Van Life in Tahoe: Bear Encounters & Van Fixes/Maintenance

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

the way you held rodney @13:37 and he just looked so content like a little wee baby. ADORABLE

[@unfaded5068]

Cenacle mass@lc.c@ ,, . 5😭😉😢

[@calistograph]

Thanks!

[@김준석-v5y]

감사합니다.

[@WatYaGonnaDo]

The thing I like most about you, Nikki, and there are a few things, is your consistent and effusive declarations of gratitude. So refreshing!

[@timothyeldridge6822]

I'm 62 years old with diabetic legs. I can't walk or hike trails like I did when I was young. I enjoy watching your traveling and hiking videos. Even though I can't do it very much any more, I still like watching others do it and seeing the beautiful scenery in your videos! God bless you and be safe! Timothy Eldridge Woodland, Alabama

[@garybarr1045]

Great photos. Good Tahoe previews. I live retired 25 miles east of Tahoe and it is super up here, especially after over 38 years as an architect in Las Vegas. You and your doggies make a good travel team. Keep up the good work. 🙂

[@LarisaBayaMomo]

One good tip is to know that bears are very smart. They know how to open doors etc. They are also very fast so do not go to close to them, they'll catch up to you faster than you think. They're cute, chubby speedy machines 😄

[@AugustineMungia]

Chubby's🙃

[@AugustineMungia]

Chubber bears🙃

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Happy Birthday Hot Rod 🎉💚 what a beautiful life you've provided for those lucky boys, Nikki. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 😊

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you!!! ❤️

[@laurenm8561]

Seeing that bear was real a real treat and definitely a reality check. Brave camper was all over it, he knew something was up ... good thing it wasn’t a fly😆. Another great video, thanks Nikki .

[@robertwood9628]

Nikki, you tire me out just watching you hike, but I am so envious, You are living the lifestyle so any of us only dream about. And yes, some people are so stupid when it comes to wanting to get close to wildlife like bears, and bison in Yellowstone. What the crap are they thinking? I love your adventures. hugs from the old man in Utah.

[@raushaunrigsby1181]

I beg to differ that Lake Tahoe's national forest is like no other, I wonder has Nikki been to Redding California Shasta National Forest, although the Dam is man made, with Mount Shasta in the background, it looks very similar to Lake Tahoe, I'm here right now enjoying this beauty.

[@maxabdovies5161]

Never seen anyone in my life that smiles ALL THE TIME even when you open and close the van door.you walk you smile.you talk you smile.watching you keeps me smiling.god bless you for keeping people smiling.awesome video and love that Rodney jacket,it will be hilarious to see a coyotes face looking at Rodney lollol 😂.

[@mytinyjourney]

It’s so fake.

[@Varba9]

Nikki: “I don’t recommend approaching a bear.” Also Nikki: gets outs of the van calling out “Hello Bear, I’m coming; I’m right here.” 😂

[@SuperDave1426]

I'm not sure exactly what you're laughing about - she did *exactly* what you should do when you know you're in bear country. You make noise as you go along; it doesn't matter what you're saying, just make noise. The majority of bad bear encounters have been the result of surprising the bear - it didn't know you were there until you were too close. By making noise as you go, the bear knows you're around and can wander away. In this case, she spotted a bear and before taking the dogs out for a hike, she wanted to check the area and see if she knew where it was. So yeah, she did exactly the right thing. 👍

[@ladikmk]

@@SuperDave1426 Isn't that intentionally "approaching" a bear?

[@SuperDave1426]

@@ladikmk No, it's not. Making sure you know where a bear is & making sure it knows you're there is not the same as trying to get up close & personal with it. 😉

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

​@@SuperDave1426 Nikki Delventhal, Rodney Delventhal, and not forgetting Keeyyaahhmper Delventhal!

[@synseer8484]

Nikki: Honey Badger Don't Care.....

[@scooterbuck7501]

The thing you failed to think about was that might have been only one bear of many together there. The best bet is to always carry bear spray, a sound horn, and a large caliber pistol. Or just stay out of their habitat right after they wake up.

