Treacherous Exit From Telkwa Pass | Northern Canada OVERLAND Van Life

After succeeding a "4x4 Access Only" route through the epic Telkwa Pass in northern BC, we found ourselves at an incredibly beautiful remote mountain lake. Stunning indeed, but we were only half way through the Pass and still needed to make it out (alive). Surely the second half would be an easier exit. WRONG!! It was more "escape" than "exit". Join us for the exciting conclusion to our mission to drive the entire Telkwa Pass in a 2WD cargo van. It's another nail-biter! (Mothers, this is your trigger warning!)
#slowroamers #panamerican #youtubers #vanlife #2wd #offroadadventure #overlanding #diyvanconversion #diyvanbuild #globetrotterlife #digitalnomad #chevyexpress #travelcouplevlogs #weeklyvlog
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[@BenStinnett]

A masterclass in storytelling. Amazing to see you guys get to such epic spots in the van, overcoming all the challenges! Can't wait to see where you get to next!

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks Ben! We’re certainly going places, although I’m not sure we want to do trails like the Telkwa all the time.🤣 Thanks for watching, amigo. 🙌🏻

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

What you folks lack in a 4 wheel drive van. You more then make up for in soul and cinematic video each week. 👍 Rock on 🙂.

[@SlowRoamers]

Awww, thank you! Glad you’re enjoying our escapades into the wild.😁

[@sector299]

Wow, you have captured some of the most scenic beauty and a lot of heart stopping moments! Keep it up!

[@SlowRoamers]

Thank you! We certainly will!

[@toddgallagher4878]

Poor Betty… Dang she took a beating … but it made for an epic adventure 😂🎉

[@SlowRoamers]

Ah, she can take it….i hope.🤣

[@Overlanding_Junky]

You thought Baja was hard 😮 that was crazy in a 2wd van, very impressive.

[@SlowRoamers]

lol, yeah, seems as though BC FSR’s are not to be trifled with.🤣

[@Scrambler85]

Excellent video, definitely a thumbs up 👍

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks so much for the watching!🙌🏻

[@chalanidissanayake1534]

What an excellent adventure 😮

[@SlowRoamers]

Is sure was! Thanks for watching!🙌🏻

[@SB-xu8pi]

Even though I’ve driven 4x4’s for the past 15 years, when at work I’ve driven a van just like yours. I’m impressed by what you are able to do, since I’ve been stuck on customers unpaved driveway before.

[@michaelmoore9139]

Absolutely love the cinematography, your sense of adventure and how absolutely sweet and authentic the two of you are! My wife and I are living vicariously through you too every week in anticipation of starting our own van life adventures in August. Ours is a front wheel drive RAM, so gravel roads at best! 😂🤣😂

[@SlowRoamers]

That’s amazing! So glad we’re inspiring you two to get out and get after it! Stoke for you both and thanks for watching!

[@geekahertz]

I was stressed out watching y'all complete the pass. Anytime I've had to back my van out of a situation, i'm sweating bullets! Well done exercising that muscle. Great storytelling and beautiful shots as usual. I get excited every time I see a new video pop up from you guys.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks man, we’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos. I can promise you there will be so many more with equally as impressive places. Thanks for watching!🙌🏼

[@JennyLong-nj5xe]

😂😂😂😂😂 he’s like, everyone on the internet is shaking their heads! What is wrong with this guy??!!! 😂 ummmmm……yeah! Duh! But you had no choice!!! When there’s a will, there’s a way!!! You’ll do anything to get out of there!!?

[@SlowRoamers]

That’s absolutely true!🤣 Thanks for watching, Jenny!🙌🏻

[@chocolatemaninavan1]

Y'all might be a little crazy, but this has been so fun to watch! Not to mention very inspiring for what my basic 2wd cargo van has the potential to accomplish with a few upgrades.

[@SlowRoamers]

Hahaha, thanks man! I think you’ll be surprised by where you’ll go, but you won’t know until you try.😁

[@MyVanMonty]

What an adventure. That lake looked amazing. Mosquitoes aside, what an epic epic journey!

