Truck Camping Northern Minnesota

This video was inspired by a friend who felt there was not enough time to take road trips. This will be two or three videos showing how much you can accomplish with two days off. I also see a van that has me thinking about how I travel. Thanks for watching!

[@getnbetr01]

Lol old vid but new comment…glad u kept the truck camper! Thanks for ur positivity!!

[@SquarebodyTruckCamper]

I feel that a truck camper is more versatile than a van because you can put the same camper on different trucks if you need to. And as other said, the vans usually have lower ground clearance than pickups. Plus you can take the truck camper off of your truck, then drive your truck to work on Monday and no one would look at you weird. Those are the reasons I chose a truck camper.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Thank you, Kenny! Loved seeing the North Shore again, you’re right, it’s so beautiful. Loved the humor, those wild flowers were gorgeous! I’m glad you kept the truck camper, I sure miss mine ❤

[@peatdeloosha2463]

Bikes..electric or pedal are priceless. They give the word discovery a whole new meaning.

[@mkredenbaugh6322]

Beautiful flowers 😃and the craftsmanship that went into that build of the old visitor center was magnificent.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It was very beautiful. I love checking out old structures. Thanks for watching.

[@victoriacompton8104]

Stay with truck camper. You have more room. Thank you for sharing your weekends with us. A Texas fan.

[@bobbleheadwil5400]

"Truck camper, Truck camper, Truck camper!" 😁

[@ericnunn8856]

Keep the truck camper 🤙

[@youngblood2]

I admire the amount of effort you put into making these videos. There's more to it, than most people realize. 😊

[@chanchan28]

We just went from a self built no hold backs van to a truck camper that we renovated. Coming down to strictly base platform. We think the truck camper is nice because you can go anywhere the van can go and probably more. And then dump your camper there. Which is really nice because it saves your spot and you both dont need to always go with the other one. Similar setup to class c pulling a car except now you can pull a trailer or toys and still have a run around vehicle. Depends on your needs though. If it were just me by myself id probably take the van again.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Truck campers are the best.

[@eloyrodarte1083]

I've been nomadic for twenty eight years. I've had several rigs. Truck and trailer combos, truck campers and vans.The TC with a 4X4 diesel and electric jacks is the best I've ever had it.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It's nice to hear that from someone with that much experience. I'm actually going to look at a four-by-four ambulance today. But a buddy of mine is going to be purchasing it not me. I'll probably shoot a little video of it though. It's a really cool looking older rig that I found for him. And it is super cheep

[@debbiebolek2117]

Nice to know

[@outside926]

We prefer the truck camper. Some of the vans are cool but I wouldnt want to do a build out. Also, our truck has great clearance. Most Vans are low to the ground.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Water looks nice enough for fishing.

[@truckcampinglife]

I have been truck camping for many years and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Love the fact that you have an ebike for more manuverable ability.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That bike really comes in handy, and it's super fun!

[@familyhealth2705]

Thats a good gesture! I like that! Buy something from a place where you gonna spend the night!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It also me a chance to go inside and get a feel of the people in the area.... to see if it's a good idea to overnight safely.

[@kdhartman44]

A van has its advantages of not having to get out to use kitchen, bathroom. Plus the height restrictions, mpg. But I think I’d still choose a camper, just not one as big as yours. You can always take it out and use the bed for other truck stuff. Right now I’m happy with my shell but who knows, I’m not going to lie and say I have not thought about going full time after upgrading to a truck camper!

[@jessecox3594]

Truck camper all day

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I'm thinking the same. The last few outings I've been on a van would not have the ground clearance needed without some major mods.

[@markatraveler3238]

Hello I believe with a truck camper especially being a 4x4 and extra ground clearance I feel you can go places you cant in a van, also you can remove your home on a pickup if it ever needs a major repair. the van you cant where will you stay when the van is in the shop. Thank you and as always stay safe and healthy .

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I think you are spot on with your comment. I sometimes get a wild hair and take on to many projects. I need to learn to be happy with what I got!

[@markatraveler3238]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Don't we all have to learn to be happy with what we have , we never miss things until we no longer have them.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

The train is awesome.