[@sanionara]

I ❤ the idea of pros and cons of your van. Inmho sprinters look great but promasters have more space internally. Things I like from your van: - very good quality. - kitchen and electric system. - exterior looks great. Cons: Layout is not suitable for two people. Sofa is in front of the kitchen (better in front of the door. Table setup. I have a face to face living space with swibeable seats, fixed toilet in the middle and bed on the back with storage underneath and I am very happy.

[@sanionara]

@Vanmattdamn for me driving has less priority than living when talking about a camper van. And sprinters are narrower than promasters. They look great, very good quality, probably the best experience driving but for me interior space is more important.

[@MarcChavez915]

You can see just how much Rodney loves you by the way he looks at you. Its so amazing

[@louise7552]

Rodney is a love bug. The way he lays there gazing up at Nikki, just gets me every time. I'm a cat 🐈 person, but am totally in love with RValentine. ❤❤

[@trueloveingod2691]

Nikki, bears have been very aggressive this year, I’ve seen many videos and read a lot of news articles about it. They are breaking into houses and cars and attacking people on trails. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE… for your sake and the little boys, avoid anywhere they may be. Just because you see one doesn’t mean there aren’t several more nearby. They’re extremely fast, neither you nor the dogs can outrun them and one man hit a bear with a whole can of bear spray but that only angered the bear, and the man was eaten alive. On this occasion I’m asking you to be afraid and stay far away from wherever they may be. We all have to give up certain things for safety sometimes, but in the end, your life is worth it. I pray to God you take this warning seriously, and the warning of others who care about you. That said, always love the segments with Justin and his pups. Maybe you two can do a “cooking for dogs” segment together. Your pizzas came out great, you’re both good cooks, and he certainly has a lovely kitchen.

[@deniseberry5075]

I agree, how can anyone explore after just seeing a bear? Plus getting lost? Whew

[@justwannasay5454]

The poor bears are HUNGRY.

[@annriley4534]

Amen to that, bears, lightening, sharks and tornadoes..ugh..wish they would tame those overgrown nephilim dogs🤦‍♀️✌

[@trueloveingod2691]

@@annriley4534 definitely seems like nature’s balance being increasingly disrupted is created more frequent and intense hazards.

[@trueloveingod2691]

@@deniseberry5075 on a beautiful day in a glorious place it’s hard to think of something horrific happening. Especially if you’ve been around there before and everything was fine. But sadly, these things happen in all hours, weather, and settings. We still don’t know how Camper came to be alone in the mountains the day Nikki and her mother found him. It is possible that his previous owner had something happen, which could be why he’s so serious and wary.

[@BienvenidoRodriguez-z8k]

Nikki is so special lady I never tried to watch her and olf course camper this dog has the best owner in the world .

[@CarltonEllisLouis]

Me and my brother n his wife we went to lake Tahoe last year and it was a great n beautiful n gorgeous n awesome day to hike with my two dogs I wish I was there now with you n camper

[@EvolvingDaily65]

Hi Nikki! Thanks for taking us along. In the 70’s-90’s I spent a lot of time in the Tahoe/Truckee area. I been feeling the pull of the Sierras again. ❤❤❤

[@jasonlin9976]

You had a few busy days Nikki thanks for taking us along on your day in the life. The question I have for you is what is your favorite and least favorite thing about your van? Be safe and happy travels see ya next week.

[@MajestyHammond]

I love how fired up you are about wildlife ethics etc!! We need so much more awareness! Those pizzas looked EPIC. Also, Camper's nose appearing through the curtain and then disappearing with the treat - ! Just the cutest.

[@carolineyunker9]

Rodney is the cutest little dog. And I love it when he stole that stick from Camper. He's a mischievous little guy but so sweet.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Nikki Camper & R.V. Y’all show the best and the not so best of van life and y’all always have the best places to have a great adventure. Thanks for letting us ride along with y’all on y’all’s adventures.

[@garfieM.-uu3kw]

I could never do what you did getting that close to the bear. That was both amazing and dangerously nerve wracking.

[@82delta]

Sorry for the "lecture" about taking risks when you have K9 children but I am emotionally invested in Camper and RV as my step babies. I think you should do a hike with Forestyforrest and his dog Rocco. I think Camper, Rodney and Rocco hiking together would be such a wonderful cinematic event. The 3 cutest pups around....all getting the zoomies together in the wilderness.