[@SlowRoamers]

Yep! It was one of the best places we’ve stayed, mosquitos aside.🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@tikienvy4814]

I appreciate you both sacrificing your bodies to the mosquitoes to bring us such epic footage. Truly beautiful places! Besides the scenery I continue to be impressed by your music choices! Broad when the mountains demand, ascending as you go up hills, descending when you go down, and even going into a ritardando with Betty as she lost momentum at times. You have a musician’s ear, sir! On top of that, the relationship you two have is wonderful to watch. You have fun together, support each other, and are obviously equal partners in your adventure. How blessed to have found each other so young! Another wonderful video. Sorry about your breakdown and that your Canon went, “boom!”

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for the thoughtful and well-put comment, as always.😊 I was once one of those loud drummer musicians in another life, but I’ve always had images of epic mountains or cool video sequences when I hear music I like. These videos are just a chance to practice putting those ideas on a screen.😁

[@christiangonzalez225]

Me and my family enjoy this video great

[@SlowRoamers]

@@christiangonzalez225 thanks for watching, Christian!!🙌🏻

[@oldred1972]

Great video!!!! You guys are great.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks so much!

[@ericmyers120]

I wish our paths would have crossed a couple years ago when we were in Casper, we would have been right there with ya. We absolutely loved that van and we're always impressed with what it was capable of. Awesome to see you guys pushing the limits, can't wait to see your upcoming adventures.

[@SlowRoamers]

Perhaps further down that road that’ll happen! Thanks for watching, Eric! 🙌🏻

[@lancew3982]

You must have repaired the torque converter. I must have missed that event. Such beautiful honestly Alex. Stretching out of your comfort zone. Mosquito's unnerve me! I can only imagine how bad they must be. Just know that in those tough moments of doubt that I'm cheering you two on. You've got this!

[@SlowRoamers]

I’ll admit, that this is the first automatic vehicle I’ve driven and I don’t know all that much about them. I feared earlier that we’d done some level of damage to the trans or TC, but it appears it’s not the case. Either way, instead of spending money to chase down the issue, we’re just waiting for something to develop. Im so glad you’ve been enjoying our travels. Thanks for cheerleading, it’s much appreciated!

[@tanyamccarron7628]

I am truly speechless! I cannot believe you guys made it through the pass in that van! Epic!! Sorry about the holdups but glad you got out to explore some of the surrounding area. Smithers has some beautiful hiking. Too bad the bugs were so bad and the weather was crappy because the Blue Lakes hike is a really pretty hike. Thanks for sharing your adventure and I look forward to the next one :)

[@SlowRoamers]

Haha, yeah, we got that a lot. Everyone we told was pretty shocked. On the bright side, it didn’t pour rain us the whole time and we still got out. Bugs were bad, but they didn’t affect the views, just the amount of time we were willing to stay there to soak them in. Thanks for watching, Tanya!

[@Hazardbone]

Very impressive

[@SlowRoamers]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Theodorussfo]

I've done similar feats in a two wheel drive van and car. My butt was so sore, not from the bumps but from puckering LOL. Always worth the effort. Congrats.

[@SlowRoamerMeg]

😂 I think Alex can relate re: butt puckers. It’s helpful having to be outside filming during these sections rather than inside with my eyes closed, white knuckling anything I can grab onto.

[@SlowRoamers]

Agreed. Butt pucker game is strong 💪🏼! 🤣 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@aliciarodgers7269]

Great videography and storytelling!!

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks Alicia!

[@abeandmel]

Talk about level up in your production! Nice work guys!! Such incredible drone shots too! Beautiful campsites!

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks you two! 🙌🏼

[@nofixedplans69]

Wow - well done! Just stumbled on your videos (thanks KZbin algorithm) and now we're hooked and we can't wait to hitch our trailer and get on the road again. Thanks for the inspiration, great story telling and awe inspiring footage, most of all, thanks for being so real.

[@SlowRoamers]

You’re welcome! Glad you found us and thank you for watching! We’ll try our best to keep chill and real at all times.😁 Happy travels!

[@robinw2560]

Phew! You made it out👍 Three yrs ago I spent August exploring the Cariboo Chilcotin and donated approx a pint of blood to the mosquito population of BC. I can only imagine what you’re experiencing up north. Thanks to you both for sacrificing your comfort to bring us this stunning scenery😊

[@SlowRoamers]

Glad to do it! Thanks for watching, Robin. We’ll donate more blood for the cause.🤣

[@mattfromcanada.]