[@jsadamsster]

Nice cinematography. Good video.

[@mandib757]

I did keep watching! Haha. Great video.

[@Jamminalong]

Truck camper all the way! I've had a camper van, now granted it was an older 98 American Cruiser, but it was way too small on EVERYTHING! Yeah you can get in even tighter places than a TC but the amenities in the TC outweigh the few areas where a van shines. Personally for me I'm never going back. I'm on my 3rd TC and I love them!! Cheers! ~M

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

After spending time helping my friend work on converting an Ambulance I have to agree. I would get cabin fever in a van.

[@theathjr]

Kenny its me Tom from the future and I say you made the right choice haha. Nice shout out to Mandi at the end.

[@rvlifediy]

Kenny not all vans are created equal as you know. You will have to try one out for fun but get one that is properly built out. I grew up in MN with truck campers my whole young life and they are definitely great. I've also done 50,000 miles on a dually widebody van as well before my current RV. I still have the Van but haven't camped in it in 2 years, but it's fully built out with a wet bath, big tanks, and a fixed bed (was mandatory requirement from my wife). It's definitely compact inside, but you can wiz around much easier. Definitely not as roomy as a truck camper, but worth just trying one for fun. I started with a 5th wheel, and had a class A diesel pusher as well prior. All of them were great, and each gave their own unique experience. Hope you get to try out many different types of RV's in the future. I think the truck camper is your core though.

[@geofftheintern]

Another cool video, thanks! I love the idea of a truck camper. I am wanting to take one up North for the ski season and really like the idea of leaving the camper in the camp ground then just using the truck to get around to the ski fields each day. A lot less hassel than packing everything up fo the road in a van each time you want to go anywhere.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I take the camper out sometimes, the last time was while in the Black Hills. I wanted to go through the tinnels on the Needles Highway. I also had an awesome Boondocking spot and did not want to lose it while out exploring. I don't block up the camper if it's only for a couple days though. I just set the camper down low as possible.

[@ronaldhelsel8772]

Definitely the truck camper. 👍

[@tysonklemm8522]

Love the videos keep them coming 👍✌

[@reneeguertin6257]

Truck camper all the way!!!

[@juddy9173]

Truck Camper!!!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I agree. I do love my truck camper! I really put the camper through its paces and it holds ups great. It's 17 years old and still as comfortable as day one. Some day I will replace it, maybe in 5 or 6 years. I will probably shed a tear the day it goes. I have had so many memorable experiences in it.

[@juliegolub2602]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thank you so much!

[@downbytheriver501]

I havent seen many vanlifers do what I've done offroad wise in my setup(not so subtle plug: it's on my channel), nor have I ever seen them be able to pull 15-20k, transport heavy equipment to jobsites, or haul thousands of pounds of material in the back of their van...so at least from my perspective, truck campers are where it's at....until I upgrade to a unimog, that is;-)

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

You are right on spot there. The truck is way more capable then the van. Economy is probably the same to. Thanks for watching!

[@renojacks]

I’m stealing that line-My PO requires me to wear one in public…🤣..you could post a sign in your campground with that verbiage too

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I like the idea of the sign on the camper, I might just do that!

[@renojacks]

@@KennyOfAllTrades that will keep the sheeple away fo sho…sign staked at camp entrance

[@familyhealth2705]

Its really up to you. Ive been driving a class A , only downside is can’t squeeze it to some nice spot! I have to tag a small vehicle which is more complicated. Vans are just like class A too. If something goes wrong with the engine of your van you have to live it out on your van until your rig got fix! I saw some videos where they dismount their campers or unhitched their travel travel trailers because their trucks has to spend a couple of nights at the shop. What they did is…they rented another truck mounted their campers or hitched their TTs…and life continues

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I never thought about renting another truck if this one goes down. That's a huge plus! Truth is I could not afford anything right now anyways. With inflated prices I should be content with what I have. Thanks for watching

[@scottstevens6380]

Thank you.

[@IggnantOG]

I think you have the perfect setup. Versatile.