[@cparker7431]

I like your shower option . please talk about options you had when putting your van together. I like your van and I'm thinking about getting one in the future after renting a couple of different versions. Maintenance too you mentioned , things one wouldn't know they have to maintain

[@WeylandLabs]

As a Northern Nevada Resident I am happy nobody really understands the beauty of Lake Tahoe I frequently go up there from Reno NV, its a paradise that isn't really known about.

[@justjudy7320]

In the Sprinter build I chose my local victron dealer who happened to be an architect with a small van build-out company😮 I chose to have a power tower that separates the bunk from the living area. The only thing hardwired is the max air fans the grey water tanks and the refrigerator😮 keeps the electricity basic and simple and most everything we use is 12-volt and rechargeable😮

[@lynnemac1402]

Happy birthday Rodney. Wonderful seeing the bear, I have never see one but great info on how to stay safe and what you should do. I totally agree, so many animals have been killed because humans have done something stupid. I loved Rodney's predator vest he looked like a hard ass tiny dog lol I didnt even know they were available but knew you would find them as you are a great dog owner. Camper and Rodney's coat are in such good condition they are so shiny and healthy. Happy you got to spend ore time with Justin, his dogs look lovely and that was really nice of him to bake the cake for RV's birthday. When Rodney went on your lap and you had to carry him to the back, he was looking at you so intensely I thought he was going to reach up and kiss you. Your dogs definitely love you. Have a good week x

[@laurenm6511]

I can't believe you walked right up to that bear. That was extremely dangerous. Don't approach a beer but you got out of the van and walked right over to him. You are lucky he didn't charge you. I'm glad you're okay I'm glad you're doing well. You're a great dog mom

[@effdonahue6595]

Beers 🍺 with bears 🐻

[@dianepines9014]

For next week please explain your toilet situation and if you are happy with it. Bags or cassette? Thanks for taking us along!❤️

[@ChrisSwinny]

That agora trail has a new extension that goes deeper and connects to the mt. Tallac trails. Worth it if you are in Tahoe and want more than just the ridge to angora lakes.

[@RangerRon75]

Camper has always appeared to me so independent and a bit aloof. Rodney is definitely a Mama's boy and so sweet! He makes me smile so much!

[@jeffreystoddard1522]

Nikki your videos are sooo enjoyable!! I'm happy that KZbin introduced me to you!!

[@BenjySparky]

Nikki,Camper, and Rodney, y'all rock! Happy Birthday, Rodney! Peace

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

Keeyyaahhmper Delventhal.

[@TambovWolf1989]

Dogs are so cute and fluffy! I can’t believe that dogs can be so calm and friendly!

[@rosemarygillis8788]

For next weeks segment I would like to ask the following questions: 1) Gas mileage 2) parking issues if any 3)what was your maintenance bill from last week 😂 4) height of your rig. I’ve never heard of a predator coat…great idea! Love love love your channel Nikki.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Great ideas!! Next week I cover my van and any regrets I have! I’ll add these to a future list!

[@K.Kilsom]

Great Vid Nikki, lov'd the bear ! so cool. Keep safe and Keep camping. Cheers THX. P.S Keep Camper with you. He's a great bear and cougar (Keep away alarm) and would also keep you and RV safe.. You're his pack aka family.

[@FreedomRock44]

The Van is literally a Home on wheels!!!!! Wow time flies. My question would have been what is your favorite thing about the van and what is your biggest pet peeve even though there really is not one but if you could build that van yourself what one thing would you add orrrrr Minus??????

[@timparsons2741]

Super sweet ! I've Had a bear encounter while Mountain biking in Tahoe last May , luckily I had a change of clothing back at camp .

[@Manwolf235]

Happy Father’s Day to Nikki father

[@BenjyFloyd]

I love Camper is still kicking and enjoying life with you Nikki.

[@DGill48]

Tahoe Tip: You should lock any car at night...bears in my neighborhood can open car doors and get in. Also, one got in my house a few years ago. Thousands in damage. (I'm in South Lake)

[@SuperDave1426]

Actually, the best thing you can do is make sure you don't have any trash in your car that even remotely smells like food. They have a far better sense of smell than we do, and even if you lock your car doors, if a bear wants in, it has its own built-in can openers. 😋 So if it does want in, the car doors being locked won't slow it down even a little bit. Bears have been known to destroy a car to get to an empty Cheetos bag.