Nice driving! I cant believe you guys did this in 2wd! We just drove the pass for the first time today and it was plenty challenging for my little 4x4

[@SlowRoamers]

It sure took some doing, but we got’r done.🤣 It’s a beautiful drive, eh? Thanks for watching!

[@clupu2]

Wow! I was speechless, I can't imagine what kind of emotions you guys went thru as the challenges were building ahead of you. Absolutely awesome, and Betty sure takes the grand prize for conquering all of them and not letting you down. Fabulous!

[@SlowRoamers]

Well, I think Meg does a better job of feeling the emotions, I stuff them all down until the challenge is over, then I cry like a baby. :D

[@clupu2]

@@SlowRoamers Can't wait for the next episode

[@SlowRoamers]

@@clupu2 working on it RIGHT NOW! You're gonna love where we've found.😁

[@m.fatihozsahin8239]

👏you are my hero..

[@SlowRoamers]

Hahaha, that’s a first! Thanks!😁

[@m.fatihozsahin8239]

@@SlowRoamers ❤️😊

[@reidcrosby6241]

WOW. ...... . . . .

[@SlowRoamers]

😁😁

[@alistairjackson7658]

Ya, so much for "easy street". The challenges just kept on comin'! Congrats on pushing through with grit, smart choices and serious driver skills. Whatever was "wrong with you" needed to be wrong for that moment, lol! 😂 And wow, those mountains!! Hoping the more drastic beauty you're headed for as you venture north doesn't mean more drastic mozzies, no-see-ums, and black flies!!

[@SlowRoamers]

😁😁😁😁 thaaaaanks 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jackiegammon2065]

WOW! What incredible beauty! I'm so glad that Betty were able to make it all the obstacles,, but obviously both of you had a part of that as well. BTW: I live in Maine with way too many blackflies, mosquitos and everything else in between... one thing that might help you a bit id to wear light colored clothing. Dark clothing seems to attract more bugs,,,, sadly. Thanks again for all of the hard work and be safe!

[@SlowRoamers]

You’re absolutely right, we’ve had the same success with light coloured clothing. Thanks for watching Jackie!😁

[@reidcrosby6241]

17:57 .... thought maybe you were pre-scouting a route for the van...YIKES!! I think you CAN make it in Beatty!!

[@SlowRoamers]

I'd probably give it the ol'college try!😄

[@CodyMacRae1]

With how much effort you put in to make a quality video every single time you guys deserve much more subscribers!! I look forward to every video that you make. And you inspire to get out and work on my 2002 Savana 3500 so I can get out there and explore

[@SlowRoamers]

Heck yeah dude! Let the world know😂. It’s a good thing we like making these videos. Get out there, git it! Thanks for watching!🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@thebigbossdogdaddy754]

In fact, remember correctives.He wanted a four by four conversion in a while ago

[@gregmason6824]

Love it! Well Done

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks Greg!🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@no_worries_van]

Amazing! Except for the bugs😅

[@SlowRoamerMeg]

🦟🦟🦟 Although it’s helping my zen practice. Deep breath. Be one with the mosquito.

[@SlowRoamers]

Agreed, bugs be gone!

[@Birkedaloutdoorsman]

I did the pass on an atv and there is some sketchy spots. Especially the shale rock hill that drops straight off to a ravine/lake. This was awesome

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for watching! Comments like this legitimize the adventure we had. Happy trails!

[@hankhilll4651]

I viewed this

[@SlowRoamers]

Most excellent. Thanks!

[@racebanning6390]

2WD gittin er Done!!! Impressive. 1 thing that is in your favor is the LS Engine, it has so much torque, to Cubes. Its design was to maintain torque throughout all RPM ranges👍👍And if your Van has the 4L80 transmission , yur Good. Congrats, what a feat, Lockers Rule!🏁🏁🔧🛠️🔧

[@SlowRoamers]

It’s the “little” 4.8L that could.🤣 it’s a 4L80e. I’ve been wondering about the trans for a while. We don’t have a cooler on it aside from what passes through the radiator and we’ve taken the van up some pretty steep stuff where it feels like it’s slipping, but that’s just because the vans rpm doesn’t match its speed.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for watching!🙌🏻

[@grahameroberts8109]

The water is DEEP, when you paddle your feet in the footwell.