[@ricklenser3323]

The young "me" might want the van. But as every year passes I would cherish that indoor bathroom w/shower. You're not always gonna find a building with an outdoor urinal in the back.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Very true. My friend bought a 4x4 ambulance and started converting it. After seeing how much room there is to live out of I realized it's not for me. I also enjoy the bathroom and shower, and separation between the living area and bedroom. I think I'm in the truck camper for the long run. One day I'd like to live full-time out of the truck camper.

[@minam9120]

Truck camper!!!!!!!

[@edwtg59]

We went through the same debate…truck camper all the way! More robust suspension with truck, more space for comfortable living in truck camper. We settled on a GMC 3500 dually w/ the Duramax, Lance 1181 truck camper. Any dealership can work on my truck, and I can still use the truck camper if needed. Likewise, I don’t lose my wheels if the truck camper needs servicing I can’t handle myself. No regrets.

[@mileswindham8336]

Talking to yourself is fine, I figure you like to talk to someone with good sense. It’s when you get into an argument with yourself, people close to you should get concerned lol. Hang in there my friend.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Lol. You got that right. 👍

[@leeabel5948]

Trk camper all the way keep up the good work

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks, after I made this video I found an old 4x4 ambulance. My friend bought it to convert into a camper. After helping him work on the ambulance I realized there's not enough room in there for me. I will be sticking with the truck camper. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyd6884]

Both definitely have huge but different advantages. The right van can pull into downtown and park for the night(yes I know not everywhere) a truck camper would be difficult to do that with but that’s the places I don’t want to be anyway, so truck camper for us. Currently I can get a 1 ton GMC 4x4 for the same price as an empty AWD T350.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Very true 👍 The prices of Van's, especially the 4x4 ones, have priced me out of the market. But everything is going up. I picked up this camper for 6 grand almost 7 years ago. Same for the truck. It was 3 years old with 90k miles on it. I picked it up at a Chevy Dealership for 28k. It's now 8 years old with 200k miles. I think I could sell it for around 32k. The price of everything has gotten out of hand.

[@grayroadadventures985]

We are biased when it comes to TC living. We have seen dozens of van build outs and they are nice, but we can separate our home and travel about for a day without having to break down camp. Being full time on the road in a AF1150 is just right. Plus at 6’2” I can stand up easily. Glad to be retired, but still backin the blue. Bye California!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Those are all great points.Last year I found the perfect boondocking spot in the black hills.I took the camper off so I could get into the low clearance areas on needles highway. Because our camper was off I didn't have to worry about someone getting in our spot. Come to think of it the banner on the channel is a photograph of that boondocking spot, with the camper out of the truck.

[@r_e_c130]

I want to get into truck camping.. The 4 wheel drive, high clearance etc. comes in handy on BLM land out west

[@markhicks118]

good thing you found that bathroom lol And as for a as van or a truck camper or a van you give up a lot of space in a van

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I helped a friend convert an ambulance into an camping rig. After seeing how little room he had I realized it would never work for me. I'm Team Truck Camper for life.

[@goober9983]

Diggin the fun comments when exploring in this video. 😅

[@ShadowWolf3030]

Those back side wall bathrooms are the best 😆 i have to go with a truck camper myself. . . vans are cool but i need room not to feel like the walls are closeing in on me,

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's exactly how I would feel too. After thinking about it the last year I'm definitely sticking with the truck camper.

[@ShadowWolf3030]

The artic fox in my opinion is the best way to go, i think you made a good choice,

[@edmundcano521]

Vans are sweet and incogneet, but a TC, is a studio apartment, and complete. Lol Truck Campers Rule... .

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Very true!

[@smsjr36]

Van life or truck camper took all the way to the end of the video.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

So it worked! Thanks for watching all the way.

[@johnshimkus8939]

Truck camper, no dout!!!!

[@EdExTechur]

I always put loose stuff in the back floorboard of my truck and cover it all with black towels. With the tinted windows, you can't tell anything is in there. Same with my GPS and stuff... front hump with a black towel draped over it. Darn near invisible. Ed

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Great tips

[@danielbast352]

I just took my suburban. Because ya know it covers the all around world.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I looked into that as well. I think the 5.3 would be a super dependable motor and the Suburban platform is vary capable.