[@synseer8484]

I've had one steal my identity.

[@mishapopov2835]

It happened to us too. We were in a rental vacation property up the hill in Tahoe City. We saw the bear in my uncle's car. We joked that it changed the preset radio stations.

[@ashleyhum22]

@@synseer8484😂

[@lanamichalski3208]

Why didn't Campwr have a protective dog coat, like Rodney?

[@milesfong3901]

We were just in that area this week, was around 100 degrees. Was probably at the same rest area on 80 near Donner.

[@ofthenearfuture]

Intentionally approaching a bear, especially without bear spray, is insane behaviour... and then doing the hike with off-leash dogs and without bear spray, also pretty insane lol

[@rogerhuston8287]

Brown bears yes, black bears no. Black bears pretty much leave you alone if you leave them alone. I live in Tahoe and regularly see bears in the spring. Saw a yearling this morning in my yard. I've also seen bears while hiking and I have a smaller dog off leash. More concerned with cayoties.

[@tumblina7876]

⁠@@rogerhuston8287right up until you meet a bear that didn’t follow the rules. Arizona had a fatal black bear attack last year.

[@tumblina7876]

All for views. Darwin comes to mind.

[@rogerhuston8287]

@@tumblina7876 since 1784, there have been 66 fatal black bear attacks in NA. Your exception does not prove the rule. I'm not saying be friendly with them. Treat them with respect, but there are plenty of other things out there that will kill you more than a black bear. A Grizzly for example.

[@tonyfc8809]

@@tumblina7876 "oh, look at the pretty little black bear that usually leaves ppl alone." lol

[@AnthonyJP2024-k4v]

I Love Lake Tahoe & watching beautiful bears at a safe distance . Thanks for sharing , safe travels

[@lauramoor7730]

Honestly, I was in the animal shop looking for something similar to that dog food that I have been seeing on KZbin everywhere and I couldn’t find it anywhere anywhere and I was listening to your video and then you talk about the dog food and I walk out with nothing and order it right away thank you

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Another fascinating adventure! Thanks for taking us along!

[@CarltonEllisLouis]

The other dog I love him too Rodney but camp is my best favorite dog

[@jansmith8370]

Your videos are so good. Being homeless as u were you found such a happy life and also brought happiness to us. Your videos are better than television programming.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

That's cool! I run the BFG KO2. I'm told that the KO3s are even better!

[@Tony-hf9mv]

The KO3 are great. Ranger raptors were the first to get them and i just took mine on hell's revenge. The tires have great grip

[@MikeLockheart]

I have heard the grizzley's are the ones to be worried about. however, there can be black colored grizzley bears, and brown colored black bears, so color alone is not enough to determine what kind of bear it is.

[@SmellyPirateWater]

Love ur channel and so glad you made it to Tahoe… Just a tip, Tahoe bears don’t go into hibernation, they are full blown year round. 🤙🏻

[@citigirlcountrified1927]

Yippee ! Its nikki friday!

[@Iriepixie]

Good morning Nikki , Rodney & Camper❣️I hope you know how excited I get when my morning starts with you guys and coffee. I’m only a few minutes in and I’m already giggling at the Parent Trap reference. 😆 sending love today and always ❤

[@johnrpizzaguy]

I love the Punk version of Rodney. Growing up in Hollywood back in the 70s and 80s that was considered casual every day wear. Take care and thank you for another great video.

[@rongarrett1366]

I miss you and Camper, Nikki. Tonka misses you and Camper. He's snoozing like a good doggie right now, but trust me, he does miss you two.

[@gloriajoseph7031]

Happy Birthday Rodney!

[@kjevans68]

Happy Birthday Rodney you little cutie. Stay safe Nikki

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I cant believe you've been in that van for a year! It seems like yesterday and I subscribed while u were in the Prius and checking out all the various homes on wheels options. Wow! All the best to you and the pups! I don’t understand why you walked toward that bear. It does not seem like a great idea, particularly in the spring when they're cranky and hungry. I might have driven toward it. We've had bears enter our campsites ehile eating and we banged on pots to make them go away, but I've never walked toward one. I used to only be afraid of grizzly bears and any sort of mama bear as a kid when our family camped every summer, but I hear more and more stuff about increasingly aggressive black and brown bears.