[@SlowRoamers]

Yeah, luckily we didn’t have any water ingress into the van. If you look at the water line along the van as we come out of the last crossing, it almost made it above the wheel well.

[@fluriadventures]

Great storytelling and beautiful shots. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@SlowRoamers]

HEY! Aren't you parked right in front of us?!

[@fluriadventures]

@@SlowRoamers Ahhh this is you! :-D nice… see you for desert!

[@SlowRoamers]

@@fluriadventures how was it? good? bad?

[@fluriadventures]

@@SlowRoamers absolutely gorgeous!! you know you have to stick with us :-D

[@SlowRoamers]

@@fluriadventures who drives faster? I think you need to stick with us!

[@putindead2406]

😍😍😍😍🤗

[@conchscooter]

It’s a long way from home down here. No Zach’s place or lifelines. You should see the vehicles fixing clutches and repairing brakes all along the Panamerican. I found a new windshield for my Promaster in Ecuador yesterday and I don’t go further into dirt than I have to. I did see some shrunken heads though. Think hard about how much time you want to spend broken and waiting for parts. We all do it to some degree. Best wishes from Cuenca.

[@SlowRoamers]

Fair enough! But what’s adventure without a little risk, eh? Thanks for watching

[@conchscooter]

@@SlowRoamers I hope you make it soon here and really show the PanAmerican the way you show the frozen north.

[@terrorbulyfe]

Mosquito war is real! I’m surprised you both don’t use mosquito nets on your body and on the van.

[@SlowRoamers]

Meg deals with most of it, they leave me alone for the most part. But we will likely be dawning nets soon…🫤

[@ratnadipmajumdar8179]

Amazing creation of God. Spacticular view it was a very tough terain but I must praise you on your driving skills climbing with 2 wheel drive vehicle on 4 wheel terain by the way I thought a name for your vehicle. Dependable. It didn't loose the battle like aloyal companion stood with your wishes. I enjoyed watching the vlogue have a wonderful 👍 days of achievement ahead ❤❤😊

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks so much for watching! We are very proud of our little home on wheels, it just keeps on going and going and delivers us to such majestic places.😁

[@AceRph]

How do you two do it every week?! Cool. Plus over 300 subs this week! Heck yeah!

[@SlowRoamers]

Lots and loooooots of work.😂 We’re moving up slowwwwly.

[@luisramirez2263]

Y’all. Can I get a Betty t shirt? The 2wd van that could…

[@SlowRoamers]

That would be a good shirt. We’re playing with merch ideas and will let you know when we get something made.😊

[@grahames9228]

One thing in your favour on those rough tracks is the big chunk of V8 grunt under the bonnet.

[@SlowRoamers]

Yes indeed, although even that’s seemingly a little underpowered for our weight.

[@gunnywill20]

Sh!t man I was on the edge of my chair watching! Great video, editing content! Best video I seen all year!😅

[@SlowRoamers]

NICE! Thats what I like to hear! Thanks so much, we both greatly appreciate the input. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@Cybercode2024]

Ready to dive deep into AI? My channel is your go-to source for automation knowledge!

[@beyondthispoint5557]

My kind of nuts :)

[@SlowRoamers]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤪

[@CanadianSledDog]

Looks like I should bring my clearing saw next time I'm in BC! If you know it's a bad idea while you're doing it that just makes you brave... Right? 😂 We used to use a piece of tp or a baby wipe to collect all the blood filled flying f***s when we lived in the RV. Those little blood bombs really add insult to injury!

[@SlowRoamers]

I’m not sure, maybe still stupid.😅 but yes, if you go this was, bring pruning shears, chainsaw and a lot of time.

[@CanadianSledDog]

@@SlowRoamers isn't there an old proverb about bravery and stupidity that would work well here? Must be. I run a forestry clearing saw at work, it can do anything from grass to 6 inch trees with the same blade. Every time I see an overgrown trail now it looks like my job to go fix it! Lol. It would be so fast compared to the normal equipment most people have on hand.

[@SlowRoamers]

@@CanadianSledDog I think @forestyforest put one of those to use not too long ago. I could have probably used one for those alders for sure!

[@CanadianSledDog]

@@SlowRoamers that was a brush trimmer, clearing saw is just like that but bigger for cutting trees. It's usually used to control the overgrowth in cut blocks but also sometimes road maintenance.

