Those snow storms in Vt are just a dusting in Tahoe and Mammoth. A few days ago we got about a foot and cars/SUVs were stuck everywhere, I had no problem at all!! In the past 2 weeks we've had over 12 feet down in Mammoth and over 10 in Tahoe!! My house is at 5000 feet and Mt Rose is at 8,260 and I can get there in 25 minutes so it's a very steep drive, trust me it's no Vt country road!! I grew up in New England. I'd skip Taos and head out West for the simple reason (I'm assuming you have the Ikon pass) there are a lot more resorts you can board at. I'm heading to Squaw today for my 76th day this season!! Let me know if you have any questions about any resorts out West. Safe Travels and hope to meet you if you come to Tahoe!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Holy smokes that’s a lot of snow!!! Jealous of your AWD transit sounds awesome 4wd sprinters are too expensive for us! We’ll be out in California in beginning of March hopefully so may take ya up on that!

[@TrustNotMyHeart]

Right at the same time you said WHEW! I said. THAT'S NOT GOOD. lol

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hahaha! Thanks for watching!

[@Frost-tb9qs]

Watched every ad so you can get those new tires

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hahahahaha thanks Frost! Unfortunately we’re copyright claimed right now trying to get it cleared so we have no control over the ads sorry!

[@JohnWCR]

Understand on the sprinter the fuel line for the extra port for the heater is in the tank. Did you have to drop the fuel tank to hook up the line for the heater? Or did you just do a t it into the line?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Nope there’s an auxiliary tap on our model check out our install video going through it in detail. Not all sprinters have it though (particularly older ones)

[@johnsousa2558]

Nice winter wonderland video. Is Sugar Bush one of your favorite ski resorts in the North East and have you visited there in the summer. Your upcoming trip out west sounds exciting. Enjoyed watching your video on the slopes from a fellow snowboarder. Looked like you had the runs to yourselves.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks John! we haven't visited enough vermont ski resorts to have an opinion but we liked Sugar Bush! We did have it to ourselves got really lucky with the fresh snow and mid week!

[@kristinlong9821]

What did you find about from keeping the go pro from dying? We had this same problem in Montana. I had 3 different batteries all died. I even had a heat pack in my jacket pocket.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Gotta keep the batteries warm which didn’t work too good for us either but I have 5 batteries so let me last a little longer

[@owenmiller9290]

How to you find places to park each night? Is there like an app that shows where you can and can’t park?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

iOverlander is the one we use most frequently!

[@dmartil73]

Great video guys. Kevin, you reminded me of Steve Urkel (did I do that?) with your pants pulled so high and that belt so tight. Taylor you are a natural on that mountain, I would like to try that one day. I think you need to have a 4wd snatch strap in the car so that a passer by can pull you out, instead of waiting for a tow truck. That snow looks so beautiful, what a difference from down south.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Dirk it was beautiful we got lucky with those ski conditions! Yea I thought about getting one. For this scenario though I wouldn’t want to put others in that situation on the mountain bypass road it was pretty busy with cars.

[@dmartil73]

@@MathersOnTheMap I know what you mean, glad you upgraded the tyres

[@MrMatt0184]

Tire chains. But it looks like that would of been a pain to get them on that tire.

[@carlyndolphin]

Great video guys..... did you have all season or summer tires on when you got stuck? I’m trying not to make the same mistake

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Stock road tires... nothing special!

[@toes325]

Which light bar did you get and do you still like it?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks for reminder! Added to description but here’s our affiliate link LED LIGHT BAR: amzn.to/3uqEtDU yes we still like it had to get a oem switch off eBay though

[@morgandonnally2333]

Taos---Its tow (first part of tow-er) and then the s sound--It rhymes with mouse!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha thank you Morgan!!! We’ll remember that now!

[@billblecher9215]

Always carry cat litter and a couple of bottles of alcohol put alcohol in your window washer just trying to help

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We had max trax too but it was too late I was too deep!

[@dsteck5888]

Lmao..."Let's Go!!!"