[@sabbby100]

The way camper snuggles with Rodney is so cute 🥰

[@clarkleakins879]

While you are in the area suggestion: North on highway 89 out of Truckee. Maybe 15 miles, turn left/west Jackson Meadow sign. Head just a very short distance, turn left, head to Independence lake. I think your 4x4 should cross the one Creek without incident. Might need 4x4 engaged, keep it moving through at moderate pace to get up the steep hill. Then continue to Independence lake. At almost the same highway 89 intersection, turn right. Dirt road, campgrounds, then historical walkway where original 1849 travelers created a small stop over, KYBERZ FLAT. AREA surrounding Jackson Meadow Reservoir many different roads to explore, some need 4x4 in some places. Get MAPS in Truckee at the forest ranger station on 89 right off 80.

[@carolturner1976]

You gave Rodney his treat first, then Camper. Pack etiquette was not followed. Camper had to get over it before taking his treat. 😂

[@paxwallace8324]

Right

[@trueloveingod2691]

I don’t think that was it…, I think Camper sensed possible danger and didn’t feel comfortable enough to make himself vulnerable by eating. He’s an excellent watch dog, very alert.

[@Msparkly-88]

@@trueloveingod2691 That’s what I thought as well!

[@ForeverWhereAfter]

@@trueloveingod2691 Listen Mom, I’m not going to be eating when I’m on duty. Squirrel 🐿️!!

[@mistiecarter8815]

Your are gorgeous niki

[@rambledogs2012]

That was awesome, seeing a bear out there so close. Here in the UK we don't have them (of course), apart from Paddington Bear and he is friendly and loves eating marmalade rather than people.

[@jwebbw]

I've seen bears riding the ski lift believe it or not in this area and also at campgrounds walking close to my tent. Its a good thing they were well behaved ones. Take care of them Golden Buddha Dog and travel on !!

[@kevinmassetti]

Love Rodney’s vest! Love when fashion meets function!

[@AcidGlow]

Great adventures travelling 🌳🌲

[@freedomspirit9521]

As for Lake Tahoe, was there last week Thursday. Incredible healing environment as usual.

[@Jim-fe2xz]

My RVs were pretty old and we would have trouble with the furnaces at higher altitude. As I recall the limit was between 5 & 6K feet. Hopefully they're better now.

[@ashleyhum22]

Happy Birthday Baby Rodney Valentine 💘

[@TimHart-ew7ec]

I'm interested in your opinion of the KO'3 vs the 2's. I have the 2's on my F-350 and my better half's Grand Cherokee. The tread pattern is significantly different. I have had no complaints with the 2's on my truck, which barely sees the street. The GF hasnt complained about them since I had them installed on her Cherokee, so that's a plus.We have had some encounters with black bears on our property when we are in NW Georgia, but for the most part they run away, when we see them.

[@celesterakhale7496]

You DO have the best dogs!Rodney always looks adorable in his protective coat 😂

[@bettyvarone4420]

The black bear would have walked away on his own , you scared me going out there towards him, please always be careful , I have had one walk right in front of me in the woods of Tennessee, I just froze and let him pass, always be careful around bears of any kind, loved the video and your beautiful dogs too.

[@keithsworld137]

love lake tahoe im about 2 hrs away,my grandparents had a cabin near sierra tahoe.

[@louise7552]

I would love to visit this area. Beautiful. ❤. Abit far from Australia 🇦🇺 though. 😢

[@Kush1028]

happy birthday RV and i missed saying happy belated birthday to Camper too.

[@rugbytown]

I see you passed Donner Lake. High on the other side (not the I80 side) there are the old disused railroad tunnels. Would love to see you adventure up there one day.