[@SlowRoamers]

@@CanadianSledDog Sounds like it's a machine I'd have fun with.😁

[@CharlesDogworth]

RIP Canon!! No!!!!!!!😮 Let me play devil's advocate here: why not wear off or bug spray or Avon skin so soft in areas where mosquitoes are thick? I found that that sort of thing actually works. No reason to suffer!

[@SlowRoamers]

I’m not sure what you mean by Avon skin. We’ve more or less found most of the holes where the bugs were getting in, which is great. Thanks for watching Charles!🙌🏻

[@duncanstewart5738]

Like your van set up. Do you have a locking rear diff?.

[@SlowRoamers]

We’ve got a PowerLoc LSD, about as close to a locker as you can get. Thanks for watching!🙌🏼

[@SevenFortyMotorsports]

Does your van have a real locker in the rear end or a limited slip diff?

[@SlowRoamers]

It’s a PowerLoc LSD

[@dvpzy]

Crazy! Does this have a LSD?

[@SlowRoamers]

Yeah, we upgraded the van with a Dana super 70 HD, it’s got a PowerLoc LSD.

[@FredPerryUSA]

Curious: How great was the impact of having (what look like) All Terran tires on the Van? Are they worth the sacrifice of high quality road tires and do you even consider that a sacrifice? I am working through tire company marketing hype to determine if my next tire set are AT's (I've been on ATs for decades) or serious road tires, given I'm on paved surfaces 90% of the time, the rest on sandy / soft fire road and the like. Finally, while my '96 Tahoe is 4x4, I've never required 4x4 or used it out of need. Your ability to press on, in 2x2 may be off-putting to the marketing men /women of the overloading industry. And thus my question about tire choice. Thanks! ;-)

[@SlowRoamers]

We have MT’s on the van actually. The reason being is one, we had the tires already and two, the most likely obstacle we’ll face that will actually stop us in 2WD is mud (or snow, but we avoid that as best as possible). Seeing as we’re headed to South America, we figured there’s likely a higher chance of mud; however, we’ll be putting new tires on the van before we leave Canada and may opt for an AT. Personally I choose an AT tire most, if not, all of the time. They’re higher ply, and a reasonable balance between off-road and on road capability. I hope that helps.

[@FredPerryUSA]

@@SlowRoamers yes... nice to have a conversation with someone who is clear on what is practical versus what is fluff. You mentioned the heavier ply of these tires... one reason for my use of ATs is the heavier rubber and the 10 Vs 8 ply of normal road tires. The heavier tires are a must have, here in SE Florida where construction related trucks are dropping nails, screws, and bolts all over the roads. I've been spared many a flat tire because of the heavier ply. I'm guessing you will find similar south of the US border. Good luck and I'll be tuning in!

[@SlowRoamers]

@@FredPerryUSA Yes indeed, also, the number of times we've had the side wall of one of our tires rubbing against a sharp piece of rock is quite often. Just having the extra assurance is good peace of mind.

[@FredPerryUSA]

@@SlowRoamers another good point, born of experience doing the things you actually do ;-)

[@reidcrosby6241]

Isn't one of the AT tire brands known for heavier side wall plys? I don't want to mention a brand, as I could be wrong. I think it was one of the major popular ones.

[@UrbanOverlanding]

What’s the engine and transmission combo in your van?

[@SlowRoamers]

4.8L V8 LS, 4L80e transmission

[@gregmason6824]

E

[@bobfleming3400]

You are just too high drama for me. This will be my first (partial) and last video. People have been driving that and worse in all manner of far less capable and comfortable vehicle since cars were invented.

[@SlowRoamers]

Cool! Have a nice day

[@bobfleming3400]

@@SlowRoamers Sorry, I should have said this in my original comment. The event and the scenery were fantastic and I did enjoy that part. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobfleming3400]

@@SlowRoamers Sorry, I should have said this in my original comment. The event and the scenery were fantastic and I did enjoy that part. Thanks for sharing.

[@SlowRoamers]

@@bobfleming3400 If scenery is something you enjoy, you should check out some of our other videos. We don't always go hunting for hard trails to go and prefer to focus on the beauty that our lifestyle affords us. Either way, safe travels, and have a great day!