[@leevest6776]

Truck life

[@jkandkiminthecamper]

Van life, brah!!!😂

[@cindybrown7884]

truck! camper!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

For sure. A few months after this video, I had a buddy who bought a 4x4 ambulance. He was going to convert it into a backwoods adventure mobile. After helping him work on it I realized that wouldn't work for me. I'm running a truck camper for life.

[@DCGULL01]

So, I have no tracked you down- i.e. searched out your backround on the channel. But, I'm gonna take a few guesses, based on the 4 videos I've seen so far. Police Officer, former military, divorced with mostly adult children looking to open a new chapter in life after something traumatic: divorce, loss of a family member, bad accident scene... Gym rat, trying to eat well, like to have plenty of energy, tries to maintain a positive mental attitude even when the chips are down. Loyal friend, bulldog when something doesn't seem right- good person 'shaking up' your personal safety zone. Really enjoying the adventures- I'll look around and see how close I am to accurate (assuming that you put up a reason d'etre video, 'splaining who you are & why the new YT channel). Above comments are not meant to be insulting, simply observational tidbits garnered from watching a few videos. Sincerely.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Do I owe you a few bucks.....I feel like I just called the Physic reader hotline..... LOL You are close! The reason I started the channel is because I really enjoy challenging myself. I am a super private person and putting myself out in front of people makes me feel sick to my stomach. So this is my challenge. Hopefully I become a better person for it. Thanks for the comment, it was fun to read!

[@DCGULL01]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Well then- Good on Ya, Kenny! Excellent challenge and you a super nice person to boot! I've only met super nice people from MN, its just the nature of clean hard living will do that to you. I've watched a few more (cringed when I re-read the original post) and felt that it was still mostly accurate (whew!) I've liked & commented just to keep your videos sharing out to others with similar interests- you've done really well for a guy who is so introverted- I never would've guessed! Heck, I'd have a cup 'O joe with you, hang out at a camp fire, maybe even hunt with you for a spell- bet we'd laugh til tears ran down our faces! Keep it going- I think you'll be shocked at how many fellows you have out there!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I don't want to give any wrong impressions though, I have no military background. I really enjoyed reading your comment. Maybe Ill let a few secrets out as I go.

[@DCGULL01]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Absolutely NOT needed for entertainment purposes! You like privacy- stay private. No skin off my nose, heck- I checked- my 'feelings' aren't even hurt! Hahaha. I think that a private person making videos is a total personal stretch, and you're doing darn well! Your bidness is your bidness, and, I for one am perfectly solid with good boundaries, OK? I even appreciate the sincerity of your closing statement- 'nuff said. Share if & when YOU choose. Original post was complete and utter guessing on my part. Sort of like 'remote viewing'- I would've scored well with a few misses, right?

[@maxzarges]

It seems that your family needs to be considered. Would the 3 of them be more comfortable in a van? Perhaps extended. Would your bike fit in a van w/o sacrificing too much living space... or store it in a cargo box outside?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Absolutely all things to consider. When my kids were younger the three of us all fit in this camper for many miles and adventures. I'm not sure a van would've work for that back then.

[@docwells4747]

Truck

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

So far that is the General consensus. That truck camper seems to win by a landslide

[@CoryEllingson]

I was at this same place a year or 2 ago

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

We could have crossed paths! This was 3 summers ago.

[@overtheclouds9]

I think you’ll lose a lot going from a Duramax to a gas guzzler without torque and smoothness of your setup. You will have way more room with the truck and camper setup. That’s my opinion, Van’s are nice but I like more space and power.