[@brooklynred6762]

happy birthday rodney

[@openmindperspectives]

How was breaking in the van. You definitely have the Van on my dream. So excited to learn more about it.❤

[@CheeseLayong]

You'd be surprised how fast they are. Glad ur okay

[@patmcraig45]

Lake Tahoe is gorgeous

[@neal99]

Love watching your videos, Nikki And love the positive vibes you spread. You have been such a great inspiration in role model For Sarah and I wish the best for her growth And upcoming adventures., I have personal. I have heard back from both of you and it is awesome Thank both of you for responding.

[@Emili-and-Tori]

You switched to Sundays! My furbaby looooves her Sundays food; it’s the only kind, other than the now-known-to-be-icky kibble that I used to get for her, that she’ll eat! She’s a suuuuper-picky kiddo. I’ve seen her turn down a hamburger because it didn’t have salt and pepper on it! 😂 I sometimes have to toss it at her for her to catch and play with before she’ll actually eat it. …Sheesh, say your dog is spoiled rotten without saying it, right? 🤣 Also, I adore your van setup. The thought given to the layout for Camper’s (and now Rodney’s) aging nearly made me cry because factory-built vans just don’t even consider it. My girlie has an old leg injury that affects her sometimes. She’s always my first thought before considering anything about myself or guests, and lots of layouts are just bleugh.

[@kayanncee8291]

Those puppies are just the cutest!

[@collincao3561]

I love Rodney Delventhal. He looks sooooo cute

[@louise7552]

Wow, ive been waiting 3 yrs for an up close bear video Nikki. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺 🙏

[@davespoemsandsongs9497]

Hey NIKKI nice you see again happy lady with two dogs with you having a happy time going hiking early you bear Encounters & Van fixes/Maintenance

[@markofdistinction6094]

When the heater in my RV stopped working, it turned out that the coach batteries were at their end of life. When it got very cold, they couldn't put out enough voltage to activate the igniter. When the temperature was just a little chilly, the voltage was high enough to run the heater. New batteries fixed the problem. It sounds like you may be having the same problem.

[@redrooster1908]

What's that saying? Wear bells to discourage bears. Grizzly bear droppings are easily identified and contain bells.😂

[@timkaldahl]

And they smell like pepper.

[@-RONNIE]

I think you should put a fixed blade on your pack when in the woods also you can have a little hatchet in your pack as well. If anyone doesn't feel comfortable carrying a firearm do not resort to bear spray because the winds can change not in your favor. You can always find a long stick and sharpen it on one side to give you some distance before using your knife. Maybe these tips will help you out in the future

[@cherylparadine8660]

Awesome hike! Can you share more about your sourdough bread? I just jumped on the sourdough train and learning !

[@paxwallace8324]

Yeah I 2nd the comment about pack etiquette. Order of eating is super important for dogs. Support Campers place in your pack please

[@terenzo50]

I've long considered that the critters whom we care for as pets are kind of like fellow humans trapped in animal bodies. Camper has a distinct regal quality to him (and that should probably be spelled Regal with a capital "R") while Rodney looks to me like a perennial puppy full of a puppy's typical exuberance at everything he comes in contact with. They're so different, and yet such perfect companions for each other and for you. Hope the electrical stuff works out -- I once had a car with a radio that conked out and every time I made the time to head for the repair shop, it started working perfectly. Then, in the middle of going about my busines, it would conk out again. Sort of like a benign Christine if you recall Stephen King's story about a malevolent car. Finally, I tricked it by going to a 4-track installation place which was getting trendy then and having a 4-track tape dealie-boo put in. As an old bass player of mne was fond of saying: "Electricity is not your friend." Stay well, all three of you lovely people.

[@KelseyKurtis]

So excited for next week's"1 year van review" video!! No questions except the pros and cons!

[@MariE-go7ol]

Your hiking were I hike all time! Fallen leaf area and the camping is nice.

[@EricaShinn-hj4hc]

Love, love, love the views of gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Both your doggos are adorable, but that Rodney tho…..😍

[@grannypeacock1218]

I was just up there this week. OMG bear coming right at you! That’s where I would lose control of my bodily functions.

[@JeffGarrison-xz9qq]

Trail brazzers 1.2. And 3. Such a nice area. Glad to see Than( for sharing with us.

[@mirandaspigener-sapon9770]

VAn fixes and maintenance is like traditional home fixes there is always maintenance no matter the size of the home 😊😊😊😊rock on 🎉