[@davidsqvbcn]

Hey, what a winter journey! Loved it! I think I’ll upgrade mine next winter...Kevin, did you upgrade them yourself? Any special tool? Or you just took the van to the workshop? Do you have a spare tire in your van? Here in Barcelona, time to go get some sleep 🌙 Have a good one! PS: Never mind, Kevin, Taylor ☺️😂, just watching your latest video..with the tires upgrade 👍🏻

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha glad you found our latest video! Thanks for watching David! We love Spain and Barcelona!!!!

[@JestonSun]

Ether get winter tires or AWD(All-Wheel-Drive).

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We got BFG KO2s! Love them!

[@JestonSun]

@@MathersOnTheMap Is the Sprinter Rear Wheel Drive?

[@elvispresley6364]

What’s the first song on your vlog?

[@kanehelgren5618]

Use Shazam

[@VanLifeinVietNam]

Loved!! Van life in viet nam say hello

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!

[@graysonthomas1357]

Crazy trip, this might be a good time to ask you a question that i have been meaning to. How is your van insured? Did you get RV insurance or just stick with the standard vehicle insurance. I got the title changed from truck to RV here in FL but i am struggling to find a company that will insure it as an RV.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

State Farm insured it as a campervan!

[@graysonthomas1357]

@@MathersOnTheMap Awesome that's what I am trying to do down here but none of the state farm agents have been very helpful.

[@ronpaguio9014]

How’s ze Espar holding up? Sufficient enough? You have the S2 D2L right? Is your van RWD or 4x4?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Ron! Espar is a beast! We have s2d2 and love it. Van is RWD couldn’t afford 4wd when we were buying

[@ronpaguio9014]

@@MathersOnTheMap oh. I just bought the s2d2L. I wonder what’s the difference with the “L”. Did you try rocking the van, meaning, reverse for a bit then forward, then reverse then forward. I like your shots where the camera is in a cabinet and you’re opening it and even pouring something on it. Very creative. How about boiling your GoPro on water so you can see the water boiling while you’re looking down on it 😂 lol. About devices dying on cold I think that’s a batter thing. Not insulated enough. Maybe put a sealed something to jacket the GoPro. I have suspicion it depends where you bought it too. Example, same model product bought from Walmart vs BestBuy are not exactly the same.

[@wesleymahood8716]

I love the chemistry you have together as you're both contributing in making your video both informative and entertaining. You did an awesome job on upgrading your Mercedes van. This may sound odd, but I didn't even know they had a van. Can you please answer two questions of mine.....(the 1st is a two-part question) What do you both do for a living, and how are you both able to get off work the same time? And 2nd.....who does your extremely professional editing, and Cinema photography? .....Wesley ([e-mail]) BTW..... I'm gonna be getting into my 1st van upgrade in about 3 or 4 months. In the mean time I'm homeless living in my car...and until than I'm heading to Texas to make a little money in helping Texas recover from the recent disaster. I will continue watching your channel, and spreading your amazing story. Thanks

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Wesley! Mercedes Sprinter is likely the most popular converted camper van although the dodge promaster and ford transit are gaining traction. I used to work in corporate and built up our savings now I focus on youtube, Taylor is a nurse, now part time. We edit and film everything ourselves! I heard it's crazy in Texas right now so that's awesome you're able to help out! Best of luck with your van build once you get it! We got a van build series that may be able to help!

[@thomasseymour4190]

No mention of or, I’m imagining, respect for VT’s out of state travel guidelines during the pandemic! We’ve had them in place the entire time!! Straight from NJ to the slopes. You can quarantine before you get here, but you made no mention of that and you certainly did not once you arrived. I welcome all visitors, but please respect the guidelines our Dept of Health has enacted during the pandemic.

[@staceyshinske3998]

was just about to say the same. Mercedes vans w NJ plates don't get looked onto really well right now.

[@iliketanks2863]

Just here to say i dont think a sprinter is really a van

[@MathersOnTheMap]

🧐 what

[@CaribbeanZapatta]

TOO MUCH WORK I Hate winter ............

[@normstrong6496]

Pure stupidity! For less than $200 you would be able to get self adjusting chains for the sprinter van. That’s a lot less than a set of tires for the sprinter van. From what I see it would not surprise me if you don’t check your ties and engine fluids every day you do any traveling in your van.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Got the chains and the tires! What do you mean ties?