[@overtheclouds9]

This is kinda off subject but when the refineries had to shut down there was a shortage of gasoline, diesel was available everywhere. Also I save 50-70 cents a gallon using the Open Roads diesel fuel card. Part of why I sold my 2019 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L is it used so much fuel idling and driving. I was always worried about fuel. Max range was 300 ish miles on a tank. Typically it was 220 miles in town. My diesel has a 425-600 mile range depending on city / highway driving.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

@@overtheclouds9 I do like how I can go over 500 miles between fill-ups.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Fore sure, I had the camper in a Silverado with a 6.0 before the Duramax. It would scream going through mountain passes. I know that the gassers like higher RPM's to be in the power band, but I would get nervous with the RPM's at 5 to 6 grand for miles. I love the torque of the diesel. Also, I have replaced multiple transmissions in my gas trucks, this Allison is rock solid.

[@overtheclouds9]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Yes, exactly what I was dealing with. Whatever the Nissan Titan gets for fuel mph. Subtract 15% to 20% for wind and extra weight, it's a big brick 🧱 Not very aerodynamic.

[@Nimesh222]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I have the 6.0 vortec with the 6l90e and my camper weighs about 2600lbs and even on mountain passes here in Alberta I stay well under 3000 rpms. How come your rpms were reaching so high ? Were you using the tow haul mode or because your camper is significantly more weight ? Would like to know. I am planning on keeping this truck for years to come because of the 6.0 bullet proof reliability.

[@ottocarr3688]

Have you considered a thorough explanation of your truck and camper to your followers and potential followers. Is your camper the best for one person (it is!) and is the diesel the best choice?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That is a great idea, and something I will definitely do.

[@phyllismetz9451]

Too hot for me 😅

[@debbiecole1090]

Hoping this helps boost your video.

[@phyllismetz9451]

No you are not crazy talking your self my husband talks to his banket

[@minam9120]

Can you share boondock Location, Thank you!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I have been so disappointed lately by people trashing these spots. In episode 1 I recycled a microwave someone left at one of my favorite spots. I haven't decided if I want to post the locations on the internets.

[@minam9120]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I agree with you!

[@shanehanson7514]

Truck camper but to be honest small trailer 😆 🤣 😂

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I do love my truck camper. I spent a little time in a friend's ambulance. It was cramped. I like my efficiency apartment in the bed of a 4x4.

[@debbiecole1090]

Hoping this helps boost your video. 6:43

[@noworriesmate5903]

X

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Truck camper,

[@yooperdog]

Truck camper

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

After helping my buddy work on his Ambulance I'm glad I have the truck camper. It would be nice to get down tighter trails, but being more comfortable is the trade off. Definitely will be keeping the truck camper.

[@barbapke766]

Truck camper.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I helped a friend find an Ambulance to convert. After realizing how little room there is a have to agree. No to the van, yes to the truck camper.

[@Raynor88]

music it too load. Hard to head you talk.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

My first few videos were a real learning curve. I had not owned a computer, or a camera prior to making the videos. I have learned a lot about editing over the last year, but still have a ways to go. I think the later videos have much better audio. Thanks for the input!

[@va3ks]

No van…yuk. There are a million van lifers on KZbin but very few truck campers. Next it will be a RV and before you know it, you are driving a 53’ class A RV…

[@michaeldean1045]

music is really annoying. Turn off while talking

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I feel like my voice is even more annoying. I will see what I can do. Thanks for the input.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Not that im begging you to watch another one of my videos. I thiink criticism is good. Check out one of my later videos. I have lowered the volume down considerably. This was one of my first videos and I was still trying to figure out the editing process. Let me know in that video if you still think it's too loud.

[@lawrence7065]

Van life is a dirty life. Truck camper life is a clean life. A Cassette toilet and a shower in a bag is not for me. Just saying

[@lawrence7065]

I’m watching you eat a bacon egg and cheese on English muffin. Looks good

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I was helping a friend convert and old 4x4 ambulance awhile back. One I spent some time in there I realized quickly that a truck camper is the way to go for me too. People are always amazed at how nice and roomy the truck camper is. I had an old Mountain Star before the Arctic Fox. It had no toilet or shower. It was great for a night or two, but thats about it. You are right, having a full bathroom in the truck camper is a game changer. I love how I can get parked on forestry land with million dollar views while having a small apartment in the bed of my truck.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Breakfast of champions! My favorite meal any time on the day!